THE INTERSTELLAR COLONIAL
MARINE CORPS
The Interstellar Colonial Marine Corps............1 extraterrestrial force, or a "pest control
1. Introduction: ............................................1 situation involving primitive alien lifeforms.
2. Structure and Makeup:............................1
3. Arms And Missions: ................................3
2. STRUCTURE AND MAKEUP:
4. Military Justice:........................................4
The Colonial Act of 2140 established the ICM
5. Terminology: ...........................................9
structure as four combat divisions and four
6. General Leadership:..............................10
aerospace wings, plus the support services
organic to these formations. At present the
1. INTRODUCTION:
ICM strength stands at 165,000 Marines.
Formed after the Colonial Act of 2140, the Reserve manpower stands at around 50,000,
Interstellar Colonial Marine Corps (ICM) was comprising a fifth division and aerospace wing.
intended to enable the United Earth Federation
(UEF) to project military force quickly and ICM INFANTRY:
decisively out beyond the Core Systems, to ICM doctrine stresses the need for small,
resolve colonial disputes, and keep the peace. autonomous infantry units capable of operating
with or without higher level support on the non-
Each permanent member state of the United linear battlefield. Given the fluid nature of
Earth Federation Security Council (UEFSC) is battle at the small-unit level, the rifle unit must
required to contribute to the manpower and be capable of moving great distances rapidly
funding of the ICM. Modelled on the United using it's own transport, must carry its own
Earth Armed Forces (UEAF), the ICM heavy support weapons and sensors, and be
comprises AmeriCorps (the United Americas), able to apply great concentrations of firepower
AsiaCorps (Russia), ChinaCorps (the Chinese rapidly. The current organization of the marine
Consortium), EuroCorps (the European rifle squad and platoon reflect the ultimate
Union), and JapanCorps (the Japanese development of this doctrine (see fig 1.1).
Affiliates). Despite these obvious political
boundaries, the ICM work together as a THE COLONIAL MARINE PLATOON:
cohesive fighting force, sharing equipment, A Marine Platoon (26 Marines) has 1 platoon
training, and doctrine. commander (Lieutenant), 1 android Exo. and 2
sections, A and B. Each section has its
The duty of the Interstellar Colonial Marine commanding sergeant, a dropship crew of 2
Corps is strictly devoted to the defence of all Marines, 1 APC driver and two squads. Each
United Earth Federation colonies in space. squad has two teams: Fireteam A through H.
Colonial Marines are the vanguard of the Each team has 2 Marines.
UEF/ICA interstellar armed forces, responding
swiftly and potently against any aggressor who The commanding sergeant of section A is
should pose a threat to the security of second in command (2iC.), he will replace the
Federation territory and civilians in space, platoon commander if the commander is killed
whether it be a human aggressor, intelligent or incapacitated. The commanding sergeant of
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 1
section B is 3iC. Each squad has a squad with the highest fireteam letter designation
leader at the rank of corporal. In case all (from A on top down to H).
superior officers and NCOs are killed or
incapacitated command will fall to the corporal
Fig 1.1 Marine Platoon Organization
Platoon Commander (2nd Lieutenant)
Android Exo
Section A Section B
Gunnery Sergeant Sergeant
Dropship Crew (2x marines) Dropship Crew (2x marines)
APC driver (1x marine) APC driver (1x marine)
2x Squads 2x Squads
1st Squad 2nd Squad 1st Squad 2nd Squad
2x Fireteams 2x Fireteams 2x Fireteams 2x Fireteams
A B C D E F G H
1x Cpl 1x PFC 1x Lcpl 1x PFC 1x Cpl 1x PFC 1x Lcpl 1x PFC
1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte 1x Pte
THE COLONIAL MARINE COMPANY: Organised around three infantry regiments, the
Each platoon is one of three in a Marine division is especially designed to execute the
Company. The Company is the lowest level of orbital assault mission, and is capable of
command with a headquarters element, which sustained surface operations.
is usually a fourth platoon commanded by a
Captain. A standard colonial marine company MARINE SPACE FORCE:
comprises 110 marines. To enable the UEAF to project fighting power
to the frontiers of Federation controlled space
THE COLONIAL MARINE BATTALION: and beyond, the ICM is organised into Marine
Three Companies form one Battalion. A Space Forces. There are four in all, listed
battalion usually has a fourth headquarters below:
company, commanded by a Major. A standard
colonial marine infantry battalion typically Marine Space Force, Sol:
comprises 430 marines. 1st Colonial Marine Division
1st Marine Aerospace Wing
THE COLONIAL MARINE BRIGADE: 1st Colonial Support Group
Three Battalions in turn form one Regiment.
The Marine Infantry Regiment is part of a Marine Space Force, Centauri:
Marine Brigade, along with other units (Armour 2nd Colonial Marine Division
Battalion, APC Battalion, Battlesuit Battalion, 2nd Marine Aerospace Wing
Artillery Battalion, Air Defence Battalion, 2nd Colonial Support Group
Engineer Battalion, Interface Transport Group).
Two Brigades form one Marine Division. Marine Space Force, Eridani:
3rd Colonial Marine Division
THE COLONIAL MARINE DIVISION: 3rd Marine Aerospace Wing
The Colonial Marine Division is the largest
operational unit size of the Marine Space Marine Space Force, Herculis:
Force. It is essentially a balanced force of 4th Colonial Marine Division
combat, support and service elements. 4th Marine Aerospace Wing
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 2
4th Colonial Support Group
COLONIAL MARINE LOGISTICS:
MSF Sol and MSF Centauri are responsible for The challenge to Marine logisticians is
operations throughout the core systems; MSF immense; they must approach their missions
Eridani operates at the edge of the core with the same aggressive execution as the
systems and into the outer colonies; MSF infantrymen in the assault. They have finite
Herculis has responsibility for the fringes of the quantities of supplies at hand, yet have to
outer colonies, and the disputed Herculis operate a 'push mode' system, anticipating the
Cluster region. needs of the forward units and moving loads to
them even before they realize the need for it.
In practice, these regional assignments are Inevitably, this can lead to wastage when
administrative designations, the practicalities supplies are pushed forward to units who, for
of frontier operations requiring the breakdown whatever reason, no longer need them;
of operating forces into autonomous taskforces however, such waste is preferable to the
of regimental size or less. disaster that can occur if supplies are not
forwarded until after the need has arisen.
A MSF is usually commanded by a General.
Because, even in a 'hot' conflict, Colonial
Marine units are often dispersed in small units
across continental distances, the ICM logistic
prime movers are the ubiquitous AS-114
dropship and the AS-118 heavy transporter. In
the field, the Puma all-terrain transport is the
land based prime mover.
3. ARMS AND MISSIONS:
SEARCH AND RESCUE:
Often the ICM is called in for search and
Fig 1.2  Victory By Wings Aerospace pilot
rescue duty because they have the fastest
uniform patch
ships with the longest range. To meet these
demands, the Combat Search And Rescue
ICM AEROSPACE WING COMMAND:
(CSAR) teams were formed. All ICM bases
The Aerospace Wing is the aerospace combat
have CSAR teams on 24 hour standby, ready
element of the Marine Space Force. Designed
to be dispatched at a moment s notice to
for aerospace support and air mobility, the
search and rescue missions in the cold depths
aerospace wing is essentially an administrative
of space or on hostile worlds
formation, since much of it's fighting strength is
Team Size:
directly attached to the ICM divisions.
Varies, usually one platoon section at least.
Typically, a Marine aerospace wing operates
Transport Type:
some 300 dropships, 30 heavy-lift shuttles and
Typically a fast corvette or frigate.
100 strikeships of varying types.
PLANETARY SURVEY:
The Aerospace Wing is an administrative
Survey teams are usually dispatched to newly
formation responsible for the operation of all
surveyed planets or newly established colonies
aerospace craft within the Marine Space Force
where alien lifeforms have been discovered.
to which it is attached. Wing tasks include air
They investigate possible contamination by
superiority missions, reconnaissance, close air
hostile organisms. The team is mostly science,
support, dedicated strike, forward supply,
with the military only playing a supporting role
transport, casualty evacuation and search and
in the operation of the mission. The ships are
rescue. Aerospace operations are also an
comprised of 50% laboratories and 50%
integrated part of the standard Marine Infantry.
defence. The team commander is often a
A particular division is divided into three
military scientist.
groups. Drop Groups ferry and support
Team Size:
invading Marine Infantry. Tactical group is
Total crew per ship typically up to 40
tasked with recon, and attack missions. Finally,
personnel. 50% are scientific staff (mostly
the Support Group is assigned CasEvac,
xenobiologists). Instead of the standard one
search and rescue, psyops, special forces
synthetic per ship, survey craft can have up to
insertion, and like tasks. The major workhorse
ten.
of the Interstellar Colonial Marine Corps is the
Transport Type:
AS-114 Cobra, compromising a majority of all
One ship, typically a corvette or frigate.
three groups.
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 3
 armour company may be attached to the
RECOVERY AND SALVAGE: MEU's line strength.
Disaster still strikes in the 23rd Century. Be it a
result of war, famine, disease or natural The MEU is commanded by a headquarters
disaster on a planetary scale, someone has to company that co-ordinates the command,
pick up the pieces afterwards. If the location is communication, intelligence and logistics
still deemed too dangerous for emergency functions of the unit. Attached to headquarters
services and even ColSec, then the ICM are are a number of non-combat sub-units,
called in. R&S is a duty no-one wants, but it is including a logistics platoon, maintenance
a grim reality of life in the 23rd Century. company and medical unit. Additional combat
Team Size: sub-units include a reconnaissance platoon,
Varies. Ground teams or large numbers of scout-sniper squad, combat engineering
dropships. platoon and a heavy ordnance company which
Transport Type: provides the battalion's heavy fire support and
Varies. artillery guns, multiple launch rockets, anti-
ballistic missile systems and ground launched
RAPID REACTION FORCE: space weapons.
Like CSAR teams, all ICM bases throughout Team Size:
colonised space maintain a company strength With a strength of about 2,200 personnel, the
rapid reaction force that they can dispatch and MEU is normally built around a reinforced
deploy within a 12 hour turnaround period. Its battalion, a composite aerospace squadron,
missions include humanitarian rescue and a MEU Service Support group.
operations, the prevention of armed conflict, Transport Type:
and even full-scale interventions to separate The MEU is deployed on four strikeships,
fighting parties. typically destroyers.
Team Size:
Company strength unit with support personnel.
4. MILITARY JUSTICE:
Transport Type:
A. UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE:
Typically one destroyer, accompanied by
A code that applies to all members of the
several corvettes, with a full compliment of
uniformed services.
aerospace and ground vehicles.
1. Its purpose is to ensure order and to
provide a means of adjudicating
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT:
infractions of the law.
The building block of the Colonial Marine
2. The obedience to military law is the
operating forces is the Marine Expeditionary
responsibility of every Marine.
Unit (MEU), a reinforced battalion combat
team designed to operate independently in
B. PUNITIVE ARTICLE:
areas of deep space, far from reinforcement or
The following list contains the descriptive title
logistical support. The key to the MEU is it's
and general provisions of selected punitive
mobility and flexibility; an MEU incorporates it's
articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
own dedicated starlift capacity, capable of
(UCMJ) .
deploying the entire unit swiftly to any trouble-
spot planet. This starlift capacity, which varies
1. Article 86 - Absent without leave:
in size according to the mission, is tasked to
Any Marine who, without authority:
supply logistics for a minimum of 30 days of
ground combat operations. UEAF fleet units
a) fails to go to hit appointed place of
are usually attached to the MEU to perform
duty at the time prescribed;
space control, reconnaissance and orbital
b) goes from that place or
bombing missions.
c) absents himself or remains absent
from his unit, organization or place of
The line strength of an MEU is formed from
duty at which he is required to be at
three to four line infantry companies. An
the time prescribed;
aerospace Drop Group and some Attack
Group elements accompany the infantry
shall be punished as his commanding officer or
complement. Each line company will usually
a court-martial may direct.
incorporate support assets which may be
attached down to the line platoons, including
2. Article 89 - Disrespect toward a superior
multiple-launch fire support mortars, anti-tank
commissioned officer.
missiles and Surface-to-Air Missile systems. If
Any Marine, who behaves with disrespect
sufficient starlift capacity is available, an
toward his superior commissioned officer, shall
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 4
be punished as his commanding officer or a
court-martial may direct. 6. Article 128 - Assault.
Any Marine, who:
3. Article 90 - Assault on or wilfully disobey a) attempts or offers with unlawful force
a superior commissioned officer. or violence to do bodily harm to
Any Marine, who: another person, whether or not the
attempt or offer is consummated, is
a) strikes his superior commissioned guilty of simple assault;
office b) commits an assault with a dangerous
b) draws or lifts up any weapon against weapon or other means or force likely
his superior commissioned officer to produce death or grievous bodily
c) offers any violence against his harm is guilty of assault consummated
superior commissioned officer. or by battery; or
d) wilfully disobeys a lawful command of c) commits assault and intentionally
his superior commissioned officer inflicts grievous bodily harm with or
while that superior commissioned without a weapon, is guilty of
officer is in the execution of his office; aggravated assault, and;
shall be punished as his commanding officer or and shall be punished as his commanding
a court-martial may direct. If the offence is officer or court-martial may direct.
committed in time of war, a court-martial may
direct that the Marine be punished by death. 7. Article 134 - General article.
Any Marine, who become involved in:
4. Article 91 - Insubordinate conduct toward
a warrant officer, non-commissioned a) all disorders and neglects to the
officer, or petty officer. prejudice of good order and discipline
Any Marine, who: in the armed forces,
b) all conduct of a nature to bring
a) strikes or assaults discredit upon the armed forces, or
b) wilfully disobeys; or c) crimes and offences not capital,
c) in language or deportment toward a
warrant officers non-commissioned shall be punished as their commanding officer
officer, or petty officer while that officer or a court-martial may direct.
is in the execution of his office;
C. FORMS OF PUNISHMENT
shall be punished as his commanding officer or The following are the forms of punishment
court-martial may direct. which may be imposed for violations the of the
UCMJ. All forms of punishment are subject to
5. Article 121 - Larceny and wrongful restrictions specified in the UCMJ. The UCMJ
appropriation provides limitations of sentences based on the
Any Marine who wrongfully take, obtains, or nature of the crime, the form of adjudication
withholds (by any means) any money, (nonjudicial punishment or court-martial), and
personal property. or article of value of any the position/rank of the individual assigning the
kind: punishment or the type of court-martial which
convicted the Marine.
a) with intent permanently to deprive or
defraud another person of the use and 1. Reprimand.
benefit of property or to appropriate it The convening authority of a court-martial or a
to his own use or the use of any commanding officer may punish a Marine by
person other than the owner, steals censure. A reprimand is a severe form of
that property is guilty of larceny; or censure that adversely reflects upon the
b) with intent temporarily to deprive or conduct of the person addressed. A reprimand
defraud another person of the use and my be presented either orally or in writing;
benefit of property or to appropriate it however, it is normally delivered in the written
to his own use or the use of any form.
person other than the owner is guilty
of wrongful appropriation 2. Forfeiture Of Pay And Allowances.
A forfeiture deprives the individual accused, of
Shall be punished as his commanding officer all or specific amount, of money to be accrued
or a court-martial may direct.
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 5
(earned in the future) as a result of service in service and given either a dishonourable or
the the United Earth Armed Forces. bad-conduct discharge.
3. Fine. 11. Death.
A fine makes the accused immediately liable to
the United Earth Armed Forces for the entire D. COURTS-MARTIAL
amount of money specified in the sentence. A The three types of courts-martial are summary,
fine may only be adjudged by a court-martial, special, and general. The differences among
and it may be adjudged instead of or in the three types of courts-martial are based on
addition to a forfeiture. However, a fine is their composition, level of authority, and
normally used only as a sentence in cases severity of punishments authorized.
when the accused has been unjustly enriched 1. A summary court-martial is composed of
as a result of the offence convicted. one officer with the rank of Captain or
higher.
4. Loss Of Numbers, lineal position, or a) The lowest level of authority to
seniority. convene a summary court-martial
This form of punishment is reserved for is normally a battalion commander
commissioned officers only. or the equivalent; however, under
special circumstances, a
5. Reduction In Pay Grade. commanding officer of a separate
A reduction in pay grade causes the accused or detached command may be
to be of the rank and pay grade to which granted the authority by his
reduced. superiors.
b) A summary court-martial may
6. Restriction To Specific Limits. adjudge any punishment not
Restriction deprives the accused of normal forbidden by the UCMJ, except
liberty privileges. The sentence will specify the death dismissal, dishonourable.
physical and geographic locations in which the discharge bad-without
individual is allowed, how long the restriction confinement for more than 45
shall last, and when that individual must be days, restriction for more than 2
present at specific locations. A Marine who is months, or forfeiture of more than I
being punished by restriction is not exempt months pay. In the case of
from performing normal duty requirements. sergeants and above, a summary
court-martial may not award a
7. Hard Labour Without Confinement. reduction of rank of more than one
The hard labour is performed in addition to rank, hard labour without
regular duties. confinement, or confinement.
c) A summary court-martial may not
8. Confinement. try a commissioned officer,
Confinement deprives the Marine sentenced of warrant officer, cadets,
normal liberty privileges and is a form of midshipmen for any capital
physical restraint which provides for the offences. However, no Marine can
assignment of quarters at a specific location - be compelled to accept a
usually a correctional facility. Additionally, summary court-martial. Since a
unless specified in the sentencing, the summary court-martial is less
performance of hard labour is also required. formal than the other two types of
courts, a Marine may refuse to
9. Confinement On Diminished Rations. accept trial by summary court-
This form of physical restraint is confinement martial and may request a special
to specific quarters (normally the ship's brig) court-martial. However, he should
while enduring a specific reduction of rations be aware that conviction by a
(normally bread and water only). This form of special or general court-martial
confinement may only be assigned while the constitutes a felony conviction.
Marine sentenced is embarked aboard Naval 2. A special court-martial can be composed
vessel and may not exceed 3 days. of a military judge alone, not more than
three impartial active duty armed service
10. Punitive Separation. personnel, or a military judge and not more
This form of punishment results in the than three armed services personnel. The
convicted Marine being removed from the impartial personnel; can be commissioned
officers, warrant officers, or enlisted
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 6
personnel. If the accused is a E. RIGHTS
commissioned officer, no member can be The rights of the accused before judicial and
a warrant officer or enlisted person. If the nonjudicial proceedings are based on the laws
accused is a warrant officer, no member of this country and specified in the UCMJ.
can be an enlisted person. If the accused 1. Your rights before judicial proceedings
is an enlisted person, he may request that include but are not limited to: being
at least one third of the members of the considered innocent until proven guilty,
court be enlisted. a) being considered innocent until
a) The lowest level of authority to proven guilty,
convene a special court-martial is b) remaining silent and to being
normally a brigade or regimental informed that if you do make a
commander or the equivalent. statement it can be used against
However, under special you in a court-martial,
circumstances, a commanding c) being represented by a lawyer,
officer of a separate or detached d) being protected from double
battalion may be granted the jeopardy,
authority by his superiors. e) calling witnesses on your behalf,
b) A special court-martial may f) having your sentence reviewed,
adjudge any punishment not g) having a speedy trial,
forbidden by the UCMJ, except h) being informed of all charges
death, dismissal, dishonourable against you,
discharge, confinement for more i) having the assistance of an
than 6 months, hard labour without interpreter,
confinement for more than 3 j) protection against illegal searches
months, or forfeiture of more than and seizures,
two-thirds pay for more than 6 k) challenging members of the court,
months. l) having enlisted representation on
c) Normally, a special court-martial special and general courts-martial,
may not try any capital offence m) being tried by a military judge, and
where there is a mandatory n) being tried by court-martial vice
punishment beyond the maximum nonjudicial punishment
punitive power of a special court- 2. Your rights before nonjudicial proceedings
martial. include but are not limited to:
3. A general court-martial can be composed a) appearing before all boards and
of a military judge alone or a military judge fact-finding bodies:
and not more than five impartial armed b) examining, objecting to, and
services personnel. The impartial challenging She introduction of all
personnel can be commissioned officers, physical and documentary
warrant officers, or enlisted personnel. Of evidence;
the accused is a commissioned officer, no c) examining, cross-examining, and
member can be a warrant officer or challenging the testimony of all
enlisted person. If the accused is a warrant witnesses;
officer, no member can be an enlisted d) introducing evidence on your
person. If the accused is an enlisted behalf;
person, he may request that at least one e) testifying on your behalf; and
third of the members of the court be f) making a voluntary statement for
enlisted. the official records.
a) The lowest level of authority to
convene a general court-martial is F. REQUEST MAST
normally a division, wing, or base You can use this procedure to discuss any
commanding general, or the matter with your commanding officer in your
equivalent. However, under chain of command. The procedures are
special circumstances, a designed to allow for timely and appropriate
commanding officer of a separate responses to your request. If you are following
or detached unit may be granted the proper procedures for requesting mast, no
the authority by his superiors. one may prohibit you from speaking with your
b) A general court-martial may commanding officer at the proper time and
adjudge any punishment not place. This includes any commanding general
forbidden by the UCMJ. who is located in the same geographic area as
you.
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 7
1. The procedural points for request mast G. JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT
below the commanding general level are The purpose of nonjudicial punishment is to
contained in the following provide an essential and prompt news of
a) You may submit your request at maintaining good order and discipline to your
the lowest echelon and have it unit's commanding officer. It also promotes
forwarded via the chain of positive behaviour changes in Marines without
command to the commander with the stigma of a court-martial conviction.
whom you wish to speak. 1. If you are the accused Marine, you have the
b) You do not have to state the option of either demanding trial by court-
matter of concern, either orally or martial or accepting nonjudicial punishment.
in writing;. to anyone in the chain 2. Once your commanding officer has passed
of command until you have judgment and sentenced you, if you feel that
reached the officer to whom you the punishment awarded to you is unjust or
originally requested mast. disproportionate to the offence, you may
c) You should not have to wait more appeal all or part of your sentence to the next
than 24 hours between levels of higher authority. He may set aside, decrease,
the chain of command whenever suspend, or let stand any portion or all of the
possible. original sentence. However, he cannot in any
d) You may request mast without fear way increase the original sentence.
of prejudice to your interest.
e) Upon completion of request mast,
you must make a written H. DISCHARGES
statement regarding the degree of As a Marine, you may be given one of five
satisfaction you had with the different discharges. The type of discharge you
outcome of your request. are awarded is based on the method by which
f) If your request mast to a higher it is awarded and the character of your service.
commander is resolved by a lower
Type Of Character Of Method Of
commander. you must make a
Discharge Service Award
written, witnessed statement
Honourable Honourable Administrative
indicating the degree of
General, under Honourable Administrative
satisfaction you have had and your
honourable
willingness to withdraw the request
conditions
to higher authority.
General, under Other than Administrative
g) Your request mast will be
other then honourable
conducted at the earliest
honourable
reasonable time and not later than
conditions
72 hours after submission Bad-conduct Other than General or
honourable special court-
whenever possible. If your request
martial
is of an emergency nature, it
Dishonourable Dishonourable General court-
should be heard within 24 hours if
martial
at all possible.
2. The additional procedural points for
1. To receive a dishonourable discharge. a
request mast with your commanding
Marine must be convicted by a general
general are contained in the following
court-martial of an offence of a
a) You must prepare a complete
dishonourable nature. These are offences
written, statement indicating the
generally recognized by the civilian courts
reasons for the request mast. It
as being serious felonies. However, a
must include a list of witnesses
Marine may also be awarded a
with a summary of the expected
dishonourable discharge if he his been
testimony of each.
convicted by court-martial of three or more
b) You must, if applicable, attach any
offences in the last year, regardless of
documents that support your
whether any of the charges were severe
request.
enough to result in a dishonourable
c) Your statement must also include
discharge by themselves.
a list of persons in your chain of
2. For a Marine to receive a bad-conduct
command that you have already
discharge, he must have been convicted
seen and any action that they
by a general or special court-martial of an
have taken.
offence under the UCMJ which was
serious enough to warrant this form of
discharge. A Marine may also receive a
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 8
bad-conduct discharge from a court-martial 5. Marines do not attack medical personnel,
for a minor offence W he has previously facilities, or equipment.
been found guilty of repeated offences in a 6. Marines destroy no more than the mission
combination of judicial and nonjudicial requires.
proceedings. Additionally, a Marine may 7. Marines treat all civilians humanely.
be awarded a bad conduct discharge if he 8. Marines do not steal. Marines respect
has been convicted by court-martial of two private property and possessions.
or more offences in the past 3 years even 9. Marines should do their best to prevent
if none of the previous or current charges violations of the law of war. They must
are severe enough to warrant such a report all violations of the law of war to
discharge. their superior.
3. A Marine may receive a general discharge
under other than honourable conditions if
5. TERMINOLOGY:
his service has been characterized by
Many Corps customs are derived from the
conduct that was a significant departure
many years of service afloat. Even ashore
from the conduct expected of a Marine.
Marines customarily use nautical terms. Floors
This usually involves illegal acts or
are "decks," walls are "bulkheads," ceilings are
commission of acts that are characterized
"overheads," ands corridors are "passage-
by violence that result in serious bodily
ways". The order "Gangway" is used to clear
injury, breech of special trust, disregard for
the way for an officer ashore, just as it is afloat.
the normal superior-subordinate
Among other terms commonly used: "two-
relationship, drug abuse or trafficking, or
block" is to tighten or centre; "square-away" is
endangering the security of the Marine
to correctly arrange articles or to take in hand
Corps. Under these conditions, the
and direct an individual; "head" is the
discharge is awarded in lieu of court-
bathroom, and "scuttlebutt" is a drinking
martial.
fountain or an unconfirmed rumour. In the
4. A Marine may receive a general discharge
Marine Corps, the nautical expression, "Aye,
under honourable conditions if his service
aye, sir" is used when acknowledging a verbal
was characterized by significant negative
order. "Yes, sir" and "No sir" are used in
aspects reflected in his performance or
answer to direct questions. "Aye, aye, sir" is
conduct. This type of discharge is normally
not used as this expression is reserved solely
awarded to Marines whose average
for acknowledgment of orders. Some of the
proficiency or conduct marks fall below 3.0
other terms inherent in Corps tradition and
or 4.0 respectively.
history are:
I. LAW OF WAR
ADRIFT Loose from towline or moorings;
Discipline in combat is essential. Disobedience
scattered about; not in proper stowage
to the law of war dishonours the United Earth
AFT Referring to or toward the stern (rear) of a
Federation, the Interstellar Marine Corps, and
vessel
the individual Marine, and far from weakening
ALL HANDS All members of a command
the enemy's will to fight, it strengthens it. The
ASHORE Any place outside of a naval or
following principles require the Marine's
Marine Corps reservation
adherence in the accomplishment of any
AS YOU WHERE Resume former activity
mission. Violations have an adverse impact on
AWEIGH Said of the anchor. As soon as the
public opinion both national and international
anchor has broken away from and is no longer
and have on occasion served to prolong
fastened to the bottom
conflict by inciting an opponent to continue
BELAY To make fast or to secure, as in "belay
resistance and in most cases constitute
the line;" to cancel or to disregard a statement
violations of the UCMJ. Violations of these
just made
principles prejudice the good order and
BELOW To go downstairs
discipline essential to success in combat.
BREAKOUT Take out of stock or storage: to
prepare for use
1. Marines fight only enemy combatants.
BRIG A place of confinement; a prison
2. Marines do not harm enemies who
BROWN BAGGER A married man
surrender. They must disarm them and
BOW The front portion of a ship
turn them over to their superior.
BRIDGE The portion of a ship's structure from
3. Marines do not kill or torture prisoners.
which it is controlled when underway
4. Marines collect and care for the wounded,
BROW A portable walkway from the pier or
whether friend or foe.
jetty the ship's quarter deck
BUTTKIT An ashtray
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 9
CARRY ON The order to resume previous be a role model, and set the example; know
activity your people, and look after them.
CHIT A receipt or authorization; a piece of
paper Concern for and attentiveness to troop welfare
FANTAIL The main deck of a ship at the stern not only means providing the basics of survival
FIELD DAY Barracks cleanup (food, water, shelter, and rest), but it also
FIELD SCARF Regulation Marine Corps means attending to the numerous other details
uniform neck tie that make a unit effective. It means training
FORECASTLE The upper deck at the bow on and critiquing so that "lessons learned" do not
which the ground tackle is located have to be relearned. It means talking with
GALLEY Shipboard kitchen; kitchen of a mess military members as if they are members of the
hall; mobile field mess family. It means looking out for Marines as
GATOR An amphibious ship; one who serves they instinctively look out for their leader and
in the amphibious Navy for each other.
GEEDUNK The place (aboard ship) where
candy, ice cream, soda, and smokes can be 1. The Primary Objective of Leadership -
purchased Mission Accomplishment
HATCH Door or doorway a) Military discipline. A moral, mental, and
LADDER Stairs physical state in which all hands respond
LIBERTY Absence of enlisted from the ship or to orders or to the will of the commander or
command for less than 96 hours for purposes leader, whether or not he or she is present.
of rest and recreation which is not charged as (1) Self-discipline is the basis of
leave discipline.
POLICE To straighten or to tidy up (2) Effective discipline is the sense of
PORT Left accomplishment of a goal.
QUARTERDECK The ceremonial location on (3) Sound discipline is a matter of
board ship when the ship is moored or at consistency and firmness.
anchor (It is located close to the brow or b) Efficient performance in battle. The
accommodation ladder and is the watch station ultimate objective of military discipline:
for the Officer of the Deck.) Overcome fear and replace it with action
SEABAG The bag used to stow personal gear c) Standards of good discipline. Deportment
SECURE Stop; finish; end; make fast put away attention to duty, example, and decent
in storage behaviour which enable men and women
SHIPPING OVER Reenlisting to accomplish and to give their best,
SICK BAY Hospital or dispensary d) The results of a well-disciplined unit are
SKIPPER Commanding Officer clearly observable:
SKYLARK Goof-off; to loiter (1) All assigned missions are
STARBOARD Right accomplished.
STERN The blunt end (rear) of a ship (2) Marines are confident and
SWAB A mop maintain a sharp appearance.
TOPSIDE Upstairs (3) Marines are proud of their unit;
TURN TO Begin work; get started they believe it has a good
WARDROOM on board ship, the officer's living reputation (esprit).
room and dining area; also used to signify all (4) Weapons and equipment are
of the officers serving on the ship available and well-maintained.
(5) Marines at all levels are actively
engaged in doing their duties they
place value on the things that they
6. GENERAL LEADERSHIP:
do.
A. OBJECTIVES OF MILITARY
(6) Marines cooperate and willingly
LEADERSHIP
helping one another.
Leadership has passed from Marine to Marine
(7) Training is well planned, well
since the founding of the Corps. It is the art of
conducted, consistent, and
influencing and directing men and women to
thoroughly evaluated for individual
accomplish the mission of keeping our country
and unit strengths and
free; to obtain their obedience, respect,
weaknesses and feedback, for the
confidence, and loyal cooperation; and to
individual and the group, is
maintain the sense of accomplishment. In
immediately provided
essence, leadership boils down to three
(8) In hostile situations, the unit fights
fundamentals: Know your "stuff" and yourself;
successfully under stress.
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 10
2. The Secondary Objective of Leadership - officers, 1st Sergeant, Sergeant
Troop Welfare Major. or the chaplain); and
a) Counselling, as a leadership tool, is used (2) Using the chain of command to
to improve performance and to aid in match a Marine to the proper
solving problems or circumventing specialized expert.
potential problems. The types of e) Keys to career counselling are:
counselling are: (1) Knowing and understanding the
(1) performance, Marine (their motivations, skills,
(2) personal, and attitudes),
(3) professional, and (2) Knowing the advantages of a
(4) career. career in the Marine Corps and the
b) Keys to constructive performance opportunities and alternatives that
counselling are: are available, and
(1) Accurate evaluation of (3) Knowing the basic qualifications
performance, required for reenlistment.
(2) Clear and concise communication
of the evaluation to the B. THE NINE COMMON ELEMENTS FOUND
subordinate, IN THE COMBAT ENVIRONMENT
(3) Mutual agreement concerning 1. Violent, unnerving sights and sounds;
performance areas where 2. Casualties;
improvement is required, 3. Confusion and lack of information;
(4) Active subordinate response, and 4. Feeling of isolation;
(5) Concrete suggestions for 5. Communications breakdowns;
improvement. 6. Individual discomfort and physical fatigue
c) Keys to effective personal counselling are: 7. Fear, stress, and mental fatigue;
(1) Suggestions and advice are 8. Continuous operations; and
offered only after learning all of the 9. Homesickness.
pertinent facts.
(2) Advice on professional matters is C. THE FIVE STRESSES A MARINE CAN
left to the professionals. EXPECT IN COMBAT
(3) Problems that are not solved are 1. Extreme risk and fear;
referred to someone who can 2. "Fog of War" - literal fog (dust, smoke, and
handle the problem. debris on the battlefield) and mental fog
d) Keys in conducting professional (confusion, uncertainty due to lack of
counselling include knowledge of the enemy, chaotic noise,
(1) Finding out what the problem mental and physical fatigue, and fear;
involves and then setting up an 3. Discomfort and fatigue;
appointment for the Marine to talk 4. Casualties; and
to the proper specialist (e.g., 5. Boredom.
medical or drug and alcohol
The Interstellar Colonial Marines 11