Standard Lance Compositions: Battle Line

Today we examine the elements for the Battle Line doctrine, and show (briefly) how the evolution of the strategic components is organized.  Our plan is far reaching and very comprehensive, but this requires actual learning - which takes time.  And as you know, Gatekeepers...we brought books for you to read!

Battalion doctrine is a multi-layered and complicated thing, rooted as it is in the real-world application of military force (mostly concerning armored units, natch).  Most of the strategic components have been or will be given overview primers to prepare the battalion for more specialized training in that particular component.  However, things must be learned and assimilated at a rate that is feasible.

Not that you aren't quick on the pick-up, Gatekeepers.

We train, practice, drill and review.  We are active every day, though we relax a little on Sunday & Monday (U.S.)  We plan all strategies meticulously, and the rate / order which we are introducing the more complex elements of the unit revision is quite calculated.  We have a winning plan - vision, objectives, strategy and the determination to see it come about.

All this means is this - expect more.  It's mostly already been discussed and decided, by men long dead and far greater than we.  We will coordinate our unit as a military unit would - albeit one on the Capellan Fringe during the darkest time of the Confederation.

As we incorporate one element of the doctrine, we make way for the advanced permutations of that element.  The components of our doctrine will all be eventually discussed in their own section.  As we train, these skills and focuses build on each other in ways that have been long calculated, but may not yet have borne fruit for some pilots who don't have a sense of the larger picture.  If you ever wondered why we did something a certain way and not another, this is probably why.  It's likely it's the basis for a more complex element that has yet to be implemented by the battalion.

It would be hard for anyone to argue that our general restrictions (especially the Gatekeepers Favored Battlemechs) have not been instrumental in turning the unit into the highly disciplined and experienced force we have become.  The unit restrictions on drops have been anything but a detriment, as the glory we have earned in the past few months can attest to.  So, every component we add sharpens our focus.  When these things become second nature, we begin the advanced tactical applications.

The future holds some exciting prospects as these elements come into play.  The astute student of war will note that there is a pattern of component progression.  You can apply this to many other similar components across the entire revision.

As an example, let us look at the integration of the first components and how they have progressed into the Tactica.  Since this is the first of the new revision units, the Battle Line strategic components will illustrate nicely.

Strategic Component Evolution

1. Strategic Revision Overview
2. Weight Class Overview
3. Technical Guidelines & Weapon Systems Overview
4. Role Warfare Primer
• Intramecha Tactica Technical Guidelines:  Battle Line Configurations
5. Battalion Lance Composition Overview
• Exomecha Tactica:  Battle Line Lance Compositions (that's this one.)

Lance Composition is not where the complexity ends, I'm afraid.  We'll save Maneuver Group and Company Composition tactica for later, when we get all the basic components implemented and drilled.  There will be a primer on Company Composition, then specific compositions will be explored in their own section.  Now that we've seen (almost) a full progression in a strategic component, let's get on with the Tactica itself.

The purpose of the Battle Line 'mech is to be at the forefront of an engagement.  Imagine actual Line Troops in combat, and you'll get the idea.  With their heavy armor and long-range capabilities they are key to many of the tactics we employ, especially for larger unit deployment.  The first formations and compositions we will be training place particular emphasis on the Battle Line.

When composing a lance, the Drop Commander needs to pay attention to the builds of each pilot.  We know, for the most part, where we are supposed to be and when within the standard company strategies.  However, make sure you're obeying the weight class limitations for your build.  There is a reason we don't take Assault Close Support.  Let's not conflate 'mech configuration and lance / unit composition.

Under our Role Warfare plan, Heavy and Assault 'mechs can't choose just any role and call it good.  These battlemechs are precious things, worth far more than our dastardly lives.  The Confederation is hard pressed for resources, so we do not deploy these units without careful consideration.  If the Technical Guidelines for your role have not yet been published, they soon will be.  Most information regarding builds not yet covered in the Tactica can be found throughout the Tactical Manual already, but a clearer and more focused case will be made on each build individually.

Heavy 'mechs can be configured for Battle Line, Direct Fire, Missile Artillery or Hunter-Killer.  Heavies cannot be Interceptors because their frame and maneuverability are not conducive to those missions.  Heavies are not deployed as Close Support because we feel that such short range mitigates the advantages of the tonnage.

Assault 'mechs can be configured as Battle Line, Direct Fire or Missile Artillery.  Assaults are not deployed as Interceptors, Electronic Warfare or Close Support for the same reasons as heavies, although Assaults are even more limited in their maneuverability.  This further limits their use as Hunter-Killers, so you don't see Assault HK's.

With configuration of the individual 'mechs out of the way, you can put together your lance.  Follow the Lance Configuration guide, and learn how to name and call your unit.  A lance is referred to by it's weight class and it's role.  Once everyone learns the roles and lance designations, forming a powerful unit built on synergy will be a snap.

Just remember:  The battlemech role names designate how it's configured.  When composing a lance, even though some of the names are the same, each battlemech role does not necessarily have a direct analog in our lance roles.  For instance, there are no Close Support, Hunter-Killer or Interceptor lances.  These are supporting roles who are better utilized throughout the formation.

The lance is the most basic unit any military can field in 3049.  It is the foundation upon which Inner Sphere tactics, including the teachings our doctrines are based upon.  Echelons are organized from lances, but the combat group should be build on lances.  Echelons will come into more and varied use when we begin to train company compositions.  For now, Drop Commanders should be focusing on utilizing lances.  By focusing on the lance types being discussed during our training schedule, we'll integrate it all very smoothly.  You can tell which roles / lances are being drilled by checking out the Tactical Manual for (new!) tags, or checking the Operations section to see what's being drilled during the week.

Remember, weight designations are based on the predominant weight class of battlemechs assigned to the lance.  Light and Heavy lances require 3 in their weight class, and can be supported by 'mech from another weight class.  Medium and Assaults only require at least 2 'mechs in their weight class, and can supported by up to two others from other weight classes.

When in doubt, the Assault chassis always take precedence on lance designation.  For example, an lance with 2 Assaults and 2 Mediums is an Assault Lance.  If you find your lance composition does not conform to the above, make adjustments to fall within the guidelines.  For instance, a lance with 2 Heavies and 2 Lights should be avoided, but a lance with 3 Heavies and a light (or 3 lights and a heavy) would be the predominant weight class.

Now let us examine some examples of Battle Line compositions that we have utilized in the battalion.  Command will leave observations, and all Gatekeepers are invited to comment on the Gatekeeper's Facebook or in the comments thread here.

Note:  References to Electronic Warfare 'mechs indicate the inclusion of appropriate chassis.

Heavy Battle Line Lances

• 3 Battle Line, 1 Electronic Warfare
• Gatekeepers Main Combat Unit.
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Missile Artillery
• High Profile unit with Missile Artillery providing maneuver firepower for the advancing Battle Line.
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Direct Fire, Close Support or Hunter-Killer
• Main unit with supporting element.  Close Supports and Hunter-Killers can be Escort specialists.
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Interceptor
• Main unit with Interceptor to get eyes-on.  Interceptor may be Jammer or Spotter specialist.

Gatekeepers Main Combat Unit.

• 2 Battle Line, 1 Direct Fire, 1 Electronic Warfare
• Lower profile unit and suppression fire support.
• 2 Battle Line, 1 Missile Artillery, 1 Interceptor
• High profile unit with Missile Support.  Interceptor is usually a Spotter specialist.
• 2 Battle Line, 2 Direct Fire or Hunter-Killer
• Lower profile unit with supporting element.  Hunter-Killers can be Escort specialists.
• 2 Battle Line, 1 Interceptor, 1 Missile Artillery.
• Very nasty strongpoint unit.  Interceptors put eyes-on and disrupt enemy formations, staying within 1000m of the Battle Line.

Gatekeepers Main Combat Unit with Spotter specialist.

Assault Battle Line Lances

• 3 Battle Line, 1 Electronic Warfare
• Gatekeepers main combat unit.
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Direct Fire or Missile Artillery
• Main unit with long range supporting element.  
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Close Support or Hunter-Killer
• Main unit with close range supporting element.  Support unit may be Escort specialist.
• 3 Battle Line, 1 Interceptor
• Main unit with Interceptor to get eyes-on.  Interceptor may be Spotter specialist.

Gatekeepers Main Combat Unit with Jammer specialist

• 2 Battle Line, 1 Hunter-Killer, 1 Electronic Warfare
• Main unit with defensive support elements.  
• 2 Battle Line, 2 Close Support or Direct Fire
• Main unit with supporting element.  Close Supports and Hunter-Killers can be Escort specialists. 
• 2 Battle Line, 1 Interceptor or Electronic Warfare, 1 Missile Support
• Main unit with Missile Support.  Interceptor is usually a Spotter specialist.
• 2 Battle Line, 2 Interceptor or Hunter-Killer
• Main unit with specialized support.  Interceptors put eyes-on and disrupt enemy formations, staying within 1000m of the Battle Line.  Hunter-Killers provide strong flank support in pairs.

Gatekeepers Main Unit with attack support.

Notice that these lances all seem to prefer an Electronic Warfare support element.  ECM coverage is an issue when a large maneuver group attempts to execute a strategy.  In all cases, an Electronic Warfare unit can be assigned to Jammer specialist duty.  It's one of the core builds for our most well-practiced strategy to carry 1 Electronic Warfare per lance at the company level.  So if Electronic Warfare builds are preferred in most cases, when is ECM not a concern?

If there are five or less Gatekeepers in the drop group, the Drop Commander can elect to forego Electronic Warfare units in favor of another composition.  However, if there are six or more Gatekeepers in the drop group, then Electronic Warfare support is required.  One Electronic Warfare unit per lance is sufficient.  Three Electronic Warfare units is preferable only at twelve men.

The unit compositions presented here are the ones we generally use, but by no means is this a comprehensive list of the possibilities.  Variance in 'mech chassis and armament can change a unit's engagement tactics on a fundamental level, allowing for a wide variety of implementation techniques and interesting compositions.  If you have an idea for a specific Battle Line composition, make sure to let us know!  You can elect to do this in any of the exciting internet methods previously outlined.  Tell us your 'mech configurations, lance compositions and engagement tactics and who knows - we may put your ideas into the doctrine.  After that...you could be well on your way to the Command Tower, where the strategy sessions occur.

Good hunting, Gatekeepers.