Senior Staff-Seven and Neelix

[Capt Kat]

I could kick myself for not noticing this till a few weeks ago,but anyone notice when Janeway or anyone else says "Senior staff to the briefing room." or "Senior staff report to your stations." Etc.

Seven is always included and on occasions even Neelix.

Neither of them went to the academy, nor have rank or were given rank so why are they considered Senior staff?

In "Endgame" Chakotay even calls Seven 'Crewmen' and as far as I know crewmen aren't department heads or senior staff.

Sure both can and did help the crew through the Delta Quadrant, but I still don't see how that makes either senior staff.

[Niemz]

Maybe it was an honorary title bestowed because of their isolation.

[Capt Kat]

Their isolation? When was either character isolated?

[Mr. Atoz]

Didn't B'lanna Torres flunk out of the Academy or something? And she's Chief Engineer. I remember seeing the episode where Janeway gave her the position, and she (Torres) was belligerent, hostile, and uncooperative. I remember thinking it made absolutely NO sense to make her Chief Engineer. Sure she may have the technical skill, but a department head position also requires the ability to delegate and organize her section.

I think my point is that Janeway often made informal appointments, regardless of whether people were technically qualified by being Starfleet members.

[Niemz]

By isolation, I meant far removed from UFP and Starfleet space.

[Kris]

I think they just included themselves.. Neelix self promoted himself on occasion right? ( ie. Moral Officer.. ) and Seven had logic and some push on occasion ( ie. experience and skill if needed) But yeah.. I think it was that case.. they were just trying to be nosey. And the captain just let it slide because they had nothing better to do. ( Friendship and isolation)

[Capt Kat]

I remember that episode! "The Cloud."
We must go through all 'nebulas'...never around. Nope can't do that.

Tuvok asks When did you become morale officer?
Then slight pause. *insert Neelix's answer here.*

Seven always has push. In "Someone To Watch Over Me" Tom makes reference to "Her domineering personality."