Are the Star Trek Next Generation rank pips based on anything from real life?

In Star Trek: The Next Generation, the rank of Starfleet officers is denoted by the “pips” on their collar. An Ensign has one, a Commander three, a Captain four, and Admirals have three pips in a box on each side of their collar.

Is the system based on anything from real life? Or did the Star Trek production crew just make it up?

Answer

According to Wikipedia, Star Trek rank insignia are based on the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy. However, the rank designations are not constant throughout the entire franchise.
Officer rank insignia
Star Trek insignia

Comments

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