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 one common trait amongst them which was all individuals of this rank were ambitious.

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.

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 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 Emprie'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.

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 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 command disc on the buckle, boots and a hat with matching disk. Uniform colors varied from gray for naval and army officers to black for stormtrooper officers. Small silver 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 German World War II uniforms.

Appearances

 * The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader
 * Star Wars: Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron
 * Star Wars: Dark Forces
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
 * Star Wars: Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy''
 * Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game
 * The Last of the Jedi: Master of Deception
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope junior novel
 * Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
 * Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back junior novel
 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars 39: The Empire Strikes Back: Beginning
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi junior novel
 * X-wing: Wedge's Gamble

Non-canonical appearances

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