Ranks
Cosfor adopts a hierarchical command structure. The Commander-in-Chief is the President of the Commonwealth. In the absence of the President, the role of CiC is deputised in accordance with the hierarchy of the Cabinet. This will typically be the Vice President.
The command hierarchy passess immediately from the Cabinet into the Cosfor ranks themselves.
There is no division into officers and enlisted men. With few exceptions, all members of Cosfor, after completing their training, begin their careers at the rank of ensign. Officers in training are referred to as cadets.
Unlike the navies of the Twentieth Century, the rank of Fleet Admiral in Cosfor exists in peacetime and provides a crucial fourth tier of flag officer to address pan-Commonwealth matters.
Divisions
Nine divisions are present within Cosfor.
Most junior officers will spend time in each of the operations, science, engineering, pilot and security divisions. With progression to more senior ranks an officer will specialise in one division which they will then occupy for the rest of their career.
The principle exception to the above system is the medical division. Most nursing staff and doctors within Cosfor qualify within civilian universities before joining Cosfor and remain within the medical division.
While it is permitted for an officer to hold responsibilities within two divisions at the same time such instances are rare.
The divisional emblem is worn adjacent to the rank insignia.
Uniforms
Cosfor possesses three main uniforms.
All are based on dark blue and black.
Dress uniform is reserved for diplomatic functions, particularly those which involve dignitaries from alien federations. It is also used in Cosfor celebrations at which a flag officer is in attendance and is permitted at weddings.
Formal uniform has a more versatile role and is employed at diverse functions where dress uniform is not authorised but standard uniform is deemed to be insufficient. It is mandatory at disciplinary proceedings. Its more sombre design sees it worn at funerals.
Rank and divisional insignia described by the author and kindly rendered by Sarah Lee