Elite: Dangerous PvE - Mobius

I thought I might come across the answer to this while just playing the game, but I haven't yet. I'm probably missing something very obvious! But how do you gain ranks with these groups? And what are the benefits/drawbacks? Is it just a way to get better ships, or is there more to it? And where does the Alliance fit it?

I'm just interested in how this part of the game works, and any help or tips (really just "how to get started"!) would be great.

Thanks

A good starting point for the details is here http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Factions
In general you get access to ships and permits to certain systems (at least as far as the Federation and Empire are concerned). You go up the ranks by completing the different missions for minor factions allied to the major one. When you get high enough you will get offered a ranking up mission from the major faction.

The Alliance is not onboard with rewarding loyalty at the moment, my guess is that will come as part of the future.
[wild specualtion]Maybe the alliance will grow strong in response to the threats of the Thargoids and instigate a ranking system to recognise the contributions of CMDRs[/wild speculation]

You need to go to an Empire or Federation station and do missions for these groups... no independent groups.

The benefits include access to more ships and permits to certain systems.

And you can tell which factions are aligned to which powers as they have an emblem next to their Picture and faction name. You can also look in the right hand panel where you see you're combat rank and trade rank etc and it will tell you there which ones are aligned. Do missions for these factions and you will increase local rep and Empire/Fed rank at the same time.

Thanks all - that's helpful, and it also explains how I managed to get a slight amount of faction gain already, although without realising it!

Em