Aerospace Units

The following formations apply to both Starfleet and Starfleet Marine Corps Aerospace formations. The Starfleet Marine Corps use different formations to organize their ground troops.

The Element

A element can be up to 2 starfighters, an Element Leader and a Wingman, as well as the support staff necessary for maintenance and repair. These support personnel may be either Starfleet or Marine.

Single elements are often assigned to small starships where they act as reconnaissance craft as well as support their base ship.

The Flight

A flight can have up to 4 elements (4 to 8 starfighters) as well as the support staff necessary for maintenance and repair. The senior Element Leader is designated the Flight Leader.

Flights are assigned to starships and starbases.

The Squadron

A squadron can have up to 4 flights (8 to 24 starfighters), as well as the support staff necessary for maintenance and repair. The senior Flight Leader is designated the Squadron Leader.

Squadrons are assigned to larger starships and starbases.

The Wing

A wing is comprised of 2+ Squadrons Normally 36+ Starfighters, as well as the support staff necessary for maintenance and repair. The senior Squadron Leader is designated the Wing Commander and usually has the rank of Major if Marines or Lieutenant Commander if Starfleet.

Wings are rarely assigned intact; instead smaller sections are assigned to a variety of ships or bases within the Task Force.

The Group

A group is comprised of 2 or more wings (72+ starfighters), as well as the support staff necessary for maintenance and repair. The Group Commander will have with them a support staff which forms the HQ. of the group in which orders are sent to the wings in his/her command. The Group Commander usually has the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel if Marines or Commander or Captain if Starfleet.

Groups are rarely assigned intact; instead smaller sections are assigned to a variety of ships or bases within the Fleet.