Every Starfleet Facility has a single commanding officer responsible for the safety of his/her crew and the success of their missions. S/he has final accountability for any actions taken by his/her crew, and STARFLEET goes to great lengths to prepare a CO for the job ahead, including the interpretation and execution of STARFLEET rules and regulations. Each CO is responsible for beginning and ending missions, and sending in monthly reports (MSRs) to STARFLEET to keep them informed of the events on his or her ship.

He is responsible for representing the CO to the officer crew, as well as insuring the orders of the CO are carried out by all hands. He makes sure all stations are operating at peak efficiency. In times of crisis, the XO may be designated as Commander Pro Tempore and is one of two officers capable of jointly removing the CO from command. At the end of each mission, the XO and CO determine any promotions that have been warranted over that mission. The XO is responsible for building and maintaining a website for their ship.

At times the XO must assume command of a Starship or base, when this happens the XO needs the help of another officer to assume his/her role as XO. The second officer is not a stand alone position, but a role given to the highest ranked and trusted officer aboard. This officer must be a bridge officer and is usually given to the Operations Officer. When required the Second Officer will assume the role of XO, or if needed CO, and performs there duties as listed, for as long as required.

The senior most Chief Petty Officer (including Senior and Master Chiefs), regardless of rating, is designated by the Commanding Officer as the Chief of the Boat (for vessels) or Command Chief (for starbases). In addition to his or her departmental responsibilities, the COB/CC performs the following duties: serves as a liaison between the Commanding Officer (or Executive Officer) and the enlisted crewmen; ensures enlisted crews understand Command policies; advises the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer regarding enlisted morale, and evaluates the quality of noncommissioned officer leadership, management, and supervisory training.

The COB/CC works with the other department heads, Chiefs, supervisors, and crewmen to insure discipline is equitably maintained, and the welfare, morale, and health needs of the enlisted personnel are met. The COB/CC is qualified to temporarily act as Commanding or Executive Officer if so ordered.

Advises the CO/XO on mission-specific areas of importance. Many times, the Mission Advisor knows just as much about the mission as the CO and XO do, if not even more. He or she also performs mission-specific tasks, and can take on any roles that a mission requires him or her to do. Often a department head in his/her own right.

Responsible for keeping the morale of the crew high. Delivers regular reports on morale to the XO. The Morale Officer plans activities that will keep the crew's morale and demeanor up. If any crew member is having problems, IC or OOC, the Morale Officer can assist that crew member. Must concurrently hold another staff position, not required to be department head.

The Captain's Yeoman is for Petty Officers who wish to continue as administrators. It is technically a non-Mate position.