OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Canon Inspired => Historicals => Topic started by: Takiro on September 02, 2010, 09:54:38 AM
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Good morning gang. After some thought I've built in something I think works very well in the canon BattleTech universe. It will tie in with the Deep Space Cavalry (DSC) I did for the Star League era and even though it might not appear in BTSD per say you will see it appear in Clarion Call. So I'd love your comments and any canon research or quotes you can provide to support or dismiss my assertions.
The Terran Defense Force which can be found in at least three canon sources (pg 71 of 20 Year Update, pg 85 of ComStar SB, and the Fall of Terra) I contend was the forerunner of the ComGuards. Founded by Jerome Blake in the aftermath of Operation Silver Shield circa 2788 this force had as its mandate to safeguard the security of the Sol system under the auspices of ComStar. Composed of SLDF veterans who were urged by General Kerensky to "pledge their assistance to Blake's reconstruction effort" (pg 13 CSSB) these warriors may have had their loyalty secured by a promise of pay by way of huge parts and equipment caches that ComStar controlled (pg 13 CSSB).
While ComStar believed that seizing Terra for its own good some of these veterans may not have. Driving off the garrison forces left by the House Lords was probably not hard to conceive but beheading what was left of a disfunctional Hegemony might have been too much for some. Heavy fighting in South America between two SLDF Mechanized Divisions who refused to submit to Blake's authority was a good indicator. Many probably agreed that it had to be done or Terra would have been destroyed by a five way battle between rival claimants to the First Lordship but watching the Houses swoop in and crush what resistance remained could have bought out some guilt. Had they helped destroy the Terran nation? Why couldn't they save more worlds or the entire Hegemony?
Unable to go on the offensive in any meaningful way the TDF would gradually be shrunk by ComStar as the threat to Terra receded. Forced demobiliztion of such a force is a hard thing (ComStar didn't have ROM till 2811 and see Kerensky's efforts to disband SLDF on the homeworlds) even though many of its warriors may have been old enough to retire. As an outlet Blake may have let some of theme go. Perhaps a few into mercenary service here or there but you probably don't want the Houses acquiring whole units of personnel. So here is my proposal and a way to add on to the Deep Space Cavalry write up I did a while ago (I get the link and post it below).
The Periphery Frontier Force (PFF) was formed by ComStar to maintain pockets of stability in the vast Periphery and helped as a safety valve to reduce the Terran Defense Force. While other ComStar units (at this point they likely retained their SLDF designations) may have taken part in this effort the core force was composed of the 13th Royal French Demi-Brigade (which was one of the Unknown Units listed in the SLSB). This is a way to carry on the legend of the famous Foreign Legion who travels the fringes of the Human Sphere during the Succession War creating strongholds for rebuilding the HPG network, exploring, and hunting pirates. They have to maintain a low profile because they are vastly outnumbered and you don't want too many folks knowing about your journey or your possible home. They'd concentrate on maintaining what they had rather than embark on costly and unsustainable campaigns of expansion.
Over time they might recruit other commands (like their brothers in 3rd French Infantry Regiment or other SLDF commands) who might have tired of the Succession Wars. Maybe they even find what is left of the Star League Deep Space Cavalry (the Regulators) which would be the forerunner of the Periphery Frontier Force. While their exact size would vary over time the PFF is a defuse organization spread over immense distances much by design of Blake and later ROM. Whatever their strength individual commands might not be aware of each other or are far to removed to work effectively together. If they did it would have to be a real special event and ComStar would always know. Adventures like trying to find Kerensky, finding evil out on the Rim Worlds, and much much more are easily possible.
The creation of ROM in 2811 is important to the TDF and the PFF which before hand had operated with loose control from Blake and perhaps the First Circuit. As security of ComStar as a whole is their purview Precentor ROM would assume control of both organizations. Beating off the scarce interloper and various ill conceived raids on the Terran system runs its course for the TDF which ROM really never trusts. Eventually it is reduced to a glorified militia instead of a true standing army. The PFF goes in the other direction gradually expanding to support the Orders growing operations in the Periphery. Still the various commands are kept separate and under careful surveillance by ROM.
In 2933 the ComGuards began to form marking a shift in military policy by the Order. Before hand security was left to ROM, the TDF was charged with defense of Terra, and the PFF had its duties in the Periphery. There was no true ComStar military to defend the HPG. That all changed with this act. The TDF (which was by now woefully ill prepared to deal with a real invasion) was absorbed into the Guard eventually assuming its canon position. The PFF was keep hidden by ROM as it had nothing to do with HPG and continued to function in much the same way becoming a hidden asset of the Blakists.
Thoughts?
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The PFF could have been part of the Explorer Corps- listed as ROM so as not to blow its cover, or thy couldhave conducted follow-up missions to worlds the Explorer Corps "discovered".
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Cool Also they might find Camelot Command and Columbus earlier than happened which help Comstar
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Anything bringing back French units is a good thing. 8)
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Figured you'd like the idea Ice. ;)
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Figured you'd like the idea Ice. ;)
:D
I think I made once a pure French unit, I will have to look in my files.
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ComStar Guards and Militia
You have to understand the code of duty and honor that rules those who pilot these engines of destruction. Placing such an awesome weapon in the hands of an individual implies a similar gesture of trust.
- Anastasius Focht
During a meeting with the First Circuit in 2933 Primus York proposed the formation of a standing military for ComStar. This military, to be called the ComStar Guards and Militia, would be a rapid-deployment, light infantry force constantly on call for emergencies such as the abduction of prominent ComStar personnel. ComStar would have the ability to repond quickly with some degree of military force in times of need. Fifty years later, building from this foundation, the reigning Primus and First Circuit began an ambitious MechWarrior training program.
The original proposal called for the creation of eight regiments of full-time troops, but the Primus settled for five regiments as a compromise with a liberal faction of the First Circuit. The ComStar Guards and Militia would be based in the Sol system and would remain under the combined control of the Primus and the [Infantry] First Circuit. To fund the creation of a standing military, Primus York tapped the vast resources of ROM, arguing that ROM would have less need for the money now that ComStar would have a military force.
The core of the Guards and Militia was the former mercenary Bandersnatches. Their contract was dissolved and they accepted full-time permanent emplyment with ComStar. The Guards and Militia would have the best equipment possible, vintage Star League Defense Forces gear left behind after the Exodus.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the formation of the ComStar Guards and Militia was the revitilization of the Sandhurst Royal Military College in Berkshire, England. The site had originally served as a training school for ROM. York convinced the First Circuit to relocate the ROM training center and to approve millions of C-bills for Sandhurst's renovation. The old military academy was converted into a modern military complex, complete with BattleMech and aerospace fighter facilities and training grounds.
Primus York knew that the creation of a military force by the neutral ComStar would stun the leaders of the Inner Sphere. In his messages announcing the formation of the ComStar Guards and Militia, he told the leaders that these troops were strictly for the defense of Terra and would train only in defensive
from the first circuit website http://firstcircuit.net/background/guards.html (http://firstcircuit.net/background/guards.html)
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This would mean they might have used the traditional SLDF organisation.
When did they change?
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This would mean they might have used the traditional SLDF organization.
When did they change?
Regiment could also just mean a formation or unit of men. I wouldn't put too much stock one way or another, but it is possible the very first ComGuard formations were enlisted in the traditional manner, with final organization being the traditional six Level 1 after fitting.
This would be a good question for TPTB on the forum.
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Regiment could also just mean a formation or unit of men. I wouldn't put too much stock one way or another, but it is possible the very first ComGuard formations were enlisted in the traditional manner, with final organization being the traditional six Level 1 after fitting.
This would be a good question for TPTB on the forum.
Perhaps but the question is why go from a classical structure to a new one?
I can see two main reasons:
1. adaptation to a new thread or problem (manpower, transportation capacity or something similar),
2. a strange idea by one or several ComStar leaders resulting in this exotic organisation.
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Regiment could also just mean a formation or unit of men. I wouldn't put too much stock one way or another, but it is possible the very first ComGuard formations were enlisted in the traditional manner, with final organization being the traditional six Level 1 after fitting.
This would be a good question for TPTB on the forum.
Perhaps but the question is why go from a classical structure to a new one?
I can see two main reasons:
1. adaptation to a new thread or problem (manpower, transportation capacity or something similar),
2. a strange idea by one or several ComStar leaders resulting in this exotic organisation.
Probably the latter, but also a little bit of the former. ComStar Divisions are mixed units after all.
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I like it!
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Well I always thought the ComStar Lance just included the 2 AeroFighters that usually supported a standard Mech Lance. 4+2=6. But your guess is as good as mine.
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Well I always thought the ComStar Lance just included the 2 AeroFighters that usually supported a standard Mech Lance. 4+2=6. But your guess is as good as mine.
Interesting and added to my strange idea theory, it could become the basis for this unique organisation.
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Interesting Very Interesting
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The Bandersnatches at the time they became full memebers of the order, were only a battalion of mechs. Per rereading about them in the Comstar Sourcebook and House Kurita Handbook.
Also dont forget in 2788 they had 8 full divisions of personnel and equipment of which 4 were battlemech divisions. and Jerome Blake also recruited several Mercenary Units. also they had the remnants of a Battlemech division the 251st. they captured 2 more Mechanized Divisions in South America. though they and the 13th Royal Division took heavy losses. after 72 hrs Terra was Comstar's. at which time they broadcast to every Nation they took over Terra, showing the Former SLDF divisions and mecernaries working for Comstar. so what happened to 10 divisions of men and women who ultimately joined comstar????
per the comstar housebook.
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Probably off to the mines... :o
I'm sure some were integral to the creation of ROM, became the rebuilding core of TerraSec, or provided subtle security for HPG stations, but mostly I think they just retired. Given the fact that most of these troops just fought a decade long war to reclaim the Hegemony, I'm sure the conquest of Terra for ComStar was their last hurrah.
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And were they at full strength?
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And were they at full strength?
The sourcebook doesn't give a specific number of troops per unit, but rather an overall number. Truthfully, what matters is that they were clearly staffed with enough personnel to be viable combat effective units. That's the important bit.
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yes i would say the quote "8 Full Divisions" would constitute they were at full strength.
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Then ComStar has to find new troops and in order to boost their efficiency (and having access to shipyards) gives to each Lance a Flight, making this their basic unit.