Star Trek VANITY - Which Navy Is Most Like Starfleet?

My Addled Brain | June 25, 2003 | Me

[Frank_Discussion]

I'm writing a book, and I'm trying to get a handle on some ideas.

In your opinion, what naval force and from what country is most like Star Trek's Starfleet? I'm trying to draw some parallels on how such a force would come about. Why did I post this here, you may ask? Because there are so many military folks here.

I say "naval" force, but I suppose other armed services could be in the list, too. Just let me know why you think the way you do on this issue, with whatever supporting info you want to pass along.

Thanks!

-FD

[Servant of the Nine]

The Swiss Navy.

Both are high minded and nonexistent.

So9

[PlanoMike]

I nominate Switzerland's Navy as being most like Star Trek's Starfleet. Neither EXIST!!!! Get a life! :>)

[Notforprophet]

This might be better posted in General Discussion. I'd say the US Navy, though. Finest in the world.

[PlanoMike]

Very interesting!

[Frank_Discussion]

Got a life! Want to enhance it by selling some of my writing, so I'm trying to make it a little better. Capitalism. Is that OK with you?

Sheesh, I labeled it a Vanity Post, it isn't serious... or series... hopefully it'll be hugh...

[Mr. Jeeves]

The UN navy is most like Starfleet: Socialist, arrogant, condescending...and non-existent.

[Frank_Discussion]

I thought it was posted in General Discussion. Hmmm...

[PlanoMike]

You obviously misinterpreted the :>)!

[finnman69]

Well lets talk about some famous Star Trek ship names.

Enterprise (Its a Constitution Class ship), Lexington, Yorktown, Hornet, Intrepid

granted there are plenty of famous Star Ships of British fame...

[Frank_Discussion]

BTW, I am not necessarily writing about Starfleet, per se, but I'm trying to figure out what model it might have come from, the Flaws and Advantages to such an organization taken together.

Often, it's pretty apparent that Roddenberry pulled it out of his butt.

[Frank_Discussion]

Oh, I didn't take it as serious criticism, I just want to make it clear that I had a real purpose beyond idle chit-chat.

Yo!

[Sloth]

Often, it's pretty apparent that Roddenberry pulled it out of his butt.

I think you've cracked the case.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

Hmmm, I don't know if you'd correlate them to a Navy. Enterprise was an expeditionary force.
Navies are designed to do battle.
Better would be either a parallel with early US sea merchants (there were whalers from Massachusetts who fished the Bass Strait between Australia and New Zealand) or to Pirates. Without the raping and pillaging (although Kirk did bang pretty much anything that was female and bi-pedal).

[Frank_Discussion]

I think there's a Pun in that response.

However, I am trying to see what real system comes closest to the fictional, or a combination real systems.

[Stew Padasso]

Nerd Alert!

[Frank_Discussion]

LOL! You're a little late!

[Frank_Discussion]

"Enterprise was an expeditionary force."

True enough. But not like Marines, to be sure. I sometimes see them like the British in the "munity on the Bounty", seeing new civilizations on isolated islands.

[Frank_Discussion]

Star Trek PING!

[50sDad]

Except for the corporal punishement, read any of David Feintuch's "Midshipman's Hope" series. It is basically Horatio Hornblower (also Trek's inspiration) in space, but it is probably far closer to the original British navy of the time...much more class/caste and "discipline". The central character is a mid-level space sailor when the ship's cap'n is killed, and is thrust into inter-stellar war, invasion, and chaos. The protagonist is also the child of an unloving home, and suffers incredible angst about being "good enough." (It is at first charming, later gut wrenching.) He makes hard choices, single-handedly saves millions, and curses himself when he cannot save a few hundreds. I did not find it "homoerotic" as some charge, but I suppose that a book is like a mirror. I recommend it as grand saga, and a good read.