Movies and TV

The Colonial Marines, a fictional military unit, are a staple of the Alien film franchise and related media. They function as the United States Colonial Marine Corps, a space-faring branch of the U.S. Marine Corps, and are responsible for protecting human colonies and responding to extraterrestrial threats. They are heavily armed and armored, trained in combat tactics, and possess a pragmatic and often cynical outlook.

Notable Colonial Marines include Sergeant Apone, the tough-as-nails NCO in Aliens, portrayed by Al Matthews, who provides leadership and enforces discipline. Hicks, played by Michael Biehn (and later partially by others), is a level-headed corporal who rises to leadership after Apone's presumed death. Vasquez, portrayed by Jenette Goldstein, is a fiercely independent and physically imposing machine gunner. These characters represent the diverse range of personalities and skills found within the Colonial Marines, highlighting both their competence and their vulnerability in the face of overwhelming alien forces.

The Colonial Marines' portrayal often explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of combat in extreme environments. They are often depicted as being outmatched and overwhelmed, contributing to the horror and suspense that are hallmarks of the *Alien* franchise.