Imperial officer/Legends

Imperial officers were members of the Galactic Empire's military.

Overview
The officer was a high class soldier within the Empire's military who provided a commanding presence among the legions of stormtroopers that were deployed to fight the Emperor's enemies. Their leadership roles often inspired the troops in battle and were capable of summoning more troops onto the field.

The individuals of this class were divided into numerous special positions and placements. Despite these variations of the officer class, there was two common traits amongst them which were all individuals of this rank were ambitious, and ethnocentric humans who fully support the Emperor's policy of subjugating non-human races.

Security Officers
These officers were members of Imperial Intelligence and were responsible for monitoring as well as ferreting out signs of rebellious activity within the ranks of the Empire. Any such threats were first uncovered, arrested and eventually neutralized. This duty meant that such personnel were often known as "loyalty officers" by Imperial soldiers who were stationed at every installation; be it a remote outpost to a major facility in the Core. Their duties were the same regardless of their post and they proudly wore the gray uniform of Imperial Intelligence as well as openly admitted to their assignments. These security officers often explained the best interests of the Empire with their job requiring them to be both noticed and feared. Security officers powers allowed them to reprimand and report on individuals who were suspect with them being given broad discretion powers to ensure that an Imperial facility did not fall into rebel hands.

Whilst generally open about their stations, certain officers were often assigned undercover operations at various starships or facilities. Their duty was to observe their comrades and determine which one of them posed a legitimate threat to the New Order. The number of agents assigned to these posts were never truly known and the fear of discovery was an effective means of preventing sedition as Imperial personnel were never sure if their comrades were security officers undercover. Though their position meant that they needed to remain in hiding, these undercover security officers were allowed to intervene when necessary. This was in cases where the tenets of the New Order were not fulfilled leading to the suspect being either reported or neutralized if need be. Those agents on starships of the Imperial Navy had the overriding duty to ensure that the vessel did not fall into enemy hands. The constant fear of the presence of security agents at any Imperial facility created an atmosphere of fear where personnel were required to follow the principles of the New Order or be branded a traitor.

These duties meant that they were given extensive training for their role and had to learn counter-insurgency tactics, marksmanship, untraceable execution methods and even starship engineering. All of this was designed to ensure that the officer succeeded in their mission and were even told to commit suicide rather than reveal information to their captors.

Security officers were also present on Imperial starships and battle stations to control access areas. One example was Captain Khurgee on the first Death Star.

Star Destroyer Officers
Certain officers can end up within the mighty Imperial Star Destroyers which were the backbone of the Imperial Navy. Serving aboard such vessels was an honor for the crew and officers who were selected for their skill, loyalty and leadership abilities. However, a number of officers had attained the position through political connections despite their actual talent. Regardless of entry, an officer stationed onto a Star Destroyer received a boost in their career.

Life on a Star Destroyer for officers involved a constant state of competition due to the command structure being arranged in a manner that promoted such an atmosphere. Such individuals were often unsure of their place within their hierarchy which led to power struggles of every kind between various Star Destroyer officers. This environment was something that the higher ranking members within the Imperial Navy cultivated as they believed that it was a desirable trait for it reduced mistakes as well as induced more careful habits from such officers. Due to the fact that Star Destroyers were often placed on assignments far from the oversight of Imperial High Command, the management of these officers was often at the discretion of the ship commander who often took liberties with their orders. This equally meant that while such assignments were coveted by the ranks of such officers, they were also feared as failure for something beyond an individuals control meant that there were at times severe forms of punishment.

As such, they had the fastest promotion rate yet the worst service record and even the lowest life expectancy amongst the officer classes. This fact was well known amongst the ranks of the various officer ranks and even the military elite. These conditions meant that Star Destroyer officers were often nervous as well as insecure men who had little chance of a successful military career. Despite these problems within such assignments, the position onboard a Star Destroyer with its ruthless competition was often a beneficial placement for clever individuals. Ultimately, there was little room for mistakes or error and only those with keen minds as well as strong purpose prospered without which, an officer would be doomed.

Death Star Officers
These individuals were the most skilled amongst their comrades and were excellent in their assignments. Following the dissolution of the Imperial Senate, the power of the Imperial Military had risen with many new benefits being available to those that managed to reach such positions. Amongst those that showed the most promise as well as ability were later taken by Grand Moff Tarkin to serve on his Death Star project. These young officers were devoted to the New Order and sought to rise through the chain of command.

Detention block guards
Some officers were given command of the various detention blocks of the Death Star. One in particular, Shann Childsen, supervised the prisoners and the stationed troops at detention block AA-23, due to his opportunistic upholding of Imperial ideals, including the policy of subjugating non-human races.

History
Imperial officers were one of the many legacies of the Galactic Republic which passed on to the Empire. During the Clone Wars, the position of Republic officer was used by many high ranking military officers that fought against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Upon the Declaration of a New Order, the Galactic Empire was formed with the military of the Galactic Republic being transformed into the Imperial Military. Thus, many officers that served the Republic became Imperial Officers while many others were trained into this position over the years of the Empire's rule.

Since the earliest days of the Galactic Empire, the position of officer had been used and certain members of this rank often participated in ground engagements alongside stormtroopers. A number of officers were killed by Galen Marek during his service to Darth Vader; first as part of an act as a secret agent to the Sith Lord and later as a renegade when he turned against the Empire. Officers also participated in the Galactic Civil War where they fought against the Rebel alliance. Several Imperial officers received training at one of the Imperial Academies, such as the Raithal Academy. Upon undergoing training, the officers, then known as cadets, endured harsh discipline, lengthy field exercises, and a rigid indoctrination into Imperial political ideology.

After the dissolution of the Imperial Senate and the creation of the Death Star I, a large number of the most capable and loyal officers were chosen to crew the mighty battle station under Grand Moff Tarkin's command. These most elite officers within the Imperial war machine were all later killed at the Battle of Yavin which led to a number of key spots being opened within the officer corps for other ambitious individuals.

During the Legacy era, the position of officer remained within the Imperial military of the Fel Empire.

Equipment
When not in a combat situation, officers wore standard issue uniforms. These uniforms consisted of a double-breasted tunic, trousers, black leather belt with code disc on the buckle, black leather boots, black leather gloves (optional) and a hat with matching disk. Uniform colors varied from olive-green for naval and senior army officers to black for stormtrooper (army) officers. Small silver code cylinders were kept in pockets on either side of the chest, near the shoulders. These cylinders were used as security permits to allow the officer to access areas under his or her authority.

All officers wear a rank insignia on their uniform. Similar to chevrons, these plaques are worn on the left side of the chest and often consist of red and blue squares. In some cases, yellow squares are present to indicate a Governor or Moff position.

If in a combat situation, officers wore a specialized armor matching their uniform color. This armor plating covered the upper torso and head. AT-ST commanders often wore armor close to these sets of armor. Death star troopers also wore this armor.

Although officers were trained in the use of the standard E-11 blaster rifle, they rarely carried weapons while on board capital ships. When in combat, officers wore holstered pistols.

Behind the scenes
The design of the uniforms is based on World War II German uniforms.

Non-canonical appearances

 * LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
 * LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Han Solo Affair