on one of those shows--and I think the difficulty here is your assumption that the creators / writers are engaged in some sort of good faith effort to treat their "space service" personnel in ways that would make sense in the context of a contemporary (or, contemporary in the 1990s) naval or other military service.
It's simply not a reliable assumption.
Hmmm, yes. That is a very fair point.
(Although the 90s show is actually set in 2018 at the start and is (mostly) Earth based so you'd have thought they'd have made a tad more of an effort.)
But you're right, I was making an assumption too far. As I say, I didn't particularly want to knock the shows - both of which I'm enjoying. (Well, strictly I finished one yesterday - rather a melancholic last episode because I believe its third season was cut short)
I also think you're right about the effect of carrying over the quasi military so it feels familiar. I can see why shows and authors like David Feintuch etc do this though for ease of readers relating. Coming from a naval background I quite like this as it kind of gives me an extra connection with my Dad. I'd have asked him about this except I don't get to see him much at present.
But thanks for a helpful response. I'll quit stressing over it! (They were 'sit up and think' moments rather than showstoppers for me.) I'll also add it to the increasing pile of 'as I get older and older I realize I know less and less'. But if it stops me being opinionated on Twitter, perhaps that's no bad thing. :-)
cheers
tc