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State of the SFMC – May 2013

Greetings to all marines

Once again, I apologize for the lateness of this report. No excuses form me other real life duties interfering..
Heading towards IC and time for those Spring/Summer Musters. Have you got all your gear?? Are you ready to present yourselves as you should? Have you got your nominations in to reward your worthy fellow Marines? Lots to do and the time to do it is now!
SFMC MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
While there have always been historical discrepancies within the database when reflecting Corps membership numbers, ‘drilled-down’ research has thrown up some exciting figures
By taking the actual totals from all brigades rosters, current SFMC strength is thus:
Total Active Marines – 843
Total Reserve Marines – 602
Giving us a current Corps total of 1,445 personnel
If we can presume that FLEET numbers recorded are reasonably accurate, this means the SFMC currently represent almost 30% of total STARFLEET International membership – and continues to grow
And the point to this ? Well it is simply that we while we continue to expand in numbers of marines, it is important for each and everyone of us to help ensure our fellow marine is having fun and gaining as much enjoyment from their membership to the Corps as we can. It is up to us all collectively – not just the leadership – to make sure we are still recruiting and importantly , retaining our numbers.
By presenting good example of the behavior , manner, dress, bearing and goodwill and fellowship
COMMANDING OFFICER – FORCES COMMAND
A reminder here (which will be also posted in full detail elsewhere) that we seek applications to the post of COForceCom.
Currently, the DCO ForceCom is holding position as Acting CO and I am looking for all applications to have been received and receipted by midnight 19th May
If you have interest in learning more of this role, either follow through with the application notices posted on Corps list, STARFLEET list – or simply drop me a line and I can provide necessary detailing
SPEC-OPS BRANCH METAL DEVICE
Continuing our objective to phase out as much of the real-world material as we can and have this replaced with SFMC-designed accoutrement’s, we announce the release of SO branch device, which is approved for wear for those having graduated SO-30 at the SFMCA. This excellent and well manufactured device is in same vein of design as those of its predecessors and helps keep the SFMC accoutrement’s in line with their overall presentation
This device – like all other material mentioned here – is now available from the SFMC QM store
SFMC BELT BUCKLE
Also now available, is the SFMC metal cast belt buckle. This excellent addition to everyday wear has come about as a result to the recent survey conducted as to interest – which was undeniably high! We expect the buckles to sell through very quickly as they are we–priced and will be a wonderful addition to everyday wear. This buckle is not compulsory uniform wear and is more so designed for something to be worn to show pride of membership in the SFMC.
Get them while they are hot! They look great. Again, a visit to the QM store will settle your interest and purchase
ANNOUNCING THE SOE PIN
We wish to present to you, a unique pin that is identical is design to newly released SO Branch Device (refer above) in both style, color, and manufacture – only sized considerably smaller. This pin was manufactured as an error in specification (the cost to which has since been reimbursed to SFMC) and it has been decided that there is indeed some unique value in adding this as a ‘one-off’ to our range of devices.
It has been named the SOE pin with a bow of acknowledgment to the real-world SOE (Special Operations Executive – formed by the British Government during WW2 in 1940 and then absorbed into the SIS/ Mi6 after the War . James Bond anyone?)
In almost identical size to the SFMC collar brass, these pins are now released for wear by authorized SO-30 graduates, and may be worn to replace any other single SFMC globe & anchor pin where it is called for wear on our uniforms (e.g. as one collar brass, beret pin etc)
While this is classed officially as a “non uniform” item, it means it may also be worn on the Awards Case if desired
As this pin was manufactured in error, it will not be replaced. Nor will there be any intention to replicate this pin for any of the other branches. This is simply an error to which we can add some value and are available for purchase from the SFMC QM store
SFMC MEMBERSHIP PIN
While on the subject of pins and the QM store – a reminder to check-out the SFMC lapel-pins which are still available. This pin was designed to also show pride of membership but also as an acknowledgment and accompaniment to our 30th Anniversary year. These pins really are little beauties and I urge Marines to go and check them out.
CORPS COMMUNICATIONS
A little note to remind you that we are always looking for content for AoD!E. This very worthy publication should be at the very forefront of print-media communication for marines and we can only produce a reasonable publication if we have plenty to publish
While we need a good “home” for the various Commands’ reports, I am sure that we could greatly expand readership of this newsletter if we could look to include elements of general interest from around the Corps.
The editorial team over at InfoCom would be most pleased to get your submissions so you should you feel free to drop them a line to see if the material you may have available, is suitable. Images help immensely and with the various Musters that will be going on at any particular point in time, reports and first-hand copy on these would be of great interest to us all I’m sure
So if you want to know more, drop a line to COInfoCom (infocm@sfi-sfmc.org) and he will point you in the right direction
SFMC UNIFORM DRESS CODES
In mention of Musters etc, it is timely that I again bring attention to SFMC Dress Codes. We have policy covering the wear of SFMC uniforms that has been designed not only to ensure ‘uniformity’ but to also ensure we do not offend nore confuse.
The STARFLEET Marine Corps has a wide variety of uniforms authorized in the Marine Force Manual (MFM), suitable for any Trek era, as well as designs whose primary value is that they are relatively inexpensive and consist of components widely available through a variety of commercial sources.
Remember that at no time is any uniform requires, but if a STARFLEET Marine Corps uniform is worn, it should be one of the designs authorized in the MFM and the uniform should be worn “correctly”
The MFM contains a caution that bears repeating often: Uniforms should not be worm to functions where the majority of attendees would not recognize it as some type of fan uniform. The Mess White and Class C uniforms are not readily recognizable as non-military uniform. Marines should avoid wearing the uniform in nay context where it may appear paramilitary or intimidating to the public..
Bruce O’Brien
Brigadier General, SFMC
Commandant, STARFLEET Marine Corps
dant@sfi-sfmc.org]]>