Goat Locker

The goat locker is the area aboard a large ship or station where enlisted personnel that hold the rank of Chief Petty Officer or higher are berthed. Typically this is a section set aside on one of the decks housing crew quarters. Depending on the amount of space and the CO, the locker may also include a small lounge for use by CPOs only.

The tradition of the goat locker extends back to the golden days of sail in Earth history, when the British and later American navies sought to show their appreciation to the service and dedication of their Chiefs. It is believed that the usage of the name "goat locker" referred to the practice of keeping livestock in the care of the senior enlisted, who made sure noone took more than their alloted share. (Goats were usually embarked to provide the crew with milk.) During the days of nuclear-powered warships, the locker not only included berthing areas and a lounge, but a private Galley as well.

In keeping with the traditions of yesteryear, no one is allowed in the goat locker without expressed permission from a Chief. This includes the Commanding Officer.