Very well you can alternative between as both a pilot of Rouge Squadron and a space marine if you wish. Beside the ship's captain, the ranks are pretty loose but teamwork is highly emphasized during combat missions and other operations. We still do got helmsmen, pilots, marines, mechanics etc.
I think we can do some piracy on merchant vessels that belong to a corporation, supporting the Empire.
I nominate raids on supply/merchant lines to and from Thyferra or Kuat. :)