Acting

The term Acting refers to a position or rank that is either temporary or honorary, usually when filled by an under-qualified officer during an emergency, or prior to being confirmed by Command. In most cases, the officer who is refered to as "acting" will either have that position or rank confirmed later, or will be replaced by a more qualified officer when circumstances permit.
When a temporary rank is given to someone not already part of starfleet, it is referred to as "provisional", and has an alternate set of rank insignia associated with it. This includes temporary commission and field commissions. Field Promotions are typically given to existing Starfleet personnel, who will continue to use the normal rank pips.
In all cases, these temporary ranks or positions must be approved by Starfleet Command before becoming permanent.
Some examples of an Acting officer include the following:
*Positions
**Acting Commanding Officer and Captain Riker while Captain Picard was assimilated by the Borg.
**Acting Captain Data while both Picard and Riker were MIA.
**Acting Commanding Officer and Captain Tim Waters aboard the USS Valiant.
**Acting Commanding Officer Erys Murai following the incapacitation of Commander Dalun and the (temporary) death of Lieutenant Asada.
*Ranks
**Acting Ensign Crusher prior to enrolling in Starfleet Academy
**(Provisional) Commander Chakotay prior to Voyager's return from the Delta Quadrant
**(Provisional) Lieutenant B'elana Torres prior to Voyager's return from the Delta Quadrant
**Various Red Squad cadets aboard the USS Valiant
Category:Titles