Concieved as a 'cheaper' alternative to a full Battlestar, Combatstars entered service in order to increase the number of overall combat assets available to meet Cylon attacks. Over time, and most especially following the Armistice, their roled evolved as they became employed as a complementary escort to the larger vessels and as a dedicated patrol vessel along the rim of Colonial territory opposite of Cylon space. As a smaller vessel in the Colonial TO&E, a Combatstar is typically commanded by a senior Major, or more often a Colonel in the Colonial military.