As we all know, NCOs are the backbone of the military, and units are only as good as their NCOs.

TBH, I don't know if it's appropriate to use the term "Legendary" for a truly extraordinary CPO, or, given that the intent of this proposal is for a department CPO to make use of parts of the "Outstanding Crew" rules, to use the term "Outstanding" CPO.

Basically, the idea is this.

A truly extraordinary NCO may well be on the fast track to becoming a COB, BUT he/she/it needs to work his/her/its/their way up the ranks PROPERLY. That means, for the time being, this junior(ish) CPO is running a department. Doing so VERY well, mind you, but it's still NOT the full enlisted crew.

(While this is an idea I've had for a while now, I've never quite tried putting it into words. Bad on my part.)

An Exceptional NCO, as stated, is in charge of the enlisted personnel of ONE department. That ONE department will have the benefits of that particular section of (G21.2). In short...

... If the Exceptional NCO is in the "Scanners" department, that ship has the bonus EW of (G21.212)

... If in the "Heavy Weapons" department on a ship with direct fire heavy weapons, the benefits of (G21.211) apply to the heavy weapons ONLY (plus Klingons also have G21.213)

... If in the Plasma Torpedo department, the ship has the benefits of (G21.214)

... If in the Damage Control department, the ship has the benefits of (G21.232)

And so on, and so on...

IMSO (In My Screwball Opinion), it's a way to show an appreciation for the hard working NCOs who've done so much to institutionalize Naval Traditions.

Some uses might warrant an additional 5 to 10 percent of the BPV of a ship, others might only be worth a point or two.

I might also point out that an Exceptional NCO just MIGHT end up being assigned to a department where he/she/it has an exceptional reputation that's aboard a SC2 ship (ships which are, by my interpretation of the rules, not allowed to have "Outstanding Crews"); something that MIGHT be controversial.

Nevertheless, I'm interested in your opinions. Good idea? Stupid one?