Enoki
SOC-14 1K
Has this even been considered?
What is the quality of the various military forces of polities in Traveller? Knowing this, and how various polities get their manpower, would open up a number of possible scenarios for play.
For example:
A heavily conscripted service might have lots of 'draft dodgers.' Or the poor quality of training, equipment, and life in a military in general might induce higher desertion rates. A military geared to one type of combat scenario faced with something very different might have problems coping with the situation. Even things like the social expectations of various ranks within a military could come into play.
Knowing more about all of this for the various militaries in the game would impact a lot of play and even character generation.
What qualities does the Imperium's military and its various branches possess?
I would think there is a wider gulf between officers and enlisted in the Imperial military in general, and even a pretty rigid pecking order among officers with the presence of nobility. I think that the quality of military units in Imperial service would vary widely with most being of average to mediocre quality suited primarily for occupation duties and a show of force. Many would also have far more social value attached to them than combat value. That is, a particular unit is one that, if you are a social climber and want to make rank and be seen, is one for the 'in' crowd and those of importance in the Imperial hierarchy to join. It would be like an exclusive club for the well-heeled.
At the same time, I could see there being a smaller number of units within the Imperial military that are top notch and used regularly for combat missions and difficult assignments. Those who really want an exciting military career facing danger and such would gravitate towards these.
Anyway, I think this needs far more coverage than its gotten.
What is the quality of the various military forces of polities in Traveller? Knowing this, and how various polities get their manpower, would open up a number of possible scenarios for play.
For example:
A heavily conscripted service might have lots of 'draft dodgers.' Or the poor quality of training, equipment, and life in a military in general might induce higher desertion rates. A military geared to one type of combat scenario faced with something very different might have problems coping with the situation. Even things like the social expectations of various ranks within a military could come into play.
Knowing more about all of this for the various militaries in the game would impact a lot of play and even character generation.
What qualities does the Imperium's military and its various branches possess?
I would think there is a wider gulf between officers and enlisted in the Imperial military in general, and even a pretty rigid pecking order among officers with the presence of nobility. I think that the quality of military units in Imperial service would vary widely with most being of average to mediocre quality suited primarily for occupation duties and a show of force. Many would also have far more social value attached to them than combat value. That is, a particular unit is one that, if you are a social climber and want to make rank and be seen, is one for the 'in' crowd and those of importance in the Imperial hierarchy to join. It would be like an exclusive club for the well-heeled.
At the same time, I could see there being a smaller number of units within the Imperial military that are top notch and used regularly for combat missions and difficult assignments. Those who really want an exciting military career facing danger and such would gravitate towards these.
Anyway, I think this needs far more coverage than its gotten.
