121st – Marine Strike Group (MSG)
Medical Security & Expeditionary Force
The Iron Corpsmen Pararescue
STARFLEET Marine Corps aboard the USS Intrepid
Brigade
Battalion
MSG Branch
Assigned Chapter
Our MSG
The 121st MSG Medical Security & Expeditionary Force — the Iron Corpsmen Pararescue — is the Marine component of the USS Intrepid and a Medical/Combined Arms branch unit of the STARFLEET Marine Corps.
Our unit theme combines medicine, security, rescue, and expeditionary response. We imagine the Iron Corpsmen as the team called when people need help in difficult places — providing emergency medical support, protecting those in their care, supporting rescue operations, and responding wherever the mission takes them.
Our Pararescue spirit:
Go where needed. Help those in danger. Bring people home.
While Medical defines the branch and character of our MSG, it does not determine the individual branch of every Marine who serves with us. Members of the 121st are welcome to pursue whichever SFMC branch best reflects their own interests.
Our unit theme may continue to develop as the 121st grows.
What is the STARFLEET Marine Corps?
The STARFLEET Marine Corps (SFMC) is an auxiliary of STARFLEET International for members who enjoy exploring the military science-fiction side of Star Trek fandom.
Despite the name, the SFMC is not a real-world military or paramilitary organization. It is part of the STARFLEET fan experience, using military-inspired terminology, ranks, organization and traditions to create another way for members to participate in the Star Trek universe.
The SFMC also places a strong emphasis on camaraderie, community service and charity, particularly causes supporting military members, veterans and their families.
No military experience is required. You do not need to be a real-world Marine or have military experience to participate. The only membership requirement is a current membership in STARFLEET International.
What is a Marine Strike Group?
Within a STARFLEET chapter such as USS Intrepid, Marines can organize together as a Marine Strike Group, or MSG.
The MSG is the smallest organizational unit of the STARFLEET Marine Corps and is attached directly to its STARFLEET chapter. An MSG can be as small as one Marine or grow to include dozens of members.
Think of the 121st MSG as the Marine component of the USS Intrepid.
It doesn’t replace Intrepid, operate separately from the chapter, or change what it means to be an Intrepid crew member. Instead, it provides another avenue for members who are interested in the SFMC to explore that part of STARFLEET fandom together.
Our MSG remains part of USS Intrepid and is responsible to the Chapter Commanding Officer for its conduct.
The 121st MSG is formally designated as a Medical Branch unit. That branch identity helps shape the character of the Iron Corpsmen Pararescue, with an emphasis on medical response, rescue, protection, readiness and service. It describes the MSG as a unit; it does not require every individual Marine assigned to the 121st to choose Medical as their own branch.
What do STARFLEET Marines actually do?
That part can be surprisingly flexible!
Like STARFLEET itself, the SFMC is ultimately about having fun, building friendships and sharing our interests. Marine units can participate in social activities, games, physical activities, challenges, community service, charity projects and other activities that fit their members.
Members can also explore the SFMC through the Marine Training Centre, which offers courses covering leadership, tactics, history and the various SFMC branches of service.
There are nine SFMC branches of service:
Choosing a branch is part of the fun and flavour of being a Marine. The 121st MSG itself is a Medical Branch unit, but individual members remain free to choose the SFMC branch that best reflects their own interests. You can therefore serve with the 121st while personally identifying with Aerospace, Armor, Combat Engineering, Infantry, Maritime Operations, Medical, Mecha, Special Operations or Support. The MSG’s Medical designation does not limit your individual branch choice or the activities you can participate in.
How does the Intrepid MSG work?
Our Marine Strike Group exists within USS Intrepid, giving interested crew members an additional way to participate in STARFLEET. The 121st MSG is organized under the Medical Branch, reflecting the unit’s Medical Security & Expeditionary Force identity and the rescue-and-protection character of the Iron Corpsmen Pararescue.
Unit branch and individual branch are not the same thing. Medical is the branch designation of the 121st MSG as a unit. A Marine serving with us may still select another SFMC branch for their own individual Marine identity and interests.
The MSG is led by an Officer in Charge (OIC) and may also have a Deputy Officer in Charge (DOIC). Within the SFMC structure, the OIC is responsible for supporting and encouraging the Marines in the unit, recognizing their accomplishments, reporting the unit’s activities, and coordinating unit events, projects and challenges.
The MSG also connects Intrepid into the wider SFMC structure:
That means joining Intrepid’s MSG can also open the door to activities, recognition, training and camaraderie beyond our own chapter.
Do I have to choose between STARFLEET and the Marines?
Not at all.
Being an SFMC Marine is another way to participate within STARFLEET.
Members can participate as either Active Duty or Reserve Duty Marines.
Active Duty
Active Duty Marines primarily present themselves through their Marine identity, rank and uniform.
Reserve Duty
Reserve Marines primarily use their STARFLEET Fleet/Naval identity and rank.
The Marine Force Manual makes clear that this is essentially an aesthetic distinction — regardless of which you choose, all Marines are Marines.
If you love your Intrepid department, naval rank and uniform, you don’t have to give any of that up to get involved with the MSG.
Do I need a Marine uniform?
No.
Uniforms are part of the fun and atmosphere of STARFLEET and the SFMC, but wearing one is not required. Members who are more comfortable participating in casual clothing are welcome to do so.
The same general philosophy applies to the MSG: participate in the ways that make the experience enjoyable for you.
Why join the Intrepid MSG?
Maybe you’re interested in the military science-fiction elements of Star Trek. Perhaps the 121st’s Medical Branch identity and focus on rescue, protection and service appeals to you — or perhaps Aerospace, Combat Engineering, Special Operations, Support or another SFMC branch better reflects your own interests. Either way, you can still be part of the Iron Corpsmen Pararescue.
Maybe you’d like to take Marine Training Centre courses, participate in Marine challenges, work toward SFMC recognition, support charitable activities — or simply add another dimension to your STARFLEET experience.
Whatever brings you through the door, the goal is simple:
Have fun. Get involved. Try something new. And add a little Marine flavour to your adventures aboard USS Intrepid.
Interested in joining?
Reach out to the MSG Officer in Charge to help you get started.
Whether you’re interested in training, service, challenges, camaraderie, or simply exploring another part of STARFLEET fandom, there’s a place for you in the 121st.
Vis ad Servandum, Potentia ad Tuendum
Strength to save, power to protect.