What is the 3rd Marine Division Realism Unit and what is realism gaming?

The 3rd Marine Division is a online realism gaming unit involved in Insurgency Mod which runs off the Half Life 2 Engine known as Source. The unit was extablished in 2002/2003 and started in the field in BF1942 FH mod. In 2005 the unit moved to Counter Strike: Source & Day of Defeat: Source, and shortly after shut down the Day of Defeat: Source section of the unit. In summer of 2007 the unit added Day of Defeat: Source back to its roster and went through a restructure in October 2007. In October of 2008 the unit dropped Counter Strike: Source & moved to Insurgency. We are still involved in Day of Defeat: Source but on a unofficial basis. We have strong ties to the DODS realism community. The 3rd Marine Division is the oldest tactical realism unit still operational in Insurgency today.

Realism gaming or tactical gaming is a form of gameplay that organizes play into a way that makes things more taticly realistic and employ the use of military tatics to complete their objectives. Also the use of certain serverside mods are also commonly used to help in making the feel of the game more realistic.

What do I have to do to enlist and submit an enlistment contract?

Well so far you are on the right path. If you have got here you have already found the Enlistment page. First thing you will want to do is read our introduction and requirements page. Then you will need to register on our forums and post a copy of the enlistment contract.

Can I be in another unit or clan?

Under most circumstances no. As stated in section 3 of the enlistment requirements you cannot be in two different groups. Its a matter of security, attitudes in rank/leadership differences, and commitiment. The "I have time to dedicate to both groups" does not cut it. If someone wants to be truly commited to this unit they should be able to give all the time they have to this unit, and not to another one. Again the main reason is time conflicts with other groups.

How does your unit structure and/or use rank?

The 3rd Marine Division follows a proper military based command and ranking structure just like a real militart unit. The command structure is contains lines of the chain of command to various parts of the battalion. Every things starts and ends with the battalion commander, and breaks down to seperate command levels. For more details see Basic Military Knowledge under the Resources page and click on Company and Battalion Command Structure.

We also use the same ranking system as the USMC, and certain ranks fall into certain posistions of responsibility and command. It should be understood that rank does not determine who has authority over another, that is determined by the command structure, though members always respect senior ranks, and its expected that seniors respect their subordinates.

How to you get rank or get promoted?

Upon enlistment most individuals contract as a E-1 (Pvt.), and in some cases for those who can cerify military service or cadet program membership you can contract as an E-2 (PFC). Though members contract as a Pvt. or PFC upon enlistment if accepted, they must complete Marine Corps Recruit Training (MCRT). During this phase they hold the title of Recruit (Rct.), and are addressed and treated as such. The official contracted rank is only used on documentation while individuals are in MCRT.

After MCRT members normally attend MOS training, and from that point most individuals can promote. The unit has a promotion requirement manual that breaks down requirements like time in grade and time in service to determine if someone is eligible for promotion. To promote past the rank of E-3 though requires passing of a promotion board amoung other requirements, vacancy in positions, and selection by their commander(s). Reguadless of rank and position their is still plently of opportunity for every alike, even as a LCpl. (E-3) or PFC (E-2). These ranks make up 70% or more of the units members. 

Those who are here to seek rank and positions to get on a high horse and boss people around obviously dont understand leadership, and will learn that those in command positions (including the battalion commander) who have military experiance wont allow it. If your here becasue you want to feel big and bad because of rank you have come to the wrong place, so take a hike.

Do I have to wear the [3rd MD] tag at all times as my steamfriends/player name?

Simple answer is yes. Whenever you are in DODS or INS you are requried to always wear your unit tag. You are also required to have your steam friends name set to your unit name at all times. We understand that there are other games that go by your steam friends name and can only be different if you change this. This is a sacrifice everyone is required to make. If you can getting another account with hl2 or whatever just to use for insurgency would be the best idea.

I share a account and/or let somebody else (family members, friends, etc.) use my steam account. Is this ok?

NO. As stated in the enlistment requirements you are to have your own account and be the only use period. Anything done on your account will be considered a action by you. We have had problems with people and get the "it was my brother" excuse. Do to these problems and the fact your specific account may have administrative abilities on our servers at some point we cannot allow this. Those who are caught in violation of this can recieve up to dishonorable discharge from our unit.