Binary

Symbol for a Clan Binary

Description[edit]

A Binary is a common formation of Clan military forces which consists of two Stars, making it equivalent to a light company in the Inner Sphere.[1] Requiring only a modest increase in logistical support over a Star, Binaries are among the most common military deployments fielded by the Clans. A Binary can either be "pure," consisting of two Stars of the same unit type, or "mixed," consisting of two Stars of different unit types; both are used by all Clans, with the former having a slight edge in numbers.[2][3] Binaries are commanded by a Star Captain.

Pure Binaries[edit]

Consisting of ten OmniMechs or, in second-line units, BattleMechs, 'Mech Binaries are sometimes organized by weight class, though they just as often will contain Stars of mixed weight.[4][5] Aerospace Binaries meanwhile consist of twenty OmniFighters or aerospace fighters, commonly of mixed designs and weight classes, with naval Binaries consisting of ten to twelve vessels.[4][5] An armor Binary will similarly consist of twenty Combat Vehicles, though given the Clans' disregard for conventional armor they are normally reserved for solahma or, more rarely, garrison units.[6][7] An infantry Binary can consist of fifty battle armored Elementals or if conventional 250 infantry including a command squad. Few Clans bother to organize conventional infantry above the Binary level.[6][7]

Mixed Binaries[edit]

Mixed Binaries are only slightly less prevalent than pure formations among the Clans, the most common type of pairing being a Star of 'Mechs and a Star of Elementals. A Nova is similar to this type of mixed Binary, though it is technically still a Star formation, with two Novas organized into a binary referred to as a Supernova.[2][3]

References[edit]

  1. MechWarrior's Guide to the Clans, p. 75
  2. 2.0 2.1 Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 12
  3. 3.0 3.1 Field Manual: Crusader Clans, p. 10
  4. 4.0 4.1 Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 10
  5. 5.0 5.1 Field Manual: Crusader Clans, p. 8
  6. 6.0 6.1 Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 11
  7. 7.0 7.1 Field Manual: Crusader Clans, p. 9

Bibliography[edit]