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UNSC Marine Corps: Difference between revisions

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{{Military infobox
{{Military infobox
|image=[[File:UNSC-Marines-logo1.png|100px]]<br>The [[Symbols of the UNSC|logo of the Marine Corps]]
|image=[[File:UNSC MC Logo.svg|100px|class=invert-dark]]<br>The [[Symbols of the UNSC|logo of the Marine Corps]]
[[File:Waypoint REQ Relief Image Marines.jpg|350px]]
[[File:Waypoint REQ Relief Image Marines.jpg|350px]]
|formed=[[2163]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint unsc}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg56}}
|formed=[[2163]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint unsc}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg56}}
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{{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>}}
{{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]] 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/Book|Id=enc54|Enc11|Page=54}} 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/Site|Id=waypoint unsc|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Factions|Page=UNSC|D=19|M=1|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc.html}}
The '''UNSC Marine Corps''' is a branch of the [[United Nations Space Command]] 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/Book|Id=enc54|Enc11|Page=54}} the UNSC Marine Corps operates closely with the [[UNSC Naval Command]] and has some authority within the office.{{Ref/Book|Id=fb|Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook|Page=6}} The Marine Corps is one of the five uniformed services branches of the UNSC Armed Forces.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint unsc|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Factions|Page=UNSC|D=19|M=1|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/unsc.html}}


==History==
==History==
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[[File:H2AMarines.png|thumb|left|300px|Two Marines standing beside [[John-117|Spartan-117]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].]]
[[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]]}}
{{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 [[Ket-pattern 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]].  
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 [[Ket-pattern 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.
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.
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{{Main|Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
{{Main|Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
[[File:H4 SpOps LandGrab ThirdPerson 02.jpg|thumb|250px|A Marine wearing a post-war BDU  circa [[2557]].]]
[[File:H4 SpOps LandGrab ThirdPerson 02.jpg|thumb|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>
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 [[Requiem Campaign]], 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/news/canon-fodder-in-the-zone '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - In the Zone'']</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/news/canon-fodder-in-the-zone '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - In the Zone'']</ref>
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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>
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>
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 [[drop pod]]s 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==
==Personnel==
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File:H2_Marine_Concept_1.png|Early concept art of the Marines for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
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_Marine_Concept_2.png|Early concept art of the Marines for ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 MarinesScorpion.jpg|''Halo 2''-era Marines.
File:H2 UNSC Early Render.jpg|Early render of Marines in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 MarinesScorpion.jpg|Various appearances of ''Halo 2'' Marines.
File:H2-Marine.png|A cutout of a ''Halo 2'' Marine.
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''.
File:Tactical.png|Marines during the [[Battle of Mombasa|early stages]] of the [[Battle of Earth]] in ''Halo 2''.
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===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HW Concept Marines.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines in combat with Covenant forces on Harvest in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW Concept ScarabBattle.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines encountering a {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HWunit Marines.png|UNSC Marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HWunit Marines.png|UNSC Marines in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc icon marines sm.jpg|UNSC Marines engaging Covenant troops in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Unsc icon marines sm.jpg|UNSC Marines engaging Covenant troops in ''Halo Wars''.
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File:H2A-Marines.png|Marines after being rescued by John-117 aboard ''[[High Charity]]'' 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''.
File:H2A-Marinewithplasmarifle.png|A Marine aboard ''High Charity'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A TerminalMarine Concept.jpg|A Marine in the [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HINF-ConceptMarines.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-ConceptMarines.jpg|Concept art of UNSC Marines for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF Concept CavalryHasArrived.jpg|Early ''Halo Infinite'' concept art showing Marines fighting through [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s to reach John-117.
File:HI_E318_Marines.png|Marines in the [[Halo Infinite announcement trailer]].
File:HI_E318_Marines.png|Marines in the [[Halo Infinite announcement trailer]].
File:HINF Marine Transparent.png|A marine in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Marines Render.png|A render of two Marines.
File:HINF Marines Render.png|A render of two Marines.
File:HINF MarineSquad.png|Marines on Installation 07 in front of a FOB.
File:HINF MarineSquad.png|Marines on Installation 07 in front of a FOB.
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**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
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*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
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*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
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**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
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*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''
**''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}



Latest revision as of 15:42, October 17, 2024

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UNSC Marine Corps
A recreation of the UNSC Marine Corps insignia, based on the design originally featured in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).
The logo of the Marine Corps

The REQ relief image from the Waypoint Article Sonorous Signals.

Active:

2163[1][2]

Affiliation:

Unified Earth Government

Role:

Expeditionary warfare

Nicknames:

"Jarheads",[3] "Leathernecks"[4]

Engagements:

Commanders:

 

"First to Fight."
— UNSC Marine Corps Credo[6]

The UNSC Marine Corps is a branch of the United Nations Space Command 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,[7] the UNSC Marine Corps operates closely with the UNSC Naval Command and has some authority within the office.[8] The Marine Corps is one of the five uniformed services branches of the UNSC Armed Forces.[1]

History[edit]

Origins and formation[edit]

A firefight inside a Jovian installation during the Interplanetary Wars.

The United States Marine Corps is the precursor to the UNSC Marine Corps.[9] As the Interplanetary War began in the 2160s, the national governments 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.[10] In response, the United Nations in 2163 commissioned a force primarily composed of naval and marine assets; the United Nations Space Command, its Navy, and its Marine Corps.[1] The Marine Corps would be formed from the combination of the naval and spaceborne expeditionary units from various nations into a single force.[2]

Triggered by Koslovic attacks at the Argyre Planitia shipbuilding plants on Mars, the United Nations began the Mars Campaign in 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.[10]

The decisive success of this campaign had a major impact on future military doctrine, resulting in UNSC Navy warships 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 Friedens were defeated on Earth in 2170.[11]

The Insurrection[edit]

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn screenshot
A marine in Corbulo Military Academy during the period of the Insurrection circa 2526.
Main article: 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 and 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.[12]

In 2524, a Marine battalion was posted at the colony world of Tribute, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Aboim and supported by the corvette UNSC Bum Rush, with air support from AV-14 Hornets. The battalion attempted to put a stop to rebel bomb makers near the city of Casbah. Two special warfare squads, led by Staff Sergeants 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.[13]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

Outer Colony campaigns[edit]
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 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 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|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 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[edit]
A UNSC Marine on the UNSC 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 Ruma-pattern light 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 Kits launched a failed assault to retake the city.

The UNSC Marine Corps maintained a sizable presence on Reach when the Covenant 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 Banshees, Wraiths, and battalions of infantry. The situation became severe and critical when the Marines were forced to defend the Orbital Defense Generators 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 UNSC 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 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 Covenant High Command and kidnap a Covenant Prophet.

Earth and the end of the war[edit]
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Two Marines standing beside Spartan-117 during the Battle of Mombasa.

"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 Johnson

The UNSC Marine Corps remained in force on Earth and its geosynchronous orbital defense platforms, and were mostly prepared to repulse a relatively small Covenant invasion, when fifteen Covenant capital warships, two assault carriers and thirteen 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 New Mombasa, Cleveland, and 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 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 last battle at the Ark. Starting with their deployment in an operation codenamed Operation: BLIND FAITH,[14] 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 towers protecting the Ark's Citadel. After capturing the first tower, with the help of the Master Chief, Marines and UNSC pilots 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[edit]

Main article: Post-Covenant War conflicts
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 Insurrectionists. Significant numbers of Marines stationed on Draetheus V helped fend off the Covenant assault during the Battle of Draetheus V.[15] A force of Marines were also assigned to the UNSC Navy's new flagship, UNSC Infinity. When the ship subsequently crash-landed on Requiem in 2557, the Marines joined the Spartans in fighting off the opposing Covenant forces and Forerunner Prometheans 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 Requiem Campaign, waged in 2558, saw both sides trying to seize the Janus Key before the shield world's destruction.[16]

By 2558, some War Games simulations feature AI Marines that assist the Spartan-IVs in their training.[17]

Organization[edit]

Command and control[edit]

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.[5] The administrative head of the Marine Corps is the Commandant of the Marine Corps.[2] 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.[7] 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.[8]

Operating forces[edit]

The branch also maintains its own UNSC Marine Corps of Engineers command.[18] As well as possessing infantry, armored, and air units, the UNSC Marine Corps is based around Marine Expeditionary Forces, which contain at least one division-sized unit of Marines.[19] 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.[20][21][22] 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 in 2552.[23]

In addition to conventional forces, the Marine Corps maintain special forces in the form of the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers under the Naval Special Warfare Command. ODSTs drop into hostile areas via drop pods 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 Pelicans.[21][24]

Personnel[edit]

Main article: UNSC rank structure

See 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 United States Marine Corps.

Uniform[edit]

Main articles: UNSC Marine Corps Dress Uniform, UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform
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 United States Marine Corps. A variety of dress uniforms exist, including a white-and-blue uniform,[25] an all-blue uniform,[26] and an all-black funerary uniform.[27]

In the field, Marines usually wear passively camouflaged uniforms with usually green M52B body armor. Lightweight, though durable, the armor is surprisingly resilient. Marines don Ushuaia Armory's CH252 helmets equipped with a heads-up display and radio system.[28] These helmets are mounted with recorders,[29] and certain models feature holographic text-displaying eyepieces or ballistic goggles. Some Marines have been known to employ the "Rex" VISR for using in tracking down targets, such as Jiralhanae holdouts on Tribute and Earth.[30] In addition to helmets, Marines on field operations in more humid locales sometimes choose to wear boonie covers, or those in colder environments don visored and thicker helmets. Marine 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.[31] Marines also wear the lightweight and protective VZG7 armored boots, the standard footwear of the Marine Corps since the middle of the 26th century.[28]

Equipment[edit]

Infantry weapons[edit]

A marine with the M7 SMG.

The standard issue weapon for UNSC Marine Corps is Misriah Armory's MA5 assault rifle series, which can be outfitted with an M301 grenade launcher or an underslung shotgun.[32] Marines were issued with the MA5B variant or the MA5C variant, with the former being nearly universally phased out and replaced by the latter in late 2552.[33] After the end of the Human-Covenant War, both previous variants were phased out and replaced by the MA5D. The BR55 battle rifle and its heavy barrelled variant are used both as standard service rifles and as marksman's weapons. Their successor models, the BR85 and 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.[34] Furthermore, the UNSC Marine Corps has adopted the 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.[35] The Corps issues several models of the M6 handgun series, with its standard sidearm being the M6H as of 2555, with the improved M6H2 entering service by 2557.[36] Special operations and vehicle crews are issued M7 submachine guns, with ODSTs typically using the suppressed model.[37]

Snipers operate the SRS99C-S2 AM and SRS99D-S2 AM, and more recently the SRS99-S5 AM, sniper rifle variants for anti-matériel and anti-personnel operations.[38] The M99 Special Application Scoped Rifle was also formerly used as a dedicated anti-matériel weapon.[39] Standard UNSC sniper teams consists of two operators; a spotter and a sniper. The M45 and M90 shotguns 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.[40] The M739 SAW was also adopted in squad-support role.[41]

Anti-armor fire is provided by the M41 "SPNKR" rocket launcher, and more recently the M57 Pilum.[42] 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.[43] The Marine Corps also utilizes the XM510 grenade launcher.[44] 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".[45] The M6634 and M7057, two variants of the NA4 flamethrower, are sometimes used in an anti-infantry role by specialists known as Hellbringers.[46] The M9 fragmentation grenade is the standard-issue hand grenade of the UNSC Marine Corps.[47] 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.[48]

Ground vehicles[edit]

Marines driving Warthogs through Mombasa.

The Marine Corps makes heavy use of the 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 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, which is armed with an M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun, or the later 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 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle, armed with either the M68 Gauss Cannon or the more recent M70 Gauss cannon, the M12A1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle, which is mounted with a 102mm SC-HE Rocket Turret, and the M12R Light Anti-Armor Vehicle, which features an M79 Multiple Launch Rocket System or updated 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 and more recent M808C variants of the M808 "Scorpion" Main Battle Tank, which is armed with an M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon and a pintle-mounted M247T Medium Machine Gun (M808C) or coaxial M231 Machine Gun (M808B). More recently following the Requiem Conflict, however, the Marine Corps has begun to adopt the updated 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.[49] In smaller numbers, the Marines also deployed the heavier dual-M310 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon wielding M850 "Grizzly" Main Battle Tank throughout the Insurrection and Human-Covenant War, but postwar logistical issues led the Marine Corps to retire it.[50] The M9 Wolverine Main Anti-Air Tank (MAAT) is the Corps' primary mobile anti-air asset. The 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 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 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.[51]

Aircraft[edit]

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 anti-tank missiles, 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 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.[52] 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.[53]

Gameplay[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

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 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[edit]

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 distinct unit that can only be called via Leader Power. In Blitz Marines cost 10 energy, Extractor Marines cost 50 energy, Reactive Marines cost 50 energy, and Armored Marines cost 60 energy.

Pro and Cons[edit]

Pro[edit]

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

Cons[edit]

  • Weak against Siege Weapons.
  • Not suited for long-scale combat without a proper upgrade.

Trivia[edit]

  • The UNSC Marine Corps shares many traits of its culture and organization with the modern United States Marine Corps. Like the USMC, the UNSCMC organizes its units into divisions, which are subdivided into regiments. Most other military forces of the present day are subdivided into brigades. 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.[54] "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, Captain Keyes tells a Marine to "Stow your bellyaching, soldier - remember, you're a leatherneck!" Leatherneck was a nickname earned by US Marines in the era of the 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 Aliens, one of many similarities to the film in the Halo series. The Marines' equipment also bears some resemblance to the US Army's Future Force Warrior program. They also bear a striking resemblance look to the soldiers in Starship Troopers.

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

Halo 3[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo Wars 2[edit]

Halo Infinite[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - Universe, Factions, UNSC (Retrieved on Jan 19, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  2. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 56-57
  3. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Quotes
  4. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, The Truth and Reconciliation
  5. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, Issue #1
  6. ^ Joyride Marine description
  7. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 54
  8. ^ a b Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook, page 6
  9. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 31
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition) - Chapter Two: Humans - Human Colonization of Space, page 42
  11. ^ Xbox.com - Halo: Combat Evolved, Game Features, Story Line (Retrieved on Nov 7, 2008) [local archive] [external archive]
  12. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 112
  13. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  14. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 57
  15. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault
  16. ^ Halo 4, Spartan Ops
  17. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - In the Zone
  18. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian", page 82
  19. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 111
  20. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  21. ^ a b Halo 2
  22. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach
  23. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 47
  24. ^ Bungie.net, ODST Field Guide
  25. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Cairo Station
  26. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  27. ^ The Life
  28. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 49 (2011)
  29. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level, 343 Guilty Spark
  30. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Rex VISR description
  31. ^ Halo Wars
  32. ^ Bungie.net: MA5C Assault Rifle
  33. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 318 (2011)
  34. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 61
  35. ^ Halo Waypoint: DMR
  36. ^ Halo Waypoint: Magnum
  37. ^ Bungie.net: M7 / Caseless Submachine Gun
  38. ^ Halo Waypoint: Sniper Rifle
  39. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, Page 122
  40. ^ Halo Waypoint: Shotgun
  41. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 58
  42. ^ Halo Waypoint: Rocket Launcher
  43. ^ Halo Waypoint: Spartan Laser
  44. ^ Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, page 35
  45. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  46. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 69
  47. ^ Bungie.net: Grenade
  48. ^ Halo Waypoint: Railgun
  49. ^ https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scorpion
  50. ^ Halo Waypoint: Grizzly
  51. ^ Halo Waypoint: Mantis
  52. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating
  53. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike
  54. ^ Halo: The Flood