Basis and Mechs
While MP Hoare's letter (BT 16) is a good
basis for discussion of anti-Clan tactics, empirical field
trials suggest a mixture of BattleMech/Armor/Artillery
ratio of 4:3:1 rather than the original suggestion of
1:1:0. By increasing the base size to a 'demi-battalion'
of two reinforced companies, this allows the task force
commander to be able to deploy his/her force as the
situation requires. With the organic artillery USED FOR
INTERDICTION, it should be possible to defend
against battalion level of opposition, and to go on the
defensive once the attackers are bloodied. The
Snowfire Brigade has operated quite successfully
using combined arms techniques since 3018. The
equipment possibilities of today allow for the
specialization of units necessary for good combined
arms tactics.
I've appeared to have taken a 'defensive'
frame of mind in this letter. It is intentional. What with
the ability of our foes' BattleMechs (speed, etc), and
the noted behavior of the pilots so far, it is to OUR
advantage to let them 'attack'. Once they are bloodied,
experience has shown that we are capable of
mounting a counterattack that defeats them.
Yet perhaps the most important factor is the
'Human' one. This factor may indeed be the most
critical one. The Clan MechWarriors are the pinnacles
of what MechWarriors should or can be. They are the
best INDIVIDUAL FIGHTERS the Inner Sphere has or
will see. For that is what a Warrior is, a highly skilled
INDIVIDUAL fighter. And that is why they will ultimately
fail. They lack the discipline and the ability for group
coordination. Please not that I'm NOT saying that it
occurs; it does occur infrequently. The strength of the
Federated Commonwealth forces is that of her
SOLDIERS, a group of disciplined fighters working
TOGETHER. While we still suffer from a technological
gap, our equipment, with combined arms techniques
made possible by the discipline of our SOLDIERS,
shall gain us victory.
- Brigade Sgt-Mjr Wolfgang
Tracon
Historian, Snowfire Brigade
Field Task Forces
The basis of the Snowfire Brigade is the Field Task Force (FTF); the size of this force is a reinforce BattleMech Company and a reinforced mixed Armor Company. While specific operational demands will cause achange in committed reserves, the core of the FTF remains constant. This allows for unit cohesion, familiarization, and training, all of which are vital for successful combined arms operations.
Ignoring the organic support units (Supply, Service, Security, and Medical) the basis of each task force is:
- 11 Assault BattleMech (4/6/4)
Modified BattleMaster chassis
5 Medium BattleMech (5/8/5) Modified Wolverine chassis
8 Tanks (75 ton) (4/6/T)
4 Hover Tanks (50 ton) (8/12/H)
4 Sniper Artillery (3/5/T)
Changes to 2 Sniper, 2 Arrow IV
Possible quick response reinforcements include:
1-3 Long Tom Artillery (1 dedicated, an
additional 1-2 possible)
0-6 AeroSpace fighters (Ground Assault
Version, modified 85 ton)
Type: KGR-00
Kangaroo
Tonnage: 85.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8.5
Engine: 340 XL 13.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Heat Sinks: 13(26) 4.0
Gyro: 4.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 256 16.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 42
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right/Left Torso 18 28
Right/Left Torso (rear) 8
Right/Left Arm 14 28
Right/Left Leg 18 33
Weapons and Ammo Loc.CS Mass
Gauss Rifle LA 7 15.0
Ammo (32) LT 4 4.0
Guardian Suite CT 2 1.5
C3 Master Computer RT 5 5.0
Medium LaserRT 1 1.0
Medium LaserRT 1 1.0
Medium LaserRT 1 1.0
Medium LaserRT (R) 1 1.0
Medium LaserLT 1 1.0
Medium LaserLT 1 1.0
Medium LaserLT 1 1.0
Small LaserH (R) 1 0.5
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 2.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 2.0
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
85 16 27 13 3 45 ECM
Type: KGR-WO Wombat
Tonnage: 85.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8.5
Engine: 340 XL 13.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Heat Sinks: 14(28) 4.0
Gyro: 4.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 256 16.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 42
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right/Left Torso 18 28
Right/Left Torso (rear) 8
Right/Left Arm 14 28
Right/Left Leg 18 33
Weapons and AmmoLoc. CS Mass
C3 Slave Computer H 11.0
Medium Laser RA 1 1.0
Medium Laser RA 1 1.0
Medium Laser LA 1 1.0
Medium Laser LA 1 1.0
Medium LaserCT (R) 1 1.0
Medium LaserCT (R) 1 1.0
Artemis IV FCS RT 1 1.0
LRM 15 RT 3 7.0
Ammo (LRM) (32) RT 4 4.0
CASE RT 1 0.5
Artemis IV FCS LT 1 1.0
LRM 15 LT 3 7.0
Ammo (LRM) (32) LT 4 4.0
CASE LT 1 0.5
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 2.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 2.0
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
85 13(l) 13 13 3 45
Snowfire BattleMech lances have one command 'Mech, one fire support 'Mech, 1 close assault 'Mech, with the fourth 'Mech either an additional fire support or the close assault version. With the basis of an HO lance, a 'Mech company, a mixed armor company, and an artillery lance, the possible permutations of attack/defense options can be quite interesting. Please note that the small (relative) size of the Snowfire Brigade allows for dedicated units, with specialization that is required for proper combined arms techniques. Each lance (armor or 'Mech) is able to operate as a supporting unit, not as four prima donnas. This theory extends down to the support units.
Using combined arms techniques instead of conventional military TO&E enables the task force commanders to more fully exploit the abilities of their units. The organic artillery can be used to interdict an approach path or escape route; the fast hovercraft allow for quick reinforcement or sudden flanking moves; the tanks can be used to stiffen the defense or snipe at defenders. While the 'Mech is still necessary, it is no longer the 'Queen of the Battlefield'. It is still important as a valued element, but it is no longer a solo performer.
It is interesting to note that the combination of 'Mechs and tanks, properly utilized, will have enemy 'Mechs shooting at friendly 'Mechs as primary targets, shooting at tanks only if no 'better' targets are available. With tanks almost the equal of 'Mechs, this can be a FATAL error. It is not unlike looking out for sharks and ignoring the barracuda. Infantry PROPERLY equipped, lead, and supported is extremely useful for defensive situations. Enemy priorities tend to be BattleMechs first, then Armor, then Infantry. Infantry units cannot maneuver quickly enough for today's battlefield, but they are still valuable. Infantry can spot for artillery while remaining hidden, closely supported with 'M echs, a mix of Infantry and Armor can be used to defend, deny, or block an opposing force.
Editors Note: The Snowfire Regiment's Field Task Forces will feature prominently in Combined Arms: the Mid-31st Centuty Solution, a Fall '52 release from the Mech-At-Arms series, Tomachevsky Press, Exeter.
Type: KGR-WA Wallaby
Tonnage: 85.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8.5
Engine: 340 XL 13.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Heat Sinks: 21 (42) 11.0
Gyro: 4.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 256 16.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 42
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right/Left Torso 18 28
Right/Left Torso (rear) 8
Right/Left Arm 14 18
Right/Left Leg 18 33
Weapons and AmmoLoc. CSMass
C3 Slave Computer H 11.0
Guardian Suite LT 21.5
ER Large Laser RT 25.0
Large Laser RT 2 5.0
Medium LaserRT (R) 1 1.0
ER Large Laser LT 2 5.0
Large Laser LT 2 5.0
Medium LaserLT(R) 1 1.0
Small LaserHead (R) 1 0.5
Jump Jets RL 2 2.0
Jump Jets LL 2 2.0
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
85 11 22 13 4 45 ECM
Type: KGR-000
Joey
Tonnage: 55.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.5
Engine: 275 XL 8.0
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 12(24) 2.0
Gyro: 3.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 176 11.0
Location Internal Arrnor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right/Left Torso 13 20
Right/Left Torso (rear) 6
Right/Left Arm 9 16
Right/Left Leg 13 24
Weapons and AmmoLoc. CSMass
Large Laser RA 2 5.0
C3 Master Computer RA 5 5.0
Guardian Suite LT 21.5
Beagle Probe LT 1.5 1.5
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium LaserLT (R) 1 1.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 1.0
Jump Jet CT 1 0.5
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
55 13 20 10 2 55 ECM AEP
Type: KGR-BCT
Bandicoot
Tonnage: 55.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.5
Engine: 275 XL 8.0
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 15(30) 5.0
Gyro: 3.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 176 11.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right/Left Torso 13 20
Right/Left Torso (rear) 6
Right/Left Arm 9 16
Right/Left Leg 13 24
Weapons and AmmoLoc. CSMass
ER Large Laser RA 2 5.
C3 Slave ComputerH 11.0
Guardian Suite LT 21.5
Beagle Probe RT 1.5 1.5
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium LaserCT (R) 1 1.0
Medium LaserRT (R) 1 1.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 1.0
Jump Jet CT 1 0.5
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
55 13 20 10 2 55 ECM AEP
Type: KGY-BCS Striped Bandicoot
Tonnage: 55.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.5
Engine: 275 XL 8.0
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 10(20) 0.0
Gyro: 3.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 176 11.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right/Left Torso 13 20
Right/Left Torso (rear) 6
Right/Left Arm 9 16
Right/Left Leg 13 24
Weapons and Ammo Loc. CS Mass
Gauss Rifle RA 715.0
Ammo (Gauss Rifle) (24) RT 4 3.5
C3 Slave Computer H 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 1.0
Jump Jet CT 1 0.5
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
55 11 18 10 4 55
Type: KBA-01
Kookaburra
Tonnage: 30.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.5
Engine: 240 XL 6.0
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Heat Sinks: 10(20) 0.0
Gyro: 3.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 104 6.5
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right/Left Torso 7 9
Right/Left Torso (rear) 5
Right/Left Arm 5 10
Right/Left Leg 7 14
Weapons and AmmoLoc. CSMass
C3 Slave Computer H 1 1.0
Beagle Probe LT 1.5 1.5
Medium Laser RT 1 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 1.0
Medium Laser CT 1 1.0
Small Laser CT 1 0.5
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) CT 2 1.0
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
30 7 11 7 2 85 AEP
Type: KGY-WBT Dwarf Wombat
Tonnage: 55.0
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.5
Engine: 275 XL 8.0
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 10(20) 0.0
Gyro: 3.0
Cockpit: 3.0
Armor Factor: 176 11.0
Location Internal Armor Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right/Left Torso 13 20
Right/Left Torso (rear) 6
Right/Left Arm 9 16
Right/Left Leg 13 24
Weapons and Ammo Loc. CS Mass
C3 Slave Computer H 1 1.0
Medium LaserRT 1 1.0
Medium LaserLT 1 1.0
Medium LaserCT 1 1.0
LRM-15 LT 3 7.0
Ammo (LRM) (16) LT 2 2.0
LRM-15 RT 3 7.0
Ammo (LRM) (16) RT 2 2.0
Jump Jets (2) LL 2 1.0
Jump Jets (2) RL 2 1.0
Jump Jet CT 2 0.5
Tons RA LA D it MP Special
55 12(l) 1810 4 55
Snowfire Regiment Field Task Forces
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