Main Article: Star Army of Yamatai
The Star Army of Yamatai rank system, for the most part, uses multiple tiers of rank groups, generally with three ranks in a particular group; for instance, there is a group for flag officers, for ship commanders, for ship officers, for warrant officers, for non-commissioned officers, and finally for enlisted soldiers. Only two ranks fall outside of this pattern, which are the lowest officers enlisted rank (cadets and green troops).
Rank traditionally represents a length and breadth of experience that is gained through actual knowledge and job experience, and should be treated with respect. Characters wearing the Star Army uniform are expected to behave professionally in a way that befits their rank.
The Yamataigo (邪馬台語) word for rank insignia is 階級章 (Kaikyūshō).
Each of the rank groups uses a particular shape (circle, heart, or 8-petal flower) on the pins. Within the group, the coloration of the background shows the level within that rank (blued being the lowest, silver being the middle, and gold being the highest). Enamel coloring in the fleet logo section of the rank differentiates officers and enlisted (red for enlisted, blue for warrant officers, and white for officers). Each fleet has slightly different rank pins that are customized for their distinctive triangular fleet logo.
Q: Why is a military rank pin shaped like a heart?
A: It's like a normal soldier, but they've earned a promotion so you're attached to them. And the next level is round because by then they mean the world to you. The flower represents that leadership abilities being in full bloom.
Newer Star Army of Yamatai uniforms, beginning with the working uniform and later with the service dress coat, began using rank patches instead of pins. For officers, rank is shown in the form of gold bands around the cuffs (blue for warrant officers). For enlisted rank goes on the left arm as red chevrons for NCOs and green bars for enlisted soldiers (originally red until YE 34).
| Officers | Warrant Officers | NCOs | Enlisted |
|---|---|---|---|
| gold bands | blue bands | red chevrons | green bars |
| above cuffs | between shoulder & elbow | ||
 |  |  |  |
Note that officers and warrant officers have a fleet patch in the location where enlisted and NCOs have their rank patch. NCOs and enlisted soldiers do not wear a fleet patch.
Officers take charge. They are culpable for everything that the enlisted personnel do. Pass or fail, whatever your people do, you as an officer are directly responsible for it, even if you aren't. You need to act like it. Do not take an officer rank if you are not comfortable in a leadership position making decisions for the group.
Officer sleeve ranks are worn on the cuffs on the Duty Uniform (Type 35) and Star Army Coat. For other uniforms, pins are used.
| Pin | Sleeve | Rank | Kanji | Description | Flag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O9 |  |   | Taisho | 大将 | Admiral |  |
| O8 |  |   | Chujo | 中将 | Vice Admiral |  |
| O7 |  |   | Shôshô | 少将 | Rear Admiral |  |
| O6 |  |   | Taisa | 大佐 | Captain |  |
| O5 |  |   | Chusa | 中佐 | Commander |  |
| O4 |  |   | Shosa | 少佐 | Lieutenant Commander |  |
| O3 |  |   | Taii | 大尉 | Lieutenant |  |
| O2 |  |   | Chui | 中尉 | Sub-Lieutenant | |
| O1 |  |   | Shoi | 少尉 | Ensign | |
| OC |  |   | Shoi Kohosei | 少尉候補生 | Officer Candidate | |
Officers may use the Star Army Officer Sword, Type 40.
Warrant officers are usually seasoned technical experts who are issued warrants based on Star Army needs. Warrant officers can come from the enlisted ranks or, in some cases (such with as cargo pilots, shipwrights, and doctors), be professionals pulled from the civilian version of their occupational field.
Warrant officers ranks are also used for special staff such as the Ketsurui Samurai (bodyguards to the Imperial Family).
Warrant officer rank insignia is worn in the same manner as commissioned officers.
| Rank Pin | Sleeve | Name | Kanji | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W3 |  |   | Ittô Juni | 一准尉 | Warrant Officer First Class |
| W2 |  |   | Nitô Juni | 二准尉 | Warrant Officer Second Class |
| W1 |  |   | Santô Juni | 三准尉 | Warrant Officer Third Class |
The Yamataian word for the enlisted is 兵 (Hei) non-commissioned officers are called 下士官 (Kashikan).
Only characters that display leadership should be promoted to NCO rank. If a PC is promoted to Heisho, he should also have something to command - lower ranked PCs, or NPCs. This aspect of 'giving power to the PCs' is important. A Heisho infantry soldier should have his own team. If no PCs are available, then he should be encouraged to create the NPCs populating his team as low-key alternate characters (like, 2?). Then when this player posts, he posts for his team's actions rather than just for himself. Then the GM makes his calls accordingly. Also, having NPCs on hand is an useful tool for the GM to talk through if he wants to convey impressions, banter or situational advice.
Patches are worn on the Working Uniform, Duty Uniform (Type 35), and Star Army Coat, Type 32. Note that NCO (red) rank patches go on the arm, not on the cuffs.
| Rank Pin | Arm Patch | Name | Kanji | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E7 |  |  | Jôtô Heisho | 上等兵曹 | Chief Petty Officer |
| E6 |  |  | Ittô Heisho | 一等兵曹 | First Class Petty Officer |
| E5 |  |  | Nitô Heisho | 二等兵曹 | Second Class Petty Officer |
Patches are worn on the Working Uniform, Duty Uniform (Type 35), and Star Army Coat, Type 32. Note that enlisted (green) rank patches go on the arm, not on the cuffs.
| Rank Pin | Arm Patch | Name | Kanji | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E4 |  |  | Jôtô Hei | 上等兵 | Superior Soldier |
| E3 |  |  | Ittô Hei | 一等兵 | Soldier First Class |
| E2 |  |  | Nitô Hei | 二等兵 | Soldier Second Class |
| E1 |  | (no patch) | Santô Hei * | 三等兵 | Soldier Third Class |
| E0 | (no pin) | (no patch) | Yontô Hei | 四等兵 | Soldier Fourth Class |
* Santô Hei is the usual starting rank for new player characters.
The examples shown above are for the First Fleet. For larger images and images of other fleet designs, see the links below:
