Imperial Marines

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The Imperial Marines or Imperial Star Marines are the armed fighting forces carried aboard Imperial starships. Marines deal with piracy and boarding actions in space, defend the starports and bases belonging to the navy, and supplement other ground forces such as the army.

  • By reputation, the Imperial Marines are sent in when something or someone presents a serious threat to the well-being of the Imperium and its member worlds. They are never used lightly, and once committed, they never leave a job half-done.
  • Some derogatorily call them the Lords of Space.


Description (Specifications)[edit]

The Imperial Marines are a tried and proven military force as well as the tip of the Emperor of the Third Imperium's might.

Mission (Goals)[edit]

The marine's goal is simple: put down opposition to the Emperor anywhere, anytime, and for any reason. They stand as the elite end of interstellar force projection and are kept at the cutting edge of martial technology at a high expense. Marines typically employ top of the line TL-15 weaponry including battledress, FGMPs, and grav tanks.

Doctrine & Strategy (Operations)[edit]

Shipboard Deployment[edit]

All marine units are trained to wear Vacc Suits and operate and fight in Low-Gravity or Zero-Gravity conditions. Marine units assigned to shipboard duty will most often acts as Ship's Troops or Security Specialist engaged in defending their vessel from boarders or engaging in boarding actions themselves involving other vessels, or will be assigned to a Troop Trasport or Assault Lander Crew for potential planetary deployment. Shipboard deployments can also include being placed in low berths as part of a ship's frozen watch, assignment as crew to Ship's Gunnery, and assistance with Damage Control at the direction of the Damage Control Officer when otherwise unoccupied.

Protected Forces (ProtFors)[edit]

All marine units are trained to wear Vacc Suits and operate in exotic or toxic environments and Low-Gravity, High-Gravity, or Zero-Gravity conditions. They usually use Gauss weapons rather than energy weapons as standard arms because the projectiles can tear or rip through enemy protective clothing, rendering them vulnerable.

Rapid Interface Forces (RIF)[edit]

All marine units are trained to wear Battledress and operate as Drop Troopers. Drop Troops are dropped from orbit or high atmosphere in Drop Capsules along a reentry interface vector to planetside in what is known as a Meteoric Assault as the first wave of an orbital infantry assault. Note that unlike Drop-Trained Army Special Forces units, Marine Drop Troops only wear their "Drop Wings" on their Dress Uniforms as a matter of pride, since all Marines are drop trained and don't need to advertise the fact.

Marine Aerospace Squadrons[edit]

The Imperial Marine Force maintains its own Close-Orbit & Aerospace Control units and also fields Imperial Marine Aerospace Fighter Pilots aboard both Imperial Navy Fleet and Escort Fighter Carriers and Landing Assault Carriers. The main mission of Marine Force squadrons is supporting Marine line units with both interdiction and close aerospace support. While Marine deep-space/aerospace fighters are maintained by naval technicians, the majority of its squadrons are completely Force-manned.

Special Operations Forces: Commando[edit]

Imperial Marine Commandos: The elite of the elite, specializing in hard-hitting precision strikes and raids against high-value enemy targets. They are one of the three Elite Special Forces Units fielded by the Imperial Forces. Marine Commando raider units are also trained in reconnaissance. They can be deployed in or out of battledress, depending on the needs of the operation or campaign.

Protection of Starports[edit]

Despite the popular misconception, it is NOT the role of the Imperial Marines to provide protection to all starports. This is the role of the Starport Authority Police. However, the Imperial Marines are empowered to provide assistance to the Starport Authority when requested. Depending upon the number of naval and marine personnel present at a given starport, the Naval Police may be present to ensure their good behaviour.

Military Government[edit]

On occasion, the Imperial Marines may be called upon to temporarily administer worlds under Martial Law or supply a Military Government under Imperial Law. This is usually undertaken in cooperation with the Imperial Navy and the Subsector Duke.

Marine Guard Detachments[edit]

Imperial Marines also have the task of guarding Imperial facilities, including Imperial Naval Bases, Imperial Consulates, and Imperial Embassies. These guard posts are largely ceremonial, and all have Marine guards standing at attention in their Dress Maroons, presenting a visible reminder of the Imperium's power to those passing through the gates. Imperial Marine guards often serve in precision parade and drill units at larger postings. A Marine guard who has served his tour honorably can add the “guard” tab to his dress uniform when he returns to a line unit.

Recruitment & Retention[edit]

General Enlistment[edit]

Anyone in the Imperium may volunteer to enlist in the Imperial Marines. Not all are accepted.

Officer Recruitment[edit]

Officers may be recruited either from serving enlisted marines or from those who have attended particular courses.
Students of Colleges or Universities who have had their fees paid under the Naval Officer Training Corps scheme and those attending Naval Academy are required to enter the Imperial Marines as Officers if they do not enter the Imperial Navy.
Serving Imperial Marines selected for the Naval Officer Candidate School may be commissioned as Imperial Marine Officers if they pass the course.

Draft[edit]

The Imperial Marines has the right to draft personnel for a 4-year term of service. No person may be drafted more than once. Any person may submit to The Draft, but this does not guarantee that the Draftee will be required to serve in the Imperial Marines.

Recall[edit]

Persons who have previously served in the Imperial Marines may (if never previously drafted to any service) may be recalled for a 4-year term of service using the same regulations as allow the draft itself.

Rank & Grade (Hierarchy)[edit]

Imperial Marine Ranks
Traveller Imperial Star Marines Sunburst logo.svg
Commissioned Officers
O9 » Marshal-Commandant of the Corps
O8 » Brigadier-General (Marshal)
O7 » Brigadier
O6 » Coronel
O5 » Lieutenant Coronel
O4 » Force Commander
O3 » Captain (Force Captain)
O2 » First Lieutenant (Force Lieutenant)
O1 » Second Lieutenant (Force Ensign)
O0 » Cadet / Midshipman
Enlisted Ranks
E9 » Chief Master Gun. Sgt (Sergeant Major)
E8 » Master Gunnery Sgt. (First Sergeant)
E7 » Master Sergeant (Leading Sergeant)
E6 » Staff Sergeant (Gunnery Sergeant)
E5 » Sergeant
E4 » Lance Sergeant
E3 » Corporal
E2 » Lance Corporal
E1 » Marine/Private (Private 1st Class)
E0 » Marine Recruit / Apprentice


Some of the organizational Grades and Ranks used by this force are included in the table to the right. Specific Grades and Ranks, and some of the Appointments appropriate to those respective Grades are listed in the table below. The nominal SUBSTANTIVE RANK listed is the proper Base Rank-title for the Grade in question. Individuals holding the Substantive Rank qualify to hold certain APPOINTMENTS for the Grade in question, and in such cases will typically be addressed by the Appointment-title rather than by the nominal Substantive Rank-title at the Grade of the Appointment.

IMPERIAL MARINES: Grades, Ranks, and Appointments
Grade Rank Remarks
E0 Marine Apprentice Marine recruits are Navy volunteers who go through an arduous selection process called "the Grinder".[1] They are then on probation for a period afterwards until they are promoted to the rank of Marine. Those that fail the "Grinder" or are deemed unsuitable for promotion during probation are "sent down" to the Navy as Ordinary Space Hands.
E1 Marine
(Marine 1st Class) 		None
E2 Lance Corporal Marine Asst. or Acting Fire-Team Leader or Specialist
E3 Corporal Marine Fire-Team Leader
E4 Lance Sergeant Marine Asst. or Acting Squad Leader
E5 Sergeant Marine Squad Leader or Acting Section Leader
E6 Staff Sergeant SUBSTANTIVE RANK / Staff Appointment. Marine Section Leader or Platoon Senior NCO.
E6 Gunnery Sergeant SUBSTANTIVE RANK / Technical Specialist. The lead Marine NCO of a Specialist sub-unit. Specialist Marines are considered technical or combat support rather than administrative support like Staff Marines. A Gunnery Sergeant is typically of grade E6 or E7. An E6 appointed as Gunnery Sergeant has generally been in-grade for some time and is more experienced and is considered to outrank a Staff Sergeant.
(E6) Section Sergeant The honorary title granted to the senior NCO in a Marine Section, a sub-set of a ship's Marine detachment that can be as large as a Platoon. A Section Sergeant is typically of grade E6 or E7. They assist the Marine commanding the Section, usually a subaltern officer or breveted NCO.
E7 Master Sergeant SUBSTANTIVE RANK / Nominal Base Grade & Technical Specialist. Marine Specialist at the Detachment level overseeing Specialist sub-units, or a Company/Troop/Battery or Detachment level Staff NCO (e.g. Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQS)).
E7 Leading Sergeant Senior Staff Appointment. Marine Platoon/Section Leader, or sometimes the Senior NCO in a Marine Company/Troop/Battery.
(E7) Leading Gunnery Sergeant Technical Combat Specialist - Appointment. The lead Marine NCO of a Specialist sub-unit. Specialist Marines are considered technical or combat support rather than administrative support like Staff Marines.
(E7) Chief Gunnery Sergeant If there is more than one Gunnery Sergeant in a ship's crew or force, the senior Gunnery Sergeant is known as the "Chief Gunnery Sergeant". A Chief Gunnery Sergeant is typically of grade E7.
(E7) Colour Sergeant Appointment. Senior NCO in a Marine Company/Troop/Battery, who is responsible for carrying out special ceremonial and protocol duties.
E8 Senior Master Sergeant SUBSTANTIVE RANK / Nominal Base Grade & Technical Specialist - Warrant Officer Equivalent. Marine NCOIC supervising Specialist sub-units at the Battalion/Squadron level, or a Battalion/Squadron level Staff NCO (e.g. Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant (BQS)).
E8 Master Gunnery Sergeant Technical Combat Specialist - Appointment - Warrant Officer Equivalent. Master Gunnery Sergeants are leading Marine NCO Specialists supervising technical combat support specialist sub-units at the Battalion/Squadron level. Specialist Marines are considered technical or combat support rather than administrative support.
E8 First Sergeant (CSM) Senior Staff Appointment - Warrant Officer Equivalent. The senior Marine NCO in a Marine Company/Troop/Battery. They are assigned to advise a Marine Company/Troop/Battery or Detachment commander (usually a Captain or Force Commander). Called a "Company Sergeant Major (CSM)" when assigned to smaller Detachments.
(E8) Ship's Sergeant FLEET MARINES: The honorary title granted to the senior NCO in a ship's Marine Detachment. Large ships can carry a Detachment as large as a Company. A Ship's Sergeant is typically of grade E7 or E8.
E9 Chief Master Sergeant SUBSTANTIVE RANK / Nominal Base Grade & Technical Specialist - Senior Warrant Officer Equivalent. Marine NCOIC supervising Specialist units at the Regiment/Brigade/Fleet level and/or assisting a Sergeant Major or Chief Master Gunnery Sergeant, or a Regiment/Brigade/Fleet level Staff NCO (e.g. Regimental/Fleet Quartermaster Sergeant (RQS/FQS)).
E9 Chief Master Gunnery Sergeant Technical Combat Specialist - Appointment - Senior Warrant Officer Equivalent. Chief Master Gunnery Sergeants are the senior Marine NCO Specialists and technical experts. Chief Master Gunnery Sergeants are leading Marine NCO Specialists supervising technical combat support specialist units at the Regiment/Brigade/Fleet level. Specialist Marines are considered technical or combat support rather than administrative support.
E9 Sergeant Major Senior Staff Appointment - Senior Warrant Officer Equivalent. The senior Marine NCO (grade E9) in a Marine Battalion/Squadron, Regiment, or higher. They are assigned to advise senior Marine Field and Flag commanders. Mostly an honorary title because Marines usually serve in small units that are only notionally assigned to a higher command.
(E8-E9) Force Sergeant Major (FSM) RAPID-REACTION FORCE: The senior Marine NCO (grade E8-E9) in a Task Force among the Rapid-Reaction Force Marines. They are assigned to advise a Marine Task Force commander.
(E9) Battalion Sergeant Major (BSM) RAPID-REACTION FORCE: The senior Marine NCO (grade E9) in a Battalion or Squadron or Regiment among the Rapid-Reaction Force Marines. They are assigned to advise a Marine Battalion or Squadron commander.
(E9) Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) RAPID-REACTION FORCE: The senior Marine NCO (grade E9) in a Regiment or Brigade among the Rapid-Reaction Force Marines. They are assigned to advise a Marine Regiment or Brigade commander.
(E9) Fleet Sergeant Major (RFSM) FLEET MARINES: The senior Marine NCO (grade E9) in a Fleet among the Fleet Marines. They are assigned to advise a Marine Brigadier OR Brigadier-General in a Naval Fleet.
(E9) Regimental Sergeant Major of the Fleet (RSMF) SECTOR or QUADRANT: The senior Marine NCO (grade E9) assigned to advise a Marine Brigadier-General acting as Regional/Sector Marshal.
O0 Cadet / Midshipman None
-- Section Commander A Marine officer (Grade O1) or breveted NCO (Grade E6-E7) in command of a sub-Detachment of Marines equivalent to a Squad or Platoon in size. Occasionally a Marine Midshipman-in-training will temporarily hold this position, in which case he is often unofficially referred to as a "Third Lieutenant".
O1 Second Lieutenant
(Force Ensign) 		A Marine Officer leading a Platoon. Usually considered a commissioned officer-in-training.
O2 First Lieutenant
(Force Lieutenant) 		A Marine Officer leading a Platoon, or the Executive Officer of a Marine Company/Troop/Battery.
O3 Captain
(Force Captain) 		A Marine Officer in charge of a Company/Troop/Battery, or the Executive Officer of a Marine Detachment. The term Ship's Major is an honorary title bestowed upon a Marine Captain when on-board a ship so there will be no confusion between them and the ship's Captain, its commander.
O4 Force Commander A Marine officer who commands a Detachment of Marines. A Marine Force is made up of Ship's Detachments assigned under one Headquarters. A Force Commander may also be the Executive Officer of a Marine Battalion/Squadron.
O5 Lieutenant Coronel A Marine field-officer who commands the Marines in a Navy Fleet/Task Group-level command or Battalion/Squadron. A Lieutenant Coronel may also be the Executive Officer of a Marine Regiment.
O6 Coronel A Marine field-officer who commands the Marines in a Navy Fleet/Task Force-level command or Regiment or Regimental Combat Team. A Coronel may also be the Executive Officer of a Marine Brigade or Expeditionary Unit.
O7 Brigadier Senior Marine field-officer rank, overseeing a Fleet/Task Force-level Marine Brigade or Expeditionary Unit, or overseeing Subsector-level (Numbered-Fleet) command responsibilities. Brigadiers also serve as senior staffers on a Navy Flag Officer’s Staff.
O8 Brigadier-General A Marine Brigadier who is promoted to General-officer Flag-rank in the Imperial Marines. In addition to overseeing Subsector-level (Numbered-Fleet) command responsibilities, the rank carries varying appointments for both Subsector-Fleet level (Subsector Vice-Marshal) and Sector-Fleet level (Sector Marshal) administrative positions and is a Navy appointment.
(O8/O9) Marshal Appointment. A Marine Brigadier-General who is designated as overall commander of multiple Fleet-level commands and operations of Division and Expeditionary Force in size in a theater of war. It is only used in wartime and is an Imperial appointment.
O9 Marshal-Commandant of the Corps The highest ranking Marine Officer in the Imperial Marines. If one or more Marshals have been appointed, the rank is increased to Marshal-Commandant of the Corps. The Marshal-Commandant's job is entirely political and involves representing the Corps at Court and getting support for its funding in the Moot. The Marshal-Commandant normally holds a minimum noble title of Viscount.

Uniforms[edit]

The colors and device used by the Imperial Marines in the Imperial Marine Force Banner are a Dark Maroon Imperial Sunburst on a field of Gold, trimmed and bordered with Black, which are likewise the colors used for the backing for their insignia, distinctive signage at bases, and various other uses. Uniforms of the Imperial Marines use motifs of Black or Dark charcoal-grey (when contrast is needed) and Dark Maroon, with Gold-trim and highlights where appropriate.

Headwear[edit]

While the "Peaked Cap" still sees use in some situations, by far the most common form of uniform headwear in the Imperial Marines is the iconic Maroon Beret. The Marine beret is of a Dark Maroon coloration with the traditional, slightly lighter Imperial Marine Maroon Sunburst surmounted upon black and gold background flashing, these three colors comprising the colors in the charge, field, and border of the Imperial Marine Service Banner. The beret is only issued to recruits after they complete their training cycle, which they wear thereafter with great pride. A Marine tradition concerning the beret is that the battledress helmet should be removed and replaced with that original beret whenever possible. [2]

Utility Uniform[edit]

The uniform worn for most duties is the Marine Utility Uniform. Imperial Marine Utilities are basically identical to the Army version, although the Marines refuse to use the Army slang term for them ("slops"). All utilities share some common characteristics, though they vary with job detail. Utilities are tough, long-lasting suits designed for very rough treatment. The most commonly seen suit is a two-piece set comprising shirt and trousers in gray and black. The uniform has numerous pockets for the items that marines need to carry. Decorations are not normally worn on this uniform, just relevant skill badges. Boots are normally worn with this style of uniform, usually of the sealed tactical style. [3]
One item unique to the Marine Force is the shipboard uniform, which is a modified Navy uniform issued to Marines serving as part of a ship’s crew. [3]

Undress Uniform (Service Dress): "Undress Black"[edit]

"Undress Black" is the common day-to-day Service Dress uniform of the Marine Force worn by Marines any time they are not doing physical labor requiring the sturdier utilities. It is a set of black trousers (actually a dark charcoal-grey) and a black jacket, both with maroon trim. [3]

Full Dress: "Dress Black"[edit]

The Marines have two levels of full-dress uniform. The first, more common outfit is dress black. This uniform is a variation of the Navy’s dress uniform, and is cut in the same way, a black high-collared, single-breasted jacket, trimmed in maroon, with a prominent Imperial sunburst. Marines wear only their rank and awards for valor on their dress blacks. Cutlasses are worn with the uniform where appropriate. [3]

Full Dress: "Dress Maroon"[edit]

Full Dress Maroon is a Maroon uniform worn only on very formal occasions, but just a slight step down from the next higher rig, Parade Dress Maroon. The heavy Maroon jacket has extensive gold trim and braid, and all the Marine’s medals and decorations are worn. Black trousers are worn with this level. A peaked cap is occasionally specified. [4] [3]

"Parade Dress Maroon"[edit]

Parade Dress Maroon is the maroon uniform worn only on the most formal occasions. In contrast to the severe look of the Dress Blacks, the Maroon uniform is designed to overwhelm the viewer. Normally, a black kilt is worn with the heavy Maroon braided and trimmed jacket of the Dress Maroon uniform. [3] In situations where the kilt would be inappropriate (such as low gravity) black [3] or white trousers [4] are worn. A peaked cap is occasionally specified. [4] Parade Dress Maroon is the standard uniform for honor guards, flag bearers, regimental pipe bands, and guards at Imperial Consulates. [3]

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

The Imperial Marines were founded by Cleon Zhunastu, who transformed the landing forces of the Sylean Navy into the Imperial Marines over 1,100 years ago. Weapons and tactics have changed, but the Marines’ basic function remains the same:

  • Move fast..
  • Strike hard and...
  • Enforce the Emperor’s will.

TO&E (Organization)[edit]

While the largest standard Imperial Marine Unit is the Division, it is rarely encountered except in times of war. Under peacetime conditions most Marines are assigned duty either as Fleet Marines or assigned to the Marine Rapid-Reaction Force.

  • Fleet Marines: Fleet Marines are deployed throughout the Imperial Fleet to various units of the Imperial Navy as ship’s troops and assault landing forces or as guard troops for bases and other important installations. Units can range from shipboard security detachments of 10 Marines up to Company-sized contingents that can be deployed as landing forces.
  • Rapid-Reaction Force: Rapid-Reaction Force Marines can be deployed in units as small as a single independent Company, but the standard unit of the Rapid Reaction Force is the Battalion-sized Task Force that is individually tailored for a specific mission objective. Task Forces are assembled as needed from the component units available to a Marine Regiment and can vary in composition but will normally include all assets necessary to complete a given mission (including any transport, escort and combat-support craft, as well as administrative and logistical personnel).

Imperial Marine Regiments are predominantly administrative in nature, nominally containing 3 Marine Task Force headquarters units and 9 Marine Companies along with various smaller units performing specialist functions, which can be formed into missions-specific Task-Forces as needed, as noted above.

For large-scale operations during wartime deployments, Marine Regimental Battalions are deployed on planet as the core of Expeditionary Units, or Regimental Combat Teams can form the components of larger Expeditionary Brigades or Marine Divisions.

At the time of the Fifth Frontier War, the Spinward Marches Fleet was organised on the ideal of one Imperial Marine Regiment per Numbered Fleet e.g. 8327th Imperial Marine Regiment was attached to the 213th Fleet. Additionally various Regiments and Divisions in garrison roles attached to the Named Fleet e.g. Karin (Regiment) and Wonstar (Division).

The Imperial Marines also supply the Marine Guard Regiment to the Imperial Guard.

Selected Vehicle Classes[edit]

Some vehicle classes widely used by the Imperial Marine force include:

Worlds & Sectors (Astrography)[edit]

This force primarily operates in the following areas:
Charted Space:

World Listing: 1105[edit]

This force is known to regularly operate within the following systems and worlds:

1 of 1 World articles in Imperial Marines
Karin  •  
startbacknext(1 listed)

See also[edit]

Third Imperium

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Third Imperium

Imperial Forces

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Imperial Forces:
Unified Forces of the Imperium

  • Space Forces:
  • Ground Forces:
  • Paramilitary & Auxiliary Forces
  • Mashkim (System or Planetary Police)
  • Irregular "For Hire" Mercenaries
  • Regular Contractual Mercenaries


References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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