 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
              
|
Second
Marine Division,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Origins:
The current Starfleet Marines can trace their immediate history to the aftermath of the Earth/Romulan War and the formation of the United Federation of Planets. The formation of Starfleet was expected to fill the sole defense role, as it was expected that future wars would be for the great majority space borne in nature. However, as time progressed, the necessity for a ground based, military oriented defensive arm became apparent. In 2235 the Federation Council officially authorized the creation of the Starfleet Marine Corps. The new branch quickly proved it's worth in the Four Years War between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. The fledgling corps committed themselves gallantly in the line of duty, and won several crucial battles, including the defense of Sinbad IV where three marine regiments fought and defeated a numerically superior force of thirteen Klingon regiments. Later in the Dominion War, the Starfleet Marines were critical in important battles such as the land actions in the Chintoka Battles, as well as the landings to liberate captured Federation planets from their Dominion occupation forces.
Traditions: The Marine Corps Hymn - The Starfleet Marine Corps Hymn traces it's origins back to the United States Marine Corps Hymn, which traces it's origins back to the early twentieth century. Since then, the Marine Coprs Hymn, in either it's original US Marine form, or the Starfleet form is one of the most hallowed traditions in the Corps today. "From
the Halls of Montezuma The "United States" Marines version of the Hymn is very common in the 2nd Marine Division, and her units due to the fact the great majority of the marines are from Earth, and have United Americas origins. The Starfleet Marines version simply changes some of the locations, and "United States" Marines to "Starfleet Marines."
Organization: The Marine Corps officers train beside their Starfleet brethren at the Starfleet Academy on Earth. The Marines have traditionally attracted some of the most brilliant minds, in particular form Earth and Andor, both of whom have strong military traditions. However, a Marine cadet typically graduates at the rank of Second Lieutenant, the SFMC equivalent of an Ensign. Classes taken by Marines emphasize combat and strategy more over diplomacy and sciences. Marine Non Commissioned Personnel are processed through one of several basic training camps scattered across the Federation. There has always been a traditional friendly inter-service rivalry between the members of the SFMC and Starfleet. The Marines see Starfleet personnel as undisciplined, and soft, while Starfleet tends to see Marines as rough around the edges, and overzealous when it comes to discipline and drill. The Starfleet Marines are organized into a variety of units. The SFMC has a diversity of unit types, including the infantry, armor, and fighters. It is also important to note the the Starfleet Marines provide over ninety percent of the full time Military Police (MP) for the Federation. Marine MPs are typically found all over the galaxy, serving as a police force at Starfleet and Marine instillations, as well as the cities they are stationed at. Another item of note is that the Starfleet Marines have no medical personnel of their own. Each medic, or Corpsman in a Marine unit is a member of Starfleet, trained in the medical branch. These medical personnel are stationed full time with the marines, and must pass basic training before being allowed into the field. The largest unit in the Marine Corps is the division. A division is usually comprised of two or more Brigades. Normally commanded by a Lieutenant or Major General, a division is a self-contained entity in the corps. Reporting directly to Marine Corps and Starfleet Commands, the division command is responsible for supporting all of the subordinate units under its flag. A division's mission can be varied or consistent. Divisions are named in order of creation beginning with 'first,' e.g. First Division (1DIV). An average division consists of approximately 24,000 officers and troops. Within a division there are several brigades. Brigades are the largest units capable of mobilization in strategic sectors of the galaxy. A brigade contains two to six regiments. A brigade is the largest possible Starfleet Marine Corps unit to be assigned to a starbase. Customarily a brigade is commanded by a Brigadier General, who reports to his/her division commander. Brigades can be spread out over many sectors and is responsible for supporting the regiments under its command. Brigades are named in order of creation beginning with 'first,' e.g. First Brigade (1BGD). Often regiments in a brigade are given specialized tasks to perform. A brigade is comprised of approximately 12,000 officers and troops. A regiment is the largest possible specialized unit in the Corps. Consisting of four to eight battalions, regiments are commanded by officers holding the rank of Colonel who, in turn, report to the proper brigade commanders. For the most part, regiments are specialized, each given a special task to perform within a division, i.e. an infantry or armored regiment. A regiment is responsible for a general mission profile, while allowing each sub-unit to diversify as well. Regiments are given distinct names, based often from their origins, overall mission profile, or even their first commander, e.g. 'Second Division, Frist Brigade, Lions Regiment (2DIV, 1BGD, Lions REG).' Unless noted with a designator, a regiment, battalion, or company is a combat forces unit. On average, a regiment consists of approximately 3,000 officers and troops. The largest Marine Corps unit to be assigned to a starship is a battalion. Comprised of a three to six companies, battalions are commanded by Lt. Colonels. Leading the battalion from a specialized company denoted Headquarters Company (HQ CO), the Marine Commanding Officer in charge of a battalion reports to his appropriate regiment commander. In addition to the specialization of each regiment, battalions are also given specific tasks within the larger Marine organization. Battalions assigned to starship duty are solely combat forces battalions. As with brigades, battalions are identified by their creation date, e.g. 'Second Division, First Brigade, Lions Regiment, Seventh Battalion (2DIV, 1BGD, Lions REG, 7BN).' Average battalions consist of approximately 500 officers and troops. A company is the smallest unit capable of independent action in line duty. Comprised of a minimum of two platoons, three or four being the recommended number, a company is led by a Major or Captain. Each company command reports directly to their battalion command with the exception of the Headquarters Company. The Headquarters Company consists of the battalion commander, his staff, as well as various aides, clerks, and support staff. Companies are identified with a letter from the Roman Alphabet or as Headquarters Company (HQ CO), e.g. 'Second Division, First Brigade, Lions Regiment, Seventh Battalion, E Company (2DIV, 1BGD, Lions REG, 7BN, E CO).' Average companies consists of approximately 110 officers and troops. The smallest field command, comprised of an average of six six-man squads, is the platoon. Commanded by a Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant, a platoon command reports to the company commander with the exception of those men who serve in the Headquarters Company as support staff. A platoon in the Headquarters Company reports directly to the designated battalion command representative. Platoons are identified with a number, e.g. 'Second Division, First Brigade, Lions Regiment, Seventh Battalion, E Company, First Platoon (2DIV, 1BGD, Lions REG, 7BN, E CO, First Platoon).' For the most part, a platoon consists of approximately 40 men. Starfleet Marine Corps Operations: 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. 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 battalion command in which the battalion or company serves, the Marine Commanding Officer 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. Equipment and Uniforms: Because the Starfleet Marines are expected to engage in heavy ground and space borne combat as part of their jobs, the SFMC has developed several variants of uniform and equipment to assist in carrying out their duties. The standard duty for uniform for Starfleet Marines is identical to the ones that Starfleet personnel wear on a daily basis. This comprises of the black jacket with gray quilted shoulders, department colored undershirt, and black uniform pants and boots. The standard color of the undershirt and cuff bands is a dark green. Rank insignia are worn in the same location as Starfleet wears them, on the right collar. Non Commissioned Officers wear large rank patches on the sleeves.
The second uniform is the Light Combat Uniform, serving as a more practical alternative to the Standard Duty uniform for daily wear, garrison duty, and operations where comfort and mobility are desired. It is almost identical in appearance to the Standard Duty Uniform, but made of heavier materials with reinforced joints and seams. Large pockets for equipment are also included. Non Commissioned personnel wear large rank patches on their sleeves to distinguish them easily.
(Note this uniform has the chest-pack) The third variation of uniform the SFMC uses is the Assault, or Heavy Combat Uniform. Outwardly similar to the flight suit worn by fighter pilots, it is black in color, with green stripes on the chest and shoulders. It features a soft collar, and underneath the dark green undershirt is worn. Unit patches are worn on both shoulders. The uniform features large pockets, and reinforced joints and seams.
(With Body Armor and Helmet) For outdoor wear, or on away missions the Starfleet Marines are issued with a dark green beret. This beret has the Starfleet Marine Corps emblem made of a silver metal for a badge and flash.
Marine Military Police wear a large black shoulder patch with the acronym MP in white to set them apart. They also wear the white beret and badge normally associated with the dress uniform as well to further distinguish them from surrounding personnel.
Marine Fighter Pilots wear the same type of flight suit that Starfleet Fighter Corps pilots wear. It has connections for life support modules, and is made of a comfortable, yet durable material.
The Starfleet Marines wear a type of armored vest and helmet when in a heavy combat zone. Developed from the ablative armor used on starship hulls, the vest and helmet offer a reasonable degree of protection from energy weapons and projectile weapons. Included with the vest is an assault harness with storage for extra ammunition and equipment. An optional accessory that can be worn with either the Light or Heavy Combat uniforms is a small chest and backpack. Worn high on the torso to keep the center of gravity balanced, it is made of a light webbing, and can carry enough extra ammunition or equipment for three days in the field.
The Marine Corps Dress Uniform design also traces it's lineage back to the uniforms worn by United States Marines. Marines respect tradition, which is why their uniforms have changed little over time. Current dress and service uniforms have become a big part of the Marine image and are steeped in Marine heritage. The colors in the uniform have significance as well, where Blue represents bravery, Red represents sacrifice, and White represents honor. The
modern Starfleet Marine Corps dress uniform is tailored along similar
lines to the Starfleet dress uniform, consisting of a pair of slacks,
a high collared shirt, and a jacket. This pattern remains consistent
with traditional marine uniform design will promoting inter-service
solidarity. However, Marine officers and enlisted men also wear the
white beret as an integral part of the uniform. While the colors and
pattern may have changed over time, the meaning of the dress uniform
is the same to all marines. Captain William Eastwood USS Discovery NCC-79431 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
All original site and story content is the property of the Discovery. The characters and stories contained on this site are fictional. Any similarities to real-life persons or events are purely coincidental. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"