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{{Quote|These Colonial Marines are very tough hombres. They're packing state-of-the-art firepower, there's '''nothing''' they can't handle.|'''[[Carter Burke|Burke]]''' to '''[[Ellen Ripley|Ripley]]''', regarding the USCM (from {{A2}})}}[[File:USCM Badge-ACMTM.png|200px|thumb|USCM badge]]
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{{Quote|These Colonial Marines are very tough hombres. They're packing state-of-the-art firepower, there's '''nothing''' they can't handle.|'''[[Carter Burke|Burke]]''' to '''[[Ellen Ripley|Ripley]]''', regarding the USCM (from {{A2}})}}
  +
[[File:USCM Badge-ACMTM.png|200px|thumb|USCM badge]]
 
The '''United States Colonial Marine Corps''' ('''USCM'''), commonly known as the '''Colonial Marines''', is the successor to the United States Marine Corps and is the [[United Americas]]' primary "force-in-readiness", who are at all times ready for immediate deployment without any additional reinforcement, training or provisioning. They specialize in force projection, being able to operate independently in environments far from home for extended periods thanks to their technological prowess and sizeable space fleet at their disposal.
 
The '''United States Colonial Marine Corps''' ('''USCM'''), commonly known as the '''Colonial Marines''', is the successor to the United States Marine Corps and is the [[United Americas]]' primary "force-in-readiness", who are at all times ready for immediate deployment without any additional reinforcement, training or provisioning. They specialize in force projection, being able to operate independently in environments far from home for extended periods thanks to their technological prowess and sizeable space fleet at their disposal.
   
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==Mission==
 
==Mission==
The USCM is the major striking element of the United Americas Allied Command, and is the nation's only major means of forcibly entering a hostile area from space.<ref name="CMTM6">{{cite book|title=''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual]]''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=6}}</ref> Its ability to project power on distant worlds makes it an essential element to the nation's security, and as such its versatility and responsiveness are key in any crisis at all times.
+
The USCM is the major striking element of the United Americas Allied Command, and is the nation's only major means of forcibly entering a hostile area from space.<ref name="CMTM6">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=6}}</ref> Its ability to project power on distant worlds makes it an essential element to the nation's security, and as such its versatility and responsiveness are key in any crisis at all times.
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
The National Security Act of 2101 had established the Colonial Marines and its structure. At its peak in 2165 during the Tientsin campaign, the USCM numbered over 240,000 Marines; by 2179 that number had dropped to 165,000, with a further 50,000 in reserve.<ref name=CMTM6/>
+
The National Security Act of 2101 had established the Colonial Marines and its structure. At its peak in 2165 during the Tientsin campaign, the USCM numbered over 240,000 Marines; by 2179 that number had dropped to 165,000, with a further 50,000 in reserve.<ref name="CMTM6" />
   
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
  +
[[File:Four Marines-A2.jpg|thumb|Private First Classes [[Ricco Frost]] and [[Mark Drake]] and Corporals [[Dwayne Hicks]] and [[Cynthia Dietrich]].]]
[[Image:Ledaean-gaming-ACM2-640x469.png|thumb|right|Colonial Marines in action.|250px]]
 
The Corps is roughly split between the supporting establishment and operating forces. The former includes recruitment, training, research and development, administrative and logistical duties, while the latter performs combat operations. Approximately 58 percent of Marines are in the operating forces.<ref name="CMTM7">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=7}}</ref>
+
The Corps is roughly split between the supporting establishment and operating forces. The former includes recruitment, training, research and development, administrative and logistical duties, while the latter performs combat operations. Approximately 58 percent of Marines are in the operating forces.<ref name="CMTM7">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=7}}</ref>
   
The operating forces are divided into four combat divisions and four aerospace wings, along with their required support groups. A fifth combat division and aerospace wing also exist as reserves.<ref name=CMTM6/>
+
The operating forces are divided into four combat divisions and four aerospace wings, along with their required support groups. A fifth combat division and aerospace wing also exist as reserves.<ref name="CMTM6" />
   
 
===Marine Space Force===
 
===Marine Space Force===
  +
{{Main|Marine Space Force}}
All combat forces within the Corps are organized into three Marine Space Forces, which answer directly to [[Wikipedia:United States Space Command|US Space Command]].<ref name=CMTM7/> Each MSF is given the primary responsibility of security their designated areas, though the realities of space mean these areas frequently overlap, while the practicalities of frontier operations mean forces typical operate in autonomous task forces of regimental size or less.<ref name=CMTM7/>
+
All combat forces within the Corps are organized into three Marine Space Forces, which answer directly to [[Wikipedia:United States Space Command|US Space Command]].<ref name="CMTM7"/> Each MSF is given the primary responsibility of security their designated areas, though the realities of space mean these areas frequently overlap, while the practicalities of frontier operations mean forces typical operate in autonomous task forces of regimental size or less.<ref name="CMTM7" />
* '''Marine Space Force, [[Sol]]''' is responsible for operations throughout the core systems, and is capable of rapidly reinforcing either of the other two MSFs. Its headquarters is the O'Neil station at the Earth-Luna [[Wikipedia:Lagrangian_point#L4_and_L5|L4]] point.<ref name="CMTM8">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=8}}</ref>
 
**The '''1st Colonial Marine Division''', '''1st Marine Aerospace Wing''', and '''1st Marine Brigade''', are stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC; Camp Pendleton, CA; Kennedy ASFB, FL; O'Neil Station, Earth-Luna L4 point; and [[Gateway Station]] in Earth GSO.
 
**The '''2nd and 3rd Marine Brigades''', along with portions of the '''2nd Marine Aerospace Wing''', are based at Redlake Field ASFB and Glenn GSO station on Aurora 510 ([[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri A V]]); Ezell ASFB on Nene 246 ([[Wikipedia:Tau Ceti|52 Tau Ceti II]]); and Titleman station, Lucien-Avril L1 point at ([[Wikipedia:Lacaille 8760|Lacaille 8760 AV]]).
 
**Support elements, consisting of '''Force Troops, Sol''' and the '''2nd Colonial Support Group''' are located in North Carolina, Florida and the Trobriands on Nene 246.
 
* '''Marine Space Force, Eridani''' is responsible for operations along the American and Chinese colonized arms. Its headquarters is at Happy Days on Helene 215 ([[Wikipedia:82 Eridani|82 Eridani II]]).<ref name=CMTM8/>
 
**The '''3rd Colonial Marine Division''' and '''3rd Marine Aerospace Wing''' are largely based at Kuat ASFB on Surier 430 ([[Wikipedia:Delta Pavonis|Delta Pavonis IV]]), with smaller garrison forces along the American arm as far as Thetis (20 Reticuli) and the Solomans ([[Wikipedia:Alpha_Caeli|Alpha Caeli V b-h]]).
 
* '''Marine Space Force, Herculis''' is responsible for operations along the Anglo-Japanese arm up to the fringes of the ISC Network. Its headquarters is at Chinook 91 GSO station over Georgia 525 ([[Wikipedia:70 Ophiuchi|70 Ophiuchi A V]]).<ref name="CMTM9">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=9}}</ref>
 
**The '''4th Colonial Marine Division''', '''4th Marine Aerospace Wing''' and '''4th Colonial Marine Brigade''' are spread out among a number of UA-recognized colonies all along the Anglo-Japanese arm. The largest support contingent, the '''1st Colonial Support Group''', is centered at Tithonis Mountain on Bernice 378 ([[Wikipedia:Mu Herculis|Mu Herculis A III]])
 
The '''5th (provisional) Division''' and attached '''Reserve Aerospace Wing''' are based in the continental United States and Panama, with two additional reserve regiments able to be raised on Aurora 510.<ref name=CMTM9/>
 
   
 
===Aerospace Wing===
 
===Aerospace Wing===
The Colonial Marine Aerospace Wing is responsible for providing aerospace support and airmobility to a Marine Space Force. The Wing itself is largely an administrative formation; in practice much of its elements are attached directly to a Division as an integral element.<ref name="CMTM40">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=40}}</ref>
+
The Colonial Marine Aerospace Wing is responsible for providing aerospace support and airmobility to a Marine Space Force. The Wing itself is largely an administrative formation; in practice much of its elements are attached directly to a Division as an integral element.<ref name="CMTM40">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=40}}</ref>
   
Each Wing is divided into a Drop Group, a Tactical Group, and a Support Group. The Drop Group is assigned to operate with Marine ground elements as dedicated support, and consists of approximately 200 dropships. The Tactical Group is assigned reconnaissance, ground-attack and air superiority missions, and averages six to eight squadrons of AD-19C/D Bearcat and AD-17A Cougar strikeships along with [[UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship|UD-4L Cheyenne]] and UD-22 Navaho gunships. The Support Group is assigned CasEvac, search and rescue, psyops and other miscellaneous operations, and consist of 100 dropships and 30 heavy-lift shuttles.<ref name=CMTM40/>
+
Each Wing is divided into a Drop Group, a Tactical Group, and a Support Group. The Drop Group is assigned to operate with Marine ground elements as dedicated support, and consists of approximately 200 dropships. The Tactical Group is assigned reconnaissance, ground-attack and air superiority missions, and averages six to eight squadrons of AD-19C/D Bearcat and AD-17A Cougar strikeships along with [[UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship|UD-4L Cheyenne]] and UD-22 Navaho gunships. The Support Group is assigned CasEvac, search and rescue, psyops and other miscellaneous operations, and consist of 100 dropships and 30 heavy-lift shuttles.<ref name="CMTM40" />
   
 
===Divisions===
 
===Divisions===
Each Colonial Marine Division is a balanced force of combat, service and support elements allowing for orbital assault and sustained ground operations. The Division is organized around three infantry regiments.<ref name=CMTM7/>
+
Each Colonial Marine Division is a balanced force of combat, service and support elements allowing for orbital assault and sustained ground operations. The Division is organized around three infantry regiments.<ref name="CMTM7" />
   
 
===Marine Assault Unit===
 
===Marine Assault Unit===
The Marine Assault Unit, or MAU, is the building block of Colonial Marine combat forces, a reinforced battalion designed for independent deep-space operations far from reinforcement or logistical support. At minimum each MAU has the logistical capacity for thirty days of combat operations.<ref name="CMTM68">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=68}}</ref>
+
The Marine Assault Unit, or MAU, is the building block of Colonial Marine combat forces, a reinforced battalion designed for independent deep-space operations far from reinforcement or logistical support. At minimum each MAU has the logistical capacity for thirty days of combat operations.<ref name="CMTM68">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=68}}</ref>
   
The MAU is commanded by a headquarters platoon, with a logistics platoon, maintenance company and medical unit attached for non-combat support. Additional combat-oriented support units include a reconnaissance platoon, scout-sniper squad, and a combat engineer platoon. A heavy ordinance company is also attached for heavy fire support and aerospace defense, and can include self-propelled artillery, anti-ballistic and anti-space systems.<ref name=CMTM68/>
+
The MAU is commanded by a headquarters platoon, with a logistics platoon, maintenance company and medical unit attached for non-combat support. Additional combat-oriented support units include a reconnaissance platoon, scout-sniper squad, and a combat engineer platoon. A heavy ordinance company is also attached for heavy fire support and aerospace defense, and can include self-propelled artillery, anti-ballistic and anti-space systems.<ref name="CMTM68" />
   
Two to four infantry companies provide the heart of the MAU, with each company incorporating support elements such as mortars, anti-tank and SAM missiles that can be distributed among their line platoons. If sufficient starlift capacity is available, an armored company of fourteen tanks may also be attached.<ref name=CMTM68/>
+
Two to four infantry companies provide the heart of the MAU, with each company incorporating support elements such as mortars, anti-tank and SAM missiles that can be distributed among their line platoons. If sufficient starlift capacity is available, an armored company of fourteen tanks may also be attached.<ref name="CMTM68" />
   
An Aerospace Drop Group and some Attack Group elements are also attached to the MAU, while the number and type of USAF Fleet units varies according to mission type and size.<ref name=CMTM68/>
+
An Aerospace Drop Group and some Attack Group elements are also attached to the MAU, while the number and type of USAF Fleet units varies according to mission type and size.<ref name="CMTM68" />
   
 
===Rifle Platoon===
 
===Rifle Platoon===
The organization of the rifle platoons represents the USCM doctrine of small, autonomous infantry units capable of independent action on a non-linear battlefield.<ref name="CMTM12">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=12}}</ref> The platoon commander, a lieutenant, is assisted by one or two [[Synthetic]]s as technical and scientific advisers, medics and drivers. The platoon is divided into two sections, which are further divided into two squads of four Marines each. Each section is led by a sergeant and includes a driver for the [[M577 Armored Personnel Carrier]]. In addition, during Drop operations each section is assigned a UD-4 Dropship from the aerospace company team. Including the platoon commander and crews for the dropships and APCs, a full-strength rifle platoon would number twenty-five Marines, though in practice the platoon operates with fewer personnel.<ref name=CMTM12/>
+
The organization of the rifle platoons represents the USCM doctrine of small, autonomous infantry units capable of independent action on a non-linear battlefield.<ref name="CMTM12">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=12}}</ref> The platoon commander, a lieutenant, is assisted by one or two [[Synthetic]]s as technical and scientific advisers, medics and drivers. The platoon is divided into two sections, which are further divided into two squads of four Marines each. Each section is led by a sergeant and includes a driver for the [[M577 Armored Personnel Carrier]]. In addition, during Drop operations each section is assigned a UD-4 Dropship from the aerospace company team. Including the platoon commander and crews for the dropships and APCs, a full-strength rifle platoon would number twenty-five Marines, though in practice the platoon operates with fewer personnel.<ref name="CMTM12" />
   
Organic support weaponry for the platoon includes eight [[M240 Incinerator Unit]]s, eight [[UA 571-C Automated Sentry Gun]]s, two [[M78 PIG]] or [[M5 RPG]]s, eighteen [[M83 SADAR]] rockets, and one [[M402 Multiple-Launch Mortar]], along with sufficient sensor equipment to establish an overlapping detection matrix with a frontage of over one kilometer.<ref name="CMTM13">{{cite book|title=''Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=13}}</ref>
+
Organic support weaponry for the platoon includes eight [[M240 Incinerator Unit]]s, eight [[UA 571-C Automated Sentry Gun]]s, two [[M78 PIG]] or [[M5 RPG]]s, eighteen [[M83 SADAR]] rockets, and one [[M402 Multiple-Launch Mortar]], along with sufficient sensor equipment to establish an overlapping detection matrix with a frontage of over one kilometer.<ref name="CMTM13">{{cite book|title={{ACMTM}}|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=13}}</ref>
   
 
===Squads===
 
===Squads===
The rifle squad consists of four Marines: a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Privates/Privates First Class. The squad is broken up into two fireteams, the Rifle Team and the Gun Team. The Rifle Team consists of two riflemen armed with [[M41A Pulse Rifle]]s, while the Gun Team consists of a gunner armed with the [[M56 Smartgun]] and a rifleman armed with a M41.<ref name=CMTM13/>
+
The rifle squad consists of four Marines: a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Privates/Privates First Class. The squad is broken up into two fireteams, the Rifle Team and the Gun Team. The Rifle Team consists of two riflemen armed with [[M41A Pulse Rifle]]s, while the Gun Team consists of a gunner armed with the [[M56 Smartgun]] and a rifleman armed with a M41.<ref name="CMTM13" />
   
 
==Uniform==
 
==Uniform==
 
[[File:Hicks.png|thumb|Corporal Dwayne Hicks in his combat gear.]]
 
[[File:Hicks.png|thumb|Corporal Dwayne Hicks in his combat gear.]]
The Multi-Cam Combat Fatigue Uniform, commonly Refereed to as Utilities or Cammies by the Marines who wear them, is a three-piece uniform consisting of (from head to toe):
+
The Multi-Cam Combat Fatigue Uniform, commonly referred to as Utilities or Cammies by the Marines who wear them, is a three-piece uniform consisting of (from head to toe):
   
 
*Multi-Cam Cover, or hat with Eagle, Globe, and Anchor affixed in the front above the bill
 
*Multi-Cam Cover, or hat with Eagle, Globe, and Anchor affixed in the front above the bill
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==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
{{Quote|Hey Ripley, don't worry. Me and my squad of ultimate badasses will protect you! Check it out! Independently targeting particle beam phalanx. Vwap! Fry half a city with this puppy. We got tactical smart missiles, Phase Plasma Pulse Rifles, RPGs, we got sonic electronic ball-breakers! We got nukes, we got knives, Sharp Sticks...|Pvt. '''[[William Hudson|Hudson]]''', regarding the USCM's arsenal (from {{A2}} ''[[Aliens Special Edition|Special Edition]]'')}}
+
{{Quote|Hey, Ripley, don't worry. Me and my squad of ultimate badasses will protect you! Check it out. Independently targeting particle beam phalanx. Vwap! Fry half a city with this puppy... We got tactical smart missiles, phase plasma Pulse Rifles, RPGs, we got sonic electronic ball-breakers! We got nukes, we got knives, sharp sticks...|Pvt. '''[[William Hudson|Hudson]]''', regarding the USCM's arsenal (from {{A2}} ''[[Aliens Special Edition|Special Edition]]'')}}
  +
 
The United States Colonial Marine Corps has access to state-of-the-art military technology and weapons, including orbital assault vehicles and armor support.
 
The United States Colonial Marine Corps has access to state-of-the-art military technology and weapons, including orbital assault vehicles and armor support.
   
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*[[UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship]]
 
*[[UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship]]
 
*{{class|Conestoga}} starship
 
*{{class|Conestoga}} starship
*''Valley Forge''-class starship<ref name="CMTM127">{{cite book|title=''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual]]''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=127}}</ref>
+
*''Valley Forge''-class starship<ref name="CMTM127">{{cite book|title=''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual]]''|author=[[Lee Brimmicombe-Wood]]|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=127}}</ref>
 
*{{class|Bougainville}} starship
 
*{{class|Bougainville}} starship
   
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==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  +
*While never officially stated, it seems likely that the USCM was inspired by the United States Marine Corps, which was formed in 1775 and has fought in dozens of conflicts, including World War II and the War on Terror. The US Marines specialize in force projection operations far from home bases, much like the USCM. However, while the US Marines rely on the United States Navy for their mobility, the USCM is apparently a combined force capable of self-contained mobility and combat operations.
*The actors playing the Colonial Marines in {{A2}} were required to read the Robert A. Heinlein novel ''Starship Troopers'' as part of their training prior to filming, and also took part in a training boot camp run by the SAS, the UK's elite special forces regiment, to help them effectively portray military combat personnel on screen.<ref name="Firepower">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]], Gale Anne Hurd, Gordon Carroll, [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[Stan Winston]]|title=Superior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref>
 
*In reality, only Great Britain has ever fielded a professional military force known as Colonial Marines (officially titled the Corps of Colonial Marines), which it did twice — the first Corps served in the Caribbean from 1808 to 1810, while the second, more substantial Corps operated in America from 1814 to 1816. During the American Revolutionary War, a group of militiamen also operated under the title of American Colonial Marines, although it was a non-professional unit.
+
*In reality, only Great Britain has ever fielded a professional military force known as Colonial Marines (officially titled the Corps of Colonial Marines), which it did twice — the first Corps served in the Caribbean from 1808 to 1810, while the second, more substantial Corps operated in America from 1814 to 1816. During the American Revolutionary War, a group of militiamen also operated under the title of American Colonial Marines, although it was an irregular unit.
 
*A Colonial Marine Corps appears in the re-imagined ''Battlestar Galactica'' television series, which also featured {{P1}} actor [[Bill Duke]] in a guest role in its second season.
 
*A Colonial Marine Corps appears in the re-imagined ''Battlestar Galactica'' television series, which also featured {{P1}} actor [[Bill Duke]] in a guest role in its second season.
 
*The actors playing the Colonial Marines in {{A2}} were required to read the Robert A. Heinlein novel ''Starship Troopers'' as part of their preparations prior to filming, and also took part in a training boot camp run by the SAS (Special Air Service), the UK's elite special forces regiment, to help them effectively portray military combat personnel on screen.<ref name="Firepower">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]], Gale Anne Hurd, [[Gordon Carroll]], [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[Stan Winston]]|title=[[Superior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens']]|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref>
   
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
 
 
*[http://www.alienslegacy.com The Aliens Legacy Forums, Movie Props and Costuming Forums]
 
*[http://www.alienslegacy.com The Aliens Legacy Forums, Movie Props and Costuming Forums]
 
*[http://www.colonialmarines.net The USCM Charter, USA Based fan Costumers]
 
*[http://www.colonialmarines.net The USCM Charter, USA Based fan Costumers]
 
*[http://www.colonialmarines.co.uk UKCM Costumers, UK Based Fundraisers and Fans]
 
*[http://www.colonialmarines.co.uk UKCM Costumers, UK Based Fundraisers and Fans]
 
*[http://www.thealienslegacy.org The Aliens Legacy]
 
*[http://www.thealienslegacy.org The Aliens Legacy]
  +
*[http://www.scifimilitary.com Sci-Fi Military Forums]
 
*[http://www.alienscollection.com/ Aliens Collection.com, Aliens related news and collectibles information]
 
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
[[Category:Military organisations]]
 
 
[[Category:Articles Needing Cleanup]]
 
[[Category:Articles Needing Cleanup]]
 
[[Category:Aliens: Colonial Marines organisations]]
 
[[Category:Aliens: Colonial Marines organisations]]

Revision as of 11:21, 16 December 2014

"These Colonial Marines are very tough hombres. They're packing state-of-the-art firepower, there's nothing they can't handle."
Burke to Ripley, regarding the USCM (from Aliens)
USCM Badge-ACMTM

USCM badge

The United States Colonial Marine Corps (USCM), commonly known as the Colonial Marines, is the successor to the United States Marine Corps and is the United Americas' primary "force-in-readiness", who are at all times ready for immediate deployment without any additional reinforcement, training or provisioning. They specialize in force projection, being able to operate independently in environments far from home for extended periods thanks to their technological prowess and sizeable space fleet at their disposal.

The Colonial Marines, along with the United States Army, are part of the United Americas Allied Command. The primary duties of the Colonial Marine Corps are to maintain security for all United Americas signatories and at all extraterrestrial colonies that fall under United States of America's control, and serve as the vanguard of any major combat operation. They have fought on more than two dozen worlds, including Tientsin (8 Eta Bootis A III), Helene 215, Linna 349, BG-386, LV-1201, LV-742, and the infamous Acheron (LV-426).

Mission

The USCM is the major striking element of the United Americas Allied Command, and is the nation's only major means of forcibly entering a hostile area from space.[1] Its ability to project power on distant worlds makes it an essential element to the nation's security, and as such its versatility and responsiveness are key in any crisis at all times.

History

The National Security Act of 2101 had established the Colonial Marines and its structure. At its peak in 2165 during the Tientsin campaign, the USCM numbered over 240,000 Marines; by 2179 that number had dropped to 165,000, with a further 50,000 in reserve.[1]

Organization

Four Marines-A2

Private First Classes Ricco Frost and Mark Drake and Corporals Dwayne Hicks and Cynthia Dietrich.

The Corps is roughly split between the supporting establishment and operating forces. The former includes recruitment, training, research and development, administrative and logistical duties, while the latter performs combat operations. Approximately 58 percent of Marines are in the operating forces.[2]

The operating forces are divided into four combat divisions and four aerospace wings, along with their required support groups. A fifth combat division and aerospace wing also exist as reserves.[1]

Marine Space Force

Main article: Marine Space Force

All combat forces within the Corps are organized into three Marine Space Forces, which answer directly to US Space Command.[2] Each MSF is given the primary responsibility of security their designated areas, though the realities of space mean these areas frequently overlap, while the practicalities of frontier operations mean forces typical operate in autonomous task forces of regimental size or less.[2]

Aerospace Wing

The Colonial Marine Aerospace Wing is responsible for providing aerospace support and airmobility to a Marine Space Force. The Wing itself is largely an administrative formation; in practice much of its elements are attached directly to a Division as an integral element.[3]

Each Wing is divided into a Drop Group, a Tactical Group, and a Support Group. The Drop Group is assigned to operate with Marine ground elements as dedicated support, and consists of approximately 200 dropships. The Tactical Group is assigned reconnaissance, ground-attack and air superiority missions, and averages six to eight squadrons of AD-19C/D Bearcat and AD-17A Cougar strikeships along with UD-4L Cheyenne and UD-22 Navaho gunships. The Support Group is assigned CasEvac, search and rescue, psyops and other miscellaneous operations, and consist of 100 dropships and 30 heavy-lift shuttles.[3]

Divisions

Each Colonial Marine Division is a balanced force of combat, service and support elements allowing for orbital assault and sustained ground operations. The Division is organized around three infantry regiments.[2]

Marine Assault Unit

The Marine Assault Unit, or MAU, is the building block of Colonial Marine combat forces, a reinforced battalion designed for independent deep-space operations far from reinforcement or logistical support. At minimum each MAU has the logistical capacity for thirty days of combat operations.[4]

The MAU is commanded by a headquarters platoon, with a logistics platoon, maintenance company and medical unit attached for non-combat support. Additional combat-oriented support units include a reconnaissance platoon, scout-sniper squad, and a combat engineer platoon. A heavy ordinance company is also attached for heavy fire support and aerospace defense, and can include self-propelled artillery, anti-ballistic and anti-space systems.[4]

Two to four infantry companies provide the heart of the MAU, with each company incorporating support elements such as mortars, anti-tank and SAM missiles that can be distributed among their line platoons. If sufficient starlift capacity is available, an armored company of fourteen tanks may also be attached.[4]

An Aerospace Drop Group and some Attack Group elements are also attached to the MAU, while the number and type of USAF Fleet units varies according to mission type and size.[4]

Rifle Platoon

The organization of the rifle platoons represents the USCM doctrine of small, autonomous infantry units capable of independent action on a non-linear battlefield.[5] The platoon commander, a lieutenant, is assisted by one or two Synthetics as technical and scientific advisers, medics and drivers. The platoon is divided into two sections, which are further divided into two squads of four Marines each. Each section is led by a sergeant and includes a driver for the M577 Armored Personnel Carrier. In addition, during Drop operations each section is assigned a UD-4 Dropship from the aerospace company team. Including the platoon commander and crews for the dropships and APCs, a full-strength rifle platoon would number twenty-five Marines, though in practice the platoon operates with fewer personnel.[5]

Organic support weaponry for the platoon includes eight M240 Incinerator Units, eight UA 571-C Automated Sentry Guns, two M78 PIG or M5 RPGs, eighteen M83 SADAR rockets, and one M402 Multiple-Launch Mortar, along with sufficient sensor equipment to establish an overlapping detection matrix with a frontage of over one kilometer.[6]

Squads

The rifle squad consists of four Marines: a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Privates/Privates First Class. The squad is broken up into two fireteams, the Rifle Team and the Gun Team. The Rifle Team consists of two riflemen armed with M41A Pulse Rifles, while the Gun Team consists of a gunner armed with the M56 Smartgun and a rifleman armed with a M41.[6]

Uniform

Hicks

Corporal Dwayne Hicks in his combat gear.

The Multi-Cam Combat Fatigue Uniform, commonly referred to as Utilities or Cammies by the Marines who wear them, is a three-piece uniform consisting of (from head to toe):

  • Multi-Cam Cover, or hat with Eagle, Globe, and Anchor affixed in the front above the bill
  • Multi-Cam Blouse with reflective nametapes above the left and right breast pockets
  • Multi-Cam trousers with six pockets

This uniform is one of two fatigues, or work uniforms worn by Colonial Marines. This uniform is worn during combat manoeuvres or field time, or on deployments where combat is supposed to be imminent. Several identifying patches and badges can be worn on this uniform depending on rank, location and Standard Operating Procedure of the Marines assigned command.

Equipment

"Hey, Ripley, don't worry. Me and my squad of ultimate badasses will protect you! Check it out. Independently targeting particle beam phalanx. Vwap! Fry half a city with this puppy... We got tactical smart missiles, phase plasma Pulse Rifles, RPGs, we got sonic electronic ball-breakers! We got nukes, we got knives, sharp sticks..."
―Pvt. Hudson, regarding the USCM's arsenal (from Aliens Special Edition)

The United States Colonial Marine Corps has access to state-of-the-art military technology and weapons, including orbital assault vehicles and armor support.

Body armor

Weapons

Bladed weapons

Pistols

Submachine guns

Rifles and carbines

Sniper rifles

Shotguns

Machine guns

Hand grenades and grenade launchers

Flamethrowers

Anti-tank missiles/weapons

Aerospace defense systems

Artillery

Other weapons

Land vehicles

Aerospace vehicles

Other equipment

Colonial Marine Bases and Stations

  • Orbital Fort Osney
  • Camp Lejeune
  • Camp Pendleton

Trivia

  • While never officially stated, it seems likely that the USCM was inspired by the United States Marine Corps, which was formed in 1775 and has fought in dozens of conflicts, including World War II and the War on Terror. The US Marines specialize in force projection operations far from home bases, much like the USCM. However, while the US Marines rely on the United States Navy for their mobility, the USCM is apparently a combined force capable of self-contained mobility and combat operations.
  • In reality, only Great Britain has ever fielded a professional military force known as Colonial Marines (officially titled the Corps of Colonial Marines), which it did twice — the first Corps served in the Caribbean from 1808 to 1810, while the second, more substantial Corps operated in America from 1814 to 1816. During the American Revolutionary War, a group of militiamen also operated under the title of American Colonial Marines, although it was an irregular unit.
  • A Colonial Marine Corps appears in the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica television series, which also featured Predator actor Bill Duke in a guest role in its second season.
  • The actors playing the Colonial Marines in Aliens were required to read the Robert A. Heinlein novel Starship Troopers as part of their preparations prior to filming, and also took part in a training boot camp run by the SAS (Special Air Service), the UK's elite special forces regiment, to help them effectively portray military combat personnel on screen.[8]

External Links

References