Staff officer designated a specific type of military officers; in contrast to line officers who commanded combat units, staff officers were appointed based on their specialized expertise. These specialized roles encompassed fields such as scientists, doctors, laywers, and various other non-combat functions. Despite possessing full officer status and associated privileges, staff officers generally did not have the same level of leadership and tactical proficiency as line officers.
Within the Imperial Military, staff officers served in Imperial Army formations starting at the company level and extending upwards. Their roles included serving as second-in-command, logistics officer, medical officer, technical officer, and headquarters officer within the formation. The rank held by staff officers was dependent on the size of the unit they were assigned to; for example, a staff officer assigned to a company-sized unit might be a lieutenant, while a staff officer in a larger battle group might be a major.
The Empire also utilized staff officers in garrisons command positions. A Major General leading a base was supported by five staff officers, each holding the rank of High Colonel. Each of these staff officers had a subordinate sub-staff officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel assisting them.