Star Trek: Rebellion

[HappyTarget]

Seriously, I would just use the American naval rank system with a few minor chnages like chaging "Seaman" to "Crewman" but otherwise just use that ystem since that is what they seem to use for officers.

That's workable. I just used the one they had for TMP (The Motion Picture) era according to the Trek Encyclopedia.

Crewman
Ables’ Man
Petty Officer 1st Class
Chief Petty Officer
Senior Chief Petty Officer
Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class
Master Chief Petty Officer

One of the reasons the Us Navy has seperate master at arms is because they act on police duties on a ship. Nw, there would only be three or four security specialists and one of their roles would be similar to modern master at arms. I assmume that enlisted screw up and have to be punished and the master at arms manages that.

Not in Trek they don't. Everyone knows that all Starfleeters are always on perfect behaviour and never break the rules.

That works.

There are plenty of examples of defense system being easy to develop and yet they are not or military tactics which would be easy to develop.

But most are not employed for cost effectiveness. Given that there is virtually nothing in Trek that cannot be supplied via replicators, and with M/AM power cores, power to run them is cheap, cost effectiveness should be the last thing on the Federation's mind. Infact, since they rarely engage in warfare, their ships should have more defensive emplacements and tech than they do.

If the Monitor had simply fired under the waterline or had used full charge shots istead of half charge rounds, would have easily destroyed the Virginia. Often it is stupidity that loses the battles not genius which wins the battle.

Agreed, but given a population of Billions and hundreds of years to devise a system, there really MUST be a reason why it would be innefective for it NOT to have been employed yet. I just can't buy that the Feddies, dumb as they are, are quite THAT dumb.

It took the US Navy something like 20 years to develop the CIWS.

And only a few years to emplace anti aircraft guns on their decks once it became clear during the interm between WWI and WWII that Aircraft were a threat, even if only the Japanese considered them to be a big one (hence they were a big asset to the Japanese Navy). But the point is that with only a few million people, the US was able to develop it in 20 years. With BILLIONS of people and HUNDREDS of years, the feddies should have at least developed something similar. My head hurts to think that they might actually be THAT stuipid.

Everybodies technology is approximately compatable and no one has made any large gains.

Actually they have. Just not in firepower. Refer to the Federation's development of working Phase Cloaking years before the Romulans attempted it. Refer to the Federation's development of Ablative Armor, which is far more protective than any other substance shown in canon battles. There are other examples, but those two are quite significant if employed fleetwide in the Federation.

They also make many mistakes such as underequipped ground troups so we cannot say that they will always make the samrt choice.

Agreed. But still... THAT stupid?

And underequipped ground troops makes some sembalance of sense considering just how often they would be employed in an era of surgical orbital strikes, both stun and kill varities. Also, giving them adaqute protection vs orbital strikes would necessitate making them even more vulnerable because most powersources can bee detected from orbit.

No, that is not what I mean, the ratio of hits of phasers against incoming torpedoes. The point defense shots would reduce the number of hits but not stop them completely.

Agreed. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. Fewer hits means you ship is that much less damaged/your crew is that much less injured or killed/your combat capabilities are less fettered than would otherwise be the case.

Hmm, maybe a decoy dispenser would work. Basically, the ship is launched like a shuttle but fires off decoys to try and trick incoming torpedoes. Being seperate from the main ship might make the system more flexable.

Agreed. And if used in conjunction with PD, it would be much better/more effective.

A trek example might be that you have several crippled Excelsior class vessels and pull the saucer from one, the secondary hull from another, and the warp drives from another.

Perfectly reasonable. It's the Frankenstein fleet units that stick in my craw. (like the ones with an inrepid primary hull and an oversized Maquis Raider for engineering hull. If you want more, do a search on DITL or Ex Astris for the DS9 shots of them. One IIRC is called Yeager. The DS9 tech manual has quite a few of them shown, some even with TOS era parts. Those abortions are the uglyest looking combinations I've ever seen. Design ethos is just to dissimilar.

What is TWOK?

The Wrath Of Kahn

I am suggesting that the ships claim to be Republic ships when they attack the Federation, not Federation vessels.

I know. Sorry I wasn't clear enough. What I meant was that it wouldn't work with JUST THE FEDERATION AND NO REPUBLIC. The Federation would know that those ships shouldn't be there, and conclude that they were likley under the control of another government. (Romulans or Klingons depending on the time period).

But with the Republic in play, I can easily see the Federation jumping to blame them when attacked with ex-Federation ships.

Just like I can easily see that perpetrating such an attack would be something the Romulans could easily do to destabilize/weaken BOTH the Federation and Republic

It works quite well for your fan fic, but in canon timeline, it wouldn't be as effective IMHO.

He thinks that the crews of federation starships are set up so that a crew would never rebel.

It's possible I suppose. I doubt it though, just look at how many officers 'rebeled' by leaving SF and joining the Maquis. Also, there were many in the fleet that felt strongly that SF should be defending the settelers, just that they didn't want to leave SF. IMHO if there was sufficient cause, they would indeed "defect" to the Republic. Especially those who were part of the worlds of the Republic. If enough are sufficiently high up the chain of command and had the personal loyalty of the majority of their crews, they could quite likley bring their ships over to the Republic as well.

He also suggested that the Starfleet Academy would weed out any independent thinkers who might rebel.

I doubt it. They'll probably try and weed out the real nutters, much like modern militaries do, but other than that it's likley not necessary.

Most Federation worlds are HAPPY to be in the Federation. Most Federation citizens are HAPPY to be Federation citizens. There quite a content lot, hence little reason to weed out rebels. Now if a large enough percentage get sufficiently up in arms over stuipid Federation self defence and peace treaty policy, they could very likley impliment such a policy. But as there is really no general desire for them to do so in canon, (as Kahn said, "We're all one big, happy Fleet."), they likley have no system in place to ensure it.

I noted Roa Lerin and Tom Riker (who basically have Will Rikers values before he met Picard) both rebelled against the Federation.

Ro Laren rebelled against the Federation because she had developed a deep personal connection to the Maquis during her time as an infiltrator and was already partial to their POV beforehand. Hence, she was easily succeptable to being 'turned' as it were, and IMHO was a bad choice to be sent in as an agent.

Tom Riker was possessed with becoming different and independant from the shadow of his double, Will. Hence, he did the most extreme thing he could think up to do so, join the Maquis.

Both instances are not to do with gripes with the Federation or Starfleet, but more so with personal conflicts that spilled over to affect their duty to Starfleet and the Federation.

The crew of the Enterprise seems to mostly been from Earth which makes we wonder about crew policies.

Dunno about mostly from Earth, but mostly made up of humans yes. As are most ships we know of. Seems that Starfleet is a major draw for young humans. (or at least human look alikes, for how often do we encounter aliens that look almost exactly like humans or ones that are subtley different?) But there are ships with primarily other species. (Vulcan ships in DS9) so I would think that to simplify logistics and cultural clashes, most species tend to stay with their own in fleet units. (shrug).

I could see Rebellion arising quite readily myself. Post Dominion War, with quite a few Federation worlds, even some core ones, being overrun and under foreign control because they were not adaquately defended by the Federation, could create quite a bit of resentment. And if their pleas fell on deaf ears, with the majority of the Federation Council and President ignoring them, it could well spring into a schism. However, it would be a long thing, built up overtime. A sudden split isn't all that believable IMHO

[Kitsune]

That's workable. I just used the one they had for TMP (The Motion Picture) era according to the Trek Encyclopedia.

Crewman
Ables’ Man
Petty Officer 1st Class
Chief Petty Officer
Senior Chief Petty Officer
Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class
Master Chief Petty Officer

My problem is that rank system is way to "top heavy", too many chief petty officer ranks and too few crewmen and lower petty officer ranks. The breakdown in multiple lower ranks gives the crew something to climb up to (Better pay and more authority) In the US Navy, according to a chief I talked to, only 7% make chief, 5% make senior chief, and 2% make master chief. These are career military enlisted not short term (4 years or so) enlisted.

Not in Trek they don't. Everyone knows that all Starfleeters are always on perfect behaviour and never break the rules.

Right, you are also a used starship salesman <g>

But most are not employed for cost effectiveness. Given that there is virtually nothing in Trek that cannot be supplied via replicators, and with M/AM power cores, power to run them is cheap, cost effectiveness should be the last thing on the Federation's mind. Infact, since they rarely engage in warfare, their ships should have more defensive emplacements and tech than they do.

Since I already started using the concept that they did not think of it in my stories, I will keep with that theme. One piece of interest is that some point defense systenms can actually shoot down incoming cannon projectiles. I don't think the designers imagined that when developing the system. If nothing else, consider it to be a personal preference.

Agreed, but given a population of Billions and hundreds of years to devise a system, there really MUST be a reason why it would be innefective for it NOT to have been employed yet. I just can't buy that the Feddies, dumb as they are, are quite THAT dumb.

Well, the federation seems to be dumbing down their own population <g>

Actually they have. Just not in firepower. Refer to the Federation's development of working Phase Cloaking years before the Romulans attempted it. Refer to the Federation's development of Ablative Armor, which is far more protective than any other substance shown in canon battles. There are other examples, but those two are quite significant if employed fleetwide in the Federation.

Well, what I meant was in the 80 or so years between the older movies and next generation. They still have aproximately the same warp speeds, still use phasers, and still use photon torpedoes. Look at the naval and aviation advances for us in the last 80 years. A 100 mph Bi-plane compared to a supersonic vtol stealth fighter (F-35)

Agreed. But still... THAT stupid?
And underequipped ground troops makes some sembalance of sense considering just how often they would be employed in an era of surgical orbital strikes, both stun and kill varities. Also, giving them adaqute protection vs orbital strikes would necessitate making them even more vulnerable because most powersources can bee detected from orbit.

That is true but with sensors that can detect individual life forms, there is no purpose but to protect those life forms as best possible. Now, with the ability of space bombardment, I would think that controlling orbitals (like in many other SF series) makes you control the planet. Now, you need good equipment if you want to take control of something while causing minimal damage.

Perfectly reasonable. It's the Frankenstein fleet units that stick in my craw. (like the ones with an inrepid primary hull and an oversized Maquis Raider for engineering hull. If you want more, do a search on DITL or Ex Astris for the DS9 shots of them. One IIRC is called Yeager. The DS9 tech manual has quite a few of them shown, some even with TOS era parts. icon_sad.gif Those abortions are the uglyest looking combinations I've ever seen. Design ethos is just to dissimilar.

I agree

I know. Sorry I wasn't clear enough. What I meant was that it wouldn't work with JUST THE FEDERATION AND NO REPUBLIC. The Federation would know that those ships shouldn't be there, and conclude that they were likley under the control of another government. (Romulans or Klingons depending on the time period).

It would be extremely difficult, but in the short term, the Romulans might (not very likely) be able to trick the Federation involved in the incident but would never trick the Federation as a whole but they might not be able to trace it to a specific group although the Romulans would be most likely suspect (Maybe the Cardassians in some crazy plan)

It's possible I suppose. I doubt it though, just look at how many officers 'rebeled' by leaving SF and joining the Maquis. Also, there were many in the fleet that felt strongly that SF should be defending the settelers, just that they didn't want to leave SF. IMHO if there was sufficient cause, they would indeed "defect" to the Republic. Especially those who were part of the worlds of the Republic. If enough are sufficiently high up the chain of command and had the personal loyalty of the majority of their crews, they could quite likley bring their ships over to the Republic as well.

Those are my thoughts as well

I doubt it. They'll probably try and weed out the real nutters, much like modern militaries do, but other than that it's likley not necessary.

Most Federation worlds are HAPPY to be in the Federation. Most Federation citizens are HAPPY to be Federation citizens. There quite a content lot, hence little reason to weed out rebels. Now if a large enough percentage get sufficiently up in arms over stuipid Federation self defence and peace treaty policy, they could very likley impliment such a policy. But as there is really no general desire for them to do so in canon, (as Kahn said, "We're all one big, happy Fleet."), they likley have no system in place to ensure it.

I pretty much agree as well.

Tom Riker was possessed with becoming different and independant from the shadow of his double, Will. Hence, he did the most extreme thing he could think up to do so, join the Maquis.

Both instances are not to do with gripes with the Federation or Starfleet, but more so with personal conflicts that spilled over to affect their duty to Starfleet and the Federation.

Well, I have always read that most of a persons personality is formed in childhhod which Tom and Will share exactly. Will also seemed to almost respect the Ferengi 'Yankey Trader attitude' type attitude.

[HappyTarget]

Since I already started using the concept that they did not think of it in my stories, I will keep with that theme. One piece of interest is that some point defense systenms can actually shoot down incoming cannon projectiles. I don't think the designers imagined that when developing the system. If nothing else, consider it to be a personal preference.

Well, what I meant was in the 80 or so years between the older movies and next generation. They still have aproximately the same warp speeds, still use phasers, and still use photon torpedoes. Look at the naval and aviation advances for us in the last 80 years. A 100 mph Bi-plane compared to a supersonic vtol stealth fighter (F-35)

Except that uber alien enhanced max speed becomes standard max cruise speed. (depending on which source you choose to belive), phasers have been improved (again, depending on which source you choose to belive, DAMN PISS POOR INTERNAL CONTINUITY TO HELL!!!), photons have remained largely the same (although they recenly upgraded them with quantum ZPE warheads)

To go with your analogy, in the last 35 odd years or so, jet engine technology really hasn't changed a whole lot. It's gotten more refined, but at it's heart, it's still the same. And there is no forseeable change in air superiority fighter and bomber powerplants.

Fighters still use guns that fire bullets. Granted modern equivalents are much more effective than the prmitive machine guns on WWI biplanes, but their basic premise is largely unchanged.

Fighters still use missiles. They haven't really changed that much, still high explosive with lots of debris to spray with the fireball.

I get what you're trying to say though.

That is true but with sensors that can detect individual life forms, there is no purpose but to protect those life forms as best possible.

Which should logically be planetary shield networks, barring that atleast theatre shields. Anything else vs an enemy who controls orbitals and any substantial ground force in the open is toast.

Now, with the ability of space bombardment, I would think that controlling orbitals (like in many other SF series) makes you control the planet.

TNG+ era, I have to agree. TOS - TMP eras, if they hide behind their shields, rescue might arrive.

Now, you need good equipment if you want to take control of something while causing minimal damage.

Granted. And orbital bombardment only works if there are no countermeasures (primarily in relation to orbital stunning), and the target is not near a place that must be taken intact (primarily in relation to orbital full power phaser strikes). Ground troops would still be needed, just that they'd likely be far less prevalent than modern day or SWs makes them out to be. Large clusters of troops + open ground = slaughter

Well, I have always read that most of a persons personality is formed in childhhod which Tom and Will share exactly. Will also seemed to almost respect the Ferengi 'Yankey Trader attitude' type attitude.

While I tend to agree, I also think that IIRC 7 years trapped alone on a planet will F*** you up just a bit. And given that it's canon that Thomas DID want to distance himself from Will, I stand by my assertion as to why he did what he did.

[CDiehl]

I have some thoughts about this topic. I'd prefer to be in a position to establish policy, which is not what an admiral does.

I would split up the Republic military into five branches. The sea, air and space units, along with marines, would be combined into one branch. Ground forces, such as infantry, armor and artillery, would be the second branch. Special operations would have their own branch, containing snipers, commandoes, unconventional warfare units and assassins. Counterinsurgency units, who train local foreign populations to operate an enemy government, would get their own branch. Intelligence would be the last branch, made up of personnel from the other branches, providing covert information on threats to the Republic as well as threats to other governments.

My fleet would develop dedicated air and sea defenses, to help fight off invasions. The space fleet, made up of former Starfleet vessels, will probably have a large percentage of smaller vessels. This is fine, since the Republic will probably not have a lot of repair facilities to start with. Also, we can make lots of them quickly. I'd make my fleet a bunch of small, heavily-armed ships with lots of speed. However, I would begin to develop a class of capital ships. I would not depend too heavily on funky technologies right away, because a lot of them need to be tested and made easy to reproduce. Since Starfleet has no ground artillery or tanks to speak of, the Republic will have to develop them, as well as ground vehicles, in case of transporter suppression. I would also train all fleet and army personnel in as much armed and unarmed combat as possible, and issue them ranged and melee weapons and armor.

My diplomatic corps will be required to train in counterinsugency, intelligence or special operations. In the case of a war with the country to which they are assigned, their job is to coordinate operations to disrupt the enemy war effort, up to and including assassination of enemy military and political leaders. In peacetime, they will coordinate intelligence gathering, publicizing threats to the Republic, and arranging the sale of information on threats to other governments. My diplomats will not be doughy wimps unable to crack heads or negotiate from behind a phaser.

I would develop some new technologies for the Republic, but try not to depend to heavily on them. I'd look into building automated ships. This will require non-sentient AI, which should be within the Republic's capabilities. These ships would be used for combat, operating as part of fleets with more conventional ships. This sort of AI could be used to augment troops with non-sentient androids or robots. I would also develop holographc technology, with the goal of being able to fool sensors. Fake ships could be projected to make a fleet look larger, fake life signs could be used to make automated ships look normal, and holograms could be used to confuse and disorient enemy boarding parties or invasion forces. Each ship and station would have systems of holoemitters which would generate fake personnel, cloak real personnel, create false sensor readings and false sensory input, and create EMH's to deal with the wounded. Republic personnel could be issued equipment to filter the holograms (maybe modified UT's could be used). I'd also develop better armor for ships and other vehicles, so they are not vulnerable without shields. Finally I would develop phasing and metaphasic technology to allow the fleet to hide in planets or stars to ambush an enemy fleet, and develop means to not only detect cloaked ships, but use enemy cloaking devices to make their ships easy to hit.

Since the Republic was founded by ex-Federation citizens opposed to its socialistic aspects, I would base Republic policy and law on extending and protecting individual freedom. Citizenship would be granted to adults of any species who voluntarily join the Republic. All persons living in the Republic will have freedom of travel, trade, self-defense, religion, speech, assembly and property untrammeled by anyone, including the government. They will also have the right to maintain cultural ties to the society from which they came. The Republic will have no right to abridge freedom, even in wartime. The Republic will have as its goals free trade and peace, but if attacked, it will reserve the right to use any means to protect the Republic and destroy enemy military forces and political leadership, except the killing of innocent people. Republic scientists will not be limited in the study of a technology they like, except that they may not experiment on sentients without said sentients' permission. The Republic will have the right to claim any unclaimed, uninhabited worlds or regions touching its borders. These are all designed to produce a society full of individuals who will value their freedom and will fight for it.

[Isolder74]

I just see one problem, it is not considered a good idea to use your ambasadors as part of your intellegence and counterinsurgance forces. These are people that need to be at arms length from such things as they are the first people that will be suspected of such things and to allow them the ability to truefully deny anything about such campains.

[Kitsune]

I do not see a point in having a variety of surface branches because they cost resources which could be spend on starships and if you control teh high orbitals, you control the planet.

[CDiehl]

You are both right. It might be better to limit the diplomatic corps to activities in other areas during wartime only. Their services running intelligence and counterinsurgency operations would not be necessary except during a war. Also, the Republic could easily assign most planetside operations to local governments and militia, and maintain a small number of ground, sea and air forces to help retake lost territory, provide heavy-duty units and to function as high-level commanders above the local units. If necessary, these can all be folded into the special operations branch, so we are down to four branches.

[Kitsune]

You are both right. It might be better to limit the diplomatic corps to activities in other areas during wartime only. Their services running intelligence and counterinsurgency operations would not be necessary except during a war. Also, the Republic could easily assign most planetside operations to local governments and militia, and maintain a small number of ground, sea and air forces to help retake lost territory, provide heavy-duty units and to function as high-level commanders above the local units. If necessary, these can all be folded into the special operations branch, so we are down to four branches.

One item is that I am not saying the Republic should not have good ground forces, just that they would not be a real high priority and orbital support owuld be the keep to winning in most battles.

[CDiehl]

The Republic itself would have a relatively small number of surface troops, seagoing ships and aircraft, because it needs to have some. The bulk of the surface units would be regular units (grunts) formed and run by planetary or sector governments inside the Republic. When invaded, local units would be backed up by more advanced or specialized units run by the Republic, and the whole would be commanded by Republic general officers. These may not be the top priority, but they have to rank someplace, or what does the spaceborne fleet have to support? With each world or sector having is own defense plans and forces, an enemy can't learn one plan and apply it to every Republic world. However, the Republic's military has to pitch in to defend its member worlds as part of its mandate.

[HappyTarget]

I would split up the Republic military into five branches. The sea, air and space units, along with marines, would be combined into one branch. Ground forces, such as infantry, armor and artillery, would be the second branch. Special operations would have their own branch, containing snipers, commandoes, unconventional warfare units and assassins. Counterinsurgency units, who train local foreign populations to operate an enemy government, would get their own branch. Intelligence would be the last branch, made up of personnel from the other branches, providing covert information on threats to the Republic as well as threats to other governments.

Why have sea and air units at all?

Ground forces should indeed be a separate branch of the military

SpecOps IMHO should also be separate, due to the intense and distinct nature of their training and that they do missions in all manner of environment (ship, station, outerspace, planetside, city)

IMHO Counterinsurgency units could be under either SpecOps or Army divisions. Just have them be an important sub branch.

Intel should be separate as well. And it should indeed have assets with varied service backgrounds to better enable effective execution operations in the plethora of situations and environments they would be done in.

My fleet would develop dedicated air and sea defenses, to help fight off invasions.

Dedicated air units would in all likelyhood underperform their spaceborn counterparts, hence being of little use IMHO.

Sea borne defenses would be of little use with an enemy that controls the high orbitals. And there is little reason why spaceborn ships cannot operate under water with minor modifications (refer to the Delta Flyer). That said, if there are resources to spare, a futuristic sub could be a very effective combatant, but it's true utility would be limited if the enemy keeps ships in orbit that can kill it once it launches. It's something to build if possible, but I would much rather have more starships instead of them.

The space fleet, made up of former Starfleet vessels, will probably have a large percentage of smaller vessels. This is fine, since the Republic will probably not have a lot of repair facilities to start with. Also, we can make lots of them quickly. I'd make my fleet a bunch of small, heavily-armed ships with lots of speed.

Agreed.

However, I would begin to develop a class of capital ships. I would not depend too heavily on funky technologies right away, because a lot of them need to be tested and made easy to reproduce.

Agreed.

Since Starfleet has no ground artillery or tanks to speak of, the Republic will have to develop them, as well as ground vehicles, in case of transporter suppression. I would also train all fleet and army personnel in as much armed and unarmed combat as possible, and issue them ranged and melee weapons and armor.

Smallarms and unarmed combat training, to at least a mimimal proficiency level, is a VERY good thing to have, especially considering how often ships are boarded in Trek canon.

My diplomatic corps will be required to train in counterinsugency, intelligence or special operations. In the case of a war with the country to which they are assigned, their job is to coordinate operations to disrupt the enemy war effort, up to and including assassination of enemy military and political leaders. In peacetime, they will coordinate intelligence gathering, publicizing threats to the Republic, and arranging the sale of information on threats to other governments. My diplomats will not be doughy wimps unable to crack heads or negotiate from behind a phaser.

Just ensure that, like modern day diplomats, not ALL of your diplomats (even if they have the training) do as you describe. Otherwise, you loose any chance at communications with your enemies.

I would develop some new technologies for the Republic, but try not to depend to heavily on them. I'd look into building automated ships. This will require non-sentient AI, which should be within the Republic's capabilities. These ships would be used for combat, operating as part of fleets with more conventional ships. This sort of AI could be used to augment troops with non-sentient androids or robots. I would also develop holographc technology, with the goal of being able to fool sensors. Fake ships could be projected to make a fleet look larger, fake life signs could be used to make automated ships look normal, and holograms could be used to confuse and disorient enemy boarding parties or invasion forces. Each ship and station would have systems of holoemitters which would generate fake personnel, cloak real personnel, create false sensor readings and false sensory input, and create EMH's to deal with the wounded. Republic personnel could be issued equipment to filter the holograms (maybe modified UT's could be used).

Actual use of EW in Trek. What a novel concept. Should enable you to smack most canon enemies around the head quite easily. Very necessary suggestion, and one that baffels me as to why it isn't used by canon Trek powers. The only EW they have that's effective is cloaking devices.

I'd also develop better armor for ships and other vehicles, so they are not vulnerable without shields.

Agreed. Strong shields are good, but they do fail, and when they do it's comforting to have something substantial between the crew and the hostile weapons fire.

Finally I would develop phasing and metaphasic technology to allow the fleet to hide in planets or stars to ambush an enemy fleet, and develop means to not only detect cloaked ships, but use enemy cloaking devices to make their ships easy to hit.

Agreed.

Since the Republic was founded by ex-Federation citizens opposed to its socialistic aspects, I would base Republic policy and law on extending and protecting individual freedom. Citizenship would be granted to adults of any species who voluntarily join the Republic. All persons living in the Republic will have freedom of travel, trade, self-defense, religion, speech, assembly and property untrammeled by anyone, including the government.

Which is good up to a point. The government should still have the right to bring it's citizens to the Republic's defense. Some may consider this a slight to their freedom of travel.

They will also have the right to maintain cultural ties to the society from which they came. The Republic will have no right to abridge freedom, even in wartime. The Republic will have as its goals free trade and peace, but if attacked, it will reserve the right to use any means to protect the Republic and destroy enemy military forces and political leadership, except the killing of innocent people.

Which would be directly contrary to the untrammeled rights granted to the Republic's citizens. In one, you give citizens inalienable rights, in the next, you give the government freehand to "use any means". IMHO, the two are mutually exclusive. (shrug)

Republic scientists will not be limited in the study of a technology they like, except that they may not experiment on sentients without said sentients' permission.

This could be a very touchy legal issue, for some sentients might be desperate enough to do most anything in exchange for something. Also, some sentients may not have the intelligence to know what they are giving permission for.

The Republic itself would have a relatively small number of surface troops, seagoing ships and aircraft, because it needs to have some.

Surface troops yes, for one can never truely hold or retake ground without them

Aircraft no, for they are a waste of resources IMHO (far better to make shuttles that can operate in atmosphere as well as space, for this ability greatly increases their utility).

Seagoing vessels are also of limited utility, as there is little they can do that a space going vessel cannot. Hence, as I have said above, I would only make them provided they didn't divert resources away from spacecraft production.

With each world or sector having is own defense plans and forces, an enemy can't learn one plan and apply it to every Republic world.

No plan survives contact with the enemy. And the overall plan should be clear enough from the get go anyhow. Anything else and it would become two specialized to be applicable on another world with different terrain and resources and points of conflict. Now I can see compartmentalizing weapons cache/C&C sites/hidden bunker locations, but overall planetary defence plans would have to be handled on a case by case basis anyway, so I don't get your reasoning.

However, the Republic's military has to pitch in to defend its member worlds as part of its mandate.

Wouldn't be much of a military if it DIDN'T do this!

[CDiehl]

Your point about whether to have dedicated air and sea forces is well taken. I have noticed that air and sea approaches are not used often in ST combat, and I would prefer that the Republic deploy such units before someone else uses them on it. Also, I would like Republic surface troops to have more choices than "beam to the place" or "walk naked and wear out before you get there." I am also nervous about bombarding Republic worlds, since the Republic would be fighting to defend its own territory, not to expand, and whenever I think of orbital bombardment, I picture SW-style BDZ's. However, since developing a bunch of vessels of such limited use is expensive, a better solution might be to build small ships able to travel up to orbital space, in the atmosphere and on or under the sea. They can support space-only ships defending a planet.

I could rename the combined army/specops branch the army, and make each large unit (corps strength) a combined-arms unit, with infantry, armor, artillery, sea/air/space vehicles and specops elements. Counterinsurgency units are a separate branch because they have a different job. Instead of defending or retaking ground inside the Republic's borders, these units are designed to go outside Republic territory and organize rebellions or guerilla activities in enemy territory. If necessary, such units could be deployed on occupied Republic worlds, but with an armed population, that shouldn't be as necessary, bt you never know for sure. Intelligence is a separate branch, and it could draw personnel from the other branches.

As for combat training for all military personnel, it should be excellent across the board. All of them should have training in armed and unarmed melee combat, combat with ranged weapons, first aid training and training with a tricorder, before going on to their specialty, and all of them should have at least body armor, a helmet, a sidearm and medical kit when in combat. Rifles should have attached bayonets, since many military forces use melee weapons, and it's cheaper to have one weapon that does both. Diplomats should also have basic military training and have access to the same basic equipment as soldiers, sailors, etc., in case of an emergency. Ambassadors can be tempting kidnap and assassination targets. Simple body armor could be built into a suit of clothes so it's not obvious; a heavily armored man come to negotiate is scary.

On the topic of the Republic being able to bring its population into a war effort, I would think an invasion would be sufficient to produce a large number of volunteers to fight off the invasion. The Republic is to be the sort of place where people willingly defend their own freedom without coercion. Conscription may be easier, but if the Republic needs it to fill its military, then why bother leaving the Federation?

I should have explained that the "by any means necessary" rule applies to attacking enemy personnel only. There will be no bombing of cities, collateral damage, and no Treaty of Algeron; nobody tells the Republic what they may develop or not develop to defend itself. I also required scientists to have permission before they experiment on sentients, because I don't want the lack of limits on scientific experimentation to be a license to be a stereotypical mad scientist. I should have mentioned the idea of informed consent.

I agree that a planet's defense plan doesn't last after the battle begins, but that is where the Republic's military comes in. They organize all these local forces and all these plans into a large-scale plan to counterattack an invasion force. It's hard to find a way to have a coherent military without putting a huge economic burden on the entire Republic, and allowing their military to trample local sovereignty, but I am sure a way can be found. I'd rather avoid making a "one size fits all" plan to defend all the worlds of the Republic, because that gives a sizable advantage to an enemy.

[HappyTarget]

Your point about whether to have dedicated air and sea forces is well taken. I have noticed that air and sea approaches are not used often in ST combat, and I would prefer that the Republic deploy such units before someone else uses them on it. Also, I would like Republic surface troops to have more choices than "beam to the place" or "walk naked and wear out before you get there." I am also nervous about bombarding Republic worlds, since the Republic would be fighting to defend its own territory, not to expand, and whenever I think of orbital bombardment, I picture SW-style BDZ's. However, since developing a bunch of vessels of such limited use is expensive, a better solution might be to build small ships able to travel up to orbital space, in the atmosphere and on or under the sea. They can support space-only ships defending a planet.

The way I see it, aircraft are just to limited in what they can and can't do to compete with what shuttles and runabouts have been shown capable of. Hence, unles they are merely a step below them (and if so, why not just spring the pocket change for a full on shuttle or runabout?) they won't be able to harm them. Hence largely a waste of resources IMHO. There's no way an aircraft can outperform observed shuttle and runabout capabilities.

I can see having more choice than beaming or walking, but that's what the shuttles are for. Which is better? An aircraft that is limited to what... Mach 4 or 5? Or a shuttle that can to into LO and get you anywhere on the planet in minutes?

A modified shuttle could meet any of your described needs as well as be more capable than any individual system of sub/boat/airplane. As it's sealed against the riggors of space, it can handily act like a sub. Boats are virtually useless as they would be sitting ducks for airstrikes or orbital bombardment even moreso than they are in modern day. Airplanes have no advantages over shuttles, and are weaker in many areas than shuttles are.

Trek orbital bombardment is very likely much more surgical than Wars BDZ. Given the Feddies sensor fidelity and the variable settings for shipboard phaser NDF effect and beam width and even possessing a stun beam capable of affecting city blocks in size, one doesn't need copious ammounts of raw DET firepower to reduce a planet. Surgical strikes with Trek are much perferable and well within their capablilities should they choose to actually use them fully instead of half assed.

Conscription may be easier, but if the Republic needs it to fill its military, then why bother leaving the Federation?

Republic feels, and rightly so, that a pure military can do a better job fighting than a pesudo military/scientific organization who's senior captains and flag officers don't consider to be a military even though it sometimes is forced to act as one. Not that there is throngs of Republicans that want to sign up to join an actual military. Just that the model used currently by the Federation could be a hell of a lot better from a self defense standpoint, even with a few minor tweaks. Hence, while I'm sure many of the Republic's citizens may want a stronger defese of their homes, they themselves might not be willing to provide for it by allowing the military to use them.

There will be no bombing of cities, collateral damage,

And if your enemy occupies a Republic planet, then digs in inside the cities and refuses to meet your forces in open terrain, cities may well have to bombed and collateral damage will likley happen, no matter how surgical your strikes are. Collateral damage is a fact of war, even in the Trek universe. While I agree that you should take all steps you can to limit it, it most certainly can and definately WILL happen, no matter your preparations to avoid it.

and no Treaty of Algeron; nobody tells the Republic what they may develop or not develop to defend itself.

So you would play with the Omega particle? Or something even more dangerous should you deem it necessary? While I agree that the Treaty of Algeron was a pain in the ass, it did save lives by stopping the war. By not lmiting your research to somewhat safe techs, you could be inviting a curb stomping by ALL major players for not playing by the 'rules'.

should have mentioned the idea of informed consent.

Yes indeed.

It's hard to find a way to have a coherent military without putting a huge economic burden on the entire Republic,

Why? Largescale dirtside operations are a VBI in most, if not all sci-fi universes. You can easily have a very coherent military, merely one that's easily justifiably small. While thousands of massed troops and tanks might look impressive as hell, they're often easy meat for aircraft. And with starships being an order of magnitude beyond them (and that we've never seen a man or small vehicle porable ground to space weapons system in canon), they'll likely be vaped if the enemy has a ship with weapons in orbit to call on for fire support.

Forces dirtside must be correspondingly small and rely heavily on EW to keep themselves hidden. I just can't see much else being workable, unless one wants things left intact, the enemy is using those things as cover and is invulnerable to stun setting. Then more troops is good.

I'd rather avoid making a "one size fits all" plan to defend all the worlds of the Republic, because that gives a sizable advantage to an enemy.

Agreed.

As for combat training for all military personnel, it should be excellent across the board.

Yep.

All of them should have training in armed and unarmed melee combat, combat with ranged weapons, first aid training and training with a tricorder, before going on to their specialty,

Agreed. Just like new recruits have to get through basic first, before they move on to other specialties.

Diplomats should also have basic military training and have access to the same basic equipment as soldiers, sailors, etc., in case of an emergency.

Survival gear on small craft should also be guarenteed as much as possible. Make the cases as rugged and durable as possible, and always have enough along to ensure that everyone gets an equal share. E-Rats are a must, even on short hops, cuz we all know from how many epps just what can happen on even short hops.

[CDiehl]

I see what you mean about aircraft. However, we don't often see air or space support given to infantry in Star Trek. The Republic should have the good sense to use both orbiting starships and stations to bombard enemy ground forces, and aircraft in the form of shuttles and runabouts designed for air and space combat, and fighters (like the Peregrine but not limited to it). These could be deployed both from spacecraft and from surface bases. It's better not to wait for an enemy to wise up before developing this.

As for orbital bombardment and the defense of cities, there are a fe ways to go. Shields could surely be installed for use in emergencies, similar to the ones on ships. Research could be carried out to make the shields able to bounce transporter signals away from the city. Also, building materials could be developed to make the buildings resist damage and radiation better. Republic ships could carry non-lethal weaponry for use when bombarding settled areas, to minimize civilian casualties and the complications they can cause. I'd rather not drive Republic citizens to support an enemy occupation force for protection from their own fleet.

I think it would be expensive to have a ground army run by the Republic itself, able to defend all the habitable worlds and settlements claimed by the Republic. Since this is not supposed to be a police state, I shifted the burden of defending each world to its local government, with the Republic filling in the gaps and organizing a common defense of the enitre Republic, should it all be under attack simultaeously. I think each world must be able to be self-sufficient if cut off from the rest, because it could happen. However, they should be able to do that while remaining free societies. If they can't do these two tasks, they will be conquered or cease to be a republic, and become what they are defending against.

About scientific research, if the Republic votes to refuse to allow certain areas of research, such as the omega particle, so be it. However, treaties with outside groups should not limit research under any circumstances, an especially when said group is trying to ban the development of a technology they themselves possess (like the Romulans and a cloaking device). The Republic should never give away a large permanent advantage to a potential enemy at the bargaining table.

I agree about survival gear on all ships, including rations and water, first aid kits (including bandages, splints, tourniquets, disinfectant, pain killers, coagulants, kironide, etc., in addition to high-tech gear), tool kit, spare parts, camping gear, gas masks, emergency beacon, emergency communicator, extra impulse engine fuel and a transporter signal booster. Non-human personnel should be issued personal first-aid kits containing substances they need over and above what is in the standard kit (such as a Benzite having extra gas for his breathing device). In addition, all ships should have seatbelts on all seats, and maybe folding seats with belts for personnel who work standing up in case they have to get off their feet in an emergency (like a crash landing or a torpedo hit). Such seats could be built into the walls and corridors all over the ship, so crew members can strap in anywhere. Emergency air supplies could be placed all over the ship, as well as railings and handholds, in case life support or artificial gravity go out. Manual controls should also be available for critical systems, in case the computer fails. Control panels should have surge protection so they don't blow out and shock users when damaged. All personnel should have to regularly undergo a transport cycle to back up their trace patterns, and no crew member should be allowed to go from one posting to another until the trace is received at the destination.

[HappyTarget]

I see what you mean about aircraft. However, we don't often see air or space support given to infantry in Star Trek. The Republic should have the good sense to use both orbiting starships and stations to bombard enemy ground forces, and aircraft in the form of shuttles and runabouts designed for air and space combat, and fighters (like the Peregrine but not limited to it). These could be deployed both from spacecraft and from surface bases. It's better not to wait for an enemy to wise up before developing this.

Agreed 110%. It's not for lack of capability, it's lack of using it. Airlift and air fire support are well within canon capablities, just that the writers are to damn stupid to put them in.

As for orbital bombardment and the defense of cities, there are a fe ways to go. Shields could surely be installed for use in emergencies, similar to the ones on ships.

Given that we've never seen planetary defenses in TNG+, they are definately something I would want to build to include in my defense.

Research could be carried out to make the shields able to bounce transporter signals away from the city.

Or just use the canon transporter inhibitors. Hell, if the Klingons have them, it's pretty sad that the Feddies don't. Again, piss poor writers not using all canon tech as they should.

Also, building materials could be developed to make the buildings resist damage and radiation better.

All major buildings in my TEverse have their own shield grids and Ablative armor. Not that it helps much from a true orbital bombardment, but it does help limit collateral damage from a ground fight.

Republic ships could carry non-lethal weaponry for use when bombarding settled areas, to minimize civilian casualties and the complications they can cause.

Which only works if the enemy has no counter. If they don't, then by all means employ such a system. But if personal shield emitters stop stun setting cold, then there isn't much choice but to bring out heftier firepower.

I'd rather not drive Republic citizens to support an enemy occupation force for protection from their own fleet.

Agreed, you really don't want to be orbitally bombarding cities if you can help it, even with Trek level accuracy. Hence why I say that if the enemy chooses to dig in inside a city (sorta like how the Iraqi Republican Guard did to stay safe from airstrikes), you have to have ground forces go in to get em out. While ALL attempts should be made to limit collateral damage, IT WILL STILL OCCUR. This should be spelled out to Republican civilians quite clearly.

I think it would be expensive to have a ground army run by the Republic itself, able to defend all the habitable worlds and settlements claimed by the Republic. Since this is not supposed to be a police state, I shifted the burden of defending each world to its local government, with the Republic filling in the gaps and organizing a common defense of the enitre Republic, should it all be under attack simultaeously. I think each world must be able to be self-sufficient if cut off from the rest, because it could happen.

Again, I just can't see it being as expensive as building up a Fleet. Espeically considering how small it' would almost HAVE to be And with replicators, self sufficiency wouldn't be much of a problem.

About scientific research, if the Republic votes to refuse to allow certain areas of research, such as the omega particle, so be it.

While the Republic as outlined by Kitsune would very likley do just that, under original stipulation that the Republic's scientists would be free to research damn near anything, they wouldn't really be bound by Republic's decisions. It's good to see that you see the need for minimal governmental involement in scientific direction.

However, treaties with outside groups should not limit research under any circumstances, an especially when said group is trying to ban the development of a technology they themselves possess (like the Romulans and a cloaking device). The Republic should never give away a large permanent advantage to a potential enemy at the bargaining table.

Agreed. The Feddies have shown a mind boggeling tendency to sign away things of theirs to halt even a cakewalk war. It all goes back to the notions that they want peace at nearly any price and because of this mindset aren't willing to have an ACTUAL MILITARY and have a COMPETENT one at that.

emergency beacon, emergency communicator

And these should also have a self delivery method to orbit (to prevent what Odo and Quark had to do to get the signal out when the crashed on the Class L planet). Barring that, ships should have a system that deploys a beacon automatically in orbit when crashing. Have it simple explosive bolts with a mechanacal triggering mechanism to ensure that near 100% of the time it's deployed when needed.

Non-human personnel should be issued personal first-aid kits containing substances they need over and above what is in the standard kit (such as a Benzite having extra gas for his breathing device).

Yup.

In addition, all ships should have seatbelts on all seats, and maybe folding seats with belts for personnel who work standing up in case they have to get off their feet in an emergency (like a crash landing or a torpedo hit). Such seats could be built into the walls and corridors all over the ship, so crew members can strap in anywhere.

The Empire has it's bottomless pits with foot wide, rail less catwalks across them, Starfleet has it's officers standing or sitting with no means of holding them in their posts. In the grand scheme of things, it all works out. Seriously, if not seatbelts due to the extreme stresses they would emplace on the users bodies, perhaps a tractor field of some sort?

Emergency air supplies could be placed all over the ship,

Supposidly they are. Just that they are never observed to be used, even when they would be very good to be used. Enviro systems start acting up? Just slap on a rebreather facemask. Again, stupid writers rear their ugly heads.

as well as railings and handholds, in case life support or artificial gravity go out.

These could be useful, but AG goes out so infrequently that I don't personally think it would matter much.

What would be good is to have the turbolift tubes weightless as well as the stairway/ladder interlinks between decks. Would make getting from point a to point b much faster should the need arise to use them. Turbolift car can have in floor grav plates, but the tube itself need not have any gravity at all. This set up would also make them more efficient as they wouldn't have to resist gravity to travel.

Control panels should have surge protection so they don't blow out and shock users when damaged.

A definate must. The worst their pannels should be is like an exploding TV monitor. While still messy, it shouldn't permantly kill the officer.

All personnel should have to regularly undergo a transport cycle to back up their trace patterns, and no crew member should be allowed to go from one posting to another until the trace is received at the destination.

In theory, one should be able to live forever by using old transporter patterns to reset your body. Also, there should be no disease because a 'clean' pattern could be used to remove the disease. (stupid writers...)

[CDiehl]

I agree about the transporters, even if using a transporter to filter diseases were reserved for an emergency. I would add that Republic transporters should be modified to allow them to be used as emergency shelters (look up Scotty if he's still alive and hire him to oversee the modification). I'd also make them bigger and more accurate, so they can beam out more than six at a time in an evacution, and so they can lock on and beam off pieces of an enemy ship's hull. I know I am turning this into my Star Trek tech wish list, but if the Republic were to scoop up every Federation fumble on technology, it could be damn near invincible.

[HappyTarget]

I know I am turning this into my Star Trek tech wish list, but if the Republic were to scoop up every Federation fumble on technology, it could be damn near invincible.

You're right though. The Feddies are pretty stupid at times. Just goes to show they should have someone devious working as a tech advisor. Everytime they want to introduce a new capability, they should have a brainstrom as to how it could be missused by bad people. Like me for instance. I had to dream up quite a few alterations to make canon tech fit with what it should be able to do and prevent most of that from happening.

and so they can lock on and beam off pieces of an enemy ship's hull.

They should be able to do that now, just going from their onscreen capablities. Hence why I had to do the above.

[Isolder74]

I have been thinking about the comments about aircraft. If you can build an aircraft that performs better on planet then a space/aircraft then building it would provide you a tactical advantage. Include long range missiles on them that can hit enemy capitol ships in orbit, and these planes could pack quite a punch. On a planet places to base these units would not be a problem. Then you can have you starfighters spend their time attacking the enemy capitol ships and landing ships as they attempt to land troops(assuming you have a antitransporter net already as part of you defense grid). Dedicated aircraft gives you an extra layer of defense against attack that any Star Trek power would not be prepared for.

On another note, Intrepid class ship with their ability to land on planets would make an excellent troop transport and landing ship. Wth its armement it could be a excellent fire base. multipule Intrepids landing would cause quite a stir as part of a defensive fleet fighting off an enemy invasion.

[Isolder74]

Also the Treaty of Algaria seems to be the Romulons using their threat of desroying the Federation to bully the Federation into alowing them to keep a major strategic advantage. I think it is lame that the Federation bends over backwards in order to keep the peace. Is it so evil to have a decient defense fleet. The treaty also seems to keep the Federation from researching ways to detect cloaked ships with only single ships.

[CDiehl]

I never imagined the treaty prevented the Federation from developing anti-cloaking technology, and I actually think they have several ways to detect them. With some effort, I'm sure the tachyon net could be shrunk down to 1 or 2 ships, so you don't have to waste 20 ships to find 2. They could look for the exhaust, or the wake of particles its navigational deflector repels, or the collapsing warp field a cloaked ship puts out. I assumed they didn't take advantage of it because they are trying not to be provocative, or they don't want them to know they can do this, which is probably giving them too much credit.

I can think of a couple other ideas for technology the Republic could look into. First, they could install cable-based transporters to do site-to-site transports inside a ship or base. Instead of using a typical broadcast signal which is easy to block, install sets of redundant cables running between small transporter pads at several locations to send the signal from one pad to another. They could be designed to only beam authorized personnel around, and send unauhorized personnel to the brig. In an emergency, they could send people to escape pods. Second, since the Republic lies along the Neutral Zone, the Republic should look for Iconian gateways. Whoever finds them and figures out how to control where they send people and goods, will be an economic and military powerhouse. Better them than the Romulans, or the Dominion.

[HappyTarget]

I have been thinking about the comments about aircraft. If you can build an aircraft that performs better on planet then a space/aircraft then building it would provide you a tactical advantage. Include long range missiles on them that can hit enemy capitol ships in orbit, and these planes could pack quite a punch. On a planet places to base these units would not be a problem. Then you can have you starfighters spend their time attacking the enemy capitol ships and landing ships as they attempt to land troops(assuming you have a antitransporter net already as part of you defense grid). Dedicated aircraft gives you an extra layer of defense against attack that any Star Trek power would not be prepared for.

Agreed. If you can give them GREATER capablities than shuttles and other similar small craft then by all means they should be part of your defensive planning. Just that IMHO you can't give them greater capabilities than shuttles have demonstrated. But if it can be done, it would be a tremendous asset.

On another note, Intrepid class ship with their ability to land on planets would make an excellent troop transport and landing ship. Wth its armement it could be a excellent fire base. multipule Intrepids landing would cause quite a stir as part of a defensive fleet fighting off an enemy invasion.

Intrepid class used as drop ships and fire bases would be very good to have.

I can think of a couple other ideas for technology the Republic could look into. First, they could install cable-based transporters to do site-to-site transports inside a ship or base.

Good to have if it works. Not sure if transporters can be anything other than a broadcast setup though.

They could be designed to only beam authorized personnel around, and send unauhorized personnel to the brig. In an emergency, they could send people to escape pods.

Regular transporters should be able to do this already...

Second, since the Republic lies along the Neutral Zone, the Republic should look for Iconian gateways. Whoever finds them and figures out how to control where they send people and goods, will be an economic and military powerhouse. Better them than the Romulans, or the Dominion.

Agreed.

[Isolder74]

I have been thinking about the comments about aircraft. If you can build an aircraft that performs better on planet then a space/aircraft then building it would provide you a tactical advantage. Include long range missiles on them that can hit enemy capitol ships in orbit, and these planes could pack quite a punch. On a planet places to base these units would not be a problem. Then you can have you starfighters spend their time attacking the enemy capitol ships and landing ships as they attempt to land troops(assuming you have a antitransporter net already as part of you defense grid). Dedicated aircraft gives you an extra layer of defense against attack that any Star Trek power would not be prepared for.

Agreed. If you can give them GREATER capablities than shuttles and other similar small craft then by all means they should be part of your defensive planning. Just that IMHO you can't give them greater capabilities than shuttles have demonstrated. But if it can be done, it would be a tremendous asset.

Given that they can get such performance out of those horribly aerodynamic
Shuttles and fighters then a craft actually designed to operate in an atmosphere, like a F-16, fitted with the same technology Should be much more capable than what Starfleet has right now.

On another note, Intrepid class ship with their ability to land on planets would make an excellent troop transport and landing ship. Wth its armement it could be a excellent fire base. multipule Intrepids landing would cause quite a stir as part of a defensive fleet fighting off an enemy invasion.

Intrepid class used as drop ships and fire bases would be very good to have.

Yes which is why I brought it up. Add their replicators and then these flying fortresses will be real hard nuts to crack. Their cargo bays would also be fitted all of our new tanks and ground combat vehicles.

[CDiehl]

My thought with cable-based transporters is that you can place a bunch of easy-to-use transporters all over the ship or the base, and send people from place to place without the risks of doing site-to-site transports the regular way, or the chance of having the signal altered by scramblers. Escape pods can be hooked into the system until they eject and during an evacuation, the transport system can be programmed to send everyone who uses it to the escape pods.

I was wondering what sort of prefix the Republic would use on its ship registrations, instead of USS. I was thinking, RCV (Republic Combat Vessel), then the number. A different prefix could be used for exploration or colony vessels sent by the Republic. Also, what sort of naming conventions might they use?

[Crazedwraith]

I was wondering what sort of prefix the Republic would use on its ship registrations, instead of USS. I was thinking, RCV (Republic Combat Vessel), then the number. A different prefix could be used for exploration or colony vessels sent by the Republic. Also, what sort of naming conventions might they use?

Um R.S.S ? Republic Star Ship?
R.C.S.S? Republic Combat Star Ship?
They might not have one at all.

[HappyTarget]

My thought with cable-based transporters is that you can place a bunch of easy-to-use transporters all over the ship or the base, and send people from place to place without the risks of doing site-to-site transports the regular way, or the chance of having the signal altered by scramblers. Escape pods can be hooked into the system until they eject and during an evacuation, the transport system can be programmed to send everyone who uses it to the escape pods.

And agan, if it can be sent via hardwireing, all to the better. But it seems to be a transmission only deal from canon. (shrug)

I was wondering what sort of prefix the Republic would use on its ship registrations, instead of USS. I was thinking, RCV (Republic Combat Vessel), then the number. A different prefix could be used for exploration or colony vessels sent by the Republic. Also, what sort of naming conventions might they use?

R.C.V. - Republic Combat Vessel
R.S.S. - Republic Star Ship?
R.C.S.S. - Republic Combat Star Ship?
R.C.S. - Republic Combat Ship
R.N.S. - Republic Naval Ship (my personal favorite)
R.N.V. - Repubilc Naval Vessel
R.N.W. - Republic Naval Warship

Given that they can get such performance out of those horribly aerodynamic shuttles.

I tend to think that they have their shields modified to provide more easy airflow around the shuttle. Never seen it proven in canon though.

a craft actually designed to operate in an atmosphere, like a F-16, fitted with the same technology Should be much more capable than what Starfleet has right now.

F-16 takes longer to come 180 degrees than shuttles do in atmosphere. And since actual wings would be pretty much useless given impulse and AG drives, it would be better to design a more aerodynamic shuttle body than a true aircraft IMHO. Perhaps a design closer to flying wing/blended wing lifting body style to provide simple shape and maximize internal volume?

[CDiehl]

Is it canon that a transporter signal through a wire is impossible, or did they just never think of it? I don't think there's a difference if a transporter signal being transmitted over wires or being broadcast. This would not work for most transports we are shown, which are ship-to-ship or ship-to-surface, but this is between two locations in the same ship or building. You don't need to use an antenna or similar device to do that; just wire up the transporters to each other. It's safer than using a standard transporter to do site-to-site transports, but you only have a limited number of specific sites to send to. It's a tradeoff.

About shuttles being used as combat aircraft, could they put in a set of collapsible wings for emergencies, so it could glide and land if the engine goes out? Also, could such a shuttle use a set of manual controls, instead of a touchscreen? In a battle, a pilot should not have to punch several buttons to make a left turn. He should just turn the wheel or joystick to the left.