Ensign

Ensign was the lowest rating of officer within most space navies, being bestowed upon a being immediately after graduating from a service academy.

This rank was in use in the Imperial Army of the reconstituted Sith Empire during the Sith Wars.

This rank was the lowest officer line rank used by the Imperial Navy and ranked below Junior Lieutenant. Ensigns held a position of midshipmen. The rank was the equivalent of Imperial Army Officer, Starfighter Corps Flight Officer, and Engineering Division Officer.

Ensigns typically were given supervisory positions over enlisted crew, however they were too junior to actually have a command billet. Ensigns also could not take command of any situation, unless in the absence of a lieutenant or other superior officer. Persons of this rank were typically assigned as watch officers, military aides, envoys or even bodyguards for various higher-ranking officers such as admirals. Ensigns also sometimes led ground missions, leading a vessel's complement of troopers on whatever task needed doing.

During off-duty hours, or when in hyperspace, an ensign could be given command of a warship, primarily to test their abilities, but also to give the regular officers some time off. When the captain or another higher-ranking officer judged them ready, the ensign would be promoted the next appropriate grade, and continue on their career path.

A Republic ensign tried to kill Dessel with a vibroblade after losing to him at a game of sabacc, but he was killed when Dessel shoved the blade back at him.

Text and facts from the “Ensign/Legends” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.