Difference between revisions of "Always Faithful"
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{{infoBoxMercUnit
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
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| image     = [[Image:Alwaysfaithful.jpg]]
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| image = [[Image:Always Faithful logo.jpg|150px|Insignia of Always Faithful]]
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| unitname  = ALWAYS FAITHFUL: HONEST TO A FAULT
+
| Designation = Always Faithful
−
| year      = 3067
+
| Formed = [[2786]]<ref name="FSWp35">''First Succession War'', p. 35: "Those Left Behind (Continued)"</ref>
−
| commander = Colonel James Burrill Riel
+
| Disbanded = [[3069]]<ref name="MSUp11"/>
−
| jumpships = No
+
| Previous Designation =  
−
| dropships = No
+
| Nickname =  
−
| aero      = No
+
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
−
| armor    = No
+
| Parent Command = Independent
−
| infantry  = No
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| Sub-Command = [[Alpha Regiment (Always Faithful)|Alpha Regiment]]<br />[[Bravo Regiment (Always Faithful)|Bravo Regiment]] (disbanded)<br />[[Charlie Regiment (Always Faithful)|Charlie Regiment]] (disbanded)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
==History==
 +
The unit was formed in the wake of the [[Operation Liberation|Liberation of Terra]] from a mixture of soldiers of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] and the [[SLDF]], the '''Always Faithful''' were initially a [[Brigade]]-sized unit.
 +
 +
During the [[First Succession War]], Always Faithful were employed by the [[Capellan Confederation]] and fought against the [[Free Worlds League]]. These engagements cost the unit most of their more sophisticated equipment. The next contract brought them into the employ of the [[Draconis Combine]] and into the [[company store]] trap. Constantly increasing levels of debt to the [[Draconis Combine|Combine]] forced the mercenaries to undertake hazardous assignments, finally managing to settle their accounts and leave for greener pastures after capturing a haul of [[Federated Suns]] [[JumpShip]] parts. It was during the [[Second Succession War]] that Always Faithful had to sell their [[JumpShip|JumpShips]] and [[DropShip|DropShips]] due to the strain that their financial difficulties had imposed on their support infrastructure.<ref name="FM:MRp38">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 38: "Unit Profile"</ref>
  
−
==History==
+
Always Faithful saw extensive service during the [[Third Succession War]] under contract to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. They were deployed against both the Draconis Combine and the Free Worlds League even though Always Faithful had been reorganized into a single [[regiment]] at the start of the war. Although the regiment was involved in heavy fighting around [[Tamar]],<ref name="FM:MRp38"/> Always Faithful left [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] service at some point during the war. Hiring Always Faithful again was one of the steps taken by [[Alessandro Steiner]] to improve the military strength of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] after he became Archon in [[2980]].<ref name="HSTLCp77">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 77</ref> During [[3026]], Always Faithful acted as a bodyguard unit for the planet [[Summer]], but they were unable to save [[Duke]] [[Aldo Lestrade (31st c.)|Aldo Lestrade]] from being successfully assassinated by an alleged Kuritan operative.<ref name="W:C">''Warrior: Coupé''</ref>
−
Formed in the wake of the Liberation of Terra from a mixture of soldiers of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] and the [[SLDF]], the Always Faithful were initially a [[Brigade]]-sized unit. During the [[1st Succession War]] the Always Faithful were employed by the [[Capellan Confederation]] and fought against the [[Free Worlds League]]. These engagements cost the unit most of their more sophisticated equipment. The next contract brought them under the employ of the [[Draconis Combine]] and into the company store trap. Constantly increasing levels of debt to the [[Draconis Combine|Combine]] forced the mercenaries to undertake hazardous assignments, finally managing to settle their accounts and leave for greener pastures after capturing a haul of [[Federated Suns]] [[JumpShip]] parts. It was during the [[2nd Succession War]] that the Always Faithful had to sell their [[JumpShip|JumpShips]] and [[DropShip|DropShips]] due to the strain that their financial difficulties had imposed on their support infrastructure.<ref name="FM:MRp38">''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 38 - "Unit Profile"</ref>
 
  
−
The Always Faithful saw extensive service during the [[3rd Succession War]]under contract to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. They were deployed against both the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Free Worlds League]] even though the Always Faithful had been reorganized into a single [[regiment]] at the start of the war. Although the [[regiment]] was involved in heavy fighting around [[Tamar]],<ref name="FM:MRp38"/> the Always Faithful left [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] service at some point during the war. Hiring the Always Faithful again was one of the steps taken by [[Alessandro Steiner]] to improve the military strength of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] after he became Archon in [[2980]].<ref name="HSTLCp77">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 77''</ref> During [[3026]] the Always Faithful acted as a bodyguard unit for the planet [[Summer]], but they were unable to save [[Duke]] [[Aldo Lestrade]] from being successfully assassinated by an alleged Kuritan operative.<ref name="W:C">''Warrior: Coupé''</ref>
+
Although Always Faithful spent the first half of the [[Fourth Succession War]] on [[Summer]], the officer commanding [[Operation Holdur|Operation HOLDUR]] (General Spire) viewed [[Altair]] as the prize of the operation. General Spire enlisted the help of [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] in committing both Always Faithful and the [[17th Skye Rangers]] to the world, deploying both units as full [[Regimental Combat Team]]s against the elite [[18th Dieron Regulars]] - against the express wishes of [[Duke]] Aldo Lestrade. Although the battle for Altair was ultimately unsuccessful, Always Faithful were directly responsible for the 2nd Battalion of the [[18th Dieron Regulars]] being destroyed during the battle for Hehiro City. A lance from Always Faithful managed to hold up the 2nd Battalion as they attempted to break out between the two [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] [[Regimental Combat Team|RCTs]]. Although the Always Faithful lance was destroyed, they held the line long enough for combined forces from the rest of the Lyran units to engage and destroy the enemy battalion.<ref name="NFSWMAV2p74">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', pp. 74–75</ref>
−
 
−
Although the Always Faithful spent the first half of the [[4th Succession War]] on [[Summer]], the officer commanding [[Operation Holdur|Operation HOLDUR]] (General Spire) viewed [[Altair]] as the prize of the operation. General Spire enlisted the help of [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] in committing both the Always Faithful and the [[17th Skye Rangers]] to the world, deploying both units as full [[Regimental Combat Team]]s against the elite [[18th Dieron Regulars]] - against the express wishes of [[Duke]] [[Aldo Lestrade]]. Although the battle for [[Altair]] was ultimately unsuccessful, the Always Faithful were directly responsible for the 2nd Battalion of the [[18th Dieron Regulars]] being destroyed during the battle for Hehiro City. A lance from the Always Faithful managed to hold up the 2nd Battalion as they attempted to break out between the two [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] [[Regimental Combat Team|RCTs]]. Although the Always Faithful lance was destroyed, they held the line long enough for combined forces from the rest of the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] units to engage and destroy the enemy battalion.<ref name="NFSWMAV2p74">''NAIS Fourth Succession War Military Atlas vol 2 p. 74-75''</ref>
 
  
−
With the expiry of their contract with the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[3028]], the Always Faithful took up an undisclosed number of contracts with the [[Free Worlds League]] where they saw extensive service under [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]] and later [[Thomas Marik]]. Based on [[Vanra]] in [[3028]], the Always Faithful were deployed on [[Iknogoro]] in [[3032]] and [[Mosiro]] in [[3035]].<ref name="H:BWp87">''Historical: Brush Wars, p. 87-88''</ref> The Always Faithful were in the employ of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] during the [[War of 3039]] but did not actively participate on the [[Draconis Combine]] front. The Always Faithful left the employ of the [[LCAF]] after the war.<ref name="H:WO3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039, p. 140''</ref>
+
With the expiry of their contract with the Lyran Commonwealth in [[3028]], Always Faithful took up an undisclosed number of contracts with the [[Free Worlds League]] where they saw extensive service under [[Duncan Marik|Duncan]] and later [[Thomas Marik]]. Based on [[Vanra]] in [[3028]], Always Faithful were deployed on [[Iknogoro]] in [[3032]] and [[Mosiro]] in [[3035]].<ref name="H:BWp87">''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 87–88</ref> Always Faithful were in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth during the [[War of 3039]] but did not actively participate on the Draconis Combine front. Always Faithful left the employ of the [[LCAF]] after the war.<ref name="H:WO3039p140">''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
  
−
By [[3039]] the Always Faithful were fighting as a [[combined arms]] [[regiment]], but the fighting on [[Andurien]] against first the [[6th Defenders of Andurien]] (with additional forces from the [[1st Defenders of Andurien]]). Months of grueling city fighting at Baroda cost the Always Faithful almost all of their [[armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="H:BWp81">''Historical: Brush Wars, p. 81-82''</ref>
+
By [[3039]] Always Faithful were fighting as a [[combined arms]] regiment, but the [[Battle of Andurien (3039)|fighting]] on [[Andurien]] against first the [[6th Defenders of Andurien]] (with additional forces from the [[1st Defenders of Andurien]]) changed that; months of grueling city fighting at Baroda cost Always Faithful almost all of their [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] and [[infantry]].<ref name="H:BWp81">''Historical: Brush Wars'', pp. 81–82</ref>
  
−
By [[3050]], [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel had become the command officer of the Always Faithful. Immediately prior to the [[Clan]] invasion they were stationed on [[Conquista]] under contract with the [[Free Worlds League]].<ref name="20YUp57">''20 Year Update p. 57''</ref> The Always Faithful were still there in [[3054]], but that would soon change.<ref name="ORp39">''Objective Raids, p. 39''</ref>
+
By [[3050]], [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel had become the command officer of Always Faithful. Immediately prior to the [[Clan]] invasion they were stationed on [[Conquista]] under contract with the Free Worlds League.<ref name="20YUp57">''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> Always Faithful were still there in [[3054]], but that would soon change.<ref name="ORp39">''Objective Raids'', p. 39</ref>
  
−
The Always Faithful were one of a number of units loaned out to the [[Capellan Confederation]] for operations in the [[Sarna March]] during [[Operation Guerrero]]. The unit was deployed on [[Caph]] in [[3059]]<ref name="FM:Mp110">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 110</ref> and were still there when the [[Word of Blake]] arrived and began the process of turning the world into a [[Word of Blake|Blakist]] protectorate. By this time the mercenary unit had already taken a battering during the extensive factional conflict for the world.<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
+
Always Faithful were one of a number of units loaned out to the [[Capellan Confederation]] for operations in the [[Sarna March]] during [[Operation Guerrero]]. The unit was deployed on [[Caph]] in [[3059]]<ref name="FM:Mp110">''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 110</ref> and were still there when the [[Word of Blake]] arrived and began the process of turning the world into a [[Word of Blake|Blakist]] protectorate. By this time the mercenary unit had already taken a battering during the extensive factional conflict for the world.<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
  
−
In [[3067]] anti-Capellan factions on [[Hsien]] had banded together and hired the Always Faithful as an attempt to resist an anticipated takeover by forces of the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|4th Division]] and the [[Word of Blake|Blakist-employed]] [[Hsien Hotheads]] who had been stationed on the planet. In January of [[3069]] the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|Wanderers III-iota]] and the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|Keepers of the Gates III-beta]] combined with the [[Hsien Hotheads]] and successfully destroyed the Always Faithful during a local uprising organised by the Commanding Officer of the [[Hsien Hotheads]], Brenn Twohy. <ref name="MSUp11">''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 11, p. 72"</ref>
+
In [[3067]] anti-Capellan factions on [[Hsien]] had banded together and hired Always Faithful as an attempt to resist an anticipated takeover by forces of the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|4th Division]] and the [[Word of Blake|Blakist-employed]] [[Hsien Hotheads]] who had been stationed on the planet. In January of [[3069]] the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|Wanderers III-iota]] and the [[4th Division (Word of Blake)|Keepers of the Gates III-beta]] combined with the [[Hsien Hotheads]] and successfully destroyed Always Faithful during a local uprising organized by the Commanding Officer of the Hsien Hotheads, Brenn Twohy.<ref name="MSUp11">''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', pp. 11, 72"</ref>
  
 
==Officers==
 
==Officers==
−
[[Colonel]] Riel was in very poor health in the later years of his command of the Always Faitfhul and directly commanded the unit only when his medical staff felt he was fit enough. By [[3067]], the [[Major]] commanding the 7th Striker Battalion was effectively determining the unit's tactics.<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
 +
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Always Faithful'''
 +
|-
 +
| [[Colonel]]||[[Louise Pound]]||[[3025]]<ref name="HSTLCp82"/>
 +
|-
 +
| Colonel||[[James Burrill Riel]]||[[3050]] - [[3069]]<ref name="20YUp57"/><ref name="ORp39"/><ref name="FM:Mp110"/><ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
−
Following the losses inflicted during the [[Andurien War]], the Always Faithful used mobile components to pin a enemy in place and then the heavy components to deliver the final blow. The exception to this was the 7th Striker Battalion which preferred a much more mobile style that allowed them to avoid a head-on confrontation while continuing to erode the enemy strength from the flanks.<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
+
Following the losses inflicted during the [[Andurien Secession]], Always Faithful used mobile components to pin an enemy in place and then the heavy components to deliver the final blow. The exception to this was the 7th Striker Battalion which preferred a much more mobile style that allowed them to avoid a head-on confrontation while continuing to erode the enemy strength from the flanks.<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
  
 
==Support==
 
==Support==
Line 45: Line 58:
  
 
==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 +
=== 2786 - 2821===
 +
'''Alpha''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=1SWp136>''First Succession War'', p. 136</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Aodh]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 46 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Aodh]].<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
 +
'''Bravo''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on [[Carbonis]]. The unit was destroyed during the war.<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
 +
'''Charlie''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Bithinia]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 29 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Campertown]].<ref name=1SWp136/>
 +
 +
=== 2830 ===
 +
'''Always Faithful: Alpha''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=2SWp96>''Second Succession War'', p. 96</ref>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Aodh]] with an operational readiness of 75 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
 +
'''Always Faithful: Charlie''' (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Campertown]] with an operational readiness of 92 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
 +
=== 2864 ===
 +
'''Always Faithful: Alpha''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Pell]] with an operational readiness of 20 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
 +
'''Always Faithful: Charlie''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Campertown]] with an operational readiness of 26 percent.<ref name=2SWp96/>
 +
 
===3025===
 
===3025===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular) - LCAF<ref name="HSTLCp82">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 82''</ref>
+
'''Always Faithful ''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HSTLCp118>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 118: "LCAF Deployment Table"</ref>
−
* CO: [[Colonel]] Louise Pound
+
:* CO: Colonel Louise Pound<ref name=HSTLCp118/>
−
In 3025 the Always Faithful were a Heavy [[BattleMech]] [[regiment]] supported by a Medium AeroSpace fighter contingent and infantry, but with no [[Armor]], [[DropShip]] or [[JumpShip]] support at this point in time. Additionally they were in debt to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The Always Faithful were based on [[Alarion]] along with the [[19th Lyran Guards]].<ref name="HSTLCp120">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 120''</ref>
+
In 3025 Always Faithful were a heavy [[BattleMech]] regiment supported by a medium aerospace fighter contingent and infantry, but with no Armor, [[DropShip]] or [[JumpShip]] support at this point in time. Additionally they were in debt to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. Always Faithful were based on [[Alarion]] along with the [[19th Lyran Guards]].<ref name="HSTLCp120">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 120</ref><ref name="HSTLCp82">''House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 82</ref>
 +
 
 +
=== 3028 ===
 +
'''Always Faithful''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=HBSp87/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Vanra]].<ref name=HBSp87>''Historical: Brush Wars'', p. 87</ref>
  
 
===3029===
 
===3029===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular)<ref name="NFSWMAV1p45">''NAIS Fourth Succession War Military Atlas, vol 1, p. 45''</ref>
+
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular)<ref name="NFSWMAV1p45">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 45</ref>
  
 
===3038===
 
===3038===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular)<ref name="H:WO3039p140"/>
+
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular)<ref name="H:WO3039p140"/>
  
−
===3039===
+
===3040===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Veteran)<ref name="H:BWp87"/>
+
''' Always Faithful''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWO3039>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
  
 
===3050===
 
===3050===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="20YUp57"/>
+
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="20YUp57"/>
−
* CO: [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel
+
:* CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Conquista]].
  
 
===3054===
 
===3054===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="ORp39"/>
+
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="ORp39"/>
−
* CO: [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel
+
* CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
  
 
===3059===
 
===3059===
−
'''Always Faithful''' (1 [[Regiment]]/Regular/Questionable)<ref name="FM:Mp110"/>
+
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name="FM:Mp110"/>
−
* CO: [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel
+
:* CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Caph]].<ref name=FMMercsp110>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 110</ref>
  
 
===3067===
 
===3067===
 
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
 
'''Always Faithful''' (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name="FM:MRp38"/>
−
* CO: [[Colonel]] James Burrill Riel
+
* CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
−
* XO: [[Lieutenant Colonel]] Brian Renollds
+
* XO: [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Brian Renollds]]
−
* 2nd Assault Battalion: Major Akira Sugioka
+
* 2nd Assault Battalion: Major [[Akira Sugioka (Always Faithful)|Akira Sugioka]]
−
* 5th Dragoon Battalion: Major Mordred Chivas
+
* 5th Dragoon Battalion: Major [[Mordred Chivas]]
−
* 7th Striker Battalion: Major Deng Xiao
+
* 7th Striker Battalion: Major [[Deng Xiao (Always Faithful)|Deng Xiao]]
  
−
At the end of [[3067]], the Always Faithful were operating at 75% strength following the conflicts within the Chaos March, but 40% of the unit were upgraded to [[Star League]] levels of technology.<ref name="FM:Up183">''Field Manual: Updates, p. 183''</ref>
+
At the end of [[3067]], Always Faithful were operating at 75% strength following the conflicts within the Chaos March, but 40% of the unit were upgraded to [[Star League]] levels of technology.<ref name="FM:Up183">''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 183</ref>
−
 
 
−
==Rules==
 
−
<div class="gamerules">
 
−
*The Always Faithful cannot acquire [[Clan]] [[BattleMech]]s. The Always Faithful are immune to intimidation, preventing any enemy units from forcing the initiative, and the 7th Striker Battalion can use off-map movement.<ref name="FM:MRp128">''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 128 - "Force-Specific Rules"</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
</div>
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
The Always Faithful were members of the [[Allied Mercenary Command]].
+
* Rules for Always Faithful can be found in ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''.<ref name="FM:MRp128">''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 128: "Force-Specific Rules"</ref>
 +
*Always Faithful were members of the [[Allied Mercenary Command]].
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 94: Line 132:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[House Steiner|House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth]]''
+
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
−
*''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
−
*''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
−
*''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
+
* ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]''
−
*''[[20 Year Update]]''
+
* ''[[Historical: Brush Wars]]''
−
*''[[Objective Raids]]
+
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
−
*''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised]]''
+
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
−
*''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
+
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
−
*''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
+
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
 +
* ''[[Objective Raids]]
 +
* ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]''
 +
 
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Always Faithful]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Always Faithful]]

Latest revision as of 05:44, 1 February 2024

Insignia of Always Faithful
Always Faithful
Formed 2786[1]
Disbanded 3069[2]
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command Independent
Sub-Command(s) Alpha Regiment
Bravo Regiment (disbanded)
Charlie Regiment (disbanded)

History[edit]

The unit was formed in the wake of the Liberation of Terra from a mixture of soldiers of the Rim Worlds Republic and the SLDF, the Always Faithful were initially a Brigade-sized unit.

During the First Succession War, Always Faithful were employed by the Capellan Confederation and fought against the Free Worlds League. These engagements cost the unit most of their more sophisticated equipment. The next contract brought them into the employ of the Draconis Combine and into the company store trap. Constantly increasing levels of debt to the Combine forced the mercenaries to undertake hazardous assignments, finally managing to settle their accounts and leave for greener pastures after capturing a haul of Federated Suns JumpShip parts. It was during the Second Succession War that Always Faithful had to sell their JumpShips and DropShips due to the strain that their financial difficulties had imposed on their support infrastructure.[3]

Always Faithful saw extensive service during the Third Succession War under contract to the Lyran Commonwealth. They were deployed against both the Draconis Combine and the Free Worlds League even though Always Faithful had been reorganized into a single regiment at the start of the war. Although the regiment was involved in heavy fighting around Tamar,[3] Always Faithful left Lyran service at some point during the war. Hiring Always Faithful again was one of the steps taken by Alessandro Steiner to improve the military strength of the Lyran Commonwealth after he became Archon in 2980.[4] During 3026, Always Faithful acted as a bodyguard unit for the planet Summer, but they were unable to save Duke Aldo Lestrade from being successfully assassinated by an alleged Kuritan operative.[5]

Although Always Faithful spent the first half of the Fourth Succession War on Summer, the officer commanding Operation HOLDUR (General Spire) viewed Altair as the prize of the operation. General Spire enlisted the help of Archon Katrina Steiner in committing both Always Faithful and the 17th Skye Rangers to the world, deploying both units as full Regimental Combat Teams against the elite 18th Dieron Regulars - against the express wishes of Duke Aldo Lestrade. Although the battle for Altair was ultimately unsuccessful, Always Faithful were directly responsible for the 2nd Battalion of the 18th Dieron Regulars being destroyed during the battle for Hehiro City. A lance from Always Faithful managed to hold up the 2nd Battalion as they attempted to break out between the two Lyran RCTs. Although the Always Faithful lance was destroyed, they held the line long enough for combined forces from the rest of the Lyran units to engage and destroy the enemy battalion.[6]

With the expiry of their contract with the Lyran Commonwealth in 3028, Always Faithful took up an undisclosed number of contracts with the Free Worlds League where they saw extensive service under Duncan and later Thomas Marik. Based on Vanra in 3028, Always Faithful were deployed on Iknogoro in 3032 and Mosiro in 3035.[7] Always Faithful were in the employ of the Lyran Commonwealth during the War of 3039 but did not actively participate on the Draconis Combine front. Always Faithful left the employ of the LCAF after the war.[8]

By 3039 Always Faithful were fighting as a combined arms regiment, but the fighting on Andurien against first the 6th Defenders of Andurien (with additional forces from the 1st Defenders of Andurien) changed that; months of grueling city fighting at Baroda cost Always Faithful almost all of their armor and infantry.[9]

By 3050, Colonel James Burrill Riel had become the command officer of Always Faithful. Immediately prior to the Clan invasion they were stationed on Conquista under contract with the Free Worlds League.[10] Always Faithful were still there in 3054, but that would soon change.[11]

Always Faithful were one of a number of units loaned out to the Capellan Confederation for operations in the Sarna March during Operation Guerrero. The unit was deployed on Caph in 3059[12] and were still there when the Word of Blake arrived and began the process of turning the world into a Blakist protectorate. By this time the mercenary unit had already taken a battering during the extensive factional conflict for the world.[3]

In 3067 anti-Capellan factions on Hsien had banded together and hired Always Faithful as an attempt to resist an anticipated takeover by forces of the 4th Division and the Blakist-employed Hsien Hotheads who had been stationed on the planet. In January of 3069 the Wanderers III-iota and the Keepers of the Gates III-beta combined with the Hsien Hotheads and successfully destroyed Always Faithful during a local uprising organized by the Commanding Officer of the Hsien Hotheads, Brenn Twohy.[2]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Always Faithful
Colonel Louise Pound 3025[13]
Colonel James Burrill Riel 3050 - 3069[10][11][12][3]

Tactics[edit]

Following the losses inflicted during the Andurien Secession, Always Faithful used mobile components to pin an enemy in place and then the heavy components to deliver the final blow. The exception to this was the 7th Striker Battalion which preferred a much more mobile style that allowed them to avoid a head-on confrontation while continuing to erode the enemy strength from the flanks.[3]

Support[edit]

The command had few support assets (50% technical support) and no transport assets.[3]

Mercenary Rating[edit]

3059[edit]

Dragoon Rating: B-[12]

3067[edit]

Dragoon Rating: B-[3]

Composition History[edit]

2786 - 2821[edit]

Alpha (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[14]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Aodh. In 2821 the command was reduced to 46 percent of its strength and was deployed on Aodh.[14]

Bravo (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)[14]

Note: At this point in time the heavy-weight unit was stationed on Carbonis. The unit was destroyed during the war.[14]

Charlie (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[14]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Bithinia. In 2821 the command was reduced to 29 percent of its strength and was deployed on Campertown.[14]

2830[edit]

Always Faithful: Alpha (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[15]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Aodh with an operational readiness of 75 percent.[15]

Always Faithful: Charlie (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[15]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Campertown with an operational readiness of 92 percent.[15]

2864[edit]

Always Faithful: Alpha (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[15]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Pell with an operational readiness of 20 percent.[15]

Always Faithful: Charlie (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)[15]

Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on Campertown with an operational readiness of 26 percent.[15]

3025[edit]

Always Faithful (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[16]

  • CO: Colonel Louise Pound[16]

In 3025 Always Faithful were a heavy BattleMech regiment supported by a medium aerospace fighter contingent and infantry, but with no Armor, DropShip or JumpShip support at this point in time. Additionally they were in debt to the Lyran Commonwealth. Always Faithful were based on Alarion along with the 19th Lyran Guards.[17][13]

3028[edit]

Always Faithful (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)[18]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Vanra.[18]

3029[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular)[19]

3038[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular)[8]

3040[edit]

Always Faithful (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[20]

3050[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[10]

  • CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Conquista.

3054[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[11]

  • CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel

3059[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular/Questionable)[12]

  • CO: Colonel James Burrill Riel
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Caph.[21]

3067[edit]

Always Faithful (1 Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[3]

At the end of 3067, Always Faithful were operating at 75% strength following the conflicts within the Chaos March, but 40% of the unit were upgraded to Star League levels of technology.[22]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ First Succession War, p. 35: "Those Left Behind (Continued)"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Mercenaries Supplemental Update, pp. 11, 72"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised, p. 38: "Unit Profile"
  4. ↑ House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 77
  5. ↑ Warrior: Coupé
  6. ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2, pp. 74–75
  7. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, pp. 87–88
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 140
  9. ↑ Historical: Brush Wars, pp. 81–82
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 20 Year Update, p. 57
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Objective Raids, p. 39
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 110
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 82
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 First Succession War, p. 136
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 Second Succession War, p. 96
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 118: "LCAF Deployment Table"
  17. ↑ House Steiner: The Lyran Commonwealth, p. 120
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Historical: Brush Wars, p. 87
  19. ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 45
  20. ↑ Historical: War of 3039, p. 140
  21. ↑ Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 110
  22. ↑ Field Manual: Updates, p. 183
  23. ↑ Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised, p. 128: "Force-Specific Rules"

Bibliography[edit]

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