Created by Captain Michael Turlogh Kane on Aug 16, 2016 @ 3:02pm

STARFLEET MARINE CORPS

As well as its fleet of starships, Starfleet also fields impressive ground forces. Often overlooked in favour of the naval corps of the service, the STARFLEET MARINE CORPS has been in existence since the dawn of the Federation. They are direct successors to the armies and navies of many Federation member worlds, and many traditions within the Marine Corps date back centuries.

The Marine Corps, although part of Starfleet, is an autonomous branch of the service, with its own hierarchy of command. It is led by the Commandant of the Starfleet Marine Corps (currently Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Towers), who acts as part of the cabinet of the Federation President.

Many starships have Marine detachments stationed aboard them. Their role aboard a starship is at the discretion of the ship's commanding officer, but generally involves assisting in boarding actions and amphibious planetary assaults. They do not investigate crime, nor administer the brig, but in many cases their role overlaps with the Security department, and friction can arise between the two.

Marines are generally more heavily equipped for combat than a regular Security officer. They wear duranium-plated combat armour with HUD and smartgun-linked helmets. They carry phaser pulse rifles and have access to grenades and light artillery weapons. Many larger marine detachments are also equipped with their own specialised dropships.