What rank is Commander Shepard?

Commander Shepard is a Lieutenant Commander in the Systems Alliance military, specifically a graduate of the N7 special forces program, and holds a rank that commands a great deal of respect. Throughout the Mass Effect game trilogy, Shepard’s rank remains largely consistent, with some variations and acknowledgments of their leadership and achievements, such as being reinstated as Commander in Mass Effect 3.

About Commander Shepard’s Rank

Rank and Position

Commander Shepard serves as the player character of the main Mass Effect game trilogy, with a backstory that includes being a graduate of the Systems Alliance’s military N7 program. This program is the highest grade of their Interplanetary Combatives Training, indicating a high level of skill and achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Commander Shepard get promoted?

• Commander Shepard does experience a change in rank, being reinstated as Commander in Mass Effect 3. However, significant promotions like those experienced by other characters (e.g., Captain Anderson to Admiral) are not directly observed for Shepard, despite their immense contributions to humanity.

1. Is Commander Shepard an officer?

• Yes, Commander Shepard is an officer in the Systems Alliance military, specifically holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander initially and later being addressed as Commander.

1. What rank is Shepard in Mass Effect 3?

• In Mass Effect 3, Shepard is officially recognized as a Commander, as indicated through an email from Hackett.

1. Does Kaidan outrank Shepard?

• Technically, Kaidan can outrank Shepard in certain contexts, but given Shepard’s command of the Normandy, Shepard has final authority in their domain.

1. How skilled is Commander Shepard?

• Commander Shepard demonstrates exceptional physical strength and combat skills, such as matching the Yahg Shadow Broker in strength and headbutting a Krogan without sustaining injuries.

1. Who is Commander Shepard’s son?

• Kaidan Shepard, often called “Junior,” is introduced as an elite Systems Alliance Intelligence Services field agent and the eldest son of the legendary John Shepard and Ashley Williams.

1. Who is Commander Shepard’s best friend?

• Garrus Vakarian is acknowledged by Shepard as their best friend, showcasing a strong bond between them.

1. Is Commander Shepard canonically female?

• Bioware never assigned a canon gender to Shepard, allowing players to decide whether their character is male or female.

1. How old is Commander Shepard?

• Born in 2154, Commander Shepard is 31 years old in Mass Effect 2, having accumulated significant combat experience while still being young enough to have considerable potential.

1. Does Shepard become a Reaper?

   • In one of the endings, Shepard becomes the new Intelligence behind the Reapers, using them to help the galaxy.

2. When did Shepard become an N7?

   • Shepard distinguished themselves in service between the ages of 22-24 and achieved the N7 rank by the age of 29, at the start of Mass Effect 1.

3. What rank is Garrus Vakarian?

   • Initially introduced as a C-Sec officer, Garrus holds a position within the Turian military, though his specific rank evolves throughout the series.

4. What is the highest rank in Mass Effect?

   • The highest rank achievable in the Systems Alliance armed forces is Fleet Admiral, typically granted during wartime or in ceremonial circumstances.

5. How many N7s are there?

   • There are seven known N7s in the Mass Effect universe, with Shepard being one of them, highlighting their elite status.

6. Is Shepard canonically a soldier?

   • Yes, Shepard is canonically a soldier of the Systems Alliance Navy, an N7 graduate, and the first human Citadel Council Spectre, dedicated to stopping the Reapers.

Conclusion

Commander Shepard’s rank and role within the Mass Effect universe are multifaceted, reflecting their exceptional abilities, achievements, and the respect they command. Through their journey, Shepard’s N7 status, leadership of the Normandy, and ultimate impact on the galaxy solidify their position as a pivotal figure in the Mass Effect series.