MACO question?

[Major Chord]

I've always assumed that because this was the MACOs' first time in such deep space, with previous human vessels that they could have hopped upon only going so far, that the MACO brass just wanted a high ranking officer to represent the service in important matters. Having a high ranking officer like Hayes onboard gives the MACO troopers some representation in the chain of command, if not official, given that a MACO Major is close in rank to a Starfleet commander. (if comparing traditional Army vs Navy ranks). Command probably also wants to make sure that their troopers are treated right, and having a high ranking officer to advocate for them sounds like a good way to do that.

And there couldn't have been more than what, 3 squads worth of MACOs onboard Enterprise? While it would make sense that there is a senior Sergeant somewhere...I wouldn't say one is required. I can easily see a squad being lead by a Corporal, although there were a few sergeants mentioned by name, if I remember correctly. This particular group of MACOs could be organized like a special forces unit, where in each squad of X number of soldiers, the most experienced member of the team is in command, not the highest ranking. Afterall, I doubt Earth would send just regular ground pounders to fight for it's survival. Sending the MACO equivalent of the SEALs, or the SAS, or the GSG9 would make sense.

 

[clint g]

I've always assumed that because this was the MACOs' first time in such deep space, with previous human vessels that they could have hopped upon only going so far, that the MACO brass just wanted a high ranking officer to represent the service in important matters. Having a high ranking officer like Hayes onboard gives the MACO troopers some representation in the chain of command, if not official, given that a MACO Major is close in rank to a Starfleet commander. (if comparing traditional Army vs Navy ranks). Command probably also wants to make sure that their troopers are treated right, and having a high ranking officer to advocate for them sounds like a good way to do that.

And there couldn't have been more than what, 3 squads worth of MACOs onboard Enterprise? While it would make sense that there is a senior Sergeant somewhere...I wouldn't say one is required. I can easily see a squad being lead by a Corporal, although there were a few sergeants mentioned by name, if I remember correctly. This particular group of MACOs could be organized like a special forces unit, where in each squad of X number of soldiers, the most experienced member of the team is in command, not the highest ranking. Afterall, I doubt Earth would send just regular ground pounders to fight for it's survival. Sending the MACO equivalent of the SEALs, or the SAS, or the GSG9 would make sense.

That's the thing though, rank is usually equivalent to the level of experience which is then equal to the number of soldiers you command. In a typical SF unit you wont see anyone below Sgt, and even that would be a tad low. A Corporal, while an NCO rank, is still considered a junior NCO and rates *just* above Private First Class. If anything, you would usually see a Corporal in charge of a fire team (about 6 or so people). Maybe a squad (around 12 or so). It's really unlikely that they would be in charge of something the size of a small platoon.

 

[Major Chord]

^I wasn't implying that they would be. I can see a corporal being in charge of a squad. So, between 7-12 troops. There were sergeants on board with the MACOs, if we remember Sgt. Kemper. At the time Hayes was killed, they could have all been out of action for all we know.

Hayes was in command of the 'platoon' on Enterprise. I'd imagine that a Sgt. was under him, 2nd in command. Also, there could be no ranking officers other than Hayes purely because there were none qualified to go on the mission. I doubt they just picked any old platoon of MACOs to go. Could be that these younger, lower ranking troops had more of the necessary space training than some of the officers in the pool for the mission. Hayes, being a higher ranking officer, probably spent more time in space than some of his jr. officers. Or, perhaps these soldiers had served aboard spacecraft before, and were somewhat versed in shipboard activities (I know there was a line about someone not getting their space legs yet, but that could just be from lack of time in space than from lack of training). Since space on Enterprise is limited, and she had to sacrifice some of her crew to take these MACOS aboard, they could very well have to fill some of the duties normally filled by those left behind.

Of course, the only real world reason that I can think of for this lack of officers is that there are already Lieutenants and a Captain on the ship. If you start mentioning Lt Smith, Captain Jones...people could get confused. Major is a rank not used by Starfleet, thus providing a distinction between SF and MACO personnel