As we migrate to the new site, the opportunity presents itself for us to overhaul the ranking system. In an effort to make us more 'canon,' it'd be nice if we had a ranking system that accurately reflected those in use in the BattleTech Universe. I've posted the ranking system we had in place before switching to the 'MechCommander' style system currently in place over on our ProBoards site to give everyone an idea of what it was like. I personally have no problem with going back to that, but I'd like to see what everyone else thinks.
A number of people have inquired about how the ranks work, what they mean, and how promotion comes about. To that end, I've put together a breakdown of the rankings, custom titles, and promotion guidelines to help people figure out how the system works. If you have any questions or comments concerning this article, please feel free to post them here.
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RANKS & CUSTOM TITLES:
Titles
Custom titles denote levels of authority outside the roleplaying aspect of the group. Typically, a member with a custom title has been selected by the site staff to receive additional privilages based on certain criteria, such as their knowledge of the BattleTech universe, participation levels, or creative input. Custom titles do not automatically denote authority within the roleplaying aspect of the group (within Ops, for example).
Commanding Officer: The ultimate moderator-level position. Members with this title are Global Moderators, and have full access privilages to all areas of the Legionnaires website. They can perform nearly all of the same functions as the Site Administrator (a position currently held by Benjamin Maxwell). This custom title is very rarely assigned, and does denote authority.
Mission Planner / Senior Mission Planner: A limited-power moderator-level position. Members with this title have access to certain areas of the site, usually including Mission Planning, and have limited ability to moderate forums. This title is typically assigned to members who have been recruited to assist in helping shape the Legionnaires universe, but can also be bestowed for other reasons.
Special Agent: A custom title created for Op III. Does not denote authority.
Inventory Control and Supply: The Quartermaster's title. He wears it proudly. Most assuredly does not denote authority.
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Ranks
Ranks designate levels of authority within the roleplaying aspect of the RPG. Each rank has command authority over the one below it (yes, you can order people around, as long as it is roleplay). This is your character's rank - what you choose to do with it is up to you.
General - This rank is typically only assigned to characters appearing in an Op who are more or less NPCs, and who will not necessarily be functioning in a long-term role in the group. This rank is not used by the Legionnaires mercenary unit, although it has been used by the MRBC (General Murlance) in Op II & Op III. You cannot promote to General.
Captain - Top-level commanding officer in the Legionnaires, middle of the road elsewhere. There are only two Captains currently assigned to the Legionnaires, although a third did make a brief appearence before his return to the Clans. This rank is rarely assigned, typically reserved for Global Moderators and the Site Administrator.
Commander - Very infrequently seen on the Legionnaires site, as of this writing, there is only one Commander, whose title carried over from an MRBC (NPC) position in Op II. You can promote to Commander.
Lieutenant Commander - Assistant to the Commander. Entry-level global moderator.
Lieutenant - This title is assigned based on tenure and level of participation, as well as character traits.
Sergeant First Class - Command-level Sergeant.
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant - Typically assigned after the player completes two or more Ops. Based on level of participation.
Corporal - First true rank. Assigned after the player completes his or her first Op.
MechWarrior - You've signed the papers, and been given your uniform. Once you've completed your first Op, the road to promotion is opened wide.
Recruit - Thanks for registering! Now what?
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Assignment of titles and rankings are based largely on participation as well as character. Roleplay rankings are based largely on participation...the more that an individual contributes will help promotions come faster, and will lead to larger roles in the Ops, and possibly, opportunities for titles.
Posting once every three months will not make you a Commander. ;)
________________________________
RANKS & CUSTOM TITLES:
Titles
Custom titles denote levels of authority outside the roleplaying aspect of the group. Typically, a member with a custom title has been selected by the site staff to receive additional privilages based on certain criteria, such as their knowledge of the BattleTech universe, participation levels, or creative input. Custom titles do not automatically denote authority within the roleplaying aspect of the group (within Ops, for example).
Commanding Officer: The ultimate moderator-level position. Members with this title are Global Moderators, and have full access privilages to all areas of the Legionnaires website. They can perform nearly all of the same functions as the Site Administrator (a position currently held by Benjamin Maxwell). This custom title is very rarely assigned, and does denote authority.
Mission Planner / Senior Mission Planner: A limited-power moderator-level position. Members with this title have access to certain areas of the site, usually including Mission Planning, and have limited ability to moderate forums. This title is typically assigned to members who have been recruited to assist in helping shape the Legionnaires universe, but can also be bestowed for other reasons.
Special Agent: A custom title created for Op III. Does not denote authority.
Inventory Control and Supply: The Quartermaster's title. He wears it proudly. Most assuredly does not denote authority.
________________________________
Ranks
Ranks designate levels of authority within the roleplaying aspect of the RPG. Each rank has command authority over the one below it (yes, you can order people around, as long as it is roleplay). This is your character's rank - what you choose to do with it is up to you.
General - This rank is typically only assigned to characters appearing in an Op who are more or less NPCs, and who will not necessarily be functioning in a long-term role in the group. This rank is not used by the Legionnaires mercenary unit, although it has been used by the MRBC (General Murlance) in Op II & Op III. You cannot promote to General.
Captain - Top-level commanding officer in the Legionnaires, middle of the road elsewhere. There are only two Captains currently assigned to the Legionnaires, although a third did make a brief appearence before his return to the Clans. This rank is rarely assigned, typically reserved for Global Moderators and the Site Administrator.
Commander - Very infrequently seen on the Legionnaires site, as of this writing, there is only one Commander, whose title carried over from an MRBC (NPC) position in Op II. You can promote to Commander.
Lieutenant Commander - Assistant to the Commander. Entry-level global moderator.
Lieutenant - This title is assigned based on tenure and level of participation, as well as character traits.
Sergeant First Class - Command-level Sergeant.
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant - Typically assigned after the player completes two or more Ops. Based on level of participation.
Corporal - First true rank. Assigned after the player completes his or her first Op.
MechWarrior - You've signed the papers, and been given your uniform. Once you've completed your first Op, the road to promotion is opened wide.
Recruit - Thanks for registering! Now what?
________________________________
Assignment of titles and rankings are based largely on participation as well as character. Roleplay rankings are based largely on participation...the more that an individual contributes will help promotions come faster, and will lead to larger roles in the Ops, and possibly, opportunities for titles.
Posting once every three months will not make you a Commander. ;)
I'd like to see a more BattleTech-ish ranking system. Essentially, I'd like to see the whole range, from Private to General (like you have at the end of your post) over the Mech Commander style rankings. That way, even in a Lance Assignment, you have more senior elisted leading and the chain of command remains intact should the be required on the fly.
Things such as a Lance Commander ejecting from their BattleMech migth cause confusion in the chain of command, but with a more varied rank structure, the next in the chain grabs command and so the RP won't suffer from "OMG, what now?" syndrome.
Things such as a Lance Commander ejecting from their BattleMech migth cause confusion in the chain of command, but with a more varied rank structure, the next in the chain grabs command and so the RP won't suffer from "OMG, what now?" syndrome.
Harris - you wouldn't happen to have an example of a canon Mercenary ranking system you could post here, would you? I think that could potentially help refine the above-posted system, which, incidentally, has become slightly outdated since Crayven Corp made its appearence on scene.
Well I'm not sure this effects me since I'm the doctor. I did have a rank before, but since we used the other one I don't. So, for me what you guys think works best is ok with me. Just remember I am the head of the medical department lol
Harris - you wouldn't happen to have an example of a canon Mercenary ranking system you could post here, would you? I think that could potentially help refine the above-posted system, which, incidentally, has become slightly outdated since Crayven Corp made its appearence on scene.
Now, the best I could find [so far] is the following:
Enlisted
Recruit - Untrained NCO
Private - Regular NCO
Corporal - Regular NCO
Sergeant - Veteran NCO
Staff Sergeant - Veteran NCO
Master Sergeant - Veteran NCO
Sergeant Major - Senior NCO
Officers
Lieutenant Junior Grade - Junior Officer
Lieutenant Senior Grade - Senior Officer
Captain - Company Commander
Major - Battalion Commander
Colonel - Regimental Commander
Lieutenant General - Sub-Divisional Commander
Major General - Divisional Commander
General - Administrative Commander
Commanding General - SLDF Commander
Granted that this [supposedly] follows Star League's ranking, but there might be some carryover into a Mercenary unit as well as the Great Houses. This information might be off base too, but considering that it closely mimics real world military structure, it sounds about right.
Hopefully, this is what you are looking for.
I like the idea that Butch has. It brings in both concepts from the Army and from the Battletech universe. I am quite partial to the Army's ranking system but I like this better.
That's a pretty good list, it also allows for lots of promotions beneath captaincy which is probably the highest ranking we'll go unless we reach Battalion size. It’d be nice if we could swap out MechWarrior for private because nowadays privates are called specialists and I’ve never heard of someone referred to as a private in any of the novels. We could also mimic the Lyran organization structure with Kommandants and such.
The BattleTech ranking system really depends on which House army you're talking about. But in general things proceed in the following fashion;
Private: infantry trooper, vehicle crewman
Corporal: assistant squad leader
Sergeant: squad leader (7 troops), vehicle commander. Also MechWarriors often hold this rank or a close equivalent
Sergeant First Class: Senior NCO in a platoon, assistant lance commander in Mech units
First Sergeant: Senior NCO in a company
Sergeant Major: Senior NCO in a battalion
Command Sergeant Major: Senior NCO in a regiment
Lieutenant: lance commander (4 Mechs or vehicles), platoon commander (21 or 28 troops)
Captain: company commander (12 Mechs or vehicles, around 100 infantry)
Major: battalion commander (36 Mechs or vehicles, around 300 infantry)
Lieutenant Colonel: regimental executive officer
Colonel: regimental commander (108 Mechs or vehicles, around 900-1000 infantry)
General: task forces of several regiments
Private: infantry trooper, vehicle crewman
Corporal: assistant squad leader
Sergeant: squad leader (7 troops), vehicle commander. Also MechWarriors often hold this rank or a close equivalent
Sergeant First Class: Senior NCO in a platoon, assistant lance commander in Mech units
First Sergeant: Senior NCO in a company
Sergeant Major: Senior NCO in a battalion
Command Sergeant Major: Senior NCO in a regiment
Lieutenant: lance commander (4 Mechs or vehicles), platoon commander (21 or 28 troops)
Captain: company commander (12 Mechs or vehicles, around 100 infantry)
Major: battalion commander (36 Mechs or vehicles, around 300 infantry)
Lieutenant Colonel: regimental executive officer
Colonel: regimental commander (108 Mechs or vehicles, around 900-1000 infantry)
General: task forces of several regiments
Well all the ranking systems listed are quite good, I have the official ranking system for the Federated Suns (Davion) in the Field Manual at home, can't recall it off hand, but it pretty much follows Rhodes post exactly.
Personally I dont care which rank system we use, its all the same really, although I like the idea of keeping more to 'canon' and using a BT rank system. To such ends a new recruit would be given the rank of Sargeant upon participating in their first OP (meaning that during their first active OP they would be a Sargeant), from there would be several (6-8?) promotions before reaching Captain (I think, that may be over can't remember).
I like the idea of having more ranks, simply because it allows for more promotions, and thereby more time for us to decide how high the individual should be promoted, without them being promoted too far, too fast, while still allowing the individual a feeling of accomplishment and importance due to the fairly frequent promotions. (Thats almost word for word from the Davion field manual for their promotion practices, lol)
I think we need to keep the ranks below Sargeant as well since we do have various other characters that are not MechWarriors and very possibly would have a rank lower than Sargeant.
Personally I dont care which rank system we use, its all the same really, although I like the idea of keeping more to 'canon' and using a BT rank system. To such ends a new recruit would be given the rank of Sargeant upon participating in their first OP (meaning that during their first active OP they would be a Sargeant), from there would be several (6-8?) promotions before reaching Captain (I think, that may be over can't remember).
I like the idea of having more ranks, simply because it allows for more promotions, and thereby more time for us to decide how high the individual should be promoted, without them being promoted too far, too fast, while still allowing the individual a feeling of accomplishment and importance due to the fairly frequent promotions. (Thats almost word for word from the Davion field manual for their promotion practices, lol)
I think we need to keep the ranks below Sargeant as well since we do have various other characters that are not MechWarriors and very possibly would have a rank lower than Sargeant.
I like Rhodes system as well. Coupled with the fact that it should follow a canon sourcebook, that would make it even better. It's a little leaner than mine, but that makes it even more viable to use with smaller numbers. NPCs can always fill in the gaps of course, especially the lower rungs of the Legionnaires. This might make it a little more interesting too, as even lower ranked member have the potential for having people under their command. For example, a Tanker [or AeroTech Pilot] can control a Lance [or Wing] without too much fuss and interference. This could even apply to Armored Infantry [and Regular Infantry] as well.
In the long run, that might even entice more people to play characters other than a MechWarrior too. I know that I'd be more inclined to play as an Armored Infantry type if I had some control over x amount of Armored Infantry NPCs. This would fill out the Legionnaires both as a combined arms Mercenary Unit and give non-MechWarrior types more stuff to do.
I think that makes sense. Yes?
In the long run, that might even entice more people to play characters other than a MechWarrior too. I know that I'd be more inclined to play as an Armored Infantry type if I had some control over x amount of Armored Infantry NPCs. This would fill out the Legionnaires both as a combined arms Mercenary Unit and give non-MechWarrior types more stuff to do.
I think that makes sense. Yes?
That makes perfect sense. At least to me. I would allow those who arent piloting a 'Mech a little more freedom and a little more to do. Good job Ron.
I agree with you completely Ron, thats makes perfect sense to me and definately opens things up some more.
I know I finally gave in to playing a second character (for the longest time I was determined just to stick with one) just to try out some new things, and the idea of having a few NPCs that you can control is great.
Look at the last OP for instance, there were several NPC Battle Armour and standard infantry units that were played through various people and it worked out great in my opinion. Since the Legionnaires are suppose to have a Battle Armour unit, as well as a standard infantry and conventional vehicle forces I think having the NPCs would work great.
Also, you don't need to have your character as the "leader" of a lance or unit of NPCs, depending on how you write your characters posts its very easy to stick him in the middle of a unit, say as a Squad leader within an Infantry platoon. You have an NPC Major or other rank that commands the Platoon, while you yourself have a squad of privates and corporals to command. Opens a whole new world of possibilities for the RPG elements of the site.
From what I've seen most everyone has agreed upon a general layout, could someone maybe post a proposed layout that includes everything mentioned so far? I would but I dont have time at the moment to do so.
I know I finally gave in to playing a second character (for the longest time I was determined just to stick with one) just to try out some new things, and the idea of having a few NPCs that you can control is great.
Look at the last OP for instance, there were several NPC Battle Armour and standard infantry units that were played through various people and it worked out great in my opinion. Since the Legionnaires are suppose to have a Battle Armour unit, as well as a standard infantry and conventional vehicle forces I think having the NPCs would work great.
Also, you don't need to have your character as the "leader" of a lance or unit of NPCs, depending on how you write your characters posts its very easy to stick him in the middle of a unit, say as a Squad leader within an Infantry platoon. You have an NPC Major or other rank that commands the Platoon, while you yourself have a squad of privates and corporals to command. Opens a whole new world of possibilities for the RPG elements of the site.
From what I've seen most everyone has agreed upon a general layout, could someone maybe post a proposed layout that includes everything mentioned so far? I would but I dont have time at the moment to do so.
The following is a 'canon' rank list from FM Mercenaries: Revised. Check it out, and let me know what you all think.
Rank List (for Excel)
Rank List (for Excel)
Ben,
I think that the Merc Field Manual has too few ranks for what we’re looking for. It would be best to maximize the number of ranks so that members can be rewarded for their quality of writing and commitment to the site, but they’re not all becoming Captains after their second op. With the manual’s ranking system a new member would go from being essentially a recruit to Captain in as few as six promotions, assuming that we begin with the rank recruit and then follow that with MechWarrior. I guess that sounds like a lot of promotions even if you were promoted each OP, but if the site wants longevity we need a diverse ranking system. Additionally, we might have caps where some members are not officers, so they can still be very high ranking sergeants with higher pay than lieutenants and such, but they won’t be making Captain.
I think that the Merc Field Manual has too few ranks for what we’re looking for. It would be best to maximize the number of ranks so that members can be rewarded for their quality of writing and commitment to the site, but they’re not all becoming Captains after their second op. With the manual’s ranking system a new member would go from being essentially a recruit to Captain in as few as six promotions, assuming that we begin with the rank recruit and then follow that with MechWarrior. I guess that sounds like a lot of promotions even if you were promoted each OP, but if the site wants longevity we need a diverse ranking system. Additionally, we might have caps where some members are not officers, so they can still be very high ranking sergeants with higher pay than lieutenants and such, but they won’t be making Captain.
I had a question about all this. Will we start over in ranks or will previous ranks roll over from the old site?
I agree that we need to incorporate a few more ranks, just to allow for a little more promotion and more diverse ranking system as Garland said. Also, I like the idea of a rank cap of sorts for certain characters, like for instance say a pilot cannot achieve a rank above Sargeant Major (except for special cases maybe), although they can still recieve a larger pay based upon experience and not just rank.
I would imagine that ranks will roll over from the new site, personally it wouldn't make much sense to restart everyone at Recruit or MechWarrior. Perhaps ranks will be modified or changed up a little bit to reflect the new system before everythings official.
Personally I like the Merc ranking system, although it does need a few add-ins. Perhaps a ranking system such as the following will work
From lowest to highest
For MechWarriors:
Recruit
MechWarrior
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
For Infantry :
Recruit
Private
Private First Class
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
For Aerotech: (space and conventional)
Recruit
Pilot
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
For Naval
Recruit
Crewman
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
For Vehicles:
Recruit
Crewman
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
The ranks in red are also additional ranks than can be added if needs be
The ranks hold approximately the same level throughout all the different classes, below is breif description of what I think would be a good amount of duty/responbilities for each rank
Recruit - Just joined the site, promoted after posting one or two posts regarding an intro, and preferably a dossier of some sort
<hr>
MechWarrior - First promotion for 'mech characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Private - First promotion for Infantry characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Pilot - First promotion for Aerotech characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Crewman - First promotion for Naval and Conventional vehicle characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
<hr>
Private First Class - Almost a guaranteed promotion for Infantry characters provided participation in first OP, used in case they don't quite deserve Corporal rank, promotion follows continued participation in OPs and character posts
<hr>
Corporal - First 'real' rank given, after first OP, and providing decent participation, this rank is awarded to all characters (possibly later for an Infantry) - Active participation in OPs and character posts highly recommended, essentially no authority or command (other than the rare few privates and such below, or NPCs) - Promotion achieved from active participation in second OP on a slightly higher level
<hr>
Sargeant - Most characters will achieve this rank after the second OP given a moderate participation level (higher than decent, decent=low/acceptable) - Sargeants require more active character posts, as well as holding one of the lower positions (3, or 4) in a Lance - Promotion follows 3rd OP with moderate participation
<hr>
Staff Sargeant - Following the 3rd OP, maintaining moderate participation in both OPs and character posts, characters will be promoted to this rank - Same responsibility as Sargeant, just with slightly higher command level - Promotion follows 4th OP with med-high participation and well written character posts (makes a storyline of sorts and follows with others) or 5th OP while maintaining a moderate participation level
<hr>
Sargeant First Class - Can be used as an intermediary rank between Staff Sargeant and Master Sargeant, would allow for a little more time to review a posters abilities and contributions
<hr>
Master Sargeant - Achieved after 4th or 5th OP depending on participation level - Requires high level of OP participation and well written character posts, plays the role of assistant Lance Commander in the abscence of a Sargeant Major, first rank allowed to be a junior level Mission Planner - Promotion requires high level participation during 6th OP and well written character posts
<hr>
Sargeant Major - First true command position, requires high level participation and well written character posts - Assumes role of Assistant Lance Commander (holds 2nd position in a Lance), able to enter junior level Mission Planner - Promotion follows 7th or 8th OP, depending on participation level, high to extreme, and very well written character posts (fairly long, well written, creates a story and involves other characters more easily)
<hr>
2nd Lieutenant - Requires high to extremel level participation and 7-8 OPs, very well written character posts and shows desire to further develop site and storylines - Takes role of Lance Commander in abscence of 1st Lieutenant, mid-level Mission Planner, very active role in site - Promotion follows 9th OP with extreme participation and very well written character posts
<hr>
1st Lieutenant - Requires 9 OPs and extreme participation, as well as very well written character posts and active role in the site as a whole - Plays Lance Commander, complete command of the lance/platoon, mid to high level Mission Planner - Promotion not usually possible beyond this rank save special circumstances (or in a field where an additional rank is present, aside from Captain), although with continued level of participation Senior Mission Planner title can be given
<hr>
Lieutenant Commander - Final rank achievable in Naval fleet, requires extreme participation, extremely well written character posts, and high level of activity throughout site - Commands dropships and Naval assests in the abscence of a Captain, Senior level mission planner, steady extreme level of contribution to site - Promotion beyond is not available (unless Commander rank is offered) unless there is a need for another Captain in a rare occasion
Lieutenant Commander - Additional rank that can be used if necessary, requires higher participation than 1st Lieutenant - takes roll of either Lance Commander, or takes 3rd or 2nd position in Command lance (2nd in abscence of Commander) - Promotion to Commander is very rare and requires extremely high level of participation, very active senior mission planner, extremely well written character posts and high contribution to site as a whole
<hr>
Commander - Final rank available for promotion to, requires the utmost participation and contribution to all aspects of the site - Assistant Lance Commander within Command lance, or can control Command Lance in the abscence of a Captain, Senior Mission Planner, able to be CO of an OP if agreed upon with Captain(s) - No further promotion available through standard methods
<hr>
Captain - Final rank within the Legionnaires, only awarded on a needed basis, requires utmost participation within the entire site as well as the general consensus of current Captains and high level officers to be promoted to Captain (almost never happens), no more than 2 (maybe 3) Captains should ever exist at a time within the Legionnaires - Admin level Mission Planner, advanced admin access to site (still limited though, not the highest level), Commands the OPs, Lance commander of Command Lance(s) - Further promotion is impossible (no ranks available)
Finally, in case people would like to see a ranking system more true to Naval and Air Force ranking systems of today the following are the approximate equivelants of the above ranks.
For Naval
Recruit - Recruit
Crewman - Crewman
Corporal - Petty Officer Third Class
Sergeant - Petty Officer Second Class
Staff Sergeant - Petty Officer First Class
Sargeant First Class - Chief Petty Officer
Master Sergeant - Senior Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant Major - Master Chief Petty Officer
2nd Lieutenant - Ensign
1st Lieutenant - Lieutenant Junior Grade
Lieutenant Commander - Lieutenant Commander (not following proper order anymore)
Commander - Commander
For Aerotech:
Recruit - Recruit
Pilot - Pilot
Corporal - Senior Airman
Sergeant - Staff Sargeant
Staff Sergeant - Technical Sargeant
Sargeant First Class - Master Sargeant
Master Sergeant - Senior Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major - Chief Master Sergeant
2nd Lieutenant - 2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant - 1st Lieutenant
I would imagine that ranks will roll over from the new site, personally it wouldn't make much sense to restart everyone at Recruit or MechWarrior. Perhaps ranks will be modified or changed up a little bit to reflect the new system before everythings official.
Personally I like the Merc ranking system, although it does need a few add-ins. Perhaps a ranking system such as the following will work
From lowest to highest
For MechWarriors:
Recruit
MechWarrior
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
For Infantry :
Recruit
Private
Private First Class
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
For Aerotech: (space and conventional)
Recruit
Pilot
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
For Naval
Recruit
Crewman
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
For Vehicles:
Recruit
Crewman
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Sargeant First Class
Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major
2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant
The ranks in red are also additional ranks than can be added if needs be
The ranks hold approximately the same level throughout all the different classes, below is breif description of what I think would be a good amount of duty/responbilities for each rank
Recruit - Just joined the site, promoted after posting one or two posts regarding an intro, and preferably a dossier of some sort
<hr>
MechWarrior - First promotion for 'mech characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Private - First promotion for Infantry characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Pilot - First promotion for Aerotech characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
Crewman - First promotion for Naval and Conventional vehicle characters, given preferably before first OP (after one or two posts and a dossier), further promotion results after first OP, providing decent contribution during OP.
<hr>
Private First Class - Almost a guaranteed promotion for Infantry characters provided participation in first OP, used in case they don't quite deserve Corporal rank, promotion follows continued participation in OPs and character posts
<hr>
Corporal - First 'real' rank given, after first OP, and providing decent participation, this rank is awarded to all characters (possibly later for an Infantry) - Active participation in OPs and character posts highly recommended, essentially no authority or command (other than the rare few privates and such below, or NPCs) - Promotion achieved from active participation in second OP on a slightly higher level
<hr>
Sargeant - Most characters will achieve this rank after the second OP given a moderate participation level (higher than decent, decent=low/acceptable) - Sargeants require more active character posts, as well as holding one of the lower positions (3, or 4) in a Lance - Promotion follows 3rd OP with moderate participation
<hr>
Staff Sargeant - Following the 3rd OP, maintaining moderate participation in both OPs and character posts, characters will be promoted to this rank - Same responsibility as Sargeant, just with slightly higher command level - Promotion follows 4th OP with med-high participation and well written character posts (makes a storyline of sorts and follows with others) or 5th OP while maintaining a moderate participation level
<hr>
Sargeant First Class - Can be used as an intermediary rank between Staff Sargeant and Master Sargeant, would allow for a little more time to review a posters abilities and contributions
<hr>
Master Sargeant - Achieved after 4th or 5th OP depending on participation level - Requires high level of OP participation and well written character posts, plays the role of assistant Lance Commander in the abscence of a Sargeant Major, first rank allowed to be a junior level Mission Planner - Promotion requires high level participation during 6th OP and well written character posts
<hr>
Sargeant Major - First true command position, requires high level participation and well written character posts - Assumes role of Assistant Lance Commander (holds 2nd position in a Lance), able to enter junior level Mission Planner - Promotion follows 7th or 8th OP, depending on participation level, high to extreme, and very well written character posts (fairly long, well written, creates a story and involves other characters more easily)
<hr>
2nd Lieutenant - Requires high to extremel level participation and 7-8 OPs, very well written character posts and shows desire to further develop site and storylines - Takes role of Lance Commander in abscence of 1st Lieutenant, mid-level Mission Planner, very active role in site - Promotion follows 9th OP with extreme participation and very well written character posts
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1st Lieutenant - Requires 9 OPs and extreme participation, as well as very well written character posts and active role in the site as a whole - Plays Lance Commander, complete command of the lance/platoon, mid to high level Mission Planner - Promotion not usually possible beyond this rank save special circumstances (or in a field where an additional rank is present, aside from Captain), although with continued level of participation Senior Mission Planner title can be given
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Lieutenant Commander - Final rank achievable in Naval fleet, requires extreme participation, extremely well written character posts, and high level of activity throughout site - Commands dropships and Naval assests in the abscence of a Captain, Senior level mission planner, steady extreme level of contribution to site - Promotion beyond is not available (unless Commander rank is offered) unless there is a need for another Captain in a rare occasion
Lieutenant Commander - Additional rank that can be used if necessary, requires higher participation than 1st Lieutenant - takes roll of either Lance Commander, or takes 3rd or 2nd position in Command lance (2nd in abscence of Commander) - Promotion to Commander is very rare and requires extremely high level of participation, very active senior mission planner, extremely well written character posts and high contribution to site as a whole
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Commander - Final rank available for promotion to, requires the utmost participation and contribution to all aspects of the site - Assistant Lance Commander within Command lance, or can control Command Lance in the abscence of a Captain, Senior Mission Planner, able to be CO of an OP if agreed upon with Captain(s) - No further promotion available through standard methods
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Captain - Final rank within the Legionnaires, only awarded on a needed basis, requires utmost participation within the entire site as well as the general consensus of current Captains and high level officers to be promoted to Captain (almost never happens), no more than 2 (maybe 3) Captains should ever exist at a time within the Legionnaires - Admin level Mission Planner, advanced admin access to site (still limited though, not the highest level), Commands the OPs, Lance commander of Command Lance(s) - Further promotion is impossible (no ranks available)
Finally, in case people would like to see a ranking system more true to Naval and Air Force ranking systems of today the following are the approximate equivelants of the above ranks.
For Naval
Recruit - Recruit
Crewman - Crewman
Corporal - Petty Officer Third Class
Sergeant - Petty Officer Second Class
Staff Sergeant - Petty Officer First Class
Sargeant First Class - Chief Petty Officer
Master Sergeant - Senior Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant Major - Master Chief Petty Officer
2nd Lieutenant - Ensign
1st Lieutenant - Lieutenant Junior Grade
Lieutenant Commander - Lieutenant Commander (not following proper order anymore)
Commander - Commander
For Aerotech:
Recruit - Recruit
Pilot - Pilot
Corporal - Senior Airman
Sergeant - Staff Sargeant
Staff Sergeant - Technical Sargeant
Sargeant First Class - Master Sargeant
Master Sergeant - Senior Master Sergeant
Sergeant Major - Chief Master Sergeant
2nd Lieutenant - 2nd Lieutenant
1st Lieutenant - 1st Lieutenant