A Final Caution
Always remember that playing a Marine is very difficult. Most sims are not combat-centric, and Marines are solely combat roles . You will spend 99% of your time outside of combat, so it will fall to you to find your own rhythm on a ship and things to do that support the crew and the sim. And remember, Marines are not part of Star Fleet. The SFMC is an autonomous branch of the Star Fleet Operating Forces, falling under the jurisdiction of the Star Fleet Commander-in-Chief, but not under the auspices of Star Fleet itself. The Commanding officer of the SFMC holds the rank of Force Marshall, which is equivalent to Fleet Admiral.
Don’t Go Overboard
It’s really easy to go overboard with your Marine character. Don’t give them every ability imaginable (they are combat specialists, after all, and rely on teamwork rather than a singular god-like individual). All people have flaws, including (some may say especially) Marines, and it’s those flaws that make us who we are. We’re all here to have fun, so give your character some depth and colour. Not even Marines are invincible… even if they think they are.
Also, always work within the Starfleet framework. Communication and mutual respect between the Corps and Starfleet is key to a good working relationship.
Never Go Beyond Canon
Stick to Canon and the STF Reference Manual wherever possible. This isn’t to say that you can’t create your own technology. We’re all for new designs and new specs for weapons, species and technologies, but ensure that you get them approved for use before you start, particularly with Weapons and Technology (which should be critiqued and approved by the Engineering Department/Research and Development Department).
Be Aware Of Your Ship Class
Above all else, before you lock and load, be aware of what ship you are stepping aboard. Review your ship specifications on your ship’s MOTD (Message of the Day), the main page of your ship before you get to the posting page.
And so that’s it. Please make use of the further resources and go forth and support your crews. Now that you have completed the course, try your hand at the Assessment.