Red Shirt

From Imperial Wiki
Revision as of 16:18, 28 February 2008 by Ted C (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Red Shirt is a nickname for Starfleet's security personnel, named for the distinctive red shirts they wore in the original Star Trek series. Red Shirts are notable for their high casualty rate, as Red Shirts who accompany senior officers on missions frequently die. The name was retained even after security switched to yellow shirts in the post-TOS series.

Although their job description suggests that their role should be limited to providing security on starships, Red Shirts seem to be the only foot soldiers available to the Federation, performing the roles of army and marines in addition to shipboard security.

Equipment

In the 23rd century (TOS-era), Starfleet security personnel carried a communicator and a hand phaser. A phaser rifle was seen once[1], but it was not standard issue. The security uniform consisted of black trousers and a red shirt.

In the 24th century (TNG-era), security equipment was similar: a communicator and a hand phaser. Officers might also carry a tricorder programmed for security functions. Phaser rifles of various types were available for overtly military missions. The security uniform consisted of a black-and-gold jumpsuit or, later, black trousers and a black-and-gold shirt.

Casualty Count

Note: This counts only specific security guard deaths; not other crewmen.

  • TOS Era: 21 Deaths from Television to Movies.
  • TNG Era: 6 Deaths from Television to Movies.
  • DS9 Era: 4+ Deaths in Television Series.
  • Voyager Era: 1+ Deaths in Television Series.
  • Enterprise Era: 3+ Deaths in Television Series.
  • Total Deaths: 35+ Deaths

See Also

Notes

  1. TOS "Where No Man Has Gone Before"