Starfleet Marine Corps
From the Shybal Expanse Starfleet Database
Starfleet is not primarily a military organisation. Despite its military ranks and procedures, its frequent space battles and its ships that carry enough firepower to bake the crust of a planet, Starfleet is devoted primarily to the peaceful exploration of space and the policing of Federation spacelanes. However, there are times when military intervention on a planet becomes necessary, and when those times come, the Federation maintains an elite force of soldiers – the Starfleet Marine Corps or SFMC. Starfleet Naval personnel serve a wide variety of purposes, diplomatic as well as scientific. Starfleet Marines serve one prime purpose – combat – and they are deployed only if diplomacy fails.
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Background
Even though they are sometimes forgotten, the Starfleet Marine Corps is always hard at work upholding the ideals of the Federation while guarding it from any adversary that may present itself. In true military fashion, officers of the SFMC place the lives of others before their own, ready to sacrifice anything for the security of the United Federation of Planets.
Marines are often carried aboard Starfleet ships, but they have their own commanders and remain separate from the regular shipboard chain of command. Twenty-fourth century technology, and particularly Holodeck technology, have made it possible to give rank-and-file soldiers the kind of intensive military training that was the sole preserve of special forces units a mere four centuries before. Starfleet Marines are exceptionally well trained and capable, even by Starfleet standards. They are meant to operate primarily on planetary surfaces, both on land and water, but are also trained to participate in space-based operations as well, performing boarding actions in conjunction with regular Starfleet Security units. Their skills reflect the fact that they frequently have to operate in a long-range reconnaissance fashion, often with little or no support from Starfleet.
The first difference between the naval and marine branches of Starfleet that one notices is the rank system. Carried down from generation to generation, the system resembles quite closely the ranking method used in 20th century Earth. The next difference is the militaristic nature of the Corps. While the Starfleet navy tends to maintain order in a loose but firm manner, some have called the Marine Corps' management technique stringent or even harsh. Quite simply, Marine commanders do not tolerate anything less than the absolute best in their men, knowing that to do so would risk the lives of others. There is little room for error in such a dangerous and important field.
Organisation
SFMC operations are indirectly controlled by the Fleet Admiral. Allowing broad discretionary powers to the field commanders themselves, the Fleet Admiral is responsible for major and long-term deployments, extended campaigns, and various special tours of duty that do not fall under the jurisdiction of any field command. In doing, the Marine Corps unit commanders are given the power to evaluate and make decisions based on their own observations and calculations rather than having to continually check with their superiors. This by no means allows carte blanche, major decisions which do not fall under the unit's mission must be verified if possible. A Marine unit commander has similar decision powers to a starship Captain.
On a smaller scale, units deployed aboard a starship operate under a similar, yet somewhat different, method. In addition to reporting to the regiment or batallion command in which the battalion or company serves, the Marine Commanding Officer (MCO) reports directly to the ship's captain. This instant communications and coordination allows both the naval and marine forces aboard the starship to conduct daily operations in a manner equitable to both sides. A starship-bound marine unit receives orders in much the same way. Long-term objectives are assigned by the unit's marine command while the vessel's CO is responsible for assigning short-term objectives. This has proven to be an effective method for those units assigned to serve aboard Starfleet naval vessels and installations.
For day-to-day operations, a starship's Chief of Security has direct seniority over marine forces on the ship. However, seniority moves to the MCO during operations off-ship.
The Starfleet Marine Corps has it's own distinct Command echelons which, while answerable to overall Starfleet Command, enables the marines to organise their own training, operations, equipment and personnel in accordance with Marine-specific requirements. Further down the corridors of power, units are organised into Divisions, Brigades and Regiments based on their catchment areas for new recruits. At regimental level, the name of the regiment usually mirrors where it calls home. A regiment' commanding officer, usually at the rank of Colonel, is the highest ranking Marine officer expected to go into combat with their troops.
Some special units exist, usually formed out of troops selected from the traditional regiments. These units include the elite Starfleet Marine Corps Recon Regiment and Contingent Marine Forces (CMFs) attached to stations and ships. CMFs are typically only a maximum of a single battalion in strength.
When identifying a specific unit, one should always start from the smallest unit description possible and work up. For example: "Alpha Squad, 2nd Platoon, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Martian Regiment". It is usually sufficient to stop at regimental level.
| Unit Name | Comprised Of | Average Men | Commanded By | Naming Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division (DIV) | 2+ Brigades | 43,000+ | Major General | 1st Division |
| Brigade (Bde) | 2-6 Regiments | 21,000+ | Brigadier General | 2nd Brigade |
| Regiment (Reg) | 7 Battalion | 5,376 | Colonel | 5th Martian Regiment |
| Battalion (Btn) | 4 Companies | 768 | Lieutenant Colonel | 3rd Battalion |
| Company (Coy) | 4 Platoons | 192 | Major | D Company |
| Platoon (Pltn) | 6 Squads | 48 | Captain | 2nd Platoon |
| Squad (Sqd) | 8 Men | 8 | Lieutenant | Alpha Squad |
| Starfleet Officer Rank System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Rank | WCD Rank
| SFMC Rank
|
| Captain | ||
| Commander | ||
| Lieutenant Commander | ||
| Lieutenant | ||
| Lieutenant, Junior Grade | ||
| Ensign | ||
| Starfleet Non-Commissioned Officer Rank System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Rank | WCD Rank
| SFMC Rank
|
| Master Chief Petty Officer | ||
| Senior Chief Petty Officer | ||
| Chief Petty Officer | ||
| Petty Officer First Class | ||
| Petty Officer Second Class | ||
| Petty Officer Third Class | ||
| Crewman | ||
Force Organisation
At battalion level, Marines are divided into one of five distinct categories which, in turn determines which of the three Force Organisation models that unit will follow. These categories are Light Role Infantry, Air Assault Infantry, Armoured Infantry, Force Reconnaissance and Special Operations. The three Force Organisation diagrams are Infantry (applied to Light Role and Force Recon), Armoured Infantry and Special Forces. However, there is no set diagram for Special Forces units as each mission often requires a radically different selection of men and skills. Therefore, only two Force Organisation diagrams exist. Aside from the combat forces, SFMC Operations has it's own force organisation. Units are attached from SFMC Operations in accordance with each unit's specific requirements.
Infantry
This is the Infantry Force Organisation (or F/O) diagram as applied to the 7th Battalion, 2nd Terran Regiment. While the 7th Battalion specialises in Force Reconnaissance, this diagram also applies to Air Assault and Light Role infantry.
Armoured Infantry
Starfleet Marine Corps Personnel
Unlike Naval personnel, Starfleet Marines must meet exacting physical criteria. They are particularly expected to display above-average intelligence and exceptional endurance. They are not, however, dominated by representatives of the more physically capable races. Furthermore, the level of physical and mental training which Marines are put through during basic training marks them out as distinct from fleet and Wing Command Division personnel. It has often been stated that Starfleet Marines never truly retire.
Functional Designation
During training, instructors will follow the progress of each marine in order to determine where their strengths lie. Once their primary strength has been identified, that marine will receive additional training in that area, making them an expert in that particular skill, and will be given the appropriate functional designation.
A Marine Squad is made up of a number of different designations (though Rifleman is by far the most common), meaning that each squad has a mixture of abilities in order to deal with a number of different circumstances.
The twelve designations used are as follows:
- Medic
- Communications Specialist
- Scan
- Tech
- Flight
- Arms
- Demolitionist
- Fire On High
- Sneak
- Squad Support Specialist
- Field Surgeon
- Rifleman
SFMC Ident
Each marine is given an SFMC Ident code. This is the modern equivalent of a military service number and determines a soldiers exact unit and functional designation. For example:
A marine attached to: A Sqd, 2 Pltn, D Coy, 3/5 MARTIAN, 2Bde, 1DIV (A Squad, 2nd Platoon, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Martian Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Divsion) in the role of a Rifleman.
- SFMC Ident: 1253-D2A-RIFLE3
The first group of numbers ("1253") denote division, brigade, regiment and battalion and is mostly for administrative purposes as it would be very rare that the marines would deploy on a scale much larger than a company in a single formation. The second batch ("D2A") describes where in the battalion this soldier belongs, denoting company, platoon and squad. The final section is the functional designation. In this case, the soldier is the third rifleman in their squad.
However, if the marine in question was an officer and, therefore, would not necessarily have their own squad, the letter "X" is added where numbers do not apply. For example:
A Major commanding D Coy, 3/5 MARTIAN, 2Bde, 1DIV with the role of Sneak.
- SFMC Ident: 1253-DXX-SNEAK
SFMC Ident codes are only ever used for official purposes and documentation and not for field use.
Call-sign
Unlike the SFMC Ident, call-signs are commonly used in the field to abbreviate and accelerate communications. Every marine is allowed to select his own call-sign, though there are some regulations disallowing crude, complicated, excessively long or previously used call-signs. They are usually selected from nicknames and can be as basic as an abbreviation of the marine's surname.
While use of call-signs in general conversation is not required, it is often essential in the field and especially when using electronic communications as these tend to inadvertently disguise the speaker's voice and identity.
Starfleet Marine Corps Operations
SFMC Operations is the section of the Corps devoted to the tasks which often require a significant level of skill but also tend not to require direct combat. Examples of SFMC Ops roles include the crewing of SFMC vessels and driving or piloting (and maintaining) smaller vehicles, making the most common functional designations Flight and Tech.
Each SFMC Operations Attachment to a combat regiment will typically include a Combat Operations Company (COC). This is made up of platoons with very particular roles. For example, the COC may include one or more Signals Platoon whose specific job is to repair, build, maintain and operate communications and scanning equipment. Such platoons will be entirely staffed by Comms and Scan troops. If a mission requires the operation of communication equipment, a squad from this platoon will be temporarily attached to elements from SFMC Combat Operations who will be tasked with the protection of these specialists.
When not required for combat operations, the COC will be responsible for maintaining structures, signals, supplies and safety for all friendly units in the theatre of operations.
Functional Designations in SFMC Operations include:
- Tech
- Demolitions
- Comms
- Scan
- Arms
- Flight
Starfleet Marine Corps Combat Operations
SFMC Combat Operations consists of the rank and file of the Starfleet Marine Corps. Due to their high standards and exhaustive training, even these soldiers can be considered elite, despite their quantity.
SFMC Combat Ops troops conduct the vast majority of the SFMCs many roles, including peacekeeping, ground warfare, search-and-rescue, policing, amphibious assaults and stellar facility protection alongside Starfleet Security units.
Aside from the standard Rifle Companies, each battalion has an Headquarters Company which contains the unit's support elements. This includes the Pioneer Platoon, with Sneak and Scout-Sniper Squads, The Support Platoons, who are able to provide indirect fire support for the rifle squads, and the Medical and Logistics Platoon, which keeps marines marching, whether you believe they march on their stomachs or their feet. The Medical and Logistics Platoon is only very rarely involved in actual combat missions, though each member is fully trained as a marine.
Combat Operations battalions are divided into four categories:
- Light Role Infantry
- Light Role operations are often independent of other units, traveling mostly on foot using only the supplies they can carry. These battalions are therefore better able to move through and fight in more difficult terrain, ranging from mountains and dense forest to deserts and swamps. They are also able to act in support of other types of unit.
- Armoured Infantry
- Traveling in Armadillo 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armoured Infantry are able to hit the enemy hard and fast. Being transported by vehicle presents risks if they operate unsupported, but allows them to field a greater variety of more powerful weapons, including the vehicle's mounted armament.
- Air Assault Infantry
- Operating primarily from Aries class Dropships, these battalions specialise in operations behind enemy lines, going ahead of the rest of their regiment to disrupt enemy supply lines, troop movements and communications.
- Force Reconnaissance
- Members are specially trained to be able to fight in a huge variety of circumstances, including all of the roles of the other battalion types as well as Long Distance Reconnaissance, Special Operations, Shipboard Combat and much more. This is basically the next best thing to Special Forces.
Functional Designations in SFMC Combat Operations include:
- Rifleman
- Comms
- Scan
- Arms
- Squad Support Specialist (SSS)
- Medic
- Field Surgeon
- Sneak
- Fire On High
Starfleet Marine Corps Special Operations
There are even more elite troops within the Starfleet Marines for special missions. These troops are even better trained for their missions, which would often be covert in nature. Individual specialties within the Starfleet Marines include: Demolitions Technician, Underwater Specialist, Anbo-Jytsu Instructor, Computer Specialist, Communications Technician, Cryptographer, Insertion/Extraction Specialist, etc. The existence of some special operations teams are limited to a "need-to-know" basis. One such special operations unit is SFMC Recon.
Starfleet Marines Corps Reconnaissance (SFMC Recon) Regiment
The name of SFMC Recon is if anything a deliberate bit of evasion by SFMC to hide the true nature of the unit though most military members of Starfleet will know it's true nature.
Members of SFMC Recon receive the standard rigorous training of the Starfleet Marines but also attend other advanced training courses. SFMC Recon members attend:
- SFMC Advanced Special Operations School (ASOS)
- SFMC Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School (SERE)
And also attend Starfleet Academy and study in the Intelligence branch to receive the following training:
- Cryptanalysis
- Covert Operations
- Electronics Operations: Communications
- Electronics Operations: Security Systems
- Electronics: Communications
- Electronics: Sensors
- Intelligence Analysis
- Interrogation
- Language: (specialty)
- SIGINT Collection/Jamming
- Xenology: (specialty)
Equipment
See Starfleet Marine Corps Equipment.
Background (Out Of Character) Information
The Starfleet Marine Corps for Antares Project and Ascension: The Phoenix Project was the brain child of, among others, Dave McEwan, Tony McEwan and Ian Townsend. As such, all information on this page belongs to them, and cannot be distributed without their consent.
The Starfleet Marine Corps of Ascension: The Phoenix Project is now a trbiute to Dave McEwan.
The Corps was reorganised to bring it up to date with developments within A:PP. This was mostly the work of Chris Davison (Ryan Longford), Ben Reeves (Robert Grayburn) and Dave Brayshey (Jack Slater). Many of the details of Dave McEwan's original concept remain and the marines continue to serve in memory of their founder.
