Chief tactical officer

The Chief Tactical Officer was a senior position for Starfleet officers onboard starships and stations. The officer oversaw the operation of all ship- and station-based weapons systems. The officer's duties were to maintain battle readiness of the ship and crew, including the team of tactical officers. In most cases, the chief tactical officer also served as the Chief security officer and often served as the Second or Third officer of the starship or station.

Duties and Functions
Although battle orders were given by the Commanding officer and Executive officer, much of the actual combat was delegated to the chief tactical officer. As such, the chief tactical officer was required to be an expert at the ship or station's defensive systems and offensive weaponry. In the case of starships, the officer had too coordinate with the helmsman to ensure optimum performance during combat. In addition, the chief tactical officer was required to study the offensive and defensive capabilities of any and all vessel types that might be encountered in the region of space in which the starship or station operates.

The chief tactical officer conducted readiness drills, equipment inspections, live fire, and simulated exercises. As a department head, the officer also coordinated with the Chief engineering officer to ensure that all offensive and defensive systems were maintained in peak operating condition. The Chief conn officer also coordinated with the chief tactical officer to develop maneuvers that best complemented the ship's offensive and defensive systems.

Since the chief tactical officer was not always present on the bridge or command center, a team of tactical officers was operated by the chief tactical officer so as to always maintain combat readiness of the starship or station.

Ranks
Chief tactical officers wer usually of the rank of Lieutenant or above.

Known Chief Tactical Officers

 * Mary Sue Smith - USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-C)
 * Rexar of Kojarra - USS Invincible

Known Chief Security/Tactical Officers

 * Lieutenant commander Shia'le
 * Tasha Yar - USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) (2364-2366)
 * Worf - USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) (2366-2371); USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E) (2372-2373)
 * Odo - Deep Space 9 (2369-2375)
 * Tuvok - USS Voyager (NCC-74656) (2371-2378)
 * Zak Kebron - USS Excalibur (NCC-26517) (2373-2376); USS Excalibur (NCC-26517-A) (2376-2380)
 * Sharise Bryant - USS Victory-D
 * Constance Porter - USS Victory-D; USS Victory-E