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Line 1: {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand − | image = [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|191px|Insignia of the Waco Rangers]] + | image = [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|150px]] | Designation = Waco Rangers | Designation = Waco Rangers | Formed = [[3007]] | Formed = [[3007]] Line 7:
Line 7: | Nickname = | Nickname = | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] − | Parent Command = Independent + | Parent Command = Independent | Sub-Command = | Sub-Command = }} }} − The '''Waco Rangers''', also occasionally referred to as "Waco's Rangers," were a [[mercenary]] [[regiment]] formed in [[3007]] by [[Colonel]] [[Wayne Waco]]. + The '''Waco Rangers''', also occasionally referred to as "Waco's Rangers", were a [[mercenary]] regiment formed in [[3007]] by Colonel [[Wayne Waco]]. − ==History==+ Although one of the larger and more successful mercenary units from the late [[Succession Wars era]], with a track record showing them to be very competent overall, they were known primarily for their hatred against the legendary [[Wolf's Dragoons]].<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 127</ref> Pursuing their one-sided vendetta would cause them several embarrassing (and costly) defeats and diminished the unit's reputation. − The Waco Rangers were a mercenary unit formed in 3007 by Wayne Waco and disaffected [[Capellan Confederation]] [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] after Waco's previous unit, the [[First Tau Ceti Rangers]], was disbanded.<ref name=MHp84>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> Although one of the larger and more successful mercenary units from the late [[Succession Wars era]], with a track record showing them to be very competent overall, they were known primarily for their hatred against the legendary [[Wolf's Dragoons]].<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 127</ref> Pursuing their one-sided vendetta would cause them several embarrassing (and costly) defeats and diminished the unit's reputation. Under Waco's successor as CO, the Waco Rangers suffered a catastrophic defeat in the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] in [[3058]] that sent the unit into a downward spiral. Under Waco's successor as CO, the Waco Rangers suffered a catastrophic defeat in the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] in [[3058]] that sent the unit into a downward spiral. A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under the geriatric Wayne Waco sparked an uprising of Temptown mercenaries on [[Outreach]] in October [[3067]] (the [[Scouring of Outreach]]) and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons including the death of [[Jaime Wolf]], but also perished in the act. A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under the geriatric Wayne Waco sparked an uprising of Temptown mercenaries on [[Outreach]] in October [[3067]] (the [[Scouring of Outreach]]) and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons including the death of [[Jaime Wolf]], but also perished in the act. + + ==History== + The Waco Rangers were a mercenary unit formed in [[3007]] by Wayne Waco and disaffected [[Capellan Confederation]] [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] after Waco's previous unit, the [[1st Tau Ceti Rangers]], was disbanded.<ref name=MHp84>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> ===Capellan Confederation=== ===Capellan Confederation=== − Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the Capellan Confederation, they saw heavy combat against Wolf's Dragoons (then in the employ of the [[Federated Suns]]) on [[New Aragon]] in [[3008]]. The Dragoons' [[Zeta Battalion]] smashed through the Rangers' light [['Mech]]s, resulting in the death of [[John Waco]], Wayne Waco's son. Apparently, a Dragoon ''[[Stalker]]'' inadvertently crushed underfoot the younger Waco after his ''[[Wasp]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref name=MAN>''Making a Name''</ref> + Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the Capellan Confederation, they saw heavy combat against Wolf's Dragoons (then in the employ of the [[Federated Suns]]) on [[New Aragon]] in [[3008]]. The Dragoons' [[Zeta Battalion]] smashed through the Rangers' light [['Mech]]s, resulting in the death of [[John Waco]], Wayne Waco's son. Apparently, a Dragoon ''[[Stalker]]'' inadvertently crushed underfoot the younger Waco after his ''[[Wasp]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref name=MAN>''Making a Name''</ref> − Wayne Waco and his officers promptly declared vengeance against the Dragoons.<ref name=MAN /> He instituted what he called a "[[Death Oath]]," requiring all unit members to swear to kill any Dragoon his forces captured,<ref>''The Battle of Coventry'', p. 9</ref> despite a [[ComStar]] investigation clearing the Dragoons of intentional wrongdoing in John Waco's death. Afterward, the Waco Rangers refused employment with any [[Successor State]] that also employed the Dragoons. Despite this one-sided feud, the Dragoons and their commander, [[Jaime Wolf]], seemed barely aware of the Rangers' grievance and never quite took it seriously. Indeed, some of the Dragoons would eventually nickname them the "Wacko Rangers".<ref name=WD13,127/> + Wayne Waco and his officers promptly declared vengeance against the Dragoons,<ref name=MAN /> He instituted what he called "[[Death Oath]]" against the Dragoons, requiring all unit members to swear to kill any Dragoon his forces captured,<ref>''The Battle of Coventry (sourcebook)'', p. 9</ref> despite a [[ComStar]] investigation clearing the Dragoons of intentional wrongdoing in John Waco's death. Afterward, the Waco Rangers refused employment with any [[Successor State]] that also employed the Dragoons. Despite this one-sided feud, the Dragoons and their commander, [[Jaime Wolf]], seemed barely aware of the Rangers' grievance and never quite took it seriously. Indeed, some of the Dragoons would eventually nickname them the "Wacko Rangers".<ref name=WD13,127/> − In [[3011]], the Waco Rangers conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit could expand to two [[battalion]]s. Later that same year, Waco learned that House Liao had hired Wolf's Dragoons without informing his unit ahead of time as specified in the Rangers' contract (apparently a renegotiated or amended contract as the original contract predated John Waco's death and the Death Oath). The Rangers not only left the Confederation, they raided supply warehouses on [[Korion]], expanding further.<ref name=MHp84 /> + In [[3011]], the Waco Rangers conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit could expand to two battalions. Later that same year, Waco learned that House Liao had hired Wolf's Dragoons without informing his unit ahead of time as specified in the Rangers' contract (apparently a renegotiated or amended contract as the original contract predated John Waco's death and the Death Oath). The Rangers not only left the Confederation, they raided supply warehouses on [[Korion]], expanding further.<ref name=MHp84 /> ===Draconis Combine=== ===Draconis Combine=== − In [[3014]], the unit signed with the [[Draconis Combine]], and was sent to the Davion border to conduct a series of raids. This included a successful attack on [[Mara]], where they were able to damage the [[Third Ceti Hussars]], seizing significant salvage. They would continue raiding worlds as a cohesive unit through [[3018]] with great success, each time retreating before reinforcements could be brought to bear.<ref name=MHp84 /> + In [[3014]], the unit signed with the [[Draconis Combine]], and was sent to the Davion border to conduct a series of raids. This included a successful attack on [[Mara]], where they were able to damage the [[Third Ceti Hussars]], seizing significant salvage. They would continue raiding worlds as a cohesive unit through [[3018]] with great success, each time retreating before reinforcements could be brought to bear.<ref name=MHp84 /> − In [[3021]], while on [[New Wessex]], the Rangers learned that the [[Black Widow Company]] of Wolf's Dragoons was on planet, on a raid in service to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The Black Widows were harassing the [[Twentieth Draconis Regiment]], who was unwisely trying to hunt the Dragoons down in single lances. Waco interceded against the Draconis commanding officer's objections, correctly deducing the location of the Widows' [[DropShip]]. They were too late, however, and the two forces exchanged only brief fire before the Dragoons escaped.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', pp. 84–85</ref> + In [[3021]], while on [[New Wessex]], the Rangers learned that the [[Black Widow Company]] of Wolf's Dragoons was on planet, on a raid in service to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The Black Widows were harassing the [[20th Draconis Regiment]], who was unwisely trying to hunt the Dragoons down in single lances. Waco interceded against the Draconis commanding officer's objections, correctly deducing the location of the Widows' [[DropShip]]. They were too late, however, and the two forces exchanged only brief fire before the Dragoons escaped.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', pp. 84–85</ref> ===Lyran Commonwealth=== ===Lyran Commonwealth=== − In [[3023]], the Draconis Combine honored its contract with the Rangers by reporting it was hiring the Dragoons. The Rangers then signed on with the Lyran Commonwealth, and in [[3024]] they tangled with the Dragoons again, this time on [[Hyperion]]. Expecting to find only a battalion of the Dragoons, they instead faced two whole regiments and were forced to retreat. They were successful in destroying a number of Dragoon 'Mechs, however. Following this encounter, the Rangers continued to conduct their raids on the Combine with great success.<ref name=MHp85>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 85</ref> One of these raids was on [[Altais]], also in 3024, where the Rangers regiment faced elements of the [[Fifth Sword of Light]], namely [[Sorenson's Sabres]], and the [[Altais Militia]]. The Rangers took heavy damage during this raid but were left with little booty when the retreating defenders destroyed a site designated Depot 23 with demolition charges rather than have it fall into the Rangers' hands.<ref>''Sorenson’s Sabres'', pp. 62–63</ref> + In [[3023]], the Draconis Combine honored its contract with the Rangers by reporting it was hiring the Dragoons. The Rangers then signed on with the Lyran Commonwealth, and in [[3024]] they tangled with the Dragoons again, this time on [[Hyperion]]. Expecting to find only a battalion of the Dragoons, they instead faced two whole regiments and were forced to retreat. They were successful in destroying a number of Dragoon 'Mechs, however. Following this encounter, the Rangers continued to conduct their raids on the Combine with great success.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 85</ref> One of these raids was on [[Altais]], also in 3024, where the Rangers regiment faced elements of the [[5th Sword of Light]], namely [[Sorenson's Sabres]], and the [[Altais Militia]]. The Rangers took heavy damage during this raid but were left with little booty when the retreating defenders destroyed a site designated Depot 23 with demolition charges rather than have it fall into the Rangers' hands.<ref>''Sorenson’s Sabres (scenario pack)'', pp. 62–63</ref> ===Federated Suns=== ===Federated Suns=== − By [[3025]], the Rangers were in service to the [[Federated Suns]],<ref>''Succession Wars'' rulebook, p. 13</ref> based on the world of [[Mentasta]].<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 134</ref> At the time they were a medium regiment rated at "regular" skill level, and had their own infantry, armor, [[aerospace fighter]] and [[DropShip]] support; their contract was slated to expire in 3026.<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 147</ref> + By [[3025]], the Rangers were in service to the [[Federated Suns]],<ref>''Succession Wars (Board Game)'', p. 13: "House Davion Order of Battle"</ref> based on the world of [[Mentasta]].<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 134</ref> At the time they were a medium regiment rated at "regular" skill level, and had their own infantry, armor, [[aerospace fighter]] and [[DropShip]] support; their contract was slated to expire in 3026.<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 147</ref> (A full write-up of the unit, also as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ at that point. This suggests they went to serve House Davion later in that year, or were possibly loaned to House Davion on the background of the fledgling [[FedCom]] alliance.) (A full write-up of the unit, also as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ at that point. This suggests they went to serve House Davion later in that year, or were possibly loaned to House Davion on the background of the fledgling [[FedCom]] alliance.) − ===Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG=== + ===Lyran Commonwealth: Second Time=== − In August [[3028]] the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] launched [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]; the Rangers were deployed from their garrison on [[Bessarabia]] to assault the Combine world of [[Hyperion]].<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 44–45</ref> The defenders on Hyperion<ref name=NAIS4SWp51>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 51</ref> - the [[Ninth Rasalhague Regulars]]<ref name="FSWMAv2p71">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 71</ref> - were of questionable loyalty, and didn't put up much of a fight.<ref name=NAIS4SWp51/> The Ninth Rasalhague Regulars withdrew to [[Satalice]], where they would face the Rangers again in [[3029]].<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> On Satalice, they recruited more personnel from the locals, with some success. Some of the recruits were caught by a fight, the 2 September [[3029]], when the Draconis forces launched an infantry and 'Mech assault on the Rangers base, breaching the perimeter and creating some havoc, before being finally repulsed.<ref>''Signing Day'', in ''Shrapnel#11'' pp. 32-36</ref> Following several months of consolidation in the aftermath of GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG the Commonwealth went on the offensive again in the Trellshire and Tamar theaters of operation. While a large part of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]]' attention went into trying to win ongoing conflicts on a handful of worlds, seven new planetary assaults were launched. Satalice was one of the worlds attacked, because of the presence of the Ninth Rasalhague Regulars, and the LCAF dropped [[Hansen's Roughriders]] and the Waco Rangers on Satalice. The two mercenary commands spent several months maneuvering against the Ninth in a campaign marked by good coordination between the mercenary units and their supporting conventional forces. The culmination of the maneuver campaign came when the two mercenary units caught the Ninth in the rich Mizona Valley; keenly aware of the danger of being surrounded and wiped out, the Ninth abandoned Satalice after a race to their [[DropShip]]s.<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> + In August [[3028]] the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] launched [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]; the Rangers were deployed from their garrison on [[Bessarabia]] to assault the Combine world of [[Hyperion]].<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 44–45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref> The defenders on Hyperion<ref name="NAIS4SWp51"/> - the [[Ninth Rasalhague Regulars]]<ref name="FSWMAv2p71">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 71: "New Invasions"</ref> - were of questionable loyalty, and didn't put up much of a fight.<ref name="NAIS4SWp51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 51: "Other Early Action"</ref> The Ninth Rasalhague Regulars withdrew to [[Satalice]], where they would face the Rangers again in [[3029]];<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> following several months of consolidation in the aftermath of GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG the Commonwealth went on the offensive again in the Trellshire and Tamar theaters of operation. While a large part of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]]' attention went into trying to win ongoing conflicts on a handful of worlds, seven new planetary assaults were launched. Satalice was one of the worlds attacked, because of the presence of the Ninth Rasalhague Regulars, and the LCAF dropped [[Hansen's Roughriders]] and the Waco Rangers on Satalice. The two mercenary commands spent several months maneuvering against the Ninth in a campaign marked by good coordination between the mercenary units and their supporting conventional forces. The culmination of the maneuver campaign came when the two mercenary units caught the Ninth in the rich Mizona Valley; keenly aware of the danger of being surrounded and wiped out, the Ninth abandoned Satalice after a race to their [[DropShip]]s.<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> ===Fighting Snord's Irregulars=== ===Fighting Snord's Irregulars=== Line 46:
Line 48: ===Free Worlds League=== ===Free Worlds League=== − At some unspecified point, Colonel Wayne Waco seems to have retired from regular active service, turning command of the regiment over to Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]. Waco apparently still maintained ownership of the unit, however. As of [[3049]], the unit was in service to the [[Free Worlds League]], stationed on the planet of [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> Reportedly, they were still a well-respected unit at this time, despite their eccentricity regarding the Dragoons. + At some unspecified point, Colonel Wayne Waco seems to have retired from regular active service, turning command of the regiment over to Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]. Waco apparently still maintained ownership of the unit, however. As of [[3049]], the unit was in service to the [[Free Worlds League]], stationed on the planet of [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> Reportedly, they were still a well-respected unit at this time, despite their eccentricity regarding the Dragoons. ===Clan Invasion=== ===Clan Invasion=== Line 59:
Line 61: ===Destruction=== ===Destruction=== − By [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. At this point the Waco Rangers were just one more down-on-their-luck mercenary unit squatting in the desolate TempTown of Harlech, capital of the Dragoons' homeworld of [[Outreach]] and the new [[Mercenary's Star (hiring hall)|Mercenary's Star]]. The [[Word of Blake]] secretly provided the hateful geriatric Wayne Waco with funds and equipment in preparation for a strike against Wolf's Dragoons on Outreach, seeing how the [[Allied Mercenary Command]] formed by the Dragoons was building opposition to the Word of Blake in the [[Chaos March]] and elsewhere not as mercenaries but as a political power of their own. + By [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. At this point the Waco Rangers were just one more down-on-their-luck mercenary unit squatting in the desolate TempTown of Harlech, capital of the Dragoons' homeworld of [[Outreach]] and the new [[Mercenary's Star]]. The [[Word of Blake]] secretly provided the hateful geriatric Wayne Waco with funds and equipment in preparation for a strike against Wolf's Dragoons on Outreach, seeing how the [[Allied Mercenary Command]] formed by the Dragoons was building opposition to the Word of Blake in the [[Chaos March]] and elsewhere not as mercenaries but as a political power of their own. − Wayne Waco was something of a loose cannon, however. Shortly before the fateful [[Fourth Whitting Conference]] that would trigger the [[Jihad]], Waco, encouraged by the [[Word of Blake]] and seeking to inflict severe damage upon the Dragoons and potentially bring about their destruction, initiated the coordinated mercenary sneak attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech known as the [[Scouring of Outreach]],<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref><ref name=AICD>''An Ice-Cold Dish''</ref> causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle the [[First Battle of Harlech_(3067)|First Battle of Harlech]].<ref name=TCp40>''Total Chaos'', p. 40</ref> + Wayne Waco was something of a loose cannon, however. Shortly before the fateful [[Fourth Whitting Conference]] that would trigger the [[Jihad]], Waco, encouraged by the [[Word of Blake]] and seeking to inflict severe damage upon the Dragoons and potentially bring about their destruction, initiated the coordinated mercenary sneak attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech known as the [[Scouring of Outreach]],<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref><ref name=AICD>''An Ice-Cold Dish''</ref> causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle the [[First Battle of Harlech_(3067)|First Battle of Harlech]].<ref name=TCp40>''Total Chaos'', p. 40</ref> During the fighting, Waco and his ''[[BattleMaster]]'' managed to engage Jaime Wolf and his ''[[Archer]]'' in a duel, both officers' lancemates having first fallen. Waco was (unknown to him) successful in killing Wolf, though he himself was also killed and his 'Mech was destroyed in the process.<ref name=AICD/> The Dragoons initiated "Condition Feral", which meant all non-Dragoon forces on Outreach were hunted down and terminated with extreme prejudice. Thus, the Waco Rangers were considered destroyed at the dawn of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TCp40/> − Initially, the Rangers met unexpected success, and new mercenaries, presumably ones with a grudge towards the Dragoons, began painting the Rangers' insignia on their 'Mechs and joining them. The ''Waco Renegade Rangers'', as Wayne called them, were between 200 and 300 'Mechs, but lacked organization or coordination, attacking more like a horde than a real unit.<ref>''An Ice-Cold Dish'' pp. 171</ref>+ ==Unit Notes== − + * As of [[3060]], the unit still possessed two ''[[Overlord]]'' [[DropShips]] and one [[JumpShip]].<ref name=FMM92/> − During the third day of fighting, Waco led his command lance towards the ruins of Hiring Hall, but the Rangers with him were killed one after another by Jaime Wolf and his commmand company, until only the two leaders remained. His ''[[BattleMaster]]'' engaged Jaime Wolf and his ''[[Archer]]'' in a duel. Waco was (unknown to him) successful in fatally wounding Wolf, though he himself was also killed and his 'Mech was destroyed in the process.<ref name=AICD/> The Dragoons initiated "Condition Feral", which meant all non-Dragoon forces on Outreach were hunted down and terminated with extreme prejudice. Thus, the Waco Rangers were considered destroyed at the dawn of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TCp40/>+ * Despite their less than sterling reputation for much of their history, due primarily to their obsession with Wolf's Dragoons, the Rangers were a highly capable unit well suited to launching deep objective raids against an enemy. They also possessed a legendary technical support group, and were able to expand the size of their unit quickly with their ability to salvage and rebuild enemy 'Mechs.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. ??{{cn}}</ref> + * Caradoc Trevena mentioned in his journal about the Rangers "I'll grant that Waco's Rangers were a good enough merc outfit, but their current line-up seems to be a motley collection of misfits, clowns and losers unfit for any duty except guarding the latrine, and I'm not sure they could pull that off without shooting themselves in the foot".<ref name=TBOCp41 /> + *The bad reputation of the Rangers won them several derisive nicknames like "Wako Junkers", "Wacko Rangers", and "Waco Grangers".<ref name=MHp84 /> − ==Unit Notes== − * As of [[3060]], the unit still possessed two ''[[Overlord]]'' [[DropShips]] and one [[JumpShip]].<ref name=FMM92/> − * Despite their less than sterling reputation for much of their history, due primarily to their obsession with Wolf's Dragoons, the Rangers were a highly capable unit well suited to launching deep objective raids against an enemy. They also possessed a legendary technical support group,<ref name=MHp87>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 87</ref> and were able to expand the size of their unit quickly with their ability to salvage and rebuild enemy 'Mechs.<ref name=MHp85/> − * Caradoc Trevena mentioned in his journal about the Rangers "I'll grant that Waco's Rangers were a good enough merc outfit, but their current line-up seems to be a motley collection of misfits, clowns and losers unfit for any duty except guarding the latrine, and I'm not sure they could pull that off without shooting themselves in the foot."<ref name=TBOCp41 /> − *The bad reputation of the Rangers won them several derisive nicknames like "Wako Junkers," "Wacko Rangers," and "Waco Grangers."<ref name=MHp84 /> ==Officers== ==Officers== {| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable" − |- + |- ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name Line 82:
Line 81: | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Waco Rangers''' | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Waco Rangers''' |- |- − | [[Colonel]]||[[Wayne Waco]]||[[3007]] - [[3067]]<ref name=MH88>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 88</ref> + | [[Colonel]]||[[Wayne Waco]]||[[3007]] - [[3067]]<ref name=MH88>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 88: "Unit Roster"</ref> |} |} ===Other Officers=== ===Other Officers=== Line 93:
Line 92: ===3007=== ===3007=== − At the unit's formation, they were in possession of at least one DropShip of unknown class, the ''[[Burden of Fate]]''.<ref name=MHp87/> + At the unit's formation, they were in possession of at least one DropShip of unknown class, the ''[[Burden of Fate]]''.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 87: (Leonard "Mace" McCarthy brief)</ref> ===3025=== ===3025=== − '''Waco Rangers''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref name=HSTLCp116>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 116</ref> + '''Waco Rangers''' ([[Regiment]]/Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref name=HSTLCp116>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 116</ref> − :*CO: Colonel Wayne Waco<ref name=HSTLCp116 /> + :*CO: [[Colonel]] Wayne Waco<ref name=HSTLCp116 /> − : At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]]. + : At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]]. <u>Regiment TO&E</u> <u>Regiment TO&E</u> Line 106:
Line 105: ::* McCarthy's DropShip Group: 1 ''[[Overlord]]'', 5 ''[[Union]]s'', 3 ''[[Leopard]]s'' ::* McCarthy's DropShip Group: 1 ''[[Overlord]]'', 5 ''[[Union]]s'', 3 ''[[Leopard]]s'' ::* Technical Support Group: 167 squads of support personnel ::* Technical Support Group: 167 squads of support personnel − :; 1st Battalion (Noble's Assault Battalion): [[Major]] [[Paulus Noble]] + :; 1st [[Battalion]] (Noble's Assault Battalion): [[Major]] [[Paulus Noble]] ::; Noble's HQ Company ::; Noble's HQ Company :::* Noble's Command Lance: ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'' :::* Noble's Command Lance: ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'' Line 124:
Line 123: ::; Kelly's HQ Company ::; Kelly's HQ Company :::* Kelly's Command Lance: ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Rifleman]]'', ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' :::* Kelly's Command Lance: ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Rifleman]]'', ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' − :::* Winston's Scout Lance: 2 ''Javelins'', ''[[Firestarter (BattleMech)|Firestarter]]'', ''Locust'' + :::* Winston's Scout Lance: 2 ''Javelins'', ''[[Firestarter]]'', ''Locust'' :::* Tagedes' Medium Lance: ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Hatchetman]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'' :::* Tagedes' Medium Lance: ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Hatchetman]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'' ::; Warren's Medium Company ::; Warren's Medium Company Line 150:
Line 149: ;Notes ;Notes − The Waco Rangers are mentioned to be in in employ of the AFFS in the House Davion (The Federated Suns) sourcebook. However, the Mercenary Handbook as well as the House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) sourcebook and the NAIS Atlas Vol. 2 report the Rangers to be in the employ of House Steiner on several occasions. Thus, the Rangers can be considered in LCAF employ during this era.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 80</ref><ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 81</ref><ref name=HSTLCp116 /><ref name=MHp85/><ref>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 65</ref> + The Waco Rangers are mentioned to be in in employ of the AFFS in the House Davion (The Federated Suns) sourcebook. However, the Mercenary Handbook as well as the House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) sourcebook and the NAIS Atlas Vol. 2 report the Rangers to be in the employ of House Steiner on several occasions. Thus, the Rangers can be considered in LCAF employ during this era.<ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 80</ref><ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 81</ref><ref name=HSTLCp116 /><ref>Mercenary Handbook p. 85</ref><ref>NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Vol. 2, p. 65</ref> ===3050=== ===3050=== − '''Waco Rangers ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> + '''Waco Rangers ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57, "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"</ref> − :* CO: Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]<ref name=20YU57/> + :* CO: Colonel Wayne Rogers<ref name=20YU57/> − : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> + : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> ===3059=== ===3059=== Line 172:
Line 171: <gallery> <gallery> File:Wacorangers-vehicle-crew.png|Standard Vehicle Crew Uniform File:Wacorangers-vehicle-crew.png|Standard Vehicle Crew Uniform − File:Wacorangers-trooper.png|Standard Waco Rangers Infantry Uniform + File:Wacorangers-trooper.png|Standard Waco Rangers Infantry Uniform − File:Wacorangers-tech-standard.png|Standard Waco Rangers Tech Uniform + File:Wacorangers-tech-standard.png|Standard Waco Rangers Tech Uniform File:Wacorangers-mechwarrior.png|Waco Rangers MechWarrior Uniform File:Wacorangers-mechwarrior.png|Waco Rangers MechWarrior Uniform − File:Wacorangers-medic.png|Standard Waco Rangers Field Medic Uniform + File:Wacorangers-medic.png|Standard Waco Rangers Field Medic Uniform File:Wacorangers-aerospace.png|Waco Rangers AeroSpace Pilot Uniform File:Wacorangers-aerospace.png|Waco Rangers AeroSpace Pilot Uniform Image:Waco_Rangers_MercHB.jpg|Various Waco Rangers troops. Image:Waco_Rangers_MercHB.jpg|Various Waco Rangers troops. Line 188:
Line 187: File:Wacorangers-branches.png|Service Branch colors File:Wacorangers-branches.png|Service Branch colors </gallery> </gallery> + + + <div class="gamerules"> + + ==Rules== + During the Coventry fighting, the Waco Rangers may avoid [[Forced Withdrawal]] conditions if they roll 7+ on a 2D6. This check is made during the End Phase of every turn after Forced Withdrawal conditions exist. If the roll is below 7 the Forced Withdrawal rules come into effect for the entire track.<ref>''Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion'', p. 11</ref> + </div> ==References== ==References== Line 193:
Line 199: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' * ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' Line 205:
Line 210: * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]'' * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]'' − * ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Rhonda's Irregulars]]'' + * ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)]]'' − * ''[[Signing Day]] (short story) * ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' * ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' * ''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)|The Succession Wars]]'' * ''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)|The Succession Wars]]'' * ''[[Total Chaos]]'' * ''[[Total Chaos]]'' * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel) * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel) − * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]'' + * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'' − {{div col end}} [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]] [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]]
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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | ||
| − | | image = [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg| | + | | image = [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|150px]] |
| Designation = Waco Rangers | | Designation = Waco Rangers | ||
| Formed = [[3007]] | | Formed = [[3007]] | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| Nickname = | | Nickname = | ||
| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | | Affiliation = [[Mercenary]] | ||
| − | | Parent Command = Independent | + | | Parent Command = Independent |
| Sub-Command = | | Sub-Command = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | The '''Waco Rangers''', also occasionally referred to as "Waco's Rangers, | + | The '''Waco Rangers''', also occasionally referred to as "Waco's Rangers", were a [[mercenary]] regiment formed in [[3007]] by Colonel [[Wayne Waco]]. |
| − | + | Although one of the larger and more successful mercenary units from the late [[Succession Wars era]], with a track record showing them to be very competent overall, they were known primarily for their hatred against the legendary [[Wolf's Dragoons]].<ref>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', p. 127</ref> Pursuing their one-sided vendetta would cause them several embarrassing (and costly) defeats and diminished the unit's reputation. | |
| − | |||
Under Waco's successor as CO, the Waco Rangers suffered a catastrophic defeat in the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] in [[3058]] that sent the unit into a downward spiral. | Under Waco's successor as CO, the Waco Rangers suffered a catastrophic defeat in the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Battle of Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] in [[3058]] that sent the unit into a downward spiral. | ||
A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under the geriatric Wayne Waco sparked an uprising of Temptown mercenaries on [[Outreach]] in October [[3067]] (the [[Scouring of Outreach]]) and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons including the death of [[Jaime Wolf]], but also perished in the act. | A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under the geriatric Wayne Waco sparked an uprising of Temptown mercenaries on [[Outreach]] in October [[3067]] (the [[Scouring of Outreach]]) and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons including the death of [[Jaime Wolf]], but also perished in the act. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==History== | ||
| + | The Waco Rangers were a mercenary unit formed in [[3007]] by Wayne Waco and disaffected [[Capellan Confederation]] [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] after Waco's previous unit, the [[1st Tau Ceti Rangers]], was disbanded.<ref name=MHp84>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> | ||
===Capellan Confederation=== | ===Capellan Confederation=== | ||
| − | Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the Capellan Confederation, they saw heavy combat against Wolf's Dragoons (then in the employ of the [[Federated Suns]]) on [[New Aragon]] in [[3008]]. The Dragoons' [[Zeta Battalion]] smashed through the Rangers' light [['Mech]]s, resulting in the death of [[John Waco]], Wayne Waco's son. Apparently, a Dragoon ''[[Stalker]]'' inadvertently crushed underfoot the younger Waco after his ''[[Wasp]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref name=MAN>''Making a Name''</ref> | + | Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the Capellan Confederation, they saw heavy combat against Wolf's Dragoons (then in the employ of the [[Federated Suns]]) on [[New Aragon]] in [[3008]]. The Dragoons' [[Zeta Battalion]] smashed through the Rangers' light [['Mech]]s, resulting in the death of [[John Waco]], Wayne Waco's son. Apparently, a Dragoon ''[[Stalker]]'' inadvertently crushed underfoot the younger Waco after his ''[[Wasp]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref name=MAN>''Making a Name''</ref> |
| − | Wayne Waco and his officers promptly declared vengeance against the Dragoons | + | Wayne Waco and his officers promptly declared vengeance against the Dragoons,<ref name=MAN /> He instituted what he called "[[Death Oath]]" against the Dragoons, requiring all unit members to swear to kill any Dragoon his forces captured,<ref>''The Battle of Coventry (sourcebook)'', p. 9</ref> despite a [[ComStar]] investigation clearing the Dragoons of intentional wrongdoing in John Waco's death. Afterward, the Waco Rangers refused employment with any [[Successor State]] that also employed the Dragoons. Despite this one-sided feud, the Dragoons and their commander, [[Jaime Wolf]], seemed barely aware of the Rangers' grievance and never quite took it seriously. Indeed, some of the Dragoons would eventually nickname them the "Wacko Rangers".<ref name=WD13,127/> |
| − | In [[3011]], the Waco Rangers conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit could expand to two | + | In [[3011]], the Waco Rangers conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit could expand to two battalions. Later that same year, Waco learned that House Liao had hired Wolf's Dragoons without informing his unit ahead of time as specified in the Rangers' contract (apparently a renegotiated or amended contract as the original contract predated John Waco's death and the Death Oath). The Rangers not only left the Confederation, they raided supply warehouses on [[Korion]], expanding further.<ref name=MHp84 /> |
===Draconis Combine=== | ===Draconis Combine=== | ||
| − | In [[3014]], the unit signed with the [[Draconis Combine]], and was sent to the Davion border to conduct a series of raids. This included a successful attack on [[Mara]], where they were able to damage the [[Third Ceti Hussars]], seizing significant salvage. They would continue raiding worlds as a cohesive unit through [[3018]] with great success, each time retreating before reinforcements could be brought to bear.<ref name=MHp84 /> | + | In [[3014]], the unit signed with the [[Draconis Combine]], and was sent to the Davion border to conduct a series of raids. This included a successful attack on [[Mara]], where they were able to damage the [[Third Ceti Hussars]], seizing significant salvage. They would continue raiding worlds as a cohesive unit through [[3018]] with great success, each time retreating before reinforcements could be brought to bear.<ref name=MHp84 /> |
| − | In [[3021]], while on [[New Wessex]], the Rangers learned that the [[Black Widow Company]] of Wolf's Dragoons was on planet, on a raid in service to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The Black Widows were harassing the [[ | + | In [[3021]], while on [[New Wessex]], the Rangers learned that the [[Black Widow Company]] of Wolf's Dragoons was on planet, on a raid in service to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. The Black Widows were harassing the [[20th Draconis Regiment]], who was unwisely trying to hunt the Dragoons down in single lances. Waco interceded against the Draconis commanding officer's objections, correctly deducing the location of the Widows' [[DropShip]]. They were too late, however, and the two forces exchanged only brief fire before the Dragoons escaped.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', pp. 84–85</ref> |
===Lyran Commonwealth=== | ===Lyran Commonwealth=== | ||
| − | In [[3023]], the Draconis Combine honored its contract with the Rangers by reporting it was hiring the Dragoons. The Rangers then signed on with the Lyran Commonwealth, and in [[3024]] they tangled with the Dragoons again, this time on [[Hyperion]]. Expecting to find only a battalion of the Dragoons, they instead faced two whole regiments and were forced to retreat. They were successful in destroying a number of Dragoon 'Mechs, however. Following this encounter, the Rangers continued to conduct their raids on the Combine with great success.<ref | + | In [[3023]], the Draconis Combine honored its contract with the Rangers by reporting it was hiring the Dragoons. The Rangers then signed on with the Lyran Commonwealth, and in [[3024]] they tangled with the Dragoons again, this time on [[Hyperion]]. Expecting to find only a battalion of the Dragoons, they instead faced two whole regiments and were forced to retreat. They were successful in destroying a number of Dragoon 'Mechs, however. Following this encounter, the Rangers continued to conduct their raids on the Combine with great success.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 85</ref> One of these raids was on [[Altais]], also in 3024, where the Rangers regiment faced elements of the [[5th Sword of Light]], namely [[Sorenson's Sabres]], and the [[Altais Militia]]. The Rangers took heavy damage during this raid but were left with little booty when the retreating defenders destroyed a site designated Depot 23 with demolition charges rather than have it fall into the Rangers' hands.<ref>''Sorenson’s Sabres (scenario pack)'', pp. 62–63</ref> |
===Federated Suns=== | ===Federated Suns=== | ||
| − | By [[3025]], the Rangers were in service to the [[Federated Suns]],<ref>''Succession Wars'' | + | By [[3025]], the Rangers were in service to the [[Federated Suns]],<ref>''Succession Wars (Board Game)'', p. 13: "House Davion Order of Battle"</ref> based on the world of [[Mentasta]].<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 134</ref> At the time they were a medium regiment rated at "regular" skill level, and had their own infantry, armor, [[aerospace fighter]] and [[DropShip]] support; their contract was slated to expire in 3026.<ref>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 147</ref> |
(A full write-up of the unit, also as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ at that point. This suggests they went to serve House Davion later in that year, or were possibly loaned to House Davion on the background of the fledgling [[FedCom]] alliance.) | (A full write-up of the unit, also as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ at that point. This suggests they went to serve House Davion later in that year, or were possibly loaned to House Davion on the background of the fledgling [[FedCom]] alliance.) | ||
| − | === | + | ===Lyran Commonwealth: Second Time=== |
| − | In August [[3028]] the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] launched [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]; the Rangers were deployed from their garrison on [[Bessarabia]] to assault the Combine world of [[Hyperion]].<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 44–45</ref> The defenders on Hyperion<ref name=NAIS4SWp51 | + | In August [[3028]] the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] launched [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], the major Commonwealth offensive of the [[Fourth Succession War]]; the Rangers were deployed from their garrison on [[Bessarabia]] to assault the Combine world of [[Hyperion]].<ref name="NAIS4SWp44">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', pp. 44–45: "Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG"</ref> The defenders on Hyperion<ref name="NAIS4SWp51"/> - the [[Ninth Rasalhague Regulars]]<ref name="FSWMAv2p71">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 71: "New Invasions"</ref> - were of questionable loyalty, and didn't put up much of a fight.<ref name="NAIS4SWp51">''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 51: "Other Early Action"</ref> The Ninth Rasalhague Regulars withdrew to [[Satalice]], where they would face the Rangers again in [[3029]];<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> following several months of consolidation in the aftermath of GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG the Commonwealth went on the offensive again in the Trellshire and Tamar theaters of operation. While a large part of the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]]' attention went into trying to win ongoing conflicts on a handful of worlds, seven new planetary assaults were launched. Satalice was one of the worlds attacked, because of the presence of the Ninth Rasalhague Regulars, and the LCAF dropped [[Hansen's Roughriders]] and the Waco Rangers on Satalice. The two mercenary commands spent several months maneuvering against the Ninth in a campaign marked by good coordination between the mercenary units and their supporting conventional forces. The culmination of the maneuver campaign came when the two mercenary units caught the Ninth in the rich Mizona Valley; keenly aware of the danger of being surrounded and wiped out, the Ninth abandoned Satalice after a race to their [[DropShip]]s.<ref name="FSWMAv2p71"/> |
===Fighting Snord's Irregulars=== | ===Fighting Snord's Irregulars=== | ||
| Line 46: | Line 48: | ||
===Free Worlds League=== | ===Free Worlds League=== | ||
| − | At some unspecified point, Colonel Wayne Waco seems to have retired from regular active service, turning command of the regiment over to Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]. Waco apparently still maintained ownership of the unit, however. As of [[3049]], the unit was in service to the [[Free Worlds League]], stationed on the planet of [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57 | + | At some unspecified point, Colonel Wayne Waco seems to have retired from regular active service, turning command of the regiment over to Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]. Waco apparently still maintained ownership of the unit, however. As of [[3049]], the unit was in service to the [[Free Worlds League]], stationed on the planet of [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> Reportedly, they were still a well-respected unit at this time, despite their eccentricity regarding the Dragoons. |
===Clan Invasion=== | ===Clan Invasion=== | ||
| Line 59: | Line 61: | ||
===Destruction=== | ===Destruction=== | ||
| − | By [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. At this point the Waco Rangers were just one more down-on-their-luck mercenary unit squatting in the desolate TempTown of Harlech, capital of the Dragoons' homeworld of [[Outreach]] and the new [[ | + | By [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. At this point the Waco Rangers were just one more down-on-their-luck mercenary unit squatting in the desolate TempTown of Harlech, capital of the Dragoons' homeworld of [[Outreach]] and the new [[Mercenary's Star]]. The [[Word of Blake]] secretly provided the hateful geriatric Wayne Waco with funds and equipment in preparation for a strike against Wolf's Dragoons on Outreach, seeing how the [[Allied Mercenary Command]] formed by the Dragoons was building opposition to the Word of Blake in the [[Chaos March]] and elsewhere not as mercenaries but as a political power of their own. |
| − | Wayne Waco was something of a loose cannon, however. Shortly before the fateful [[Fourth Whitting Conference]] that would trigger the [[Jihad]], Waco, encouraged by the [[Word of Blake]] and seeking to inflict severe damage upon the Dragoons and potentially bring about their destruction, initiated the coordinated mercenary sneak attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech known as the [[Scouring of Outreach]],<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref><ref name=AICD>''An Ice-Cold Dish''</ref> causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle the [[First Battle of Harlech_(3067)|First Battle of Harlech]].<ref name=TCp40>''Total Chaos'', p. 40</ref> | + | Wayne Waco was something of a loose cannon, however. Shortly before the fateful [[Fourth Whitting Conference]] that would trigger the [[Jihad]], Waco, encouraged by the [[Word of Blake]] and seeking to inflict severe damage upon the Dragoons and potentially bring about their destruction, initiated the coordinated mercenary sneak attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech known as the [[Scouring of Outreach]],<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref><ref name=AICD>''An Ice-Cold Dish''</ref> causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle the [[First Battle of Harlech_(3067)|First Battle of Harlech]].<ref name=TCp40>''Total Chaos'', p. 40</ref> During the fighting, Waco and his ''[[BattleMaster]]'' managed to engage Jaime Wolf and his ''[[Archer]]'' in a duel, both officers' lancemates having first fallen. Waco was (unknown to him) successful in killing Wolf, though he himself was also killed and his 'Mech was destroyed in the process.<ref name=AICD/> The Dragoons initiated "Condition Feral", which meant all non-Dragoon forces on Outreach were hunted down and terminated with extreme prejudice. Thus, the Waco Rangers were considered destroyed at the dawn of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TCp40/> |
| − | + | ==Unit Notes== | |
| − | + | * As of [[3060]], the unit still possessed two ''[[Overlord]]'' [[DropShips]] and one [[JumpShip]].<ref name=FMM92/> | |
| − | + | * Despite their less than sterling reputation for much of their history, due primarily to their obsession with Wolf's Dragoons, the Rangers were a highly capable unit well suited to launching deep objective raids against an enemy. They also possessed a legendary technical support group, and were able to expand the size of their unit quickly with their ability to salvage and rebuild enemy 'Mechs.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. ??{{cn}}</ref> | |
| + | * Caradoc Trevena mentioned in his journal about the Rangers "I'll grant that Waco's Rangers were a good enough merc outfit, but their current line-up seems to be a motley collection of misfits, clowns and losers unfit for any duty except guarding the latrine, and I'm not sure they could pull that off without shooting themselves in the foot".<ref name=TBOCp41 /> | ||
| + | *The bad reputation of the Rangers won them several derisive nicknames like "Wako Junkers", "Wacko Rangers", and "Waco Grangers".<ref name=MHp84 /> | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Officers== | ==Officers== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| − | |- | + | |- |
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank | ||
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name | ||
| Line 82: | Line 81: | ||
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Waco Rangers''' | | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of Waco Rangers''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | [[Colonel]]||[[Wayne Waco]]||[[3007]] - [[3067]]<ref name=MH88>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 88</ref> | + | | [[Colonel]]||[[Wayne Waco]]||[[3007]] - [[3067]]<ref name=MH88>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 88: "Unit Roster"</ref> |
|} | |} | ||
===Other Officers=== | ===Other Officers=== | ||
| Line 93: | Line 92: | ||
===3007=== | ===3007=== | ||
| − | At the unit's formation, they were in possession of at least one DropShip of unknown class, the ''[[Burden of Fate]]''.<ref | + | At the unit's formation, they were in possession of at least one DropShip of unknown class, the ''[[Burden of Fate]]''.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 87: (Leonard "Mace" McCarthy brief)</ref> |
===3025=== | ===3025=== | ||
| − | '''Waco Rangers''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref name=HSTLCp116> | + | '''Waco Rangers''' ([[Regiment]]/Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref name=HSTLCp116>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 116</ref> |
| − | :*CO: Colonel Wayne Waco<ref name=HSTLCp116 /> | + | :*CO: [[Colonel]] Wayne Waco<ref name=HSTLCp116 /> |
| − | : At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]]. | + | : At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]]. |
<u>Regiment TO&E</u> | <u>Regiment TO&E</u> | ||
| Line 106: | Line 105: | ||
::* McCarthy's DropShip Group: 1 ''[[Overlord]]'', 5 ''[[Union]]s'', 3 ''[[Leopard]]s'' | ::* McCarthy's DropShip Group: 1 ''[[Overlord]]'', 5 ''[[Union]]s'', 3 ''[[Leopard]]s'' | ||
::* Technical Support Group: 167 squads of support personnel | ::* Technical Support Group: 167 squads of support personnel | ||
| − | :; 1st Battalion (Noble's Assault Battalion): [[Major]] [[Paulus Noble]] | + | :; 1st [[Battalion]] (Noble's Assault Battalion): [[Major]] [[Paulus Noble]] |
::; Noble's HQ Company | ::; Noble's HQ Company | ||
:::* Noble's Command Lance: ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'' | :::* Noble's Command Lance: ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'' | ||
| Line 124: | Line 123: | ||
::; Kelly's HQ Company | ::; Kelly's HQ Company | ||
:::* Kelly's Command Lance: ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Rifleman]]'', ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' | :::* Kelly's Command Lance: ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Rifleman]]'', ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' | ||
| − | :::* Winston's Scout Lance: 2 ''Javelins'', ''[[ | + | :::* Winston's Scout Lance: 2 ''Javelins'', ''[[Firestarter]]'', ''Locust'' |
:::* Tagedes' Medium Lance: ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Hatchetman]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'' | :::* Tagedes' Medium Lance: ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Hatchetman]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'' | ||
::; Warren's Medium Company | ::; Warren's Medium Company | ||
| Line 150: | Line 149: | ||
;Notes | ;Notes | ||
| − | The Waco Rangers are mentioned to be in in employ of the AFFS in the House Davion (The Federated Suns) sourcebook. However, the Mercenary Handbook as well as the House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) sourcebook and the NAIS Atlas Vol. 2 report the Rangers to be in the employ of House Steiner on several occasions. Thus, the Rangers can be considered in LCAF employ during this era.<ref> | + | The Waco Rangers are mentioned to be in in employ of the AFFS in the House Davion (The Federated Suns) sourcebook. However, the Mercenary Handbook as well as the House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) sourcebook and the NAIS Atlas Vol. 2 report the Rangers to be in the employ of House Steiner on several occasions. Thus, the Rangers can be considered in LCAF employ during this era.<ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 80</ref><ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p. 81</ref><ref name=HSTLCp116 /><ref>Mercenary Handbook p. 85</ref><ref>NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Vol. 2, p. 65</ref> |
===3050=== | ===3050=== | ||
| − | '''Waco Rangers ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57/> | + | '''Waco Rangers ''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=20YU57>''20 Year Update'', p. 57, "Free Worlds League Deployment Table"</ref> |
| − | :* CO: Colonel | + | :* CO: Colonel Wayne Rogers<ref name=20YU57/> |
| − | : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> | + | : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/> |
===3059=== | ===3059=== | ||
| Line 172: | Line 171: | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Wacorangers-vehicle-crew.png|Standard Vehicle Crew Uniform | File:Wacorangers-vehicle-crew.png|Standard Vehicle Crew Uniform | ||
| − | File:Wacorangers-trooper.png|Standard Waco Rangers Infantry Uniform | + | File:Wacorangers-trooper.png|Standard Waco Rangers Infantry Uniform |
| − | File:Wacorangers-tech-standard.png|Standard Waco Rangers Tech Uniform | + | File:Wacorangers-tech-standard.png|Standard Waco Rangers Tech Uniform |
File:Wacorangers-mechwarrior.png|Waco Rangers MechWarrior Uniform | File:Wacorangers-mechwarrior.png|Waco Rangers MechWarrior Uniform | ||
| − | File:Wacorangers-medic.png|Standard Waco Rangers Field Medic Uniform | + | File:Wacorangers-medic.png|Standard Waco Rangers Field Medic Uniform |
File:Wacorangers-aerospace.png|Waco Rangers AeroSpace Pilot Uniform | File:Wacorangers-aerospace.png|Waco Rangers AeroSpace Pilot Uniform | ||
Image:Waco_Rangers_MercHB.jpg|Various Waco Rangers troops. | Image:Waco_Rangers_MercHB.jpg|Various Waco Rangers troops. | ||
| Line 188: | Line 187: | ||
File:Wacorangers-branches.png|Service Branch colors | File:Wacorangers-branches.png|Service Branch colors | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | <div class="gamerules"> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Rules== | ||
| + | During the Coventry fighting, the Waco Rangers may avoid [[Forced Withdrawal]] conditions if they roll 7+ on a 2D6. This check is made during the End Phase of every turn after Forced Withdrawal conditions exist. If the roll is below 7 the Forced Withdrawal rules come into effect for the entire track.<ref>''Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion'', p. 11</ref> | ||
| + | </div> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 193: | Line 199: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | |||
* ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' | ||
* ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' | * ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' | ||
| Line 205: | Line 210: | ||
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' | * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' | ||
* ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]'' | * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack) | + | * ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)]]'' |
| − | |||
* ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' | * ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' | ||
* ''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)|The Succession Wars]]'' | * ''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)|The Succession Wars]]'' | ||
* ''[[Total Chaos]]'' | * ''[[Total Chaos]]'' | ||
* ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel) | * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel) | ||
| − | * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook) | + | * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'' |
| − | |||
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]] | [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]] | ||