Scifi Ranking System

[kYuKi]

So I was wondering if anyone would like to hit me with some ideas on a 'new' ranking system for a Science Fiction story I'm working on. I was thinking of going with the traditional military ranking systems of the U.S and it's branches, but I decided to not go with it because I feel it's too common. What I would like to see is something entirely new and everything under 'one' command. I'm not all too sure about civilian ranks, but I believe I'll go traditional with those in some form, but possibly different aspect.

The story itself is about space travel and war time.


What have I thought up of so far? A ranking system involving Alphabetical order.

 

[Mush]

ranking system based number on kills on the battlefield

so like the more you kill the more respect you get

 

[Sexy Beast]

There isn't any reason to reinvent the wheel. Keep the traditional military ranks, it saves you from explaining a new system to the reader and it saves the reader from having to remember the new ranks and to keep track of it.

Also, it helps to ground the story a bit. Sure its not original, but if you're trying to create a new universe you need to give the reader something familiar to help bring them into your new world.

At least that's my view, anyway I wish you the best of luck.

 

[kYuKi]

ranking system based number on kills on the battlefield

so like the more you kill the more respect you get

I feel like I'm making it like a video game lol.

There isn't any reason to reinvent the wheel. Keep the traditional military ranks, it saves you from explaining a new system to the reader and it saves the reader from having to remember the new ranks and to keep track of it.

Also, it helps to ground the story a bit. Sure its not original, but if you're trying to create a new universe you need to give the reader something familiar to help bring them into your new world.

At least that's my view, anyway I wish you the best of luck.

Well, do you have a clue on how to integrate all the branches? :closedeyes:

 

[Sexy Beast]

Well, do you have a clue on how to integrate all the branches? :closedeyes:

As hackneyed as it may seem, just go with Navy and Marine rankings. I mean you're dealing with space travel, which involves (space) ships. Ships traditionally involve the navy and the marines. Either that or go with (or some variation of) their alpha-numerical codes (e.g. Private = E-1, Sargent = E-5, Major= O-4).

 

[kYuKi]

As hackneyed as it may seem, just go with Navy and Marine rankings. I mean you're dealing with space travel, which involves (space) ships. Ships traditionally involve the navy and the marines. Either that or go with (or some variation of) their alpha-numerical codes (e.g. Private = E-1, Sargent = E-5, Major= O-4).

I was going with that before and I think using Naval officers as the head command ranking system (doing all of the ship mechanics, such as flying) and using the Marine or Air Force as the enlisted personnel. Air force for mini ship-to-ship battles and Marines as the landing, assault, and recovery.

 

[InkSix]

Staying with the traditional ranking system would definitely make sense. Don't think the human race would reinvent the ranks just for space, probably just make a new division based on the Navy, but some distinction between the two.

 

[SturmBruder]

You could use the Roman Legion ranks. Kinda like Dune http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Military_ranks

Another idea for rank is a numbers system based on geometry. The more sides your shape has the higher in rank you are. Private = Circle, Corporal = Donut, Sergent = Triangle

Or you could come up with your own system that tells a little bit about where your protagonists come from? Farming world = Sower, Tender, Reaper; Pirate World = Skirmisher, Sharpshooter, Buccaneer, Freebooter, Captain (Yes I stole from PVKII).

But it really depends on what you want to convey about the people with this rank. It'd be interesting if you made the ppl from a planet that had had a dark age and don't really remember Earth.

GL

 

[kYuKi]

This is my current Ranking System.

Fleet Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral
Captain
Commander
Lieutenant Commander
First Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Chief Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer

Sergeant Major
First Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Lance Corporal
Private First Class
Private