Rank

In military and civilian service organizations of many intelligent cultures, rank (sometimes denoted by rank insignia on uniforms) is how the jobs of different personnel are organized in a hierarchy of authority. One is promoted on their merit, skills and talent. Colour of division is marked on the uniform, with Red being Command, Yellow being support (Engineering, Tactical, Security,Operations, etc.), Blue being Medical, Counselling and Sciences, and Purple being Civilian Services.

For a complete Department by department Rank Gallery Click Here

Ranks used by Star Trek: Freedom

Flag Officers

	The Fleet Admiral is usually an Admiral that has been so decorated that he commands the entire fleet. The two fleet Admirals during the Federation Civil War were Admiral Robert LoDona and Admiral Doenitz.
	Admiral is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional grade, admiral is the most senior flag officer rank of a naval organization, senior to a captain. Admirals command fleets of ships, as opposed to captains commanding single ships or units.
File:Viceadmopseng.jpg File:Viceadmtacsec.jpg File:Viceadmmed.jpg File:Viceadmsci.jpg File:Viceadmsfi.jpg	Vice-admiral is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional grade, vice-admiral is a flag officer falling superior to a rear admiral and below a full admiral of a naval organization. This rank is used by the Federation Starfleet (as well as its predecessor the Earth Starfleet). Vice-admirals command entire fleets of vessels, divisions at Starfleet Headquarters, starbases and other senior positions in the fleet.
File:Rearadmsfi.png	Rear admiral is a flag officer rank used by naval organizations, traditionally between the grades of commodore and vice admiral. This rank is used by the Federation Starfleet (as well as its predecessor the Earth Starfleet).
File:Commcmd.jpg File:Commopseng.jpg File:Commtacsec.jpg File:Commmed.jpg File:Commsci.jpg File:Commsfi.jpg	Commodore is a naval rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional grade, commodore is the most junior flag officer rank of a naval organization, under an admiral rank (usually under rear admiral) but senior to a captain. Commodores command groups of ships, as opposed to captains commanding single ships or units.

Line Officers

File:Captcmd.jpg File:Captopseng.jpg File:Capttacsec.jpg File:Captmed.jpg File:Captsfi.jpg File:Captciv.jpg	The rank of Captain is the highest rank one in Starfleet can achieve and still be a line officer. Captain's usually are CO's of starships, but there are exceptions.
	Commander is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional naval grade, commander is the second most senior line officer rank, falling between Captain and Lieutenant in hierarchy, usually given to first officers and department heads, or the skippers of smaller vessels or leaders of other contingents of officers, such as on a Starbase. Proper naval parlance says that, even if a naval vessel is commanded by an officer whose rank is commander, that officer is still able to be referred to as a captain while on the deck of their own vessel.
	Lieutenant Commander is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. A traditional naval rank, lieutenant commander is the grade between lieutenant and commander grades.
	Lieutenant is a rank used by Starfleet. It is between a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) and a Lt. Commander. A rank of Lieutenant is a common rank in Starfleet.
	Lieutenant (Junior Grade) (often abbreviated to lieutenant J.G.) is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. A naval rank in a small number of Earth's ancient navies (such as the United States Navy), it is placed between ensign and full lieutenant. The rank is used primarily by the Federation Starfleet, although its Earth predecessor (from which it primarily takes its rank structure) may also have had this grade. It is unclear if the grade exists in other cultures' rank arrangements, although it may correspond to the Romulan rank of sublieutenant.
	Ensign is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional naval grade, Ensign is the most junior line officer rank below the lieutenant grades, usually immediately under lieutenant or lieutenant (Junior Grade). This naval rank is equivalent to the infantry rank of first lieutenant. An Ensign's primary duty is professional growth, both as a leader and as an occupational specialist. Ensigns are mentored by more senior officers as well as their (nominally) subordinate chief petty officers as part of their development as Starfleet leaders. As Ensigns prove themselves more capable, they are considered for promotion into the lieutenant tier. In the 24th century uniform scheme of Starfleet, Ensigns were once again indicated by one single rank pin.
	Ensign (Junior Grade) is a military rank, the equivalent of which is used by the service organizations of many civilizations. As a traditional naval grade, Ensign (junior grade) is the most junior line officer rank below the grade of Ensign. This is usually the first commisioned rank assigned to new officers (such as recent graduates of Starfleet Academy). This naval rank is equivalent to the infantry rank of second lieutenant, or the Romulan Star Empire's sublieutenant grade. An Ensign's primary duty is professional growth, both as a leader and as an occupational specialist. Ensigns are mentored by more senior officers as well as their (nominally) subordinate chief petty officers as part of their development as Starfleet leaders. As Ensigns prove themselves more capable, they are considered for promotion. In the 24th century uniform scheme of Starfleet, Ensigns were once again indicated by one single rank pin.

Enlisted

	The Master Chief Petty Officer of Starfleet (MCPOS, pronounced "mic-pos") is a unique non-commissioned rank in Starfleet. The holder of this rank and post is the senior enlisted member of Starfleet, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to Starfleet Commanding Officer. They are appointed by the Chief of Starfleet Operations to serve as a spokesmen to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions in Starfleet. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Operations and Chief of Bureau of Personnel. Their exact duties vary, depending on the CSOps, though they generally devote much of their time to traveling throughout the Fleet observing training and talking to enlisted personnel and their families. In 2387, the MCPOS's spouse was made the Ombudsman at Large, authorizing her to travel around the fleet with her husband, representing the interests of the spouses of enlisted members.
	The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Fleet (MCPOF, pronounced "mic-pof") is a unique non-commissioned rank in a given Fleet within starfleet. The holder of this rank and post is the senior enlisted member of a particular fleet within Starfleet and acts Senior Enlisted Advisor to that fleet's Commanding Officer. They are appointed by the Chief of the serving Fleet Operations to serve as a spokesmen to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions within the fleet in which they serve. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Fleet Operations and Chief of Fleet Bureau of Personnel. Their exact duties vary, depending on the CFOps, though they generally devote much of their time to traveling throughout their assigned Fleet observing training and talking to enlisted personnel and their families. The current MCPOF for the 52nd Fleet is MCPOF Novax Shindrar.
	Master chief petty officer (MCPO) was an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional naval grade, MCPO was the most senior grade of chief petty officer, and was almost the highest noncommissioned officer grade in organizations like Starfleet and the US Navy. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rate was approximately equivalent to the most senior sergeant grade, such as Sergeant-Major. Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as chief (or more properly, "master chief"), and sometimes by their job title, such as "master chief specialist."
	Senior chief petty officer (SCPO) was an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional naval grade, SCPO was senior to a chief petty officer, and was almost the highest enlisted grade in organizations like Starfleet and the US Navy, falling subordinate to any commissioned officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank was approximately equivalent to the first sergeant grade. When there are individual grades of chief petty officers, SCPO was subordinate to master chief petty officer (MCPO). This rank was considered to have the responsibility of a "noncommissioned officer." Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as chief (or more properly, "senior chief"), and sometimes by their job title, such as "senior chief specialist." (DS9: "Shadowplay")
	Chief petty officer (CPO) is an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional naval grade, CPO is senior to a petty officer, and is the highest enlisted grade in organizations like Starfleet and the US Navy. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank is approximately equivalent to the more senior sergeant grades. Personnel of this grade can be addressed simply as chief, and sometimes by their job title, such as "chief specialist."
	Petty officer First Class was an enlisted naval rank, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title was senior to a crewman, and subordinate to a chief petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank was approximately equivalent to the grade of Corporal. However, the Petty Officer 2nd Class rank was equivalent to that of Sergeant and the 1st Class rank was equivalent to that of Staff Sergeant. This was the lowest rank considered to have the responsibility of a "noncommissioned officer." Personnel of this grade were usually referred to by their job title. In Starfleet, a petty officer could be referred to as yeoman, or as specialist. There were usually individual grades of petty officers, differentiated as first, second and third class. This appellation could be added to either their rank or title (i.e. "petty officer first class," "specialist second class," or "yeoman third class").
	Petty Officer 2nd Class was an enlisted naval rank, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title was senior to a crewman, and subordinate to a chief petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank was approximately equivalent to the grade of Corporal. However, the Petty Officer 2nd Class rank was equivalent to that of Sergeant and the 1st Class rank was equivalent to that of Staff Sergeant. This was the lowest rank considered to have the responsibility of a "noncommissioned officer." Personnel of this grade were usually referred to by their job title. In Starfleet, a petty officer could be referred to as yeoman, or as specialist. There were usually individual grades of petty officers, differentiated as first, second and third class. This appellation could be added to either their rank or title (i.e. "petty officer first class," "specialist second class," or "yeoman third class").
	Petty Officer 3rd Class was an enlisted naval rank, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title was senior to a crewman, and subordinate to a chief petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank was approximately equivalent to the grade of Corporal. However, the Petty Officer 2nd Class rank was equivalent to that of Sergeant and the 1st Class rank was equivalent to that of Staff Sergeant. This was the lowest rank considered to have the responsibility of a "noncommissioned officer." Personnel of this grade were usually referred to by their job title. In Starfleet, a petty officer could be referred to as yeoman, or as specialist. There were usually individual grades of petty officers, differentiated as first, second and third class. This appellation could be added to either their rank or title (i.e. "petty officer first class," "specialist second class," or "yeoman third class").
	Crewman (also known as ables'man or able crewman) is an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title is the lowest enlisted rank, subordinate to a petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank is approximately equivalent to the grade of private. In Klingonese, this rank is referred to as bekk. In Starfleet, a "crewman" can refer to either a person who holds the actual rank or simply any person who is assigned to an organization or starship. The grade of crewman may further be divided into several "classes", such as "crewman first class", "crewman second class", etc.
	Crewman Apprentice is an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title is the lowest enlisted rank, subordinate to a petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank is approximately equivalent to the grade of private. In Klingonese, this rank is referred to as bekk. In Starfleet, a "crewman" can refer to either a person who holds the actual rank or simply any person who is assigned to an organization or starship. The grade of crewman may further be divided into several "classes", such as "crewman first class", "crewman second class", etc. Crewman Apprentice is generally considered to be a lower rank than that of crewman.
	Crewman Recruit is an enlisted naval rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. This title is the lowest enlisted rank, subordinate to a petty officer. In comparison to infantry ranking systems, this rank is approximately equivalent to the grade of private. In Klingonese, this rank is referred to as bekk. In Starfleet, a "crewman" can refer to either a person who holds the actual rank or simply any person who is assigned to an organization or starship. The grade of crewman may further be divided into several "classes", such as "crewman first class", "crewman second class", etc. Crewman Recruit is the lowest rank found in Starfleet. This is equivilent to a crewman in training, and is usually reserved for enlisted personnel not yet rated for duty.

Marine Ranks

Flag Officers

	The General of the Corps (GOC) is the highest ranking officer in the Starfleet Marine Corps and is a member of the Starfleet Command. The GOC reports directly to the Fleet Admiral but not to the Chief of Starfleet Operations. The GOC is responsible for ensuring the organization, policy, plans, and programs for the Marine Corps as well as advising the Federation President, the Secretary of Defense and Starfleet Command on matters involving the Marine Corps. Under the authority of the Fleet Admiral, the GOC also designates Marine personnel and resources to the commanders of Unified Combatant Commands. The commandant also performs all other functions prescribed under Starfleet regulations or delegates those duties and responsibilities to other officers in his administration in his name.The Commandant is nominated by the Federation President and must be confirmed by majority vote from the federation Council. By statute, the GOC is appointed as a five-star general.
	A General, without prefix or suffix (and sometimes referred to informally as a "full general"), is usually the most senior type of general, above Lieutenant General and directly below General of the Corps. Usually it is the most senior field rank. The rank of General came about as a "Captain-General", the captain of an army in general, i.e. the whole army. The rank of Captain-General began appearing around the time of the organization of professional armies in the 17th century.
	Lieutenant General is a military rank used in the starfleet marines. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General.In the modern Marines, Lieutenant General normally ranks immediately below General and above Major General; it is equivalent to the Flag rank of Vice Admiral, and in Air Forces with a separate rank structure, it is equivalent to Air Marshal.
	Major General or Major-General is a military rank used in the Starfleet Marines. It is derived from the older rank of Sergeant Major General. A Major General is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of Lieutenant General and senior to the rank of Brigadier General."Major General" is generally considered to be a 2 star rank.
	A Brigadier is either the highest field rank or most junior General appointment, nominally commanding a brigade. It ranks above a full Colonel and below a Major General.

Line Officers

	Colonel (Col or COL) is a military rank of a commissioned officer. The rank of colonel is one of the oldest in existence, dating as far back as the time of the Roman Empire. It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures. A colonel is typically in charge of a regiment in the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps.A colonel is usually a military title rated as the highest, or the second-highest field rank below the general, or "flag" grades.
	Lieutenant Colonel (lieutenant-colonel in English from the French grade's spelling) is a rank of commissioned officer in the Starfleet Marine Corps and Starfleet Flight Corps, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often verbally shortened to simply "Colonel". A lieutenant colonel is typically in charge of a battalion in the Corps.
	The term Major refers to a military rank, just superior to the rank of a land-forces Captain but immediately subordinate to the ranks of Colonel and/or Lieutenant Colonel. A major is typically in charge of a company or squadron in either the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps.
	The rank of Lieutenant Major is an officer rank corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. In the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps, a Lieutenant Major is typically the commander, or second in command, of a company or squadron. Lieutenant Major is one rank above a lieutenant (or first lieutenant) and one below a major.
	First Lieutenant is a senior Lieutenant's military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Lieutenant Senior grade.
	Second Lieutenant is a middle tier Lieutenant's military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Lieutenant Junior grade.
	Third Lieutenant is lowest commissioned Starfleet Marine Corps or Starfleet Flight Corps military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Ensign.

Enlisted

	The Command Sergeant Major of the Corps (CSgtMC) is a unique non-commissioned rank in the ranks of the Starfleet Marines. The holder of this rank and post is the senior enlisted member of the Corps and acts as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Corps's Commanding Officer. They are appointed by the Chief of the serving Fleet Operations to serve as a spokesmen to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions within the Corps in which they serve. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Corps Operations and Chief of Corps Bureau of Personnel. Their exact duties vary, depending on the CFOps, though they generally devote much of their time to traveling throughout the Corps observing training and talking to enlisted personnel and their families.
	Command Sergeant Major (CSgtMjr) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional marine grade, CSgtMjr was the most senior grade of Non-commissioned Officer, and was almost the highest noncommissioned officer grade in organizations like Starfleet Marines and the US Army. Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as Sergeant major."
	Sergeant Major (SgtMjr) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional marine grade, CSgtMjr was the most senior grade of Non-commissioned Officer, and was almost the highest noncommissioned officer grade in organizations like Starfleet Marines and the US Army. Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as Sergeant major.
	Master Sergeant (MSgt) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. Personnel of this grade are addressed simply as Master Sergeant. They are one grade below a Sergeant major and one grade above the gunnery sergeant"
	Gunnery sergeant is a rank that is used by Marine Forces throughout the World. The gunnery Sergeant was originally responsible for the care, command and operation of naval or infantry batteries. These NCOs are often the senior most NCO at the Company level. They are commonyl refered to as "Gunny"
	Staff Sergeantis a rank that is one step below the gunnery sergeant and one Stept above the sergeant. This rate is often considered the lowest of the senior enlisted ranks. Staff sergeants are refered to as Sergeant and often serve as platoon NCOs
	Sergeant is a rank that is considered the highest rank within the lower echelon of enlisted personnel. The rank is immediately below that of Staff sergeant and immediately above that of Corporal. Sergeants often serve as squad leaders.
	Corporal is an enlisted rank immediately below the rate of Sergeant. They are often considered on their way to the position of sergeant."
	Lance Corporal is an enlisted rank within the Corps. It is one rate below a Corporal and one rate above a Private first class.
	Private first Class is an enlisted rate that is one step up from the entry rate of private. PFC's are not generally experienced, but have been promoted due to some proficiency in their selected specialty.
	Private is an enlisted rate granted to all graduates of the Starfleet Marine Corps Boot Camp. This rank is the lowest of the enlisted ranks.

Flight Ranks

Flag Officers

	Air Marshal of the Fleet (AMOF) is the highest ranking officer in the Starfleet Marine Corps and is a member of the Starfleet Command. The AMOF reports directly to the Fleet Admiral but not to the Chief of Starfleet Operations. The AMOF is responsible for ensuring the organization, policy, plans, and programs for the Starfleet Air Corps as well as advising the Federation President, the Secretary of Defense and Starfleet Command on matters involving the Air Corps. Under the authority of the Fleet Admiral, the AMOF also designates Marine personnel and resources to the commanders of Unified Combatant Commands. The commandant also performs all other functions prescribed under Starfleet regulations or delegates those duties and responsibilities to other officers in his administration in his name.The Commandant is nominated by the Federation President and must be confirmed by majority vote from the Federation Council. By statute, the GOC is appointed as a tier five admiral.
	An Air Marshal, without prefix or suffix (and sometimes referred to informally as a "full marshal"), is usually the most senior type of marshal, above Air Vice Marshall and directly below Air Marshal of the Fleet. Usually it is the most senior field rank.
	Air Vice Marshal is a military rank used in the Starfleet Air Corps. In the modern Air Corps, Air Vice Marshal normally ranks immediately below Marshal and above Air Rear Marshal; it is equivalent to the Flag rank of Vice Admiral.
	Air Rear Marshal or Rear-Marshal is a military rank used in the Starfleet Air Corps. An Air Rear Marshal is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and senior to the rank of Air Commodore."Air Rear Marshal" is generally considered to be a 2 star rank.
	An Air Commodore is either the highest field rank or most junior Marshal appointment, nominally commanding a brigade. It ranks above a full Colonel and below a Air Rear Marshal.

Line Officers

	Colonel (Col or COL) is a military rank of a commissioned officer. The rank of colonel is one of the oldest in existence, dating as far back as the time of the Roman Empire. It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures. A colonel is typically in charge of a regiment in the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps.A colonel is usually a military title rated as the highest, or the second-highest field rank below the general, or "flag" grades.
	Lieutenant Colonel (lieutenant-colonel in English from the French grade's spelling) is a rank of commissioned officer in the Starfleet Marine Corps and Starfleet Flight Corps, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often verbally shortened to simply "Colonel". A lieutenant colonel is typically in charge of a battalion in the Corps.
	The term Major refers to a military rank, just superior to the rank of a land-forces Captain but immediately subordinate to the ranks of Colonel and/or Lieutenant Colonel. A major is typically in charge of a company or squadron in either the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps.
	The rank of Lieutenant Major is an officer rank corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. In the Starfleet Marines or Starfleet Flight Corps, a Lieutenant Major is typically the commander, or second in command, of a company or squadron. Lieutenant Major is one rank above a lieutenant (or first lieutenant) and one below a major.
	First Lieutenant is a senior Lieutenant's military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Lieutenant Senior grade.
	Second Lieutenant is a middle tier Lieutenant's military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Lieutenant Junior grade.
	Third Lieutenant is lowest commissioned Starfleet Marine Corps or Starfleet Flight Corps military rank. It is equivilent to the Starfleet rank of Ensign.

Enlisted Personnel

	Command Sergeant Major (CSgtMjr) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional marine grade, CSgtMjr was the most senior grade of Non-commissioned Officer, and was almost the highest noncommissioned officer grade in organizations like Starfleet Marines and the US Army. Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as Sergeant major."
	Sergeant Major (SgtMjr) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. As a traditional marine grade, CSgtMjr was the most senior grade of Non-commissioned Officer, and was almost the highest noncommissioned officer grade in organizations like Starfleet Marines and the US Army. Personnel of this grade could be addressed simply as Sergeant major.
	Master Sergeant (MSgt) is an enlisted military rate, a type of military rank used by the service organizations of different cultures. Personnel of this grade are addressed simply as Master Sergeant. They are one grade below a Sergeant major and one grade above the gunnery sergeant"
	Gunnery sergeant is a rank that is used by Marine Forces throughout the World. The gunnery Sergeant was originally responsible for the care, command and operation of naval or infantry batteries. These NCOs are often the senior most NCO at the Company level. They are commonyl refered to as "Gunny"
	Staff Sergeantis a rank that is one step below the gunnery sergeant and one Stept above the sergeant. This rate is often considered the lowest of the senior enlisted ranks. Staff sergeants are refered to as Sergeant and often serve as platoon NCOs
	Sergeant is a rank that is considered the highest rank within the lower echelon of enlisted personnel. The rank is immediately below that of Staff sergeant and immediately above that of Corporal. Sergeants often serve as squad leaders.
	Corporal is an enlisted rank immediately below the rate of Sergeant. They are often considered on their way to the position of sergeant."
	Lance Corporal is an enlisted rank within the Corps. It is one rate below a Corporal and one rate above a Private first class.
	Private first Class is an enlisted rate that is one step up from the entry rate of private. PFC's are not generally experienced, but have been promoted due to some proficiency in their selected specialty.
	Private is an enlisted rate granted to all graduates of the marine Corps Flight Operations School. This rank is the lowest of the enlisted ranks.

Cadets (All)

Cadet is a rank which is used at Starfleet Academy to denote students in training to become Starfleet officers. The rank was used in the mid 23rd century throughout the late 24th century. (TOS: "Whom Gods Destroy", Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, TNG: "The Game")

For a time, specifically in the 2280s, the rank of Cadet was superimposed (if not outright replaced) by the rank of Midshipman. (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

Becoming a Starfleet cadet was a difficult process and required a significant amount of academic achievement while in high school. Academy entrance standards were particular high especially in scientific and math disciplines (such as Calculus). Cadets were also expected to maintain a satisfactory grade point average during their attendance at the Academy. Getting bad grades was grounds for a Cadet's revocation of appointment from the Academy, also known as "washing out". (TNG: "The First Duty", TNG: "Journey's End")

Starfleet Cadets were under the same uniform code of justice as Starfleet officers and were in turn subordinate to the orders of superiors. Cadets were also expected to show military courtesy and respect to senior commanders.

http://startrekfreedom.com/images/pips1/cadet4.jpg	Cadet 4th Year
http://startrekfreedom.com/images/pips1/cadet3.jpg	Cadet 3rd Year
http://startrekfreedom.com/images/pips1/cadet2.jpg	Cadet 2nd Year
http://startrekfreedom.com/images/pips1/cadet1.jpg	Cadet 1st Year