DR Ranse Layne:
It's all just labels, regardless of if they called them officers or not, there were still people who job it was to be at the bottom.
Absolutely.
There are some important details, mind. If everyone starts at Ensign, everyone can get anywhere via promotion (I mean, loads won't, but it's possible).
If some people start as non-commissioned, if they want to actually have the capacity to be promoted to a commissioned rank, they need to go to the academy and take courses, then come out as a commissioned type. Barring something
really weird happening, Petty Officers don't get promoted to Lieutenants, as an example.
ENS Turak:
In reply to PO Amamiya Azami (msg # 301):
PO Azami - I’m definitely ready to join in! Just tell me when and where.
^_^
The boss will hopefully give you a starting point soon!