Roudland Military

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STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION


The Military of Roudland

Roudland’s Military Ethos

Roudland’s position as a military power is in no doubt. Its armed forces are one of the largest and well-funded in the region. The annual military budget rose to 50 trillion Roudollars in November of 2006, and this increase has been instrumental in preparing Roudland’s military for the challenges of warfare in the modern era.

Strength is achieved in multiple areas, and Roudland is dominant in its ability to field a large, well rounded force that can adapt to many different mission and engagement scenarios. The armed forces are large, have many different facets and troop types, as well as numerous networking schemes that come together to create what has been dubbed ‘the joined-up military’. In an age where information is key on the battlefield, Roudland leads the way, employing UAVs, Satellite Communications networks, advanced weapon and helmet camera systems, and many more smaller components.

Modern combat can take many shapes and forms, but one thing it is not is slow. This necessitates a military that can move to an area and have all the required assets in order to achieve any given objective in that area. Roudland’s military has reflected this since the mid 1990s, and this continues today; the Army, long the primary instrument of armed foreign policy, is integrated with the Navy, Air Force and Space Force, to create a linked system of transport and operational action. Naval craft are designed with amphibious operations and sea/airspace control in mind, leaving the Air Force with clearly defined roles of air supremacy, army close support, and force projection and protection. The Army, with its own transport and close support networks, is a near-autonomous unit if needed in certain situations, but can (and does) work well with naval and air forces in joint-arms operations. The Space Force, a new branch of the military, is designed with spacial supremacy in mind, and with the support of allied operations outside the atmosphere. However, it is not separate from the rest of the forces, and the ships of the fleet carry out orbital surveillance as well as providing satellite communications (and orbital security) over areas in which operations are ongoing.

The ethos of the military is strong, and reflects the way that Roudland conducts itself on the international stage. The ethos of Roudland’s military can be summarised in three words: efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.

Efficiency comes from networked forces that work together to achieve objectives at the tactical and strategic levels; intel sharing and collating, satellite positioning ensuring real-time situational awareness and clearly defined command structures help to achieve this goal of efficiency in actions.

Flexibility comes from forces that are not only networked to each other, but are able to assist in objectives and operations that demand more than force, and more than one skillset. Integrated airpower into the navy and army, integrated command chains in all the forces, and cross-compatible equipment and weaponry ensure that one unit can participate in another’s actions, even if they are not originally assigned to.

Sustainability comes from the combination of efficiency and flexibility. Roudland’s forces can conduct operations far longer than most other nations because of both the superiority of the forces, and the fact that Roudland’s resources can feed into a war scenario with efficiency. The sustainable force is large, well equipped and well motivated, knowing that the administration does not abandon its armed forces in a mire, and will always have a clear endgame in sight.

How Roudland Fights

Because of Roudland's size and military mantra, getting quickly to a conflict is essential to the Armed Forces. Thus, most deployments happen quickly and involve a lot of manpower. Roudland has the second largest military of any nation, and the largest force-projection capability of any of the three hyperpowers. If needed, Roudland could fight several medium-sized wars at the same time, in different areas of the globe. This is a direct result of the way that that the military itself is structured; the way that Roudland fights.

The way Roudland fights is ‘unconventional conventional’ warfare. Roudland’s military is the match of any other in the world, because it acts in such a way as to play to the enemy’s weaknesses, and never to give the enemy forces a chance at a ‘fair fight’. The integration and networking of the Roudland forces helps greatly in achieving this end

When looking at land-based conflicts, it must not be forgotten that both the Navy and the Air Force play an important role. At the battle of Grenôl during the Feetbunions war, 5 entire mechanised brigades were transported ashore during daylight just 35 miles from the battlefield. This was only possible because of the interconnection of the military branches. Roudland believes that a force is stronger if it acts together, and so most operations involve at least two armed services.

On the ground, Roudland military thought is that of simple superiority; that is, a superior class of soldier operating superior technology than the enemy. If the enemy is both bigger and more advanced, Roudland believes that well trained troops can win the day. This is why all Roudland citizens receive basic training at the age of 18. As well as this basic training, Roudland armed servicemen have very long training programmes (detailed in the next section). On land, large numbers of infantry, be they airborne, mechanised, armoured or light, are deployed to attack key enemy formations, strongholds and positions whilst maintaining force cohesion. There is a clear idea of how all the ‘pieces’ are falling into place from the ground up to the highest level of command, due to systems like Archer. In addition, Roudland fights as sustainable groups in every situation; it is ensured that units attempting to achieve an objective will always have the means to do so. This means air power, armoured vehicles, naval-based cruise missile strikes and other infantry units will be available to those on the ground. The same concept is applied to naval and air units; refuelling, recon and heavy support are all catered for in regards to those two forces.

Along with cohesion of force, Roudland fights with utility of force; units and formations are capable not only of specific tasks, but of general purpose tasks, due in part to their training, and to the standardisation of equipment, vehicles and weaponry throughout the armed forces.

Stealth technology is also proliferated throughout the armed forces, with items such as the nEUROn UAV, B-2 Bomber, Type-45 Destroyer and other equipment leading to Roudland’s ability to mount surprise attacks on enemy nations. A B-2 stealth bomber is completely invisible to radar until the moment it decides to drop its bombs; surprise attacks such as these are forming part of a new mantra in the RAF certainly, and throughout the military as a whole.

Roudland fights then, heavily armed, heavily supported by a multitude of vehicles and equipment, with sustainable forces that move with speed and aggression. Surprise takes a key role, especially in the Navy and Air Forces, as does the concept of a ‘networked military’.

Training and Selection

Training is absolutely key to the continued respect and successes of the Roudland military. It is one of the highest priorities in the Defence Ministry, and the amount of time and effort put into training new recruits reflects this. All of Roudland’s soldiers, sailors airmen and space force personnel are trained comprehensively in combat skills, advanced orienteering and ‘outdoors’ survival skills, given a standard of basic education and brought up to and kept at a standard level of physical fitness.

Citizens of Roudland may volunteer for the Armed Forces at the age of 16, but they will not be posted to a combat unit until they are 18. Selection criteria are tough and demanding; Roudland believes that this gives it the upper hand in terms of troop quality. Abilities such as quick reflexes, high stamina, mental and physical agility, as well as mental reasoning, crisis response and high stress threshold are all necessary to join up. All Army recruits, in particular, are tested rigorously in mental and physical abilities so that they fulfil the role that Roudland believes they should; being in the Armed Forces isn't just about fighting, it is about knowing how and when to fight. This is a key part of Officer training.

In Roudland, all able citizens are conscripted into the Armed Forces for 1 year before university. During this time, they may study a foundation course in the subject that they wish to pursue. Military training for conscripts is 3 months long, and covers all basic skills needed for service. The government hopes that this training will stay with them throughout their lives, keeping them healthy and mentally aware. The Army unit for conscripts is called the Mobile Infantry, the Naval unit is called the Naval Reserves, and there is currently no Air Force conscript unit. Those who post for this are redirected to combat engineering courses for planes and land vehicles.

Training occurs for roughly six months for a basic airborne soldier or mechanised infantryman, and increases to around eight to ten months comprehensive advanced training for marines, space force marines and other specialised troops. Special forces soldiers are trained separately on top of their basic soldiering training, as they only take applicants who are already in the armed forces to ensure a certain level of guaranteed skill. Weapons skills and marksmanship are emphasised as key skills, as is efficient handling of data through Archer. Training may take place at several locations, depending on the particular career path of the recruit. Initial ‘boot’ or basic training would take place at a large fort, usually a ‘corps base’, which would be the home to somewhere in the region of 200,000 soldiers, with maybe half of those recruits. Weapons and physical training would undoubtedly be held at this fort, however advanced weapons skills such as sniping and tank-hunting may be held at another, smaller base, such as the Gothrian Sniper Academy, or Connors Field Fort in southern Roudland. The Roudland military believes in learning from the best, and so recruits will be sent to various nations’ facilities to hone their skills, such as desert training in Kegmenistan, arctic training in McPsychoville, naval officer advanced training in Great Wrightland and the aforementioned sniper training in Gothria. In this way, the most experienced and battle hardened veterans are those who teach the next generation of soldiers and the like, not a group of fresh from college instructors. This, Roudland believes, keeps the skill of its Armed Forces alive

Weapons

Heckler and Koch G36K Assualt Rifle

The Heckler and Koch G36K assault rifle is the standard weapon of the Roudland Army and Navy (the standard Air Force weapon is the HK G36C, and the Space Force uses a variety of specialised weapons). The G36K is made from polymers and steel innards, is chambered in 5.56x45mm, and utilises a 30 round detachable box magazine that can clamp to other magazines with its locking lugs. The G36K has three fire modes, Semi-Auto, 3-round burst, and Full-Auto. There are two scopes attached to the rifle: an in-built 1x magnification day scope, and the 3.5x magnification smartscope situated above the built-in sight. The smartscope is both day and night sighted, and incorporates a digital camera element. This camera feed can be relayed to the AX-10A3 helmet of the user, allowing them to fire round corners and above walls. The G36K can be fitted with the AG36 40mm grenade launcher attachment, which fires lethal and non-lethal rounds, and a number of other additions can be made to the rifle, such as a foregrip, laser pointer, torch, and underslung shotgun. The G36K has proven to be very accurate, durable and reliable since its adoption in 1995, and it is liked by the troops of the Roudland military.


Over the past few years there have been various weapons programmes circulating in Roudland that have been slated to compete to replace the G36K when it reaches its 12-year cycle end in 2007. The competitors include the XM8 weapons system, the Sig SG552A, the HK416, the FN SCAR-L and the G37K 6.8mm interim system. Of these, it seems most likely that the G37K (which is a G36 chambered in 6.8x43mm) will be chosen, although it is facing stiff competition from the 416 system.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30 (box), 100 (drum)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 800m


Heckler and Koch G37K Interim Advanced Capability Assualt Rifle

To bridge the gap between the current generation of assualt rifles and the next generation, headed up by the Roudland Advanced Infantry Combat Rifle programme, the G37K rifle has been brought into service with selected frontline units. Chambered in the RoudCorp-patented 6.8mm SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge), the G37K has superior penetration power and range to the 5.56mm-firing G36K, with negligible increase in recoil due to round composition and the removal of several components from the gun, such as the carrying handle.

It remains to be seen what will succeed the G36K as the primary infantry arm of the Roudland Military, thanks in part to the legendary status of the G36K among troops. The 416/417/418 system is gaining ground and favour in the military, but for now the troops who have been issued the G37K (the 2nd, 4th and 5th Armies) are taking to it well.

Calibre: 6.8x43mm SPC-RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30 (box)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Two round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 660m


G36C

The G36C is a compact version of the G36K that has a shorter barrel, stock and body. It has no carrying handle like the K, but instead has a picatinny rail to mount scopes and other accessories. It is favoured by special forces and paratroopers who favour a smaller rifle with good stopping power. Parts are fully interchangeable with the other rifles from the G36K family

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30 (box), 100 (drum)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 400m


G36DMR

The G36DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) is a long bodied, heavy barrelled variant of the G36K that is designed to give squads the same functionality of a rifleman, but with the range approaching that of a sniper, without a weapon that is not suited to close-counter combat. The DMR uses the same parts, calibre and magazines of the G36 series, but instead can only fire semi-automatic, and has a large scope mounted, as well as a heavier and longer barrel to improve long-range accuracy.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 30

Fire Modes: Semi-Automatic

Effective Range: 950m


HK RBR80-A2 Enhanced Capability Carbine

As part of the Roudland Advanced Infantry Combat Rifle programme, several new assault rifles are being trialled and tested among frontline units. From the 200,000 captured Perpendicular-spec BR80 'Battle Rifles' captured during the Southern Gulf War, Heckler and Koch were commissioned to alter the weapons in line with an Army mandate for a large calibre, select fire weapon system that could mount a variety of accessories and could be used in conjunction with other Roudland weapons. The result is the RBR80-A2, a highly altered weapon that is being issued on a squad-by-squad basis on the DMZ and DSUT patrols.

Firing the RoudCorp 6.8x43mm SPC round from a cross-compatible extended 40-round polymer magazine, the RBR80 has had its three-round burst shot setting replaced by semi-automatic, two-round burst and fully automatic trigger groupings. It has also had its prominent carrying handle replaced by a picatinny rail interface system and a combined-optics 4x magnification ACOG scope, as well as back up iron sights.

In addition to these standard alterations, the RBR80 has also been fitted with picatinny RIS along the front of the reciever, allowing the mounting of laser sights, torches, front hand grips and even the M320 Grenade Launcher. The weapon is heavier than most HK weapons, at around 4 kilos, but has proven to be reliable and is well-liked by the troops in the 4th Army who have been issued with it. It is unlikely to be adopted though,as each individual upgrade to the rifle costs around the same amount as a G36K rifle outright, and as it is originally a Super Roman weapon, it is unlikely that they would share such an integral part of their arsenal with another country. The trial ends in August.

Calibre: 6.8x43mm SPC-RMC

Magazine Capacity: 40 (box)

Fire Modes: Semi-, Two round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 660m


USP Pistol

The HK USP is a polymer-based, double action pistol in service with the Roudland Military. Firing a 9mm round from a 15-round magazine, the USP is durable, modular and has good penetration against body armour. Used as a last-resort weapon, or in situations when a submachine gun or carbine cannot be found for close quarters, the USP is a favourite among troops, and has recently been complemented by a .45 cousin, the Mark 23, which is in service with special forces. The USP can mount a number of accessories, such as a torch, laser pointer and silencer.

Calibre: 9mm HP/Para

Magazine Capacity: 15, 12 (compact)

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

Effective Range: 50m


UMP 9mm Submachine Gun

The standard submachine gun of the Roudland Army and Navy is the HK UMP 9mm. The UMP is a compact, polymer-based SMG that fires a 9mm round from a 30-round magazine. The weapon also features a picatinny rail atop the receiver, a folding stock and the ability to mount scopes, laser pointers, torches and hand grips.

Calibre: 9mm Para

Magazine Capacity: 30

Fire Modes: Semi-, Two-round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 100m


MP7 Personal Defence Weapon

To fill a hole between the USP and UMP, the MP7 provides the accurate, lethal force of a submachine gun, in dimensions that are closer to a large pistol. Like other H&K weapons it is made from polymers and steel innards, and features a collapsible stock and folding forehandle. Firing the new 4.6mm round, it has very low recoil and its compact dimensions make it ideal for special forces, tank crews and pilots. It has a number of rails to allow the mounting of accessories.

Calibre: 4.6x30mm

Magazine Capacity: 20 or 40

Fire Modes: Semi-, Three-round burst, Full Auto

Effective Range: 100m


MG4 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)

The MG4 is the standard SAW of the Roudland Army, firing a 5.56 round from a 100-round belt. The MG4 can mount a scope, has a fixed bipod and can accept regular G36 family magazines into a lower well in the receiver. It is issued at a rate of two per 8-man fireteam, and has replaced the MG36 that was previously in this role.

Calibre: 5.56x45mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt (also 30-round box)

Fire Modes: Full Auto

Effective Range: 1000m


L7A2 GPMG

The L7A2 is a 7.62mm belt-fed general purpose machine gun used by the Roudland Military, traditionally mounted on vehicles, but also in a platoon fire-support role in larger engagements due to its excellent stopping power and long range. It can most often be seen on a Challenger 2 tank or Warrior IFV as a secondary weapon.

Calibre: 7.62x51mm RMC

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt

Fire Modes: Full Auto

Effective Range: 1,800m


XM312 .50cal Machine Gun

The XM312 is the replacement for the M2 .50cal. It is relatively lightweight, man-portable, and has a quarter of the M2’s recoil, due to the XM312’s polymer design and ergonomics. It is fitted on WOLF jeeps and other vehicles as a heavy weapon to be used against light vehicles, helicopters/dropships and masonry-protected emplacements.

Calibre: 12.7x99mm

Magazine Capacity: 100 round link belt

Fire Modes: Semi-, Full Auto

Effective Range: 2,000m


XM307 Grenound Machine Gun

The XM307 is a new weapon designed to give vehicles such as the WOLF, Cougar and Warrior more firepower against armoured vehicles or aircraft. Portable by a two man crew, and weighing around the same as a XM312, the 307 fires a 25mm round or shell of various types. Ammunition used includes HE, SLAP (Saboted Light Armour Penetration) LARDEN and airburst shells such as PDR-3a Anti-Personnel Flak, and the DF-1 Phosphorous shell.

Calibre: 25x59mm Grenound (Roudland Military term for Grenade-Round)

Magazine Capacity: 50 round belt

Fire Modes: Semi-, Full-Auto

Effective Range: 2,300m


M4 Shotgun

The M4 Super 90 combat shotgun is used by assorted units for special CQB needs, whether they be personal defence or entry/occupation of a building etc. Semi Automatic, and with a moderate magazine size, the M4 is favoured by those soldiers who need a little ‘kick’ from their weapon, or those who are one of the first ‘in the door’ when it comes to house-clearance. It is also employed extensively by police units in Roudland itself.

Calibre: 12 Gauge

Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds

Fire Modes: Semi-Automatic, Pump-Action

Effective Range: 40m


AT-4CS

The AT-4CS is a special purpose light anti-armour missile launcher that replaced the LAW 66 in service with light and special forces troops of the Roudland military. It is short range but high-potency, and can defeat APC armour at most ranges. It is a fire-and-drop weapon, and is lightweight to enable more than one launcher to be carried by one man. It can be used indoors, as with all other Roudland anti-tank weapons.

Calibre: 84mm

Range: 300m

Fire Modes: Unguided


MBTLAW

The MBTLAW is the main medium-range anti-tank missile launcher of Roudland’s forces, designed to counter main battle tanks at short ranges as well as buildings, fortifications and non-armored vehicles. It is used by all troop types, as it is individual man-portable, and can be fired even from a standing position. It can destroy tanks in the Type 72-Leopard 1 range with just one shot, and can be disposed of if necessary.

Calibre: 115mm

Range: 600m

Fire Modes: Inertial Guidance/ Predicted Line Of Sight


Javelin

The Javelin Anti-Tank missile launcher system is the world’s most advanced anti-armour missile launcher, capable of destroying all but the heaviest armoured MBTs in one shot. It can be reloaded, and is designed to engage heavily armoured vehicles and targets at long range.

Calibre: 127mm

Range: 2,500m

Fire Modes: Infra-Red Fire-and-Forget Self-Seeking Guidance


H&K GMG

The GMG is the world’s only 40mm grenade machine gun, providing lethal and suppressive fire with explosive force against masonry and lightly armoured targets, as well as infantry formations. It is found on vehicles as well as set up on tripods defending installations.


Calibre: 40x53mm Grenade

Magazine Capacity: 40 round belt

Fire Modes: Semi- Full-Automatic

Effective Range: 1,500m

Ground Combat Vehicles

WOLF (Will go OverLand Fast) jeep

WOLF jeep in standard configuration

The WOLF (Will go OverLand Fast) jeep is a medium weight general purpose vehicle that is normally used in the recon/logistics role, as well as for small troop movements. Also, in areas in which Roudland troops are deployed for unconventional warfare or peacekeeping, they serve as the means of patrolling territories. The WOLF has been adopted by a number of countries, including Friendly Aliens and Great Wrightland, as well as the FCI and P-TAC law-enforcement agencies inside Roudland. The armament station can carry a number of different weapons, including a 5.56mm, 7.62mm or .50cal machine gun, or a Javelin missile launcher or Mk19 GMG. The standard variant is supplied with a L7A2 7.62mm MG, which can be controlled from within the vehicle by a remote weapons station, and has some ablative armour in order to repel heavy small arms fire.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: Can vary, but typically either an L7A2 or MG4

Speed: circa 90mph

Cougar Heavy Patrol Vehicle

Cougar without weapon attached

The Cougar armoured jeep is a heavier medium weight vehicle used for logistics, recon and patrols/troop movements. It is favoured for roles which have an increased chance of coming under direct heavy fire, due to its survivability (it can withstand a blast from an anti –tank mine), durability and range of heavy armaments that can be mounted on the roof turret, which is armoured, unlike the WOLF’s. Cougars are currently deployed in the DSUT/ Fastodia border, as well as on the Mortuus Angelus DMZ. Though expensive, it has quickly become very popular with troops who prefer the armoured capability of a Warrior IFV with the speed of a lighter vehicle.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: Can vary, but typically L7A2, XM312 or GMG

Speed: circa 80mph

FMTV (Familiy of Medium Tactical Vehicles)

MTV-30 standard truck

The logistics needs of Roudland’s Military are catered for by the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). FMTV is essentially a base ‘truck’ around which three basic variants are built (there are numerous other ‘specialised’ variants used by specific units). The FMTV designation is MTV, with a number attributed to the vehicle to stress its relation to the others. The MTV-30 is a basic truck, with room for around 20-25 troops inside. It is the typical ‘army truck’ thought of by the public and seen in numerous films and television programmes. The MTV-45 is a flat-bed version of the 30, with small modifications such as a strengthened suspension system in anticipation of heavier cargo. The MTV-70 is a very large truck with an extended wheelbase that can carry around 50 troops or a vast amount of equipment. The FMTV series runs on a diesel engine (typically 5.7litre), and are not intended to see combat. However, in some instances, they may be fitted with some armour and a roof turret mounted L7A2.

Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner (if gun in place)

Troops Carried (varies) 20-50

Armament: can be fitted with L7A2

Speed: around 50mph

Scimitar Light Recon Tank

Scimitar Recon Tank

The Scimitar light tank is another development by SWORD, and is deployed in the recon tank/ heavy patrol vehicle role by the Roudland and Kegmenistani Armies. The Scimitar is similar in appearance to a Warrior, but sports a lower profile and no troop-deployment capacity. It can be used in small numbers as a patrol or area-control force, or can be used in an advanced-recon role by large armoured formations seeking battle. It is also designed to be effective at supporting troops in urban combat, as it has a short wheelbase and narrow width compared to an MBT.

Crew: 4 (Gunner, Commander, Loader, Driver)

Armament: 30mm RARDEN Cannon, 2 L7A2 MGs

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: 55mph

Stryker IFV

The Stryker is a new addition to the Roudland Army, designed by specialists at SWORD, intended for light troop transport and optimum air/sea/land mobility. It is the standard ground assault vehicle of the Orbital Marines, and has been adopted by armoured recon regiments to travel alongside the Scimitar light tank.
Stryker deployed in Settaland
The Stryker is a departure from previous Roudland armoured vehicles, which have been exclusively tracked; the eight wheels of the Stryker however, provide excellent traction and mobility over very rough terrain, as well as over normal road surfaces. As is standard practice in the Roudland military, the Stryker has been adapted for numerous purposes. Engineering and Command variants are being developed, as well as a heavy anti-armour vehicle named the MGS (Mobile Gun System).


Crew: 3 (Driver, Gunner, Commander)

Troops Carried: 8

Armament: 30mm RARDEN AutoCannon, Coaxial L7A4 7.62mm Chain Gun, L7A2 7.62mm MG, RARDEN can be replaced with a GMG.

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: around 60mph

Stryker SMAH

The Stryker Anti-Air variant, (colloquially called ‘Smasher’ after its official designation – Stryker Missile Air Defence, Heavy (SMAH)) is deployed with large concentrations of armour and infantry along with air power to guard against enemy aircraft such as strike jets or attack helicopters. The Stryker carries a powerful radar system that detects enemy aircraft and dispatches a ‘Rapier’ anti-aircraft missile to intercept and destroy the helicopter or jet. The Rapier is a powerful explosive missile along the lines of a TAN (Tank AnnihilatioN), that can be launched from either a six-missile launcher mounted on top of an armoured vehicle (some Warriors have Rapier systems). Strykers carry twelve additional missiles inside the vehicle. One SMAH can ‘control’ 100sq Km of airspace on its own.


Crew: 4 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Radar Operator)

Armament: 18 Rapier Anti-Air Missiles, 1 L7A2 MG

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: around 60mph


AAV-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle

The Roudland Marines operate roughly a third of their mechanised divisions with this vehicle. Able to traverse any depth of water with ease, and heavily armoured for ground combat, the AAV is being phased out in mid 2007 in favour of a newer model of amphibious APC currently under development.

Armament- 1 HK GMG, 2 L7 MGs

Crew- 1 Driver, 1 Gunner, 1 Commander, 24 Infantrymen

Speed- 10mph in water/20mph off road/45mph on road

Armour- Light Dorchester (rolled)/ permanent Slatted Shielding


ATAV

The Striker Anti-Tank Armoured Vehicle (often called ATAV or FV 102 to distinguish it from the Stryker IFV) is a small armoured vehicle that carries a missile launcher designed to defeat enemy armour in ambushes and long-range engagements.
Striker ATAV with remote launch station in front
The CKEM (Compact Kinetic Energy Missile) are mounted in a five missile pod atop the striker, with a further 10 missiles stored within the vehicle itself and, thanks to a radar tracking and guidance system, can engage armour such as IFVs and MBTs at a distance of 8 miles, longer than any other ground-based missile system in service. They are intended operate equally well in wooded areas and fields as well as urban environments, where they are a useful asset available to soldiers through the Archer network.

Crew: 3 (Driver, Radar Operator/Commander, Gunner/Loader)

Armament: 15 CKEM Missiles, 1 L7A2 MG

Armour: Chobham 3rd Generation

Speed: 55mph

Warrior IFV

The Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle is the primary means of battlefield mobility and support for Roudland’s Mechanised and Armoured Infantry Brigades. The Warrior incorporates cutting edge technology, and since the November 2006 upgrades, an entirely new main cannon, new weaponry and new armour, as well as an upgraded engine and on-board computer system.
Warrior IFVs in Settaland
It can now act as a truly mobile cavalry support piece, as well as being able to traverse urban and country terrain with ease, and now has increased survivability. Its 30mm Cannon can punch holes through all but the most advanced MBT armour, and the new Javelin Missile pods are designed to give the Warrior the ability to punch well above its weight. In addition to this, the new Archer Battlefire on board computer has been upgraded to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the Archer network, giving the IFV real-time data on the troops surrounding it, as well as any immediate action and support orders coming in. The Commander can now see video footage from the soldiers near the vehicle, giving him the ability to ‘scout’ potential hot spots in urban environments before proceeding. The armour has been upgraded to the newest generation of Chobham Armour, the 4th generation, making it the toughest IFV in existence.

Crew: 3 (Gunner, Driver, Commander)

Armament: 1 RARDEN II Cannon (fires AP, APFSDS, Incendiary, Bunker-Buster HE and DU rounds at typically 200rpm), 1 Javelin Missile Pod (Carrying 4 127mm Missiles, with 8 spare) with the option of a second, 1 Coaxial .50 Cal MG, 2 L7A2 7.62mm MGs

Armour: 4th Generation Chobham (Classified Composition)

Speed: 60mph (Roads), 50mph (Rough Ground)

Carries: 8 Troops

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank

The Challenger 2 MBT is the main armoured element of the Roudland Army. It is arguably the world’s finest tank, and has been given a major mid-life upgrade as of November 2006. The Challenger is equipped with first rate weaponry, armour and equipment, and combines the best protection of any tank in the world, with the world’s premier tank gun, the advanced-capability L55.

Challenger 2 on Faltham Testing Grounds

Developed in 1998, the Challenger 2 has gone through a number of upgrades and refits in its lifetime, which can actually be considered as having produced a new tank, the ‘Challenger 3’ or ‘Challenger 2.5’. This can be asserted because the upgrades that took place in July 2002 and, most significantly, November 2006, have greatly increased the tank’s vital specs (Speed, Armour, Lethality) to the point at which they are far removed from the original design specs delivered to the Defence Ministry in 1996.

The Challenger is currently the world’s fastest Main Battle Tank, with a speed on road of 50mph, and an off road speed of 44mph (though it can ‘sprint’ for short times at 50mph) despite weighing 60 tons. It makes good use of this speed in all areas of battle, and the advanced Hydropneumatic suspension that both the body and turret of the tank are equipped with means that the turret is always stable and level, even at high speeds and over uneven ground.

The Armament of the Challenger 2 is also first class. The L55, a new long-barrelled smoothbore gun, fires at a higher velocity, enabling rounds to have increased lethality. The L55 fires a variety of rounds at a typical rate of one round every 4-6 seconds. The turret is stabilised by a hydropneumatic gas system, and around 60 shells for the L55 can be stored in the tank. The shells normally used are HESH, HEAT, APFSDS, CHARM 4 (DU), SM-34 Smoke Rounds, WP06A White Phosphorous Rounds and the PDR-6 Grapeshot Round. The gunnery control system is now in its 3rd updated form, and was originally developed in the late 1990s by Tyrell Corp of Retroit.

Challenger 2 tank on exercise in McPsychoville

A mainstay of Roudland MBTs since the 1960s, Chobham Industries has again produced the armour for the Challenger 2. Upgraded to the brand new 4th Generation of Chobham, the armour is now unparalleled in terms of strength and durability. Chobham is weighty, making the Challenger 2 somewhat damaging to road surfaces, but this disadvantage is compensated for by the fact that the Challenger 2 is near-invulnerable, with instances of a Challenger surviving first a HEAT, then two follow-up Sabot rounds in testing. In addition to this, a Challenger 2 in the Southern Gulf War was hit by both barrels of a Perpendicular (SR imported) SPNKr rocket launcher. The hits scored a mobility kill, knocking off the tank’s right track, but did not penetrate the armour (it is of note that this tank was fitted with 3rd, not 4th Gen armour). The crew was subsequently rescued and the tank was recovered.

The electronic systems used in the Challenger are highly advanced. The TOGS IV system is used for gunnery sighting, with the commander benefiting from 360 degree vision of the battlefield in day or night sights complete with Archer systems designation overlays. Friendly units are highlighted, and a continuous stream of data regarding enemy positions is transmitted to all persons in the tank, through means such as satellite imagery, UAV footage, or video feed from soldiers and other tanks. Using a laser rangefinder, the commander can designate up to 4 targets for the gunner’s display in degrees of priority, leaving the gunner free to operate the L55 efficiently and without distractions. The tank itself is Archer enabled, having several systems inside the hull which relay data to troops inside and outside the tanks, and allow troops outside the vehicle to easily transmit orders, data or merely to communicate with the crew. On top of this ability, the Challenger itself sports a number of cameras mounted on the outside of the tank to enable supporting infantry to attain an elevated viewpoint; in addition to this, the front turret camera has long-range laser designation ability, giving the Challenger the ability to call in air support from Apaches and the suchlike to deal with threats that tank cannot or is unwilling to.


Inside the turret, there is an NBC pod, and the Challenger 2 has equipment for survival of the ‘electronic battlefield’; gauss coils are located beneath the main armour to protect the tank from EMP effects following a nuclear strike. During battle, Explosive Armour and slatted rocket shields are attached to the Challenger’s exterior, making it an extremely protected vehicle.

The Challenger 2 weighs in at 60 tons, but is still capable of over 44mph cross country, and can be deployed amphibiously from LCACs and Cerberus LCUs. It is a testament to the tank’s reputation that some Perpendicular frontline tank units literally got out of their vehicles and ran when faced with battalions of the Challenger 2. The Roudland Military has maintained that it will keep the Challenger on, in a combat capacity, for at least the next 20 years, due to its amazing combat performance.


Crew: 4 (Gunner, Driver, Loader, Commander)

Armament: 1 L55 Enhanced Capability and Lethality Smoothbore Tank Gun (ECAPS) (typically firing HESH, HEAT, CHARM 4 and APFSDS), coaxial 7.62mm L7A4 Chain Gun, 1 M2 .50 cal MG, 1 7.62mm L7A2 MG, smoke grenade canisters, optional Mk19 GMG for frontline units

Armour: 4th Generation Chobham (Classified Composition), with additional slatted armour and ablative blocks

Speed: 50mph (Roads), 44mph (Rough Ground)

Air Support Vehicles

RD-06 ‘Cherokee’ Dropship

The Cherokee is a new advanced dropship developed by Friendly Alienways and NDS Roudland for the Roudland and Friendly Alien militaries. Designed for Special Forces and other light combat units, the Cherokee is light and highly manoeuvrable, carrying 6-8 troops in a tightly packed, open-door style cabin together with some of their equipment. As the Cherokee is so light, it carries only a small amount of arms, with its firepower being provided by a chin-mounted 20mm AutoCannon and dual starstreak rocket pods, holding 20 rockets each. The Roudland Air Force operates several variants of the Cherokee, including a regular troop transport variant with door-mounted L7A2 MGs, and a gunship variant that has been designed to give the Naval Air Arm a multi-purpose air and sea light attack aircraft.

Crew: 2

Troops Carried: 6 (FA-06SF), 8 (RD-06R), 4 (RND-06N)

Armament: 1 chin-mounted 20mm AutoCannon, dual CRV-7 Missile Pods (holding 20 missiles each), 2 L7A2 MGs (RD-06R only), Brimstone Missiles (RND-06N only)

Speed: 220mph

RD-09 'Nighthawk' Dropship

The NightHawk Dropship is the standard medium dropship of the Roudland Army and Navy, capable of transporting two sections of infantry with some equipment and supplies. It was developed as a medium-sized dropship for troop transport in the frontlines, as a result of lessons learnt from over 8 years of operating the Rhino Mk3, Mk5, Mk6a VDOD and now the Mk7s and Mk8s. What was learnt was that, as an air vehicle, the Rhino suffers from being unable to fit in smaller, two-lane streets due to its wingspan. Furthermore, in open battles the Rhino is easier to spot and hit with AA fire. The final aspect to the NightHawk’s development was the realisation that light infantry disliked the Rhino due to its single entrance/exit ramp; to this end the NightHawk is designed with light, airborne infantry and rangers in mind, as opposed to Marines, Shock Troops and other heavy infantry that prefer the Rhino due to its survivability.

The NightHawk resembles the Gothrian BlackHawk helicopter in that it has a relatively low profile, two sliding side doors for troop access and a similarity in width (the rotor-blade ‘footprint’ of the BlackHawk is only slightly more than the wingspan of the NightHawk). The NightHawk was designed as a mid-way step between the Cherokee light dropship and the larger Rhinos. The NightHawk is faster than the Rhino but less heavily armed and armoured, and as such cannot be used in the offensive ‘IFV with wings’ way in which the Rhino is. They are fast becoming popular with naval forces as well as airborne army units, and have been offered for the SWORD programme with Kegmenistan.

Crew: 4 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Door Gunners)

Troops Carried: 16

Armament: 1 chin-mounted 25mm AutoCannon, 4 Brimstone Anti-Armour Missiles, dual CRV-7 Missile Pods (20 Missiles Each), 2x door mounted L7A4 Chain Guns or M134 Miniguns

Speed: 235mph

RD-10 Rhino Mk7/Mk8 Dropship Series

The Rhino Mk7 is the standard troop-transport dropship of the Roudland Army and Roudland Air Force. The Mk7 incorporates cutting-edge technology, flight systems and armaments, and has been designed to fit the needs of the 21st century army that Roudland operates. It has a sister dropship, the Rhino Mk8, that is designed for similar missions.

Rhino Mk7s coming into land at Foreham Base, Kegmenistan

The Mk7 is around the same size as the Mk5 that preceded it, but has a larger area inside for troops, and increased engine size to counter for the larger load. The Rhino can now carry three sections of infantry, along with their equipment and additional supplies, such as mounted gun emplacements, mortars, anti-tank missiles and medical equipment.

The Rhino’s power comes from two Rolls Royce A-Jet Engines, which are a so far top-secret variant of the jet engine designed specifically for the Roudland Military. They provide the Mk7 with a sustainable VTOL capacity and a top speed of 290mph in clear skies, even when laden with equipment and men. The advanced flight computer on board manages the engines to a high degree of efficiency, so much that the Rhino is quieter than most modern helicopters, and can lift off vertically from a standing start to 400m from the ground in little over 8 seconds when pushed hard.

The Rhino Mk8 is a development of the Mk7 that has side-sliding doors instead of the usual roll-on/off ramp at the back of the craft. The 15th Airborne Division are currently fielding it, and it is being trialed by several other units within the military. It has a comparable capacity but less weaponry due to the repositioning of the VTOL nozzles along the Rhino’s fuselage to account for the new door positions.

The Rhino Mk5-AT has not been phased out of service and will continue to act as a heavy vehicle transport under the designation Rhino-AT. The Mk5 troop transport models are currently being phased out of most units, though it is expected that a large number of the craft will be mothballed for potential future usage, with the others either sold or given to the Territorial Guard. Similarly, the Mk6 VDOD (Vertical Descent Orbital Dropship) has been kept in service with the Roudland Space Force, and is expected not to be replaced soon.

Crew: 5 (2 Pilots, 2 Gunners, 1 Crew Chief)

Troops Carried: 24 (can be pushed to 30 with small modifications)

Armament: 1 Chin Mounted 30mm AutoCannon, 2 Nose Mounted 20mm AutoCannons (Mk7 only), 16 Brimstone Anti-Armour Missiles (reduced to 8 on Mk8), 4 ASRAAM Air-to-Air Missiles, 2 CRV-7 Rocket Pods (20 rockets each) (Mk7 only), 2 Crew Operated L7A2 MGs or M134 Miniguns, 1 Ramp-Mounted MG4

Speed: 290mph

Cobra Mk3 Heavy Dropship

The Cobra Mk3 is an evolution of the Cobra series of heavy dropships operated by the Roudland Military Forces. It is designed for service behind the lines, transporting cargo and troops in large numbers to command bases, defensive fortifications and also humanitarian crisis locations. It is substantially bigger than the Rhino, and has been outfitted with only some of the technologies available to the frontline craft to cut costs. It is operated by all areas of the military, though the Air Force favours the Cobra for the ability to carry very large parts for fighter planes and other dropships within its bay. Without troops, the Cobra can carry two WOLF jeeps or even a Stryker SMAH inside itself.

Crew: 7 (2 Pilots, 3 Gunners, 2 Crew Chiefs)

Troops Carried: 64 (can be pushed to 72 with small modifications)

Armament: 1 Chin Mounted 30mm AutoCannon, 2 Crew-Served L7A2 MGs or M134 Miniguns, 2 Sidewinder Missiles, 2 Brimstone Anti-Armour Missiles

Speed: 240mph

AH-67 Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter Gunship

The Apache AH-67 Longbow is the world’s premier attack helicopter, utilised by the Roudland military to be used against tanks and other armoured vehicles as well as infantry and emplacements.

The Apache Longbow, seen here with Hellfire/Brimstone mixture

Built by Gothrian Defence, the Apache AH-64D is then converted to the AH-67 by RoudCorp and RDC Defence Systems, who attach the avionics and Longbow radar system. The Longbow radar gives the pilot the ability to have up to 256 potential targets identified and tracked by the radar’s computer system, prioritising the targets and suggesting weapons deployments for each. If the pilot wishes he can fly ‘weapons free’, a situation in which the Longbow will automatically deploy weapons to threats, whilst the pilots concentrate on flying.

The crew sit in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the copilot-gunner. The crew compartment is armored against 23mm gunfire fired from Anti-Aircraft guns based on the ground, as well as those mounted on other aircraft. The primary armament, the 30mm Chain Gun, is ‘slaved’ to the gunner's helmet-mounted gunsight, though its viewpoint can be observed by soldiers on the ground as a means of battlefield recon. The Longbow also carries a range of missiles on its wings, which normally comprise of a mix of anti-armour and general purpose munitions.

The Longbow is a key part of Roudland’s arsenal, and forms the backbone of its close air support strategy for its infantry. Armed with rockets, anti-tank missiles and a chain gun, the Longbow is one of the most potent items in Roudland’s arsenal. Utilised in the right manner, it is little short of unstoppable.

Crew: 2 Pilots

Armament: 1 30mm Chain Gun, 16 Hellfire or Brimstone Missiles, 40 CRV-7 missiles.

Speed: 248mph

RAH 68 Comanche Stealth Attack Helicopter

The Comanche in flight; note the absence of exterior weapons loads

The Comanche is a major development by Roudland through SWORD and the world’s only stealth helicopter. Forming part of Roudland’s close air support strategy, the Comanche is armed less heavily than the Apache Longbow, but can fulfil a role of forward recon/skirmishing with enemy forces due to its ability to travel without being detected by radar.

It carries its weapons internally to avoid radar detection, but weapons-carrying wings such as those found on the Longbow can be mounted during wartime. The abilities of the Comanche have not been tested in wartime yet, and so it remains one of Roudland’s most costly weapons systems yet to see service.


Crew: 2 Pilots

Armament: 1 25mm AutoCannon, 8 Hellfire or Brimstone Missiles, 20 CRV-7 missiles (only with weapons wings)

Speed: 290mph (estimated)

The Army

The Roudland Army is generally accepted to be the world’s foremost land-fighting force, capable of defeating any of the world’s armies, even from the other two hyperpowers. Its professionalism and successes are well-documented, and the Army not only has the toughest training regime of any of the Roudland Forces, but potentially of any armed force in the world. The Army is the largest and best-funded of the four Roudland Military services, and has the widest array of technologies, weapons and vehicles attributed to a single service.

Organised to fight potentially protracted battles and campaigns far from the territory of Roudland, the Army has within itself smaller ‘armies’ that are near self-contained, and able to move at speed across land using their own transport and logistics corps. The armies are numbered 1 through 30 (with the exception of 13), and contain 400,000 men each, along with armour, vehicles and air transport support.

The first 9 armies are what constitutes the ‘Roudland Army’ in the traditional sense; they are the units that can be seen deployed across the world, and are closely linked with the other services such as the Navy and Air Force. The Active Reserve armies are paid and semi-mobilised mirror armies that can be converted to full frontline armies within weeks, though they are not deployed outside Roudland. Inactive Reserve armies are unlike Active Reserves in that they do not field modern military equipment (some units are still using G3s and M113s) and are not mobilised in any form; they are ‘weekend soldiers’ that train as units in scattered locations across Roudland. In addition to this, they do not have air transport forces or armoured corps, and are not regarded part of any formal fighting force in the way that the Active Reserves are. Mobile Infantry armies are conscripted national service armies that provide a body for young adults to fulfil their national service commitment in a military capacity, and are not to be regarded as part of the regular army. The only instance in which a MI unit has been mobilised for combat was the mechanised division that was training aboard RSS Donaldson during the Abbayish Civil War. In real terms they would require around 4 months to prepare for mobilisation. In contrast to this, the Territorial Guard are somewhere between Active and Inactive reserve forces, being equipped with only some of the modern equipment that is afforded to the regulars, but with a semi-permanent mobilisation status. They are primarily designed to act as a civil military force; that is one to deal with the aftermath of a large disastrous event.

The Army is considered to be the ‘primary’ force; the arm of the military with which the government of Roudland pursues its armed foreign policy agenda. To this end, it has amazingly deep integration with other forces such as the Navy and Air Force due to their support roles to the Army. Navy and Air Force comms systems are powered by Archer-Battlefire, and to large degree of cooperation takes place between the forces to enable speedy transportation, deployment and support. This was witnessed in full with the liberation of the DSUT, in which the Navy worked for weeks transporting soldiers, land vehicles and planes to the continent, whilst simultaneously giving coastal support and security, which was then overlapped by the Air Force acting for the Navy Air Arm, During this time the Army moved upon its objectives, liaising with the Navy and Air Force for support. The integration of systems from each service contributed to this ease of cooperation.

For several years the Army has had attached to it the stigma of being somewhat backwards in comparison to other forces. To counter this, the Roudland Army instigated a programme of modernisation beginning in 1999. At the present moment it is reaching its completion, and this takes the form of the Archer Communications System, an essential element of the Advanced Army Warfighter system; the new infantry system that places Roudland’s infantry head and shoulders above others.

Army numbering and current deployment

1st Army - Currently in Roudland

2nd Army - Based in Kegmenistan, partial deployment to Zakmenistani DMZ

3rd Army - Deployed to Scott Island

4th Army - Overseeing DSUT reconstruction

5th Army - Currently in Roudland

6th Army - Based in Kegmenistan

7th Army - Based in Gothria

8th Army - Based in Friendly Aliens

9th Army - Based in Kegmenistan

10th Army (Active Reserve) - partial deployment to Zakmenistani DMZ

11th Army (Mobile Infantry) - partial deployment to Zakmenistani DMZ

12th Army (Mobile Infantry) - partial deployment to Zakmenistani DMZ

14th Army (Mobile Infantry) - partial deployment to Zakmenistani DMZ

15th Army (Mobile Infantry) - partial deployment to DSUT

16th Army (Active Reserve) - partial deployment to Scott Island

17th Army (Active Reserve) - Based in Roudland

18th Army (Active Reserve) - Based in Roudland

19th Army (Active Reserve) - Based in Roudland

20th Army (Inactive Reserve) - Based in Roudland

21st Army (Inactive Reserve) - Based in Roudland

22nd Army (Inactive Reserve) - Based in Roudland

23rd Army (Inactive Reserve) - Based in Roudland

24th Army (Inactive Reserve) - Based in Roudland

25th Army (Territorial Guard) - Based in Roudland

26th Army (Territorial Guard) - Based in Roudland

27th Army (Territorial Guard) - Based in Roudland

28th Army (Territorial Guard) - Based in Roudland

29th Army (Territorial Guard) - partial deployment to Scott Island and Hannigan Island

30th Army (Territorial Guard) - partial deployment to Scott Island and Hannigan Island


Total Manpower: 11,600,000 men


Each soldier carries:

• Personal Weapon: Usually of the G36 family, 416/417 family or MG4

• USP/Mk 23 Pistol

• Mk5a Fragmentation Grenades

• FD42 Phosphorous Grenades

• Personal Sight Unit (day/night sighted compact binos with digital rangefinder)

• KM2000 Combat Knife


Each soldier wears:

• MSB/07 ACUPAT/ Multicam/ CADPAT Camouflage suit (several layers; shirts/jackets/trousers etc)

• RAMPART Personal Body Armour

• CAT Heavy-Duty All-Terrain Footwear (with insert sleeves for RAMPART protection)

• RoudCorp/ KegmenistArms AX-10A3 Advanced Combat Helmet

• MSB/07 MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing system

• Small MediKit

• Archer-Battlefire Comms system Personal Suite Hub (integrated into MSB/07 back-plate)

• ARC-Pad Archer Coordination Device

Infantry Squad Structure

Roudland infantry works in squads of 8 or 16, with at least a Lance Corporal in command, if not a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant. The squads are designed to be able to function well on their own, and are armed heavily enough to sustain a firefight for several hours. Each squad normally has anti-armour capability, although this is not enforced when intelligence suggests that there will be no need. However, the final say goes to the c/o. There follows a description of a typical 8-man squad and the weapons they carry:

• 2 Squad Support (MG4)

• 2 Heavy Rifleman (G36K w/M320)

• 4 Rifleman (G36K, sometimes augmented with G36DMR)- traditionally the c/o and radioman are Riflemen


Roudland builds its squads around the concept of the four man fireteam. The FMF can fight alongside other infantry groups very easily, and works best when coupled with the other fireteam from its squad to take an objective and provide support for each other. The FMF comprises two rifleman plus two supporting soldiers combining the suppression of an MG4 with the explosives of the M320. This potent mix of firepower enables squads to maximise their effect on a battle, and combine with other squads to form a lethal collection of accurate fire, suppressing barrages and explosive force.

This structure can vary, because of factors such as they vehicle they are carried in (an Airborne squad will typically be lighter than a Mechanised squad), or the task they are asked to perform (a Tank Hunting squad will have 3 or 4 Heavy Riflemen, whereas an emplacement defence team may have a sniper and more MGs), but typically it remains the same.


Types of Infantry

All types of infantry have the same basic training, and so in a ground battle, they are near identical in their abilities and combat style. The thing that differentiates the infantry types is the way they are deployed, the vehicles that they travel in, and the tasks that they are given.


Mounted or Mechanised Infantry- Carried to battle in a Warrior or Stryker IFV, Mechanised Infantry are traditionally used to capture or overwhelm heavily armed enemy positions. This includes forts, key installations, towns, cities, and even mountains and tall hills.


Airborne Infantry- Carried in a NightHawk or Rhino Mk 7/8 Dropship, these troops are of the Rapid Assault/Reaction variety. Generally used for large deployments or surgical drops, Airbourne soldiers are used to having to fight their way out of their landing zone, such is their commanders' confidence in their ability.


Marines-Only the toughest, fittest, most intelligent soldiers will be accepted into the Roudland Marines. Marines are normally used as the frontline in an invasion using an amphibious landing element, and are also often entrusted with spearheading other attacks, no matter where it might take place. They travel to battle in Rhinos, Warriors, and Viper ALVs.


Engineers- Armies cannot function without equipment that works, vehicles that are maintained, bridges to cross and bases to command from. Roudland knows this, and so places a division of 10,000 Engineers with each Army. They travel in WOLF and Cougar jeeps, and, unless needed, will not operate in ordinary combat.


Mobile Infantry- These are the conscripted element of Roudland's Army, and so will not see combat unless absolutely needed. They are trained in basic warfare skills, and often act as logistical support or base staff on a large operation. They can also be used as National Guard or border staff in Roudland itself, support for humanitarian work, and DMZ border guard support personnel, as in between Gothria and Mortuus Angelus, and the Zakmenistani DMZ.


Orbital Marines- The strongest, most intelligent, battle-hardened Marines and Airbourne troops can be selected for the Orbital Marines. These soldiers are stationed aboard Conciliator Battle Cruisers, and travel in Rhino Mk 6a VDODs (Vertical Descent Orbital Dropship). Often, Orbital Marines are given experimental weapons and equipment, and are used in a variety of roles, from boarding enemy ships to creating an advanced beachhead; Orbital Marines are Roudland's foot soldiers in space.

Roudland Air Force

The Roudland Air Force is one of the parts of the military that has traditionally been underfunded. The 2006 budget increase sought to rectify this, and so it has grown substantially

Missiles and Bombs in Roudland service

Roudland Navy

The size of the Roudland Army necessitates the need for a large naval transport and protection force. To this end, the Roudland Navy is substantial in size, and comprises many armed transporters, floating docks, carriers, and amphibious landing craft. These ships are supplemented by a large number of anti-air Destroyers, anti-ship Frigates, and Nuclear Submarines. The ships are mostly multi-role to a limited degree, and this contributes to the intended flexibility of the Roudland Armed Forces.


RSS Sovereign deploys an LCAC during Operation Stormcloud

Roudland Space Force

The Roudland Space Military Research and Developmental Scheme (SPARSE) came to the conclusion in 2006 that, after poor performance in the Southern Gulf War, the Roudland Space Combat Initiative (SCI) could either be scrapped entirely or redesigned with more purpose and utility. The rest of the military has traditionally 'looked down' on the space programme, and the funding for the SCI has never been very high. At the present moment the SCI is in the process of becoming a fully fledged member of the Roudland Military Forces, and will be renamed the Roudland Space Force.


Information on the new spacefleet can be found at Roudland Space Force