What is all this Navy or Rank Stuff?

On HGF we have a theme and rank system. Our theme coincides with our ranking system. The purpose of the theme and rank system is to have a structured and consistent way to re/award users for their contributions to the site. The more a member does by way of contributions (uploading content, participating in discussions in chatbox, initiating topics, commenting, and replying to topics), the higher that member rises in rank.

We have chosen to use a Military theme, and the branch we have chosen was the Department of The Navy. The Navy allowed us to capitalize on a storied tradition, sound command structure, numerous ranks/status's, as well as utilize both branches and their components. The Navy is recognized as a global presence and so is HGF, well a global presence for freaks. Our theme is made of up both US Navy Ranks (Naval Academy, Commissioned Officers, and Enlisted-man) and Half US Marine Ranks (Enlisted).

When a user registers for the site, they have the ability to join a usergroup (specific group user belongs to that gives them a set of abilities and permissions). They have two choices, either the HGN [Bootcamp] group, or the HGN [Academy] group. The HGN [Bootcamp] group is where the majority of members will join. After a member has joined the group, they may be asked to complete a task while in boot-camp, this could be make an introductory post, or reply to a designated thread that you've read and understand the rules, rank/theme, and overall guide of how to use the site. After that (1 minute tops), or the initial post(reply) the user will graduate boot-camp and become an HGN Enlisted Member as an E-1 (Recruit).

At this point, the user has free access to the forums.

Now, an unregistered user has the ability to join the HGN [Academy] group instead. This group is not for the faint of heart, or average lurker. If you are just looking to lurk and not make contributions to the site, or be a leader or command a team/group, this is not the group for you. Members who join the HGN [Academy] are joining to become Commissioned Officers in the HomeGrownNavy. These individuals are natural leaders and are considered elite. After a user joins the HGN [Academy] group, they will be asked to complete a set of tasks in addition to making an introductory post, or replying to the designated thread that they have read and acknowledged the rules, rank/theme, and overall guide of how to use the site. After the user has made their introductory post, or reply, they will be enrolled in the HGNA (HomeGrown Naval Academy). While in the academy they will rise through the Naval Midshipman/Academy Ranks, and learn more about the site than the average member. The prospective officers (LDO's- Limited Duty Officers) will not only be uploaders, and contributors, but will serve as advisers, team/forum leaders, moderators, and administrators.

Once a member has risen through the Academy Ranks, and has learned all that can be learned(Literally not a lot), those members (Usually in a class ranging from 10-75) will graduate and be Commissioned as O-1's/Ensigns (the equivalent to a Second Lieutenant). Ensigns are generally division leaders, although they may opt out of this in the beginning to focus on building there profile with medals, awards, and pins. All New Officers will get a mentor and be sent to a command/group to start there HGN Duty.

At this point, the user has free access to the forums, as well as access to other hidden sections for officers.

For more on the full ranks and there explanation please visit "Ranks and Such Part 1".