ORGANIZATION
All right, sweethearts, you're a team and there's nothin' to worry about. We come here, and we gonna conquer, and we gonna kick some, is that understood? That's what we gonna do, sweethearts, we are going to go and get some. All right, people, on the ready line!”
—MASTER SGT. AL APONE, 2ND BATTALION BRAVO TEAM
Ok, Marine—time to learn your ABCs, USMCs, UAACs, and all the other sets of initials that come with that uniform. You've got to know who’s who, who’s in charge, and who is just some milktoast CO who’s throwing weight around he doesn't have. Oh, and that’s right—you better pay attention, because there’s gonna be a test later—it’s called throwing you into the thick of it on the ready line.
UNITED STATES COLONIAL MARINE CORPS
EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE, FORCE PROJECTION, RECOINNASSANCE, INTERPLANETARY STRIKE
The elite fighting force of the United Americas, the United States Colonial Marine Corps is the primary UA force on the Outer Rim and Frontier. The colonial marines maintain an advanced state of readiness at all times in order to provide rapid deployment to any and all commitments within their theaters of operation and beyond.
While the USCMC works in sync with the United States Aerospace Force (USASF) and sometimes in tandem with the Latin American Colonial Navy (LACN) and the Outer Rim Defense Fleet (ORDF), they are the only US military branch capable of deploying an independent dedicated task force without support from another branch. Unfortunately, the USCMC suffered severe losses at the onset of the Border Bombings—several Battalions and their accompanying starships.
OPERATIONAL THEATERS
The United States Colonial Marine Corps is divided into three main Marine Space Forces (MSF) composed of calculated combat, support, and service elements that, when combined, are capable of executing both decisive orbital assault missions and sustained surface operations. Each MSF provides security for a designated operating theater, but in truth these areas often overlap—marines don’t care whose backyard the fight is in, they’re ready to hop fences as needed. In 2180 the divisions were restructured to account for the rapid expansion of the Frontier, deviating from their traditional operational territories.
► MARINE SPACE FORCE, SOL: Core Systems. Equipped with a second division that specifically protects the Sol system itself, MSF SOL has a major base at Rigel Kentaurus and is responsible for operations throughout the core systems, including maintaining the blockade of the ICSC border.
► MARINE SPACE FORCE, ERIDANI: Outer Veil, Rimward Frontier. This division operates along the Anglo-Japanese arm, the Tartarus Sector, and as deep into the Far Reach of the American Arm as Alpha Caeli. MSF ERIDANI also operates the only USCMC base within UPP space at 52 Tau Ceti.
► MARINE SPACE FORCE, HERCULIS: Outer Rim, Coreward Frontier. Under siege from both the UPP and the perpetrators of the enigmatic Border Bombings, MSF Herculis protects the American Corridor, Advance, and the hotly contented Borderline Region—as well as the Coreward American Arm. Recently, reserves have been activated and sent to Herculis to augment their forces.
COMMAND BREAKDOWN
PLATOON
A USCMC platoon is made up of 24 Colonial Marines (two sections of twelve each), plus its commander and adjutant.
COMMAND TEAM: A Colonial Marine platoon is run by a platoon commander that controls two sections. Usually a Lieutenant or Captain, the platoon commander is assisted by either an officer of lesser rank or a service synthetic with a non-combatant rank equivalent to Warrant Officer. Sometimes the platoon commander will accompany a Section into combat, taking the Sergeant’s place in the APC and bumping them to squad commander.
SECTION
A platoon is divided into two sections. Each section typically has a dropship, an APC, two squads, plus a support team and a tactical team.
SUPPORT TEAM: The support team drops your ass in the frying pan and then pulls you out before you fall into the fire. They keep the dropship hot and ready for dust off.
TACTICAL TEAM: The tactical team supports the section by providing coordination, cover fire and extraction. A sergeant or senior officer coordinates their team from the APC’s TAC center with their driver ready to assist the squads as needed. If the section sergeant intends to accompany their squads, a gunner will sometimes be assigned to the tactical team. In special circumstances, the command team may enter the field of operations and command the section from the APC.
SQUADS
Each section has two squads, and there are two fireteams to a squad—usually a rifle team and a gun team.
FIRETEAMS
A two-Marine team is called a fireteam and works on the buddy system—your fireteam member has your back and you’ve got theirs. Fireteams can be designated rifle teams, gun teams, recon teams, assault teams, and more.
RIFLE TEAM: The rifle team is responsible for fire power, medical support, and coordinating objectives with command. Typically, someone other than the automatic rifleman will be squad leader with the rank Lance Corporal or above. The remainder of the squad are of subordinate rank.
GUN TEAM: Here comes the big guns to keep the enemy’s head down while the squad moves in.
Alternatively, a squad can be composed of Recon, Assault, or CBRN specialist fireteams.
| RIFLE TEAM: | ► Rifleman
► Hospital Corspman |
| GUN TEAM: | ► Automatic Rifleman (Smartgun Operator)
► Combat Technician |
SPECIALTY FIRETEAMS
RECON TEAM: Obscured by camouflage ghillie suits, this fireteam takes the high ground and gets the lay of the terrain before the unit enters the field—identifying and targeting potential threats before the others rush in where angels fear to tread. The Forward Observer will utilize enhanced vision gear, a silenced motion tracker—and sometimes even passive Pups—to locate targets for the dedicated marksman to eliminate.
ASSAULT TEAM: Designed for urban pacification, the assault team breaches doors, takes out security systems, and neutralizes enemy encampments with heavy ordnance. Combat technicians assigned to an assault team bypass doors, tripwires, and security systems. Assault Marines utilize RPGs, rubber U1 rounds, plastisteel shields, electroshock grenades, and shaped charges to achieve their objectives.
CBRN TEAM: The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense fireteam can be called in to clean up a spill, deactivate a dirty bomb, contain an outbreak, or to establish and enforce ICC quarantine procedures. A CBRN team is equipped with HAZMAT anti-contamination suits, detection and analysis equipment, incinerators, and firebomb U4 rounds. CBRN combat technicians are trained to diffuse bombs and safely shut down fusion reactors/drives as well as bypass electronic defenses.
| RECON TEAM: | ► Forward Observer
► Dedicated Marksman (rank of Lance Corporal or above) |
| ASSAULT TEAM: | ► Assault Marine Breacher (M5 RPG Operator)
► Combat Technician |
| CBRN TEAM: | ► CBRN Defense Specialist
► Combat Technician |
OTHER UA MILITARY BRANCHES
These are, of course, even more UA member state military branches than those listed here—for example, the United States Army still exists—but the ones included in this list are the big players in the Frontier War.
UNITED AMERICAS ALLIED COMMAND (UAAC)
STRATEGIC COMMAND, TACTICAL OPERATIONS
The overarching joint command of all UA militaries—all United States, Latin America, and Canadian armed forces operate under the UAAC. They operate a small contingent of troops and vessels out of both Sol and Crestus Garrison Prime, primarily to act as security for the secretary of state and command staff. The UAAC often forms task forces composed of any and all branches of the UA military.
A NOTE FROM MU/TH/UR: While their agendas are rarely in conflict, it’s important to remember that UAAC orders always supersede the orders of any military branch—including the USCMC. The UAAC are the top brass and they get the final word. Period.
UNITED STATES AEROSPACE FORCE (USASF)
AEROSPACE WARFARE, SURVEILLANCE, RAPID MOBILITY, INTERSTELLAR STRIKE
The USASF is the aerospace warfare service branch of the UAAC, specializing in small craft missions. The USASF chiefly operates dropship, fightercraft, and both intra and exosystem support and mobility for the USCMC in the form of Colonial Marine Aerospace Wings assigned to most major Marine bases. They produce the best pilots in the territories and their EVAC Fighter is unparalleled in aerospace combat.
| UAAC MEDALS
Marines, Navy, and Armed Forces alike—the UAAC runs—and rewards—them all. Do a good job, marine, and they are likely to pin something on your chest. Here’s a few you might see in your lifetime—if not after the fact. ► MEDAL OF HONOR: Most prestigious United American military decoration. ► GALACTIC CROSS: Second highest medal, valor under fire. ► SILVER STAR: Third highest medal, awarded for gallantry in action. ► BRONZE STAR: Heroic and/or life-saving achievement. ► MEDAL OF VALOR: Bravery on the battlefifield. ► PURPLE HEART: Wounded or killed in combat. Expect to see these a lot. ► SERVICE CROSS: Awarded for long-time service. Give your life to the Corps. and you might see one before 50. ► SERVICE RIBBON: You aren't going to be walking around wearing medals on base, so instead you get these little ribbons to take their place. Of course, in a methane mudhole you aren’t going to be wearing ribbons either, so just remember to dress for success. |
CANADIAN COLONIAL ARMED FORCES (CCAF)
AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE, SURFACE DOMINANCE, PLANETARY SECURITY AND DEFENSE
The CCAF are the sea and ground pounders of the UAAC, operating in any environment on the surface of a planet or moon. Transported by the Latin American Colonial Navy, the Canadian Colonial Armed Forces are often deployed to important core worlds and only moved to the Outer Rim by the LACN during open conflicts. Unlike the USCMC, the CCAF does not possess space fighting capabilities and has very limited zero gravity training—it is a surface force only.
LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL NAVY (LACN)
INTERSTELLAR WARFARE, INTRASYSTEM DEFENSE, BLOCKADE ENFORCEMENT, SPACELIFT
The most capable navy in civilized space, the LACN was recently augmented and expanded to absorb the United States Navy. The Colonial Navy has top of the line ships and often works in tandem with Marine Space Force Eridani. During peacetime, the Latin American Colonial Navy patrols the Core systems and American Corridor, although they do operate an Outer Rim Territory shipyard in the Epsilon Reticuli system. Much of the Navy’s resources are tied up in the blockades around the Inner Core System Colonies. With the outbreak of the Border Bombings, the LACN has lost three complete fleets.
OUTER RIM DEFENSE FLEET (ORDF)
POWER PROJECTION, MASSIVE DETERRENCE, SPACELIFT, INTERSTELLAR WARFARE
Just as the Colonial Marines come from the United States contingent of the United Americas, the Outer Rim Defense Fleet was formed and is maintained by the American Outer Rim colonies. The ORDF was intended to become the one unified armed force of the UA, but the PR disaster that was the loss of the UAS Archangel in 2109 made it clear to the government that it was better off having individual state-controlled militaries. Just as its name implies, the ORDF patrols and protects the Outer Rim territories. As the LACN bases in the Outer Rim have proven successful and reliable, the usefulness of the ORDF had recently come into question—a question that has now been nullified by the outbreak of the Frontier War.
OTHER UA ORGANIZATIONS
These are other UA allies a Colonial Marine is likely to connect with in the American Arm and on the Frontier.
COLONIAL MARSHAL BUREAU (CMB)
LAW ENFORCEMENT, BORDER PATROL, HOMEWORLD SECURITY
Sometimes called the Office of Colonial Marshals, the marshals are the law enforcement arm of colonial administration. They are the only authority on most frontier settlements—assuming the colony is large enough to even rate one. Those who don’t are protected by corporate appointed security. Bureau offices range in size from a single colony sheriff to an entire company of officers operating out of a border patrol frigate. Marshals work in tandem with the ICC, FBI, and the USCCG.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, COUNTERINTELLIGENCE, COUNTERTERRORISM
The internal intelligence and security service of the United Americas, the FBI hasn’t changed much in the past two centuries, save to increase their influence from the United States to encompass all UA colonies. Amongst other things, this federal law enforcement agency investigates mass property damage, mass murders, and potential domestic terrorist threats.
UNITED AMERICAN COLONIAL GUARD (UACG)
RESERVE FORCE, CIVIC ACTION, DISASTER RELIEF This reserve force of colonists is usually only activated to assist in natural disaster relief or in times of civil unrest to augment the Colonial Marshal Bureau. The Colonial Guard has received only basic CCAF training.
UNITED STATES COLONIAL COAST GUARD (USCCG)
INTERSTELLAR CUSTOMS AND TRADE REGULATION, MIGRANT INTERDICTION, SEARCH AND RESCUE
In coordination with the Interstellar Commerce Commission (ICC), the USCCG operates and patrols along the American Corridor, along the Inner Core System Colonies border, and around high population UA colonies as system defense forces. As the Coast Guard is considered to have local jurisdiction, most of their vessels are sublight cutters. The Coast Guard follows strict ICC search, impoundment, and quarantine protocols.
FORCES OF THE THREE WORLD EMPIRE
ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS (RMC)
EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE, FORCE PROTECTION, INTERSTELLAR STRIKE
The RMC is a dedicated elite fighting force of the 3WE—or would be, were they ever allowed to deploy. For nearly two decades now the 3WE has backed down from every engagement, be it with rebellious colonies, the UPP, or even the UA. The Royal Marine Commandos are itching for a real fight and might be a little eager to pull the trigger.
IMPERIAL ARMED SPACE FORCES (IASF)
AEROSPACE WARFARE, BLOCKADE ENFORCEMENT, INTERPLANETARY DEFENSE
The IASF is the all-purpose armed, aerospace, and fleet force of the 3WE. They regularly see action along the ICSC border of New Eden Sector, preventing smugglers from breaking through the blockade. They also serve as system guards, protecting prestigious worlds of the 3WE.
ICSC AND CORPORATE FORCES
WEYLAND-YUTANI COMMANDOS
PROJECT SECURITY, DIRECT ACTION, UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
Sometimes called gorillas by Colonial Marines because of the APE suits they wear, Weyland-Yutani commandos are the cream of the corporate crop. Typically, Weyland-Yutani will pick up the contract of a military veteran with no compunctions about murder and groom them for corporate black-ops. Unlike typical PMCs, the W-Y Commandos are a full-time security force maintained in house. The infamous Weyland-Yutani Dog Catchers are a subgroup of these commandos, responsible for extrasolar animal control.
CENTRAL SPACE CONSORTIUM PRIVATE MILITARY CONTRACTORS (CSCPMC)
BLACK OPERATIONS, FORCE PROJECTION, SECURITY FORCE ASSISTANCE
The CSC PMCs are private organizations that provide security services or military training for the Inner Core System Colonies. They are a mixed bag of elite and novice mercenaries who often don't work well with other units. At the end of the day, it all depends on who sponsored them and for how much—CEOs employ top rate PMCs, but those contracted by low level corporate agents are likely to be rank amateurs.
UPP ARMED COLLECTIVE
The socialist empire of the stars, the UPP independent nation states together have assembled the largest human military force ever conceived.
THE UNION OF PROGRESSIVE PEOPLE’S ARMY (UPPA)
SURFACE WARFARE, MASSIVE DETERRENCE, PLANETARY SECURITY AND DEFENSE, INTERPLANETARY ASSAULT
The People’s Army is the heavily armed, highly organized fighting force of the Union of Progressive Peoples. Upon reaching adulthood, it is the duty of every Union citizen to serve in the UPPA for five years—meaning most of the army is composed of regular people doing their duty and nothing more. As such, they are only adequately trained and easily convinced to surrender when their lives are in serious danger. What the UPPA lacks in dedication, it makes up for in numbers.
SPACE OPERATING FORCES (SOF)
INTERSTELLAR WARFARE, POWER PROJECTION, RAPID DEPLOYMENT, SURFACE DOMINANCE, SPACELIFT
Specializing in Zero-G combat, the SOF is the Union’s answer to the USCMC. They are a first response group to any aggression against a UPP allied colony. The SOF maintains its own star fleets and also acts as a UPP vanguard during any invasion or annexation the Union might execute. In large scale engagements, SOF groups are often placed in command of regular units in the People’s Army. Also, they are not afraid to use androids in combat, despite any bans. They maintain several strike units of Davydovich Syem combat synthetics throughout the Frontier.
MINISTRY OF SPACE SECURITY (MSS)
INTERNAL AFFAIRS, INTELLIGENCE, COUNTERINTELLIGENCE, UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
Everyone in the UPP is afraid of the MSS—your own mother could be a security sleeper agent and not even know it herself. The MSS has spies situated throughout the UA and ICSC, smuggling out weapons plans and vehicle designs. They send liaisons to disgruntled 3WE and UA colony worlds to convince them to defect to the Union. They perform unorthodox psychological and biological experiments for the good of The People, but often at some of the people’s expense. When the MSS appears on the scene, command of any operation is turned over to the ranking MSS Officer on site, regardless of the SOF or People’s Army commander’s rank—an arrangement that SOF command doesn’t enjoy, but simply must comply with.
