Starfleet personal

[Teaos]

Yes they might not need it but having it is ana dvantage and shows just how exeptional they are.

[Captain Seafort]

If they're being taught all this useless junk (which isn't an advantage at all, since it isn't related to their job) it's taking time away from teaching important stuff. Mostly combat-related skills if "Peak Performance" is any indication.

[Tsukiyumi]

Of course, some captains rise through ranks (Geordi was a captain in Timeless, IIRC), and would of course still have that same expertise. Wasn't Sisko an engineer as well?

[Captain Seafort]

Of course, some captains rise through ranks (Geordi was a captain in Timeless, IIRC), and would of course still have that same expertise.

True, but they would posses those skills by virtue of being a professional engineer first and foremost, not by virtue of all Captains having a professional-level understanding of all their ship's departments. Geordi would likely know as much about his ship's engines as his Chief Engineer, possibly more, but as a doctor, or a tactical officer he'd be clueless.

Wasn't Sisko an engineer as well?

I don't think so - in fact I don't think his speciallity was ever stated, although the fact that Leyton appointed him head of Earth security suggests that he was a security or tactical officer.

[Teaos]

I'd rather have the highly trained starfleet personal then the alternative.

[Tsukiyumi]

I don't think so - in fact I don't think his speciallity was ever stated, although the fact that Leyton appointed him head of Earth security suggests that he was a security or tactical officer.

They mentioned that he was involved in the design of the Defiant, but I suppose he could've come up with the paint scheme for all we know...

[Mikey]

I tend to think that extent of required knowledge of a subject such as engineering (for example) for a commanding officer would be the ability to understand what his engineering crew is saying. Even in TNG and the supposedly wide array of detailed education among command staff, there were plenty of times that Geordie and Data had to explain themselves as if they were presenting to an elementary-school class.

[Teaos]

The level of knoweldge in all fields is so high that it would be impossible to be experts in all and to be even at a basic level of understanding would be impressive.

[Mikey]

If such a basic level of understanding is considered an impressive, extraordinary feat, doesn't it kind of make such a wide variety of learning moot?

[Teaos]

The fact that they seem to have it in so many fields is impressive. Most people would only focus on one and reach a level. They have a speciality and also have a wide range of skills.

[Mikey]

Actual skills are one thing - I'm talking about detailed background knowledge in a variety of fioelds, which yet still leaves them unable to function in a primary role in those fields.

[Monroe]

I'd rather have the highly trained starfleet personal then the alternative.

You mean Starfleet when they land on the ground?

[Sonic Glitch]

Exactly. Does the captain of an aircraft carrier know how his ship's nuclear reactor works? He may know a small bit, but not much.

Actually I do know that nuclear sub captains (at least in the States) are required to know the ins and outs of their nuclear reactors. Everyone on the sub must have knowledge of how the reactor works/safety procedures regardless of whether or no they're in engineering.

[Sionnach Glic]

Okay, bad example.

[Sonic Glitch]

Yes, in the Nuclear Navy, all the officers must have knowledge of how the reactor works/what to do if something goes wrong. And I think (if I recall correctly) you have to have spend some time in engineering before becoming a SSN/SSBN Captain.