The combat armor worn by officers of the Unity Accord Fleet Command is a sophisticated blend of advanced protective technology and traditional military heraldry. While all armor provides full protection against vacuum, radiation, and kinetic impact, the specific design elements, particularly the use of gold embellishments, denote the officer’s rank and command authority.

The standard color for all officer-grade armor is white, symbolizing the peace and order the Accord seeks to maintain.

1. Admiral

• Description: The highest operational rank in a sector fleet. The Admiral’s armor is both a command center and a ceremonial uniform.

• Armor Details: White combat-ready armor featuring extensive and intricate gold patterns and textures across the chest, shoulders, and abdomen. The helmet is unique to this rank, often custom-fitted with advanced command-and-control interfaces and adorned with gold embellishments and the fleet’s primary insignia. A ceremonial cape with matching gold trim is standard for formal occasions.

• Notable Officer: Admiral Alba Rigel Waldermara (HCS Orion)

2. Captain

• Description: The commanding officer of a capital ship (e.g., Escort Carrier).

• Description: The commanding officer of a capital ship (e.g., Escort Carrier, Heavy Cruiser). The Captain’s armor signifies ultimate authority over a single vessel and its crew.

• Armor Details: White combat-ready armor with significant golden patterns on the chest and shoulders, though less extensive than an Admiral’s. The helmet is a standard functional model. Rank is clearly denoted by gold trim on the cuffs and collar, and a command sash worn over the armor during official duties. The ship’s specific crest is often displayed alongside the fleet insignia.

• Notable Officer: Captain Muri Dohkan (ECS Pegasus)

3. Commander

• Description: A senior officer, often serving as a ship’s Executive Officer or as the commander of a smaller capital ship (e.g., Light Cruiser, Escort Frigate).

• Armor Details: White combat-ready armor distinguished by gold trim and patterns on the cuffs, collar, and shoulders. The design is authoritative but more restrained than a Captain’s. The primary identifier is the prominent display of their ship’s insignia on the chest plate.

• Notable Officers: Commander Asmar Shiro (ESS Andromeda), Commander Zora Manigos (ESS Perseus)

4. Lieutenant Commander

• Description: A mid-level officer, often in command of a frigate or serving as a department head on a larger vessel.

• Armor Details: White combat-ready armor with minimal gold patterns. Rank is typically indicated by precise gold trim on the cuffs and collar, and sometimes a small rank insignia or piping on the chest or shoulder. The armor is functional and prioritizes practicality over ornamentation.

• Notable Officers: Lieutenant Commander Valika Aioris (FGT Leo), Lieutenant Commander Kaliban Milos (FGT Scorpio)

5. Lieutenant

• Description: A junior officer, often serving as a bridge officer or in command of a small corvette-class vessel. This is the rank where most pilots begin their active fleet careers.

• Armor Details: White combat-ready armor with few golden designs. Rank is typically denoted by simple gold bands on the cuffs or collar. A small gold fleet or ship insignia is often worn on the chest. The overall design emphasizes function and uniformity.

• Notable Officers: Lieutenant Pax Hyosuke (CVT Cygnus), Lieutenant Kano Ryuzen (CVT Draco), Lieutenant Mikki Cidran (CVT Phoenix)

• Color Scheme: The foundational white armor plating is a high-grade ceramic-alloy composite, designed for thermal regulation and radiation scattering. The gold elements are not purely decorative; they are often part of the armor’s energy conduit system or integrated communication hardware.

• Helmet Systems: All helmets are equipped with full life support, a heads-up display (HUD) linked to the ship’s network, and neural interface compatibility. Embellishments are restricted to the Admiral rank to avoid confusion in combat situations.

• Insignia: All officers wear the primary insignia of their assigned fleet (e.g., the Sentinel Fleet’s emblem). From the rank of Commander upwards, the specific crest of their vessel is also prominently displayed, signifying their command role.

This system ensures a clear and immediate visual chain of command on the battlefield, on the bridge, and during formal proceedings, blending the UAFC’s respect for tradition with its commitment to high-tech functionality.