Supplemental C: 898th Marine Strike Group (MSG)

Introduction

 The USS White Sands is home to the 898th Marine Strike Group (Combined Arms — Medical and Aerospace). The primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) for the 898th are Medical and Aerospace, but Marines from all branches and MOSs are welcome to serve in the unit.

The 898th was originally organized and attached to the vessel previously in existence in Albuquerque. That chapter and the 898th were dissolved in 2014; however, many original members of the 898th are a part of this ship and decided to reform the MSG. The MSG was reactivated on board the USS White Sands on Stardate 202202.22 (Feb 22, 2022) by first OIC BDR Mike “Eddie” Dethlefs.

Uniforms

If a Marine chooses to obtain one or more uniforms for his/her use, s/he should consult with the Marines’ Uniform Policies and Guidelines Handbook for a list of the approved uniforms, insignia, and where they can be obtained. Like the non-Marine members of the USS White Sands, the Marines have a minimum uniform option. In the case of the 898th MSG, this will consist of a black, dark grey, or Branch color polo shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Refer to the Convention Minimum (1.11) entry in the Marine Uniform Policies and Guidelines Manual for further information

General information and qualifications

898th MSG Nickname	The Flying Medicine Men
898th MSG Motto	“A spoonful of sugar helps the phaser blast go down.”
898th MSG Slogan	“This will only hurt a little.”
898th Mission Statement	To protect the United Federation of Planets against all enemies, foreign and domestic, in accordance with the orders given to the Strike Group by the Commanding Officer, Forces Command, STARFLEET Marine Corps. These orders may include but are not limited to: serving as an onboard security force for the USS White Sands; setting up and defending field hospitals; deploying its fighters in support of other units and their assigned operations or conducting assault landings, depending upon the situation

Qualifications

The 898th Marine Strike Group possesses a well-defined structure outlining qualifications and training requirements for all its members. To become a member of the MSG, one must be a member in good standing with STARFLEET International and have completed the STARFLEET Marine Corps Academy’s Basic Training (SFMCA Course PD-100). Marines can choose to serve primarily with the MSG (Active-Duty Marine) or contribute part-time as a STARFLEET Marine Reserve Officer.

There are additional training requirements for leadership positions within the MSG. If a Marine is assigned to a leadership role and has not yet completed all the necessary courses, they will be given 60 days to get up to speed before assuming those responsibilities.

MSG Command Staff

The 898th MSG is organized into two sections, Medical and Aerospace, with more detachments as needed to meet the desires of the Marines aboard. The MSG Command Staff has an additional command and reporting structure in conjunction with the general operations of the USS White Sands. It is composed of the following individuals: Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Officer-in-Charge, the two Section Chiefs, a Detachment Liaison, and the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge.

Officer-in-Charge (OIC)

The OIC manages all Marine activities and is assigned to the Command Staff of the USS White Sands as the Tactical Officer. This dual role requires the OIC to balance the needs of the MSG with the needs of the USS White Sands. The OIC makes all decisions regarding the MSG, in consultation with the CO and XO of the White Sands. The OIC oversees filing unit reports every other month and for reporting the state of the MSG to the USS White Sands’ Command Staff. The OIC is also responsible for making final award promotion recommendations up the chain of command.

Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer with a focus on leadership and either Aerospace (AE) or Medical (MD) qualifications. Required courses include SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-132, PD-135, PD-201, and an AE or MD qualification track. Additionally, Leadership Development courses LD-100, LD-201, and LD-211 are strongly recommended for this role.

Deputy Officer-in-Charge (DOIC)

Second-in-command of the 898th MSG, the DOIC should be ready to step into the OIC position in case the OIC is unable to fulfill his/her duties. This may be on a temporary basis or a more permanent basis. Close collaboration between the OIC and DOIC ensures a smooth handover if the DOIC needs to assume the OIC position. The DOIC also serves as the personnel manager for the Strike Group and coordinates awards and promotion recommendations to the OIC for further evaluation by the USS White Sands Command Staff.

Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer with a focus on leadership and either Aerospace (AE) or Medical (MD) qualifications. Required courses include SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-132, PD-135, PD-201, and an AE or MD qualification track. Additionally, Leadership Development courses LD-100, LD-201, and LD-211 are strongly recommended for this role.

Aerospace Section Chief

Voting member of the MSG Command Staff. The Section Chief is the Commanding Officer for their section (Aerospace). They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Aerospace personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group. All primary Aerospace Marines report to the Aerospace Section Chief.

Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer who has completed SFMCA courses PD-130 and AE-291.

Medical Section Chief

Voting member of the MSG Command Staff. The Section Chief is the Commanding Officer for their section (Medical). They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Medical personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group and aiding the CMO of the USS White Sands as needed. All primary Medical Marines report to the Medical Section Chief.

Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer who has completed SFMCA courses PD-130 and ME-221/ME-291 or ME-301.

Detachment Liaison

Voting member of the MSG Command Staff. The Detachment Liaison represents the interests of any other Marine branch personnel assigned to the MSG. They are charged with reporting the disposition of all personnel that are not assigned to either Aerospace or Medical sections to the DOIC of the Strike Group. All Marines not assigned to either Aerospace or Medical report to the Detachment Liaison.

Qualifications: Must be a commissioned Marine Officer with a broader range of knowledge to represent potentially attached forces. This requires completing SFMCA courses PD-100, AE-100, AR-100, CE-100, MD-100, ME-100, IN-100, SO-100, and SU-100.

NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge)

Non-voting advisory member of the Command Staff. Being the most senior enlisted member of the Strike Group, they represent the interests of all enlisted members of the Strike Group. They are charged with reporting the disposition of all Enlisted personnel to the DOIC of the Strike Group. They are also the organizer of any enlisted only activities or operations. All Enlisted Marines report to the NCOIC.

Qualifications: Must be a senior enlisted Marine who has completed SFMCA courses PD-100, PD-130, PD-135, NCO-100, NCO-201, and NCO-251.