So Once Demoted From Admiral...

[Nedersong]

Since Captain Kirk was demoted to Captain, if he had not disappeared into the rift, could he have once again earned the rank of Admiral or was he awlays doomed to the rank of captain?

 

[Timo]

Well, Kirk retired at Captain rank sometime after ST6, as per Scotty's comment in ST:Generations. Not much hope of promotion after that, Nexus or not. Apparently, he never regained Starfleet's good graces after his ST3 antics.

Or never mind Starfleet. Apparently, a Federation civilian court presided by a big civilian head honcho (possibly the President of the entire UFP, possibly merely the President of the Court) decided that he should become Captain in ST4. Starfleet might not have been able to overrule that even if they wished to promote or further demote Kirk at some later date.

Timo Saloniemi

 

[cbp44189]

Usually when it comes to tha Admiralty, or promotions in general, one must apply for it. Then, out of so many applicants, the required amount of vacancies are filled. I believe it was of mutual understanding, that Kirk would not apply, nor would he be selected. He was in the position of which he was most comfortable and of most use.

 

[Mike Farley]

Kirk's "demotion" wasn't a punishment, it was a reward. It put him exactly where he wanted to be doing exactly what he was best at. It was Starfleet acknowledging that they had been mistaken in kicking him upstairs not once but twice.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Apparently, a Federation civilian court presided by a big civilian head honcho (possibly the President of the entire UFP, possibly merely the President of the Court)

That was indeed the President of the whole Federation. He identifies himself as such when he sends out the distress signal earlier in the film: "This is the President of the United Federation of Planets."

 

[Guartho]

That was indeed the President of the whole Federation. He identifies himself as such when he sends out the distress signal earlier in the film: "This is the President of the United Federation of Planets."

No I'm sorry that's not possible. Timo does not miss Trek details. It simply doesn't happen. Therefore that line has been stricken from the Canon. Please report to your nearest medical facility for memory modification.

 

[Sector 7]

Kirk's "demotion" wasn't a punishment, it was a reward. It put him exactly where he wanted to be doing exactly what he was best at. It was Starfleet acknowledging that they had been mistaken in kicking him upstairs not once but twice.

I couldn't have said it better. In the ST universe admirals are promoted by StarFleet rather than seeking the position. At least, that is how it seems in the 23rd century. By Picard's 'enlightened' time, people actually pursued the admiralty and even schemed to get it.

 

[drasche]

Kirk's "demotion" wasn't a punishment, it was a reward. It put him exactly where he wanted to be doing exactly what he was best at. It was Starfleet acknowledging that they had been mistaken in kicking him upstairs not once but twice.

Agreed. Especially if you remember a discussion between Kirk and Spock in TWOK, when Spock concludes that:

It was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first best destiny.

So even if Starfleet wanted Kirk to be an admiral again, Kirk would have refused.

 

[ShinRa Actual]

Delving into the literature, Lost Years gives a pretty solid background for how he got promoted in the first place. While it may be theoretically possible for him to be promoted again, I'd say Starfleet and Kirk were equally unwilling to pursue that option.

However, a 'tombstone' promotion (as is common in the modern navy) might've been done.