first military mission

[Betelgeuse]

different levels would be fine as long as the first level doesn't give you access to equip military weapons and shields.
Maybe they could be like this

1 level: access to missions and fuel
2 level: access to armory (non military) and allow you to equip military armor
3 level: equip and buy military shields
4 level: equip and buy military weapons

this would work because the missions after the first one can be failed.
This is a good idea Icabod458

[Petrus]

I like the 4-tiered system as well. Just noting that I think that commonwealth stations should stop confiscating military equipment after you get the first-tier badge, although that was probably implied by the previous posters.

[Boris the Cat]

I like that idea better too. It adds a bit more incentive to continue the missions, without forcing a player to change his style of playing.