Starfleet Marine Corps Specialization Part I

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Marine Corps Specialization Course
Part One


Explanation of the SFMC:

In it’s current form the Starfleet Marine Corps is the culmination of generations of military history dating as far back as the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries on Earth. Within that history, the influences of a dozen worlds and species is sprinkled in, with the heaviest influences being that of Earth - the central hub of the entire Federation, and of Starfleet.

Ex Astris Scientia - “From the Stars, Knowledge.”. Starfleet is interested in exploration, discovery and enlightenment of the mind. It is, at its very core, a pacifist organization and, were it possible, it is presumed that they would carry no weapons at all. But, despite the Utopian aspirations of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets, not every other species in the galaxy shares those ideals. Thus, Starfleet has armed its vessels, drafted binding accords to limit those military technologies that might do harm to others as well as the galaxy at large, and otherwise done only as much as was needed to defend themselves against those that might seek to take advantage of their curiosity or lack of aggression.

The SFMC is the antithesis to much of what Starfleet stands for as the knowledge sought from the stars is applied to combat, instead of diplomacy and expansion. Acquired knowledge is used to test themselves, to push the limits of their capabilities and in turn prepare the Corps for the next conflict. The SFMC is without question, a military organization whose sole purpose and existence is to protect the Federation from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Unlike their counterparts in Federation/Starfleet Security, who function as law enforcement within the Federation and Starfleet, the SFMC is primarily focused on combat. Their main function is to bring military conflicts to an end through aggressive combat action.

History of the SFMC:

For most of Earth’s modern history, the major powers of the world maintained their own military forces and within those forces were a variety of sub-branches. Yet, across all of these respective militaries one force was constantly present in varying forms: Marines. Units such as France’s Commandos Marine, Great Britain’s Royal Marines, and the United States Marine Corps - the largest Marine force in the history of planet Earth.

These military organizations served their respective countries through every major conflict they were engaged in, up to and through the final major conflict in Earth’s history before the formation of the United Earth Government in 2150, followed by the founding of the United Federation of Planets in 2161.

At the end of World War III, following the victory of the North American and European Alliances over the Eastern Coalition, the United States and Great Britain stood as two of the only major world powers still fully standing; though the former in greater numbers than the latter. Within that, the USMC still boasted a robust force though nowhere near what it had been at its peak at the start of the war.

While Earth began to drift away from geographical governments in favor of the new United Earth Governments, these regional military organizations remained intact in some fashion or another. The smaller, less organized units disappeared first, leaving the larger and more robust branches to survive alone. The United States Marine Corps and Great Britain’s Royal Marines were a few of the last branches to survive, attached to their respective Naval organizations.

With the need for regional governments fading after the formation of the Federation, the remaining armed forces of Earth were either disbanded, or rolled into different organizations such as MACO or the Federation Naval Patrol. Both the Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps were absorbed by this new military service organization (the FNP), bringing with them their extensive history and combining traditions.

As the largest of the two services combining into the FNP, the USMC brought forth the majority of the traditions and formats for service, however since the USMC was built based strongly on the Royal Marine commandoes tradition at its inception, a great many of their traditions were similar. Some notable traditions that remained from the USMC are terms such as: Leatherneck, Devil Dog, and their creed - Semper Fi. From the Royal Marines commandoes, the ubiquitous Green Beret’s (something completely lacking in the USMC) became a part of the standard UFMC uniform.

By the end of the first quarter of the 23rd century, it was becoming evident after suffering conflict after conflict that Starfleet needed a military option more powerful than the Starfleet Security departments could muster and more specially trained than the MACO’s that had briefly served Starfleet in its infancy, now existing as a terran army of varying strengths. While certainly not the most popular decision, with the might of the Klingon’s and Romulan’s to counter, Starfleet reluctantly chose to take action and absorbed the Federation Marine Corps, which served under the Naval Patrol, into Starfleet.

The absorption of the Federation Naval Patrol Marine units into the new Starfleet Marine Corps, SFMC, was the next evolution, but by no means signaled a renaissance in terms of military might. Starfleet was ever wary of the Marine Corps, and as pacifists determined to always find the peaceful solution, they kept the service at arms length and only deployed the Corps when absolutely needed. Despite the constant snubbing, the Marine Corps maintained its principal values and doubled down on its training and preparations for the next conflict. The Corps’ leadership was determined to be the absolute best in the galaxy, and to prove it when Starfleet and the Federation needed it most. The SFMC clung hard to its tenets of: Every Marine a Rifleman and a Force-in-readiness.

The 23rd century brought with it major conflicts with the Klingon’s and Romulan’s, all of which tested the power of Starfleet, the Federation, and more importantly, the SFMC. After each engagement, the SFMC swelled its ranks, amended its tactics and otherwise bettered themselves for the future. It was a tradition that they continued despite Starfleet’s lack of attention. Had the Corps followed the suggestion of Starfleet’s brass and not fought for their own funding, research and equipment, they would have been a shell of the organization that they are now. Something Starfleet would have regretted in the late 24th century for one specific reason.

The Dominion War.

The Federation Alliance quickly found itself outgunned and outmanned by the superior numbers and strength of the Dominion forces with only the Romulan and Klingon forces to commit to ground operations outside of the SFMC. Despite centuries of apathy and a general lack of interest in their ‘militaristic’ branch, Starfleet turned to its own to help defend the Federation and its fledgling alliance. Thanks to the SFMC leadership, they had never succumbed to the same apathy as their Starfleet counterparts nor ever once shirked their responsibility to keep the SFMC a potent fighting force - despite their relative size (10-1 Starfleet-Marine ratio).

The SFMC jumped to the defense of the Federation with staggering results - success in nearly every major engagement, despite the general losses suffered by the Fleet at large and the lack of personnel. The Corps was doing the job better than Starfleet anticipated they would - had they not, the losses would have been even more severe.

Morale was low among the Fleet, among the Federation and amongst their allies but the morale among the SFMC was high. They had proven to Starfleet what they had known all along - that their presence in any major engagement was invaluable. The SFMC may not have won the engagement for Starfleet, or defeated the Dominion single-handedly, but their fierce opposition and well-executed tactics had saved them from even greater defeats. Had Starfleet listened to the SFMC Commanders in decades past and allowed for a more robust organization, it is possible the outcome of a great many battles would have been different.

After the close of hostilities, the Starfleet brass changed their tune’s completely. Having seen first hand the devastation wrought by the Dominion as well as the effectiveness of their Marine Corps cousins, Starfleet doubled-down on the organization and gave them the due’s they been deserved for centuries and in the few years after the wars completion, the SFMC’s ranks swelled past any levels seen before, reducing their 10:1 ratio (Starfleet to SFMC) to as much as 4:1, ensuring that the next time that there was an enemy at the gate the SFMC would not only have the skill, but the manpower to repel them.

Currently, the Starfleet Marine Corps stands at the ready to defend the Federation with military might. They have proven themselves in the crucible of combat and while the Federation and its citizens enjoy the Federation’s Utopia, the SFMC is ready to defend it with their lives yet again.


What is a Marine?

Every Marine is a Rifleman.

Each and every Marine is first trained as a disciplined warrior, regardless of their occupation or specialty. This training is key to the SFMC’s philosophy of maneuver warfare, which combines operational positioning with firepower; this demands agile forces capable of quick decision-making and employs the most human elements of war - boldness, creativity, intelligence and the warrior-spirit. The SFMC’s combined arms approach multiples their strength’s by bringing land, aerospace and space forces together to achieve every mission. This organization creates a scalable force with incomparable warfighting abilities. It is the key to winning every battle.

It is something that Starfleet doesn’t understand, and probably never will. A Marine may be a Scientist, Doctor or Engineer but they are always first and foremost a Marine - a warrior trained in the art and science of combat and prepared to do whatever is required of him/her to defend the Federation and her interests at home and abroad.



Marine Corps Structure:

The SFMC has a dynamic structure that allows for the SFMC to adapt to and situation, conflict or warfighting need. However, regardless of the overall structure, the individual unit structure is rigidly maintained per the following details.

Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC):

Normally the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps. The CMC reports directly to the Secretary of Starfleet and is responsible for ensuring the organization, policy, plans, and programs for the Marine Corps as well as advising the President, the Secretary of Starfleet and all relevant leadership councils on matters involving the Marine Corps. Under the authority of the Secretary of Starfleet, the CMC designates Marine personnel and resources to the commanders of all necessary commands. The commandant performs all other functions prescribed in the SFMC’s charter or delegates those duties and responsibilities to other officers in his administration in his name. As with the other administrative Starfleet Officers, the Commandant is an administrative position and has no operational command authority over United States Marine Corps forces.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps:

Sergeant major is both a rank and a military billet, and serves as the unit commander's senior enlisted advisor to handle matters of discipline and morale among the enlisted Marines. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps is chosen by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to serve as his advisor and is the preeminent and highest ranking enlisted Marine with a protocol equivalency of a lieutenant general.


Ground Combat Elements (GCE):

⦁ Division - Approx: 9,450 Marines
⦁ Commanded by a Major General, comprises three infantry regiments and an artillery regiment, and additional specialized units, such as armor.
⦁ Regiment - Approx: 3,150 Marines
⦁ Commanded by a Colonel, comprises three battalions.
⦁ Battalion - Appox: 1,052 Marines
⦁ Commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel, consists of three rifle companies, one weapons company, and one Headquarters and Service Company.
⦁ Rifle company - Approx: 116 Marines
⦁ Led by a Captain, typically with a 1st Lieutenant as Executive Officer and second in command. Consists of three rifle platoons, a weapons platoon, and support staff.
⦁ A weapons company will substitute for the rifle platoons a mortar platoon, an anti-armor platoon, and a heavy weapons platoon. A Headquarters and Service Company consist of a headquarters platoon, a communications platoon, a service platoon, and the Battalion Aid Station.
⦁ Rifle platoon - Approx: 38 Marines
⦁ Led by a 1st or Second Lieutenant with a Staff or Gunnery Sergeant as Platoon Sergeant to advise the commander. Consists of three squads, and a headquarters element made up of a Platoon Commander, a Platoon Sergeant and a Starfleet Corpsman (there may be two Starfleet Corpsmen in larger platoons).
⦁ Weapons platoon - Approx: 38 Marines
⦁ Led by a 1st or 2nd Lieutenant, the weapons platoon will substitute for the squads:
⦁ A mortar section (three squads, each of one mortar and three Marines, all led by a section leader);
⦁ an assault section (three squads, each of two teams, which each consist of an SMAW and two Marines), led by a section leader (thirteen Marines total); and
⦁ a medium assault gun section (three squads, each of a squad leader and two teams, which each consist of one assault gun and three Marines).
⦁ Squad - Approx: 12 Marines
⦁ Led by a Coproral or Sergeant, consists of three fire teams. A squad is capable of integrating a variety of attachments from a weapons platoon.
⦁ Fire team - Approx: 4 Marines
⦁ Led by a Lance Corporal or Corporal team leader, this is the basic element of the GCE. It consists of four Marines: the team leader/grenadier, one rifleman, one assistant light machine gunner, and one light machine gunner.

Aviation Combat Elements (ACE):

Aviation combat elements are organized into the following:

⦁ Wing:
⦁ Led by a Major General, consists of three or more groups.
⦁ Group:
⦁ Led by a Colonel, consists of 4–6 squadrons.
⦁ Squadron:
⦁ Led by a Lieutenant Colonel, consists of 6–15 aircraft in 7–8 sections.

Logistic Combat Elements (LCE):
Beyond logistics (i.e., motor transport, supply, and maintenance), the LCE provides engineer support (i.e., heavy equipment, utilities, bridging, explosive ordnance disposal, and reinforcement to combat engineer units), medical personnel, and other specialized units (e.g., aerial delivery and landing support).

The size of a LCE unit is directly proportional to the size of the unit it is supporting, and is formed on the basic SFMC structure (Platoon, Company, Battalion, etc.)

Marine Force Reconnaissance (FORECON):

The principal mission of FORECON is reconnaissance, to collect any pertinent intelligence of military importance, observe, identify and report adversaries to command.

The FORECON companies, detachments and platoons perform deep reconnaissance and direct action intelligence gathering operations as well as Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) specialized raid missions. FORECON is responsible for operating independently behind enemy lines performing unconventional special operations, in support of conventional warfare. 

Deep Reconnaissance patrols are designed purely around reconnaissance and surveillance; usually lightly equipped and armed with defensive weapons. Patrols attempt to avoid contact with the enemy wherever possible and if necessary using evasive tactics to break off engagements and slip away.

Deep Reconnaissance operate farther away from support units than their standard Division Recon counterparts, penetrating much deeper into enemy territory. Silence and stealth are vital in reducing chances of compromising their position. 

Objectively, their roles are an abstract of preliminary assault and post-assault reconnaissance missions, some examples are provided as such:

Remote Sensors Operations – placing remote sensors to gather information and beacons marking friendly/hostile boundaries and routes around areas dangerous to assault or infantry transports.

Initial Terminal Guidance – setting up/preparing Landing Zones (LZ) and Transporter Zones (TZ) for transports delivering units or those beaming into forward operating sites..

Terrain Battle Damage Assessment missions – these missions involve witnessing and reporting collateral damage of targets caused by heavy support fire measure from artillery or starships.

Direct Action operations are missions designed in the line of offensive strikes; the FORECON operators are heavily armed and use heavy weapon or starship weapon support if available.

They are the direct opposite of Deep Reconnaissance mission in that the patrol deliberately go out to "look for trouble", seeking contact with the enemy instead of avoiding it. Depending on the situation and the target location, these operations deliver "small-scale" shock and awe designed to cause maximum disruption to the enemy by a fast and heavy hitting short duration mission.

Additionally FORECON units carry out Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) of ships during Starfleet Interdiction and Blockade operations.

In order to qualify for Force Recon, candidates must have already completed an extensive list of training courses that includes reconnaissance school, SERE school (survival, evasion, resistance, escape), combat diving school, HALO and free fall courses. Marines then go on to undertake an arduous thirty four week course at a Special Operations Training School which teaches them the skills needed to undertake their mission, including Long Range Patrolling; Advanced Long Range Communications; Mobile reconnaissance; Close quarters combat; Urban Environments Combat; Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and shipboard assaults

FORECON Marines undergo a constant and arduous training regimen, even after they’ve completed their initial training course. After graduating from the course, Marines must continue to hone their skills by attending advanced specialized courses in their assigned area of expertise.

Marine Corps in Starfleet:

Below is an example of an SFMC Division ORBAT [ORder of BATtle]:


Marine Corps Training:

Depending on which level of entry into the SFMC, a future Marine has an extensive training regimen before them which is tailored to make them the best Marine possible.

Enlisted:

Enlisted Marines are the backbone of the Corps and make up the rank and file of all Marine units. Without the enlisted Marines, the SFMC would cease to exist.

Upon enlistment, potential Marines are immediately transferred to one of three Marine Corps Recruit Depots (MCRD) and on as follows:

⦁ Marine Corps Recruit Facilities: (16 weeks)
⦁ MCRD San Diego - Earth
⦁ MCRD Lympstone - Earth
⦁ MCRD Logan City - Terra Nova
⦁ Advanced Training:
⦁ SOI (School of Infantry)
⦁ SFMC Parris Island
⦁ SFMC Falklands
⦁ Infantry Personnel
⦁ Infantry Training Battalion (60days)
⦁ Advanced Infantry Training Battalion
⦁ Non-Infantry Personnel
⦁ Marine Combat Training (30days)
⦁ Job Specialty School (ie: Armor, Artillery, Communications)

⦁ Total Training Time: Approx: 18-24 months (depending on specialization)

Commissioned Officer:

For those with the education, experience and drive to lead, the SFMC has officer programs designed to turn potential leaders into Marines.

⦁ Education:
⦁ Prior to joining the SFMC, Officer recruits must have:
⦁ Graduated from a four-year institution, which would make them eligible for OCS.
⦁ Participated in an ROTC program at a 4-year institution before graduating.
⦁ Candidates who attended a four-year institution and participated in the full four year ROTC program and/or attended a Starfleet Marine Corps affiliated Service Academy (Annapolis (Annapolis, MD), Thunder Ridge (Unexplored space). These candidates are already deemed Officer worthy and thus skip the OCS indoctrination/training.

⦁ SFMC Training:
⦁ Officer candidates without ROTC or Academy credentials are sent to OCS at either:
⦁ SFMC Quantico
⦁ SFMC Dartmouth
⦁ Those joining the SFMC with ROTC/Academy credentials graduate their respective institutions at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After graduation they proceed to:
⦁ The Basic School - Camp LeJeuene (28weeks). Here they learn the finer details of how to lead Marines, to include tactics, logistics and leadership skills.
⦁ Candidates who graduate from OCS proceed on to The Basic School as well after successful completion of OCS.
⦁ In both cases, after completion of The Basic School, all Marines proceed on to specialty schools before rotating into the Corps at large.

⦁ Total Training Time: Approx 9-12months (depending on specialization)

These optional training programs are offered to all active members of the SFMC. This training can be taken as part of your Basic Training.

- Extreme Heat Combat Training - Camp Dif'Tor Vulcan: This training program is four to six weeks. It covers survival and combat training within extreme heat under the suns of Vulcan. The instructors here also teach combat against a superior enemy. One that has a higher pain tolerance and is stronger than you.

- Extreme Cold Combat Training - Camp Shran Andorra: Similar to the training program on Vulcan. This program is four to six weeks and covers the techniques needed to survive in extreme cold. The Andorians also teach Marines how to use senses outside of sight in combat.

Specializations/Jobs:

As we have seen each and every Marine is first trained as a disciplined warrior, a rifleman, capable of going into battle at a moment’s notice. , But beyond that the SFMC requires Marines to be not just masters of combat but also to have specialized trades and skills. These specialist roles keep the Corp functioning and enable it to do its job, both on the frontline during war and in peacetime operations.

Specialist training roles include:


Aerospace craft Control & Support
Engineer – Combat
Aerospace craft Flight Crew - Enlisted
Engineer – Construction, Facilities & Equipment
Aerospace craft Pilot / Navigator
Federation Public Affairs
Aerospace craft Maintenance
Infantry
Aerospace craft Logistics
Intelligence / Signals Intelligence
Aerospace craft Ordinance
Linguist
Ammunition & Explosive Ordinance Disposal
Logistics
Anti-Aerospace Warfare
Military Police & Corrections
Assault Vehicle – Amphibious / Ground
Morale Welfare & Recreation
Chemical & Biological Defense
Music / Band
Communications
Ordinance Maintenance – Ground / Aerospace
Data / Communications Maintenance
Personnel & Administration
Distribution Management
Supply Administration & Operations
Electronic Warfare
Training
Electronics Maintenance

But… what does all this mean?!!

As fans of Star Trek, we’ve seen the shows, watched the movies and read the books extensively. We have a cornucopia of references to look to for any and all things Starfleet related but for the SFMC, we have only what we have developed here beyond passing references in the canon lore.

When each of us puts together a Starfleet character, the bio, history, personal experiences and service record we draw from our knowledge of Trek canon. We think of our favorite characters, and not so favorites. We think about all the multitude of encounters they had over the course of their respective series, novels or movies and we use that as inspiration for the build. But, what do we do when we have nothing at all to go on?

The details, history, training and specialization details you’ve read through above are meant to bridge that gap. To give you, the newly minted Marine player, the background information you can draw on to build your character and really play them to the hilt.

More than likely, if you’re simply playing a Marine aboard a Starfleet vessel, your specialization is ‘Infantry’ and aside from the basic courses (depending on Enlisted or Officer) there’s not more to do. The rest of the information is simply to color in the lines - to establish that there is far more to the Marine world than just a few green shirts in that one deck no one goes to aboard.

Read through again, absorb it and build that into your canon lore - that is goal of this lesson. Then complete the assignment below.


See Part II For More Information