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−	{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand	+	{{InfoBoxMercUnit
−	| image = [[File:Waco Rangers logo.svg|191px|Insignia of the Waco Rangers]]	+	| image       = [[File:Wacorangers.png|150px]]
−	| Designation = Waco Rangers	+	| unitname    = Waco Rangers
−	| Formed = [[3007]]	+	| commander    = Colonel [[Wayne Waco]]
−	| Disbanded = [[3067]] (destroyed)	+	| jumpships    = Yes
−	| Previous Designation =	+	| dropships    = Yes
−	| Nickname =	+	| aero        = Yes
−	| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]	+	| armor        = No
−	| Parent Command = Independent	+	| infantry    = No
−	| Sub-Command =	+	| year    = 3060
		+	| subunitexp1  = Veteran <ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref>
	}}		}}
−	The '''Waco Rangers''', also occasionally referred to as "Waco's Rangers," were a [[mercenary]] [[regiment]] formed in [[3007]] by [[Colonel]] [[Wayne Waco]].
−	==History==	+	The '''Waco Rangers''' were a [[mercenary]] regiment formed in [[3007]] by Colonel [[Wayne Waco]].
−	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.	+	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.
−	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.	+	The unit suffered a catastrophic defeat in the 3058 battle on [[Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] that sent it into a downward spiral. A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under geriatric Wayne Waco finally sparked an uprising on Outreach in October [[3067]] and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons, but also perished in the act.
−	===Capellan Confederation===	+	==Unit History==
−	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>	+	The Waco Rangers were a mercenary regiment formed in [[3007]] by [[Wayne Waco]] and disaffected [[Capellan Confederation]] MechWarriors after Waco's previous unit, the [[1st Tau Ceti Rangers|First Tau Ceti Rangers]], were disbanded.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the 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 ''[[Locust]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref>''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>''Making a Name''</ref> despite a [[ComStar]] investigation clearing the Dragoons of intentional wrong-doing.
		+	Afterward, the Waco Rangers refused employment with any [[Successor State]] that also employed the Dragoons.
		+	Wayne even made what he called "[[Death Oath]]" against the Dragoons, sworn to kill any Dragoon his forces captured. <ref>''The Battle of Coventry (sourcebook)'', p. 09</ref>
		+	Despite this one-sided feud, the Dragoons and their commander, [[Jaime Wolf]], seemed barely aware of the Rangers' grievance. 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 unit conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit would soon 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. The Rangers not only left the Confederation, they raided supply warehouses on [[Korion]], expanding further.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 84</ref>
−	===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>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref>
−	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 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===	+	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 Depot 23 with demolition charges rather than have it fall into the Rangers' hands.<ref>''Sorenson’s Sabres (scenario pack)'', 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 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>
−	===Federated Suns===	+	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>
−	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>
−	(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 writeup of the unit, as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ.)
−	===Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG===	+	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'', p. 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 theatres 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 maneuvre 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</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"/>
−	===Fighting Snord's Irregulars===	+	In [[3032]], upon hearing that the [[Snord's Irregulars]] mercenary battalion was closely associated with the Dragoons, Waco challenged [[Cranston Snord]] and his unit to a battle for a priceless collection of 23rd century Demmings crystal on the planet [[Nockatunga]] in the [[Free Worlds League]]. Despite stating that he would only bring his command battalion to the fight, Waco in fact had his entire regiment lying in ambush, outnumbering the Irregulars three to one. The Rangers were outmaneuvered by the Irregulars' tactics, and Waco himself was defeated in battle. Snord spared him more for spite than mercy. The Irregulars left with the crystals.<ref>''Rhonda's Irregulars'', p. 7</ref>
−	In [[3032]], upon hearing that the [[Snord's Irregulars]] mercenary battalion was closely associated with the Dragoons, Waco challenged [[Cranston Snord]] and his unit to a battle for a priceless collection of twenty-third century Demmings crystal on the planet [[Nockatunga]] in the [[Free Worlds League]]. Despite stating that he would only bring his command battalion to the fight, Waco in fact had his entire regiment lying in ambush, outnumbering the Irregulars three to one. The Rangers were outmaneuvered by the Irregulars' tactics, and Waco himself was defeated in battle. Snord spared him more for spite than mercy. The Irregulars left with the crystals.<ref>''Rhonda's Irregulars'', p. 8</ref>
−	===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>''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>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> Reportedly, they were still a well-respected unit at this time, despite their eccentricity regarding the Dragoons.
−	===Clan Invasion===	+	At the start of the [[Clan Invasion]], with the revelation that Wolf's Dragoons were originally from [[Clan Wolf]], Wayne Waco tried to form a mercenary coalition against them. His failure to do so only sharpened his anger.<ref name=FMM92>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 92</ref> Later in [[3053]], he achieved some measure of satisfaction when he sat as one of the judges on the [[Mercenary Review Board]] when the Dragoons were brought up on charges of one of their battalions violating the terms of its contract while in service to the [[Free Worlds League]]. Though Jaime Wolf could have brushed the matter under the carpet, he felt it necessary to demonstrate that the Dragoons were not above the system they themselves had championed. Wolf was suspended from active service for one year.<ref>''Wolf Pack'', p.??{{cn}}</ref>
−	At the start of the [[Clan Invasion]], with the revelation that Wolf's Dragoons were originally from [[Clan Wolf]], Wayne Waco tried to form a mercenary coalition to destroy them. His failure to do so only sharpened his anger.<ref name=FMM92>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 92</ref> Later in [[3053]], he achieved some measure of satisfaction when he sat as one of the judges on the [[Mercenary Review Board]]. The Dragoons were brought up on charges that one of their battalions violated the terms of its contract while in service to the [[Free Worlds League]], and the Board ruled against the Dragoons, suspending Jaime Wolf from active service for one year.<ref>''Wolf Pack'', ch. 4</ref>
−	===Battle of Coventry===	+	In [[3058]], the Rangers were employed by the [[Lyran Alliance]] to see action against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Coventry]]. During the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|battle]], they were forced to fight alongside Wolf's Dragoons' [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]], despite repeated protests from Wayne Rogers. The Rangers ignored both the battle plan and recon information provided by [[Caradoc Trevena]] of the [[Tenth Skye Rangers]]. As a result, they were routed by the Falcons and had to suffer the indignity of being rescued by the Dragoons. The [[Crazy Eights]], another mercenary team who chose to follow the Rangers also was destroyed at his side. Colonel Rogers was killed in the fighting.<ref>''The Battle of Coventry'', p. 41</ref><ref>''Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion'', p. 27</ref>
−	In [[3058]], the Rangers were employed by the [[Lyran Alliance]], initially to guard [[Tharkad]] by [[Tormano Liao]], but [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] sent them as part of the mercenary army against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Coventry]]. During the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|battle]], they were forced to fight alongside Wolf's Dragoons' [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]], despite repeated protests from Wayne Rogers. Deeply suspicious of the situation and the Dragoons, the Rangers ignored both the battle plan and recon information provided by [[Caradoc Trevena]] of the [[Tenth Skye Rangers]]. As a result, they were routed by the Falcons and had to suffer the indignity of being rescued by the Dragoons. The [[Crazy Eights]], another mercenary team who was associated with the Rangers, also was mostly destroyed in this action. Barely two companies, and some of the Crazy Eights, managed to escape the fight, and ironically, their retreat was only possible thanks to assistance from Trevena unit's and Wolf's Dragoons. Colonel Rogers was captured in the fighting.<ref name=TBOCp41>''The Battle of Coventry'', p. 41</ref><ref>''Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion'', p. 27</ref>
−
−	After the battle, less than a company was still combat effective. It took several weeks to repair and reorganize a demi-battalion of Rangers, which played only a minimal part in the rest of the battle.<ref>''Tales from the Cracked Canopy: Blind Arrogance'', p. 135</ref>
	Afterward, Wayne Waco resumed command despite his advanced age, and brought charges against the Dragoons and all others involved, blaming them for the entire matter. The [[Mercenary Review Board|MRBC]] dismissed these charges as groundless. As a result of major defections following these events, the unit was reduced to a single BattleMech company, with only a lance of aerospace fighter support.<ref name=FMM92/>		Afterward, Wayne Waco resumed command despite his advanced age, and brought charges against the Dragoons and all others involved, blaming them for the entire matter. The [[Mercenary Review Board|MRBC]] dismissed these charges as groundless. As a result of major defections following these events, the unit was reduced to a single BattleMech company, with only a lance of aerospace fighter support.<ref name=FMM92/>
	===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.	+	As of [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. Waco, apparently acting on behalf of the [[Word of Blake]], launched a coordinated mercenary attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech on [[Outreach]]<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref>, causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle [[First Battle of Harlech]]. During the fighting, Waco and his ''[[BattleMaster]]'' managed to engage Jaime Wolf and his ''[[Archer]]'' in combat, apparently after Wolf had already destroyed several Ranger 'Mechs. Waco was successful in killing Wolf, though he himself was also killed and his 'Mech was destroyed in the process, with those under his command defeated. In the Dragoons' "Condition Feral", 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>''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>
−
−	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>
−
−	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/>
	==Unit Notes==		==Unit Notes==
−	* As of [[3060]], the unit still possessed two ''[[Overlord]]'' [[DropShips]] and one [[JumpShip]].<ref name=FMM92/>	+	* 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/>	+	* 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 regarded 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 />	+	* During the Battle of Coventry, Caradoc trevena write 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>''The battle of Coventry (sourcebook)k'', p.41{{cn}}</ref>
−	*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 67:
	| 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===
−	*[[Leonard McCarthy]] was XO as of [[3067]], up until the fall of the Rangers.<ref name=AICD/>
	==Tactics==		==Tactics==
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	==Composition History==		==Composition History==
−
−	===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/>
−
	===3025===		===3025===
−	'''Waco Rangers''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref name=HSTLCp116>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 116</ref>	+	Waco Rangers (Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116 </ref>
−	:*CO: Colonel Wayne Waco<ref name=HSTLCp116 />	+	:*CO: [[Colonel]] Wayne Waco <ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116 </ref>
−	: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]].	+	: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]].
−		+	'''Waco Rangers''' (1 [[Regiment]])<ref name=MH88/>
−	<u>Regiment TO&E</u>	+	:; Waco's Command Company: Colonel Wayne Waco
−	:; Waco's Command Company: Colonel Wayne Waco<ref name=MH88/>
	::* Waco's Command Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Cyclops]]''		::* Waco's Command Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Cyclops]]''
	::* Sung's Air Lance: 3 ''[[Transgressor]]s''		::* Sung's Air Lance: 3 ''[[Transgressor]]s''
	::* 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]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]''
	:::* Sanchuie's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Javelin]]s'', 2 ''[[Locust]]s''		:::* Sanchuie's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Javelin]]s'', 2 ''[[Locust]]s''
	:::* Pointer's Heavy Air Lance: 3 ''[[Slayer]]s''		:::* Pointer's Heavy Air Lance: 3 ''[[Slayer]]s''
Line 114:		Line 92:
	:::* Ponotowski's Medium Air Lance: 2 ''[[Shilone]]s''		:::* Ponotowski's Medium Air Lance: 2 ''[[Shilone]]s''
	::; Romy's Assault Company		::; Romy's Assault Company
−	:::* Romy's Command Lance: ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', ''[[Awesome]]'', ''[[Orion]]'', ''Warhammer''	+	:::* Romy's Command Lance: ''[[Atlas]]'', ''[[Awesome]]'', ''[[Orion]]'', ''Warhammer''
	:::* Smither's Assault Lance: ''Atlas'', ''Awesome'', ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]		:::* Smither's Assault Lance: ''Atlas'', ''Awesome'', ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]
	:::* Swyocter's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Stinger]]s'', 2 ''[[Wasp]]s''		:::* Swyocter's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Stinger]]s'', 2 ''[[Wasp]]s''
Line 121:		Line 99:
	:::* Ryan's Fire Lance: ''Marauder'', ''Archer'', ''Warhammer'', ''Stinger''		:::* Ryan's Fire Lance: ''Marauder'', ''Archer'', ''Warhammer'', ''Stinger''
	:::* Klane's Fire Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''Archer'', ''[[Wolverine]]'', ''Stinger''		:::* Klane's Fire Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''Archer'', ''[[Wolverine]]'', ''Stinger''
−	:; 2nd Battalion (Kelly's Support Battalion): Major [[Albright Kelly]]	+	:; 2nd Battalion (Kelly's Support Battalion): Major Albright Kelly
	::; 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 131:		Line 109:
	:::*Kristi's Scout Lance: ''Panther'', ''[[Jenner]]'', ''[[Assassin]]'', ''Wasp''		:::*Kristi's Scout Lance: ''Panther'', ''[[Jenner]]'', ''[[Assassin]]'', ''Wasp''
	::; Preston's Medium Company		::; Preston's Medium Company
−	:::* Preston's Command Lance: 2 ''Wolverines'', ''Griffin'', ''Crusader''	+	:::* Presont's Command Lance: 2 ''Wolverines'', ''Griffin'', ''Crusader''
	:::* Nathaniel's Medium Lance: ''Phoenix Hawk'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]''		:::* Nathaniel's Medium Lance: ''Phoenix Hawk'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]''
	:::* Roger's Scout Lance: ''[[Ostscout]]'', ''Javelin'', ''Wasp'', ''[[Cicada]]''		:::* Roger's Scout Lance: ''[[Ostscout]]'', ''Javelin'', ''Wasp'', ''[[Cicada]]''
−	:; 3rd Battalion (Keller's Reserve Battalion): Major [[C.H.G. Keller|C.H.G. "Charger" Keller]]	+	:; 3rd Battalion (Keller's Reserve Battalion): Major C.H.G "Charger" Keller
	::; Keller's HQ Company		::; Keller's HQ Company
	:::* Keller's Command Lance: ''Awesome'', ''Thunderbolt'', ''Blackjack'', ''Phoenix Hawk''		:::* Keller's Command Lance: ''Awesome'', ''Thunderbolt'', ''Blackjack'', ''Phoenix Hawk''
Line 144:		Line 122:
	:::* Reis's Assault Lance: ''Dervish'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', ''Vulcan''		:::* Reis's Assault Lance: ''Dervish'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', ''Vulcan''
	:::* Crespo's Urban Scout Lance: ''Hunchback'', 3 ''[[UrbanMech]]s''		:::* Crespo's Urban Scout Lance: ''Hunchback'', 3 ''[[UrbanMech]]s''
−	::; Tragedor's Reserve Company	+	::; Tragedon's Reserve Company
−	:::* Tragedor's Command Lance: 2 ''Vindicators'', 2 ''Javelins''	+	:::* Tragedon's Command Lance: 2 ''Vindicators'', 2 ''Javelins''
	:::* Myron's Support Lance: ''Archer'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''Shadow Hawk''		:::* Myron's Support Lance: ''Archer'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''Shadow Hawk''
	:::* Shuni's Scout Lance: ''[[Valkyrie]]'', ''Cicada'', ''[[Commando]]'', ''Locust''		:::* Shuni's Scout Lance: ''[[Valkyrie]]'', ''Cicada'', ''[[Commando]]'', ''Locust''
	;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>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116</ref><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=20yup57>''20-Year Update'', p. 57</ref>
−	:* CO: Colonel [[Wayne Rogers]]<ref name=20YU57/>	+	: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]]. <ref name=20yup57/>
−	: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]].<ref name=20YU57/>
	===3059===		===3059===
−	'''Waco Rangers''' (1 [[Company]]/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMM92/>	+	'''Waco Rangers'''(1 [[Company]]/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMM92/>
	* CO: Colonel Wayne Waco		* CO: Colonel Wayne Waco
−	'''Air Rangers''' (1 [[Lance]]/Regular/Questionable)	+	'''Air Rangers'''(1 [[Lance]]/Regular/Questionable)
	* Wing Commander: [[Lieutenant]] Albert Poulsby		* Wing Commander: [[Lieutenant]] Albert Poulsby
−	: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Outreach]].<ref name=FMMercsp114 >''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 114</ref>	+	: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Outreach]]. <ref name = FMMercsp114 >'' Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 114</ref>
−	==Color Scheme==	+	==Unit Colors==
−	The Waco Rangers employ a scheme of dun yellow with rust red highlights on their machines.<ref name=FMM92 />	+	The Waco Rangers employ a scheme of dun yellow with rust red highlights on their machines.
	==Uniform and Rank Insignia Gallery==		==Uniform and Rank Insignia Gallery==
	<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 165:
	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==
	<references />		<references />
−
	==Bibliography==		==Bibliography==
−	{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
	* ''[[20 Year Update]]''		* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
	* ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]''		* ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]''
	* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''		* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
	* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''		* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
−	* ''[[An Ice-Cold Dish]]'' (in: [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 5|''Shrapnel'', Issue 5]])	+	* ''[[Malicious Intent]]'' (Novel)
−	* ''[[Malicious Intent]]'' (novel)
	* ''[[Making a Name]]''		* ''[[Making a Name]]''
	* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]''		* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]''
Line 206:		Line 187:
	* ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]''		* ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]''
	* ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Rhonda's Irregulars]]''		* ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Rhonda's Irregulars]]''
−	* ''[[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's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]''
−	* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''	+	* ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (Novel)
−	{{div col end}}	+
	[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]]		[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]]

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{{InfoBoxMercUnit | image = [[File:Wacorangers.png|150px]] | unitname = Waco Rangers | commander = Colonel [[Wayne Waco]] | jumpships = Yes | dropships = Yes | aero = Yes | armor = No | infantry = No | year = 3060 | subunitexp1 = Veteran <ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> }} The '''Waco 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. The unit suffered a catastrophic defeat in the 3058 battle on [[Coventry]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] that sent it into a downward spiral. A shell of its former self, the depleted unit under geriatric Wayne Waco finally sparked an uprising on Outreach in October [[3067]] and thereby got a measure of revenge against the Dragoons, but also perished in the act. ==Unit History== The Waco Rangers were a mercenary regiment formed in [[3007]] by [[Wayne Waco]] and disaffected [[Capellan Confederation]] MechWarriors after Waco's previous unit, the [[1st Tau Ceti Rangers|First Tau Ceti Rangers]], were disbanded.<ref>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> Accepting their first major contract with, ironically, the 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 ''[[Locust]]'' was destroyed.<ref name=WD13,127>''Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)'', pp. 13, 127</ref><ref>''Making a Name''</ref> Wayne Waco and his officers promptly declared vengeance against the Dragoons,<ref>''Making a Name''</ref> despite a [[ComStar]] investigation clearing the Dragoons of intentional wrong-doing. Afterward, the Waco Rangers refused employment with any [[Successor State]] that also employed the Dragoons. Wayne even made what he called "[[Death Oath]]" against the Dragoons, sworn to kill any Dragoon his forces captured. <ref>''The Battle of Coventry (sourcebook)'', p. 09</ref> Despite this one-sided feud, the Dragoons and their commander, [[Jaime Wolf]], seemed barely aware of the Rangers' grievance. Indeed, some of the Dragoons would eventually nickname them the "Wacko Rangers".<ref name=WD13,127/> In [[3011]], the unit conducted a successful hit-and-run campaign against the [[42nd Avalon Hussars]] on [[Thomas]]. With salvage from this operation, the unit would soon 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. The Rangers not only left the Confederation, they raided supply warehouses on [[Korion]], expanding further.<ref>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 84</ref> 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>''Mercenary’s Handbook'', p. 84</ref> In [[3021]], while on [[New Wessex]], the Rangers learned 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> 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 Depot 23 with demolition charges rather than have it fall into the Rangers' hands.<ref>''Sorenson’s Sabres (scenario pack)'', pp. 62-63</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 writeup of the unit, as of ca. 3025, is found in the ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'', but the impression is given that they are still in House Steiner employ.) 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'', p. 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 theatres 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 maneuvre 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 [[3032]], upon hearing that the [[Snord's Irregulars]] mercenary battalion was closely associated with the Dragoons, Waco challenged [[Cranston Snord]] and his unit to a battle for a priceless collection of 23rd century Demmings crystal on the planet [[Nockatunga]] in the [[Free Worlds League]]. Despite stating that he would only bring his command battalion to the fight, Waco in fact had his entire regiment lying in ambush, outnumbering the Irregulars three to one. The Rangers were outmaneuvered by the Irregulars' tactics, and Waco himself was defeated in battle. Snord spared him more for spite than mercy. The Irregulars left with the crystals.<ref>''Rhonda's Irregulars'', p. 7</ref> 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>''20 Year Update'', p. 57</ref> Reportedly, they were still a well-respected unit at this time, despite their eccentricity regarding the Dragoons. At the start of the [[Clan Invasion]], with the revelation that Wolf's Dragoons were originally from [[Clan Wolf]], Wayne Waco tried to form a mercenary coalition against them. His failure to do so only sharpened his anger.<ref name=FMM92>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 92</ref> Later in [[3053]], he achieved some measure of satisfaction when he sat as one of the judges on the [[Mercenary Review Board]] when the Dragoons were brought up on charges of one of their battalions violating the terms of its contract while in service to the [[Free Worlds League]]. Though Jaime Wolf could have brushed the matter under the carpet, he felt it necessary to demonstrate that the Dragoons were not above the system they themselves had championed. Wolf was suspended from active service for one year.<ref>''Wolf Pack'', p.??{{cn}}</ref> In [[3058]], the Rangers were employed by the [[Lyran Alliance]] to see action against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Coventry]]. During the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|battle]], they were forced to fight alongside Wolf's Dragoons' [[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]], despite repeated protests from Wayne Rogers. The Rangers ignored both the battle plan and recon information provided by [[Caradoc Trevena]] of the [[Tenth Skye Rangers]]. As a result, they were routed by the Falcons and had to suffer the indignity of being rescued by the Dragoons. The [[Crazy Eights]], another mercenary team who chose to follow the Rangers also was destroyed at his side. Colonel Rogers was killed in the fighting.<ref>''The Battle of Coventry'', p. 41</ref><ref>''Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion'', p. 27</ref> Afterward, Wayne Waco resumed command despite his advanced age, and brought charges against the Dragoons and all others involved, blaming them for the entire matter. The [[Mercenary Review Board|MRBC]] dismissed these charges as groundless. As a result of major defections following these events, the unit was reduced to a single BattleMech company, with only a lance of aerospace fighter support.<ref name=FMM92/> ===Destruction=== As of [[3067]], the unit's fortunes had apparently still not turned for the better. Waco, apparently acting on behalf of the [[Word of Blake]], launched a coordinated mercenary attack on the Dragoons at their capital of Harlech on [[Outreach]]<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 39</ref>, causing tremendous damage and destroying the famed Hiring Hall. The Dragoons later called this battle [[First Battle of Harlech]]. During the fighting, Waco and his ''[[BattleMaster]]'' managed to engage Jaime Wolf and his ''[[Archer]]'' in combat, apparently after Wolf had already destroyed several Ranger 'Mechs. Waco was successful in killing Wolf, though he himself was also killed and his 'Mech was destroyed in the process, with those under his command defeated. In the Dragoons' "Condition Feral", 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>''Total Chaos'', p. 40</ref> ==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 regarded 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> * During the Battle of Coventry, Caradoc trevena write 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>''The battle of Coventry (sourcebook)k'', p.41{{cn}}</ref> ==Officers== {| 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 Waco Rangers''' |- | [[Colonel]]||[[Wayne Waco]]||[[3007]] - [[3067]]<ref name=MH88>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 88, "Unit Roster"</ref> |} ==Tactics== Unknown. ==Composition History== ===3025=== Waco Rangers (Veteran/Reliable) - LCAF<ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116 </ref> :*CO: [[Colonel]] Wayne Waco <ref>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116 </ref> : At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Bessarabia]]. '''Waco Rangers''' (1 [[Regiment]])<ref name=MH88/> :; Waco's Command Company: Colonel Wayne Waco ::* Waco's Command Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Cyclops]]'' ::* Sung's Air Lance: 3 ''[[Transgressor]]s'' ::* McCarthy's DropShip Group: 1 ''[[Overlord]]'', 5 ''[[Union]]s'', 3 ''[[Leopard]]s'' ::* Technical Support Group: 167 squads of support personnel :; 1st [[Battalion]] (Noble's Assault Battalion): [[Major]] Paulus Noble ::; Noble's HQ Company :::* Noble's Command Lance: ''[[Banshee]]'', ''Cyclops'', ''[[Quickdraw]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'' :::* Sanchuie's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Javelin]]s'', 2 ''[[Locust]]s'' :::* Pointer's Heavy Air Lance: 3 ''[[Slayer]]s'' :::* Faust's Light Air Lance: 2 ''[[Sholagar]]s'' :::* Ponotowski's Medium Air Lance: 2 ''[[Shilone]]s'' ::; Romy's Assault Company :::* Romy's Command Lance: ''[[Atlas]]'', ''[[Awesome]]'', ''[[Orion]]'', ''Warhammer'' :::* Smither's Assault Lance: ''Atlas'', ''Awesome'', ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]] :::* Swyocter's Scout Lance: 2 ''[[Stinger]]s'', 2 ''[[Wasp]]s'' ::; Henry's Support Company :::* Henry's Command Lance: ''Atlas'', ''[[Archer]]'', ''Crusader'', ''Wasp'' :::* Ryan's Fire Lance: ''Marauder'', ''Archer'', ''Warhammer'', ''Stinger'' :::* Klane's Fire Lance: ''[[BattleMaster]]'', ''Archer'', ''[[Wolverine]]'', ''Stinger'' :; 2nd Battalion (Kelly's Support Battalion): Major Albright Kelly ::; Kelly's HQ Company :::* Kelly's Command Lance: ''[[Hunchback]]'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Rifleman]]'', ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' :::* Winston's Scout Lance: 2 ''Javelins'', ''[[Firestarter]]'', ''Locust'' :::* Tagedes' Medium Lance: ''[[Clint]]'', ''[[Hermes II]]'', ''[[Hatchetman]]'', ''[[Whitworth]]'' ::; Warren's Medium Company :::* Warren's Command Lance: ''[[Panther]]'', ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]'', ''Centurion'', ''Stinger'' :::* Neal's Medium Lance: ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', ''[[Ostroc]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'' :::*Kristi's Scout Lance: ''Panther'', ''[[Jenner]]'', ''[[Assassin]]'', ''Wasp'' ::; Preston's Medium Company :::* Presont's Command Lance: 2 ''Wolverines'', ''Griffin'', ''Crusader'' :::* Nathaniel's Medium Lance: ''Phoenix Hawk'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Thunderbolt]]'' :::* Roger's Scout Lance: ''[[Ostscout]]'', ''Javelin'', ''Wasp'', ''[[Cicada]]'' :; 3rd Battalion (Keller's Reserve Battalion): Major C.H.G "Charger" Keller ::; Keller's HQ Company :::* Keller's Command Lance: ''Awesome'', ''Thunderbolt'', ''Blackjack'', ''Phoenix Hawk'' :::* Ise's Support Lance: ''Griffin'', ''Crusader'', ''[[Enforcer]]'' :::* Reeman's Scout Lance: 2 ''Stingers'', ''Wasp'', ''[[Dervish]]'' :::* Wright's Medium Air Lance: 3 ''Shilones'' ::; Yuri's SpecOps Company :::* Yuri's Command Lance: ''[[Victor]]'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' :::* Reis's Assault Lance: ''Dervish'', ''[[Ostsol]]'', ''Vulcan'' :::* Crespo's Urban Scout Lance: ''Hunchback'', 3 ''[[UrbanMech]]s'' ::; Tragedon's Reserve Company :::* Tragedon's Command Lance: 2 ''Vindicators'', 2 ''Javelins'' :::* Myron's Support Lance: ''Archer'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''Shadow Hawk'' :::* Shuni's Scout Lance: ''[[Valkyrie]]'', ''Cicada'', ''[[Commando]]'', ''Locust'' ;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>House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth) p.116</ref><ref>Mercenary Handbook p.85</ref><ref>NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Vol. 2 p.65</ref> ===3050=== '''Waco Rangers''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable) <ref name=20yup57>''20-Year Update'', p. 57</ref> : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Epsilon]]. <ref name=20yup57/> ===3059=== '''Waco Rangers'''(1 [[Company]]/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMM92/> * CO: Colonel Wayne Waco '''Air Rangers'''(1 [[Lance]]/Regular/Questionable) * Wing Commander: [[Lieutenant]] Albert Poulsby : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Outreach]]. <ref name = FMMercsp114 >'' Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 114</ref> ==Unit Colors== The Waco Rangers employ a scheme of dun yellow with rust red highlights on their machines. ==Uniform and Rank Insignia Gallery== <gallery> File:Wacorangers-vehicle-crew.png|Standard Vehicle Crew Uniform File:Wacorangers-trooper.png|Standard Waco Rangers Infantry Uniform ‎ File:Wacorangers-tech-standard.png|Standard Waco Rangers Tech Uniform ‎ File:Wacorangers-mechwarrior.png|Waco Rangers MechWarrior Uniform ‎ File:Wacorangers-medic.png|Standard Waco Rangers Field Medic Uniform File:Wacorangers-aerospace.png|Waco Rangers AeroSpace Pilot Uniform Image:Waco_Rangers_MercHB.jpg|Various Waco Rangers troops. </gallery> <gallery> File:Wacorangers-unit-dress2.png|Dress uniform insignia File:Wacorangers-unit-dress.png ‎|Undress uniform insignia File:Wacorangers-tech-officer.png ‎|Warrant officer insignia File:Wacorangers-officer.png |Officer's rank insignia of Waco Rangers File:Wacorangers-Enlisted.png|Enlisted rank insignia of Waco Rangers File:Wacorangers-branches.png|Service Branch colors </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 /> ==Bibliography== * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' * ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]'' * ''[[Malicious Intent]]'' (Novel) * ''[[Making a Name]]'' * ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]'' * ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Rhonda's Irregulars]]'' * ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' * ''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)|The Succession Wars]]'' * ''[[Total Chaos]]'' * ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)]]'' * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (Novel) [[Category:Mercenary Commands|Waco Rangers]]

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