*1 - Intelligence section, joint command
__________________________________________________1 SEP 2050
MEMORANDUM FOR: COMMANDER, FIRST JOINT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Subj: Development of Joint Reconnaissance Capability
1. The purpose of this memorandum is to request the formation of a
special joint reconnaissance task force answering to the J-2* section
of 1 JEF.
___A. Enclosed is a recommended table of organization and equipment,
with table of of allocations attached, and a basis-of-issue plan for
special equipment.
___B. References include the 15th Fleet AAR* and historical citations for
long-range surveillance units.
2. The recent near-total destruction of the 15th Colonial Fleet shows up
an ongoing problem in Spacy doctrine - namely, the lack of dedicated and
integrated reconnaissance units. Joint information-gathering and -sharing
has suffered because of the separation of eyes-on-ground reconnaissance
and SIGINT/ELINT operations, and the minimal use of deep
reconnaissance in favor of fleet reconnaisssance. Vessels large enough
for use for fleet recon are large enough for easy detection. There is a
hundred years' worth of evidence that small-crew and infantry recon
units can operate for up to two weeks without support or detection.
3. Because of operational experience, the preferred delivery method for
the ground reconnaissance teams would be variable fighter teams, which
provide the teams with rapid insertion and egress capability and ad-hoc
fire support if the unit is separated from the main body for an extended
period. Because of the mix of skills needed, two-seat vehicles are
preferable to single-seat vehicles.
4. Recruiting is open to all branches and all specialties, within the limits
of the TO&E enclosed or ability to be retrained to acquire an additional
specialty. This officer recommends physically fit servicemembers with
some operational experience, though this experience does not have to
be in an information-gathering or analysis capacity.
5. Creation of this program would involve creating a taskforce-level school
dedicated to integrating various organizational reconnaissance assets into
a single, cohesive whole. Cross-leveling of skills ensures the teams'
flexibility and survivability.
6. Expected operational date of the unit is D+60 from establishment of
school.
7. Point of contact for this memorandum is the undersigned, J-2 section,
Joint Staff, 1st Expeditionary Force.
___________________________________EDWARD HARRIS
___________________________________BG, UNSM
___________________________________J-2, 1 JEF
*2 - After-Action Report
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I've been considering running this game for a long time now and decided
to take the plunge. Given the recent state of the T-Wolves, I figured I'd
make the offer. For anyone who didn't feel like reading the memo, this
is a long-range surveillance unit, loosely patterned on a Vietnam-era
LRRP company, drawing from Spacy, the Marines, and possibly wet-Navy
personnel if any of them feel like carrying huge packs in the woods rather
than riding around in a VF - the VFs are intelligence platforms, but just as
much, they're how you'll get to the mission area, then walk in close. This
game is meant to be more focused on avoiding contact than racking
up kills.
I'm being ambitious here, but I'm going to offer a maximum of 10
openings. Caveat - no more than half can be pilots. What the others are
is up to you, so long as you realize you're going to be retrained to what
is needed. If I get at least two more players above those who have
privately discussed this with me already, we'll get the ball rolling.
At this point I'll open it up to discussion and questions.
I'll take anyone who's interested. So - that's two or three, depending on the count, any other takers?
