USS GALLANT Promotions Manual

 

 

Contents

 

Introduction

This manual acts as a reference for composing Promotion recommendations and outlines the policies related to promotions on the USS Gallant. Any inquiries concerning promotions should be directed to the command staff.

One of the initial inquiries posed by numerous officers and crew members is, "How can I achieve promotion?" This question ranks among the most frequently asked within our community. In the subsequent points, we will endeavor to elucidate the concept of promotions as clearly as possible. For more comprehensive information regarding Promotions & Awards, please refer to the

Instead of asking yourself WHEN you will receive a promotion, consider asking WHAT actions you can take to EARN a promotion.

The Fundamental Principles of a Promotion

Journey begins for those wanting to be a contributing member of the USS Gallant.  Promotions are given to those members who choose to take the officer route within our group using our XP program.  Civilians are not eligible for promotion in Solaris as they hold no rank.

We recognize the contributions made by the crew through the XP ranks.  It is the way our group to value their contributions and activities 

The fundamental principle of any promotion is straightforward; promotions require active participation and contribution to the group. In simpler terms, the benefits you derive from USS Gallant are directly proportional to your input. When you engage with the ship in any capacity you prefer, you will eventually receive a promotion. However, if you merely fulfill your assigned duties, the process will take longer than what the XP Program suggests and necessitates a considerable amount of effort.

We urge every crew member to engage at all levels; you do not need to hold a rank or departmental office within the Gallant to be eligible for promotion. However, as previously mentioned, this path will be more prolonged and challenging to navigate. That said, if you refrain from participating outside your ship or group, achieving higher promotions will be significantly more difficult. Please be aware that Solaris Command utilizes promotions as a means to reward its members for their contributions to the ship as a collective. Solaris/USS Gallant is not obligated to promote any individual. The Command Staff will promote crew members when they deem it appropriate to do so, but never in response to a member's belief that they deserve a promotion or any demands for one.

 

Promotions are...

 

Not the ultimate goal. To put it plainly, anyone can achieve a promotion to any rank within the USS Gallant. Within our vessel, there are limited Senior positions available.

The XP Program will establish the criteria for diligent members at all levels.

 

Fictitious and should NOT be utilized to demean any other member. If you attempt to assert your rank or intimidate fellow members, you can anticipate swift reprimand, regardless of whether you hold the title of Captain or Crewman.

 

Granted for service and the responsibility to serve on the USS Gallant. They are not given based on personal favors or favoritism. Something that must be earned. You are not entitled to a promotion; it must be earned by adhering to the XP guidelines outlined in this manual.

Rank versus Authority

 

Rank and Authority are often mistaken for one another. Your RANK is a construct, whereas authority is tangible. A rank is conferred upon you for your service aboard the USS Gallant. The AUTHORITY of the Commanding Officer, Admiral Solaris Base Command, is necessary to carry out their administrative and managerial responsibilities.

New Member Rank

 

All newly joined members begin as "crewman" until they successfully complete the 60-day trial period without any problems. Upon the conclusion of this period, the crewman will be elevated to the initial rank of their selected career path.

*(Defined issues by command staff, group guidelines and rules)

  • Civilian - No rank

XP Program Promotion Guideline

USS GALLANT uses the Unity Star System to enhance our role-playing as a group) . With every RP (abbreviated as RPG) where a Second Life RP is assign a duty departments.   Group member uses experience and progression through the Story arc  and  take responsibility for duties out these roles within a narrative, through literal through a process of structured decision-making regarding character development of the story arc.   Experience points are generally awarded for the completion of objectives, overcoming obstacles and opponents, and successful Star Trek role-playing

Starfleet ranks were identifying titles of rank for the officers and enlisted members of Starfleet denoting the chain of command 

 

  1. Experience points (XP) are used in our Star Trek roleplay to give our members a  interactive inworld 3D experience and progression through the Story Arc.  Member gain XP by overcoming challenges and completing tasks.  Awarded at different levels for attending your post and other things  posted rules and guidelines.
  2. This system will interact in the health status good or damaged based on what is used during roleplay

When a sufficient amount of experience has been earned, group member under xp guideline SOLARIS COMMAND evaluates the member for promotion to "levels up"to the next rank , achieving the next stage of character development.   Where  xp program   usually decrease the member xp  statistics next stage of character development to work harder to earn next level .

Ranks are not given away but earned.  During the XP journey doing things as outline in the program will  add to or maximum your  health, wisdom ,dexterity  and strength, and may permit the character to acquire new abilities or improve existing ones.  At same time extra work and time will decrease your food status thus having to eat and drink

Click here to learn about Gallant XP Guidelines

Kinds of Ranks & Promotions

 

We use the Unity Star Maximum system & HUD to  award the crew with different levels formats.   Solaris Command has set a format program to define each line of rank (Military format) 

Only Command Staff can award XP points

Any member of USS Gallant can submit another member for promotions however it is the responsibility of Command Staff to monitor and ensure the names of eligible crew is submitted and maintained via a written Promotion Recommendation using the forms provided.

 

ANY and ALL questions regarding promotions can be directed to any Command Staff member

Promotions & Time in Grade

 

Numerous members believe that Time in Grade guarantees a promotion to the subsequent rank. Solaris Command considers Time in Grade as a sign that an individual may be ELIGIBLE for a promotion. Essentially, this indicates that a member who has fulfilled their responsibilities and remained active; while also satisfying all other criteria for the next rank, MAY be put forward for promotion consideration once the Time in Grade requirement is fulfilled. Eligibility does NOT imply "automatic approval."

 

To attain a promotion, the member must exhibit exceptional performance and demonstrate progress since their last promotion.

Reduction of Time in Grade

 

Although Solaris Command enforces stringent regulations regarding the use of TIG, there exists an opportunity for members who significantly exceed their usual responsibilities to have their TIG reduced by as much as up to 6 months for the purpose of promotion eligibility, contingent upon their level of engagement.

 

HOWEVER,

It is important to understand that maintaining consistent activity plays a crucial role in promotions. Extended times of inactivity or only engaging when you believe a promotion is imminent can greatly affect promotion suggestions.

 Command Staff at any time can reduce your XP points for any type is misbehavior or inactivity during roleplay 

Promotions and conduct

 

Solaris Base Command is a fan group inspired by Starfleet, as shown in the TV series "Star Trek"™. Starfleet operates under a strict framework of rules, regulations, and standards of personal behavior. At Solaris, we strive to replicate this atmosphere as closely as we can, which means we expect nothing but the best from you. We all aim to be proud members of Solaris and our starship, the USS Gallant, and we endeavor to project this pride into the world. As members of Starfleet, we expect you to conduct yourself in a manner befitting a Starfleet member. You are welcome to be as active as you wish, but if you cannot adhere to our rules and regulations or face significant challenges in following the conduct expected of a member as detailed in our guidelines, it will undoubtedly impact your chances for promotion.

 

A great episode of Star Trek to watch and grasp the concept of promotions is Star Trek: The Next Generation - Tapestry.(is the 15th episode of the sixth season)

The quote "If you want to get ahead, you have to take chances... stand out from the crowd, get noticed!" is spoken by Riker to Lieutenant Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. 

This line emphasizes the importance of taking risks and standing out to achieve success and recognition in a competitive environment

Why to NEVER expect a promotion

 

Through the XP program, we are examining the factor that group members will begin to tally their XP and compare it with their perceived contributions to Solaris and USS Gallant, subsequently leading to expectations of a promotion. This frequently results in disappointment when an individual does not receive a promotion at the precise moment they believe they have met the required XP. While the member may focus solely on their level of activity, the Solaris Command and USS Gallant Staff take into account additional factors to determine if a promotion is justified. In light of the XP program, consider this: as one ascends in rank, greater expectations are placed upon them. It is comparatively simpler for an ensign to achieve promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade through roleplay contributions than it is for a Lieutenant Commander to be elevated to Commander for similar efforts.

 

  •  A member of the USS Gallant who performs their regular duties on the ship typically does NOT receive a promotion right at their Time in Grade (TIG), but rather several months after their TIG has elapsed.
  • A member of the USS Gallant who performs their regular responsibilities on the ship but also engages in mini roleplay with other crew members: MAY receive a promotion based on Time in Grade (TIG)
  • A member of the USS Gallant who goes above and beyond their duties by assisting with various events. They take a more prominent role in that project for the Ship or Solaris Command. Solaris Command may consider reducing the officer's Time in Grade (TIG) by 1 to 6 months, but this is uncommon and typically occurs only during an official event.
  • A member of the USS Gallant who is active but tends to get "upset" when things don't go their way may find that this negatively impacts their chances for promotion.

The more frequently we notice your name in a positive context, the higher the chances are for your promotion.

example as to when you might get disappointed:

You get promoted to LIEUTENANT. You know that if you work hard your XP to be eligible for LT COMMANDER in 12 months. That means we will ask your Commanding Officer along with anyone else in SOLARIS/GALLANT you worked for what you did during these 12 months that warrants a promotion. If from those 12 months you only were active for 2 months, we can all agree that you are not going to get a promotion at this time.

So being active only close to the end of your XP is not going to help you when it comes to promotions.

Demotions

 

As Solaris Command awards promotions based on your contributions to the organization, we also retain the right to revoke a promotion (demotion). Your conduct and overall behavior within our group are the primary reasons why Solaris Command may contemplate demoting one of its members. We will not let one bad apple ruin the whole tree

Important for Commanding Officers

 

As a Commanding Officer, your crew relies on you for guidance about promotions. It is crucial for your credibility with both your crew and SOLARIS COMMAND to NEVER guarantee a promotion to any crew member or use the prospect of promotions as a means to recruit crew for your ship.

 

It's also expected that YOU, as a Commanding Officer to know and understand this manual.

 

In reality, we recommend that you do not inform any of your team about your intention to submit a promotion recommendation. Wait until you have confirmation that the Command Staff is in full agreement with this request.

 

In many cases, your crewmembers will come to you stating they are about to reach their XP points, TIG or have just reached their XP points,TIG.....This usually is a subtle way of telling YOU...hey, it's time to put me up for promotion. In these cases it is best to immediately explain to them that TIG does not equal promotion and that YOU as their Commanding Officer will take it under advisement. That way you can decide whether or not to send in a request for promotion.

Promotion Requirements

 

This section outlines the minimum requirements you need to fulfill as a member in order to achieve the next grade of promotion. These indicators are not an exact science, so it's advisable not to start anticipating a promotion. Refer to the XP Experience Rank Chart for a simplified version.

 

 

Note:

  • Regular Ship Duties - contributions that involve roleplaying as members of the USS Gallant could include additional tasks within your chosen department, such as spending time studying and researching the story arc's concepts. This may involve writing reports, giving ship tours, or helping with the various activities that Solaris Command undertakes on a daily or weekly basis.
  • Evaluation by a Command Officer - This means the members CO must also directly submit a recommendation for the member as well as any additional required recommendations.
  • Leadership - This could be anything from being a chief of a department, to showing leadership in an away team roleplay, taking the initiative in discussions in discord, or organizing events.
  • Growth as Officer - his indicates that they persist in enhancing their comprehension, commitment to, and efforts in assisting others with Solaris procedures, principles, and systems (this also encompasses advancement in RP roles).

Additional assistance in understanding what the Tri-council Board seeks in promotions and guidance on how to write them is provided below:

 

Promotions & Awards Manual:

Promotions & Awards Board Criteria & Examples:

New Member Crewman

  • Submit Crew Application
  • Accept terms and condition of Membership
  • Read all rules and Regulations of the group
  • 60-day trial period (attendance & roleplay) 
  • Achieved XP points earned 
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • Approval of 1 Commanding Officers 

Crewman/Enlisted Crew

 

  • 30-day evaluation of Growth (attendance & roleplay) 
  • Achieved XP points earned 
  • Desire to Learn and focus on a Dept to Serve
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • Approval of 1 Commanding Officers 

Commissioned Officer

Ensign/ (JG) 2nd Lieutenant

  • Achieved XP points earned (if transferring to Enlisted)
  • Understanding of Dept they Serve
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • Approval of 1 Commanding Officers 

Lieutenant Junior Grade/ Lieutenant

 

  • 6 months active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Understanding of Dept they Serve
  • Evidence of Growth in Leadership on their Duty Station
  • Duty work at the Command level
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • Approval of 2 Commanding Officers 

Lieutenant/Lieutenant Commander

 

  • 1 year active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Continued Growth in Leadership on their Duty Station
  • Extra Duty work at the Command level
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 2 Recommendations submitted
  • Performance Evaluation by a Command Officer

Command Grade Ranks

Commander

 

  • 1 year active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Leadership Evolution & Growth Throughout All Dept on Ship
  • Oversee All Duty work at the Command level
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 3 Recommendations submitted
  • Performance Evaluation by a 2 Command Officer

Captain

 

  • 1 year active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Leadership Evolution & Growth Throughout All Dept on Ship
  • Oversee All Duty work at the Command level
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 3 Recommendations submitted
  • Performance Evaluation by Admiral

Flag Officer Ranks

Commodore

  • 25 months active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 4 Recommendations submitted 
  • Growing Leadership Fleetwide
  • Performance Evaluation by Admiral 
  • Regular work at the Fleet level

Rear Admiral

  • 25 months active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 4 Recommendations submitted 
  • Growing Leadership Fleetwide
  • Performance Evaluation by Admiral 
  • Regular work at the Fleet level

Vice Admiral

  • 30 months active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 5 Recommendations submitted 
  • Growing Leadership Fleetwide
  • Performance Evaluation by Admiral 
  • Regular work at the Fleet level

Admiral

  • 36 months active in the previous rank
  • Achieved XP points earned
  • Behavior and Conduct
  • 6 Recommendations submitted 
  • Growing All Leadership Fleetwide
  • Performance Evaluation by ALL MEMBER OF FLEET
  • Regular work at the Fleet level

Promotion Procedure

 

You've reached this point in the manual and are beginning to question how the entire process functions. Essentially, it's quite straightforward since we apply the same method for ALL promotions utilizing the Unity Star Maxim Experience as a guideline.

 

The decision regarding a promotion rest with the Command Staff

Procedure for Promotions

  • The Command Staff will check to see if minimum criteria has been met.
  • The Command Staff will make the decision also if a submitted Case File and recommendation.
  • The Command Staff will set a date/time and give crew further information of a event.

If the recommendations presented do not present an extensive explanation, with examples and evidence as to why the Nominee should be granted a promotion, then it’s possible the promotion gets denied even though they have been very active

 

IMPORTANT: SUGGESTING A FRIEND SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU HAVE FREINDSHIP  FOR THEM MAY FREQUENTLY RESULT IN A PROMOTION BEING REJECTED. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS

Basically, what occurs after the Command Staff reaches their decision? . If the outcome is negative, the Command Staff will explain to the Nominator why the promotion was not approved. This talk will NEVER reach out to the nominee publicly regarding the negative outcome of the promotion request. If the outcome is positive and the promotion is approved, the Command Staff will include the Nominee in the Promotions and Awards list for time set for the ceremony. 

The Command Staff will get together also make sure that all information is updated on website 

All Promotion requests are submitted using the Promotions and Awards Form

 

Example Recommendation

What HELPS in a recommendation:

  • Crew Knowledge and learning, Development Ideas 
  • Writing articles to be submitted to Website Publications
  • Working with Dept Operations on Activities on Ship
  • Helping with creating ship events or helping at events
  • Tour Duties of USS Gallant
  • Accounts and Evidence of Leadership and Personal Growth
  • Accounts written by peers, those under their leadership, and/or those in leadership of the nominee about their behavior, helpfulness, general character (not RP character), leadership ability, personal growth, etc.

What we DO NOT look for in recommendations:

  • Personal Drama Feelings
  • Family or friendship ties with group
  • What they have done in negative ways since they joined us
  • How you feel about them-Drama

The foundation for a promotion lies in the recommendation submitted for it; a weak recommendation will likely be rejected, while a strong one stands a better chance of being accepted. If you genuinely believe a member deserves the promotion you intend to nominate them for, invest the effort to craft a solid, comprehensive recommendation that emphasizes their contributions to our ship and Solaris since their previous promotion.

The quality of a recommendation is crucial, but quantity is equally significant. If multiple individuals believe that this member merits a promotion, they should also provide a recommendation.

For instance, if you are an Enlisted Officer, engage with others who work alongside the member, like a Senior Officer who is instructing you that day. Consider submitting a recommendation; if they are involved at a sector or ship level, some effective mini roleplays could also warrant a recommendation.

When you make a recommendation, please refrain from using “I think the promotion is well deserved”....that's the job of the Command Staff to determine....not yours.

When writing the recommendations, the Command Staff require just hard cold facts. We need as much information as to what this person has done for the ship or group since their last promotion, not the entire career or only the last few weeks. We also do not need to know about being a long-time member or any other emotional response on your part, quotes from roleplays are also deemed non-essential information. Also remember that the higher one goes in rank, the more the Command Staff expects from individuals to grant a promotion.

In a recommendation, we seek evidence that the member has remained active since their last promotion and has demonstrated consistent engagement. Essentially, this implies that a member who has been active since their last promotion will find it easier to be promoted compared to a member who has only exhibited activity in the past few months, even if that member has accomplished significantly more work during those few months than the previous member has over their entire tenure.

 

 Example:

 

Greetings,

I am Daine Parris, the Senior Officer for Joe Clark, and I am putting forth his name for promotion to the rank of Commander. Over the past nine months since his last promotion, Joe has diligently worked to enhance the enjoyment and excitement of Gallant Roleplay for all participants on Gama Shift. Aside from real-life commitments, illness, or conflicting obligations, he has consistently attended every roleplay session. During these shifts, he remains highly engaged and contributes innovative ideas for our enjoyment. For instance, three months ago, we initiated a writing project centered on Science Fiction. Each session, we randomly select a member who then chooses a goal, collects submissions, and determines a winner. The writings can range from fan fiction to brief essays, but they must be at least the length of a complete notecard. Additionally, he has played a key role in organizing training sessions. Every few months, the shift selects a weapon or tactical subject, studies it, and holds a meeting to discuss it. Our reading of Star Trek Voyager was particularly rewarding, as every member participated after we reviewed how this event was effectively managed, generating excitement and involvement. He was appointed as Chief Tactical Officer and has contributed to the development and dissemination of new roleplay ideas. Other departments aboard the ship have informed me that they are also submitting recommendations regarding his contributions in their respective areas. Joe has also collaborated in establishing the Starfleet Corps of Marines school with a fellow member on the ship, proposing four class ideas and outlining how they should be taught if implemented. Since his last promotion, he has received the Firing Range Award for his contributions to the USS Gallant and Solaris Command. Furthermore, Joe is assigned to the Marine Division and serves as the Orientation Officer for our shift. He has been exceptionally active with new members, and several of his procedures have been adopted to enhance the Midshipmen Program overall. The Command of Personnel has informed me that he intends to submit a promotion recommendation that will provide further details regarding Joe’s activities aboard the USS Gallant

I hope I have shown sufficient cause for Joe earning this promotion and that the other recommendations will also show he has served USS Gallant and Solaris Command with distinction and earned his promotion to Commander

 

BAD EXAMPLE.

Joe Clark has been a good member of the crew, they accepted me into their family and has been a good father to his prim children and a great brother to me. Over the course of the last month, he has accepted a new position aboard the ship and is excelling in it. He requested that I include this information, as he believes he is prepared for the next level of rank. He deserves to receive a promotion.

or

Joe's TIG is up and they deserve it for everything he does

 

Appeals

 

A request for a promotion that was denied to a member by USS Gallant/Solaris Command must be sent to the Command Staff within one week of the denial. The Staff will be informed of the reasons for the denial, and in the appeal, the member must present evidence or arguments to demonstrate that the denial was unjustified. In essence, this means that we will likely ask you to provide additional evidence of the member's accomplishments since their last promotion.

All appeals should be submitted via email.

Reduction of Rank

 

If a crew member resigns or is removed according to these Guidelines Manual, upon their return and trial period and after fulfilling the established objectives, the highest rank they can receive is Lieutenant (JG) or Crewman 1st Class.

Alts and P&A

 

Although Alternative Accounts (Alts) are permitted in our group. If the individual cannot manage both accounts like any other alt accounts, they affect the efficiency of the roleplay group. Furthermore, we discourse the idea to suggest any of their alternate personas for promotions or awards. Engaging in such actions is considered a violation of ethics and protocol, which may lead to the forfeiture of those awards, a reduction in rank, or other consequences as determined by Command Staff.

Ethics

 

The significance of ethics and the perception of ethics cannot be overstated. This implies that one must consider how their actions are viewed by others. Therefore, individuals involved in romantic or parent-child relationships with other members of Gallant/Solaris should refrain from personally advocating for those individuals in terms of promotions or awards. This applies even when the relationship exists outside of virtual environments like Second Life, in real life. If a member believes that their partner is not receiving the recognition they deserve in terms of awards or promotions, they should reach out to the Admiral as soon as possible. While this may be permissible, if the issue cannot be resolved, the Admiral will require both parties to make a decision in accordance with this guideline.