UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS FEDERATION COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
Posted on Tue Dec 9th, 2025 @ 8:24pm by Captain Akoni Kapulé
FEDERATION COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
Stardate 3098.4
Re: Commissioning Protocols for Synthetic Sentients in Starfleet Service
Background:
Since the 24th century, the Federation has recognized the rights of artificial and emergent intelligences as full sentient persons under Federation law (ref. UFP Judicial Record 2365.9 – 'The Measure of a Man'). Subsequent centuries have seen an expansion of this recognition to include not only androids and holographic lifeforms but also fully digital entities and hybrid synth-organic intelligences.
Starfleet’s needs in the 30th century, particularly in advanced research and tactical security roles, require integration of such beings into both civilian and commissioned service.
Policy Statement:
1. Sentient AI Personnel may be granted direct commissions within Starfleet without attendance at Starfleet Academy, provided they: (a) demonstrate certified mastery in their field of service (tactical, scientific, medical, engineering, or command), (b) pass the Starfleet Ethics and Command Assessment Board (SECA-B) evaluations, (c) swear an oath of service to the United Federation of Planets.
2. Rank Assignment shall be determined by demonstrated competence, role necessity, and chain-of-command requirements. Tactical officers may be commissioned as Lieutenant through Commander, depending on operational scope. Lead department heads aboard scientific or exploratory vessels may be granted Lieutenant Commander as standard entry rank, with promotion potential equivalent to organic officers.
3. Distinct Designation: For transparency, records will include the suffix 'Synthetic Commissioned Officer (SCO)' to denote direct commission origin (e.g., Lt. Commander Veythar, SCO). This designation carries no limitation on authority, pay, or privileges.
Application to Case Study:
A sentient AI assigned as Lead Tactical Officer aboard the Federation Submersible Science Vessel USS Heritage may be commissioned directly at Lieutenant Commander, acknowledging both the seniority of department head status and the specialized demands of tactical oversight in hazardous research environments.
This commission designates the AI as a full officer of Starfleet, granting it the same obligations and rights as all other officers.
