Klingon ranks

The rank system of the Klingon Defense Force bore some resemblance to various Earth ranking systems. A ceremonial sash of varying design and material was worn by commanding Klingon warriors to show rank and status in society. The sash could be made of many materials, most commonly of gold thread or silver metal, such as those worn by Worf and Martok. On the upper section of the sash was an emblem of their House affiliation and various other decorations.

Fleet admiral

An admiral in 2154

During the 22nd century, the rank of fleet admiral existed, and was sometimes shortened to "admiral". This rank was indicated to be superior to a general. (ENT: "Divergence")

• Fleet Admiral Krell

General

General Korrd with his various medals

Generals were flag officers who fulfilled roles ranging from the commanding officer of a warship, to diplomat, to supreme commander of a fleet, to chief of staff.

• General Chang
• General K'orin
• General K'Trelan
• General K'Vagh
• General Korok
• General Korrd
• General Martok
• General ShiVang
• General Stex
• General Tanas

Brigadier

A brigadier in 2293

A brigadier was a high ranking official who could handle the position of military advisor to the Chancellor, and could speak on behalf of the High Command. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

• Brigadier Kerla

Colonel

A colonel in 2293

Colonel was high ranking position that could fulfill the role of advocate or serve as a diplomat.

• Colonel Worf

Captain

A captain in 2365

Captains in the Klingon Defense Force commanded individual warships of all classes.

Korris, by his own admission was "Captain of the Klingon Defense Force," but was also referred to as "Commander Korris" by Starfleet in TNG: "Heart of Glory".

• Captain K'Temang
• Captain K'Temoc
• Captain K'Vada
• Captain Kargan
• Captain Klaa
• Captain Koloth
• Captain Korok
• Captain Korris
• Captain Kurn
• Captain Larg
• Captain Lurkan
• Captain Nu'Daq

Commander

A commander in 2267

Commanders in the Klingon Defense Force commanded individual ships of all classes of warship. An individual holding the rank of commander could also hold the position of military governor. (TOS: "Errand of Mercy")

While Kor was a commander by his own admission, he was also referred to as a "Captain Kor" by several non-Klingons in TAS: "The Time Trap".

• Commander Kang
• Commander Kaybok
• Commander Kolana
• Commander Kor
• Commander Kruge
• Commander Kuri
• Commander Morag
• Commander Sorval

Lieutenant

A lieutenant in 2365

Lieutenant was a junior officer rank aboard warships.

On a Bird-of-Prey, a lieutenant could hold the position of second officer. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor")

When confronted by an inquisitive lieutenant aboard the IKS Drovana during an infiltration operation, Lieutenant Commander Worf – who was posing as Commander Sorval – rebuffed his line of questioning by stating, "I will not be questioned by a lieutenant who should be cleaning my quarters." (DS9: "Sons of Mogh")

• Lieutenant Klag
• Lieutenant Konmel
• Lieutenant Laneth
• Lieutenant Synon

Sergeant

A sergeant in 2285

• Unnamed Klingon sergeant

Bekk

A bekk in 2374

Bekk was an enlisted rank that was also commonly referred to as a "warrior." It was the lowest rank in the Klingon Defense Force.

• Bekk Koth
• Bekk N'Garen
• Bekk Alexander Rozhenko

This chart shows only general equivalencies based on the ranks used by many governments on Earth, as well as the rest of the galaxy.

Appendix

Background information

This rank system combined army ranks (general, brigadier, colonel, and possibly captain and lieutenant) with navy terminology (ship captains, commanders, and lieutenants). It was never mentioned if the Klingon Defense Force was a combined service (with colonel being equivalent to ship captain), or if their rank name terminology simply translated oddly compared to Earth systems.

External link

• Klingon ranks at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works