Cardassian Rank Structure

Below you will find the rank structure of the Cardassian Union's defensive body: The Cardassian Guard, from the senior-most rank to the lowest of the low. Unlike many military forces that employ different ranks for different branches, the Guard uses one solid set of ranks which have different responsibilities.

Legate
Legate is a long-standing Cardassian officer's rank title which is approximately equivalent to an Admiral. Legate is the highest rank in the Cardassian military, and while it resembles the human rank of Admiral in some respects, it is as much of a political position as a rank. Since the Cardassian government was historically a military-driven entity, Legates still retain a degree of political authority.

Jagul
Jagul is a positional rank, assigned to a commanding officer in charge of multiple organizations but firmly subordinate to the Legates of Central Command.

Gul
Gul is an officer's rank title which is usually equivalent to a ship's Captain. In practice, Gul is a highly flexible rank that most simply refers to a command officer. Guls hold command ranging in size from cargo vessels to entire Orders (approx. 500,000 personnel), with a similar variety in respect. As such, Guls may be competitive with each other for prestige. Guls in ground forces tend to head up the highest sub-units.

Dal
Dal is an officer rank title which is approximately equivalent to a Commander, they tend to serve as senior assistants to more prestigious Guls. In ground forces, Dals tend to serve as executive officers for the higher unit commanders.

Dalin
Dalin is an officer rank title which is approximately equivalent to a Lieutenant Commander. It often indicates some level of technical knowledge. Dalins on ground forces typically head up mid-sized units.

Glinn
Glinn is an officer rank which is approximately equivalent to a Lieutenant of Starfleet. Glinn is a staff officer rank and reflects a wide variety of duties. Glinns in ground forces typically command a Battery or Company, or a more specialized unit like reconnaissance or special operations and response teams.

Gil
Gil (sometimes seen as Kel) is an officer rank which is approximately equivalent to an Ensign of Starfleet. It represents the smallest level of direct officer control. Nor-class space stations, such as Terok Nor (Deep Space Nine) and Keltok Nor typically carry enough lifeboats only for personnel down to, and including, the rank of Gil. Gils on the ground typically command platoons or equivalent forations.

Garresh
Garresh make up the backbone of the non-commissioned ranks. Garresh is an enlisted title which is approximately equivalent to a non-commissioned officer, such as a Petty Officer or Sergeant, of comparable military or naval service organizations, such as Starfleet. They head up squads or equivalents on the ground.

Riyak
Riyak has no direct analog in Starfleet. The best comparisons are Warrant Officer or the very old human rank of 'Technician.' Riyaks are skilled technical experts trained in one specific field, who are under the supervision and authority of a Garresh. Typically field medics or military constables carry this rank.

Gorr
Gorr is the lowest rank in the Cardassian Guard. It is approximately equivalent to a 'Crewman' in most naval organizations, but the Cardassian Guard is organizationally different. Still reliant on Conscription, most conscripts will serve as a Gorr if they lack specific technical skills. Gorrs are responsible for duties ranging from foot soldier to maintenance.