Staff Warrant Officer

A Warrant Officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or non-commissioned officer (NCO) who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.

Use in Starfleet

Staff Warrant Officer, is the second warrant officer rank, above Warrant Officer and below Master Warrant Officer. Like other warrant officers, these individuals started out as enlisted personnel, and now serve as specialized commissioned officers highly trained in one area (like engineering). Unlike regular commissioned officer who underwent training at Starfleet Academy, warrant officers gained their rank through years of service and obtained their authority through warrant from the President of the United Federation of Planets. Staff Warrant Officers are capable of serving in any junior or senior officer post with the exception of Commanding Officer or Executive Officer.

At this rank a Warrant Officer now is open to apply for a commission bases on their experience. If they are successful, the will be promoted to Lieutenant at their next promotion.