Detachment

A detachment is a semi-autonomous, Starfleet Marine Corps unit assigned to a starship or other Starfleet facility. As such they are removed from the regular regimental chain of command. Instead the detachment commander, or Marine Commanding Officer (MCO) reports directly to the ship's commanding officer.

Detachments, regardless of size, are commanded by an officer and assisted by non-commissioned (NCO) or junior officers. Due to the autonomous nature of detachments MCO's ranks often disregard the normal conventions and it's not uncommon for a Captain or Major to command a platoon or even squad strength detachment. Conversely it is not unheard of for a Second Lieutenant to command a company sized detachment.

Shipborne detachments range in strength from an Anubis class single 8-man squad to 128-man double company aboard a Normandy class carrier. Starbase detachment range in strength from a single battalion to a Stardock's three full battalions.