Difference between revisions of "17th Recon Regiment"
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{{Update Needed|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]], [[Shattered Fortress]]}}
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{{InfoBoxMercUnit
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| image = [[File:Camachos Caballeros logo.png|150px|Insignia of Camacho's Caballeros]]
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| image = [[File:Camacho's Caballeros .png|150px|Camacho's Caballeros]]
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| Designation = Seventeenth Recon Regiment
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| unitname = Seventeenth Recon Regiment
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| Formed =  
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| year = 3145
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| Disbanded =  
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| commander = Anjelah "Itehtah'o" Camacho
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| Previous Designation =  
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| jumpships = no
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| Nickname = Camacho's Caballeros
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| dropships = no
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| Affiliation = [[Mercenary]]
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| aero = yes
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| Parent Command = Independent
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| armor = no
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| Sub-Command =  
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| infantry = yes
 
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| subunitname1 =  
 
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| subunitloc1 =  
 
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| subunitexp1 =  
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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==Unit Description==
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Widely known by their nickname '''Camacho's Caballeros''', the '''Seventeenth Recon Regiment''' (sometimes abbreviated "17th Recon") is a [[mercenary unit]] featured in the BattleTech novels ''[[Close Quarters]]'', ''[[Hearts of Chaos]]'', and ''[[Black Dragon (novel)|Black Dragon]]'', all written by [[Victor Milán]]. Their unit strength at the beginning of ''Close Quarters'' (circa [[3057]]) is roughly a regiment in size, with three full battalions of 'Mechs and an unspecified number of infantry.
−
Widely known by their nickname '''''Camacho's Caballeros''''', the '''''17th Recon Regiment''''' (sometimes abbreviated "17th Recon") is a [[mercenary unit]] featured in the BattleTech novels ''[[Close Quarters]]'', ''[[Hearts of Chaos]]'', and ''[[Black Dragon (novel)|Black Dragon]]'', all written by [[Victor Milán]]. Their unit strength at the beginning of ''Close Quarters'' (circa [[3057]]) is roughly a regiment in size, with three full battalions of 'Mechs and an unspecified number of infantry.  
 
  
 
Notable members of Camacho's Caballeros include [[Cassie Suthorn]] (the main character of ''Close Quarters'' and who has a hobby of defeating BattleMechs whilst she is on foot) and Colonel [[Carlos Camacho]]. The unit appeared to be composed of older 'Mechs, such as the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', though they are mentioned as being upgraded with [[double heat sink]]s and at least one [[C3 computer]] system.
 
Notable members of Camacho's Caballeros include [[Cassie Suthorn]] (the main character of ''Close Quarters'' and who has a hobby of defeating BattleMechs whilst she is on foot) and Colonel [[Carlos Camacho]]. The unit appeared to be composed of older 'Mechs, such as the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', though they are mentioned as being upgraded with [[double heat sink]]s and at least one [[C3 computer]] system.
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==Unit History==
 
==Unit History==
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''Close Quarters'' describes the unit as being composed of [[Free Worlds League]] natives, and having a diverse mix of different ethnicities. Many of the members hail from the three impoverished worlds of [[Cerillos]], [[Galisteo]], and [[Sierra]], the so-called "[[Southwest Trinity worlds|Trinity of Southwestern Worlds]]" on the League edge of the [[Periphery]] that are composed primarily of individuals of Hispanic descent. The novel also states the unit as being involved in battle against the [[Clans]], Colonel Carlos Camacho most notably piloting a captured [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] ''[[Mad Cat]]''. They are employed by the people of Crotch (in a flashback) and, for the main part of the story, [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]], the CEO of [[Hachiman Taro Electronics]], which is based out of [[Hachiman (planet)|Hachiman]].
+
In the [[War of 3039]], the Seventeenth was assigned to [[Battle of Vega (3039)|the assault]] on [[Vega]]. They supported the [[First Grave Walkers]] in their task to keep the spaceport clear to allow the [[AFFC]] units an uninterrupted resupply chain.<ref name="tp39p7">''Turning Points War of 3039: Vega'', p. 7: "Seventeenth Recon Regiment"</ref> Assigned to Task Force Blizzard, the mercenaries faced off against elements of the [[Fifth Amphigean Light Assault Group]]. The mercenaries quickly seized the spaceport of Nasew and kept the [[DCMS]] forces out of the city. In response the Fifth Amphigean split into two battalions: First Battalion pinned the mercenaries in the city while the Third Battalion struck at various [[FedCom]] targets from the Great Desert of Tears. These ongoing assaults were only stopped by [[Snord's Irregulars]] and the advanced [[Star League]] electronics they possessed. The Seventeenth and the Grave Walkers were able to drive the First Battalion off world, followed shortly by the Third Battalion leaving the world.<ref>''Turning Points War of 3039: Vega'', p. 13: "Task Force Blizzard"</ref>
  
−
The Caballeros have been key in foiling the plots of the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', as they did when the rebels attempted to conquer [[Towne]] from the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. The Caballeros defeated the [[15th Dieron Regulars]] there, earning the [[Draconis Combine]] a bruised ego as a line unit was defeated by corporate mercenaries. The Regiment gained a fourth Battalion in wake of the fighting on Towne in 3058.  Many of the 'Mechs and equipment that would make up their new battalion came from the decimated Black Dragon-aligned forces which included the 15th Dieron Regulars and its task force of supporting regiments. Prior to June, the unit received a mixed group of new recruits from the Southwest Trinity of worlds, which would incorporate some survivors of the fighting on Towne. Robert "Navajo Wolf" Begay was promoted to [[Force Commander]] and became its commanding officer.  However many within the regiment were ill at ease with the new Battalion due to the nature of its creation and personnel.<ref>''Black Dragon'', pp. 72-73 </ref>  
+
In [[3050]], they were assigned to hunt down the [[Red Lion]] pirate band by the [[Federated Commonwealth]].<ref name=cmm61>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 61: "17th Recon Regiment"</ref>
 +
 
 +
''Close Quarters'' describes the unit as being composed of [[Free Worlds League]] natives, and having a diverse mix of different ethnicities. Many of the members hail from the three impoverished worlds of [[Cerillos]], [[Galisteo]], and [[Sierra]], the so-called "[[Southwest Trinity worlds|Trinity of Southwestern Worlds]]" on the League edge of the [[Periphery]] that are composed primarily of individuals of Hispanic descent. The novel also states the unit as being involved in battle against the [[Clans]], Colonel Carlos Camacho most notably piloting a captured [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] ''[[Mad Cat]]''. They are employed by the people of Crotch (in a flashback) and, for the main part of the story, [[Chandrasekhar Kurita]], the CEO of [[Hachiman Taro Electronics]], which is based out of [[Hachiman (system)|Hachiman]].
 +
 
 +
The Caballeros have been key in foiling the plots of the ''[[Kokuryu-kai]]'', as they did when the rebels attempted to conquer [[Towne]] from the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. The Caballeros defeated the [[Fifteenth Dieron Regulars]] and their support [[1st Dragons Joy Infantry]] there, earning the [[Draconis Combine]] a bruised ego as a line unit was defeated by corporate mercenaries. The Regiment gained a fourth Battalion in wake of the fighting on Towne in [[3058]].  Many of the 'Mechs and equipment that would make up their new battalion came from the decimated Black Dragon-aligned forces which included the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars and its task force of supporting regiments. Prior to June, the unit received a mixed group of new recruits from the Southwest Trinity of worlds, which would incorporate some survivors of the fighting on Towne. Robert "Navajo Wolf" Begay was promoted to [[Force Commander]] and became its commanding officer.  However many within the regiment were ill at ease with the new Battalion due to the nature of its creation and personnel.<ref>''Black Dragon'', pp. 72–73</ref>
  
 
The Caballeros were again on hand at [[Coordinator]] [[Theodore Kurita]]'s birthday celebration, which they were invited to as a thanks for their involvement in the Towne debacle. There, they were able to escort both Theodore and Chandrasekhar to safety when the [[Otomo]], the Coordinator's bodyguard, attempted to assassinate him.
 
The Caballeros were again on hand at [[Coordinator]] [[Theodore Kurita]]'s birthday celebration, which they were invited to as a thanks for their involvement in the Towne debacle. There, they were able to escort both Theodore and Chandrasekhar to safety when the [[Otomo]], the Coordinator's bodyguard, attempted to assassinate him.
  
−
The Caballeros deployed after [[Operation Bulldog]] on some liberated worlds to protect Tanadi assets, and were attacked by forces from [[Clan Ghost Bear]]<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries: Revised'', p. 54 - "The Caballeros deployed after Operation Bulldog on liberated worlds to protect Tanadi"</ref>. The regiment survived the fighting, but lost Force Commander Bar-Kochba and many others of the battalion on [[Luzerne]]. Several of the Caballeros used ''[[Hitman]]'' scout 'Mechs to call in artillery strikes on the Ghost Bears.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 18</ref>
+
The Caballeros deployed after [[Operation BULLDOG]] on some liberated worlds to protect Tanadi assets, and were attacked by forces from [[Clan Ghost Bear]].<ref>''Field Manual: Mercenaries: Revised'', p. 54: "The Caballeros deployed after Operation BULLDOG on liberated worlds to protect Tanadi"</ref> The regiment survived the fighting, but lost Force Commander Bar-Kochba and many others of the battalion on [[Luzerne]]. Several of the Caballeros used ''[[Hitman]]'' scout 'Mechs to call in artillery strikes on the Ghost Bears.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 18</ref>
  
−
While in service to the Draconis Combine, the performance of [[Lieutenant]] Rosita Ramirez's custom ''[[Tarantula]]'' convinced the [[DCMS]] Procurement Department to start using the 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 12</ref>
+
While in service to the Draconis Combine, the performance of [[Lieutenant]] [[Rosita Ramirez|Rosita Gavila “La Wolverine” Guadalupe Ramirez's]] [[Tarantula|ZPH-4A ''Tarantula'']] convinced the [[DCMS]] Procurement Department to start using the 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 12</ref>
  
−
Remaining with HTE, upon hearing of the imminent disintegration of order in the Free Worlds League and the heavy-handed treatment of rioters in the Southwestern Trinity by the federally-employed mercenary unit [[Swann's Cavaliers]] resulting in the "Bad Rock Massacre", the Caballeros returned home to defeat the Cavaliers and defend their homeworlds against all possible threats. The arrival of the Caballeros on Galisteo turned the tide against the Cavaliers. The Caballeros destroyed most of the Cavaliers' AeroSpace equipment and the Cavaliers' Charlie Battalion was quickly eliminated. The Caballeros then traveled to Sierra and Cerillos to liberate those worlds but found that the Cavaliers had withdrawn from both systems. With the Free Worlds League destroyed and the Trinity Worlds on their own, Carlos Camacho assumed the office of President of Galisteo.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 39</ref>
+
Remaining with HTE, upon hearing of the imminent disintegration of order in the Free Worlds League and the heavy-handed treatment of rioters in the Southwestern Trinity by the federally employed mercenary unit [[Swann's Cavaliers]] resulting in the "Bad Rock Massacre", the Caballeros returned home to defeat the Cavaliers and defend their homeworlds against all possible threats. The arrival of the Caballeros on Galisteo turned the tide against the Cavaliers. The Caballeros destroyed most of the Cavaliers' aerospace equipment and the Cavaliers' Charlie Battalion was quickly eliminated. The Caballeros then traveled to Sierra and Cerillos to liberate those worlds but found that the Cavaliers had withdrawn from both systems. With the Free Worlds League destroyed and the Trinity Worlds on their own, Carlos Camacho assumed the office of President of Galisteo.<ref name=MSUp39>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 39</ref>
  
−
In [[3071]] rumors suggested that the Caballeros would be working for the [[Lyran Alliance]] and be placed at the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] border.<ref>''Mercenaries Supplemental Update'', p. 39</ref> The rumors were overtaken by the maelstrom of the [[Jihad]]; the Caballeros spent the remainder of the conflict defending worlds across the [[Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey]]. When the Lyran Alliance began annexing worlds from the former Free Worlds League in [[3079]] the Caballeros found themselves placed in an invidious position, as one of the worlds annexed was Galisteo.<ref name="FM:3145p179">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 179-180, "Camacho's Caballeros"</ref>
+
In [[3071]] rumors suggested that the Caballeros would be working for the [[Lyran Alliance]] and be placed at the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] border.<ref name=MSUp39 /> The rumors were overtaken by the maelstrom of the [[Jihad]]; the Caballeros spent the remainder of the conflict defending worlds across the [[Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey]]. When the Lyran Alliance began annexing worlds from the former Free Worlds League in [[3079]] the Caballeros found themselves placed in an invidious position, as one of the worlds annexed was Galisteo.<ref name="FM:3145p179">''Field Manual: 3145'', pp. 179–180: "Camacho's Caballeros"</ref>
  
 
Unwilling to see the Trinity Worlds subjected to further turmoil and conflict, the Caballeros negotiated a surrender to the Alliance that saw the Caballeros signing an eight-year employment contract. Consequently, the Caballeros were back in combat in [[3080]], when they spent nine months defending various worlds against raids and attacks originating from the worlds of the former [[Circinus Federation]].<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
 
Unwilling to see the Trinity Worlds subjected to further turmoil and conflict, the Caballeros negotiated a surrender to the Alliance that saw the Caballeros signing an eight-year employment contract. Consequently, the Caballeros were back in combat in [[3080]], when they spent nine months defending various worlds against raids and attacks originating from the worlds of the former [[Circinus Federation]].<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
  
 
=== The Dark Age ===
 
=== The Dark Age ===
−
The Caballeros were less successful in the face of a Marian Hegemony attack on [[Merton]] in [[3092]], and the Marians conquered and held that world for the next two years. However, after the battle for Merton the Caballeros enjoyed a relatively quiet two decades. The next major action the Caballeros saw was when they had the opportunity to work alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] during the Dragoons' first combat operations of the thirty-second century;<ref name="FM:3145p179"/> raiding worlds within the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey in [[3113]],<ref name="FM:3145p179"/> the Caballeros fought alongside [[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Gamma Regiment]] on [[Labouchere]] and the [[Spider's Web Battalion]] on [[Saltillo]]<ref name="FM:3145p178">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 178, "Draconis Combine"</ref> clashing with the [[2nd Tamarind Regulars|Second Tamarind Regulars]] on both worlds. The Caballeros fought the Second to a draw on Saltillo, but were forced to retreat from Labouchere.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
+
The Caballeros were less successful in the face of a Marian Hegemony attack on [[Merton]] in [[3092]], and the Marians conquered and held that world for the next two years. However, after the battle for Merton the Caballeros enjoyed a relatively quiet two decades. The next major action the Caballeros saw was when they had the opportunity to work alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] during the Dragoons' first combat operations of the thirty-second century;<ref name="FM:3145p179"/> raiding worlds within the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey in [[3113]],<ref name="FM:3145p179"/> the Caballeros fought alongside [[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Gamma Regiment]] on [[Labouchere]] and the [[Spider's Web Battalion]] on [[Saltillo]]<ref name="FM:3145p178">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 178: "Draconis Combine"</ref> clashing with the [[2nd Tamarind Regulars|Second Tamarind Regulars]] on both worlds. The Caballeros fought the Second to a draw on Saltillo, but were forced to retreat from Labouchere.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
  
−
In [[3106]] the commanding officer of the Caballeros, [[Jesus Camacho]] - son of former commander Gavilán Comacho - died; command of the Caballeros was taken up by his wife, [[Anjelah Camacho]]. Anjelah "Itehtah'o" Camacho was the daughter of famed Caballeros scout Cassie Suthorn, and she was quick to reaffirm the Caballeros' commitment to defending the Trinity Worlds; as such the Caballeros restricted themselves to only accepting contracts from the Bolan Province of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and those contracts had to be defensive contracts that wouldn't violate the Caballeros' commitment to the peoples of the Trinity Worlds.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
+
In [[3106]] the commanding officer of the Caballeros, [[Jesus Camacho]] - son of former commander Gavilán Camacho - died; command of the Caballeros was taken up by his wife, [[Anjelah Camacho]]. Anjelah "Itehtah'o" Camacho was the daughter of famed Caballeros scout Cassie Suthorn, and she was quick to reaffirm the Caballeros' commitment to defending the Trinity Worlds; as such the Caballeros restricted themselves to only accepting contracts from the Bolan Province of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and those contracts had to be defensive contracts that wouldn't violate the Caballeros' commitment to the peoples of the Trinity Worlds.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
  
 
Thirty years later the Caballeros captured the planet [[Simpson Desert]] for the Commonwealth after a fierce campaign against the [[3rd Tamarind Regulars|Third Tamarind Regulars]]. Having taken Simpson's Desert in [[3137]] the Caballeros were able to join in the attack on [[Tamarind]] in [[3139]], where the Caballeros Fourth Battalion broke through the defenders lines at the Havison Flats, a decisive action that allowed the allied forces to push forward and capture Zanzibar. The Caballeros' actions on Simpson Desert and Tamarind cost them a battalion of 'Mechs, and the Commonwealth chose to release the Caballeros from combat actions at that point, giving the regiment a chance to return to the Trinity Worlds to rest and recuperate.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
 
Thirty years later the Caballeros captured the planet [[Simpson Desert]] for the Commonwealth after a fierce campaign against the [[3rd Tamarind Regulars|Third Tamarind Regulars]]. Having taken Simpson's Desert in [[3137]] the Caballeros were able to join in the attack on [[Tamarind]] in [[3139]], where the Caballeros Fourth Battalion broke through the defenders lines at the Havison Flats, a decisive action that allowed the allied forces to push forward and capture Zanzibar. The Caballeros' actions on Simpson Desert and Tamarind cost them a battalion of 'Mechs, and the Commonwealth chose to release the Caballeros from combat actions at that point, giving the regiment a chance to return to the Trinity Worlds to rest and recuperate.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
  
−
Following the reconstitution of the Free Worlds League the reformed Tamarind-Abbey District began a campaign to recapture lost worlds, leading to battles between the Caballeros and League forces on both [[Cerillos]] and Galisteo. Both battles saw the Tamarind forces draw up overwhelming forces against the Caballeros, forcing the mercenaries to surrender; the Caballeros negotiated similar terms to those under which they had surrendered the Lyran Alliance in 3079. Once again, the Caballeros insisted on defending the Trinity Worlds, with their loyalty to the Free Worlds League being simply a secondary extension of their fanatical dedication to their homeworlds.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
+
Following the reconstitution of the Free Worlds League the re-formed Tamarind-Abbey District began a campaign to recapture lost worlds, leading to battles between the Caballeros and League forces on both [[Cerillos]] and Galisteo. Both battles saw the Tamarind forces draw up overwhelming forces against the Caballeros, forcing the mercenaries to surrender; the Caballeros negotiated similar terms to those under which they had surrendered the Lyran Alliance in 3079. Once again, the Caballeros insisted on defending the Trinity Worlds, with their loyalty to the Free Worlds League being simply a secondary extension of their fanatical dedication to their homeworlds.<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
 +
 
 +
In April [[3147]], a battalion of the Caballeros were assigned to help defend [[Gibraltar]] from the [[Marian Hegemony]] legions. They were unable to do so as the world was firmly in Marian hands. Instead they joined the [[7th Tamarind Regulars]] elsewhere.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 38</ref> In mid-[[3148]] the Caballeros hit the world [[Maximillian]], destroying the newly formed [[V Legio]].<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 71: "The Sword of Damocles"</ref> Later on [[Lahti]] the Caballeros performed a nighttime combat drop and captured two companies of the Head Hunters mercenary command.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 89: "Let Freedom Ring"</ref>
 +
 
 +
In November [[3150]], the Caballeros joined with the [[1st Tamarind Regulars|First]], Seventh, and [[Eighth Tamarind Regulars]] to assault the Marian Hegemony province capital of [[Illyria]]. They had assumed complete control of the system by the end of the year.<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 90</ref>
  
 
==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
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| [[Colonel]]||[[Carlos Camacho]]||[[3057]] - [[3067]]
 
| [[Colonel]]||[[Carlos Camacho]]||[[3057]] - [[3067]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Colonel||[[Gavilán Camacho]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160, "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
+
| Colonel||[[Gavilán Camacho]]||[[3085]]<ref name=FM3085p160>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Colonel||[[Jesus Camacho]]||[[3106]]<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
 
| Colonel||[[Jesus Camacho]]||[[3106]]<ref name="FM:3145p179"/>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Colonel||[[Anjelah Camacho]]||3106 - [[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p179"/><ref name=FM:3145p182>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 182, "Notable Mercenary Forces - Free Worlds League"</ref>
+
| Colonel||[[Anjelah Camacho]]||3106 - [[3145]]<ref name="FM:3145p179"/><ref name=FM:3145p182>''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 182: "Notable Mercenary Forces - Free Worlds League"</ref>
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
−
{{sectionstub}}
+
Unknown.
  
 
==Support==
 
==Support==
 +
Unknown.
  
 
==Dragoon Ratings==
 
==Dragoon Ratings==
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==Composition History==
 
==Composition History==
 
===3040===
 
===3040===
−
''' Camacho's Caballeros''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWO3039>''Historical: War of 3039'' , p. 140 </ref>
+
''' Camacho's Caballeros''' (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=HWo3039p140/>
 +
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Marfik]].<ref name=HWo3039p140>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140</ref>
  
 
===3056===
 
===3056===
 
*17th Recon Regiment '''(Camacho's Caballeros)''' (BattleMech [[Regiment]])
 
*17th Recon Regiment '''(Camacho's Caballeros)''' (BattleMech [[Regiment]])
−
* CO: Colonel Carlos "Tiburon" Camacho <br/> XO/[[Lt. Colonel]] Marisol "La Dama Muerte" Cabrera
+
* CO: Colonel Carlos "Tiburón" Camacho<br/> XO/[[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Marisol Cabrera|Marisol "La Dama Muerte" Cabrera]]
−
**1st Battalion - CO: Lt. Colonel Gordon Baird
+
**1st Battalion - CO: [[Force Commander]] [[Gavilán Camacho|Gavilán "Gabby" Camacho]]
−
**2nd Battalion - CO: [[Force Commander]]  Rabbi Bar-Kochba
+
*** Adelante Company - CO: Captain [[Juan Pedro O'Rourke|Juan Pedro "Don Coyote" O'Rourke]]
−
**3rd Battalion - CO: Force Commander Peter White Nose Pony
+
*** Bronco Company - CO: Captain [[Kali MacDougall|Kali "Lady K" MacDougall]]
−
-Unit was noted to have 90+ BattleMechs. Colonel Camacho piloted a [[Clan]] ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' named ''Great White'', with shark teeth painted on its cockpit-like nose.<ref>''Close Quarters'' p. 40, 60, 73, 79, 112-  - Unit details and commanders as related in the novel.</ref>
+
*** Cochise Company - CO: Captain [[Bobby Begay|Bobby "Bobby the Wolf" Begay]]
 +
**2nd Battalion - CO: Force Commander Rabbi "Maccabee" Bar-Kochba
 +
*** Deadeye Company - CO: Captain [[Lee Morales]]
 +
*** Eskiminzin Company
 +
*** Frontera Company - CO: Captain [[Angela Torres|Angela "Vanity" Torres]]
 +
**3rd Battalion - CO: Force Commander [[Peter White Nose Pony|Peter "Singer" White Nose Pony]]
 +
*** Geronimo Company - CO: Lieutenant Senior Grade [[James Kicking Bird]]
 +
***
 +
*** Infante Company - CO: Captain Santos
 +
-Unit was noted to have 90+ BattleMechs. Colonel Camacho piloted a [[Clan]] ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' named ''Great White'', with shark teeth painted on its nose-like cockpit.<ref>''Close Quarters'', pp. 40, 60, 73, 79, 112: Unit details and commanders as related in the novel</ref>
  
 
*Infantry (1 Scout Platoon) - Infantry Commander: Captain "Badlands" Powell
 
*Infantry (1 Scout Platoon) - Infantry Commander: Captain "Badlands" Powell
 +
 +
===3059===
 +
'''Camacho's Caballeros''' (2 Battalions/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMMercsp113/>
 +
:* CO: Colonel Carlos Camacho<ref name=FMMercsp113/>
 +
: Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Hachiman (system)|Hachiman]].<ref name=FMMercsp113>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 113</ref>
  
 
===3067===
 
===3067===
 
17th Recon Regiment '''(Camacho's Caballeros)''' (2 [[Battalion]]s/Elite/Reliable)<ref>17th Recon Regiment and composition</ref>
 
17th Recon Regiment '''(Camacho's Caballeros)''' (2 [[Battalion]]s/Elite/Reliable)<ref>17th Recon Regiment and composition</ref>
−
* CO/Colonel: Carlos "Tiburon" Camacho
+
* CO/Colonel: Carlos "Tiburón" Camacho
−
: XO/Lt. Colonel: Gavilan "Falcon" Camacho
+
: XO/Lt. Colonel: Gavilán "Falcon" Camacho
 
* 1st Battalion: [[Force Commander]] Kali "Dark Lady" MacDougall
 
* 1st Battalion: [[Force Commander]] Kali "Dark Lady" MacDougall
 
* 4th Battalion: Force Commander Bobby "Navajo Wolf" Begay
 
* 4th Battalion: Force Commander Bobby "Navajo Wolf" Begay
Line 103: Line 122:
 
* Infantry Commander: Lt. Senior Grade Daniel "Rooster" Morgan
 
* Infantry Commander: Lt. Senior Grade Daniel "Rooster" Morgan
  
−
Heavy Aerospace Squadron  
+
Heavy Aerospace Squadron
 
* Wing Commander: [[Captain]] Sharon "Dragon" Omizuki
 
* Wing Commander: [[Captain]] Sharon "Dragon" Omizuki
  
 
===3085===
 
===3085===
−
'''Camacho's Caballeros''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p160/>  
+
'''Camacho's Caballeros''' (Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FM3085p160/>
 
* CO: Colonel Gavilán Camacho
 
* CO: Colonel Gavilán Camacho
  
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== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
−
When asked about the origin of the "17th Recon Regiment" designation on the [[CBT Forum]], the official answer was that is was presumably an oversight based on a unit patch depicted in the old [[Mercenary's Handbook]] for the 17th Recon Regiment; however this patch referred to a sub-unit of the [[Eridani Light Horse]], a distinctly different mercenary unit.<ref>In [http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:VpRks_YajLoJ:www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php%3Ftopic%3D69208.0+site:classicbattletech.com+recon+regiment&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us this thread] ("17th Recon Regiment - also known as Camacho's Caballeros") on the CBT Forum</ref>
+
When asked about the origin of the "17th Recon Regiment" designation on the [[CBT Forum]], the official answer was that it was presumably an oversight based on a unit patch depicted in the old [[Mercenary's Handbook]] for the Seventeenth Recon Regiment; however this patch referred to a sub-unit of the [[Eridani Light Horse]], a distinctly different mercenary unit.<ref>In [http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:VpRks_YajLoJ:www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php%3Ftopic%3D69208.0+site:classicbattletech.com+recon+regiment&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us this thread] (dead link) ("17th Recon Regiment - also known as Camacho's Caballeros") on the CBT Forum</ref>
−
 
 
−
== Rules ==
 
−
<div class="gamerules">
 
−
=== 3145 ===
 
−
* Whenever the Caballeros are the defending force in a scenario they may choose all of the mapsheets used in that scenario. The Caballeros may also begin play with twenty-five percent of their total force hidden, even if the scenario doesn't normally allow hidden units.<ref name="FM:3145p211">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 211, "Camacho's Caballeros"</ref>
 
−
</div>
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Camomercscamachoscaballeros.png
+
Camomercscamachoscaballeros.png|A ''[[Tarantula]]'' in Camacho's Caballeros colors.
 +
Shrapnel Magazine Year One cover.jpg|Camacho's Caballeros 'Mechs during a combat drop.
 
</gallery> ‎
 
</gallery> ‎
  
Line 134: Line 148:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]'' - Ozymandias (Short Story)
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
−
* ''[[Black Dragon (novel)|Black Dragon]]''
+
* ''[[Black Dragon (novel)|Black Dragon]]'' (novel)
 +
* ''[[Callie's Call]]'' (short story)
 
* ''[[Close Quarters]]''
 
* ''[[Close Quarters]]''
 +
* ''[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]''
 
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
 
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
−
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
 
* ''[[Hearts of Chaos]]''
 
* ''[[Hearts of Chaos]]''
 
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
 
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
−
* ''[[Callie's Call]]'' (Battlecorps Short Story)
 
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
 +
* ''[[Ozymandias]]'' (in: ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]'')
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental Update]]''
 +
* ''[[Shattered Fortress]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 +
* ''[[Turning Points War of 3039: Vega]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Recon Regiment, 17th]]
 
[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Recon Regiment, 17th]]

Latest revision as of 15:33, 11 February 2024

Insignia of Camacho's Caballeros
Seventeenth Recon Regiment
Nickname Camacho's Caballeros
Affiliation Mercenary
Parent Command Independent

Widely known by their nickname Camacho's Caballeros, the Seventeenth Recon Regiment (sometimes abbreviated "17th Recon") is a mercenary unit featured in the BattleTech novels Close Quarters, Hearts of Chaos, and Black Dragon, all written by Victor Milán. Their unit strength at the beginning of Close Quarters (circa 3057) is roughly a regiment in size, with three full battalions of 'Mechs and an unspecified number of infantry.

Notable members of Camacho's Caballeros include Cassie Suthorn (the main character of Close Quarters and who has a hobby of defeating BattleMechs whilst she is on foot) and Colonel Carlos Camacho. The unit appeared to be composed of older 'Mechs, such as the Phoenix Hawk, Shadow Hawk, and Wasp, though they are mentioned as being upgraded with double heat sinks and at least one C3 computer system.

No unifying color scheme or insignia is referred to in the novels. The 'Mechs seem to be custom painted and decorated by each pilot.

Unit History[edit]

In the War of 3039, the Seventeenth was assigned to the assault on Vega. They supported the First Grave Walkers in their task to keep the spaceport clear to allow the AFFC units an uninterrupted resupply chain.[1] Assigned to Task Force Blizzard, the mercenaries faced off against elements of the Fifth Amphigean Light Assault Group. The mercenaries quickly seized the spaceport of Nasew and kept the DCMS forces out of the city. In response the Fifth Amphigean split into two battalions: First Battalion pinned the mercenaries in the city while the Third Battalion struck at various FedCom targets from the Great Desert of Tears. These ongoing assaults were only stopped by Snord's Irregulars and the advanced Star League electronics they possessed. The Seventeenth and the Grave Walkers were able to drive the First Battalion off world, followed shortly by the Third Battalion leaving the world.[2]

In 3050, they were assigned to hunt down the Red Lion pirate band by the Federated Commonwealth.[3]

Close Quarters describes the unit as being composed of Free Worlds League natives, and having a diverse mix of different ethnicities. Many of the members hail from the three impoverished worlds of Cerillos, Galisteo, and Sierra, the so-called "Trinity of Southwestern Worlds" on the League edge of the Periphery that are composed primarily of individuals of Hispanic descent. The novel also states the unit as being involved in battle against the Clans, Colonel Carlos Camacho most notably piloting a captured Clan Smoke Jaguar Mad Cat. They are employed by the people of Crotch (in a flashback) and, for the main part of the story, Chandrasekhar Kurita, the CEO of Hachiman Taro Electronics, which is based out of Hachiman.

The Caballeros have been key in foiling the plots of the Kokuryu-kai, as they did when the rebels attempted to conquer Towne from the Federated Commonwealth. The Caballeros defeated the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars and their support 1st Dragons Joy Infantry there, earning the Draconis Combine a bruised ego as a line unit was defeated by corporate mercenaries. The Regiment gained a fourth Battalion in wake of the fighting on Towne in 3058. Many of the 'Mechs and equipment that would make up their new battalion came from the decimated Black Dragon-aligned forces which included the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars and its task force of supporting regiments. Prior to June, the unit received a mixed group of new recruits from the Southwest Trinity of worlds, which would incorporate some survivors of the fighting on Towne. Robert "Navajo Wolf" Begay was promoted to Force Commander and became its commanding officer. However many within the regiment were ill at ease with the new Battalion due to the nature of its creation and personnel.[4]

The Caballeros were again on hand at Coordinator Theodore Kurita's birthday celebration, which they were invited to as a thanks for their involvement in the Towne debacle. There, they were able to escort both Theodore and Chandrasekhar to safety when the Otomo, the Coordinator's bodyguard, attempted to assassinate him.

The Caballeros deployed after Operation BULLDOG on some liberated worlds to protect Tanadi assets, and were attacked by forces from Clan Ghost Bear.[5] The regiment survived the fighting, but lost Force Commander Bar-Kochba and many others of the battalion on Luzerne. Several of the Caballeros used Hitman scout 'Mechs to call in artillery strikes on the Ghost Bears.[6]

While in service to the Draconis Combine, the performance of Lieutenant Rosita Gavila “La Wolverine” Guadalupe Ramirez's ZPH-4A Tarantula convinced the DCMS Procurement Department to start using the 'Mech.[7]

Remaining with HTE, upon hearing of the imminent disintegration of order in the Free Worlds League and the heavy-handed treatment of rioters in the Southwestern Trinity by the federally employed mercenary unit Swann's Cavaliers resulting in the "Bad Rock Massacre", the Caballeros returned home to defeat the Cavaliers and defend their homeworlds against all possible threats. The arrival of the Caballeros on Galisteo turned the tide against the Cavaliers. The Caballeros destroyed most of the Cavaliers' aerospace equipment and the Cavaliers' Charlie Battalion was quickly eliminated. The Caballeros then traveled to Sierra and Cerillos to liberate those worlds but found that the Cavaliers had withdrawn from both systems. With the Free Worlds League destroyed and the Trinity Worlds on their own, Carlos Camacho assumed the office of President of Galisteo.[8]

In 3071 rumors suggested that the Caballeros would be working for the Lyran Alliance and be placed at the Clan Jade Falcon border.[8] The rumors were overtaken by the maelstrom of the Jihad; the Caballeros spent the remainder of the conflict defending worlds across the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey. When the Lyran Alliance began annexing worlds from the former Free Worlds League in 3079 the Caballeros found themselves placed in an invidious position, as one of the worlds annexed was Galisteo.[9]

Unwilling to see the Trinity Worlds subjected to further turmoil and conflict, the Caballeros negotiated a surrender to the Alliance that saw the Caballeros signing an eight-year employment contract. Consequently, the Caballeros were back in combat in 3080, when they spent nine months defending various worlds against raids and attacks originating from the worlds of the former Circinus Federation.[9]

The Dark Age[edit]

The Caballeros were less successful in the face of a Marian Hegemony attack on Merton in 3092, and the Marians conquered and held that world for the next two years. However, after the battle for Merton the Caballeros enjoyed a relatively quiet two decades. The next major action the Caballeros saw was when they had the opportunity to work alongside Wolf's Dragoons during the Dragoons' first combat operations of the thirty-second century;[9] raiding worlds within the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey in 3113,[9] the Caballeros fought alongside Gamma Regiment on Labouchere and the Spider's Web Battalion on Saltillo[10] clashing with the Second Tamarind Regulars on both worlds. The Caballeros fought the Second to a draw on Saltillo, but were forced to retreat from Labouchere.[9]

In 3106 the commanding officer of the Caballeros, Jesus Camacho - son of former commander Gavilán Camacho - died; command of the Caballeros was taken up by his wife, Anjelah Camacho. Anjelah "Itehtah'o" Camacho was the daughter of famed Caballeros scout Cassie Suthorn, and she was quick to reaffirm the Caballeros' commitment to defending the Trinity Worlds; as such the Caballeros restricted themselves to only accepting contracts from the Bolan Province of the Lyran Commonwealth and those contracts had to be defensive contracts that wouldn't violate the Caballeros' commitment to the peoples of the Trinity Worlds.[9]

Thirty years later the Caballeros captured the planet Simpson Desert for the Commonwealth after a fierce campaign against the Third Tamarind Regulars. Having taken Simpson's Desert in 3137 the Caballeros were able to join in the attack on Tamarind in 3139, where the Caballeros Fourth Battalion broke through the defenders lines at the Havison Flats, a decisive action that allowed the allied forces to push forward and capture Zanzibar. The Caballeros' actions on Simpson Desert and Tamarind cost them a battalion of 'Mechs, and the Commonwealth chose to release the Caballeros from combat actions at that point, giving the regiment a chance to return to the Trinity Worlds to rest and recuperate.[9]

Following the reconstitution of the Free Worlds League the re-formed Tamarind-Abbey District began a campaign to recapture lost worlds, leading to battles between the Caballeros and League forces on both Cerillos and Galisteo. Both battles saw the Tamarind forces draw up overwhelming forces against the Caballeros, forcing the mercenaries to surrender; the Caballeros negotiated similar terms to those under which they had surrendered the Lyran Alliance in 3079. Once again, the Caballeros insisted on defending the Trinity Worlds, with their loyalty to the Free Worlds League being simply a secondary extension of their fanatical dedication to their homeworlds.[9]

In April 3147, a battalion of the Caballeros were assigned to help defend Gibraltar from the Marian Hegemony legions. They were unable to do so as the world was firmly in Marian hands. Instead they joined the 7th Tamarind Regulars elsewhere.[11] In mid-3148 the Caballeros hit the world Maximillian, destroying the newly formed V Legio.[12] Later on Lahti the Caballeros performed a nighttime combat drop and captured two companies of the Head Hunters mercenary command.[13]

In November 3150, the Caballeros joined with the First, Seventh, and Eighth Tamarind Regulars to assault the Marian Hegemony province capital of Illyria. They had assumed complete control of the system by the end of the year.[14]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of the 17th Recon Regiment
Colonel Carlos Camacho 3057 - 3067
Colonel Gavilán Camacho 3085[15]
Colonel Jesus Camacho 3106[9]
Colonel Anjelah Camacho 3106 - 3145[9][16]

Tactics[edit]

Unknown.

Support[edit]

Unknown.

Dragoon Ratings[edit]

3067[edit]

Dragoon Rating: B-

3145[edit]

Rating: B[16]

Composition History[edit]

3040[edit]

Camacho's Caballeros (Regiment/Regular/Reliable)[17]

Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Marfik.[17]

3056[edit]

-Unit was noted to have 90+ BattleMechs. Colonel Camacho piloted a Clan Timber Wolf named Great White, with shark teeth painted on its nose-like cockpit.[18]

  • Infantry (1 Scout Platoon) - Infantry Commander: Captain "Badlands" Powell

3059[edit]

Camacho's Caballeros (2 Battalions/Elite/Reliable)[19]

  • CO: Colonel Carlos Camacho[19]
Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on Hachiman.[19]

3067[edit]

17th Recon Regiment (Camacho's Caballeros) (2 Battalions/Elite/Reliable)[20]

  • CO/Colonel: Carlos "Tiburón" Camacho
XO/Lt. Colonel: Gavilán "Falcon" Camacho
  • 1st Battalion: Force Commander Kali "Dark Lady" MacDougall
  • 4th Battalion: Force Commander Bobby "Navajo Wolf" Begay

Infantry (1 Scout Company)

  • Infantry Commander: Lt. Senior Grade Daniel "Rooster" Morgan

Heavy Aerospace Squadron

  • Wing Commander: Captain Sharon "Dragon" Omizuki

3085[edit]

Camacho's Caballeros (Veteran/Fanatical)[15]

  • CO: Colonel Gavilán Camacho

3145[edit]

Camacho's Caballeros (Veteran/Fanatical)[16]

  • CO: Colonel Anjelah Camacho[16]
- At this point the Caballeros were operating at eighty percent of full strength and were stationed across all three Trinity worlds.[16]

Notes[edit]

When asked about the origin of the "17th Recon Regiment" designation on the CBT Forum, the official answer was that it was presumably an oversight based on a unit patch depicted in the old Mercenary's Handbook for the Seventeenth Recon Regiment; however this patch referred to a sub-unit of the Eridani Light Horse, a distinctly different mercenary unit.[21]

Gallery[edit]

  • A Tarantula in Camacho's Caballeros colors.

  • Camacho's Caballeros 'Mechs during a combat drop.

‎

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Turning Points War of 3039: Vega, p. 7: "Seventeenth Recon Regiment"
  2. ↑ Turning Points War of 3039: Vega, p. 13: "Task Force Blizzard"
  3. ↑ Combat Manual: Mercenaries, p. 61: "17th Recon Regiment"
  4. ↑ Black Dragon, pp. 72–73
  5. ↑ Field Manual: Mercenaries: Revised, p. 54: "The Caballeros deployed after Operation BULLDOG on liberated worlds to protect Tanadi"
  6. ↑ Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 18
  7. ↑ Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 12
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 39
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 Field Manual: 3145, pp. 179–180: "Camacho's Caballeros"
  10. ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 178: "Draconis Combine"
  11. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 38
  12. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 71: "The Sword of Damocles"
  13. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 89: "Let Freedom Ring"
  14. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 90
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 160: "Mercenary Forces Deployment Table - 3085"
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Field Manual: 3145, p. 182: "Notable Mercenary Forces - Free Worlds League"
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Historical: War of 3039, p. 140
  18. ↑ Close Quarters, pp. 40, 60, 73, 79, 112: Unit details and commanders as related in the novel
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 113
  20. ↑ 17th Recon Regiment and composition
  21. ↑ In this thread (dead link) ("17th Recon Regiment - also known as Camacho's Caballeros") on the CBT Forum

Bibliography[edit]

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=17th_Recon_Regiment&oldid=1053202"