Special Forces groups (Marines, Rangers, SEALs) fictionally are assigned at least one runabout. Minimum of one person required starting group. They must report to the Chief of Security by the last calendar day of each month. Each group must have at least one member with Internet e-mail access, to serve as the group's contact person with the ship. The Group's OIC (Officer-In-Charge) or Communications Officer is recommended to fill this role.
Members of Auxiliary groups are not required to have INTERNET access to be included on the USS Matrix ship roster. Auxiliary group members are not required to fill out the Ship questionnaire/membership form each year. The group's OIC including their names in their monthly report shall be sufficient, unless that member wishes to hold an active or affiliate membership on the crew. OICs and COs are required to complete a membership form, and to respond to the semi-annual Membership audit.
The OIC of an Auxiliary Group has the authority to promote those members of the particular group they serve up to one level below their own rank, but no higher up than the rank of Commander. The OIC must advise the Executive Officer and the Chief of Operations of the promotion and rationale.
One special group attached to the USS matrix NCC-72296 is the Marine Detachment. It is called the 787th Marine Correspondence Unit of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Brigade of the 1st Division of The STARFLEET Marine Corps which is a component of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association Inc. (SFI). The SFMC is an office under the Commander, STARFLEET. All members of the crew of the USS Matrix NCC-72296 are free to join this Marine Detachment, whatever position they hold on the USS Matrix herself. The Officer-In-Charge of the 787th reports to the Commanding Officer of the USS Matrix NCC-72296 monthly and reports under direct authority of the Commanding Officer.
Administratively, the Marine Detachment is listed under Security, mainly due to the extensive weapons training and skill residing in the 787th . The Marines maintain a fleet of special fighters, and are assigned the rear fighter bay in the Engineering Hull. The Marine Officer in Charge is considered a Division Head, and serves as such during staff meetings and ship wide planning and discussion sessions.
The Marines also have a Marine Academy, which functions as a separate College under the Internet Starfleet Academy. Courses taken count towards USS Matrix promotions in the same manner as other ISFA courses.
