The Second Space Lord (2SL) controls the majority of the non-operational elements of the IEN as well as all the home defence fleets, excluding pacifiers attached to orbitals.

There are two Deputies, one an Admiral of the White¹⁾ and the other a Vice-Admiral. Each of the Deputies themself control a large chunk of the IEN.

The 2SL has a Captain as his Naval Secretary who ensures that smooth running of his office and that all matters are effectively attended to at the appropriate time. In addition there is a Commander and Lt Commander who act as aide-de-camp to the 2SL as well as a number of other ranks.

The 2SL command splits down into a number of main Directorates:

• Home Systems Defence (1st Deputy)
• High Command & Staff College (1st Deputy)
• Construction (2nd Deputy)
• Training (2nd Deputy)
• Fleet Support (2nd Deputy)

Like the 2SL the First Deputy also has a Naval Secretary at the rank of Commander. His ADC is a Lt Commander and there is often an assistant ADC who will be a well connected Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant.

There is a Rear Admiral in overall charge of co-ordinating Home Systems Defence based in Sol. In each of the other Home Systems there is a Flag Captain in charge of the Interplanetary Defence Squadron. In the event that the Sol system itself was attacked the First Deputy Second Space Lord would be expected to assume overall command of all operational forces present in system unless otherwise directed by the Admiralty Board.

The Principal of the College is a Vice-Admiral post, however there are a large number of tutors and speakers from all grades drawn into teaching at the college, including a number of retired senior Admirals (with several Grand Admirals among them).