Marine Unit Roles

The Starfleet Marine Corps is, first and foremost, an infantry force. All personnel are trained as Riflemen and all officers are trained as a Platoon Commander. Historically this focus has shown it's worth; in the Battle of Wake's Planet, when the Aerospace fighters were damaged beyond their ability to fly, the pilots continued the fight as ground officers, leading supply clerks, mechanics and cooks in a final defensive effort.

Light Infantry

The troops that form the light infantry make up the the bulk of the Starfleet Marine Corps and most shipborne detachments are comprised of light infantry personnel.

Despite the common assumption that light infantry are lightly armed and armored the term "light" refers to the lack of "heavy" support equipment such as artillery or armoured fighting vehicles.

Light infantry troops are usually self-sufficient in that they can, with minimal facilities, maintain, repair and service their own equipment. Because of this these troops can be deployed quickly across Federation territory meaning that the light infantry gets there first and is expected to 'hold the line' until additional personnel and equipment can arrive.

Within light infantry regiments there are subdivisions which reflect different tactics such as (but not restricted to):

Rifles

Rifle units are those trained in formation fighting with and against large bodies of troops. Rifles are often supported by Mechanized Infantry. Regiments predominately made up of rifle companies often have the qualifier "Rifles" or "Guards" in their official regimental name (i.e., SFMC 94 Rifles Regiment, SFMC 216 Guard Regiment).

Scouts/Reconnaissance Marines

Scout units are the reconnaissance and scrimmage troops, generally at the fire team or squad level. They are generally small unit forces specially trained for taking and holding a defined area. Scouts often rely on the Marine version of the Argo All-Terrain Vehicle and similar manoeuvrable land vehicles. Regiments predominately made up of scout companies often have the qualifier "Recon" or "Scout" in their official regimental name (i.e., SFMC 199 Recon Regiment, SFMC 15 Scout Regiment).

Snipers

Sniper units are comprised of Marines trained in the use of the TR-116a ballistic rifle from a concealed position over longer ranges than regular marines. These troopers are often referred to as precision marksman, tactical marksman or sharpshooter due to the negative connotation of the term 'sniper'. Sniper squads and sections are often attached to either Rifles or Scout formations and rarely fight in units larger than a platoon.

Air Assault

Air assault units are specially trained in rapid deployment, either via high altitude parachutes, landing craft or transporter. Regiments predominately made up of air assault companies often have the qualifier "Airborne" in their official regimental name (i.e., SFMC 101 Airborne Regiment).

Grenadiers

Grenadiers are specially trained in close quarters combat, dynamic entry procedures, FIBUA (Fighting In Built Up Areas) and hostile boarding actions. Whilst not usually formed as a Regiment in their own right, many Marine battalions will feature a Grenadier Platoon and many starships also carry them as their highly versatile close quarters combat training makes them an invaluable addition to any Federation vessel.

Aerospace

Commonly Marine Aerospace units are restricted to starbases, planetary bases and large, specialized starships such as the Normandy. However, many starships carry a two ship element for reconnaissance or patrol purposes.

Marine Aerospace has always been focused on close air support, protecting the amphibious landing craft on their descent and providing cover during disembark. As such the SFMC uses the Razor interceptor and the Broadsword multi-function fighter as well as a variety of transport craft.

Headquarters and Service

The Headquarters and Service unit (H&S) is a non-combat, “catch all” unit made up of the headquarters staff and headquarters support personnel at the battalion, brigade, division, or higher level unit. Typically a Headquarters and Service unit, which would support a battalion or regiment, has a command staff that mirrors the support and advice that a starship’s senior staff provides the commanding officer.

H&S will contain enlisted and NCOs necessary to assist the staff officers as well as the necessary “behind the scenes” duties necessary for the smooth running of the battalion such as maintenance, transport, field mess and supply.

Generally H&S positions are filled by Marine personnel but it is not uncommon for Starfleet personnel to be seconded to fulfil the duties. Also see SFMC Structure.