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"Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo."

Even with space superiority as a given, it is sometimes necessary to attack or defend a planet-side target on the ground (for example, when wishing to capture specific assets or evacuate personnel). When this becomes necessary, the Imperial Combine usually deploys its CAGA forces.

The Conventional Air and Ground Assault forces are trained for a variety of strategic scenarios including bombing, besieging, occupation, area defence, area denial, all other area objectives, and hunt-kill.

Troops are equipped for all manner of combat environment, and can be likened to a combined army, conventional navy, and air force. The organisation is responsible for engaging enemies on land and in the air, to protect and advance Imperial interests, and it works closely with the Imperial Navy in order to achieve this.

The organisational motto of CAGA is Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo — "If I cannot bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell."

Structure

Command Structure

CAGA has a logical command structure with only a small number of deviations from the overall pattern. There are twelve levels in the organisational hierarchy of every theatre, each of which contains four of the units in the preceding level. For example there are four soldiers in a fire team, four fire teams in a squad, four squads in a platoon, and so on up the structure. The commander of a unit is not usually counted in its strength, except where one of the four soldiers in a fire team is its corporal.

Each subunit is numbered or lettered relative to the parent unit, according to the 'rule of four'. For example Downfall One is the name given to a notorious unit from Tanker Regiment. ​The name refers to the regiment's first platoon (given by the 'one') of Delta Company (with the name 'Downfall' following the D of Delta). To be explicit one could refer to the platoon as "Downfall One, Tanker Regiment", since the platoon's identifier is given relative to the parent company, which could cause confusion for the ill-informed.

The one main exception to the rule of four is that battalions are not normally referred to relative to their parent regiment — instead they are all numbered sequentially regardless of parent regiment. Thus Downfall One comes under the command of Delta Company of the 1085th Battalion.

Basic Units

1. Soldier
2. Fire Team
3. Squad
4. Platoon
5. Company
6. Battalion
7. Regiment
8. Division
9. Expedition
10. Army
11. Front
12. Region
13. Theatre

Call-signs and Unit Identification

​Most CAGA units are identified numerically or alphabetically, internally to their parent unit, which places a limit of four on most identifiers (see 'Command Structure', above). This limiter is colloquially known as the 'rule of four'. Because of the rule of four there are 4,096 regiments per theatre, each of which is 4,096-strong without commanding officers. The total number of troops in each theatre therefore approaches 17 million, so knowing precisely who is who is very important.

Battalions often have a descriptive name associated with them. The 951st, for example, is widely known as the Nasty Nine-Five-One.

Regiments usually go by a name rather than a number, e.g. Tanker Regiment. While the regiments are officially numbered it is purely an administrative fact. Regimental names are used routinely in discussions and planning, throughout the hierarchy.

Companies will usually have their own adoptive names, which traditionally begin with the company letter. For example in the Fearsome 310th, Alpha Company gave themselves the name "Avenger". The companies in a battalion will be identified more formally as Alpha Company, Bravo Company, Charlie Company, and Delta Company.

The platoons in each of those companies will be called First Platoon, Second Platoon, etc. Where more than one company is present, platoons will be referred to by company then by platoon number, e.g. "Alpha Three". If the company has an adoptive name, this is usually co-opted into the call-sign in place of the alphabetical identifier, e.g. "Avenger Three".

The squads in each platoon will be called Squad One, Squad Two, etc. As above, the call-sign attributed to a squad will follow the numeration system, so Squad One of Avenger's Third Platoon would communicate as "Avenger Three-One".

The fire teams in a squad are called Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Their call-sign simply adds the fire team letter to the squad call-sign, e.g. "Avenger Three-One Delta".

Composition

The organisational structure of CAGA draws on the structural hierarchies of a number of military bodies, from various Earth cultures and different periods in human history. The rank structure has evolved to be streamlined and efficient. It is oriented towards maintaining smooth deployments and combat resilience, even under the most demanding conditions.

One of the most controversial decisions in CAGA history was the removal of commissions for the officer-grade ranks. In effect, this has made every member of the organisation a Non-Commissioned Officer. Money or a privileged social position will not allow a person to enter the higher ranks without starting their military life as a private. As in the wider social fabric of the Imperial Combine, promotion is earned solely on merit. There is therefore a strong correlation between age, experience, and rank.

Trainees, technically unranked, are more often referred to by serving soldiers as Baby Guns, Meat Paste, or HCF (Hopeless Cannon Fodder). Privates who have only recently passed out of training are often called Rooks, Newbies, or Dead Meat.

Experienced privates are more usually referred to as "Trooper", "Soldier", or "Mate" by their comrades and immediate seniors. The term 'grunt' is considered to be disparaging, and is only typically used as a deliberate insult, or in self-deprecation.

Corporals usually command one or two fireteams, and are counted in the strength of one fireteam. A corporal who has command of two fireteams will therefore have three privates working beneath her, plus an additional fireteam under her control which comprises four more privates. Corporals usually carry an additional skill and may be trained as an engineer, a field medic, or a communications officer.

Every squad of four fireteams is commanded by a sergeant. From the perspective of a private, sergeants are considered to be far more authoritative than corporals, who more often operate in the capacity of a supervising "buddy". Most sergeants maintain a hands-on approach, and are rarely aloof, but are often addressed as "Boss" by privates and corporals alike.

A lieutenant commands a platoon of four squads. Lieutenants are often given a great deal of latitude by their company captains, and this can sometimes cause a rift between lieutenants and the troops under their command.

A CAGA captain commands an entire company of 256 soldiers, and as such usually delegates much of the responsibility for order, discipline and day-to-day administration to their platoon lieutenants.

A Lieutenant Colonel commands a battalion of four companies. The duties of the rank are mostly administrative, although the deployment of the battalion requires the Lt Colonel to work hand-in-hand with the regimental Colonel.

Standard Ranks

1. Trainee
2. Private
3. Corporal
4. Sergeant
5. Lieutenant
6. Captain
7. Lieutenant Colonel
8. Colonel
9. Major General
10. Lieutenant General
11. General
12. Four Star General
13. Five Star General
14. Field Marshal

Deployments

Postings and Asset Delivery

CAGA troops may be posted on a permanent or semi-permanent basis to training facilities, garrisons, and so on. When this is the case they are often delivered by landers, but may be ferried by shuttle instead as circumstances might dictate.

CAGA soldiers are generally delivered to planetary surfaces or space-based facilities by naval vessels, since CAGA has very few space vehicles of its own. Many ships of the line carry detachments of CAGA soldiers as well as the means to deploy them. Heavier equipment, such as the Gorilla GSP, is usually transferred to and from orbit by Navy lifters.

Battleships and carriers will normally only deploy equipped assets in landers; these are hardened drop ships with some combat capabilities, which are most suited to the circumstances under which CAGA would usually be delivered into hostile or contested regions.

When deployed to the surface of a planet CAGA units are often commanded from orbit. During long campaigns, or where very large numbers of troops are present, a Forward Operating Base may be established to provide a command post on the ground.

​Some of the tactics used by CAGA are as follows:

Bombardment at Range

It is sometimes necessary to assault a static target from afar, and CAGA strike forces are equipped with a range of technologies. From mortars and artillery, to cannons capable of levelling areas on the order of several city blocks, a range of weaponry is available. Some are operated by one or more soldiers, some are vehicle-mounted, and others — like the Gorilla GSP — are fully autonomous platforms.

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Aerial Bombardment

CAGA vehicular equipping sometimes includes short range fighter craft suited to atmospheric operations. This is usually only the case for units ferried by navy carriers. The bombing of targets from the air is usually coordinated from both space and watch points on the ground, to ensure that full target coverage is attained while minimising the impact of resistance.

Siege Engines

CAGA forces are perfectly suited to besieging planetary targets, since the attacking force usually comprises several wings of battleships with at least one carrier present. The battleships can be used to blockade a target from low orbit, or they can be grounded to provide shelter and support for units on the surface.

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Occupation Forces

Because of the sheer scale of CAGA deployments, it is almost a trivial matter for even a large city to be occupied once its defences have fallen. Even a modest strike force of just one regiment will comprise thousands of ground troops, equipped with all the tools and resources needed to establish whatever interim facilities the task requires.

Secondment Opportunities

Counterpart Candidates

Counterparts are effectively seconded from the CAGA ranks. Those counterparts who are awaiting assignment to a Shard will almost always remain on active duty with a CAGA unit, and will continue to accrue training and promotion opportunities just like any other infantry regular.

→ Read more about the Shard Programme.

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Tankers

Tanker Regiment is an island within CAGA, where the occupants are given some license to do their own thing. The regiment has its own rules, tactics, and values, but the most notable feature is that it comprises the largest, strongest, and most brutal of all CAGA soldiers. The regiment is commanded by Colonel Catark Baiste.

→ Read more about Tanker Regiment.

Master-at-Arms

​Usually occupied by a CAGA sergeant, for example Willon Panovar, the role of master-at-arms bears responsibility for security and discipline aboard Imperial Starships and space stations.

While posted to ships and facilities, a soldier assigned to this role may deputise an entire squad of CAGA troops to fill security roles, enforce discipline, and provide controlled access to small arms.

While flag officers of the Imperial Navy appear to accept the necessity of this practice, it appears to be the cause of some resentment amongst the lower naval ranks. Friction with CAGA personnel is not uncommon.

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Logistics Controllers

​Often posted out to a space-based facility such as a fortress, but sometimes travelling with convoys, logistics controllers (LCs) are responsible for supporting CAGA units by offering resupply and secure data handling.

Quartermasters

​In every battalion, one captain will adopt the role of Quartermaster (QM). The duty of the QM is to record, organise, and distribute the supplies delivered to them by a logistics controller. Like their LC colleagues, Quartermasters are technically administrated by the Resourcing Bureau rather than CAGA command.

Known Battalions

104th Battalion

The Wanton One-Oh-Fourth was carried by the ICS Vehement, a carrier of the Fifth Fleet, until its destruction on or about 13th March 3745 ELC. Much of the 104th perished, either with the carrier as it de-orbited to the surface of Guathelia, or in the subsequent attack on Camp Camillion (→SFTD).

Junn Delanka is a rifleman who was attached to the unit. He was already on the surface when the Vehement​ came down, and is one of a few survivors of the 104th.

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310th Battalion

The Fearsome Three-Tenth was involved in the events of both the Ottomas Incident and the Brankfall Incident.

In 3734 ELC the entire battalion was posted on the heavy carrier ICS Embolden, where it remained for three Solars. Rendir Throam was assigned to this battalion after graduating from the Counterpart Academy, and was one of those who served aboard the Embolden.

951st Battalion

The Nasty Nine-Five-One is the parent unit of Bullseye Company, platoons of which assisted Elm Caden and his cohorts on Echo, Aldava, Woe Tantalum, Mibes, Guathelia, and Riishi (→SFTD, LOTD, TRD).

The 951st Battalion was carried by Admiral Pensh's Second Fleet flagship, ICS Stiletto. Since the disappearance of that ship during Operation Seawall only one company of the battalion is accounted for. Most of the Nasty Nine-Five-One is now considered KIA (→LOTD).

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1085th Battalion

The 1085th Battalion is a part of Tanker Regiment. It is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jolan Straeger.

This battalion took part in the Second Liberation of Mibes (→LOTD). One of its companies assisted in Operation Keystone on Guathelia, and the whole battalion later took part in the mission to Riishi (→TRD).

The 1085th later assisted regular CAGA forces during Operation Sabre on the surface of Palanda Ire, and then sent platoons to Lopama in order to take back Forge Ruinous from an invading force. The battalion also contributed to the counter-invasion at Damastion (→FSS).

Known Companies

Avenger Company

Avenger Company is also known as Alpha Company of the 310th Battalion. From 3734 to 3737 ELC, Avenger was posted to the ICS Embolden along with the rest of the 310th.

Rendir Throam began his CAGA career in this company, as a private in fire team Three-Two-Delta. By the time he left the 310th to be paired with Elm Caden, he was a lieutenant in command of the Third Platoon.

Bullseye Company

Bullseye Company is more officially known as the 951st Battalion's Bravo Company. It was commanded by Captain Udis Pinsetti until his death in March 3745 ELC.

Other individuals known to be associated with the company are:

• Lt Volkas, First Platoon CO.
• Sgt Chun, squad One-Three leader.
• Cpl Daxon, fire teams One-Three Charlie/Delta leader,
• Pvt Brohidder, fire team One-Three Charlie, rifleman,
• Pvt Norskine, fire team One-Three Charlie, rifleman,
• Pvt Bruiser, fire team One-Three Charlie, automatic rifleman.

Bullseye Company was instrumental in the ground-side element of the Battle of Woe Tantalum. During de-orbit from the ICS Hammer, one of the company's lander drop ships was destroyed by enemy batteries firing from the planet's surface, with the resulting loss of the entire Third Platoon and Captain Pinsetti (→SFTD).

Bullseye assisted Elm Caden during his mission to retrieve high-level personnel during the Second Liberation of Mibes (→LOTD).

When the Shaeld Hratha began to attack the Imperial Combine openly, it was Bullseye who travelled with Elm Caden to Guathelia to ensure his safety during Operation Keystone. Many of them were later killed during the ill-fated mission to Riishi (→TRD).

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Downfall Company

Downfall is Delta Company, of the 1085th Battalion of the Tanker Regiment.

In March 3745 ELC, First Platoon's Squad Four assisted Elm Caden and his team during the Second Liberation of Mibes (→LOTD).

That unit also assisted in Operation Keystone on Guathelia, and then accompanied Caden on his mission to Riishi (→TRD).

Those same soldiers were later instrumental in the invasion of Arroch Bay on Palanda Ire, the eradication of an intruding force from Forge Ruinous on the surface of Lopama, and the ground combat which took place during the siege of Damastion (→FSS).

Individuals known to belong to this company are:

• Sgt Feior, squad One-Four leader.
• Cpl Harth, fire teams One-Four Alpha/Bravo leader,
• Cpl Coren, fire teams One-Four Charlie/Delta leader,
• Pvt Mtenga, fire team One-Four Alpha, rifleman,
• Pvt Rothrom, fire team One-Four Alpha, rifleman,
• Pvt Burner, fire team One-Four Alpha, heavy weapons specialist,
• Pvt Otkellsson, fire team One-Four Bravo, automatic rifleman,
• Pvt Mokus, fire team One-Four Bravo, automatic rifleman,
• Pvt Gorgovic, fire team One-Four Bravo, rifleman,
• Pvt Kuronaga, fire team One-Four Bravo, rifleman,
• Pvt Bel-Jenta, fire team One-Four Charlie, rifleman,
• Pvt Groll, fire team One-Four Charlie, rifleman,
• Pvt "Piledriver", fire team One-Four Delta, rifleman,
• Pvt "Juggernaut", fire team One-Four Delta, automatic rifleman.