Starfleet needs to ditch the divisional color uniforms and reintroduce divisional badges
The confusing nature of Starfleet's uniform color scheme is a hot topic right now, so I would like to submit an alternative; that Starfleet gets rid of it entirely and adopts an expanded version of the old uniform badge scheme.
In the 23rd century Starfleet uniforms used four symbols on their badges, one each for command, science, engineering and medical. However those symbols were about as confusing as the later uniforms as engineering also included security, science still included the ships doctor with the medical cross seemingly only for nurses, and command included just about everyone else.
Instead here is an alternative system. For normal use the insignia would be engraved in black (except where noted) on the silver arrowhead of the comm badge, on uniforms like working coveralls and space suits it would be worn as a patch.
Command: Star with the top point extended as in the 23rd century, Commanding Officer will have their star inlaid in gold.
Science: Stylized atom symbol as in the 23rd century
Engineering: Stylized hex nut as in the 23rd century, personnel who are EVA qualified wear cross wenches holding up a old style space helmet.
Medical: A red cross as in the 23rd century, cross is outlined in white for doctors.
Operations: A stylized 23rd century Constitution-class starship silhouette
Helm and Navigation: A trio of stars with a sweeping arrow pointing to the center, helm officers qualified in craft like the Peregrine-class attack fighter may wear shuttlecraft silhouette backed with wings in their badge
Security: A 23rd century phaser pistol
Ground Forces (Marine, MACO etc): MACOs have crossed phaser rifles holding up a Mako shark, Marines have a phaser rifle crossed with a saber holding up an anchor.
Posted Apr 30, 2019, 4:34 PM UTC
I'm sorry but no, simply no.
The Division Colours are pure astetics and don't serve an operational need.
Any Servicemember serving aboard a Starfleet Ship, Base or Installation will know and recognice their Commanding Officer, no need for a fancy Captains only Badge.
Similar issue with the EVA Qualification, everyone aquires it during Basic Training, if everyone has the Badge no one needs the Badge.
Physicians are not magic healers, if they're in sickbay I don't need to interrupt their sta Standard procedures by looking for the Dermatologist w/ the White outline. And if I'm injured a want the one with the medkit to help me regardles if they are EMTs, Nurses, Physicians or field trained.
Beeing a Figther Pilot in the First century of Arial Combat was impresive and Armed Forces had to invest a lot into them, but distinguishing someone that is capable of piloting a two Person Fighter, instead of distinguishing those that are able to Land and Intrepid on a Planet or manuever a Galaxy-Class through the Gates of a Dyson Sphere doesn't seem very usefull.
Edit: Added important fix in bold.