Newsletter of the 210th Marine Expeditionary Unit, STARFLEET Marine Corps

SFMC Spreadshirt Store Open!

SUMMER 2011 ISSUE
CONTENTS
SMFC Spreadshirt Store J.D. Clancy From the Officer in Charge LTC Mark Webb Editorial The Myth of Starfleet Cyberbullying J.D. Clancy Starfleet Marine Corps General Staff Directory Starfleet Staff Directory The Creed of the Starfleet Marine The Starfleet Marine Corps has opened a Spreadshirt Store! What is a Spreadshirt Store, you may ask. Similar to Cafepress, Spreadshirt offers merchandise online with an organizational logo. The difference between this and the Quartermaster being that the SFMC does not maintain the inventory. Items are produced and shipped on customer demand. Is there an occasion where a uniform is too formal, but you wish to represent the Corps? An SFMC tshirt with one of several logos (including SFMC Academy) may be a good choice for you! A portion of sales go to support the SFMC. Sizes up to 4XL are advertised as being available. The shirts do vary from the merchandise available from the Starfleet Marine Quartermaster. Go to the SFMC Spreadshirt Store at: sfmcqm.spreadshirt.com

From the Officer In Charge

By LTC Mark Webb The most important thing about being a small unit in a big organization, in my opinion is becoming a bigger unit in that organization. Small units enjoy a unique sense of friendship that some larger units dont enjoy, simply because of the number of people involved, all of whom are doing so many different things. Yet as we strive to recruit new members and grow into a larger unit, it is important to maintain those close ties and to keep that tight spirit of friendship and family that we started out with. In terms of our own little 210th, we have experienced some recent progress in our recruiting efforts by posting an ad on Craigs List. We have met with an individual and given him information about our organization and it is my hope to keep in touch with him and, hopefully, to convince him to join us, before the 2011 R12 summit this April. I am excited about using Craigs List as a recruiting tool, and am considering suggesting it as a topic for a presentation or panel discussion at the summit. I think it can be a valuable tool for any SFMC unit or STARFLEET ship that wants to recruit new members or

STAFF
Officer In Charge: Mark Webb, LTC webbmaw@cox.net Editor: J.D. Clancy jdclancy@multinatl.org

210th MEU WEB SITE

http://fedchaplain.tripod.com/210meu.htm

promote some of its activities in a widely seen community forum. On the other side of the community effort I spoke of, our own Major Clancy is embarking on a career change in the real world out there. This new path he has chosen will lead him out of town on many occasions and he will have to strive hard to maintain his current level of activity with the 210th, along with everything else he has going on right now. I have confidence that he will do this and that the things he learns in his new career choice will bring new things to the 210th and to the SFMC. I wish him all success in his new endeavor and pledge my full support in anything he does.
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DISCLAIMERS: Paramount Pictures and its licensees have the sole authority to generate profit from Star Trek trademarks, and this publication in no way intends to infringe upon copyrights held by Paramount Pictures, Viacom, or any other Star Trek copyholders. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. or the STARFLEET Marine Corps.

Editorial- The Myth of Starfleet Cyberbullying

By J.D. Clancy (Note: this editorial does not reflect the opinions of Starfleet: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc., the Starfleet Marine Corps, their officers or directors) I won't prolong my conclusions about this issue until the very last sentence. In fact, I'll provide a short executive summary. To the question 'is cyberbullying in Starfleet a myth?' My editorial answer is 'yes, it is.' It is fair to say that Starfleet has it's share of unique characters, many of whom are poor communicators. With some 2,000 members in Starfleet, there are bound to be incidents where someone who is passionate about their opinion is challenged by another member who is firmly invested in the opposite belief. Interpersonal problems will always exist in Starfleet. To what extent they are played out publicly or by subtle behind the scenes maneuverings depends upon the personalities involved. A haven for crackpots? Having written the above heading, I don't believe Starfleet is more of a haven for crackpots than any other club or social group. But, for some, Starfleet has become their refuge of last resort. Some members have a minimal interest in Star Trek, but use Starfleet as an outlet for their ravings. Others join and seek to become part of the 'in crowd', thinking that if they are part of the right gang, they are above criticism. There are members who let the fictional aspect of the organization (being a pretend government or para-military entity) go to their heads. Rank (mostly honorary) and position (which should be viewed as providing a service to your fellow member) are exploited by the untrustworthy. Neither rank nor position imply any authority to criticize
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With new administrations in place, a quick overview of staffing at both the SFMC and STARFLEET Headquarters.

Starfleet Marine Corps General Staff Directory

COMMANDANT, SFMC BGN Bruce OBrien DEPUTY COMMANDANT, SFMC GEN Mark H. Anbinder SERGEANT MAJOR, STARFLEET MARINE CORPS GSGT Jerome Stoddard COMMANDING OFFICER, FORCECOM MGS John Kane COMMANDING OFFICER, INFOCOM BGD Michael J. Timko III COMMANDING OFFICER, TRACOM LGN Mike McGowan COMMANDING OFFICER, FINCOM MGN Patrick McAndrew

STARFLEET Staff Directory

Commander, STARFLEET FADM Dave Blaser Vice Commander, STARFLEET MGN Bran Stimpson Chief of Operations BGN Joe Sare Chief Communications Officer VADM Michael Dugas Commandant, STARFLEET Academy ADM Peg Pellerin Chief of Computer Operations COMM Chris Carothers Chief Financial Officer LGN Linda Olson

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Editorial-The Myth of Starfleet Cyberbullying (Continued from page 2)

or be above criticism. These kinds of personalities contribute to unfortunate internet disagreements. Odd personalities and poor interpersonal communication going hand in hand. Communication A very laudable aspect of Starfleet is the opportunity for unusual personalities to express themselves. Members who are not the most outgoing socially mostly feel free to discuss something they are passionate about (Star Trek!). While a majority of members are able to back-and-forth about a topic in a mature way, others are not so inclined. With modern technology, some people have many more opportunities to show their warts to the world. The anonymity of the internet emboldens some people to behave poorly. Would some of these arguments happen if the participants were face-to-face? Probably not. Some members are too used to blurting out the first thing that comes into their head. Others articulate themselves so poorly that they are misunderstood by others. This is usually the type of communication that starts an internet argument. To many, you are viewed by your literal written word, not by what you meant to write. The second party in an internet argument replies in a variety of unproductive ways: tactlessness, argumentative, holding the first party up in ridicule, etc. The first party-an equally poor communicator-ends up being defensive in their counter argument, clarification, or criticism. There are members who do not have the discipline to stay on the moral high ground during these disagreements. It is inevitable that these spats deteriorate into school yard heckling. It has to be a frustrating thing to have a legitimate idea, but communicate it so poorly that its not taken seriously. When you fail to think before you punch the 'send' button, be prepared to started explaining to others what you meant. Even polite scrutiny can cause some members to quit or fade into the background of the organization. One wonders how such thin-skinned people are able to function in society at large. Freedom of speech is not freedom from criticism I adamantly believe in free speech. But, I also believe there is not an implied right for your free speech to be above scrutiny. What is not well understood is that 'freedom of speech' laws are about private individuals' speech being protected again censorship by a government. In the U.S., freedom of speech does not include protection of your speech from other citizens, private corporations, clubs, or associations. Speaking of law, I will not delve into the complexity of 'assault,' 'stalking,' 'libel,' or 'slander.' These are cases of criminal law or civil law (in the U.S.). In the case of criminal law, a police agency and court are responsible for investigating and prosecuting these issues. In civil law, an individual must bring a case in court through their own attorney. Theres an old saying that with rights come responsibilities.' When you feel like practicing some free speech: remember that others may hold you responsible for what you've said. They may contribute to your conversation with their free speech. The Shame Spiral What do I mean by the 'shame spiral'? When communication deteriorates to the point where there is no 'communication', just ego-driven arguing. A person who didn't think before making an ill-advised remark, followed by a person less than tactful in their critique, and in the end both of them become obstinate in the defense of their position. The participants bring their ego into the equation. I'm right/smarter/higher ranking/have a staff position/have important friends, etc. and I'm not backing down from you! The other party believes themselves to be correct in some technical way and won't back down either.
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Editorial The Myth of Starfleet Cyberbullying (Continued from page 3)

To whatever extent, all parties in these arguments are tainted with some complicity by the general public. Security! The Internet is not an extension of the privacy you can expect in your physical home. Social networking has user agreements that a person agrees to when they sign up that what you put out in cyberspace is out there in the public domain. It is your personal responsibility to apply whatever privacy measures the site offers. If the security is not up to your personal standards, you are responsible for making the decision not to participate in that activity. You do not have a reasonable expectation for Internet sites to conform to your personal standards. In these issues, there is plenty of blame to go around. Being reactionary towards other members is not productive, but neither is being provocative in the first place. People do not have the discipline to stay on the moral high ground during these disagreements. Tolerance versus Acceptance Starfleet members are, in general, tolerant of other people. They tolerate the good and they tolerate bad. Usually, everyone in Starfleet gets the benefit of the doubt once. Unfortunately, once is usually not enough and they continue their antics, wondering why they dont get the same attention and sympathy they did the first time. Some people feel that they have to be seen as the aggrieved party, whether they are or not. A common strategy is to distract the attention from your dumb remark by bringing in a completely unrelated issue. The person proposes that they are being persecuted for race/religion/nationality/gender/etc. Regardless of the whether this is true, there are always members ready to take up the cause of the downtrodden. People who are in the right clique expect to be named as blameless by their peer group, regardless of their actual culpability. Despite all official and unofficial proclamations about an incident, Starfleet cannot force other members to view the chosen 'winner' or 'aggrieved party' with respect. Some people, in the light of a new day, realize they said something ill-advised. They make a big stink about cyberbullying to divert attention from their own actions. The Tribunal Why all this play acting with official sounding investigations and tribunals? Is it people in authority with a need to appear as if members are receiving some due process? To give a public perception that all possible measures were taken to resolve conflict? A modern belief is the illusion that 'someone' needs to 'do something' about their personal problems. Some people need an outside authority to confirm that their enemy is a 'bad person'. Or for a third party to determine that they were the person who was right. Most investigations are about getting people to believe a self-serving account of the incident. 'Truth' is rarely a factor. For some reason, elements of the bureaucracy feel a need to claim that Starfleet has discovered the one 'real truth' of these incidents. There is no real life penalty for lying during these Starfleet tribunals. Other than following their personal moral code, why would members not tell a story that puts them in the best light possible under the circumstances? In essence, people contribute to their own problems. But, they desire some outside party to tell them they are blameless. It is an illusion to think that the rest of the organization will give you sympathy or see you as the injured party as the result of some tribunal's opinion. The reality is that people who sympathized with you from the beginning will continue to do so, those who disagreed with you will still disagree with you, and the majority of other members simply do not care about your issues. How much good could be done in the name of Starfleet if the resources used in these cyber bullying investigations were used to develop the organization? Some kind heart-ed members say that it is worth the time and effort to follow through on complaints about cyberbullying. Are we really trying to help some aggrieved member move on from an unpleasant experience in Starfleet? Or are we feeding the egos of malcontents who want to be the center of attention?
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Editorial The Myth of Starfleet Cyberbullying (Continued from page 4)

If people are reasonable and willing to communicate, they can generally sort out their own disagreements without the help of a bureaucracy. When the management makes this show of trying to value peoples opinions; remember: Zero is a value. Which is what some complaints are worth. Summary Is there a club-wide solution to these conflicts? Sadly, no. In real life the resources of national governments has failed to mediate conflicts. Why would a small star trek fan club have more success? Many of these incidents are not about being 'right' in any moral sense. They are simply about who is a part of what faction or who is perceived as an outsider or 'bad person.' If cyberbullying is a problem, why have there not legitimate legal cases involving Starfleet? Because these incidents have had no merit as a crime or criminal court case, and most members do not have the resources to fund a long and fruitless civil action. As a human being, you bear responsibility for yourself and your actions. Would Starfleet operate more smoothly if every member acted responsibly? Of course it would!

From the Officer In Charge (Continued from page 1)

What I am trying to say is that no matter whether your SFMC unit or SFI ship is large or small, it will have its ups and downs. It will celebrate its successes and agonize over its failures. The important thing is, that whatever happens, either to individuals within the unit, or to the unit as a whole, it is important that we experience all this together, as a community and as a family. That is the thing that will keep us strong, and keep us growing and changing as our fandom of Star Trek grows and changes.

The Creed of the STARFLEET Marine

I am a Starfleet Marine! A professional! I am a volunteer, knowing all the hazards of my profession. I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me. I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am in all I do. I am a professional soldier; I will serve wherever duty requires. I will always strive to excel in every art and artifice of war. I know that I may be tasked to serve in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices. I will conquer my fears and succeed. I will keep my mind and body clean, alert, and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me. I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment as befits a Starfleet Marine. I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself or the Corps. I will adapt and overcome any adversity. My goal is to succeed in any mission, and to live to succeed again. I will succeed.
From the Starfleet Marine Force Manual

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