Marine Combat Tactics

The following is the "playbook" used by the Starfleet Marine Corp Light Infantry. Based on a 12-marine squad these tactics are easily adapted to larger formations. Individual squad or platoon leaders will modify these tactics to make use of their unit’s strengths and weaknesses because, while all squads are equal on paper, they are in fact quiet disparate. Equipment, training, personality and many other factors can affect what a squad is capable of. Because of this these tactics should not be considered law but rather a guideline.

Stereotypical Marine Squad

The convention of naming the squads Alpha, Bravo and Charlie is used. As well the fire teams are assumed to have the following personnel with the indicated occupations:

• Alpha Squad
  • Fire Team A1
    • Rifleman (Squad Leader)
    • Sensor/Comms Specialist
    • Rifleman
    • Rifleman
  • Fire Team A2
    • Support Weapon Specialist
    • Rifleman
    • Rifleman
    • Rifleman

Open Area Combat

In ground combat, on planetary surfaces, Marines are often required to travel or operate in large open areas. While Artillery and Air Support are often available they are not effective until there is definite contact with the enemy.

Formations

Single Line

In single line the squad is arranged in a long line, in single file. This formation provides little front or rear cover but plenty of side cover, which makes it ideal for movement through woodlands, urban and aboard starships or bases. Troops should be about 3 - 4 m apart.

Extended Line

The extended line is similar to single line, except the unit is facing forwards, in one scrimmage line. This provides poor side cover, with only one man at each end capable of firing quickly, however it provides excellent cover from attack to the rear and front. This is ideal for crossing open ground, especially when the flanks are covered by other units. In this formation troops should ideally be spaced 5-6m apart, to provide maximum frontal cover.

Diamond

The diamond formation enables a person to be protected in the centre of the diamond. A man is placed on each of the diamond's points, men are also then placed between the points, with the subject for protection in the centre of the Diamond. This formation is ideal for the fighting withdrawal of hostages, casualties, downed pilots, prisoners or civilians. The formation offers protection to all sides. The marines should be spaced about 2-3m apart in diamond.

All-Round Defence

The all-round Defence is a formation used when in the reorganization (re-org) phase of an attack. It is a circle, with troops facing outwards, providing cover to all sides. Troops should be as close together as possible in this formation, indeed even overlapping their feet to improve communication.

Sample Training Scenario

In this scenario a Marine unit is advancing across open ground, in extended line. They come under fire from an unknown number of hostile targets. This situation is equally applicable to any contact situation, regardless of the formation or the ground and is recommended as a standard reactionary procedure

The Squad Leader has a choice, either to return fire and fight through or, alternatively, to retreat or finally for hold his position and call in backup.

If he chooses to return fire and fight through, these are the recommended steps to be taken.

• Ascertain the number, strength and location of enemy forces. Return controlled fire, Phasers set on maximum.
• Alpha and Bravo Fire Teams should "pepperpot", with one team providing cover for the other's advance, then advancing themselves whilst the other team provides covering fire. Meanwhile, Charlie team should be sent on either a right or left flanking assault, or stay behind and co-ordinate supporting Heavy Weapons Fire.
• The Marine Squad should eventually reach within 20m of the enemy position, once this has occurred, Bayonets should be fixed and the squad should advance at a run through the enemy position. The Squad should advance to around 20m the other side of the enemy position, once this has been achieved the Squad should re-org, going into all round defence and assessing the situation. Included in this sit-rep is the Squads Ammo, Casualties, Food and Water Supplies. Whilst this is occurring, one Fire Team should be sent back into the enemy position to ensure that all of the Hostile Contacts are incapacitated, deal with the enemy wounded and organise for prisoners to be extracted, where possible. Enemy kit should be confiscated and searched for usable equipment, such as food, water, ammunition and also for any useful Intelligence, which should be transmitted to HQ as soon as possible, so that it can be acted upon.
• Once the Re-org phase is complete, the unit can then proceed with their mission as planned.

Fighting In Built Up Areas (FIBUA) or Urban Operations

Unlike ground combat, in an urban environment, the enemy can be and often are, everywhere. FIBUA requires every nook and cranny to be cleared by Marines, any hostile targets encountered should be eliminated with extreme prejudice, since failure to do so can place one's unit and civilians in extreme danger. If a centre of extreme enemy resistance is encountered, then Artillery or Air Support should be used to neutralise the target with as little collateral damage as possible, since this is safer than attempting to clear the building. The key thing to remember is that anyone is a possible hostile contact.

Formations

Single Line

In single line the squad is arranged in a long line, in single file. This formation provides little front or rear cover but plenty of side cover, which makes it ideal for movement through woodlands, urban and aboard starships or bases. Troops should be about 3 - 4 m apart.

Extended Line

The extended line is similar to single line, except the unit is facing forwards, in one scrimmage line. This provides poor side cover, with only one man at each end capable of firing quickly, however it provides excellent cover from attack to the rear and front. This is ideal for crossing open ground, especially when the flanks are covered by other units. In this formation troops should ideally be spaced 5-6m apart, to provide maximum frontal cover.

Tactical Entry Procedures

This should be done with a minimum of four Marines, working in pairs, so that no marine ends up facing a hostile contact without backup. The first thing to do is "stack" against a wall, or solid object next to the entry point, be that a docking hatch, door, or window. The next step is that one pair, the "breaching team", opens the entry point typically using a satchel charge to destroy the entry point. This will also disorient any hostile contacts on the other side. The entry point should be wide enough for a pair of marines to enter the area at the same time, this allows the first team to begin the sweep of the room, clearing every nook and cranny and eliminating any and all hostile contacts. Generally it is recommended to use maximum stun setting on phaser weapons as it is better to stun if in doubt about a contacts hostility or neutrality.