The STARFLEET Marine Corps (or SFMC) is a component of STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association (also known as SFI). Fictionally, the SFMC is part of the Ground Forces that are rarely seen in the episodes but are assumed to be a part of the Naval Fleet of the United Federation of Planets.
The SFMC has its own academy, as well. Since much of the fictional aspects of the Corps revolve around the ground-based military, the courses offered are based around the various Branches of Duty within the SFMC. Examples of these are Infantry, Special Ops, Armor and even MECHA (similar to the Battletech and MechWarrior game systems). Some courses are based on Leadership skills, designed to help a Strike Group Leader improve his ability to lead his group within the chapter's structure.
The 728th Marine Strike Group, commonly known as the 'Corsairs,' is its own entity. We operate out of the command realm of the Corps and under the rules of the 'sea.' The 728th is bound only to its Officer in Charge and the Commanding Officer of the USS Blackheart. We carry out those tasks that Starfleet deems inappropriate, or at the very least too politically volatile for its SFMC to carry out. Starfleet disavows all knowledge of the Corsairs: Their tactics, personnel, equipment and mission objectives.
In real life, the 728th seeks to bridge the gap between SFI and the SFMC. We feel that there is too much separation between members of SFI and the SFMC. Additionally, the 728th is involved in taking care of coalition troops overseas as well as charity efforts with local organizations.
For more information regarding SFI, the SFMC, or the 728th Marine Strike Group, please contact the OIC of the 728th, 1Lt Kyle Hunter at kyle.hunter@ussblackheart.org.
