STA platoon
STA platoons are the "Surveillance and Target Acquisition" platoons of the United States Marine Corps. They are assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company of a U.S. Marine rifle battalion and are the home of Marines working directly for the S-2 (Intelligence) that are specially trained at close range reconnaissance and information gathering for the battalion commander.
Operations
These Marines work in small teams (as few as two or three men) employing ground surveillance radar and night observation devices to aid the battalion commander in locating the enemy at the forward edge of the battle area.
STA platoon is also the home of the Marine Scout-Snipers. Marine Scout Snipers can act on immediate information to reduce the enemy, deny the enemy access to flanks and protected areas, or slow the enemy's ability to maneuver through long-range precision fire.
The STA platoon is in use at the battalion and regimental level. They have seen heavy use since the first Gulf War up until OIF/OEF. The STA platoon is the "sharp edge of the sword" for the Marine Rifle Battalion.
In popular culture
- Anthony Swofford's experiences in an STA platoon are recounted in his 2003 book, Jarhead, and the 2005 film of the same name.[1]
See also
References
- ^ Swofford, Anthony (2003). Jarhead. Charles Scribner's Sons. ISBN 0-7432-3535-5.
- v
- t
- e
US Congress |
---|
![Seal of the United States Marine Corps](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Emblem_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps.svg/80px-Emblem_of_the_United_States_Marine_Corps.svg.png)
commands
and training
Personnel | |
---|---|
Training |
|
and equipment
and traditions
- History
- Culture
- Acronyms and terms
- Birthday
- Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps
- Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
- Flag
- Marine Band
- Drum and Bugle Corps
- Horse Marines
- Marine One
- Color Guard
- Silent Drill Platoon
- White House Sentries
- Service Numbers
- Marine Corps War Memorial
- Marine Detachments
- "Marines' Hymn"
- Oorah
- National Museum
- Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima
- Rifleman's Creed
- Semper Fidelis
- march
- History of Hispanics in the USMC
- History of women in the USMC
- Honorary Marine
- Toys for Tots
- Gung ho
Category