Ensign signified a rank for junior officers in the Galactic Empire, representing a lower position within the naval officer corps. The New Republic also utilized this rank.
Ensigns held positions on diverse starships, notably including Star Destroyers. After the Empire had been established for five years, Ensign Baz was stationed at the Imperial construction site known as Sentinel Base, reporting to Governor Wilhuff Tarkin; he was then chosen to be a midshipman on the Governor's personal ship, the Carrion Spike. Subsequently, after three years, Ensign Cauley worked as a terminal operator on the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Ultimatum under the command of Captain Rae Sloane throughout the conflict that took place on the planet Gorse.