From: Commander William Stahl To: General George Collins Re: Field Commanders Guide Date: July 3, 1959 General, we have completed our strategic assessment of the proposed designs coming from Wilhelm Arkin's lab. We've created this guide taking his vehicle designs, environmental considerations, and the scale of any likely confrontations into account. The following are our findings. VEHICLE OVERVIEW: We are very impressed with the basic concepts for vehicular design. The idea of referencing many of our more conventional designs as models for ways to apply this new technology will help make pilots familiar with the strategic implications of each vehicle despite the alien nature of the underlying technology. Of great importance is Arkin's special attention to the need to create highly maneuverable vehicles. While we believe that pilots may have a hard time getting trained on Arkin's concept of vehicular momentum, we do believe that in the long run this will lead to a superior combat platform. The momentum will allow field commanders to maintain constant motion and thereby always present their enemies with moving targets. These vehicles will be much more dynamic in combat than traditional tanks and such, and it is our assessment that their speed and agility would easily overwhelm any of our current ground-based vehicles. Arkin's design for a pulsing radar system is also a brilliant concept. Field commanders will get the benefit of being able to track enemy units without the cost of constantly giving away their position. Commanders should bear in mind, however, that we do not believe that they will be able to locate stationary vehicles and quite possibly even vehicles that are moving slowly. The concept of a single ammo supply being converted into the fired ordinance as needed seems like an intelligent way to ensure that field commanders can most efficiently use the munitions that they carry. This will, however, force pilots to monitor and learn the ammo usage of each weapon system, but Arkin seems to have accounted for this by adding in the numerical display for remaining shots for the currently active weapon hardpoint. The weapon hardpoint systems for each vehicle seem to make sense, and it is logical that we construct weapons so they fit into pre-designated hardpoints. The ability to link weapons into groups will give field commanders the extra punch when needed, but they will need to take care not to deplete their ammo supply too rapidly. The command system developed by Arkin is nothing short of brilliant. It will give field commanders unprecedented situational awareness and control over units in their command. Furthermore, the stealth component of this command system will make it impossible for enemy units to either detect commands or break the encoded messages. THE MOBILE FACTORY SYSTEM: The mobile factory system also seems to be well conceived. It would be great if they did not require geysers for power supplies, but given that they are the beginning of a vast construction tree, it is understandable that they would have to tap into some naturally occurring power source in order to accomplish their functionality. The centerpiece of the mobile factory system is the Recycler, and we suspect that the incredible importance of this factory will make it the centerpiece of most engagements using this technology. We will have to protect this unit at all cost. Losing a foundation vehicle like this would undoubtedly be the beginning of the end for any brigade depending on this structure. We like the idea of tooling the Recycler to build only basic repairs, ammo, defensive units and combat units which should allow it to sustain itself. Using the remaining building capabilities to construct other factories makes perfect sense. The Mobile Unit Factory (MUF) and Armory will be dependent on natural power supplies similar to the Recycler. These factories are tooled to construct specialized vehicles and more advanced weaponry respectively. We are particularly impressed with the catapult like design of the Armory, which will allow field commanders to stage supplies around the battlefield. (The mobile construction rigs are assessed below under building a permanent base.) Finally, we like the idea of making all factories mobile. Should an area's resources be depleted, or it becomes indefensible, or if an enemy finds our base, we like the versatility of being able to pack everything up and relocate to a more advantageous position. GATHERING BIO-METAL: Given the nature and method of construction for bio-metal vehicles, it is essential that field commanders effectively manage their resources. Several issues will come into play if we enter into combat using vehicles constructed from bio-metal. Battlefields in this combat scenario would likely have two sources of bio-metal: scrap from destroyed vehicles as well as remnants from meteor showers. Several issues to consider: Controlling scrap fields created by meteor showers would hold special strategic importance. Keep in mind that every piece of scrap that we don't control is one that the enemy can throw against us. Establishing bases in close proximity to scrap fields will allow for faster resource gathering. Making decisive attacks will be essential because lost vehicles will be recycled quickly by enemy forces. Arkin's design for Scrap Silos should be used whenever large scrap fields are far from the main base. This will greatly increase the speed at which we can gather resources. PROTECTING SCAVENGERS: In order to maximize cargo carrying capacities, Arkin's Scavenger design does not provide for any weapons on Scavengers. These vehicles will be an essential part of any war machine, and it will be essential that field commanders ensure that they are protected. We suggest that commanders provide escorts to Scavengers whenever they believe there are enemies in the area. As a side note, should the enemy make the same trade-off on weapons for cargo space, their Scavengers would provide excellent targets. Taking out their bio-metal gathering units would eliminate their ability to gather resources for re-manufacturing into combat vehicles. ESTABLISHING AND PROTECTING BASES: Several issues will make establishing bases in solid strategic locations essential. The increased speed and firepower of these bio-metal class vehicles will leave unhardened bases open to nearly immediate destruction. First off, field commanders should always attempt to establish bases in areas with as many resources as possible. Commanders should look for sufficient geo-thermal activity for powering factories as well as ample supplies of bio-metal. Given the speed of all of these vehicles, it will be especially difficult to protect wide open areas. Commanders should take special precautions to ensure that they set up in geographically defensible areas by looking for terrain features that will provide natural boundaries to intruders. When protecting bases, Arkin's designs will provide a wide range of options for fortifying areas. The M173 Badger is an excellent defensive turret. It is easy to manufacture and can be re-deployed quickly. Commanders should take time to learn the range of the M173 turret so that it can be positioned in formations with good lines of fire while also maximizing their coverage. The M173, however, will remain incredibly vulnerable when it is mobile. Field commanders should not attempt to move the M173 when enemies are nearby. Mobile M173s will be destroyed before they have an opportunity to deploy and bring their weapons to bear. Minelayers could be used in conjunction with the M173 turret. Field commanders should only assume that mines will slow down attacking forces as they take time to clear the mine field. When used in combination with the M173, however, mines should provide enough of a distraction to allow the deployed M173's guns to shred most attackers. Arkin's gun towers, which can be built by the mobile Construction Rig (see below section), will serve an equal function to the M173s although they will have greater fire power and range at the expense of mobility. The choice of separating the gun tower's power supply from the actual structure seems to make sense in allowing multiple structures to share a common power supply. Field commanders will have to take special care to build their power supplies in areas that are both well protected yet central in order to allow many buildings to take advantage of the structure. Given that many units could be rendered useless if a power supply were destroyed, field commanders may want to consider building redundant power structures. BUILDING A PERMANENT BASE: The mobile construction rig, as conceived by Arkin, is a brilliant concept for quickly establishing bases in unsettled territory. It is unfortunate that the construction rig does not have a ÒdeconstructionÓ option, and we would submit this suggestion to Arkin's lab for consideration. Given the current design, however, field commanders should assume that once they create a structure with the construction rig they will not be able to reclaim the resources allocated to that building. When commanders feel that they have a well fortified base, they should take advantage of the mobile Construction Rigs' vast array of building options. The Supply Depot is a logical choice for efficiently reloading combat vehicles, while the hangers will help repair damaged vehicles. By far the most significant structure that Arkin has conceived is the Communication Tower. When constructed, this building can establish a link with our orbiting satellite, Skyeye. Connection to Skyeye will allow commanders to access a satellite overview of the battlefield. All friendly units as well as enemy units within their radar range will appear in the display. From this view, field commanders will be able to direct units from a broad strategic perspective. Connection to Skyeye is not perfect, however. Field commanders should be aware that this communication uplink will be easily detected by enemy forces. An open connection to Skyeye would be akin to flying into night combat with your headlights onÉ everybody will know where you are. ATTACKING HARDENED TARGETS: Arkin seems to have created a well rounded arsenal of vehicles that should give field commanders a wide range of choices when attacking hardened targets. The APC with its extensive EDD armor and good speed is well suited to transporting infantry into position for attacking hardened targets. While the casualties of such a tactic may lead to a seemingly Pyrrhic victory, under certain circumstances it seems that this could be a justifiable cost. His design for the Sasquatch provides an excellent alternative to field commanders that cannot justify the personnel losses associated with using the APC. In order to pack all of the weaponry and ammunition into the Sasquatch, Arkin has paid a significant price in performance. It appears that he could not carry all of the offensive fire power that he has loaded onto the Sasquatch and still make it hover. The loss of speed and agility will force field commanders to make sure that these lumbering units are amply protected by some of his more nimble designs. The artillery designs from Arkin's labs seem solid. These units could be effective in shelling targets from a long distance away. They are, however, completely at risk to units attacking them. We would suggest that field commanders take appropriate precautions to protect their artillery with either mobile units, turrets, or mine fields. CLOSING REMARKS: In all, we find the technology associated with Arkin's research truly amazing. The extent to which these weapons could overpower conventional forces is frightening. Controlling the raw materials that would create this technology should become a key strategic initiative in our global geo-political planning. I am confident that we will come out on top of this conflict, as we have all others. Cm. William Stahl
To: General George Collins
Re: Field Commanders Guide
Date: July 3, 1959
General, we have completed our strategic assessment of the proposed designs coming from Wilhelm Arkin's lab. We've created this guide taking his vehicle designs, environmental considerations, and the scale of any likely confrontations into account. The following are our findings. VEHICLE OVERVIEW: We are very impressed with the basic concepts for vehicular design. The idea of referencing many of our more conventional designs as models for ways to apply this new technology will help make pilots familiar with the strategic implications of each vehicle despite the alien nature of the underlying technology.
Of great importance is Arkin's special attention to the need to create highly maneuverable vehicles. While we believe that pilots may have a hard time getting trained on Arkin's concept of vehicular momentum, we do believe that in the long run this will lead to a superior combat platform. The momentum will allow field commanders to maintain constant motion and thereby always present their enemies with moving targets. These vehicles will be much more dynamic in combat than traditional tanks and such, and it is our assessment that their speed and agility would easily overwhelm any of our current ground-based vehicles.
Arkin's design for a pulsing radar system is also a brilliant concept. Field commanders will get the benefit of being able to track enemy units without the cost of constantly giving away their position. Commanders should bear in mind, however, that we do not believe that they will be able to locate stationary vehicles and quite possibly even vehicles that are moving slowly.
The concept of a single ammo supply being converted into the fired ordinance as needed seems like an intelligent way to ensure that field commanders can most efficiently use the munitions that they carry. This will, however, force pilots to monitor and learn the ammo usage of each weapon system, but Arkin seems to have accounted for this by adding in the numerical display for remaining shots for the currently active weapon hardpoint.
The weapon hardpoint systems for each vehicle seem to make sense, and it is logical that we construct weapons so they fit into pre-designated hardpoints. The ability to link weapons into groups will give field commanders the extra punch when needed, but they will need to take care not to deplete their ammo supply too rapidly.
The command system developed by Arkin is nothing short of brilliant. It will give field commanders unprecedented situational awareness and control over units in their command. Furthermore, the stealth component of this command system will make it impossible for enemy units to either detect commands or break the encoded messages. THE MOBILE FACTORY SYSTEM: The mobile factory system also seems to be well conceived. It would be great if they did not require geysers for power supplies, but given that they are the beginning of a vast construction tree, it is understandable that they would have to tap into some naturally occurring power source in order to accomplish their functionality.
The centerpiece of the mobile factory system is the Recycler, and we suspect that the incredible importance of this factory will make it the centerpiece of most engagements using this technology. We will have to protect this unit at all cost. Losing a foundation vehicle like this would undoubtedly be the beginning of the end for any brigade depending on this structure.
We like the idea of tooling the Recycler to build only basic repairs, ammo, defensive units and combat units which should allow it to sustain itself. Using the remaining building capabilities to construct other factories makes perfect sense.
The Mobile Unit Factory (MUF) and Armory will be dependent on natural power supplies similar to the Recycler. These factories are tooled to construct specialized vehicles and more advanced weaponry respectively. We are particularly impressed with the catapult like design of the Armory, which will allow field commanders to stage supplies around the battlefield. (The mobile construction rigs are assessed below under building a permanent base.) Finally, we like the idea of making all factories mobile. Should an area's resources be depleted, or it becomes indefensible, or if an enemy finds our base, we like the versatility of being able to pack everything up and relocate to a more advantageous position. GATHERING BIO-METAL: Given the nature and method of construction for bio-metal vehicles, it is essential that field commanders effectively manage their resources. Several issues will come into play if we enter into combat using vehicles constructed from bio-metal. Battlefields in this combat scenario would likely have two sources of bio-metal: scrap from destroyed vehicles as well as remnants from meteor showers. Several issues to consider:
As a side note, should the enemy make the same trade-off on weapons for cargo space, their Scavengers would provide excellent targets. Taking out their bio-metal gathering units would eliminate their ability to gather resources for re-manufacturing into combat vehicles. ESTABLISHING AND PROTECTING BASES: Several issues will make establishing bases in solid strategic locations essential. The increased speed and firepower of these bio-metal class vehicles will leave unhardened bases open to nearly immediate destruction.
First off, field commanders should always attempt to establish bases in areas with as many resources as possible. Commanders should look for sufficient geo-thermal activity for powering factories as well as ample supplies of bio-metal. Given the speed of all of these vehicles, it will be especially difficult to protect wide open areas. Commanders should take special precautions to ensure that they set up in geographically defensible areas by looking for terrain features that will provide natural boundaries to intruders.
When protecting bases, Arkin's designs will provide a wide range of options for fortifying areas. The M173 Badger is an excellent defensive turret. It is easy to manufacture and can be re-deployed quickly. Commanders should take time to learn the range of the M173 turret so that it can be positioned in formations with good lines of fire while also maximizing their coverage. The M173, however, will remain incredibly vulnerable when it is mobile. Field commanders should not attempt to move the M173 when enemies are nearby. Mobile M173s will be destroyed before they have an opportunity to deploy and bring their weapons to bear.
Minelayers could be used in conjunction with the M173 turret. Field commanders should only assume that mines will slow down attacking forces as they take time to clear the mine field. When used in combination with the M173, however, mines should provide enough of a distraction to allow the deployed M173's guns to shred most attackers.
Arkin's gun towers, which can be built by the mobile Construction Rig (see below section), will serve an equal function to the M173s although they will have greater fire power and range at the expense of mobility. The choice of separating the gun tower's power supply from the actual structure seems to make sense in allowing multiple structures to share a common power supply. Field commanders will have to take special care to build their power supplies in areas that are both well protected yet central in order to allow many buildings to take advantage of the structure. Given that many units could be rendered useless if a power supply were destroyed, field commanders may want to consider building redundant power structures. BUILDING A PERMANENT BASE: The mobile construction rig, as conceived by Arkin, is a brilliant concept for quickly establishing bases in unsettled territory. It is unfortunate that the construction rig does not have a ÒdeconstructionÓ option, and we would submit this suggestion to Arkin's lab for consideration. Given the current design, however, field commanders should assume that once they create a structure with the construction rig they will not be able to reclaim the resources allocated to that building.
When commanders feel that they have a well fortified base, they should take advantage of the mobile Construction Rigs' vast array of building options. The Supply Depot is a logical choice for efficiently reloading combat vehicles, while the hangers will help repair damaged vehicles.
By far the most significant structure that Arkin has conceived is the Communication Tower. When constructed, this building can establish a link with our orbiting satellite, Skyeye. Connection to Skyeye will allow commanders to access a satellite overview of the battlefield. All friendly units as well as enemy units within their radar range will appear in the display. From this view, field commanders will be able to direct units from a broad strategic perspective.
Connection to Skyeye is not perfect, however. Field commanders should be aware that this communication uplink will be easily detected by enemy forces. An open connection to Skyeye would be akin to flying into night combat with your headlights onÉ everybody will know where you are. ATTACKING HARDENED TARGETS: Arkin seems to have created a well rounded arsenal of vehicles that should give field commanders a wide range of choices when attacking hardened targets. The APC with its extensive EDD armor and good speed is well suited to transporting infantry into position for attacking hardened targets. While the casualties of such a tactic may lead to a seemingly Pyrrhic victory, under certain circumstances it seems that this could be a justifiable cost.
His design for the Sasquatch provides an excellent alternative to field commanders that cannot justify the personnel losses associated with using the APC. In order to pack all of the weaponry and ammunition into the Sasquatch, Arkin has paid a significant price in performance. It appears that he could not carry all of the offensive fire power that he has loaded onto the Sasquatch and still make it hover. The loss of speed and agility will force field commanders to make sure that these lumbering units are amply protected by some of his more nimble designs.
The artillery designs from Arkin's labs seem solid. These units could be effective in shelling targets from a long distance away. They are, however, completely at risk to units attacking them. We would suggest that field commanders take appropriate precautions to protect their artillery with either mobile units, turrets, or mine fields. CLOSING REMARKS: In all, we find the technology associated with Arkin's research truly amazing. The extent to which these weapons could overpower conventional forces is frightening. Controlling the raw materials that would create this technology should become a key strategic initiative in our global geo-political planning.
I am confident that we will come out on top of this conflict, as we have all others.
Cm. William Stahl