The briefing scene in Star Trek VI clearly establishes the 23rd century Starfleet as being a military organization, through the “Are we talking about mothballing the Starfleet?” exchange. This scene can be interpreted as trying to reconcile the 24th century idea pushed by Roddenberry that Starfleet, “isn’t a military organization” as the C&C says Starfleet’s diplomatic and exploration programs would continue.
For all the talk about the Navy, Staffleet’s (particularly in the ‘evolved’ version of TNG) closest modern analogue is the US Coast Guard (which is a branch of the US Armed Forces), which has defense/protection in its mandate and uses the Navy’s rank structure.
For all the talk about the Navy, Staffleet’s (particularly in the ‘evolved’ version of TNG) closest modern analogue is the US Coast Guard (which is a branch of the US Armed Forces), which has defense/protection in its mandate and uses the Navy’s rank structure.