377th MSG manual - USS Southern Cross
Transcription
377th MSG manual - USS Southern Cross
377TH MARINE STRIKE GROUP The Thunder From DownUnder th 377 MSGMember’s Handbook 377TH MARINE STRIKE GROUP Member’s Handbook 377th MSG, 4th BN, 11th BDE, SFMC is a component of the USS Southern Cross NCC 63550 a member of STARFLEET: the International Star Trek Fan Association www.uss-southerncross.com Version 1.1/0807 Welcome to your tour of duty with the 377th Marine Strike Group, The Thunder From Downunder. The 377th is a proud member of the 11th Brigade, SFMC, “The ANZACS”, and is primarily a Combined Arms Force serving as a permanent detachment on the mighty USS Southern Cross – the cream of the Starfleet Marine Corps new fleet of military vessels. You will find in our ranks and departments much to keep you interested and we are certain that you will find much in this document to be of great value to you in your Marine career. Many of our Marines are keen students at both the SFMC and the Starfleet Academies and we hope that you will assist in keeping up the established traditions that record the 377th as being a highly educated, proactive and enthusiastic SFMC member. We trust you will gain great pleasure from your association with our Unit and look forward to seeing you take your place alongside our professional Marine members. Semper Fi ! Colonel Bruce O’Brien Commanding Officer – USS Southern Cross O.I.C. 11th Brigade, Starfleet Marine Corps O.I.C. 377th MSG, 4th Battalion, 11th Brigade, SFMC ii Table of Contents Welcome Index Chapter One –Introduction Chapter Two – Guidelines Membership in the 377th Commendations & Awards Communications Newsletters Branch of Service & Marine Occupational Specialty Rank & Advancement Chapter Three – SFMC Ranks, Insignia & Uniforms Ranks & Insignia SFMC & SFI Rank Comparison Chart STARFLEET/SFMC Commissioned Officer Rank & Grade Structure STARFLEET/SFMC Enlisted Rank & Grade Structure Uniform Guide Uniform Styles Chapter Four – Unit History Chapter Five – Unit Details 377th Organisational Chart The Blue Roos Blue Roos Organisational Chart The Black Sheep Black Sheep Organisational Chart VMF,VMA, VMS Aero Wings - VMS377 - VMF377 - VMA377 377th Mobile Surgical Hospital Unit 377th MSH Organisational Chart 377th Combat Engineers Chapter Six – Unit Deployments Infantry Company Special Operations Aerospace Medical Combat Engineers iii iii ii iii 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 37 38 42 42 Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION W elcome to your tour of duty with the 377th Marine Strike Group. As an integral and important part of the correspondence chapter, the USS Southern Cross the 377th has Marine members that are made up currently from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The 377th serves as the more military-focused section of the Southern Cross chapter and as such, greater emphasis is placed on the fictional aspects of operational activities that would normally be associated with a military unit on board a starship, such as this As a member of the 377th, your duties will also involve participation in other “ship’s duties” aboard the USS Southern Cross and you will find that you will be assigned to an appropriate department so you can participate in other chapter activities. Within the 377th however, you will be expected to assume a task or duty appropriate to the Branch of Service (BOS) which the 377th is currently designated and your own, appropriate Marine Occupational Status (MOS) will be applied accordingly. This will not preclude you from extending your MOS designations however and you should feel free to apply to any position listed in the Unit, recognizing of course that appropriate MOS designations will need to be applicable. Lastly, do not hesitate to ask any questions or pro-offer any suggestions. The 377th is a totally unit member focused group and your needs, wishes and thoughts are most welcome. 1 Chapter 2 GUIDELINES T his manual is designed to provide new and returning Marine members with the Operations and Procedures of both the STARFLEET Marine Corps and the 377th Marine Strike Group. The manual should be used in conjunction with the current SFMC Handbook, the current STARFLEET Membership Handbook, and the Members Manual of the USS Southern Cross, to give you a complete reference that covers all levels of STARFLEET International (SFI) and the STARFLEET Marine Corps (SFMC). MEMBERSHIP IN THE 377th STRIKE GROUP. As the 377th MSG is assigned aboard the USS Southern Cross, a correspondence chapter of SFI, this makes the 377th MSG a “Marine Correspondence Unit”. As such, this will require that the majority of our business will be conducted via email; message boards (Yahoo Groups page); chat groups; telephone etc. Naturally, the only requirement that must be met to be a Marine - whether Active duty or Reservist - is that you must be a member in good standing of STARFLEET International. Of course, we would also like to think that you will bring with you a positive mental attitude and a willingness to work with others. Apart from the SFI annual membership fee, there are no other fees occurred in becoming a member of our Unit. 2 GUIDELINES COMMENDATIONS & AWARDS To receive an award, you have to be nominated for it by someone. This usually involved your Unit OIC, Ship’s CO, or fellow Marines. An award nomination is then sent up the chain of command to the appropriate authority. If you have met or exceeded the standards for that award, it will be authorized them awarded to you. For further information on the awards program and process, consult the Marine Forces Manual, or discuss with the OIC. COMMUNICATIONS Communication is an important part of the successful running of the 377th MSG. As a part of a correspondence chapter, the vast majority of the Unit’s official business is conducted electronically. It is important therefore that you regularly review all communications and broadcasts that are published through the various mediums, as there may be announcements or notices that affect you. Always endeavour to maintain a high degree of communication with your Unit. Much information pertaining to the 377th activities, will be either published via our newsletter (the “Gung Ho Gazette”), or through the Yahoo Groups pages, or on the 377th web pages within the USS Southern Cross website (www.usssoutherncross.com). Other information pertaining to our Unit may also be published on the 11th BDE website. NEWSLETTERS As noted previously, the 377th has its own newsletter – the “Gung Ho Gazette”. This is published on a regular basis (ideally monthly). Articles dealing with the Marine Corps and the 377th MSG, may also be published in the newsletter of the USS Southern Cross – “ScuttleButt”. 377th members should always attempt to become involved in the publication of news, events and other items of interest, in both publications. All material submitted should be done through the OIC (for the “Gazette), or through the office of the editor of “ScuttleButt”. 3 GUIDELINES BRANCH OF SERVICE (BOS) & MARINE OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALITY (MOS) As listed previously, the 377th MSG is an Infantry Branch based Unit, with Combined Force inclusions. This means that the Unit is capable of involvement with varying types of missions and actions, due to its ability to provide a ready response to certain types of military or political engagement. Each of the individual positions within the 377th is MOS rated. This means, that to first apply for a role as one of the many specialist occupations listed in the Unit, you will be required to have achieved the appropriate MOS designations. For example, the MOS for a Fighter Pilot (Space Combat), the Marine is required to have an MOS rating of 623. To achieve this rating, the Marine concerned will have needed to have successfully passed the following examinations taken from the SFMCA: PD-10, AE-10, AE-20, AE-25 or AE-30, IN-10. You may be considered for a role as Fighter Pilot but you will need to achieve the passing grades required to rise above the position of “Trainee Fighter Pilot”. All questions regarding individual MOS should be addressed to the OIC or the DOIC. Further assistance can be obtained by contacting the 11th BDE S-3 (Training & Operations Officer) who will assist you in your study requirements. RANK & ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE 377TH MSG It should always be remembered that SFMC does not promote its members. Only the CO of a chapter, the RC or the Executive Committee has authority to pass promotions to individual Marines. Members of the SFMC can of course pass recommendations for rank promotion, which should be done through the OIC or the CO of the chapter. For promotions within the 377th, the CO of the USS Southern Cross is the promoting authority at a ‘local’ level. The chapter CO has the authority to promote up to and including the grade of O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel/Commander). You should always feel free to apply for any position that you consider yourself qualified for, but do not lose heart if you are not successful as there is likely to be other positions that you will be able to take on. 4 GUIDELINES You will need to remember that Academy qualifications will not only boost your chances for promotion but will also assist your application to more senior positions, depending upon the MOS requirement of that role. 5 Chapter 3 SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA & UNIFORMS R anks are not real – but they can be important. While the actual rank means nothing and is of course entirely fictitious, they can nevertheless give visible evidence to the dedication and enthusiasm of the individual Marine in his involvement within the SFMC. Rank usually reflects the degree of activity and achievements of an individual within the Corps, the Unit and/or the chapter to which the Unit is activated. While rank does not provide any form of superiority or seniority for an individual, it can give a clear indication of the intent of purpose of the Marine concerned. However, it should be highlighted, that officer ranks do not provide any form of immediacy of “seniority” and you may just as easily find a Sergeant having seniority of responsibility over a Marine Captain, just as you would in Fleet roles. Achievement to officer status is not automatic and even should a Marine have qualified for officer rank by the passing of OTS, they do not have to accept an officer’s rank and just as easily continue to pursue their Marine career as an enlisted Marine. The details listed in this next chapter, give highlight to rank, insignia, uniforms and qualifications 6 SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA &UNIFORMS SFMC RANKS & INSIGNIA In the SFMC, we use a rank structure very similar to the 20th century United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. This is done for two important reasons. First, it allows us to use some commercially available rank insignias with only slight modifications necessary to make it distinctly ours. Second, it is easily understood by anyone with even a little military experience. Our system also nicely correlates with the system already used by SFI. In order to simplify comparison between the “Naval” and “Marine” rank systems, the SFMC often refers to “grades” as opposed to “ranks”. While a rank is a title, like “Colonel”, a grade (occasionally referred to as a “pay grade”) is an alphanumeric designator, like “O-5” which is the same for both Naval and Marine ranks. In other words, an O-6 (Naval Captain, Marine Colonel) always outranks an O-5 (Naval Commander, Marine Lieutenant Colonel) regardless of whether his/her rank is SFI or SFMC. There are two basic forms of rank: enlisted and officer. The enlisted ranks are separated into grades E-1 through E9. From lowest grade to highest, the enlisted ranks are Private (PVT), Private First Class (PFC), Lance Corporal (LCPL), Corporal (CPL), Sergeant (SGT), Staff Sergeant (SSGT), Gunnery Sergeant (GSGT), First Sergeant (1SGT) and Sergeant Major (SGM). One SGM is appointed by the Commandant to the position of Sergeant Major of the STARFLEET Marine Corps (abbreviated as SGM/SFMC). This is a duty assignment, not a rank. In a similar fashion, the officer ranks are separated into grades O-1 through O-11. From lowest to highest, they are 2nd Lieutenant (2LT), 1st Lieutenant (1LT), Captain (CPT), Major (MAJ), Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), Colonel (COL), Brigadier (BDR), Brigadier General (BGN), Major General (MGN), Lieutenant General (LGN) and General (GEN). There is no equivalent to STARFLEET’s rank of Fleet Admiral, as that rank indicates the individual who is elected President of SFI. SFMC & SFI RANK COMPARISON CHART Rank in the STARFLEET Marine Corps is structured similarly to STARFLEET rank. The accompanying rank and insignia chart will help you understand this structure. Study it carefully, paying particular attention to the abbreviations (listed above in the 7 SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA &UNIFORMS section: SFMC RANKS AND INSIGNIAS), which will be used extensively from this point forward STARFLEET/SFMC COMMISSIONED OFFICER RANK AND GRADE STRUCTURE GRADE RANK O-12 Fleet Admiral O-11 Admiral / General O-10 Vice Admiral / Lieutenant General O-9 Rear Admiral / Major General O-8 Commodore / Brigadier General O-7 Fleet Captain / Brigadier O-6 Captain / Colonel O-5 O-4 ST: TNG-DS9-VOY No Equivalent Commander / Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant Commander / Major O-3 Lieutenant / Captain O-2 Lieutenant Junior Grade / 1st Lieutenant O-1 Ensign / 2nd Lieutenant SFMC 8 SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA &UNIFORMS STARFLEET/SFMC ENLISTED RANK AND GRADE STRUCTURE GRADE RANK FLEET E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer of Starfleet / Sergeant Major of the SFMC SFMC <> E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer / Sergeant Major E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer / 1st Sergeant E-7 Chief Petty Officer / Gunnery Sergeant E-6 Petty Officer 1st Class / Staff Sergeant E-5 Petty Officer 2nd Class / Sergeant E-4 Petty Officer 3rd Class / Corporal E-3 Crewman / Lance Corporal E-2 Crewman Apprentice / Private First Class E-1 Crewman Recruit / Private 9 No Insignia SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA &UNIFORMS UNIFORM GUIDE When Wearing the Uniform is Recommended or Prohibited Wearing of the Marine uniform is not an absolute necessity, but when it is worn it is required to be worn correctly. The Marine uniform can be worn at any Marine, ship, or fan function where the Marine uniform would seem appropriate in context. Wear of the uniform is prohibited under the following circumstances: • • • In connection with the promotion of any political or commercial interests. Except as authorized by competent authority, when participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies or public demonstrations. When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the SFMC. Personal Appearance It is the responsibility of OICs to assure their uniformed personnel present a neat and professional appearance, and it is the duty of each Marine to take pride in his/her appearance. Hair on the top of the head should be neatly groomed and not unruly or unkempt. If longer than the shirt collar, it should be gathered and styled to remain above the collar. Its style should not interfere with proper wear of headgear. Facial hair should be neatly trimmed and not excessive. Makeup and nail polish should be conservative and compliment the uniform. Wearing of Civilian Jewellery The wearing of one personal chronometer is authorized with all uniforms. Rings and earrings may be worn so long as they are in good taste and do not detract from the appearance of the uniform. Chains and necklaces should be kept under the uniform shirt at all times. No jewellery, watch chains or similar civilian items to include pens and pencils, etc. will appear exposed on the uniform. 10 SFMC RANKS, INSIGNIA &UNIFORMS UNIFORM STYLES There are several time-lines in the Star Trek universe, some of which are many (fictional) years apart while others overlap (The 377th fictionally operates within the same time-line as the USS Southern Cross, being 2380’s). This makes it difficult to come up with a simple, yet logical uniform plan even for designers of the shows! For the sake of “uniformity” and consistency, then, these various styles have been streamlined in the SFMC into three classes: Class A – Dress Uniforms; Class B – Duty Uniforms; and Class C – Field Uniforms. • • • • • • • • Class A – “Mess Black” Class A – “Dress Black” Class A – “Mess White” Class A – “Women’s Variant” Class B – “Duty” Class C – “Battle Dress Uniform” Class C – “Flight Suit” Class C – Vehicle Crew Garment” Please consult the SFMC ‘Marine Force Manual’ as to the complete uniform guide and standards. There is too much information to list within these guidelines. If you have any difficulty in locating this information in the manual or just need assistance, please contact the OIC, DOIC or any of the Command Staff, we will be more than glad to help. 11 Chapter 4 UNIT HISTORY T he Thunder From Downunder (the 377th MSG) was originally formed as a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) by the then OIC, MCPT Bruce O’Brien when he was serving aboard the USS Mawson in March 2006. With his departure from the USS Mawson following the establishment of the USS Southern Cross, the 377th MEU was transferred from the Mawson to serve as an associated detachment of the USS Southern Cross – which it did until the commissioning of the USS Southern Cross in August 2007, saw the 377th transfer designation from an MEU, to its current MSG status and become a fully integrated unit of the chapter.. Growing from the original single Marine, the 377th now boasts a large and active membership with a good mix of Active and Reserve Marine members. Initially set up as solely an Infantry company, the 377th has since expanded into an Infantry Unit with Combined Arms activities. These now include Aerospace, Special Operations, Medical and Combat Engineers sections. The 377th mascot and major feature of their logo, is ‘Max’, a blue kangaroo character that was specially designed by the OIC and created by Dennis Holmes, a well-known Australian cartoonist. Max now forms an integral part of the 377th logo and has been gifted permanently to the Unit by Col O’Brien. The establishment and official recognition by FORCECOM, SFMC of the 377th as an MEU 2006, enabled the re-activation of the 11th Brigade and 377th founding members can feel proud that their involvement as Marines created opportunity for 12 UNIT HISTORY the re-awakening of Region 11 on the SFI map, prior to any subsequent chapter commissioning. The Unit was the centre-point for the inaugural Eleventh Brigade Muster, held in Adelaide, South Australia, August 2007 and is expected to provide the base support for all future annual musters. The strength of the Unit lies in its members and with a large team of both Active and Reserve Marines, the 377th provides the major hub for all SFMC activity within SFI Region 11. 13 Chapter 5 UNIT DETAILS W hile the Unit is primarily designated as Infantry, the 377th has grown to extend its operational capabilities, in keeping with both the design needs and requirements of the role of the USS Southern Cross to which the Unit is detached, and also in keeping with the growing activities and educational needs of its members. This has seen the 377th further extend its operational status to now include a far greater degree of impact as a “Ready Response Unit” within the shell of the mighty warship to which they are attached. To enable the Unit to provide an effective and necessary mix of military activities, and to ensure that the USS Southern Cross can capably be deployed on a variety of appropriate missions, the 377th has long-since been developed into multi-tasked, multi-trained and capable fighting Unit. With the addition of Starfleet Marine Aerospace fighter and transport wings, Marines can be easily inserted into a multiple of military roles that include ship-toship; ship-to-station; and ship-to-planet attack and defensive roles. Although the Unit is trained to handle both civilian and diplomatic ‘situations’ that would require a military presence, the 377th is primarily qualified to operate in actions of a strictly more military nature. This is supported not only by Unit configuration, but also by the specialized training and operational equipment utilized by the unit. As will be seen, the 377th is configured as a self-evolving, self-supporting functionary that will ensure operational success no matter the assignment 14 UNIT DETAILS The USS Southern Cross has been deployed as part of TacFleet, serving in a fleet of one of the newly formed “Rapid Deployment Forces” - meaning that this fleet is on permanent stand-by in case needed, to respond to any military or political threat against the Federation, within the boundaries of the area of deployment. Forming part of this newly fashioned ‘militarily aggressive force” - which has come about as a direct consequence to the Dominion War - the Southern Cross Marine contingent is deployed in a format that best supports other sectors of the Fleet, providing the basis for a network of highly skilled, highly trained and highly equipped Marine companies. The 11th Marine Fleet is a totally new concept for the Federation providing a strong and well equipped fleet that operates entirely under strict military guidelines. The 11th Fleet echoes the naval fleets of the old world, with warships, fleet airarms and Marine troops who are ready to protect and serve at a moment’s notice. The 377th is supported by a host of other highly trained units serving on other ships within the Fleet, who can all combine to provide a solid and overwhelmingly effective offensive/defensive force. Be it on land, on water, in the air or in the reaches of space, the STARFLEET Marine Corps will be the Federation’s first line of defence or the first line of offence, depending on the situation. The 377th Infantry - Light / Powered (Aeromobile—SOC) MSG is a specialised and unique military unit. Although it is a Light Infantry unit, it also has organic Aerospace and Powered Infantry elements at its core, that help it achieve its current mission of acting as a Rapid Deployment Force for the 11th Fleet, on board the USS Southern Cross. It is a good example of how skilled diversity of Marine units can provide an effective and efficient fighting force—and with its supporting Aerospace wings; a SpecOps team (the Black Sheep); Medical Unit (a Mobile Surgical Hospital unit nicknamed the “Docs of War”); and a small, specialist Combat Engineers team (Cold Chisel) - the 377th MSG is a potent and deadly weapon at Starfleet’s disposal. 15 UNIT DETAILS The Light Infantry Rifle Platoon, Powered Infantry, and Scout/Sniper Squads have been drawn from 1st and 4th Battalions, 11th Marine Brigade, while the air element comes from the 11th Marine Air Wing. This element consists of a Tactical Airlift Squadron (VMS-377) and is reinforced by detachments of FFX-32MR Orcus tactical attack craft from VMA-377 and F-28F Eagle fighters from VMF-377, all on deployment from the 377th MAG, 11th MAW. As members of the 11th Brigade, SFMC – The ANZACS – 377th Marine members are proud of their association with a title synonymous with the honour and glory associated with their forebears. The 377th are called “The Thunder From Downunder”, and their motto (“we’re here to eat your lunch...”) is meant to send a signal to all, of the Units intent to be in action – organized, empowered, employed and efficiently activated – before their opponents are even aware that they are there. Their mascot is “Max – the Blue ‘Roo” a symbol of Australian aggressiveness that is only countenanced by their Kiwi warrior mates, and further enhanced by the polish and battle-hardened experience of the Yanks in the team. In any action, event or occasion, the 377th will provide the firepower necessary to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Or as any member of the 377th will tell you, “bringing peace through superior firepower….”.) 16 UNIT DETAILS 17 UNIT DETAILS 377th IN NFANTRY COMPANY (Powered Reinforced) The 377th MSG is designated first and foremost as an Infantry Unit. In its original role, the 377th MEU was first deployed as a light and heavy weapons infantry company, with its main role being that of ship ship-to--ship/ship-to-station insertions; operating as ship internal security (repel boarders) and supporting gunnery positions and fire crew work. With the USS Southern Cross’s subsequent deployment taking on a more military role and then being assigned to a Marine Task Force that is geared to deploy as a military offensive/defensive screen or for patrol, the 377th MSG has grown to encompass a far more deadly and operationally eefficient fficient fighting force. The Unit still comprises as its core operational deployment deployment, a key Infantry role – but this has now been expanded operating as Reinforced Powered Infantry and some mobility through the use of its small all-terrain vehicles used for scouting/reconnaissance and as ground attack/support vehicles. The Light Infantry sections include snipers, scouts and some automatic weapons, with supporting heavy weapons – but the Light Infantry sections now provide more of a support role to the Pow Powered Infantry platoons. The Powered Infantry units are made up into corresponding platoons, each with designated specialist functions. This can be bbetter etter viewed by studying the organisational nisational breakdown of the company as a whole. While the Powered units provide the base for terrestrial operations, some elements are dual-trained trained in specialist ship ship-to-ship/ship-to-station station work, where they operate as supporting assault troops alongside their fellow Light Infantry Marines. 18 UNIT DETAILS Operating as part of the 377th MSG – The Thunder From Downunder – the 377th Powered and Light Infantry take the name of the MSG’s mascot as their nickname and they are generally referred to as ‘the Blue Roos’. This nickname is further enhanced by the colour of the suit casing for most of the Powered unit’s armour. __________________________________________________________________ 19 UNIT DETAILS 20 UNIT DETAILS 377th SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAM Part of the extended operational capabilities of the 377th MSG, is the addition of a small, but highly trained, highly organized, extensively equipped and proven effective, Special Operations team. Nicknamed the Black Sheep owing to their propensity to wear jet black clothing at every opportunity, plus their relu reluctance ctance to be seen training or conducting live assignment simulations in view of others and thus giving them an air of “difference”, the ‘Sheep nevertheless provide the 377th with the ability to even further extend their operational capabilities. The 377th Special Ops Team members are typical only in that all the members are heavily and thoroughly cross cross- trained in all disciplines of Special Ops. Thus the team can operate effectively most of the Special Ops Team missions: Datawarfare; FACTS (Forward Forward Aerospa Aerospace Control and Tactical Support); Foreign Assistance; HEAT (Hostage Extraction and Antiterrorist Tactics); Omega Operations; Pararescue; Recon; Ship Seizure Seizure.. Most often, the ‘Sheep are assigned Reconnaissance and FACTS missions. Because of the unique nat nature of the composition of the 377th MSG, the SpecOps section can draw upon any number of highly cross-trained trained Marines from other sections, to fulfill roles normally held by other. Thus the needs for snipers, medics and additional weapons crew can easily bee met by the specifics of the highly trained personnel available from either the Blue Roos; 377th MSH (Medical); the 377th Infantry Company (snipers); or the 377th CE Unit (demolitions) – all highly trained in SpecOps tactics and classified to conduct supp support ort roles. 21 UNIT DETAILS This in turn enables the Black Sheep to confine their Unit to specifically designated personnel who will fulfill the key, singularly important roles, and thus reduces the need for excessive multi-tasking which otherwise would be the norm with a small Unit of this size. Due to the secure and classified nature of the team’s capabilities and specific missions, Black Sheep Team members are often not known to the public. Often only the team leader is identified publicly. Even then, the listing of the team leader is primarily as a courtesy to the public, as the leader can not divulge any information about the team’s members, capabilities, or mission assignments, past, present or future. Listing of other Special Ops team members may be a ruse or decoy. The SO team has at its disposal, a specially adapted and equipped Type 18 shuttlecraft that has been treated with an anti-scan zylofon coating that assists with scan ‘resistance’ – meaning the shuttle is harder to identify on normal scans. This shuttle (named “Aries”) has been developed and redesigned by the 9th Marine Engineering and Scientific Group, stationed at …… Pilots are drawn from SO trained crew of the VMS 377. __________________________________________________________________ 22 UNIT DETAILS 23 UNIT DETAILS VMS, VMF & VMA AERO WINGS The crucially important Aerospace wings attached to the USS Southern Cross are there to solely serve the needs of the 377th MSG. While the ‘Cross deploys its own shuttles and other light craft, the ambulances, troop transport, fighter and attack craft have all been deployed as support or organically intrinsic operational elements of the 377th MSG. This is true of every craft involved – all specially chosen for their ability to provide the necessary transport, defence and attack roles that will be required for the 377th’s missions. The wings have all been transferred from the 377th Squadron, 11th Marine Air Group. While the units collectively do not form their own squadron, their homogenous nature dictates that they are to be placed under singular authority, and as such, the three wings report through the appointed Commander, Air Group (CAG) – who in turn reports to the OIC of the 377th MSG. The breakdown for each of the wings is as follows: 24 UNIT DETAILS VMS 377 The VMS wing comprises of all Troop Landing Craft, Ambulances, Marine Shuttles and support craft. These craft are essential in providing the necessary logistical support in moving troops and their equipment to any battlefield as well as providing critically important ancillary roles such as air ambulance and Spec Ops missions. Craft within the unit include the SFMC designed “Argo” landing craft and the newly designed Gryphon Class Runabout – Stormcrow Variant FRX-301T 301T,which has proven to be one of the most heavily armed, most manoeuvrable craft of its class, in the Fleet All air crew in the VMS 377 are cross-trained trained and are capable of handling any of the light or heavy shuttle shuttles in the wing – with all pilots cross-trained trained as SpecOps capable, enabling any pilot to be drawn from the unit for special purpose missions. The VMS 377 are nicknamed ‘Wild Wetas’ as many of their landing craft resemble this prehistoric insect that is a na native of New Zealand. In battle conditions, the ambulance wings report directly to the OIC 377th MSH Unit so as to ensure maximization of medical needs are met during military engagements. 25 UNIT DETAILS VMF 377 The VMF 377 is the atmospheric fighter wings, equipped with the F26-F Eagle Tactical Fighter, which has been the mainstay of the SFMC aero-wings for many years. The fighters are designed to provide necessary fire-support to ground troops – particularly when troops are disembarking, as this is when they are most vulnerable. The VMF 377 is trained to fly not only support missions such as this, but to also conduct air reconnaissance; bombing; and various ground attack roles. The fighters are also able to provide serious defensive/offensive support to any low-orbit enemy units and equipped as they are with heavy phaser capability, these fighter wings provide a valuable asset to the MSG. VMF pilots are specifically trained to operate in low-orbit and atmospheric conditions and their unique abilities in handling these special fighter craft set them apart from other pilots in both the Corps and the Fleet. The VMF 377 is named “The Shrike” after the Piping Shirk (more commonly known as the White-Backed Magpie) of South Australia, and this bird is still represented on the flag of that state. 26 UNIT DETAILS VMA 377 Equipped with the new FFX FFX-32MR 32MR Orcus warp attack fighter, the VMA 377 is the first response, space defense wing for the Southern Cross. However, this unit also provides an awesome offensive role in any ship-to-ship ship or shipto-station station encounter and is more than capable of handling its own in any fighter-tofighter fighter confrontation that may occur. More often, the VMA 377 will be found providing a defens defensive ive patrol in support of craft entering and leaving the ship, and they may also be used as a defensive screen for landing craft prior to atmospheric orbit entry as well as providing orbital defense screen for any ground engagements. With its massive and ex extremely tremely powerful armament array, the Orcus provides a very strong, aggressive and highly effective extension to the Southern Cross’s own ordnance. VMA 377 pilots consider themselves to be among the most fortunate in the Corps with the Orcus as their assign assigned ed craft and there is never any shortage of pilots wishing to transfer to this unit when vacancies occur. The VMA 377 are named after the Ned Kelly Gang of old old-earth earth Australian history and their logo depicts the armoured helmet worn by the leader of that gang, g the infamous Ned Kelly 27 UNIT DETAILS 377th MOBILE SURGICAL HOSPITAL UNIT As a Ready Response Task Force, the 377th MSG is likely to be thrust into many situations and missions where lives will be in danger and medical emergencies will be the norm. In many such actions, Marines will find themselves too far from the relative medical security afforded by their base ship – the USS Southern Cross – and therefore, just like their counterparts in military actions of old, the Marines of the 377th will rely upon the skills and equipment of their own medical personnel. Be it a simple Field Medic or the need for a fully assembled Field Hospital, the 377th MSH Unit is well prepared to provide medical support and action, right where it is needed – on the battlefield, wherever that may be. Our motto is "The Docs of War" which perfectly describes our teams of medical professionals. Surgeons and doctors they may be, but they are highly trained in the medical needs of modern warfare and thus in any major, long term engagement, our MSH unit is always stationed just behind the front line. Fully staffed with a trauma team composed of surgeon, scrub nurse, nurse anaesthetist and 2 C-Medics, advanced surgical procedures can be accomplished here, as well as any level of nonsurgical emergency care. The MSH provides the highest level of battlefield care in the absence of hospital ships. 28 UNIT DETAILS The 377th MSH is also one of the only field medical units equipped with stasis tubes that can hold severely wounded in suspended animation until they can received advanced care. MSH equipment is efficiently organised for advanced casualty treatment, with two Valkyrie ambulances with pilots drawn from the 377th VMS. The 377th MSH holds an important place within the MSG and Unit members are regarded in the highest esteem by all Marines. 29 UNIT DETAILS 30 UNIT DETAILS 377th COMBAT ENGINEERS TEAM The 377th MSG carries a very small, but highly trained team of Combat Engineers, who are generally referred to by their nickname of “Cold Chisels”. This unit comprises of a few C.E. specialists under the control of a single officer and the unit members include Sappers and Demolitions Specialists cialists and a Microgravity Specialist. Most members of the 377th CE team are also Special Operations compatible with training that has well exceeded the norms of other CE units. This means that team members are often included in SpecOps missions thus extending the value of each of the individual units in terms of man power. The engineers within the Cold Chisels also supplement the engineering crew of the Southern Cross and most team members also form part of the ship’s fire fighting and damage control teams. 31 Chapter 6 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS E ach of the separate units, teams and company that make up the 377th MSG are broken down into the individual roles and tasks that each Marine is responsible for. According to the individual’s MOS, a Marine may take on any position listed in the following section as being his or her prime operational employment role. This means for example, that a Marine with suitable medical qualifications, could serve as a team member within the 377thMSH, but because he/she also has SpecOps MOS grading, they may also supplement that role as a position within the Black Sheep as, say, the Team Medic. Specialisation of MOS grading will decide final deployment for any individual however, and that is entirely dependent upon the crew member’s area of interest. Some roles are inter-changeable as a Marine may find that his MOS qualification will enable him/her to fulfill several different positions. Achievement of any of the applied MOS may see immediate promotion to the minimum rank required for that position, or assist in promotion to a more senior rank. It is important to note however, that the crew bio and Marine rank deployment posted, can only list the one key position, so each Marine will only ever have one main deployment designation (e.g. Fighter Pilot; Demolitions Specialist etc). Members should peruse the listed occupations and specialist roles shown in the following charts and then select the area of interest that they wish to pursue, before making application for the position. All applications for any position within the 377th must be made in the first instance to the OIC. All Marines should be aware that they may apply for any position listed, that they feel either qualified for, or have obvious intent of qualifying to. It is also important to note that in many instances, ranks listed for each position may be a “guide only” and Marines may hold a higher or lesser rank than that depicted. Each position is taken on a case-by-case basis for rank purposes. 32 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS 377th Marine Strike Group Table of Organisation and Equipment 377th—the Blue Roos Designation MOS Headquarters Element (Light Infantry) Strike Group Officer-in-Charge 340/380 Strike Group Deputy Officer-in-Charge 340 /380 Strike Group NCOIC 345 Strike Group Communications Co-ord. 330 Headquarters Security Specialist 305 Headquarters Combat Medic 243 Headquarters Fleet Liaison N/A Headquarters Security Team Leader 345 Headquarters Security Team Grenadier 325 Headquarters Security Team Auto. Rifleman 325 Headquarters Security Team Rifleman 305 Alpha Platoon (Light Infantry) Alpha Platoon Officer-in-Charge 340 Alpha Platoon NCOIC 345 Alpha Platoon Communications Co-ord. 330 Alpha Platoon Security Specialist 305 Alpha First Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 345 Lead Team – Rifleman 305 Lead Team – Grenadier 325 Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Port Fire-Team Leader 305 Port Team – Rifleman 305 Port Team – Grenadier 325 Port Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Starboard Fire-Team Leader 305 Starboard Team – Rifleman 305 Starboard Team – Grenadier 325 Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Alpha Second Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 345 Lead Team – Rifleman 305 Lead Team – Grenadier 325 Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Port Fire-Team Leader 305 Port Team – Rifleman 305 Port Team – Grenadier 325 33 Rank Equipment O-2 O-2 E-7 E-5 E-4 W-1 E-6 E-5 E-3 E-3 E-3 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-3A4 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 M-116A2 O-1 E-6 E-4 E-4 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-116A2 M-116A2 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS 377th—the Blue Roos Designation MOS Port Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Starboard Fire-Team Leader 305 Starboard Team – Rifleman 305 Starboard Team – Grenadier 325 Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Alpha Third Squad (Heavy Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 345 Lead Team – Rifleman 305 Lead Team – Grenadier 325 Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman 325 Port Fire-Team Leader 305 Port Team – Rifleman 325 Port Team – Grenadier 325 Port Team – Automatic Rifleman 305 Starboard Fire-Team Leader 305 Starboard Team – Rifleman 325 Rank Equipment E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 M-970A M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-3 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-3 M-116A2 M-116A2 SPW-201A1 M-970A1 M-116A2 M-970A1 SPW-201A1 M-2A3 M-116A2 M-116A2 WEAPONS ASSIGNED to Unit: 1 M-3A4 3 M-2A3 35 M-116A2 13 M-110A1 19 M-970A1 Bravo Platoon (Heavy Infantry—Powered) Alpha Platoon Officer-in-Charge 380 Alpha Platoon NCOIC 385 Alpha Platoon Communications Coord. 330 Alpha Platoon Security Specialist 350 Bravo First Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 385 Lead Team – Rifleman 350 Lead Team – Grenadier 350 Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman 350 Port Fire-Team Leader 350 Port Team – Rifleman 350 Port Team – Grenadier 350 Port Team – Automatic Rifleman 350 Starboard Fire-Team Leader 351 Starboard Team – Rifleman 351 Starboard Team – Grenadier 351 Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 351 Bravo Second Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 365 Lead Team – Rifleman 350 Lead Team – Grenadier 350 34 19 SPW-201A1 O-1 E-6 E-4 E-4 PRS-8 C1 PRS-8 C1 PRS-8 C1 PRS-06 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 PRS-8 C1 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 E-5 E-2 E-3 PRS-8C1 PRS-06 PRS-0 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS Designation MOS Rank Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman Port Fire-Team Leader Port Team – Rifleman Port Team – Grenadier Port Team – Automatic Rifleman Starboard Fire-Team Leader Starboard Team – Rifleman Starboard Team – Grenadier Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman Bravo Third Squad (Heavy Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader Lead Team – Rifleman Lead Team – Grenadier Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman Port Fire-Team Leader Port Team – Rifleman Port Team – Grenadier Port Team – Automatic Rifleman Starboard Fire-Team Leader Starboard Team – Rifleman Starboard Team – Grenadier Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 350 350 350 350 350 351 351 351 351 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 385 357 357 357 357 357 357 357 357 357 357 357 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-3 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-3 E-3 E-3 PRS-8 C1 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 PRS-104 Charlie Platoon (Recon—Powered Infantry) Charlie Platoon Officer-in-Charge 380 Charlie Platoon NCOIC 385 Charlie Platoon Communications Coord. 330 Charlie Platoon Security Specialist 350 Charlie First Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader 365 Lead Team – Rifleman 350 Lead Team – Grenadier 350 Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman 350 Port Fire-Team Leader 350 Port Team – Rifleman 350 Port Team – Grenadier 350 Port Team – Automatic Rifleman 350 Starboard Fire-Team Leader 351 Starboard Team – Rifleman 351 Starboard Team – Grenadier 351 Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 351 35 Equipment O-1 E-6 E-4 E-4 PRS-8 C1 PRS-8 C1 PRS-8 C1 PRS-06 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 PRS-8C1 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS Designation MOS Rank Equipment Charlie Second Squad (Light Weapons) Squad Leader - Lead Fire-Team Leader Lead Team – Rifleman Lead Team – Grenadier Lead Team – Automatic Rifleman Port Fire-Team Leader Port Team – Rifleman Port Team – Grenadier Port Team – Automatic Rifleman Starboard Fire-Team Leader Starboard Team – Rifleman Starboard Team – Grenadier Starboard Team – Automatic Rifleman 365 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 351 351 351 351 E-5 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 E-4 E-2 E-3 E-3 PRS-8C PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 PRS-06 POWERED ARMOR SUITS ASSIGNED to Unit: 12 PAS-4A C3 22 PAS-71 24 PAS-52G 36 32 PAS-18C UNIT DEPLOYMENTS 377th—SpecOps (the Black Sheep) Designation Team Leader (OMEGA) Team First Officer (FACT) Team NCOIC (Weapons/Demo) Comms NCO (Comms/DATA) Weapons NCO Team Medic (377th MSH) Recon/Intel NCO Demolitions NCO MOS 805 805 807 810,812,813 831,833 820,821 833,882,884,888 871,872 37 Rank Equipment 01/05 M-116A2 01/04 M-116A2 E5/W5 M-116A2 E5/W5 M-116A2 E5/W5 M-2A3 W-1 M-3A4 E5/W5 P-6888 E5/W5 M-116A2 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS 377th AE Element— (VMS377; VMF377, VMA377) Designation MOS Rank Headquarters Element Aero Wing Officer-in-Charge 603 Strike Group NCO-In-Charge 605 Strike Group Executive Officer 603 Strike Group Communications Coordinator 605 Squadron Flight Maintenance Sr. Instructor 610 Squadron Flight Maintenance Instructor 610 O-4/O-4 E-7 O-3 E-5 E-7 E-7 VMS 377—Wild Wetas Alpha Flight (Medical Evacuation) Lead Element (S-30 Valkyrie) Wild One Pilot/Squad Leader C-Medic C-Medic Wild Two Pilot C-Medic C-Medic Element Maintenance Chief Element Avionics Specialist Element Propulsion Specialist Element Ordnance Specialist 627 243 243 O-2/CWO-3 E-6/WO-1 E-6/WO-1 627 243 243 611 662 664 663 O-3/CWO-3 E-6/WO-1 E-6/WO-1 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 Beta Flight (Troop Transport) Lead Element (Argus) Port One Pilot/Flight Leader Systems Officer Loadmaster/Squadron NCOIC Port Two Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster 38 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS VMS 377—Wild Wetas cont’d Designation MOS Rank Port Three Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster Port Element Maintenance Chief Port Element Avionics Specialist Port Element Propulsion Specialist Port Element Ordnance Specialist 627 635 641 611 662 664 663 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 627 635 641 611 662 664 663 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 Beta Flight (Troop Transport) Lead Element (Argus) Starboard One Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster/Squadron NCOIC Starboard Two Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster Starboard Three Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster Starboard Element Maintenance Chief Starboard Element Avionics Specialist Starboard Element Propulsion Specialist Starboard Element Ordnance Specialist Charlie Flight (Troop Transport—Heavy) Lead Element (Stormcrow Heavy Transport) Port One Pilot/Flight Leader CO Pilot/ Systems Officer Loadmaster NCOIC Port Two Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster Port Element Maintenance Chief 39 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 627 635 641 611 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 E-7 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS VMS 377—Wild Wetas cont’d Designation MOS Rank Port Element Avionics Specialist Port Element Propulsion Specialist Port Element Ordnance Specialist Starboard One Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster/Squadron NCOIC Starboard Two Pilot Systems Officer Loadmaster Starboard Element Maintenance Chief Starboard Element Avionics Specialist Starboard Element Propulsion Specialist Starboard Element Ordnance Specialist 662 664 663 E-5 E-5 E-5 627 635 641 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 627 635 641 611 662 664 663 O-2 O-1/CWO-2 E-5 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 Alpha Flight (Atmospheric Fighter) Lead (Port) Element (F-26 Eagle) Alpha Flight OIC/ Element Leader Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Maintenance Chief Lead Element Avionics Specialist Lead Element Propulsion Specialist Lead Element Ordnance Specialist 620 620 620 620 611 662 664 663 O-3/O-2 O-1 O-1 O-1 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 Starboard Element (F-26 Eagle) Starboard Flight OIC/ Element Leader Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Maintenance Chief Lead Element Avionics Specialist Lead Element Propulsion Specialist Lead Element Ordnance Specialist 620 620 620 620 611 662 664 663 O-3/O-2 O-1 O-1 O-1 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 VMF 377—The Shrike 40 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS VMA 377—Bush Rangers Designation MOS Rank Alpha Flight (Space Combat) Lead (Port) Element (FFX-32MR Orcus) Alpha Flight OIC/ Element Leader Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Pilot Lead Element Maintenance Chief Lead Element Avionics Specialist Lead Element Propulsion Specialist Lead Element Ordnance Specialist 620 620 620 620 611 662 664 663 O-3 /O-2 O-1 O-1 O-1 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 Starboard Element (FFX-32MR Orcus) Starboard Flight OIC/ Element Leader 620 Lead Element Pilot 620 Lead Element Pilot 620 Lead Element Pilot 620 Lead Element Maintenance Chief 611 Lead Element Avionics Specialist 662 Lead Element Propulsion Specialist 664 Lead Element Ordnance Specialist 663 O-3 /O-2 O-1 O-1 O-1 E-7 E-5 E-5 E-5 41 UNIT DEPLOYMENTS 377MSH —The Docs of War Designation MOS Chief Medical Officer /Flight Surgeon Charge Nurse Medical Officer Xenophysiologist Nurse Anesthetist Scrub Nurses Nurses Independent Duty Medic (I-Medic) Aeromedicine Specialist (A-Medic) Battlefield Evacuation Medics (E-Medic) Combat Medics (C-Medic) 210/221 211 215 220 230 231 232 240 241 242 243 Min. Rank O-2 E-4 O-1 E-7 E-5 E-3 E-3 E-7 O-1 E-7 E-6 *Note : Medivac Pilots and Support and Maintenance staff are taken from 377VMS 377th CE —Cold Chisel Designation MOS Min. Rank Team Leader Sapper Demolitions Specialist Microgravity Specialist Exotic Environment Specialist 703 750 755 770 772 E-5 E-3 E-3 E-5 E-5 *Note: Achievement of the MOS qualifications for these roles may involve either immediate promotion to the minimum rank, or assist in promotion to a more senior rank 42 Acknowledgements This manual has been pieced together using a few of the processes adopted by other SFI chapters and primarily the policies and principles that are considered unique to the 377th MSG and the USS Southern Cross. The material depicted is representative of not only the policies set down by STARFLEET International, but also from the guidelines established by the original founders of the chapter, and subsequent input from members. Processes and policies listed may be adapted, altered or adjusted from time to time, as needs dictate. All questions, comments or queries relating to this manual should be directed to the Commanding Officer of the USS Southern Cross, or to the OIC 377th MSG This manual has been constructed by by: 43