1. Introduction

This document is hopefully to help you to learn how to behave like a marine. Please keep uppermost in your mind that although this is a game there are rules to follow and other, real people with real feelings on the other side of the computer screen. Treat your fellow members as you would wish to be treated. Maintain your dignity without the need to put someone else down. You may just find that helping another member preserve their dignity and fun that yours is doubled.

2. The Starfleet Marine Crops

The Starfleet Marine Corp [SFMC] is part of the Ground Forces that are rarely seen in the episodes but are assumed to be a part of the Naval Fleet of the United Federation of Planets. The SFMC is part of Starfleet. This means that although there may be some differences in ranking and training, the basics are the same. Marines do not run around being rude to superior officers. They do not treat other members of Starfleet as if they were somehow not quite as good as they are. They show the proper respect for other Starfleet members while maintaining a quiet pride in their own division.

3. The Chain of Command

The Chain of command for the Marine corps can be a little tricky. For simulation purposes you will report to your department head who will report to the XO and CO.

If, however, your particular SIM desires, you may be required to report to the head of the Marine Corps in the GFC. At this time Colonel Flynn Torve, stationed on Renaissance Station is the head of the Marine Corps.

Any specific orders for Marines would come directly from him. Colonel Flynn Torve is an actually player and this means that you are not free to make up anything about him or from him. If you have an idea about something you think all the marines in Starfleet would enjoy then you must send an email to Colonel Torve as well as your Command Team. This way, everyone is in the loop and things can happen faster. You might be surprised how much your Command Team enjoys getting such input from players.

4. Home of the Marine Corps: Quantico

There is a rich tradition in Quantico. Since its inception in 1917, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, has been the "frontline of innovation." Marine concepts, doctrine, training, and equipment of the future are initiated aboard the Base. The techniques of amphibious warfare, for which the Corps is renowned, were conceived and perfected here. The tactics of close-air support and vertical envelopment using helicopters were also developed within its borders. High Altitude Assaults were first developed here as well. As attention is focused on future battlefields, the Marine Corps and other branches of Service are looking to Quantico to lead the way with technological advances as well as creative and innovative thinking.

5. Basic Training

Boot Camp starts with the Marine Candidates forming into training battalions, where they are stripped of any and all personal affects. This is to put each candidate on an equal level, while also signifying the start of their new life as members of the Marine Corps.

Shortly after this, the candidates have their first experience with Physical Training (PT). This is done to introduce a regime of physical fitness early in the candidates training. The Corps places a high value on the fitness of all Marines and is another distinction in their training, as any Marine may find themselves in a combat situation. PT is a constant throughout training and life as a Marine. In other words, there are no fat marines.

Following this, the candidates start learning basic infantry tactics and problem solving skills. It is now that they are first introduced to their phasers, as well as the other basic equipment they may need to use as Starfleet Marines.

A. The Crucible.

What you are about to read is an actual excerpt from real, 20th Century Marine Corps training. I realize it may seem like a lot but if you are going to play being a marine you should understand, truly understand what you are representing here. Do not forget that we do have real life military men and women and dependants as part of our group. Please take the following to heart.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- It's 3 a.m. and Marine drill instructors interrupt your beauty sleep by slamming the door to your hut and yelling for you and your fellow recruits to get out of the rack, get your gear on and get outside -- NOW!

For the past 49 hours, you have had little sleep, little food, and you and your team have endured a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging test. You have been participating in the Crucible -- the culminating event of Marine Corps basic training.

Now it's almost over. By 8 a.m., your company will be on the Parade Deck of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot here, receiving the insignia with the symbol of the Marine Corps -- the eagle, globe and anchor. There's just one more hurdle to leap: a nine-mile road march.

At 3:45 a.m., the company assembles. Your feet and muscles hurt, but other recruits limp into place, too. No one quits. Everyone wants to finish. The end is close enough you can almost taste it. You shoulder your backpack and weapon and clap on your Kevlar helmet. Then you check your teammates' equipment. One last slug from your canteen and you're ready.

One of the drill instructors says that at least the weather is decent, and you have to agree. There hasn't been a drop of rain during this Crucible, and the temperature has gone from the upper 40s to the mid-80s. Right now, the temperature is in the 60s. It's humid, but nothing like when you got to the South Carolina lowlands 11 weeks ago.

That, you recall, was the last time you had any individuality. Since then, you have been addressed as "recruit." You've had to begin every sentence with "Sir, this recruit would like to know ... ." You have learned to hate the word "recruit."
The company steps out at 4 a.m. The pace is fast and the "accordion effect" occurs as the 481-member formation marches. Gaps appear and recruits have to step out quicker to close them. The march becomes easier as your sore muscles stretch. You watch some poor devils, obviously with blisters, try to find a way to walk that doesn't tear at their feet.

You notice Navy corpsmen, carrying at least 50 pounds of gear, checking out recruits who seem to be having difficulty.

It's still dark. No one speaks, as if the effort might be too much. Actually, though, talking's not allowed. An hour and a little over three miles later, the formation stops. As you drop your pack, you notice sweat has soaked through everyone's BDU blouses. You've got a 10-minute break, to hit the head and drink more water. Some recruits sit on their packs and check their feet. Too soon, the drill instructors are rousting everyone.

The other platoon takes the lead this time and you really understand what the accordion effect means. Drill instructors tell you to close up. "Don't run," they yell. "Just lengthen your stride." It doesn't work. You have to break into a trot to close up the space.

Again, there is no talking. You focus on the pack in front of you and let your mind go blank. The sky is lightening in the east and you are getting closer to the end of this torture.

A little over six miles into the march, you stop again. Your woodland pattern BDUs are soaked. You suck down some more water and get ready for the final stretch.
It's full light now. You look around and realize where you are: That's the gas chamber! You've marched past here a number of times. You could get back to Main Base with your eyes closed. Everyone trades a few quiet words. "You can do it!" "It's not far now," you say to each other.

The company starts out. As you march you look to the side and see the swamps of Parris Island. Birds are starting to sing and you see white cranes walking through the shallows looking for food. The sun clears the horizon as you approach Drill Sergeants Bridge. Just before getting there, the senior drill instructor starts a Jody call. You and your team pick it up.
It makes it easier to march and takes your mind off those pack straps digging into your shoulders.

As you approach the base, you see two figures off to the left -- it's the base commander and sergeant major. You must really be close!

The Jody calls get louder as you reach the Parade Deck. Folks can probably hear you in Charleston!

Finally, you get the order to halt. The road march is over. You ground your packs, stack your weapons and put that heavy Kevlar helmet on top of your pack. The soft cap never felt so good.

It's 7:45 a.m. as the company forms around the half-size replica of the Marine Corps Memorial. The Felix de Weldon statue depicts the flag raising on Iwo Jima. You are called to attention and a color guard marches out and prepares to raise the flag on the sculpture. But first, the chaplain speaks a few words. He thanks God for helping you through the Crucible. He mentions all the difficulties you have surmounted, and he prays you will be worthy of the honor you are about to receive.

When he finishes, the first sergeant speaks. He tells you about the Marine Memorial and says you are about to join an elite company. The sculpture depicts real men -- four Marines and a Navy corpsman. The first sergeant tells you to never besmirch their memory.

The color guard raises the flag, and then your drill instructor begins passing out the eagle, globe and anchor. He passes you the emblem, shakes your hand and says "Good work, Marine."

Never besmirch their memory. Don’t forget it, don’t pretend that being a marine gives you the right to play local bully, because if you think that is what being a marine is about then you’ve missed the mark and need to read again.

6. Ranks, Uniforms, Decorations and Promotions.

On duty the marines where the same uniforms as other Starfleet personnel, be it enlisted or officer.

Awarded by Commanding Officers:
Semper Fidelis Cross (SFC):
Awarded to Marines for excelling in their duties and for completion of tasks set out for them by their commanding officers, and/or for general excellence in their duties.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC):
Awarded to Marine Pilots for minor contributions in combat actions which helped lead to the completion of the mission, and/or for piloting actions which helped save the lives of
civilians, Naval Personnel, or fellow Marines.

Distinguished Flying Order (DFO):
Awarded to Marine Pilots for major contributions in combat actions, which lead to the successful completion of the mission, and/or for piloting actions which helped save the
lives of civilians, Naval Personnel, or fellow Marines.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC):
Awarded to Ground Combat Marines for minor contributions in combat actions which helped lead to the completions of the mission, and/or for actions which helped save the
lives of civilians, Naval Personnel, or fellow Marines.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO):
Awarded to Ground Combat Marines for major contributions in combat actions, which lead to the successful completion of the mission, and/or for actions, which helped save the lives of civilians, Naval Personnel, or fellow Marines.

Force Reconnaissance Cross (FRC):
Awarded to Marine Force Reconnaissance for successfully completion of all objectives of a covert or intelligence related mission.

7. Standard Issue Equipment List

This does not mean that you are issued and carry around this equipment at all times. The following list is things that you might actually be issued for a mission.

Marines who are stationed on base or ship would be issued a combat Knife and type I phaser that they would carry with them at all times. Starfleet Marines must be ready for ground assault and therefore would, at that time, be issued other equipment that would aid in such actions.