Ryuken-san

In 3026 Takashi Kurita ordered the creation of a BattleMech unit trained in the tactics of the Wolf's Dragoons mercenary unit. He later ordered that the Ryuken were to be split into several companies and each was to expand to regimental size. The Ryuken-san was one of the units formed.

History

Formation

A notoriously tight-lipped unit, the Ryuken-san rarely commented one way or the other about the acceptability of a military mission, nor did they communicate reliably with the upper chain of command (suggested as a result of their experiences on Misery). The unit sought to perform the mission exactly as directed, with no attempts at casual interpretation of the orders nor a supporting deportment that implied a responsibility towards allied units, if not so directed. This attitude was apparently incorporated at the indoctrination phase for newer members, and documented in one well-known incident when the unit failed to report an enemy's apparent lack of expected numbers, resulting in a coordinated retreat by the regiment, and heavy casualties for their fellow Draconian unit.

Jihad

Ryuken-san was hit by a Black Dragon Society uprising in 3068. For the next two years they fought against the Society's sympathizers, eventually destroying them completely. Ordered to Proserpina, the Ryuken-san finally arrived there in 3073 after suffering a series of misjumps, JumpShip problems, and damage from possible sabotage. These mishaps cost the Ryuken-san approximately a third of their strength.

Assigned to General Belle Lee's assault on Sydney, the Ryuken-san (like every other unit assigned to the Sydney attack) suffered serious losses at the hands of the 7th Division and 26th Division. By the time they returned to their duty station on Proserpina, they were down to one third of their pre-Jihad strength.

Officers

When they were formed in 3026 Ryuken-san was commanded by Chu-sa Jasper Hickam. The commanding officer of the Ryuken-san in 3059 was Tai-sa Alek Gossett. Chu-sa Heather Coleman was the commander of the Ryuken-san's aerospace wing, the Falling Skies, circa 3058. She graduated from the Aerospace and Interstellar Institute with high scores and rumors of various exploits in which she was engaged. She was rumored to have docked with an undocumented clan's WarShip for the purpose of engaging in a simulator battle with one of their pilots.

Tactics

The unit displayed a talent for psychological operations, along with precise formations and maneuvers and the minimum radio communications necessary. Even their weapons engagements were noted for the precise and regimented control, especially when combined against enemy 'Mechs.

Composition History

3059

Ryuken-san (1 Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)

• CO/1st Battalion: Tai-sa Alek Gossett
  • XO: Chu-sa Bunto Ishihara
• 2nd Battalion: Chu-sa Calvin Frost
• 3rd Battalion: Chu-sa Hohiro Namioka

- The command is digned for assault missions. The CO can count on 36 OmniMechs and all other machines are fully upgraded with new technology.

Falling Skies (1 Wing/Regular/Questionable)

• Wing Commander: Chu-sa Heather Coleman

- The unit uses heavy weapons and machines to beat any enemy to pieces.

Ryuken-san Armor (1 Regiment/Reaular/Questionable)

• Armor Commander: Tai-sa Huang Wu Ti

- 24 light fighting vehilces provide flank cover for the remaining heavy machines and act also as scouts.

Ryuken-san Infantry (1 Regiment/Regular/Questionable)

• Troop Commander: Tai-sa Aritomo Sagi

- The unit is supported by 3 artillery batteries.

Bibliography

• Field Manual: Draconis Combine
• To Serve the Dragon BattleCorps story.
• Wolves on the Border (Novel)
• Field Report: DCMS
• Jihad Hot Spots: Terra