Is Starfleet Military?
- Thread starter Prometheus59650
- Start date
The most I can do is enjoy those brief respites in between.
I cherish them like my own children.
Hey its always going to be part and price of any fan forum dedicated to a developed franchise as those of us like me who are dull pedantics obsessed with lore and world building just cant resist.
All in good nature.
Jellico WAS a good captain
Jellico WAS a good captain
Today is not opposite day!
Yes my argument was 100% fool proof. Im glad to see I have now settled it.Well, the nice thing about this go round is that it's been entirely settled.
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If the money was too good.
But . . . but how does money work in the Federation? And is it canon?
There is money but it is all kept at the Federation President's summer retreat on Risa in a Scrooge McDuck vault, obviously.
All happened in 2283 after a few too many Romulan Ales led to the seizing of all assets with the outward comms saying it was to make all people truly equal but really the President was just hammered and was on the pull so wanted to be able to show it off to people they were hooking up with
I previously stated that Starfleet would fit more into the model of a public service, not an actual military organisation.
Plus, I asked ChatGPT to help out with this a bit, and offer an unbiased perspective.
Starfleet vs. Modern Military: An Unbiased Examination
Given the existing comparative analysis, Starfleet does not appear to be a military organization.
Plus, I asked ChatGPT to help out with this a bit, and offer an unbiased perspective.
Starfleet vs. Modern Military: An Unbiased Examination
- Primary Mission and Ethos:
- Starfleet: Its foundational mission is exploration, scientific discovery, and diplomacy. While it has defense capabilities, these are not its primary focus. A significant majority of its missions are non-combative, involving exploration, diplomacy, research, and humanitarian aid.
- Modern Military: Its foundational mission is defense, protection of national interests, and, if required, combat. Other roles, such as humanitarian aid or research, are secondary. While there are non-combative roles, such as disaster relief or peacekeeping, these are secondary to their primary defense and combat roles.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Starfleet: It serves multiple roles, from scientific research to diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and defense. Its multifaceted approach is more akin to a conglomerate of public service organizations. Its culture and structure prioritize discovery, understanding, and cooperation. While it has ranks and a command structure, the emphasis is on collaboration and mutual respect.
- Modern Military: While it can and does engage in non-combat roles like disaster relief or peacekeeping, its primary responsibility is defense and combat readiness. Operates on a strict hierarchy with a focus on obedience, discipline, and chain of command. Collaboration exists, but within the framework of this hierarchy.
- Public Service Context:
- Starfleet: It can be likened to a combination of public service entities: space exploration agencies, diplomatic corps, research institutions, and emergency response units. Its broad mandate covers areas that, on Earth, would be handled by separate entities.
- Modern Military: It is a specific arm of public service with a primary focus on defense. While it offers public services, especially in times of disaster or crisis, its main function is distinct from non-military public service organizations.
- Ethical Directives:
- Starfleet: The Prime Directive, emphasizing non-interference, is a unique ethical guideline that underscores its exploratory and diplomatic mission.
- Modern Military: Operates based on national defense policies and geopolitical interests. Ethical guidelines exist but are framed within the context of defense and national strategy.
- Purpose of Defense Capabilities:
- Starfleet: Its defense capabilities are primarily for the protection of its crew, ships, and missions. They are not designed for conquest, occupation, or aggressive military campaigns.
- Modern Military: Defense capabilities are designed for both protection and potential combat operations, which can include offensive campaigns based on national strategy and interests.
- Recruitment and Service Motivation:
- Starfleet: Recruitment is driven by the ideals of exploration, discovery, and service to a broader interstellar community.
- Modern Military: Recruitment strategies vary but often include educational, economic, and career incentives. The motivation to join can range from a sense of duty to personal advancement.
- Response to Threats:
- Starfleet: While capable of defense and combat, it often seeks diplomatic and non-violent solutions first. The use of force is typically a last resort and is bound by strict rules of engagement.
- Modern Military: Preparedness for combat and defense is a primary function. Diplomatic solutions, while sought in certain contexts, come from a position of military readiness.
Given the existing comparative analysis, Starfleet does not appear to be a military organization.
Yeah but ChatGPT would say that wouldn't it - clearly a precursor to "Control" or the M-5 and trying to make it seem benevolent so no one suspects it.
In all seriousness though I think this is actually a quality post with a thorough consideration of both sides (even if you can't take credit for writing it Deks you definitely get full marks for thinking to use ChatGPT to collate the comparative points) and does strongly lend credence to the argument that Starfleet is not a military.
Taking it to the next stage of things - could be interesting to break down Starfleet's characteristics and portrayal during different eras and consider whether Starfleet does become a de facto military in line with Federation policy at the time.
I'd think Ent Season 3 through to the conclusion of the Romulan War would fall more on the side of a militaristic focus (which will reappear during the years around TUC, Narendra 3, and Dominion War/Post BOBW periods) before reverting back to a non-military existence in the aftermath as the Federation pivots into a reconstruction and renewal of its exploration goals.
I wonder also if maybe during the original Voyager timeline seen in Endgame the Federation didn't revert post Dominion War which is why their defensive and offensive capabilities were so much stronger (as seen with the tech Adm Janeway gives to "our" Janeway) than what we see in LD and Pic?
Except when it is.
That it operates defensively to protect national interests doesn't change that as a part of its mission.
Kirk:
"I'm a soldier. "
That it operates defensively to protect national interests doesn't change that as a part of its mission.
Kirk:
"I'm a soldier. "
Yes. No other organization does.
We can all sit around typing up arguments until our fingers fall off citing what Picard said in Peak Performance vs what Kirk said in Errand of Mercy vs what Gene Himself said in the Sermon on Paramount. But when you get down to it, this Argument all boils down to everyone insisting their particular interpretation of Rorschach ink splotches is the only correct interpretation.
I have spoken, so say we all.
I have spoken, so say we all.
I mean, if the term "military " wasn't treated with such disdain these arguments would go easier.
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