Ship's Articles -- Table of Contents
All references to people in this document are male for simplicity of language. There is no intention whatsoever to slight or accentuate any gender.
These articles describe the organization of the chapter, outline the ground rules upon which the club will be run, and provide orderly rules for the administration of the ship.
These articles describe the organization of the chapter, outline the ground rules upon which the club will be run, and provide orderly rules for the administration of the ship.
The following awards, issued by chapter-level authorities, may be earned by members of the ISS Kidd.
Orders of Merit
For more information about Orders of Merit, please see information at SFI.ORG
For more information about Orders of Merit, please see information at SFI.ORG
- Order of Axanar – Mediation or Problem Resolution – Awarded to a member who has played a key role in problem resolution or mediation between STARFLEET members, chapters or regions.
- Order of Babel – Recruiting – Awarded to a member for activities in the area of chapter or STARFLEET recruitment.
- Order of Cochrane – Technology – Awarded to a member for activities in the area of technology support (such as web page creation and maintenance, mailing list moderation, etc) on behalf of their chapter, region, or STARFLEET.
- Order of Darmok and Jalad – Outreach – Awarded to a member for a significant act of friendship or outreach shown to a fellow STARFLEET member, or for outreach to their community on behalf of their chapter, region or STARFLEET.
- Order of Dionysus – Recreational Event Planning – Awarded for excellence in planning, coordinating and executing a chapter, region or STARFLEET-related recreational event.
- Order of Gaea – Ecology or Preservation – Awarded to a member for significant activities in the area of ecology or preservation. Activities need not be STARFLEET-related.
- Grankite Order of Tactics – Event Planning – Awarded to a member for planning, coordinating and executing a chapter, region or STARFLEET-related business event (such as a Regional Conference or International Conference).
- Order of Hawking – Accessibility – Awarded to a member for significant activities in making chapter, region or STARFLEET events or resources accessible to disabled members.
- Order of Herodotus – History or Recordkeeping – Awarded to a member for significant activities in preserving a chapter’s, region’s or STARFLEET’s history.
- Order of Prentares – Space Research or Exploration – Awarded to a member for significant activity in promoting the cause of space research or exploration. Activities need not be STARFLEET-related.
- Order of Roddenberry – Star Trek – Awarded to a member for significant activity in promoting Star Trek, development and implementation of fun, Star Trek-themed ideas, and Star Trek fandom as a whole.
- Order of Samaritan – Volunteerism – Awarded to a member for significant activities in the area of charity work or volunteerism. Activities need not be STARFLEET-related.
- Order of S’harien – Inventiveness or Craftmanship – Awarded to a member for excellence in inventiveness or craftmanship in an aspect related to their chapter, region or STARFLEET.
- Order of Surak – Scholarship – Awarded to a member for scholastic achievement outside of STARFLEET. Can be traditional schooling, vocational schooling, continuing education, etc.
- Order of Tarbolde of Canopius – Writing – Awarded to a member for activities in the area of chapter fiction, or writing for chapter, region, or STARFLEET publications.
- Order of P’Gem (Issued only by the Executive Committee)
Fleet-wide Ribbon Awards
The following is quoted from the 2022 Unified SFI Awards Manual.
“Many overlapping awards between SFMC and SFSO have been consolidated, and many of those consolidations have been extended to the fleet as a whole. The following is a list of awards, from above, that anyone in the fleet may now earn.
● STARFLEET Cross (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given by the Commander, Starfleet, to recognize any member of SFI who has rendered exceptional service to STARFLEET in general either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence.
● SFI Honor Guard (Use SFMC Ribbon)
Members of the STARFLEET International who serve on Color Guards, Honor Guards or Drill Teams at STARFLEET events are eligible for this award. Recipients of this award have spent time and effort in close order drill or other parade skills and are deserving of special recognition.
● Great Barrier Expedition (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI Members who have undertaken extreme or lengthy travel on behalf of SFI. The two important criteria are extreme or lengthy and on behalf of the SFI. The former requires a judgment call by the Issuing Authority. A possible standard might be 5 hours travel time, for example. The latter is more exact: Taking a long road trip to attend a convention with the other members of your chapter, for example, does not qualify. Doing so because you are going to be presenting a class or demonstration benefiting SFI would qualify
● Community Service Citation (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is authorized to SFI Members who have made a significant personal impact in a community service effort. This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFI/SFMC/SFSO campaign effort for the current year, however financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility, volunteering your time and hard work count, simply writing a check does not.
● Joint Service (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI Members for participation in events with other Science Fiction oriented fan organizations, to include other Star Trek-related fan organizations other than SFI. This may be cooperative or competitive, and must be done while obviously participating as a STARFLEET member.
● Embassy Duty (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI members for participation at a STARFLEET function, such as the annual International Conference or a Regional Summit. The key word here is participation, not attendance. The member must have done more than simply attend (i.e., served on a panel, worked on the Security detail, etc.). Event Honor Guard detail does not count for this ribbon, as it has its own award.
● Legion Of Arms (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to members of SFI who have actively served 180 days or more in the active or reserve components of their country's armed forces. In the case of the United States, this includes the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. It does not include the Merchant Marine or service auxiliaries like the Civil Air Patrol. It does include the Reserve Officer Training Courses (such as ROTC), or similar organizations. The member must have completed two years of service and summer camp (basic training, MS3) for the United States Armed Services. Other countries' qualifying service will be authorized by the COFORCECOM on an as needed basis. This award may be worn at the same time as the Cadet Legion of Arms if the wearer has qualified to wear both awards. However, it is discouraged and the preferred wear for those who are qualified for both awards is that the Legion of Arms is the only one worn.
● Medical Proficiency Award (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to members who have completed either of the conditions stated below: * Completed a CPR course that is equivalent to a Heartsaver course by the American Heart Association. * Completed a Basic Cardiac Life Support Course or equivalent. Documentation of such training must be provided by the certifying organization, and verified by the issuing authority. This ribbon is unlike most others in that it may only be worn as long as the individual’s certification is in effect.
● Advanced Medical Proficiency Award (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to Members who have: * A current CPR certification that is equivalent to a Basic Cardiac Life Support Course by the American Heart Association; * A First Aid Course that is equivalent to a Advanced First Aid Course by the American Red Cross; * Or, has completed a Emergency Medical Technician Course (Basic) Documentation of such training must be provided by the certifying organization, and verified by the issuing authority. This ribbon is unlike most others in that it may only be worn as long as the individual’s certification is in effect
For most of these awards, there are multiple issuing authorities, to cover any and all who need it. Any award authority can award to any member - even if they are not SFMC or SFSO. Award authorities must ensure there is no duplication.
See the SFI Unified Awards manual for details
“Many overlapping awards between SFMC and SFSO have been consolidated, and many of those consolidations have been extended to the fleet as a whole. The following is a list of awards, from above, that anyone in the fleet may now earn.
● STARFLEET Cross (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given by the Commander, Starfleet, to recognize any member of SFI who has rendered exceptional service to STARFLEET in general either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence.
● SFI Honor Guard (Use SFMC Ribbon)
Members of the STARFLEET International who serve on Color Guards, Honor Guards or Drill Teams at STARFLEET events are eligible for this award. Recipients of this award have spent time and effort in close order drill or other parade skills and are deserving of special recognition.
● Great Barrier Expedition (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI Members who have undertaken extreme or lengthy travel on behalf of SFI. The two important criteria are extreme or lengthy and on behalf of the SFI. The former requires a judgment call by the Issuing Authority. A possible standard might be 5 hours travel time, for example. The latter is more exact: Taking a long road trip to attend a convention with the other members of your chapter, for example, does not qualify. Doing so because you are going to be presenting a class or demonstration benefiting SFI would qualify
● Community Service Citation (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is authorized to SFI Members who have made a significant personal impact in a community service effort. This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFI/SFMC/SFSO campaign effort for the current year, however financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility, volunteering your time and hard work count, simply writing a check does not.
● Joint Service (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI Members for participation in events with other Science Fiction oriented fan organizations, to include other Star Trek-related fan organizations other than SFI. This may be cooperative or competitive, and must be done while obviously participating as a STARFLEET member.
● Embassy Duty (Use SFMC Ribbon)
This award is given to SFI members for participation at a STARFLEET function, such as the annual International Conference or a Regional Summit. The key word here is participation, not attendance. The member must have done more than simply attend (i.e., served on a panel, worked on the Security detail, etc.). Event Honor Guard detail does not count for this ribbon, as it has its own award.
● Legion Of Arms (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to members of SFI who have actively served 180 days or more in the active or reserve components of their country's armed forces. In the case of the United States, this includes the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. It does not include the Merchant Marine or service auxiliaries like the Civil Air Patrol. It does include the Reserve Officer Training Courses (such as ROTC), or similar organizations. The member must have completed two years of service and summer camp (basic training, MS3) for the United States Armed Services. Other countries' qualifying service will be authorized by the COFORCECOM on an as needed basis. This award may be worn at the same time as the Cadet Legion of Arms if the wearer has qualified to wear both awards. However, it is discouraged and the preferred wear for those who are qualified for both awards is that the Legion of Arms is the only one worn.
● Medical Proficiency Award (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to members who have completed either of the conditions stated below: * Completed a CPR course that is equivalent to a Heartsaver course by the American Heart Association. * Completed a Basic Cardiac Life Support Course or equivalent. Documentation of such training must be provided by the certifying organization, and verified by the issuing authority. This ribbon is unlike most others in that it may only be worn as long as the individual’s certification is in effect.
● Advanced Medical Proficiency Award (Use SFSO Ribbon)
This award is authorized to Members who have: * A current CPR certification that is equivalent to a Basic Cardiac Life Support Course by the American Heart Association; * A First Aid Course that is equivalent to a Advanced First Aid Course by the American Red Cross; * Or, has completed a Emergency Medical Technician Course (Basic) Documentation of such training must be provided by the certifying organization, and verified by the issuing authority. This ribbon is unlike most others in that it may only be worn as long as the individual’s certification is in effect
For most of these awards, there are multiple issuing authorities, to cover any and all who need it. Any award authority can award to any member - even if they are not SFMC or SFSO. Award authorities must ensure there is no duplication.
See the SFI Unified Awards manual for details
Annual Member “of the Year” Chapter-level Awards
The annual awards have additions to them - much like the SFMC annual awards. The following are now available to Chapter Commanding Officers to award their crew, as part of the annual award system. Those respective awardees will then be sent to the Regional Coordinator for consideration at the Region level.
Annual Marine MSG Awards
Issuing Authority: Unit OIC
Frequency: Annual.
Marines will wear the highest award earned for a given year.
Cross of Gallantry (Bronze Cross) - This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC within a particular marine unit (MSG or MEU); the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines in that unit strive.
Sword of Gallantry (Bronze Swords) - This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC within a particular marine unit (MSG or MEU); the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines in that unit strive.
Shield of Gallantry (Bronze Hourglass) - This award is given to the Marine who has made the most significant personal impact in community service efforts within a particular Marine Unit (MSG or MEU). This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFMC campaign effort, but financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility. Volunteering your time and hard work counts; simply writing a check does not.
Star of Gallantry (Bronze Star) - This award is given to the Marine NCO who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the NCO Corps of a Marine Unit (MSG or MEU). This Marine NCO has made a significant personal impact in community service efforts throughout their area, and through their actions and words, have provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other NCOs to follow.
Leaders Commendation (LC)
Issuing Authority: SFMC Unit OIC
Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum)
This award is given by a Unit OIC to a marine under his command who exemplifies meritorious service either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Receipt of this award neither recommends the marine for, nor precludes him from, receiving additional recognition such as the Cross of Valor.
The annual awards have additions to them - much like the SFMC annual awards. The following are now available to Chapter Commanding Officers to award their crew, as part of the annual award system. Those respective awardees will then be sent to the Regional Coordinator for consideration at the Region level.
- Flag Officer of the Year (Chapter Level)
- Officer of the Year (Chapter Level)
- Enlisted Member of the Year (Chapter Level)
- Junior Member of the Year (Chapter Level)
Annual Marine MSG Awards
Issuing Authority: Unit OIC
Frequency: Annual.
Marines will wear the highest award earned for a given year.
Cross of Gallantry (Bronze Cross) - This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC within a particular marine unit (MSG or MEU); the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines in that unit strive.
Sword of Gallantry (Bronze Swords) - This award is given to the marine, officer or enlisted, that most exemplifies the spirit, image and attitude of the SFMC within a particular marine unit (MSG or MEU); the one who sets the standard for personal conduct, appearance, motivation, dedicated service and esprit de corps for which all STARFLEET Marines in that unit strive.
Shield of Gallantry (Bronze Hourglass) - This award is given to the Marine who has made the most significant personal impact in community service efforts within a particular Marine Unit (MSG or MEU). This effort does not necessarily have to be on behalf of a SFMC campaign effort, but financial donations are specifically excluded as the basis for eligibility. Volunteering your time and hard work counts; simply writing a check does not.
Star of Gallantry (Bronze Star) - This award is given to the Marine NCO who most exemplifies the personal and professional standards of leadership valued by the NCO Corps of a Marine Unit (MSG or MEU). This Marine NCO has made a significant personal impact in community service efforts throughout their area, and through their actions and words, have provided the highest standard of guidance and leadership to their fellow Marines, setting a standard of excellence for other NCOs to follow.
Leaders Commendation (LC)
Issuing Authority: SFMC Unit OIC
Frequency: As needed (one award per marine per year maximum)
This award is given by a Unit OIC to a marine under his command who exemplifies meritorious service either by demonstrating consistently outstanding performance over time, or by performing a particular task or service to a high standard of excellence. Receipt of this award neither recommends the marine for, nor precludes him from, receiving additional recognition such as the Cross of Valor.
