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star trek - Why do bridge non-Captain officers commonly go on away missions?


Ever since the days of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, bridge officers in Starfleet have always had a prominent role in away team missions. However, it would seem more logical to me that such hazardous (and, generally, specialized) duties should fall to lower-ranking and/or more dedicated teams.


Of course, it wouldn't have made for great TV if every away team was comprised of a bunch of red-shirts. And it would definitely increase the show's budget to have an extra group of main characters whose sole purpose was to handle the away missions.


Still, I'm curious to know if there's ever been a real in-universe explanation for this practice? I know it's been brought up a few times, in a few series/movies, that the Captain should not be taking part in hazardous away team missions. But nothing is ever said (that I'm aware of) of the rest of the still valuable bridge crew or other senior officers.



Answer




Away teams are typically led by personnel holding the rank of full lieutenant or higher, although exceptions for an ensign or lieutenant, second grade to lead an away team have been made. Away teams led by a Lieutenant would be routine, safe, and incredibly boring for an audience to watch, hence why we don't see them. There's rarely a bridge officer (let alone any senior officer) on these away teams though.


Next are other planned away missions that are higher risk. These would usually require that they be led by personnel holding the rank of lieutenant commander or higher. This is starting to get into what we see in the shows. So in TNG, let's see who is a Lt. Cmd. or higher:



  • Riker, Commander

  • Worf, Lt. Commander (through much of the run)

  • Data, Lt. Commander

  • La Forge, Lt. Commander

  • Crusher, Commander

  • Troi, Lt. Commander (later Commander)



Well damn, that's basically the entire senior staff. Sure, there are many other Lt. Commanders on board the Enterprise, but for the sake of the audience (and budget and casting), they aren't introduced just to lead an away team unless they (or most of their team) are going to die on said away mission.


Then we have the unplanned/emergency away missions. This is the bread and butter of TNG. These almost invariably require that the first officer goes because solid command capabilities are required and the captain needs someone he can trust and communicate effectively with. This is why Riker goes on so many away missions.


Away teams like we see in Star Trek aren't common these days, since the worlds navies aren't doing much exploration. In past centuries though, it wasn't uncommon for the first or second officer to lead landing parties to newly discovered areas. In any case, it would always be an officer leading a landing party.


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