Klingon Defense Force

Emblem of the Empire (pdmahler)

The ***tlhIngan Hubbeq*** or **Klingon Defense Force** **(KDF)** was the military of the Klingon Empire. It was known as the ***tlhIngan yo’’a’*** or **Klingon Imperial Fleet** until the signing of the Khitomer Accords in the late 23rd century.

## Organization

The supreme commander (*la'quv*) was the highest rank within the service and was held by a High Council member (*yejquv qu'vIgh*). While the chancellor (*Qang*) was the commander-in-chief, the actual operation of the KDF fell to the *la'quv* and their staff, making up High Command (*ra'ghomquv*). Much like the lower rank *la'*, the supreme commander served the chancellor but stood for the warriors.

High Command was composed of admirals (*'aj*), administrators (*vu'wI'*), and aides (*boQ*), the agency managed the operations and logistics of the defense force.

There were two branches within the Defense Force: the Internal Security Force (*yer* *Hungbeq*) and the Deep Space Fleet (*logh Hop beq*). The ISF was responsible for border patrol, policing, anti-piracy operations, and the like. The DSF served as the Empire's offensive force. When needed, the High Council could activate the various militias of the Great Houses and place them under the KDF, greatly expanding the available ships and personnel.

### Ranks and titles

Two rank classes existed within the Defense Force: officers (*yaS*) and troops (*QaS*). While not a rank, the term *ra'wI'* ("one who gives an order") applied to officers rank *Sogh* and above. The chief strategists within High Command and the lead field officers of the service held the rank of *‘aj*, alternately translated as “fleet admiral” or “thought admiral,” but most often shortened to “admiral.”

Those officers in command of specialized units or assignments held the title of commandant (*la''a'*) in addition to their rank. Some held the role of aide-de-camp (*boQDu'*) to officers of *'ech* and above. Those who commanded a fleet carried the title "force leader" (*yo' DevwI'*).

Officers aboard warships would also serve in first (*yaS wa'DIch*) and second officer (*yaS cha'DIch*) roles while holding official ranks. Both their rank and title were acceptable forms of address aboard ship.

Those officers who survived long enough to retire were given the title of *'utlh*, meaning "officer emeritus." And those warriors who were considered legendary within their lifetime were granted the title Dahar master (*Da'ar*).

## Appendices

### Connections

**Territory:** Qo'noS (Praxis Station) • Kolm-an • Qu'Vat • Khitomer • HuDyuQ (shipyards) • Ty'Gokor (shipyards) • Ganalda IV (space station) • Makus Shipyards • Taganika

**Agencies:** **Klingon Defense Force** • Klingon Naval Academy • Klingon Imperial Intelligence

**Raider-gunboats (*mupDuj weHDuj*):** *Birok* • *K'Tanco* • *Ketha* • *Klavek* • *Kortar* • *Mat'Ha* • *Qa'Tel*) • *Qin* (*Qorgh* (*Pach* • *Pujyaq* • *Su'Qob*) • *Qui'Tu* • *K'saruj*

**Raider-assault ships (*yotDuj weHDuj*):** *Chava'Kal* • *Grishnar* • *Sargh*

**Raider-starfighters (*HIvDuj weHDuj*):** *Qo'Toch* • *To'Duj*

**Warship-enforcers (*raD'Duj veSDuj*):** *Fek'lhr* • *Naj'Sov* • *Nov* • *Peghqu'* (*Duvqu'*) • *QeHpu'* • *Qib*

**Warship-conquerors (*charghDuj veSDuj*):** *Suq'jagh* • *Vo'Devwi*

**Warship-battleships (*may'Duj veSDuj*):** *Antaak* • *D'ama* • *Kamarag* (*K'Maj*) • *K'Tagga* (*K'Tinga* • *Khenn* • *K'Tmara* • *Koro'Tinga*) • *K'Vort* • *Klothos* • *Mogh* (*Kurak*) • *Mur'Eq* • *Qi'moh* (*Yoj*) • *Vor'cha* (*Qang*) • *Tor'Kaht* • *Vor'Kang* • *Vor'ral*

**Warship-dreadnoughts (*yayDuj veSDuj*):** *An'quat* • *Bortasqu* (*Gorkon* • *Kahless* • *Martok*) • *Klinzhai* • *Negh'Var* (*Qu'Daj* • *Negh'Tev*) • *Nejwi* • *Qeh'Ral* • *Ty'Gokor* • *Vo'quv*

**Support ships (*ngaqDuj*):** *K'Toch* • *Kivra* • *Pipa* • *Toron*

**Project Groups:** C3 cruisers (*An'quat* • *Klinzhai* • *Ty'Gokor*) • Miracle Workers (*Antaak* • *Klothos* • *Mur'Eq*) • Pilot raptors (*Klavek* • *Kortar* • *Qui'Tu*)

**Other Types:** *Chargh* (*Jach*) • *BaSro'* • *GhIt* • *Durgath* • *Qoj* (*BortaS bIr* • *Qaw'* • *Veqlargh*) • *Na'Qjej* • *Qugh* • *Sech*

### Sources consulted

* Klingon Defense Force article at *Memory Alpha*.
* Klingon Imperial Fleet article at *Memory Alpha*.
* Klingon Defense Force article at *Memory Beta*.
* Klingon Defense Force article at the *Star Trek Online Wiki*.

### Footnotes

1. ↑ *Star Trek Adventures - Beta Quadrant*.
2. ↑ The use of fleet admiral is not comparable to the similarly termed rank in Starfleet and other stellar services. This translation simply implies that an admiral commands a fleet unit within the KDF.