Klingon ranks

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference.

The rank system of the Klingon Defense Force bears some resemblance to various Earth ranking systems. A ceremonial sash of varying design and material is worn by commanding Klingon warriors to show rank and status in society. The sash can 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 is an emblem of their House affiliation and various other decorations.

Contents 1 General 2 Admiral 3 Brigadier 4 Colonel 5 Captain 6 Commander 7 Lieutenant 8 Bekk 9 Background

[edit] General

General is approximately equivalent to a Starfleet admiral.

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

[edit] Admiral

In the 22nd century, the rank of Admiral existed.

• Admiral Krell

[edit] Brigadier

Brigadier is approximately equivalent to a Starfleet commodore or rear admiral.

• Brigadier Kerla

[edit] Colonel

In most militaries, colonel is equivalent to a ship captain.

• Colonel Worf

[edit] Captain

Captain is approximately equal to the Starfleet equivalent.

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

[edit] Commander

Commander is at least equal to the Starfleet equivalent.

• Commander Kaybok
• Commander Kolana
• Commander Kor
• Commander Korris
• Commander Kruge
• Commander Kuri
• Commander Morag
• Commander Thopok

[edit] Lieutenant

Lieutenant is approximately equal to the Starfleet equivalent.

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

[edit] Bekk

Bekk is an enlisted rank approximately equal to a Starfleet crewman. A Bekk is also commonly referred to as a "warrior."

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

[edit] Background

This rank system combines army ranks (general, brigadier 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 translates oddly compared to Earth systems.

It is possible a different rank structure was envisioned for TOS. The only Klingons identified by rank in TOS were Commander Kor and Captains Kang and Koloth. The captains command single starships, while the commander is military governor of a planet, and perhaps commander of the entire invasion, including the ships in orbit. (TOS: "Errand of Mercy") This implies that commander was intended to be a rank equivalent to at least a starfleet commodore. By the time of TAS, Klingon ranks seem to conform to later usage as Kor holds the rank of Captain, in TAS: "The Time Trap".