Imperial Marines

[Agemegos]

Here is a final table of ranks and insignia for the Imperial marines. Insignia of rank in the Imperial armed forces.

[Agemegos]

Considering modern parlance and the need to make things clear to players with minimum explanation, would it be a good idea to refer to Imperial marines as "operators" rather than "commandos"?

[warellis]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Considering modern parlance and the need to make things clear to players with minimum explanation, would it be a good idea to refer to Imperial marines as "operators" rather than "commandos"?

Aren't they synonymous with each other in layperson terms? Like operator is merely a euphemism or something for commandos or wetwork operations?

[Agemegos]

Originally Posted by warellis

Aren't they synonymous with each other in layperson terms? Like operator is merely a euphemism or something for commandos or wetwork operations?

Pretty much, which is why the choice is not a foregone conclusion. "Operator" (originally referring to special operations troops) is perhaps a bit wider in meaning, and maybe sounds more modern.

[jeff_wilson]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Considering modern parlance and the need to make things clear to players with minimum explanation, would it be a good idea to refer to Imperial marines as "operators" rather than "commandos"?

What's wrong with with just marines? They're still primarily infantry that goes by ship, right?

[Agemegos]

Originally Posted by jeff_wilson

What's wrong with with just marines? They're still primarily infantry that goes by ship, right?

I certainly plan to continue referring to the corps as "The Imperial Marines", for just the reason that you suggest.

But in describing the Imperial Marines I want to make the point that they are unlike the US marines in not being trained or equipped to fight battles against enemy troops in the field. They are too few and too lightly equipped to assault a TL10 planetary army formation. Instead, they are employed for brief, highly kinetic operations against soft critical targets, relying upon surprise, violence of action, and outstanding individual quality to overcome the shortcomings of small numbers and light equipment. The Imperial marines do hostage rescues, anti-terrorist raids, strategic sabotage, board-and-inspect operations on orbital habitats, and things like that rather than securing enemy strongholds by massive assault. Yes, they are infantry. But "infantryman" is not specific enough a term to describe them. In Australia we call the SASR, 2 Cdo Regt., and 2 RAR "light infantry", but we like to think we are being charmingly understated when we do so.

I want to say "every Imperial marine is a commando first", and I don't think that "every Imperial Marine is an infantryman first" gives the right sense.

[warellis]

Are you going to be writing articles for the other parts of the Flat Black wiki some time in the future?

[Agemegos]

Originally Posted by warellis

Are you going to be writing articles for the other parts of the Flat Black wiki some time in the future?

I'm hoping to draft at least one per day except Tuesdays until the end of Movember.

[sir_pudding]

I like "Imperial Marine Commandos".

[warellis]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

I'm hoping to draft at least one per day except Tuesdays until the end of Movember.

Will we see more writeups for the colonies similar to New Fujian in length and depth?