The largest portion of the Tanken branch of the Scientific Studies Service (SSS), is the Hara (Field) division. The personnel of the Hara division fall into the following groups field personnel and quartermaster section.
This is the largest section of the SSS. Comprised of scientists, doctors, and technicians these are the core components of any expedition, and they deploy to places around the Empire, and in rare cases beyond. The length and size of an expedition vary depending upon scope of what is to be studied. Normally an initial team is deployed for a period of three months. After the initial deployment, the Expedition Team Leaders (ETLs) make a determination is made as to the next stage of the expedition. This can include increases in equipment, personnel, and an estimate of the duration the expedition can expect to be in place.
All field personnel spend a month at the SSS field training camp located near Malifar by the Jhuniata Desert. There they learn to use the Ke-P1 (Series) Collapsible Rapid Deployment Modules as well as basic field protocols.
| Leaders | Expedition leader |
| Medical leader | |
| Science leader | |
| Sections | Medical |
| Sciences | |
| Security | |
| Support |
It takes a lot of equipment to supply expeditions and that is the job of the Quartermaster Section (QS). The QS acquires the products and materials the teams require. From uniforms, food and provisions, shelters, and equipment, if the Tanken teams need it, the QS gets it. When necessary the QD works with other organizations to develop equipment not available. The best example of this is the Ke-P1 (Series) Collapsible Rapid Deployment Modules.
The QS is also responsible for the distribution of the materials, supplies and equipment. The QS coordinates with Expedition Team Leaders (ETLs) when an expedition is being assembled. The QS personnel take into account the size of the expedition, location, and duration of the expedition to determine the initial requirements and resupply schedule.
Once the QS has determined what needs to be transported and where, they accomplish this task by using the SSS fleet of starships.
The last responsibility of the QS is to service and repair SSS equipment returned from the field. Equipment is first cleaned and decontaminated in a controlled area, and then the equipment is transferred to the repair facilities. Once any necessary repairs are completed the equipment is moved to refurbishment and then back into service.
Any citizen of the Yamatai Star Empire can apply for employment in expeditionary division of the (SSS). Academy graduates, and honorably discharged Star Army of Yamatai personnel are granted priority consideration. However, actual placement requires that the candidate has the prerequisite skills for the position.
Employment with the Scientific Studies Service (SSS) is done by contractual agreements in two, four and six year intervals.