Concieved as a 'cheaper' alternative to a full Battlestar, Combatstars have seen their place evolve as both a complement escort to the larger vessels and as a dedicated patrol vessel along the rim of Colonial territory opposite of Cylon space . Furthermore, Combatstars are often used as carrier qualification training vessels for nugget Viper, Raptor and shuttle pilots. 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. See: Combatstar Savitri See: WSG 1