MFMC

We are a Branch of MFI, and as a "Line Office", we report to the Chief of Operations, MFI, and through the COO and the International Coordinator of MFI.  Fictionally, MFMC is part of the Ground Forces never seen in the Star Trek episodes, but which are assumed to have operated as a part of the Maquis Resistance during the Dominion War period.  The MFI proudly proclaims themselves the 'Rebels of Fandom' and we are considered an 'elite' Branch within the MFI.

We are members of MFI first and foremost. We are not US Marines and we don't seek to copy them. You will occasionally find a MFI member who has served in the Military, but this is not a pre-requisite to join us.  While we do have different terminology and structures then other Services, Branches and Departments in MFI, our only requirement for membership is that you first be a member of MFI in good standing. Some of our members participate as Marine Reserve'  meaning that their primary interaction with Trek and Fandom is as MFI members firstly, and Maquis Forces Marines secondly.  Other members are 'Active Duty' meaning that they function within MFI as Marines first, wheither in Marine orientated units or as members of a MFI cell.

We operate under the Marine Handbook, an addendum or addition to the MFI Handbook.  In the Handbook, we illustrate the MFMC, how the Corps interacts with the rest of MFI and 'How to Use It' for your own benefit.  We also have our own Listserver, the GROUNDPOUNDER and a column by the same name runs within the MFI BADLANDS newsletter.

What MFMC Does:
MFMC participate in local cell, Zone Regional or even MFI wide activities, just like any other MFI members. From local and national Conventions, online chatrooms, and other events, to informal pizza parties.  We even hold our own activities at times, or present a 'group front' at larger events.  These can range from something like a local bowling party, to charitable fund raising events like Red Cross Blood Drives or the USMC 'Toys for Tots.'

We also have out own school within the Maquis Academy.  The Marine School not only introduces and prepares MFI members to participate within MFMC, but also offers fandom courses about the various MOS (Marine Occupational Specialties) within the Corps. And of course, the MFI College does the same for Maquis Forcs Marines as a whole, with the quality courses they offer.

The Corps is dedicated to the idea that every Marine has the obligation to be a committed and viable part of their communities, both fandom communities and 'Real Life' communties, as Mr. Roddenberry set us the challenge to be.

Where to Find Us.

MFMC has a saying...One Marine, One Corps. Find one Marine and you've found a RECON unit.  Marines band together in units based on geophysical proximity, and those units together form the Corps. There are numbers of Marines and Marine units within the MFI Force, check with us for information about your closest unit, or about forming your own.

Marine Corps Operations 
MFMC Operations are indirectly controlled by the Force Admiral, the International Coordinator of the MFI. Allowing broad discretionary powers to the field commanders themselves, the International Coordinator is responsible for major and long-term deployments, extended campaigns, and various special tours of duty that do not fall under the jurisdiction of any field command. In doing, the Marine Corps unit commanders are given the power to evaluate and make decisions based on their own observations and calculations rather than having to continually check with their superiors. This by no means allows carte blanche, major decisions which do not fall under the unit's mission must be verified if possible. A Marine unit commander has similar decision powers to a Starship Captain. 

On a smaller scale, units deployed aboard a starship operate under a similar, yet somewhat different, method. In addition to reporting to the regiment or battalion command in which the battalion or company serves, the Marine Commanding Officer or as we call them, the Officer in Charge (OIC) reports directly to the ship's captain. This instant communications and coordination allows both the Naval and Marine forces aboard the starship to conduct daily operations in a manner equitable to both sides. A starship-bound Marine unit receives orders in much the same way. Long-term objectives are assigned by the unit's marine command while the vessel's CO is responsible for assigning short-term objectives. This has proven to be an effective method for those units assigned to serve aboard Maquis Naval vessels and installations.  

Once graduated from Maquis Fleet Academy, the Marine officer is promoted to the rank of Subaltern after passing Marine Boot Camp. There is a great deal of friendly animosity between Maquis Naval and Marine officers and crew. In short, they don't get along too well. The Naval complement thinks the MFMC is home to a bunch of brash, arrogant, trigger-happy folk and the Marine complement believes the Maquis Navy to be lax in discipline and training. The Marines also believe that the Navy takes the work of the MFIMC too lightly. It's not easy being 'elite'.... those Fleeties will never know....