General Armor and Weapons As Mustering Out Benefits

[whartung]

I was in the British Army - they didn't give me the option of keeping my SLR, let alone the sterling smg and the browning 9mm they also trained me to use.

Since the thread got resurrected.

As a curiosity, was there a point when weapons were given out to troops leaving service? Did the US Army in the 1800's send the trooper off with a pistol or something? Did the Romans let their soldiers keep their sword and shield?

 

[Tobias]

Since the thread got resurrected.

As a curiosity, was there a point when weapons were given out to troops leaving service? Did the US Army in the 1800's send the trooper off with a pistol or something? Did the Romans let their soldiers keep their sword and shield?

The Swiss still do that. In theory, every Swiss Army reservist is supposed to keep an assault rifle at home. Until 2007, ammunition as well.

 

[whartung]

Swiss Army reservist

Key word "reservist", they're only "sort of out". But it's an interesting start.

 

[Condottiere]

In theory, considering their strategic depth in up in the mountains, they want their militia to be ready in forty eight hours.

If I understand the doctrine correctly, they figured out quite a while ago that combined armored columns were quite viable to at least seriously delay any invasion, which is why they gave up bicycle battalions, and switched to armoured personnel carriers.

Originally, two magazines were supposedly a requirement, but I think after a mass shooting (the only one so far), ammunition being somewhat more centralized and secured.

Like the Finns, I would suppose they would like all their reservists, and I think that includes those that qualify for retirement, to have a gun, that they would care for and practice at the local shooting range. rather than just being forced to iapose of.

Considering the issue of equipping mobilized forces in very large numbers, that now makes very much sense.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

As a curiosity, was there a point when weapons were given out to troops leaving service? Did the US Army in the 1800's send the trooper off with a pistol or something?

It does not have to be an official assignment. It's what you have "acquired" over the years. You might have scrounged or looted it. How many GIs came home with a katana or a Luger?

 

[AnotherDilbert]

Key word "reservist", they're only "sort of out". But it's an interesting start.

They are not "out" at all. They are frontline deployable troops, just at "extended leave". They are recalled for training with their unit regularly, at least in theory. Something like a National Guard soldier.

 

[Timerover51]

Since the thread got resurrected.

As a curiosity, was there a point when weapons were given out to troops leaving service? Did the US Army in the 1800's send the trooper off with a pistol or something? Did the Romans let their soldiers keep their sword and shield?

The U.S. Army would allow troops to purchase their weapons up to the 1890s when the Krag was adopted. Note, they had to purchase them. As for the Romans, the legionnaires turned in their equipment when mustered out. The Greek hoplite owned his weapons and armor. Most mercenaries in the Middle Ages owned their gear until firearms began to be used.

 

[whartung]

How many GIs came home with a katana or a Luger?

Sure, but that's not a benefit of Mustering out.

The U.S. Army would allow troops to purchase their weapons up to the 1890s when the Krag was adopted.

This seems closer to what Mustering Out a mustering out benefit means. I was not in the military, so I don't know what happens today when you leave the service. If anything, modern military gets the VA as a "mustering out" benefit. Though can't say if that's the case versus simply gaining the status of "Veteran" and thus access.

I don't consider the Lowes 10% Veteran/Military discount to be a "Mustering out" benefit, it's simply a status they recognize. I also don't know if those not properly discharged are considered "Veterans" or not, of just those with successful service.

 

[Skibdy]

Since the thread got resurrected.

As a curiosity, was there a point when weapons were given out to troops leaving service? Did the US Army in the 1800's send the trooper off with a pistol or something? Did the Romans let their soldiers keep their sword and shield?

You'd think in a big old galaxy or three that there would be a load of different approaches to this kind of stuff. Law level would play a simplistic part but within that we've discussed the Swiss approach in the here and now which is different to the American approach which is different to the UK approach.... Ultimately the GM will sort this and probably balance it. You would think that if a GM is fine with his players starting off with Battle armour then they are happy to run with that campaign. I Remember the first time one of my players managed to get their hands on a set... it was a massive achievement, it's horses for courses.

 

[Skibdy]

Sure, but that's not a benefit of Mustering out.

This seems closer to what Mustering Out a mustering out benefit means. I was not in the military, so I don't know what happens today when you leave the service. If anything, modern military gets the VA as a "mustering out" benefit. Though can't say if that's the case versus simply gaining the status of "Veteran" and thus access.

I don't consider the Lowes 10% Veteran/Military discount to be a "Mustering out" benefit, it's simply a status they recognize. I also don't know if those not properly discharged are considered "Veterans" or not, of just those with successful service.

It's going to depend on the military, I did 22 years in the UK Forces... got the pension but if I didn't hand in my 'gas mask' they were going to take 80 quid off me. In a galactic scenario there will be plenty other variations. Its fantasy (sci fi.. whatever) so whatever works, most players will want to get their hands on the Gucci-ist gear they can, its part of the game.

 

[Diveguy]

Depending on your branch and specialty in the 90's/00's military, it was *not* uncommon to leave the service with more than a few issued, and even some "controlled" items. Particularly if you were around any sort of SOF unit, a lot of your gear was team issue or somewhat off the books. Not saying I walked out with any firearms, or live explosives - but, plenty of other things. So, as others have mentioned, on a galactic scale, and in a more militarized environment? It would make perfect sense for those viewed as trusted members of society to keep such things after military service.

 

[Condottiere]

Depends on policy.

A militia would more likely have weapons at home.

A professional and/or conscript army would likely have to give up their weapons when demobilized.

The real advantage is that you have a weapon when you start out, rather than having to source one.

 

[whartung]

Not saying I walked out with any firearms, or live explosives - but, plenty of other things.

But that's probably more considered "Employee shrinkage" vs a formal benefit.

I was just curious if the Mustering Out benefits were simply a game mechanic to help gear up and fund characters, or it they were based in something common here on out TL7+ backwater Dirt, or Earth, or whatever its called.

 

[Skibdy]

Depending on your branch and specialty in the 90's/00's military, it was *not* uncommon to leave the service with more than a few issued, and even some "controlled" items. Particularly if you were around any sort of SOF unit, a lot of your gear was team issue or somewhat off the books. Not saying I walked out with any firearms, or live explosives - but, plenty of other things. So, as others have mentioned, on a galactic scale, and in a more militarized environment? It would make perfect sense for those viewed as trusted members of society to keep such things after military service.

Yup, I've got a fair few 'bits and bobs' that I accumulated over the years, its probably the same with quite a few work places though.

As to what different 'pretend' cultures do, that's up to the GM and there's no reason to assume that there will be a range of cultures, some of which will allow (or even encourage) people leaving the military to retain a military firearm. They may be expected to keep other skills or fitness up but generally the game doesn't delve too deeply into this. Being part of a compulsory Reserve might make things interesting if said Reservist decides to sod off into space rather than do the Reserve time.

 

[Condottiere]

You buy your equipment as you enlist, the Army compensates any repairs or replacements if it occurs during the course of doing your duty, and you take everything home with you when you muster out.

 

[Diveguy]

You buy your equipment as you enlist, the Army compensates any repairs or replacements if it occurs during the course of doing your duty, and you take everything home with you when you muster out.

I like this idea for some of the cultures I've played with in my head - very self-sufficient/public good mindset.

 

[Drew]

You buy your equipment as you enlist, the Army compensates any repairs or replacements if it occurs during the course of doing your duty, and you take everything home with you when you muster out.

Are you talking about uniforms or Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE)?

 

[Condottiere]

The whole kit and caboodle.

Who really wants your old gear?

At best, it's a standard gauss rifle, unlikely to be below an assault rifle.

 

[Drew]

Sorry as a former DCSLOG, I did "Report of Surveys" (now FLIPOs) on all missing equipment/not turned in. Failure to return the equipment or pay the cost of the items (less deprecation on some) resulted in the amount being turned over to the IRS. I had boxes of missing equipment being sent back for months after the submission. I only bit the losses due to theft or missing in the field. Class A uniforms (coat and hat) were turned in along with all GORTEX. Kids kept the boots and BDUs.

 

[kilemall]

The original US founding fathers’ militia acts required all able bodied males to equip themselves with either a musket or Kentucky long rifle and x level of ammunition. They never had a full callout to test this system, but eventually the army moved to furnishing the arms.