The Royal Marines of Clarion, White Light currently have about 300 personnel, four ships (three assault scouts and a frigate) and six fighters (White Light Squadron). Ships of the Royal Marines carry the designation CMS which stands for Clarion Militia Ship. Only 50 of the Marines are actual crew members; the remainder are station-based support personnel, such as technicians, computer programmers, boarding parties and station police. The color scheme of the Royal Marines is light green on a black field. Ranks appears as light green pins on black shoulder pads and arm sleeves (both with light green trim) for officers, while enlisted personnel have light green stripes on a black patch at the shoulders.
The hierarchy of rank among Royal Marine personnel is outlined below:
Officer Ranks:
Commander (of the Royal Marines) (Com.) - The commander is the highest ranking officer in the Royal Marines. Only one individual holds this rank at any one time. The commander of the Royal Marines is usually a member of Clarion's royalty. This rank has a set of three diamond-shaped pins.
Captain (Cap.) - Three officers currently hold captain's rank: the captain of the frigate Leo and two officers on the Commander's staff. Their rank symbol are a pair of diamond-shaped pins.
Lieutenant (Lt.) - The officers in command of the assault scouts hold this rank, as do many officers on the Commander's staff. Their rank symbol is a diamond-shaped pin.
Junior Lieutenant (Jr. Lt.) - Most of the skilled crew members aboard the Royal Marines ships are Jr. Lieutenants. These officers operate ships' weapons, or lead the boarding parties. Their rank symbol is a bar.
Midshipman (Midsh.) - These are the rookies among the Royal Marine officers. Unlike Crewmen, officers are trained to become skilled with running a ship. Midshipmen are generally not allowed command of enlisted men. Their rank symbol is a pip (a small round pin).
Enlisted Ranks:
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) - These are the most senior enlisted personnel of the Royal Marines. They are highly skilled in their field, and highly respected. They are usually in charge of the station's security or technical department, under the command of a more senior officer - acting as an intermediate between the officer, and enlisted personnel. They can train to become officers - a promotion to Lieutenant upon completion. Their rank symbol are a set of three stripes for Techs, or chevrons for Marines.
Petty Officer (PO) - These are the non-commissioned officers of enlisted personnel. They are skilled in their field, but they do not have the sort of skills needed to run a ship. They are usually in charge of boarding parties or technical staff, or training new personnel. They are often placed under the command of a Junior Lieutenant, so the young officer would learn from their experience, and Crewmen usually respect an NCO more then a young officer. They can train to become officers - an instant promotion to Junior Lieutenant, upon completion. Their rank symbol are a pair of stripes for Techs, or chevrons for Marines.
Crewman (CM) - These are the basic enlisted personnel of the Royal Marines. They include Marines (police and boarding parties) and Technicians. Their rank symbol is a single stripe for Techs, or chevron for Marines.
Crewman Apprentice (CA) - These are the inexperienced enlisted trainees of the Royal Marines. They are at a stage of learning and hands-on training to become full-fledged Crewmen. They have no rank symbol.
Members of the Royal Marines live in a large area of the residence deck of the Clarion station. All officers wear a holstered laser pistol and military skeinsuit at all times. When they are on duty, they also wear an albedo screen. In formal events - like ceremonies or memorials - dress uniforms are worn, with all appropriate awards and honors.
The overall commander of the Royal Marines is a Human, Commander David Arconium, Duke of Hiatia. He is a grizzled veteran of the Royal Marines, having served more than 30 years. He is feared and respected throughout the ranks.
Order of Battle[]
CMS Leo (frigate)
Officers: 6, Crew: 28, Boarding Party: 15
Commanding Officer: Cap. Deirooca, Rogena Race: Human, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Pilot Dalrooca is highly respected by all Royal Marines.
1st Officer: Lt. Meebe, Urugg Race: Yazirian, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot Meebe is second in command of Leo.
Astrogator: Lt. Marranh, Lackan Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Astrogation Marranh has a reputation for gambling.
Chief Engineer: Lt. Buu, Bronah Race: Dralasite, Sex: n/a, Primary MOS: Engineering Buu is famed for twisted sense of humor.
Torpedo Officer: Jr. Lt. Warren, Daner Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Rocket Systems Brother of Dannah.
Laser Cannon Officer: Jr. Lt. Warren, Dannah Race: Human, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Energy Weapon Systems Sister of Daner.
CMS Falcon (assault scout)
Officers: 3 Crew: 2 Boarding Party: 5
Commanding Officer: Lt. Shirrah, Vincent Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot Commander and primary pilot of the Falcon.
Torpedo Gunner: Jr. Lt. McMickels, Rollie Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Rocket Systems Targets Falcon's assault rockets.
Marine Officer: Jr. Lt. Goorhud, Bluto Race: Yazirian, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Marine Officer Leads Falcon boarding party.
CMS Wasp (assault scout)
Officers: 2, Crew: 2, Boarding Party: 6
Commanding Officer: Lt. Oill, Kriz'k Race: Vrusk, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Pilot, Secondary MOS: Medic Commander and primary Pilot of the Wasp; also had extensive medical training.
Laser Cannon Officer: Jr. Lt. K'zix, Z'zix Race: Vrusk, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Energy Weapon Systems Operates Wasp's laser battery.
CMS Osprey (assault scout)
Officers: 4, Crew: 2, Boarding Party: 4
Commanding Officer: Lt. Tabbe, Maxxer Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot (former commander of the Osprey) He is polite but aloof to crew.
Commanding Officer: Lt. Dentin, Gregor Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot (current commander of the Osprey, and former second officer) Tenacious, aggressive, rough background. Driven by personal pride and loyalty. Fanatic hated of the Sathar.
1st Officer: Lt. Momnod, Boobor Race: Dralasite, Sex: n/a, Primary MOS: Pilot (current second-in-command of the Osprey) Clever, unconventional, prefers trickery.
Engineer: Jr. Lt. Ris'Z, M'Kix Race: Vrusk, Sex: ??, Primary MOS: Engineering Hard-working, but not ambitious. Proud of intellectual and professional accomplishments. Loves to tinker. Well-respected and trusted by crew.
Asrogator: Jr. Lt. Klast, Rhanda Race: Human, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Astrogation (former Torpedo Officer; current Asrogator) Hot-tempered, rash, impatient, though usually well-controlled with friends.
2nd Engineer: Crewman Hradem, Lettes Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Engineering, Secondary MOS: Medic Formerly a medic in a mercenary unit. Hopes to become a civilian space pilot.
Laser Gunner: Crewman Hartis, Stann Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Energy Weapon Systems A born leader with a rebellious streak. Vary loyal to fellow crew members. Sometime hard on strangers.
Torpedo Gunner: Crewman Rhebe, Beebe Race: Yazirian, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Rocket Systems Unpredictable and moody. Vary competent, loves combat.
Cook: Petty Officer Doorem, Bogan Race: Dralasite, Sex: n/a, Primary MOS: Marine Fine soldier, dangerous cook. Fond of exotic and spicy cuisine. Never takes unnecessary risks.
Marine: Crewman Mrill'Z, S'Hax Race: Versk, Sex: ??, Primary MOS: Marine Adventurous with foolhardy enthusiasm.
Marine: Crewman Apprentice Labori, "Ham" (real name unknown) Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Marine A rookie to the Marines, but experienced. Unknown background.
CMS Swallow (assault scout)
This an auxiliary ship, in case the Royal Marines need an extra ship for emergencies, or to replace a lost ship. They have yet to fill a crew for it.
CMS Flitter (assault scout)
This an auxiliary ship, in case the Royal Marines need an extra ship for emergencies, or to replace a lost ship. They have yet to fill a crew for it.
White Light Squadron (6 fighters)
The Clarion station is supported by a squadron of six fighters. They are lead by "Alpha Leader" Lt. Kurloft of Alpha Squad, followed by "Bata Leader" Jr. Lt. Zargg of Bata Squad, followed by "Delta Leader" Jr. Lt. Tolor of Delta Squad. Each squad leader is supported by a "Wingman."
Alpha Leader: Lt. Kurloft, Miles "Blitz" Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot Charismatic and calculating. Considered a highly competent tactician.
Alpha Wingman: PO Ki'Zula, Bala "Chatty" Race: Yazirian, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Pilot Taciturn and straightforwards. Although lacking in comradery, she show loyalty and respect through action.
Bata Leader: Jr. Lt. Zargg, Nul "The Rocket" Race: Yazirian, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot Daring and brash. Prone to jump foolhardily into a fight, much to Kurloft's chagrin.
Bata Wingman: PO Geldon, Jon "Slick" Race: Human, Sex: Male, Primary MOS: Pilot A hard-drinking womanizer, who is loathed by Tolor. Smart enough to keep a safe distance when Zargg jumps the gun.
Delta Leader: Jr. Lt. Tolor, Anastasia "Ice Princess" Race: Human, Sex: Female, Primary MOS: Pilot A cocky, chauvinistic tomboy, who is always arguing with Kurloft and Gelden. Takes offense to being treated like a lady - ironically, she is a lesser noble.
Delta Wingman: PO Moylor, Bulor "Chuckles" Race: Dralasite, Sex: n/a, Primary MOS: Pilot Serious in fight; goofy otherwise. Has an addiction to spirited vapors while in steam-rooms.
The squadron is supported by a flight crew of technicians at the station.
Life in the Royal Marines[]
Barracks. Members of the Royal Marines live in a large area of the residence deck of Clarion station. Officers receives a private cabin. Enlisted personnel are required to bunk with two to four individuals per cabin.
The Royal Marines have a dining hall, but they may do their own cooking if they wish. Each cabin has a small kitchen area in it for this purpose. A large recreation area is also available for the use of the Royal Marines.
Induction. Immediately after entering the Royal Marines, new enlistees are run through a brief training course on Clarion station. This course lasts 20 days, and teaches the fundamentals of militia routine and standard procedures for dealing with various problems.
UPF Officers are in such demand, they will recruit them at full rank (up to Fleet Lieutenant), with only the standard 20-day training course. Recruits maybe trained to be officers if they have to right skills to learn how to operate a ship's system, and this would take 100 days (or 40 local days) of extensive training. Recruits start off as Midshipmen. Many of the Royal Marine officers are former Non-Commissioned Officers who had gained the necessary skills and experience to operate a ship or station. This also takes 100 days of training.
Assignments. After completing the training course, marine enlistees will be assigned to a cargo inspection detail (boarding party) aboard one the assault scout ships. Enlisted techs are generally assigned to maintenance teams aboard the station. Midshipmen are assigned to a Junior Lieutenant aboard an assault scout, to gain first-hand experience with what system they are skilled with. Duty schedules will vary, but four days (200 hours) of patrolling aboard ship or station followed by two days (100 hours) off at the station is usual. Occasional special assignments may require personnel to be onboard for 20 or more days at a time.
Pay. Royal Marines use the same pay grade system as the UPF for officers, and standard skill-based wages for enlisted personnel, with bonus pay for non-commissioned officers (+20 Credits for Petty Officers, and +50 Credits for Chief Petty Officers). The Royal Marines provide free food and lodging. Payday occurs once every tenday.
Promotion. Performance is an important factor, of course. Promotion to the rank of lieutenant or Petty Officer may be fairly rapid, if one's actions demonstrate ability and responsibility. The rank of Captain is reserved for only the finest officers with many years of experience, as well as Chief Petty Officers being the finest non-commissioned officers within the Royal Marines. As noted above, the rank of Commander the Royal Marines is limited to Clarian royalty. Exceptions are possible, but it would require a non-royal Captain of exemplary service and charisma, with good standings with the ruling family.
Awards and Honors. As noted, decorations are only worn on dress uniforms during formal events. The Royal Marines service places a higher emphasis on medals, then the simple ribbon bars used by the UPF, as well as sashes that denotes Knightly Orders. Awards and honors are given by the recommendation of an officer (of at least a Lieutenant or higher), and are presented by members of the Royal Family.
(Cited from SFKH0: The Warriors of White Light; additional info by Malcadon)