Inspired by US Naval Infantry

[Mithras]

That sounds like just the set up that I had in mind.

I spent several years in the US Navy. Our Ship's Troops were 2nd class Po's and 3rd class mostly from different division's in weapons department. Their job was ship board Security. There was also a ships self defense force lead by the Gunnery Officer and the Chief Gunners Mate. the fire teams in the SDF where lead by gunners mates. the bulk of the Defense force were unrated crew men. the ship Defense force was tasked with boarding actions ours never had to.

 

[Mithras]

Oh I know about those, but I'm putting this in the context of power A boarding the warships of power B. Fleet actions, naval warfare, that kind of thing.

Off Somalia there are more than a few contested boardings... South Koreans and Russian operations come to mind.

 

[aramis]

Oh I know about those, but I'm putting this in the context of power A boarding the warships of power B. Fleet actions, naval warfare, that kind of thing.

Which is, to be honest, just about the least likely outcome of a naval battle with Modern or better weapons. There won't be anything left to board.

And the least likely use of ship's troops, despite being the one most romantic and desired by the troops.

The various rule systems vary somewhat in lethality. But, if one looks at the realistic effects of space combat, if you're hitting, most of the time, you'll kill them off before they are unable to fight ranged.

In my last couple campaigns, boarding actions took a LOT of contrivance to set up. Those were MGT... it's just too hard to stop the ships with the damages done before you kill them.

 

[Mithras]

Yes, so I can really consign 'the boarding action' to history and instead substitute VBSS methods and shipboard security as the task of the warfare/gunnery crewmen assigned to 'ship's troops' duties.

Which is, to be honest, just about the least likely outcome of a naval battle with Modern or better weapons. There won't be anything left to board.

And the least likely use of ship's troops, despite being the one most romantic and desired by the troops.

The various rule systems vary somewhat in lethality. But, if one looks at the realistic effects of space combat, if you're hitting, most of the time, you'll kill them off before they are unable to fight ranged.

In my last couple campaigns, boarding actions took a LOT of contrivance to set up. Those were MGT... it's just too hard to stop the ships with the damages done before you kill them.

 

[aramis]

what do you mean by VBSS?

 

[Xerxeskingofking]

I suppose the mission of an SST is (then) Star Trek-like landing party shennanigans, and the modern VBSS (Visit, Board, Search & Seizure) mission against a surrendered or hove-to vessel.

mentioned earlier in the thread, quoted for your convinience.

I'd never heard the term before, but i;m not in the navy, so i wouldn't have reason to.

 

[aramis]

Yes, so I can really consign 'the boarding action' to history and instead substitute VBSS methods and shipboard security as the task of the warfare/gunnery crewmen assigned to 'ship's troops' duties.

You forgot portside shore patrol, and forward infantry duty until the army and marines can relieve them.

VBSS won't be the IN's responsibility in most cases, anyway; that falls to system and subsector/reserve navies. The more local guys, yes, absolutely, VBSS is part of it.

Shipboard security always is part of the ship's troops' duty. As is dockside guard.

The auxiliary ground forces role is unhappy, but many sailors have pulled it.

Might I suggest you take a read of the 1920 USN Landing Forces Manual?
Google books has it, and it shows the infantry role of the ship's company of infantry...

 

[Mithras]

Really? I might have some more reading to do Thanks Aramis.

Might I suggest you take a read of the 1920 USN Landing Forces Manual? Google books has it, and it shows the infantry role of the ship's company of infantry...

 

[Putraack]

Which is, to be honest, just about the least likely outcome of a naval battle with Modern or better weapons. There won't be anything left to board.

And the least likely use of ship's troops, despite being the one most romantic and desired by the troops.

OTOH, there could be some excitement in search & rescue boardings of wrecked hulks after said battles. Your missiles and energy weapons have reduced the enemy ship to a lifeless hulk, but is it really lifeless? Are there survivors hiding or trapped in some safe area? Can the computers be searched for useful intelligence? Can the wreck be salvaged and returned to duty?

Most of the above would be, IMO, part-time jobs for sailors, led by the Master-at-Arms and some gung-ho officers.

Of course, it doesn't have to be an enemy ship, and such an adventure might not be naval at all, but a civilian salvage contractor. Pirate ships and/or their victims are possibilities, too. As well as the "Alien" possibility, too.

BTW, I endorse the recommendation of "The Sand Pebbles," both book and movie.

 

[RandyB]

And sector fleet doesn't mesh with CGen...

And I wish it did, especially on the observed overlap areas.

 

[Nightwind1]

Trained, yes. Does it say that they're always equipped with BD? I don't think so. If it does, I certainly also disagree with that.


IMO it is wrong if it's wrong in the OTU and right if it's right in the OTU. And vice versa. Unless you think that Strephon (or someone else with the authority to do so) ordered a revision of Imperial Marine training in 1116. But no; the CT article we have that says the same thing applies to conditions in 1107. That would be in both the OTU and the GTU.


Hans

Sounds like it's time to break out the near-C rocks and comfy-shoed Aslans next...:rofl:

 

[Blue Ghost]

OTOH, there could be some excitement in search & rescue boardings of wrecked hulks after said battles. Your missiles and energy weapons have reduced the enemy ship to a lifeless hulk, but is it really lifeless? Are there survivors hiding or trapped in some safe area? Can the computers be searched for useful intelligence? Can the wreck be salvaged and returned to duty?

Most of the above would be, IMO, part-time jobs for sailors, led by the Master-at-Arms and some gung-ho officers.

Of course, it doesn't have to be an enemy ship, and such an adventure might not be naval at all, but a civilian salvage contractor. Pirate ships and/or their victims are possibilities, too. As well as the "Alien" possibility, too.

BTW, I endorse the recommendation of "The Sand Pebbles," both book and movie.

PIRATES!

Pirates-pirates-pirates-pirates-pirates! :file_22:

USN Naval Infantry aside, let's talk once more about pirates... okay, maybe not.

Sorry, had to toss that in there.