An Ensign is a junior commissioned officer rank commonly found in navies. It is the rank most officers in Star Force begin their commission as upon graduation from the Star Force Academy or a university/college's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.
In Star Force slang, an Ensign aviator is usually given the nickname "SNUF-E" (pronounced "snuffy"), an acronym for S.uper N.ew U.ntested (or U.ntrained) F.lying E.nsign, until they earn their first call sign, usually accompanied by a number if more than one is present (SNUF-E 2, SNUF-E 3, and so on).
Vulture welcoming another ensign to their shared billet on board the USS Martha King
On starships, ensigns are commonly assigned to 4-person billets, referred to in Star Force slang as "Hotel Ensign".
| United Space Star Force Ranks | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensign | Lieutenant, junior grade | Lieutenant | |||
| Lieutenant Commander | Commander | Captain | |||
| Flag officer | Rear Admiral | Lieutenant Admiral | Vice Admiral | Admiral | Fleet Admiral |