From the precedent of previous missions, we don’t normally have marines aboard. The fleet was tasked with carrying a complement of marines each when they needed to be delivered to retake occupied stations in the Cerberus system. This was a specific deviation from the norm. I noticed in particular because space on a scoutship is at an even higher premium than other vessels.
I assume we have combat-trained security teams aboard but not assault marines. Security can defend entry points like the docking bay and transporter room, can provide escort for personnel on away missions, suppress mutiny and insurrection, guard the captain while he sleeps, provide surveillance for the division’s Security Officer, act as bouncers for shipboard parties, carry out floggings until morale improves, be used as ammunition if you run out of civilians, cadets and ensigns… and even double up as DamCon team members during engagements.
