The Ultimate Ranking of Star Trek's Most Legendary Starfleet Promotions

Summary

Promotions in Starfleet are a key aspect of character development, as seen in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4.

In the world of Star Trek, not all promotions are seen as positive, as certain characters find themselves facing career stagnation. These promotions, however, serve as noteworthy landmarks in a character's narrative, evoking moments of celebration and marking important milestones in their journey.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2 contain minor spoilers. In Starfleet, there is always room for career growth, as showcased in the promotion ceremony of Star Trek: Lower Decks' season 4. However, this is not the first time notable promotions have been seen in the Star Trek series. Ensigns Bradward Boimler and Beckett Mariner, along with their fellow Lower Deckers, join a long line of Starfleet officers who have been recognized for their hard work and remarkable discoveries. Within the military institution of Starfleet, there is always opportunity for advancement.

The journey towards promotion often serves as a compelling character arc, as demonstrated by Commander Benjamin Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Sisko transformed from a disillusioned single father into a devoted Starfleet officer and a military leader during the Dominion War. However, ascending the ranks in Starfleet does not always guarantee rewards. Some Admirals, like Les Buneamigo in Star Trek: Lower Decks, experience career stagnation after their promotion. Captain James T. Kirk, a legendary figure, also faced discomfort behind a desk or inspecting starships despite his elevated rank. Nevertheless, in the world of Star Trek, the moment of advancement within Starfleet is typically a cause for celebration.

10 Burnham's Promotion To Captain (Star Trek: Discovery)

9 Kirk's Promotion To Captain (Star Trek)

Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) was always destined to become Captain in Star Trek: Discovery. Consequently, the wait for her inevitable promotion became somewhat frustrating, but it was ultimately worth it. By revitalizing the Federation and Starfleet and reducing the Emerald Chain's control over the galaxy, Burnham earned her well-deserved promotion in Discovery season 3. The final scene, with Burnham seated in the center surrounded by her loyal crew, was a moment of pure joy. It was a fitting conclusion, highlighted by Captain Burnham's iconic catchphrase, "Let's Fly." Despite her court-martial and troubled past, it seems unnecessary for Burnham's promotion to have taken three entire seasons.

When J.J. Abrams' Star Trek was released in 2009, it offered audiences a glimpse into the rise of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) as Captain of the Enterprise. While a new rendition of this story will be featured in the upcoming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the original scene remains powerful. In the Kelvin Timeline, Kirk is portrayed as a daring and rebellious individual, displaying a disregard for authority that proves valuable in navigating seemingly insurmountable challenges. Following his heroic acts in saving Earth from Nero (Eric Bana), Kirk receives the long-awaited promotion, marking the start of a fresh chapter in an age-old legend.

8 Saru's Promotion To Captain (Star Trek: Discovery)

Saru, portrayed by Doug Jones, step into the role of Captain aboard the USS Discovery following the revelation of Captain Gabriel Lorca's treachery in Star Trek: Discovery season 1. Despite assuming the responsibilities of a Captain, Saru only received the official title after 900 years had passed. The crew, led by Burnham, bestowed the rank upon Saru while traversing space in search of the remaining Starfleet and Federation infrastructure. This decision rightly acknowledged Saru's composed leadership style throughout the Klingon War and Control crisis, as well as the invaluable guidance he received from his esteemed mentors, including Captain Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount).

7 The Lower Deckers Promotions To Lieutenant Junior Grade (Star Trek: Lower Decks)

By the conclusion of the season 4 premiere of Star Trek: Lower Decks, the entire cast is finally promoted. Despite Mariner's history of self-sabotage and rapid demotion, it seems that this promotion might just stick. Touchingly, it is disclosed that Ensign Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) had also been offered numerous promotions but chose to remain close to his friends. Boimler and Ensign D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells), who have always been dedicated to their careers, are joyously recognized and rewarded in Lower Decks season 4.

6 Tuvok's Promotion To Lieutenant Commander (Star Trek: Voyager)

Although Ensign Harry Kim (Garrett Wang) from Star Trek: Voyager never received a promotion, several other officers on the USS Voyager did. Notably, Lieutenant Tuvok (Tim Russ) was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in the episode "Revulsion" of season 4. Following a meal with the senior staff, Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) commemorates Tuvok's contributions by adding a third pip to his collar. In typical Vulcan fashion, Tuvok modestly accepts the promotion without an emotional speech or celebratory display, but rather pledges to continue performing his duties to the best of his abilities.

5 Kirk's "Promotion" To Captain (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) should never have ascended to the rank of Starfleet Admiral, a fact he was well aware of right from the start. As his penalty for the act of theft and subsequent destruction of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Kirk's title was downgraded from Rear Admiral to Captain. However, he did not perceive it as such. Kirk later expressed his disappointment in assuming the role of an Admiral to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart) in Star Trek Generations. He revealed that being separated from the bridge hindered his ability to "make a difference." Therefore, his demotion actually propelled him back to his true passion, enabling him to return to what he truly cherished. Hence, while it may have been deemed a demotion, Kirk's relegation was, in essence, a promotion.

4 Nog's Promotion To Lieutenant Junior Grade (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

By becoming the first Ferengi to join Starfleet, Nog (Aron Eisenberg) had already made history in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His promotion from Ensign to Lieutenant Junior Grade in the finale of DS9 was not only well-deserved but also significant for a completely different reason. Nog's relentless dedication during the Dominion War, despite enduring severe injury and post-traumatic stress, exemplified his unwavering commitment to the cause until the Federation achieved victory. Sisko acknowledged this remarkable feat when he elevated Nog to the rank of Lieutenant JG – an action that coincidentally became one of his last official responsibilities before being summoned back to the Celestial Temple by the Bajoran prophets. This prestigious honor appropriately matched the historic significance of Nog, an extraordinary recruit within Starfleet.

3 Sisko's Promotion To Captain (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

Sisko's promotion in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 3 was a strategic decision to ensure he was on par with his 90s Trek counterparts. From an in-universe perspective, it is astonishing that his promotion took so long considering his remarkable achievements. Sisko was the one who discovered the wormhole, established first contact with the Bajoran prophets, successfully handled Maquis incursions to avert war with Cardassia, and unravelled the encroaching Dominion threat lurking in the Gamma Quadrant. His elevation to the rank of Captain came at a pivotal moment when the Changeling Founders were infiltrating critical Federation institutions and rallying their allies. The enhanced authority wielded from the captain's chair becomes an indispensable asset for Captain Sisko as he spearheads the Federation's offensive against the Dominion.

2 Seven's Promotion To Captain (Star Trek: Picard)

Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) struggled for years to gain acceptance into Starfleet. However, once she finally achieved her goal, her career skyrocketed. While it is undeniable that Admirals Kathryn Janeway and Jean-Luc Picard played a significant role in her success, Seven never relied on nepotism to become the new Captain of the Enterprise. Under the leadership of the bold and anti-Borg Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick), Seven proved her worth by successfully reclaiming the USS Titan-A from her assimilated crew members with minimal casualties. This exemplified the qualities expected of a Starfleet Captain and the moment Seven received her promotion was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression in the Star Trek: Picard finale.

1 Worf's Promotion To Lt. Commander (Star Trek Generations)

The most memorable Starfleet promotion occurs during the extravagant holodeck ceremony celebrating the recent promotion of Lieutenant Commander Worf (played by Michael Dorn) in Star Trek Generations. Rather than a conventional and formal event with Captain Picard attaching a third pip to Worf's uniform collar, it devolves into an enjoyable initiation ritual where the Klingon warrior must walk along a plank to retrieve his officer's tricorn hat, highlighting Starfleet's connection to maritime traditions. Additionally, this scene showcases the close-knit bond among the entire crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation, emphasizing the increased involvement of Captain Picard with his senior staff in the TNG series finale. This captivating moment not only pays tribute to Worf's remarkable accomplishments but also establishes him as one of the franchise's enduring characters.

Star Trek: Lower Decks streams Thursdays on Paramount+.