Free Worlds League Military Organization

'Mech Forces

The FWLM prefers to use all 'Mech classes equally, with some exceptions for special missions. The common regiment is medium- to heavy-weight and some companies or larger formations are created with a single task in mind, such as scouting or assault. The available 'Mech designs were a mix of locally produced classic machines with upgraded equipment and 'Mechs purchased from other nations. That changed with the arrival of the Clans. The DCMS and Federated Commonwealth bought the 'Mechs produced in the League in exchange for new designs, materials or technology. The League also produced field refit kits to bring the armies of the Inner Sphere to a level where they could hold the line against the advancing Clan forces. The DCMS started their own industrial program. The surplus refit kits went to the units within the Free Worlds League and in only seven years over 60 percent of the FWLM's 'Mech forces included some form of advanced technology. The FWL acquired the technology to build their own IS OmniMechs such as the Perseus or the foreign Blackjack machine. The standard FWLM unit follows the structure of the SLDF.

Unit	Subunit	Strength
Lance (CO: Lieutenant)	0	4
Company (CO: Captain)	3 lances	12
Battalion (CO: Force Commander)	3 companies	36
Reinforced Battalion (CO: Force Commander)	4 companies	48
Regiment (CO: Colonel)	3 battalions	108
Reinforced Regiment (CO: Colonel)	4 battalions	144

Aerospace forces

FWLM fighters are among the most advanced machines in the Inner Sphere. The industry provide a broad range of designs for roles like interception or scouting over large areas. The military scientists and weapons developers also test new equipment for the next generation of fighter throughout the League. The FWLM categorize their units into two groups: attached and independent units.

• Attached units are part of larger formations, where they provide cover against enemy fighters or provide close air support for ground units.
  18 fighters are commanded by a commodore and when they have no transport assets by a lieutenant commander.
• Independent units are divided into Independent Fighter Wing and Free Worlds Fleets.

• An Independent Fighter Wing normally contains 18 fighters with its own integral transport assets. The CO is a commodore.
• The Fleets consist of 3 to 6 JumpShips and their DropShips. An admiral usually commands.

Unit	Subunit	Strength
Lance (CO: Lieutenant)	0	2
Squadron (CO: Lieutenant Commander)	3 lances	6
Wing (CO: Commodore)	3 squadrons	18
Reinforced Wing (CO: Commodore)	4 squadrons	24
Regiment (CO: Admiral)	3 wings	54

Armor Forces

The common League tank unit varies in composition and size. The League-sponsored troops get the best equipment and training; in contrast some of the provincial troops field only outdated matériel. Formations above battalion level are uncommon outside of combat and will be broken down into smaller subunits where needed.
The FWLM divides its armor troops into two different categories: heavy tank regiments and light tank/patrol units.

• Heavy tank regiments

The common unit fields 60 to 80 combat vehicles and an additional 20 to 30 vehicles for support and transport purposes. The matériel of the command depends on its assignment. Frontline units that are part of a 'Mech formation get the best available equipment and at the other end garrison units that provide security on backwater worlds are less equipped.

• Light tank/patrol unit

Light-weight commands use their speed for reconnaissance missions and cavalry-style tactics to harass the flanks of the enemy. A light tank unit usually contains 100 to 120 vehicles.

Unit	Subunit	Strength
Platoon (CO: Sergeant)	0	4-6
Company (CO: Captain)	2-3 platoons	10-15
Squadron (Battalion) (CO: Force Commander)	2-3 companies	30-45
Regiment (CO: Lieutenant Colonel)	2-3 battalions	80-120

Infantry Forces

Within the Free Worlds military five different kinds of Infantry exist. Line Infantry, Static Defense Unit and Battle Armor fall under the authority of the High Command; Special Operations and Liberation Units get their orders from SAFE.

• Line Infantry

The majority of the League's infantry formations were categorized as line infantry and with its high numbers (1,800 at regiment level and over 7000 soldiers at division level) surprised many enemies who expected the unit to be smaller. With modern equipment and advance training they could hold the line against tanks and even 'Mechs.

• Static Defense Unit (SDU)

These units are not as well-equipped or trained as line infantry. Such commands are stationed as garrison forces throughout the League. Some difficulties arise when a commander from the line infantry with lower rank but higher authority give orders to officers from the SDU.

• Special Operations

Members of these elite formation were selected from regular formations. Every new member required 36 months of military service to be accepted for training; the training regimen schooled the soldiers in many new skills. After successful graduation the troopers were assigned to one of the six regiments. The commandos are deployed only in squad or platoon size where needed.

• Liberation Units (LU)

The League military used these small units (not larger than 150 men) to sow chaos among its enemies. In preparation for larger military actions the units infiltrated hostile planets. On the surface they used terrorist tactics to harass the local defender until regular 'Mech forces arrived.

• Battle Armor

Battle armor was established as a new infantry branch after the arrival of the Clans. With the help of the Word of Blake, engineers developed several armor types for specific missions. Longinus battle armor was used to combat 'Mech formations. In contrast, the light-weight Achileus battle armor was often used within special operations commands. The standard battle armor unit has its own integral transport assets and further mission-attached support units.

• Eagle Corps

The Eagle Corps were under direct control of SAFE. The unit had access to 'Mechs and were trained similar to Special Operations troops.

Unit	Subunit	Strength
Squad (CO: Corporal)	0	7
Platoon (CO: Sergeant)	4 squads	28
Company (CO: Lieutenant)	4 platoons	112
Battalion (CO: Force Commander)	4 companies	448
Regiment (CO: Lieutenant Colonel)	4 battalions	1,792
Division (CO: Lieutenant Colonel)	4-5 regiments	7,000 - 9,000

Bibliography

• Field Manual: Free Worlds League