USS Stonewall Jackson-Marines FMFM 9426-1

STAR TREK:

STARFLEET MARINES

FMFM 9426-1: General Military Information

Dayton Ward

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's Note:

The information contained in this document is not considered

'canon' material (ie. not endorsed by Paramount Pictures

Corporation). Material is drawn from several sources, all of them

listed at the end of the manual. Other information is derived or

otherwise modified from my own experiences and knowledge of the

present day Marine Corps.

The arrangement of material, or omission of some material gleaned

from other sources, is intended simply to coincide with the

interpretation of Starfleet Marines that I use in my fan fiction. I

have attempted to be consistent when constructing the overall

'image' of what I believe the Starfleet Marines to be. If one

reviews the sources that I have listed, they will find widely

varying viewpoints and opinions on what this organization is and

what it does. In writing my fan fiction, I tried to give the

impression that the SFMC is an elite organization, highly selective

about whom it allows into its ranks. This perception alone sharply

contrasts with other opinions or theories. Again, my intention is

simply to provide some realistic background to the characters and

situations that I developed in my Starfleet Marines stories.

Star Trek enthusiasts/historians should note that the information

presented both here and in the Starfleet Marines stories that I

write reflects events that occur during the time of the movies

featuring the original series cast (beginning sometime after Star

Trek V: The Final Frontier).

Suggestions, questions and any other useful comments are always

welcome. Please send any correspondence to NetTrekker&aol.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Subject ..................................................... Page #

Note to Commanding Officers ...................................... 4

Purpose of FMFM 9426-1 ........................................... 5

General Description .............................................. 6

History and Evolution ............................................ 7

Rank Structure ................................................... 8

Military Occupational Specialties ................................ 9

Weapons ......................................................... 13

Equipment ....................................................... 16

Tactical Methodology ............................................ 18

AlphaStrike ..................................................... 20

List of Sources ................................................. 23

NOTE TO COMMANDING OFFICERS -

This document contains information of a secure nature. It is

your responsibility to ensure that the information pertaining to

AlphaStrike is not made available to those personnel without

proper security classifications and the need to be informed. Only

those officers of field grade and above with AlphaStrike operatives

within their respective units are considered as possessing the need

to be informed. SFMCO 9990.4F applies to all matters pertaining to

AlphaStrike.

G.D. MacPhereson,

MajGen SFMC

Commanding,

Starfleet Marine Corps Institute

PURPOSE -

The purpose of Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 9426-1 is to

familiarize the individual Marine with basic information pertaining

to the mission and structure of the Starfleet Marine Corps. The

Commandant of the Marine Corps has directed that all Marines,

regardless of rank, MOS, billet or unit to which assigned, achieve

and maintain a proficiency in certain essential subjects. This

proficiency is initially acquired in recruit training and is the

hallmark of a Marine. This information guide, along with

SFMCIO P1500.99D Starfleet Marine Battle Skills/Essential Subjects

Handbook, will allow the individual Marine to maintain the required

proficiency.

Unit commanders are directed to evaluate proficiency levels

biannually, as required in SFMCO P1528.33A Guidelines for Conduct of

Battle Skills/Essential Subjects Training and Evaluation.

G.D. MacPhereson,

MajGen SFMC

Commanding,

Starfleet Marine Corps Institute

GENERAL DESCRIPTION -

The Starfleet Marines are a military organization created by the

direction of the United Federation of Planets to deal with those

situations that are considered beyond the operational scope of the

Starfleet Security Division. These types of operations include

planet-side maneuvers and the boarding of enemy starships. Marines

are mainly used to secure or defend Federation planets, bases and

stations, as well as their allies, from numerous dangers such as,

but not limited to: Invasions; Natural Disasters; Relief Efforts;

Evacuations.

Marines are also trained for boarding actions onto any unknown or

hostile ships, space stations, bases, celestial objects, etc. They

are experienced for combat in space, as well as a variety of gravity

environments.

Other specialties that Marines are used for include infiltration,

espionage, counterintelligence, etc. They are trained in matters of

diplomacy and how to handle various governmental situations

(including Xeno-affairs). Among the most technically proficient in

Starfleet, they are trained in the operations of various

communication, sensing and computer devices. Marines are also

skilled in the use of most land vehicles, personnel carriers, ocean

going vessels (above and under the water), atmospheric transports

(Skyplanes, Hovercraft, etc.), and space vehicles (such as Rovers,

Shuttles, Fighters, Tugs, Transports, etc.). They can handle heavy

weapons (Mortars, Siege Weapons, Launchers, etc.) as well as

personal armaments (small arms, edged weapons, clubs, etc.).

Additionally, they are also trained in several fighting styles

(Judo, Kendo, Boxing, etc.) as well as the art of survival in a wide

spectrum of planetary and atmospheric environments.

Depending on the mission purpose, parameters, and needs of the

ship/base/station, a contingent of Starfleet Marines can be assigned

on board at the commanding officer's discretion. If assigned, the

Marines will normally become an attachment to the standard security

department already in place. Most ships who are regularly involved

in combat have the option of requesting a Marine contingent to be

assigned to their ship/base/station. Other ship/base/stations that

are purely scientific or exploratory in nature can request a

detachment of Marines be assigned, at the discretion of Starfleet

Command.

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION -

The history of the Marines dates back to the fifth century B.C.,

when the Athenian fleets utilized platoons of soldiers aboard their

ships. The tradition continued into Roman times when separate

legions of centurions were assigned duty afloat in service of the

Emperor. In the seventeenth century, the British and the Dutch

navies organized the first modern corps of Marines to serve as

ships' detachments for boarding parties and raiding actions.

However, the evolution of the present day Starfleet Marines can

be credited to the structure and doctrine of the Marine Corps of the

United States of America. Founded in the eighteenth century, the

Marines had a long and illustrious history until they were disbanded

in 2080. After the mockery that was the new United Nations was

abolished, the current concept of the armed forces went with it.

The United Earth Alliance, the world's new governmental body,

instead combined all of the best qualities of the various former

governments' uniformed services and created the UEA Peacekeeping

Force.

The PeaceKeepers performed admirably over the next eighty-nine

years. Many significant events took place during that time, the

ultimate event being the first contact with beings from another

world, the Vulcans. This giant leap in extra-terrestrial relations,

along with meetings with the Alpha Centaurans, the Andorians, the

Rigellians and the Tellarites, culminated in the founding of the

United Federation of Planets in 2161 and along with it, Starfleet.

It was decided over the next several years that it was time to

revive the proud traditions of Marines, so the Starfleet Marine

Corps was born. They soon found themselves embroiled in conflicts

on dozens of worlds, as an infant Federation attempted to explore

and expand to neighboring planets. Most of the time, the peaceful

intentions of the Federation were respected, welcomed and honored.

However, when circumstances dictated that Federation interests be

protected and all other peaceful options had been exhausted, the

ancient yet familiar cry could be heard: "Send in the Marines!"

The present day Starfleet Marine is considered the premiere

warrior. Entrance requirements are harsh, more so than any other

branch of Starfleet. They are hand-picked from among the best and

brightest that the other branches of Starfleet have to offer. Each

volunteer is chosen for outstanding qualities. Intelligence,

fighting prowess, bravery and leadership are but a few of the many

areas that are examined closely when selecting Marine candidates.

It is a popular boast of many Marines that they would be in

positions of command were they elsewhere in Starfleet, and this is

often true. In many instances, when a member of the fleet is

accepted for Marine training after having completed at least one

deep space assignment, he or she has already begun to rise in the

ranks. Each candidate accepted begins basic training as a private,

with no consideration made of his or her prior rank or position. A

check of service records will reveal many prior Starfleet

lieutenants, ensigns and even a few lieutenant commanders serving as

Marine corporals and sergeants.

RANK STRUCTURE -

The rank structure of the Marine Corps is currently as follows:

OFFICERS

MARINE CORPS STARFLEET EQUIVALENT

O-1 Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) - Ensign

O-2 First Lieutenant (1stLt) - Lieutenant, Junior Grade

O-3 Captain (Capt) - Lieutenant

O-4 Major (Maj) - Lieutenant Commander

O-5 Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) - Commander

O-6 Colonel (Col) - Captain

O-7 Brigadier General (BGen) - Rear Admiral (Lower Half)

O-8 Major General (MajGen) - Rear Admiral (Upper Half)

O-9 Lieutenant General (LtGen) - Vice Admiral

O-10 General (Gen) - Admiral

* Commandant (Actually O-10) - Fleet Admiral

ENLISTED

E-1 Private (Pvt) - Technician Apprentice

E-2 Private First Class (PFC) - Technician

E-3 Lance Corporal (LCpl) - Specialist

E-4 Corporal (Cpl) - Petty Officer 3rd Class

E-5 Sergeant (Sgt) - Petty Officer 2nd Class

E-6 Technical Sergeant (SSgt) - Petty Officer 1st Class

E-7 Gunnery Sergeant (TSgt) - Chief Petty Officer

E-8 First Sergeant (1stSgt) - Senior Chief Petty Officer

E-9 Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) - Master Chief Petty Officer

* Sergeant Major

of the Marine Corps (E-9) - Fleet Chief Petty Officer

Enlisted Marines, just as enlisted personnel in Starfleet, are

subordinate to the lowest grade officer in terms of protocol.

However, as any senior officer will agree to, junior officers that

exercise good judgement will heed the advise of senior enlisted

personnel in times of difficult decision making, where experience is

a valuable ally.

Generally, officers of either service branch of equal grade are

given the same privileges and accorded the same respect. Exceptions

to this are in environments such as ships/bases/stations where

either branch is considered the cognizant authority. However,

this exception is limited to those personnel charged with command

responsibilities of said ship/base/station.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES -

Duty assignments within the Marine Corps are based upon the

individual Marine's rank and specialty. Like ratings in Starfleet,

the Marines are classified by the Military Occupational Specialty,

or MOS. The MOS designator is a four digit number. The number

itself is broken down into two portions. The first two digits

indicate the Occupational Field, and the last two designate the

individual specialty. For example:

MOS - 0341

Occupational Field Individual Specialization

03 41

(Infantry) (Photon Grenadier)

Upon completion of basic training, Marines are then sent to

further formal schooling in their selected occupational field. For

example, a newly graduated Marine that had opted to become a Photon

Grenadier would be classified with the MOS 0300, or Basic

Infantryman, until completion of his/her specialization school. At

that point, he/she would have their MOS amended with the proper

designation, in this case 0341.

Additionally, many Marines choose to further their range of

expertise, and can be classified with additional MOS's. However,

without direct action from Headquarters, SFMC, a Marine's primary

MOS will continue to be the one assigned upon completion of the

first formal specialization school following basic training.

Unlike past versions of the Marine Corps, the bulk of primary

occupational specialties available to Marines is strictly limited to

those duties that support the mission of Combat Arms. For example,

no Marine would carry a primary MOS designating him/her as an

electronics specialist, although those duties are required training

for all Marines. For historical purposes, the current listing of

occupational specialties is similar to that used by the United

States Marines during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

A complete list of Starfleet Marine Corps Military Occupational

Specialties, along with the grade(s) required to hold that

designation, follows:

0200 - Intelligence

0201 - Basic Intelligence Officer

0202 - Intelligence Officer

0205 - Tactical Intelligence Officer

0210 - Counterintelligence Officer

0240 - Imagery Interpretation Officer

0260 - Xenogeographic/Topographic Intelligence Officer

------

0200 - Basic Intelligence Marine (Pvt - TSgt)

0211 - Counterintelligence Specialist (Cpl - 1stSgt)

0231 - Intelligence Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

0241 - Imagery Interpretation Specialist (Cpl - 1stSgt)

0251 - Interrogation/Translation Specialist (Cpl - 1stSgt)

0261 - Xenogeographic Intelligence Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

0291 - Intelligence Chief (SgtMaj)

0300 - Infantry

0301 - Basic Infantry Officer

0302 - Infantry Officer

0306 - Infantry Weapons Officer

-------

0300 - Basic Infantry Marine (Pvt - Sgt)

0311 - Phaser Rifleman (Pvt - Sgt)

0321 - Reconnaissance Marine (LCpl - TSgt)

0331 - Photon Grenadier (Pvt - Sgt)

0341 - Explosives/Ordnance Specialist (Pvt - Sgt)

0351 - Antiarmor Assault Grenadier (Pvt - Sgt)

0369 - Infantry Unit Leader (TSgt - SgtMaj)

0800 - Field Artillery

0801 - Basic Field Artillery Officer

0802 - Field Artillery Officer

0803 - Survey, Meteorological and Sensor Officer

0840 - Orbital Fire Support Planner/Spotter

-------

0800 - Basic Field Artillery Marine (Pvt - TSgt)

0811 - Phaser Cannoneer (Pvt - 1stSgt)

0842 - Targeting System Operator (Pvt - Sgt)

0844 - Fire Control Specialist (Pvt - Sgt)

0847 - Meteorological Specialist (Pvt - Sgt)

0848 - Operations Chief (GySgt - SgtMaj)

0861 - Fire Support Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

1300 - Construction/Combat Engineer

1301 - Basic Construction/Combat Engineer Officer

1302 - Construction/Combat Engineer Officer

1310 - Engineer Equipment Officer

1330 - Facilities Maintenance Officer

1390 - Fuel/Components Officer

-------

1300 - Basic Engineer (Pvt - TSgt)

1316 - Metal Worker (Pvt - TSgt)

1341 - Engineer Equipment Mechanic (Pvt - TSgt)

1345 - Engineer Equipment Operator (Pvt - TSgt)

1349 - Engineer Equipment Chief (GySgt - 1stSgt)

1361 - Engineer Assistant (Pvt - TSgt)

1371 - Combat Engineer (Pvt - 1stSgt)

1381 - Fuel/Components Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

1800 - Ground Assault Vehicle Operations

1801 - Basic Assault Vehicle Operations Officer

1802 - Assault Vehicle Operations Officer

-------

1800 - Basic Vehicle Operations Marine (Pvt - TSgt)

1811 - M861-A1 Ground Assault Vehicle Crewman (Pvt - 1stSgt)

1812 - M2112 Armored Troop Transport Crewman (Pvt - 1stSgt)

2600 - Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare

2601 - Basic Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Officer

2602 - Signals Intelligence/ Electronic Warfare Officer

-------

2600 - Basic Signals Intelligence/Electronic

Warfare Marine (Pvt - GySgt)

2621 - Cryptologic Intercept Operator (Pvt - GySgt)

2629 - Signals Intelligence Analyst (Pvt - SgtMaj)

2643 - Cryptologic Translator (Cpl - SgtMaj)

2649 - Cryptanalyst (Sgt - SgtMaj)

2651 - Special Intelligence Communicator (Pvt - SgtMaj)

2669 - Cryptologic Support Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

2670 - Cryptologic Linguist (Klingon) (Pvt - GySgt)

2671 - Cryptologic Linguist (Romulan) (Pvt - GySgt)

2672 - Cryptologic Linguist (Orion) (Pvt - GySgt)

2673 - Cryptologic Linguist (Vulcan) (Pvt - GySgt)

2674 - Cryptologic Linguist (Andorian) (Pvt - GySgt)

2675 - Cryptologic Linguist (Tellarite) (Pvt - GySgt)

2676 - Cryptologic Linguist (Kzinti) (Pvt - GySgt)

2691 - Signals Intelligence/Electronic

Warfare Chief (1stSgt - SgtMaj)

4000 - Data Systems

4001 - Basic Data Systems Officer

4002 - Data Systems Officer

4006 - Data Systems Operations Officer

4010 - Data Systems Software Officer

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4000 - Basic Data Systems Marine (Pvt - GySgt)

4025 - Network Control Specialist (Pvt - 1stSgt)

4034 - Computer Systems Operator (Pvt - 1stSgt)

4038 - Data Control Specialist (Sgt - 1stSgt)

4066 - Tactical Systems Programmer (Sgt - 1stSgt)

4067 - Programmer (Pvt - 1stSgt)

4069 - Central Systems Programmer/Analyst (TSgt - 1stSgt)

4075 - Computer Systems Security Specialist (Cpl - 1stSgt)

4099 - Data Processing Chief (1stSgt - SgtMaj)

5700 - Biological/Chemical

5701 - Basic Biological/Chemical Officer

5702 - Biological/Chemical Officer

5715 - Biological/Chemical Weapons Employment Officer

5720 - Ground Weapons Assembly Officer

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5700 - Basic Biological/Chemical Marine (Pvt - GySgt)

5711 - Biological/Chemical Defense Specialist

(Pvt - SgtMaj)

5800 - Military Police/Corrections

5801 - Basic Military Police/Corrections Officer

5803 - Military Police Officer

5804 - Corrections Officer

5805 - Criminal Investigation Officer

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5800 - Basic Military Police Marine (Pvt - TSgt)

5811 - Military Police (Pvt - SgtMaj)

5813 - Accident Investigator (Cpl - GySgt)

5814 - Crime Prevention/Security Specialist (Sgt - SgtMaj)

5821 - Criminal Investigator (Sgt - SgtMaj)

5831 - Correctional Specialist (Pvt - SgtMaj)

5832 - Correctional Counselor (Sgt - 1stSgt)

7300 - Air/Space Armored Transport

7301 - Basic Air/Space Armored Transport Officer

7320 - Air/Space Armored Transport Officer

7380 - Aerial/Spatial Navigation Officer

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7300 - Basic Armored Transport Marine (Pvt - GySgt)

7322 - Traffic Control/Dockmaster (Pvt - 1stSgt)

7371 - Aerial/Spatial Navigator (Pvt - 1stSgt)

7372 - Pilot (Pvt - 1stSgt)

7381 - Airborne Communications Specialist (Pvt - GySgt)

7382 - Loadmaster (Pvt - 1stSgt)

7391 - Operations Chief (GySgt - SgtMaj)

Category 'B' Military Occupational Specialties: These are MOS's

that are outside those job classifications directly related to

Combat Arms. They are a limited duty, normally lasting from 24 - 36

months, at which time the individual Marine usually returns to

his/her normal MOS related duties.

8411 - Recruiter/Career Planner (Cpl - SgtMaj)

8511 - Drill Instructor (Cpl - SgtMaj)

8531 - Marksmanship Instructor (PFC - Sgt)

8532 - Small Arms Weapons Instructor (Sgt - 1stSgt)

8541 - Scout Sniper (Pvt - GySgt)

8563 - Water/XenoEnviro Survival Instructor (Sgt - SgtMaj)

8611 - Interpreter (Designated Language) (Pvt - TSgt)

8621 - Surveillance Sensor Operator (Pvt - 1stSgt)

8631 - Surveillance Sensor Technician (Pvt - TSgt)

WEAPONS -

Without weapons, it is obvious that the ability for a Marine to

accomplish his/her mission would be at least 'slightly hindered.'

So, it goes without saying that today's Starfleet Marine is armed

with some of the most advanced small arms weaponry that Federation

technology can provide. Below is a listing of weapons organic to

the Marine rifle squad.

- M316 Phaser Rifle - the standard weapon of the Marine

infantryman. It is a lightweight shoulder weapon powered by a

quadrocadmium power cell that is inserted into the pistol grip

of the rifle. It offers a variety of settings ranging from

light stun to heavy disintegration. It can be sighted using

the open sights along the top of the weapon's barrel, or

targeting assistance can be provided through the use of a fiber

optic cable that connects the rifle to the Marine's helmet

viewfinder.

- Characteristics:

Length: 88 centimeters

Weight: 2.65 kilograms

w/ quadrocadmium power cell: 2.71 kilograms

w/ M803 photon grenade launcher: 3.52 Kilograms

Maximum range: 4000 meters

Maximum effective range: 1000 meters

- M9G Phaser Pistol - similar to the standard Starfleet personal

phaser, this model has been ruggedized for the more stringent

conditions of close combat. The one feature that

differentiates it from the other models the most is the

replaceable quadrocadmium power pack, inserted into the pistol

grip. It offers the same setting as the standard issue phaser,

with the same power output. Phaser pistols are standard issue

for officers and squad leaders.

- Characteristics:

Length: 16 centimeters

Weight: 1.1 kilograms

w/ quadrocadmium power cell: 1.2 kilograms

Maximum range: 375 meters

Maximum effective range: 200 meters

- M803 Photon Grenade Launcher - This is a single shot weapon

that is used in conjunction with the M316 phaser rifle. The

launcher can be attached to either side of the rifle's body,

depending on the preference of the shooter. It is equipped

with its own sights, trigger and safety, and is powered from

the phaser rifle's quadrocadmium power cell. In addition to

the standard M297 photon grenade, the launcher is also capable

of firing several other types of grenades. Normal distribution

for this weapon is normally four per rifle squad, or two per

fire team.

- Characteristics:

Length: 42 centimeters

Weight: 1.38 kilograms

w/ M297 photon grenade: 1.43 kilograms

Maximum range: 800 meters

Maximum effective range: 675 meters

Standard Rounds:

- M297 photon charge

- M585 white star cluster

- M713 ground smoke marker (red)

- M715 ground smoke marker (green)

- M716 ground smoke marker (yellow)

- M949 Phaser Cannon - This larger crew-served weapon, although

organic to the Marine rifle squad, is employed only in heavy

combat conditions, due to its size and weight. It is equipped

with a removable bipod for added stability, and can be mounted

to ground transport vehicles. While it offers the same range

of settings as the M316 and M9G, this particular weapon is

much more powerful. When used, it requires two Marines to

operate. One Marine is the gunner, who actually controls the

firing of the weapon. The other Marine, or assistant gunner,

is responsible for proper targeting of the weapon as well as

providing security for the gunner. When the phaser cannon is

employed with the rifle squad, the gunner is issued a M9G

combat phaser pistol, while the 'A-gunner' carries the M316

phaser rifle.

- Characteristics:

Length: 114 centimeters

Weight: 9.98 kilograms

w/ quadrocadmium power cell 10.06 kilograms

w/ bipod 10.67 kilograms

Maximum range: 7200 meters

Maximum effective range: 2800 meters

This weapons list outlines only those weapons organic to every

Marine rifle squad. Individual Marines are authorized to carry

additional weapons, usually at the discretion of the local

commanders. Such weapons can include, but are not limited to, the

following:

- Ceremonial weapons (such as swords, for parades and official

functions)

- Knives/Axes (of sanctioned blade length)

- Martial arts weapons (depending on chosen discipline)

EQUIPMENT -

For the purposes of this text, the equipment listing will be

limited to those items that are part of the individual Marine's

'combat load.' In reality, Marines in actual combat conditions

rarely carry the complete list of items that are displayed here.

Each item has a specific purpose and the unit leader decides when

drawing up his operation orders what equipment his/her Marines will

carry.

- Personal Protection System (PPS): Consists of the following items:

M101 Trikevlarite Body Armor Combat Suit (BACS) - Divided into

three pieces:

- M101-A Upper Body Vest

- M101-B Lower Extremity Shields

The BACS is a lightweight, flexible body suit designed to be

worn over the individual Marine's utility uniform. The lower

extremity shields are strapped on the wearer's upper legs. The

composite trikevlarite armor is resistant to most small arms

projectile weapons, resistant to phaser fire, as well as providing

protection from shrapnel generated by explosives. While it has

the ability to provide limited protection against some forms of

disruptor weapons, it cannot hold up against sustained fire from

them.

Additionally, the BACS provides one useful feature that is

nearly as advantageous as its protective qualities. A

quadrocadmium power cell in the vest generates a field around the

wearer, rendering the individual 'invisible' to most forms of

personal scanning devices. However, sensing equipment used aboard

orbiting ships, if scanning along proper wavebands, can detect the

presence of the cloaked individual(s).

M238 Trikevlarite Helmet - The helmet, in addition to the obvious

purpose of protecting the wearer's head, also offers three

additional features:

- Communications. The communicator is secured to the interior

of the helmet, consisting of a speaker inserted into the

wearer's ear, and a flexible microphone that extends to the

side of the mouth. The communicator offers three separate

frequencies, that can be selected by tapping the outer surface

of the speaker housing. The selector switch operates in a

'round robin' method, meaning the operator taps the

housing until the desired frequency 'cycles' around. For

convenience, as well as those situations that require the

Marine to operate without his/her helmet, the communicator

assembly can be removed and worn without the helmet.

- Viewfinder/Imagery Enhancement. With the aid of a retractable

face shield, the helmet provides the wearer with nearly all of

the functions of binoculars as well as scanning along several

visual spectrums, most notably infrared. The range of the

viewfinder is two kilometers.

- Targeting Assistance. Through the use of a fiber optic

connection, the helmet can interface with the standard issue

M316 Phaser rifle, allowing enhanced sight alignment for more

effective target selection. That is, according to the

manual that accompanies the helmet. Any Marine with more than

five minutes worth of combat experience will attest that the

'assistance' provided is negligible, the connector cable being

a hindrance when Marines find themselves on the move under

combat conditions. "Just aim and shoot like they taught

ya' in boot camp." is a standard response by many a Marine

veteran.

- M881 All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment

(ALICE): In English, this translates to 'back pack.' This item

has changed little in general usage requirements over the

centuries. Although it is constructed from tear resistant/water

repellant fabrics, the overall design is very similar to its

twentieth and twenty-first century counterparts. The pack

contains a central pocket for larger items, as well as several

exterior pockets for smaller articles. The pack straps are

equipped with 'quick release' mechanisms that allow the wearer to

drop the pack from his/her back quickly. When properly packed, it

can act as a flotation device, allowing Marines to stay afloat in

the water for as long as necessary to accomplish the specific

mission.

- M654 Combat Tricorder: This is simply a ruggedized combination of

the standard Starfleet science and medical tricorders. It is

encased in a sturdy shell of trikevlarite composite, rendering it

water and shock resistant. When used in cooperation with an

orbiting support ship, it can pinpoint a unit's location on a

given planet or moon, using sensor data gathered by the ship

itself. It offers most of the functions of standard Starfleet

tricorders, without any of the frills. It emits none of the

characteristic sounds, and its visual displays are dimmed and

covered with a hood, to prevent detection by the enemy. The M654

is also able to be employed as a motion sensor device, augmenting

security for Marine units on the ground when they stop to bivouac

during ground operations. Its most combat related feature is its

ability to feed targeting data to supporting arms organizations in

combat situations, thereby eliminating much of the human error

associated with calling for supporting fire.

Other equipment that is carried by members of a Marine rifle

squad includes, but is not limited to the following:

- Canteens

- Compass/GeoPositioning display

- Entrenching tool (shovel)

- Flashlight

- Medical Kit

Other equipment not directly related to combat is also carried by

individual Marines, depending on the given mission:

- One/Two person survival shelter

- Mess kit (w/ eating utensils)

- Thermal Blanket

TACTICAL METHODOLOGY -

- The Marine Rifle Squad. Marines are organized into small units

referred to as 'squads.' Each squad is typically commanded by one

officer (normally grades 0-1 through O-3), and one enlisted Marine

(normally grades E-5 through E-7). Each squad is itself comprised

of two fire teams, consisting of nine Marines and normally led by a

corporal. This is unlike the tactical methodologies of days past,

when increasing weapons technology made it possible to reduce the

number of Marines in a fire team and rifle squad. Fire teams in the

past sometimes numbered as few as four men. It has been argued that

the present day configuration of Marine rifle squads has been

influenced more by the twentieth century SEAL (SEa, Air, and Land)

teams than by classic Marine style tactics. SEALs of that era were

normally deployed in fourteen man teams, functioning virtually

independent of larger organizations. Today's Marine rifle squad is

a mobile, self-sufficient, high tempo commando force capable of

operating without the benefit of supporting organizations in nearly

every conceivable combat environment.

- Mission: In the offense, the mission of the Marine rifle squad is

to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and

maneuver.

In the defense, the mission of the Marine rifle squad is to repel

the enemy's assault by fire and close combat.

These missions hark back to the United States Marine Corps of the

twentieth century. While it might sound militant and bordering on

the extreme when compared to the mission of Starfleet and the credo

of the United Federation of Planets, one thing must be kept clear at

all times: the Marines were formed for engaging the enemy,

destroying their ability and their will to fight and if necessary,

to destroy them as well.

- Composition: extrapolating on what was explained earlier:

Squad Commander (O1 - O3)

Squad Leader (E5 - E7)

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³ ³

Fire Team Leader (E4) Fire Team Leader (E4)

Phaser Rifleman (E1 - E3) Phaser Rifleman (E1 - E3)

Photon Grenadier (E1 - E3) Photon Grenadier (E1 - E3)

Phaser Cannoneer (E1 - E3) Phaser Cannoneer (E1 - E3)

Asst Phaser Cannoneer (E1 - E3) Asst Phaser Cannoneer (E1 - E3)

- Duties of Individuals: Every member of a fire team must know the

duties of the other team members and in turn, the fire team

leaders and squad leader should be able to assume the duties of

their next superior.

- Squad Leader: Carries out the orders issued to him/her by the

Squad Commander. He/She is responsible for the discipline,

appearance, training, control, conduct and welfare of his squad

at all times, as well as the condition, care and economical use

of its weapons and equipment. In combat, he/she is also

responsible for the tactical employment, fire discipline, fire

control and maneuver of his/her squad. He/She takes position

where he/she can best carry out the orders of the squad

commander and observe and control the squad.

- Fire Team Leader: Carries out the orders of the Squad Leader.

He/she is responsible for the fire discipline and control of

his/her fire team and for the condition, care and economical use

of its weapons and equipment. In carrying out the orders of the

Squad Leader, he/she takes position where he/she can best

control the team. Normally, he is close enough to the Phaser

Cannoneer to exercise effective control of its fires. The

senior Fire Team Leader in the squad also serves as Assistant

Squad Leader.

- Photon Grenadier: Responsible for effective employment of

his/her grenade launcher, his/her rifle, and for the condition

and care of his/her weapon and equipment.

- Phaser Cannoneer: Carries out the orders of his/her Fire Team

Leader. He/she is responsible for the effective employment of

his/her weapon and for the condition and care of his/her weapons

and equipment.

- Assistant Phaser Cannoneer: Assists in the employment of the

phaser cannon. He/she carries the detachable bipod, targeting

viewfinder and extra quadrocadmium power cells for the phaser

cannon. He/she is prepared to assume the duties of the Phaser

Cannoneer. He/she is also responsible for the effective

employment of his/her phaser rifle and for the condition and

care of his/her weapon and equipment.

- Phaser Rifleman: The phaser riflemen in the fire team carry out

orders of the Fire Team Leader. They are responsible for the

effective employment of their phaser rifles and for the

condition of their weapons and equipment. Riflemen are also

trained as reconnaissance Marines, as well as ordnance

specialists.

AlphaStrike -

The Starfleet Marine Corps, as an organization, is comprised of

some of the most highly trained professionals in service. The Corps

prides itself in its ability to respond to any task quickly and

efficiently.

The present day Corps combines qualities and methodologies from

several military organizations, including the United States Marine

Corps of the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the Navy

SEALs of the same period, and the UEA PeaceKeeping forces of the

late twenty-first and early twenty-second centuries. As such, it

represents the premiere ground combat force. However, experience

has shown the necessity for maintaining military units whose

specialties range far beyond even the high operational standards of

"regular" forces.

The information that follows, in and of itself, is not considered

classified. However, Marines are still expected to maintain

operational security when discussing any aspects of this unit or its

mission.

- Inception: On stardate 7489.4, the Starfleet Commander directed

the Commandant of the SFMC to develop doctrine for a new,

specialized commando force. This initiative resulted in the birth

of AlphaStrike.

- Concept of Operations: AlphaStrike takes the concept of the Marine

rifle squad to the highest level. AlphaStrike teams are small units

that specialize in covert action, counter-terrorism operations, and

other clandestine efforts where a high-tempo mode is required,

operating completely independent from other, larger Marine units.

- AlphaStrike Structure: AlphaStrike squads are composed of five

Marines. An officer (normally grades O2-O3) and an enlisted Marine

(normally grades E6-E7) commands a small cadre of four Marines

(grades E4-E5). A typical AlphaStrike squad would look like this:

Squad Commander (O2-O3)

Squad Leader (E6-E7)

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³ ³

Team 1 Leader (E5) Team 2 Leader (E5)

Team 1 Member (E4) Team 2 Member (E4)

- How Members are Selected: Candidates for AlphaStrike are in fact

screened by a selection board of qualified AlphaStrike officers,

operating under direction of the Commandant. Possible candidates

are drawn from Marines currently on active duty, with at least

five years of service. In addition, at least three of those years

must have been served within a combat arms MOS. After careful

research of their personnel records, those Marines that meet initial

selection criteria are then issued orders directing them to report

to the Manpower Support Division, HQ SFMC, for further screening and

evaluation.

Once there, it is only then that possible candidates are briefed

as to the reason for their orders. AlphaStrike officers spend

several days testing and evaluating the Marines, ensuring that they

meet the strict physical, mental and medical requirements. That

accomplished, candidates are selected from the initial group and

issued orders to the Corps' Advanced Warfare Training Command

located at Quantico, Virginia. Those Marines that are not selected

are returned to their units. However, they must first sign a

statement obligating them to secrecy regarding their contact with

AlphaStrike. Marines that violate the agreement are subject to

disciplinary action as presribed under the Uniform Code of Military

Justice. Other than that, no further contact between the individual

Marine and AlphaStrike will be made, and no negative ramifications

will result from the Marines failure to be selected for the teams.

- Training: AlphaStrike candidates are subjected to twelve weeks of

the most strenuous training that they will ever receive. Many a

AlphaStrike member has described the training evolution as "Boot

Camp from Hell."

All the combat skills taught in SFMC recruit training as well as

Advanced Infantry Training are brought to bear, in only a quarter of

the normal time allowed for such training. AlphaStrike Academy

stresses the minds and bodies of candidates to their limit and

beyond. For this reason alone, the dropout rate of the school is

consistently above ninety percent.

Along with the combat arms training, candidates are given

advanced training in various computer, communications and electronic

warfare subjects, then enter an extensive training cycle where they

learn covert action, intelligence and counterintelligence,

counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorist operations. They are

schooled in operating for extended periods behind enemy lines, even

interacting with the enemy while disguised. With the proper

training, AlphaStrike operatives can be employed for months without

contact from higher authority into nearly every conceivable combat

and clandestine environment.

- Military Occupational Specialties: AlphaStrike MOS's do not differ

all that much from other MOS's in the Corps. The major difference

is the training required to obtain and maintain the specialization,

as well as the missions where the specialties are required.

All AlphaStrike MOS's begin with the occupational field designator

00, which is the most likely reason for one of AlphaStrike's more

popular nicknames: "Zero Squads." They do not appear on standard

MOS charts, and are only printed here for orientation purposes.

0000 - AlphaStrike

0001 - Basic AlphaStrike Officer

0002 - AlphaStrike Officer

------

0000 - Basic AlphaStrike Marine (Cpl-Sgt)

0011 - AlphaStrike Rifleman (Cpl-Sgt)

0021 - AlphaStrike Reconnaissance

Specialist (Cpl-GySgt)

0041 - AlphaStrike Scout Sniper (Cpl-GySgt)

0051 - AlphaStrike Assault Specialist (Cpl-GySgt)

0054 - AlphaStrike Close Quarters Battle

Specialist (Cpl-GySgt)

0069 - AlphaStrike Squad Leader (TSgt-GySgt)

- Operational Security: The very nature of AlphaStrike necessitates

operational security. For this reason, you will never see a

recruiting advertisement looking for candidates. Any volunteer

actively searching to join the teams will never find a

representative to ask.

Once Marines leave AlphaStrike training, they are either returned

to their previous unit or assigned to a new one, depending on the

needs of the SFMC. They are then given duties commensurate with

their current 'regular' MOS and rank. Their AlphaStrike designation

is kept a closely guarded secret once they arrive at their new

command.

AlphaStrike operatives within a regular SFMC unit continue their

primary duties until called upon. The nature of the "call-up" is of

course at the direction of the Commandant depending on whatever

situation demands the recall or particular members (to include

training, actual duty, etc.).

LIST OF SOURCES -

The following sources were consulted during the writing of this

'manual':

- The Best of Trek #3, Walter Irwin, editor, Signet Books.

- FMFM 6-5: Marine Rifle Squad, United States Marine Corps, 1991.

- Starfleet Dynamics, by Strategic Designs, 1992.

- Star Fleet Battles: Marines! Playtest Module, Amarillo

Design Bureau, 1992.

- Prime Directive: The Star Fleet Universe Role Playing Game,

Amarillo Design Bureau, 1993.