A provisional (or brevet) officer is a member of a military or service organization who has received a temporary commission, field commission (or field promotion) to hold a rank as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in that organization.
These types of promotions are done without the approval of the organization's central authority, but by commanding officers who operate outside communication with authority. For example, Captain Kathryn Janeway awarded provisional ranks to several capable officers of a Maquis vessel in 2371 when Voyager became stranded in the Delta Quadrant. (VOY: "Caretaker")
- The provisional crewmen aboard Voyager wore a lozenge-shaped rank pin with black or gold stripes rather than the standard pips used to show Starfleet rank.
In 2366, Vice Admiral J.P. Hanson gave Commander William T. Riker a field promotion to the grade of captain. Riker chose to resume his previous rank and position as first officer when Captain Jean-Luc Picard was recovered. (TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I" and "Part II")
- Riker wore regular 23rd century captain uniform insignia, four gold pips, when he was field promoted.