Editing UNSC Marine Corps

{{Era|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Military infobox
|image=[[File:Waypoint REQ Relief Image Marines.jpg|350px]]
|formed=c. [[2163]] – present
|affiliation=[[Unified Earth Government]]
|branch=[[UNSC Armed Forces]]
|type=
|role=Expeditionary warfare
|size=
|nicknames="Jarheads",<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Quotes]]''</ref> "Leathernecks"<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref>
|battles=*[[Interplanetary War]]
*[[Insurrection]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|commanders=*[[General]] [[Hogan]]<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>
*General [[Daniel Black]]
*General [[Van Zandt]]
*General [[Kits]]
*[[Colonel]] [[Kennedy Mehaffey]]
*Colonel [[Felicia Sanderson]]
*Colonel [[Robert Watts]] {{C|Formerly}}
*[[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]]
}}
{{Quote|First to Fight.|UNSC Marine Corps Credo<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060508200613/http://www.joyridestudios.com/halo_3_marine_1.asp '''Joyride Marine description''']</ref>}}

The '''UNSC Marine Corps''' is a branch of the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[UNSC Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] responsible for conducting land-based expeditionary amphibious and airborne combat operations, using the mobility provided by the [[UNSC Navy]] to rapidly deliver forces. '''Marines''' are also charged with the defense of Navy vessels and installations from hostile forces. While structured under the [[Unified Ground Command]],<ref name="enc54">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 54'' (2011)</ref> the UNSC Marine Corps operates closely with the [[UNSC Naval Command]] and has some authority within the office.<ref name="fb">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - page 6''</ref> The Marine Corps is one of the five uniformed services branches of the UNSC Armed Forces.<ref name="waypoint unsc">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC'']</ref>

==History==
===Origins and formation===
[[File:HM-Interplanetary War-2.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A firefight inside a Jovian installation during the Interplanetary Wars.]]
The [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]] is the precursor to the UNSC Marine Corps.<ref name="enc31">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 31'' (2011)</ref> As the [[Interplanetary War]] began in the [[2160]]s, the [[national government]]s of the [[Sol system]] strengthened and deployed their militaries for conflict. However, the distributed nature of their forces led to disorder among the ranks of these militaries. In response, the [[United Nations]] organized the [[United Nations Space Command]] from Earth's disparate national military forces in [[2163]];<ref name="enc42">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 42'' (2011)</ref> the UNSC Marine Corps was created as one of the UNSC's branches with most of the UNSC consisting of Marine assets, as well as assets of the [[UNSC Navy]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint unsc}} Shortly following the [[Rainforest Wars]], triggered by [[Koslovic]] attacks at the [[Argyre Planitia]] shipbuilding plants on [[Mars]], the United Nations began the [[Mars Campaign]] in [[2163|December 2163]]. This campaign marked the first extraterrestrial deployment of the UNSC Marine Corps, as the UNSC launched a series of lightning strikes against Koslovic forces near the Argyre Planitia.{{Ref/Reuse|enc42}}

The decisive success of this campaign had a major impact on future military doctrine, resulting in UNSC Navy [[warship]]s carrying large Marine contingents for ground assaults and [[boarding]] actions. Following the success of the UNSC Marine Corps at Mars, recruitment drives and [[propaganda]] tactics strongly bolstered UNSC forces and the Koslovics and [[Frieden]]s were defeated on [[Earth]] in [[2170]].<ref>''Xbox.com'': The Halo Timeline (defunct, [[Archive:Xbox.com/Halo/Timeline|Archived]])</ref>{{clear}}

===The Insurrection===
[[File:H4FUD_Marine.png|thumb|180px|A marine in [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science|Corbulo Military Academy]] during the period of the Insurrection circa [[2526]].]]
{{main|Insurrection}}
From [[2494]] to [[2525]], the UNSC Marine Corps would be responsible for dealing with [[Insurrectionist]] uprisings on UNSC colonies and star systems. From [[2512]], the Marines were involved in one of the largest operations in their history, [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], aimed at quelling rebel uprisings in the [[Eridanus system|Eridanus]] and [[Epsilon Eridani system|Epsilon Eridani]] star systems.

Units from the [[9th Marine Expeditionary Force]] were sent to [[Eridanus II]] in force, hoping to capture leaders of the rebel movement and pacify the population. One of these units, the first Battalion of the [[21st Marine Division]] commanded by [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Ponder]], was involved in a disastrous mission to try and capture the second in command of rebel forces in [[Elysium City]], which ended in the leader's family being killed and Ponder wounded and demoted.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 112''</ref>

In [[2524]], a Marine battalion was posted at the colony world of [[Tribute]], commanded by Lieutenant Colonel [[Aboim]] and supported by the corvette {{UNSCShip|Bum Rush}}, with air support from [[AV-14 Hornet]]s. The battalion attempted to put a stop to rebel bomb makers near the city of [[Casbah]]. Two special warfare squads, led by [[Staff Sergeant]]s [[Avery Johnson]] and [[Nolan Byrne]], were involved in disastrous operation in June. Byrne's team was killed during a hostage situation at a [[Jim Dandy]] restaurant near Casbah city; thirty-eight civilians, three Marines, and two rebels were killed in the bombing.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref>

===Human-Covenant War===
======Outer Colony campaigns======
[[File:HW Render Infantry 1920-crop.jpg|thumb|300px|left|UNSC Marines during the [[Harvest campaign]].]]
The UNSC Marine Corps' first encounter with the alien [[Covenant]] was at the [[First Battle of Harvest]] in [[2525]]. At the event, only three Marine officers were present, training the planet's [[Colonial Militia]]. During the battle, [[Captain (Marine Corps)|Captain]] [[Ponder]] became the Corps' first casualty of the war.

Not long after the First Battle of Harvest, the Corps' experienced one of their first major encounters with the Covenant at numerous engagements throughout the Outer Colonies, including the [[Harvest Campaign]], eventually lasting from [[2526]] to [[2531]]. At the final stages of the campaign, the Marines quickly established a [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|base of operations]] in Harvest's arctic region. A reconnaissance force led by [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]] was deployed to survey the area. However, during the patrol, Covenant forces under the command of [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] overran and nearly destroyed the base. Forge rallied scattered marines, who quickly retook it from the aliens. After receiving reinforcements and repairing the base, the Marines fought through a sizable Covenant garrison force in an attempt to secure a mysterious [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|relic|structure]] in the region.

In the final weeks of 2525, the UNSC Marine Corps deployed en masse to the colony of [[Alpha Corvi II]] to [[Battle of Alpha Corvi II|defend]] its capital city from the Covenant who had invaded the planet in search of a Forerunner artifact. Their deployment also served to divert the bulk of the Covenant's infantry away from [[Blue Team]], who were charged with destroying the expeditionary force seeking to recover the artifact and then to claim it for the UNSC. Although Blue Team succeeded in their objectives with the reluctant assistance of the [[United Rebel Front]], the UNSC Marines were not able to repel the enemy and were ordered to abandon their offensive with casualties exceeding thirty percent. The UNSC fleet rescued as many surviving soldiers as possible before the few vessels that remained were ordered out of the system. 

The [[Battle of Arcadia]] saw the UNSC Marine Corps holding the defensive line around major population centers to allow evacuation for the civilian population with the assistance of the SPARTAN-II [[Red Team]]. Successfully keeping Covenant forces from occupying the population centers, the Corps' began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's base of operations to reclaim the planet.

The UNSC Marine Corps would take part in numerous actions against the Covenant on many of the Outer Colonies in the years that followed. Unfortunately, they were hopelessly outgunned, out-numbered and out-flanked by the Covenant forces and the Marine Corps would suffer tremendous losses in what eventually saw the near-destruction of the Outer Colonies.

======Siege of the Inner Colonies======
[[File:HaloAnniversaryMarine.jpg|thumb|251px|A UNSC Marine on the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} circa [[2552]].]]
The Corps' experienced another encounter with the Covenant on the colony world of [[Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552]]. Upon landing, the Marines' hardware and equipments were rendered useless due to the planet's harsh environment. In the first stage of the battle, during a naval engagement, a Covenant [[DDS-class carrier]] was able to land a large contingent of troops on the northern pole of the planet. The Covenant were able to take [[Côte d'Azur]], a major population center. Fortunately almost all of the civilian population was evacuated beforehand, but the UNSC Marine Corps' [[General (UNSC)|General]] [[Kits]] launched a failed assault to retake the city.

The UNSC Marine Corps maintained a sizable presence on [[Reach]] when the Covenant [[Fall of Reach|stormed the planet]]; they bypassed the defense fleet in orbit, as well as the [[MAC Gun]] platforms, and made a considerable landing of soldiers on the North and South Poles. During the early hours of the battle, the Covenant had overrun [[FLEETCOM HQ]] on Reach, destroying the perimeter and swarming the Marine defenders with [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]], [[Type-26 Wraith|Wraiths]], and battalions of infantry. The situation became severe and critical when the Marines were forced to defend the [[Orbital Defense Generator]]s against a massive Covenant assault, using every available armored vehicle and defensive position from available bunkers. The Battle of Reach became one of the most devastating defeats for the UNSC Marine Corps in the Human-Covenant War.

The surviving Marines from the Battle of Reach served an important role in the [[Battle of Installation 04]], taking part in such engagements as securing the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} crash site, launching multiple guerrilla assaults on Covenant convoys and base of operations and rescuing captured Pillar of Autumn's personnel from a [[Truth and Reconciliation|Covenant battlecruiser]]. Initially, the Marines were part of a special operation consisting of a sizable [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] special forces detachment and a standard Marine detachment to infiltrate [[High Council Chamber|Covenant High Command]] and kidnap a Covenant [[Hierarch|Prophet]].

======Earth and the end of the war======
{{References|section}}
[[File:H2AMarines.png|thumb|left|300px|Two Marines standing beside [[John-117|Spartan-117]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].]]
{{Quote|Dear humanity, we regret being alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret that the Corps just blew up our raggedy-ass fleet!|[[Sergeant]] [[Avery Johnson|Johnson]]}}
The UNSC Marine Corps remained in force on [[Earth]] and its geosynchronous [[Orbital Defense Platform]]s, and were mostly prepared to repulse a relatively small Covenant invasion, when fifteen Covenant capital warships, two [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carriers]] and thirteen [[CCS-class battlecruiser|battlecruisers]], entered the Sol System. They then played a significant role in during the [[Battle of Earth]], where they defended multiple major population centers from the Covenant's occupation such as those in [[Battle of Mombasa|New Mombasa]], [[Battle of Cleveland|Cleveland]], and [[Battle of Havana|Havana]]. 

Several Marine detachments achieved a turning point during the course of the Battle of Earth when they managed to retake the cities and maintain temporary ground control for UNSC reinforcements to arrive. One such Marine detachment was [[E2-BAG/1/7]], which was able to engage the Covenant ground forces in [[Mombasa]], [[Kenya]] as the Covenant assault carrier landed ground forces in the city.

The Marine Corps also partook in a major assault alongside the UNSC Navy in the [[Battle of Voi]]. As ground forces, the Marines were to engage in the [[Battle of Voi]] with a [[John-117|SPARTAN-II supersoldier]] by eliminating anti-air vehicles and batteries, as well as destroying temporary Covenant outposts to allow UNSC reinforcements to refortify the area.

The Marines fought in the war's [[Battle of Installation 00|last battle]] at [[Installation 00|the Ark]]. Starting with their deployment in an [[operation]] codenamed Operation: BLIND FAITH,<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 57''</ref> the Marines launched numerous attacks on Brute strongholds, including an attack on the Ark's [[cartographer]]. After fighting on foot, and in heavy vehicles, the Marines drove off the Covenant. They then teamed up with the Elites and attacked three [[barrier tower]]s protecting the Ark's [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]]. After capturing the first tower, with the help of the Master Chief, Marines and UNSC [[pilot]]s then defeated the Covenant aerial forces. They then waited for the deactivation of the third tower, where they then staged an attack on the Citadel. After fighting two Scarabs, they were then evacuated back to the fleet while the Master Chief and the Arbiter killed Truth. The surviving Marine forces fell back to Earth through the Portal on board the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' before [[Installation 08]] was activated.

===Further engagements===
{{Main|Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
[[File:H4 SpOps LandGrab ThirdPerson 02.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Marine wearing a post-war BDU  circa [[2557]].]]
After the end of the war against the Covenant, the UNSC Marines participated in a number of engagements against the [[Covenant remnants]] and the [[Insurrectionist]]s. Significant numbers of Marines stationed on [[Draetheus V]] helped fend off the [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant]] assault during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault'''</ref> A force of Marines were also assigned to the UNSC Navy's new flagship, {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. When the ship subsequently crash-landed on [[Requiem]] in [[2557]], the Marines joined the [[Spartan Operations|Spartans]] in fighting off the opposing [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] forces and [[Forerunner]] [[Promethean]]s in the [[First Battle of Requiem]]. When ''Infinity'' returned to Requiem in order to conquer the planet, Marines were once again dispatched in a joint campaign to reinforce the Spartans. The [[Second Battle of Requiem]], waged in [[2558]], saw both sides trying to seize the [[Janus Key]] before the [[shield world]]'s destruction.<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''[[Spartan Ops]]''</ref>

By [[2558]], some [[War Games]] simulations feature [[AI]] Marines that assist the [[Spartan-IV]]s in their training.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-in-the-zone '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - In the Zone'']</ref>

==Organization==
The UNSC Marine Corps is one of the five branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[UNSC Armed Forces|Armed Forces]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint unsc}} The Marine Corps is subordinate to the [[UNSC High Command]] and the branch has a seat on the [[UNSC Security Council]], currently represented by [[General]] [[Hogan]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} The Marine Corps is largely under the authority of the UNSC's [[Unified Ground Command]] (UniCom), responsible for managing ground-based operations of the Marine Corps, the [[UNSC Air Force]], and the [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc54}} However, due to the Marines' expeditionary nature, the branch has some with the [[UNSC Naval Command]], particularly in the Navy-dominated [[UNSC Fleet Command]] where the Marines have only a token representation.{{Ref/Reuse|fb}} The branch also maintains its own [[UNSC Marine Corps of Engineers]] command.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]", ''page 82''</ref> As well as possessing infantry, armored, and air units, the UNSC Marine Corps is based around [[Marine Expeditionary Force]]s, which contain at least one [[division]]-sized unit of Marines.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 111''</ref> Because of its role as an "amphibious", space-deployed force, the Marine Corps enjoys a close relationship with the [[UNSC Navy]], with Marine complements being deployed on most warships.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref><ref name="Halo 2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'''</ref> The Marine Corps, along with the Navy, was headquartered at the [[Fleet Command Headquarters]] on [[Reach]], until the facility's destruction and the planet's [[Fall of Reach|fall]] in [[2552]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 47''</ref>

In addition to conventional forces, the Marine Corps maintain special forces in the form of the [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s under the [[Naval Special Warfare Command]]. ODSTs drop into hostile areas via [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|SOEIVs]] prior to the main invasion. They attempt to complete some of the most difficult tasks in hostile areas, such as clearing enemy ground forces or establishing landing zones for incoming [[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier|Pelicans]].{{Ref/Reuse|Halo 2}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''', ''ODST Field Guide'']</ref>

==Personnel==
{{Main|UNSC rank structure}}
''See [[:Category:UNSC Marine Corps personnel|here]] for a list of Marine personnel.''

Large numbers of men and women are employed by the UNSC Marine Corps. Service people hold ranks, which are divided between officers and enlisted. The rank structure of the UNSC Marine Corps is based around that of the [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]].

===Uniform===
{{Main|UNSC Marine Corps Dress Uniform|UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform}}
[[File:H2A - Chief and Johnson on Cairo.jpg|thumb|250px|Sergeant Johnson wearing a white dress uniform.]]
Marine Corps Dress Uniforms are worn on formal or ceremonial occasions, and are similar to those worn by their 20th and 21st Century predecessors in the [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]]. A variety of dress uniforms exist, including a white-and-blue uniform,<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> an all-blue uniform,<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'''</ref> and an all-black funerary uniform.<ref>''[[The Life]]''</ref>

In the field, Marines usually wear passively [[camouflage]]d uniforms with usually green [[M52B body armor]]. Lightweight, though durable, the armor is surprisingly resilient. Marines don [[Ushuaia Armory]]'s [[CH252 helmet]]s equipped with a [[heads-up display]] and radio system.<ref name="enc49">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 49'' (2011)</ref> These helmets are mounted with [[Helmet recorder|recorders]],<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level, ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref> and certain models feature holographic text-displaying [[UNSC tactical eyepiece|eyepieces]] or [[Shooting glasses|ballistic goggles]]. Some Marines have been known to employ the "Rex" [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]] for using in tracking down targets, such as Jiralhanae holdouts on [[Tribute]] and Earth.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', Rex VISR description</ref> In addition to helmets, Marines on field operations in more humid locales sometimes choose to wear [[Wikipedia:Boonie hat|boonie covers]], or those in colder environments don visored and thicker helmets. Marine [[Non-commissioned officer|NCOs]] are easily recognized by the cover they wear complete with the UNSC insignia, although they oftentimes substitute this soft cover for a more practical protective helmet; post-war NCOs often wear a variant with a fully sealed helmet that is otherwise worn by scouts. Marines sometimes don small helmet communications microphones or black-phased sunglasses on their helmets, and others carry backpacks. Marines sometimes wear black gloves to protect their hands and improve their grip on their weapons. Some Marines sport orange visors which attach to the brim of their helmets. Marines operating in cold environments wear environmentally-tailored armor, with insulated snow camouflage utilities and full body armor as well as insulated and visored helmets with something analogous to a balaclava.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref> Marines also wear the lightweight and protective [[VZG7 armored boots]], the standard footwear of the Marine Corps since the middle of the 26th century.{{Ref/Reuse|enc49}}

==Equipment==
===Infantry weapons===
[[File:UNSC marine American2.png|thumb|250px|left|A marine with the M7 SMG.]]
The standard issue weapon for UNSC Marine Corps is [[Misriah Armory]]'s [[MA5 series|MA5 assault rifle series]], which can be outfitted with an [[M301 grenade launcher]] or an [[underslung shotgun]].<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle '''Bungie.net''': ''MA5C Assault Rifle'']</ref> Marines were issued with the [[MA5B assault rifle|MA5B variant]] or the [[MA5C assault rifle|MA5C variant]], with the former being nearly universally phased out and replaced by the latter in late 2552.<ref name="enc318">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 318'' (2011)</ref> After the end of the Human-Covenant War, both previous variants were phased out and replaced by the  [[MA5D assault rifle|MA5D]]. The [[BR55 battle rifle]] and [[BR55HB battle rifle|its heavy barrelled variant]] are used both as standard service rifles and as marksman's weapons. Their successor models, the [[BR85 battle rifle|BR85]] and [[BR85HB battle rifle|BR85HB]] variants were introduced in the postwar period, with the majority of the Corps favoring the more recent versions as the best models of the battle rifle.<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 61''</ref> Furthermore, the UNSC Marine Corps has adopted the [[M395 Designated Marksman Rifle|M395 DMR]], though previous models have been eclipsed in the Marines by the prominence of the BR55 battle rifle and its variants. The [[M392 DMR]] also remains in service with Marine reserve units.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/dmr '''Halo Waypoint''': ''DMR'']</ref> The Corps issues several models of the [[M6 series|M6 handgun series]], with its standard sidearm being the [[M6H]] as of [[2555]], with the improved M6H2 entering service by 2557.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/magnum '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Magnum'']</ref> [[Special operations]] and vehicle crews are issued [[M7 SMG|M7 submachine gun]]s, with [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|ODSTs]] typically using the [[M7S SMG|suppressed model]].<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3smg '''Bungie.net''': ''M7 / Caseless Submachine Gun'']</ref>

[[Sniper]]s operate the [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle|SRS99C-S2 AM]] and [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|SRS99D-S2 AM]], and more recently the [[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle|SRS99-S5 AM]], sniper rifle variants for anti-matériel and anti-personnel operations.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/sniper-rifle '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sniper Rifle'']</ref> The [[M99 Special Application Scoped Rifle]] was also formerly used as a dedicated anti-matériel weapon.<ref name="HGN122">'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Halo Graphic Novel, Page 122|Page 122]]''</ref> Standard UNSC [[Sniper-spotter team|sniper teams]] consists of two operators; a spotter and a sniper. The [[M45 shotgun|M45]] and [[M90 shotgun]]s are often utilized in close-quarters engagements. Once the weapon that defining the Marine Corps as the [[Unified Earth Government]]'s spaceborne force-in-readiness, the Marine Corps has relegated the shotgun to less-visible duties with [[boarding]] parties, though the shotgun still remains an important weapon of close-quarters warfare.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/shotgun '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shotgun'']</ref> The [[M739 SAW]] was also adopted in squad-support role.<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 58''</ref>

Anti-armor fire is provided by the [[M41 SPNKR|M41 "SPNKR" rocket launcher]], and more recently the [[M57 Pilum]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/rocket-launcher '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Rocket Launcher'']</ref> The Marines also uses the [[M6 Spartan Laser]], though typically only ODSTs were issued these weapons prior to 2552 due to the high costs of the Spartan Laser at the time.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/spartan-laser '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Spartan Laser'']</ref> The Marine Corps also utilizes the [[XM510 grenade launcher]].<ref name="Halo Wars OSG">'''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 35''</ref> Suppressive fire is provided by the [[M247 machine gun]], the [[M247H machine gun]], the [[AIE-486H machine gun]], and mounted versions of the [[M41 Vulcan|M41 "Vulcan"]].<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 115''</ref> The [[M6634 flamethrower|M6634]] and [[M7057 flamethrower|M7057]], two variants of the [[NA4 flamethrower]], are sometimes used in an anti-infantry role by specialists known as [[Hellbringers]].<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 69''</ref> The [[M9 fragmentation grenade]] is the standard-issue hand [[grenade]] of the UNSC Marine Corps.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28441 '''Bungie.net''': ''Grenade'']</ref> Several specialized grenades, as well as numerous types of landmines and explosive charges, are also used by Marine infantry. By [[2557]], the [[M363 sticky detonator]] and [[ARC-920 railgun]] have been added to the heavy weapons armory of the UNSC Marine Corps.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/railgun '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Railgun'']</ref>

===Ground vehicles===
[[File:H2A - Warthogs.jpg|thumb|250px|Marines driving Warthogs through Mombasa.]]
The Marine Corps makes heavy use of the [[M12 Warthog|M12 Force Application Vehicle]], or Warthog, which is used for armored patrols, personnel mobility, and combat fire-support. The Warthog is produced in several variants. The most common of these variants is the [[M12 LRV|M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]], which is armed with an [[M41 Vulcan|M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]], or the later [[M46 Vulcan|M46 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]. Postwar Marines have begun to utilize the re-armed M12B model of Warthog, equipped with the [[M343A2 chaingun]]. Light anti-vehicle support is provided by the [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog|M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]], armed with either the [[M68 Gauss Cannon]] or the more recent [[M555 Gauss cannon]], the [[M12A1 Rocket Warthog|M12A1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]], which is mounted with a [[M39 rocket turret|102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret]], and the [[M12R Rocket Warthog|M12R Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]], which features an [[M79 rocket launcher|M79 Multiple Launch Rocket System]] or updated [[M80 missile launcher|M80 Multiple Launch Rocket System]]. The [[M831 Troop Transport]] serves as a fast, lightly armored transport vehicle. The [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle]] is commonly used for scouting and light target interdiction.

For heavy engagements, the Marine Corps operates the older [[M808B Scorpion|M808B]] and more recent [[M808C Scorpion|M808C]] variants of the [[M808 Scorpion|M808 "Scorpion" Main Battle Tank]], which is armed with an [[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]] and a pintle-mounted [[M247T machine gun|M247T Medium Machine Gun]] (M808C) or coaxial [[M231 machine gun|M231 Machine Gun]] (M808B). More recently following the Requiem Conflict, however, the Marine Corps has begun to adopt the updated [[M820 Scorpion|M820 Scorpion Main Battle Tank]], which is armed with a 150mm M990 electrothermal-chemical smoothbore cannon and an as-of-yet unidentified pintle-mounted heavy machine gun.<ref>https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scorpion</ref> In smaller numbers, the Marines also deployed the heavier dual-[[M310 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]] wielding [[M850 Grizzly|M850 "Grizzly" Main Battle Tank]] throughout the Insurrection and Human-Covenant War, but postwar logistical issues led the Marine Corps to retire it.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/grizzly '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Grizzly'']</ref> The [[M9 Wolverine|M9 Wolverine Main Anti-Air Tank]] (MAAT) is the Corps' primary mobile anti-air asset. The [[SP42 Cobra|SP42 Cobra Main Battle Tank]] fills the role of tank destroyer and anti-fortification light artillery support. The [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle]] and [[M313 Heavy Recovery Vehicle]] provides heavy matériel recovery and troop transport.

Less standard vehicles also saw service with the Marine Corps during the Human-Covenant War. The [[M-145D Rhino]] was outfitted with a reverse-engineered [[plasma mortar]]. The [[XRP12 Gremlin|Gremlin Combat Support Vehicle]] is used to disable enemy vehicles with its onboard EMP weapon. The [[Cyclops]] support exoskeleton was used both repair duties and logistical support, as well as in combat, though it was eventually retired from service. In recent years, the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis|Mantis]] has been utilized by the Marines, with the Corps having contracted [[Materials Group]] to produce a refit package to allow alternate loadouts on the walker.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/mantis '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Mantis'']</ref>

===Aircraft===
[[File:HW2 MarineDeployment Concept.png|thumb|right|250px|UNSC Marines preparing for deployment.]]
The Marine Corps' most common aircraft is the [[Pelican]] dropship. The Pelican is used as a multirole aerodyne which is capable of carrying numerous armament configurations, including [[Scorpion missile|Scorpion anti-tank missiles]], [[ANVIL-II Air-to-Surface Missile|Anvil II air-to-surface missiles]], as well as a chin-mounted 7.62mm machine gun, or a 40mm or 70mm autocannon. The Pelican can also be outfitted with an M247 or AIE-486H machine gun in its troop bay.

The UNSC Marine Corps operates the [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] as its primary fighter/interceptor and as a tactical bomber. The Corps also operates the [[B65 Shortsword|Shortsword-class Bomber]], which serves as a close air support aircraft. The Marines utilize the [[AV-14 Hornet]] as a light attack craft and gunship. Earlier in the war, the Marines also utilized the [[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]] as a close air support gunship, though it was largely retired from service due to problems with its propulsion system. Currently, the [[AV-49 Wasp]] supplements the Marine Corps' existing stocks of AV-14 and AV-22 aircraft.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-buzz-generating '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating'']</ref> Heavy air-to-ground support is provided by the [[AC-220 Vulture]] gunship. Marine air units are usually intended to support ground forces or to drop off vital equipment for the Marines, either in close-air-support or air interdiction roles.<ref>''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''</ref>

==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
Marines are a playable unit in ''Halo Wars'' that can be built from a [[Barracks]] for 100 resources and one population slot. Armed with MA5B assault rifles and have the ability to throw M9 frag grenades. Marines are a jack of all trades, master of none-type unit typically used to counter aircraft. Marines have the following upgrades:

*''New Blood'': Adds another Marine to the squad. Costs 200 resources and a tech level of 1.
*''RPG'': Replaces the M9 frag grenade ability with M41 rocket launchers. Costs 400 resources and a tech level of 2.
*''Medic'': Adds a Medic to the Marine squad allowing the unit to heal itself after battle. Costs 700 resources and a tech level of 3.
*''ODST'': Turns all Marines into ODSTs (only available if [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] is the leader). Armed with M90 shotguns, ODSTs are able to be dropped in from drop pods. Costs 1800 resources and a tech level of 3.

===''Halo Wars 2''===
[[File:Blitz Marines.png|thumb|150px|''Halo Wars 2'' Blitz Card of UNSC Marines.]]
*'''Info:''' Core Infantry, Flexible ground troops, Quick capture unit, Effective against air
*'''Tier:''' 0
*'''Cost:''' Population 3, Supplies 150, Power 0
'''Marines upgrade: Grenade throw'''
*'''Info:''' New Ability, Can throw grenades, Small Area Attack, Cannot target air
*'''Tier:''' 1
*'''Cost:''' Supplies 0, Power 400
'''Marines upgrade: Combat Tech'''
*'''Info:''' Unit Upgrade, Adds Combat Technician, Can repair vehicles, Wields rocket launcher
*'''Tier:''' 2
*'''Cost:''' Supplies 0, Power 600
Marines can be built by all UNSC leaders at the [[Firebase]]. They are a jack-of-all trades unit, performing adequately against infantry, vehicles, aircraft, and structures. Marines can no longer upgraded to ODSTs, who are now a [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers#Halo Wars 2|distinct unit]] that can only be called via Leader Power. In [[Blitz]] Marines cost 20 energy, Extractor Marines cost 50 energy, Reactive Marines cost 50 energy, and Armored Marines cost 60 energy.

===Pro and Cons===
====Pro====
*Jack for all trades, okay against all units.
*Lethal when attack in hordes.
*Cheap to build (150 Supply).
*Only consume 3 population.

====Cons====
*Weak against Siege Weapons.
*Not suited for long-scale combat without a proper upgrade.
{{Clear}}

==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|quote=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of UNSC Marines}}
*The UNSC Marine Corps shares many traits of its culture and organization with the modern [[Wikipedia:United States Marine Corps|United States Marine Corps]]. Like the USMC, the UNSCMC organizes its units into [[division]]s, which are subdivided into [[regiment]]s. Most other military forces of the present day are subdivided into [[brigade]]s. In addition, every known UNSCMC rank corresponds directly to a USMC rank, and the enlisted and officer ranks that have been described imply that exactly the same insignia are used as well. ''Semper Fi'', the [[Latin]] motto used by the USMC, short for ''Semper Fidelis'' ("Always Faithful" or "Forever Faithful") is also used by the UNSCMC.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]'''</ref> "Ooh Rah", a motivational call originating from the USMC, is often said by Marines of the UNSCMC.
**In the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]'', [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Keyes]] tells a Marine to "''Stow your bellyaching, soldier - remember, you're a leatherneck!''" [[Wikipedia:Leatherneck|Leatherneck]] was a nickname earned by US Marines in the era of the [[Wikipedia:Continental Marines|Continental Marines]]. Although an appropriate reference to Marines, the term "Leatherneck" and "soldier" are viewed by their respective service members as being incompatible, and a means of differentiating between service in the Marine Corps or Army.
*The equipment and armor used by UNSC Marines (particularly in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', resembles those used by the US Colonial Marines in the 1986 film ''[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', one of many [[List of references to Aliens in the Halo series|similarities]] to the film in the ''Halo'' series. The Marines' equipment also bears some resemblance to the US Army's [[Wikipedia:Future Force Warrior|Future Force Warrior]] program. They also bear a striking resemblance look to the soldiers in [[Wikipedia:Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]].

==Gallery==
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
<gallery>
File:HCE Marines Concept 1.png|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' concept art.
File:HCE Marines Concept 2.png|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' concept art.
File:HCE Marine.jpg|A marine in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:Marines on the Battlefield.jpg|Marines on [[Installation 04]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:H2_Marine_Concept_1.png|Early concept art of the Marines for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2_Marine_Concept_2.png|Early concept art of the Marines for ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 MarinesScorpion.jpg|''Halo 2''-era Marines.
File:H2-Marine.png|A cutout of a ''Halo 2'' Marine.
File:Tactical.png|Marines during the [[Battle of Mombasa|early stages]] of the [[Battle of Earth]] in ''Halo 2''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:UNSC Marine Corps.PNG|The marines.
File:H3 Marine Concept 1.png|Concept art of the Marines for ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 Marine Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of a UNSC Marine for ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Marine Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of a UNSC Marine for ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Marine Concept 4.jpg|Concept art of a UNSC Marine for ''Halo 3''.
File:UNSC Marines in Halo 3.jpg|Marines operating in the jungle near Voi in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Marine Squad.png|A squad of Marines on the Ark in ''Halo 3''.
</gallery>

===''Halo Wars''===
<gallery>
File:HWunit Marines.png|UNSC Marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc icon marines sm.jpg|UNSC Marines engaging Covenant troops in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW-UNSCarmyvsbase.png|Vehicles of the UNSC Marine Corps attack a Firebase.
File:NewMarines.jpg|Both the Arctic and standard variations of the [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|Marine battledress]] seen in ''Halo Wars''.
</gallery>

===''Halo: Reach''===
<gallery>
File:HR UNSCLineup Concept 1.jpg|Concept art for UNSC Army, Marine and ODST personnel in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HaloReach - PoAMarines.jpg|UNSC Marines in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_UNSCMarine_Deployment.jpg|UNSC Marines being deployed during the Fall of Reach.
</gallery>

===''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:HCEA Johnson&Marines.jpg|UNSC Marines in the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]'' in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA_PillarOfAutumn_Marines.png|UNSC Marines defending the ''Pillar of Autumn''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:H4 marine helmet.jpg|Concept of Halo 4 Marines before taking a different direction.
File:H4heads4.jpg|Models of UNSC Marines in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-UNSCMarine-ScanRender.png|Portrait of a standard UNSC Marine in the postwar BDU.
File:H4-UNSCMarineVariants.jpg|Postwar BDU variants of other UNSC Marine classes.
File:H4 SpOps LandGrab ThirdPerson 02.jpg|A UNSC Marine holding a rocket launcher in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 SO MagmaBaseGenerator 2.png|A fireteam of UNSC Marines protecting [[Magma Base]].
File:UNSC Marine - Spartan Ops.png|Profile of a UNSC Marine in ''Halo 4''.
File:UNSC Marine - Halo 4 - Cinematic.png|A close-up of a UNSC Marine in [[New Phoenix]] in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2AMarines.jpg|Marines aboard a D77-TC Pelican in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2ACampaign CairoMarines.png|A Marine squad aboard ''Cairo Station'' in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. 
File:H2ACampaign CairoMarineGunner.png|A Marine gunner engages the Covenant aboard ''Cairo Station'' in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. 
File:UNSC marine BDU (Halo 2 A) 4.png|Marines on Installation 05 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:UNSC marine American2.png|A Marine armed with an M7 SMG in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-Marines.png|Marines after being rescued by John-117 aboard ''[[High Charity]]'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-Marinewithplasmarifle.png|A Marine aboard ''High Charity'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
</gallery>

===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-MarinesvsPhaeton.png|A group of [[War Games]] simulated Marines preparing to engage a [[Phaeton]].
File:H5G-RedMarine.png|Red Team Marine.
File:H5G-BlueMarine.png|Blue Team Marine.
File:Marine H5.png|A marine in the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' campaign.
</gallery>

===''Halo Wars 2''===
<gallery>
File:HW2B Marines.png|Marines in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-concept-Marines.jpg|''Halo Wars 2 Open Beta'' concept art of a UNSC Marine.
File:HW2 Blitz Marines.png|Marines in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Blitz Extractor Marines.jpg|Extractor Marines in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Blitz Armored Marines.png|Armored Marines in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Blitz Reactive Marines.png|Reactive Marines in ''Halo Wars 2''.
</gallery>

===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF-ConceptMarines.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HI_E318_Marines.png|Marines in the [[Halo Infinite announcement trailer]].
File:HINF Marines Render.png|A render of two Marines.
File:HINF MarineSquad.png|Marines on Installation 07 in front of a FOB.
</gallery>

===''Miscellaneous''===
<gallery>
File:Homecoming Marine Concept.png|Concept art of a marine in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Homecoming]]''.
File:MarineAvatar.png|M52B Armor being worn by an [[Xbox LIVE]] Avatar; available for purchase in the Avatar Marketplace along with miscellaneous ''Halo''-related items.
File:HRoa 1 prep.png|UNSC Marines in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:FH4 - Marine in M12S.png|A UNSC Marine driving a [[M12S Warthog CST]] in ''[[The Halo Experience Showcase]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Arms Race]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{United Nations Space Command}}

[[Category:UNSC Armed Forces|Marine Corps]]