What are the Different Posts on a Starship?

There are many posts on a starship.  Depending on your experience, you can be an assistant or chief in a department.  There are six standard departments in an NTS sim: Command, Operations, Engineering, Security, Science, and Medical.  Here is a brief description of each department.  There may be other departments that are specialized to each ship.  Check with your CO or an NTS administrator for further information.

Command  -  This department comprises of the CO, XO, and sometimes the SO.  Command Personnel are responsible for maintaining order in the sim and for creating plot twists and other turn of events.  The CO and XO are also the Hosts of the sims, correcting members for improper behavior and making sure everyone is having the best time in the sims.

Operations  -  This department is headed by the XO and includes OPS, TAC, HELM (or NAV), and CSEC.  This department is charged with maintaining the overall structure of the ship as well as controlling all bridge functions.  TAC controls the weapons, HELM steers the ship, OPS controls the sensors and communications systems, and CSEC is in charge of maintaining ship security and often doubles as TAC.

Engineering  -  This department controls the vital functions of the ship.  The warp drive, sensors, holodecks, computer cores, you name it, they take care of it.  The Chief of Engineering (CENG) oversees this department and is considered the "miracle worker" of the ship.  Only the most trained personnel work in this department.

Security  -  This department, headed by the Chief of Security (CSEC), is charged with maintaining the safety of everyone on the ship.  This includes confiscating unauthorized weapons, apprehending intruders, maintaining a 24-hour presence on the bridge, and sometimes manning the ship-board weapons systems.  Personnel in this field are trained in hand-to-hand and personal weapons combat.

Science  -  This department is headed by the Chief Science Officer (CSCI) and is in charge of maintaining the ship's navigational computer and sensor arrays.  The Science department also works with the Medical Department to maintain a network of known plant and animal species for food and medicinal use.

Medical  -  Last but not least, the Medical department is responsible for maintaining the physical and mental health of the crew.  Headed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the Medical department is responsible for treating injuries and maintaining a suitable living environment on the ship.  The Councilor is also part of the Medical Department and is in charge of keeping the crew in a stable condition.