title: Commandant (The United Federation Marine Corps) (Volume 8)
author:  Jonathan P. Brazee 
description: I am a retired Marine colonel now living and working in Thailand. I was born in Oakland, CA, but have lived throughout the US and the world, and have traveled to over 100 countries. My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. I love reading, writing, exercise, cooking, travel, and photography. I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts. If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH.
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  [Contents](0743498844_toc.htm)
  
  # **Chapter Five**
  
  The conference room was elegantly appointed with a long mahogany table and
  ceiling-hung lamps that cast their light carefully to make it easy to see both
  the table and those around it. At each place was a notepad, a pencil and a
  glass of water. On a side table was a silver urn and coffee mugs. At one end
  was a single door, guarded on the outside by more marines in armor, and at the
  other end was an oilcloth-covered easel. A commander in dress uniform was
  standing at attention by the easel as the admirals and generals filed in,
  followed by their aides.
  
  The UFS had a uniform rank structure for officers. The bottom three ranks were
  ensign, lieutenant and captain. These were referred to as "company" grade
  officers. Their rank insignia were circular pips, one for ensign, two for
  lieutenant and three for captain. The second three ranks were major, commander
  and colonel, "command" gr