The Atmosphere
Most of the troops are fresh green recruits and few know what to expect in ''the bush''. At the LARP start the Platoon has only recently received the mission orders, and have had little time on which to prepare. It was hard for the Platoon staff to ascertain what rations, munitions and equipment was needed as the orders were rather vague. The chaotic and confused hours they’ve had to prepare for the operation has contributed to rampant speculations. The platoon was transported to the harbour and loaded onto two patrol boats. Here they were met by some irregular looking people that were joining them for the mission. The patrol boats took them upstream where they eventually were dropped off to continue on foot. It’s now been a day of walking and by now wild rumors are circulating: Who are the paramilitary people? What's the mission? Who has clearance and knowledge? |
Playing on rank and military organization at CoC-69:
This is meant to be a troop blessed with commanding officers who empathize with their soldiers. They will be leading by example, not by loud shouting and drill discipline. Many of the characters may even be in opposition to the military hierarchy or the war they are involved in, few are here voluntarily. However, a fellowship has begun forming, and most soldiers have a sense of loyalty to their fellow soldiers; not out of duty or patriotism, but because they expect that loyalty to be reciprocated. That comradeship to the fellow soldier in arms is more important than rank and discipline. We aim to manifest a version of the soldier's bond depicted in Generation Kill or Band of Brothers during CoC-69. Most drafted American soldiers experience their first combat action as chaotic, so having little or no military experience as a player is really not a handicap for the larp. |
Field Routine:
Below is some information about things that will happen to the soldiery during the larp. It is wise to read up on this so that you are prepared and don't get a sense that you're a fish out of water.
On march:
While the troop is on march, it usually proceeds with the entire troop ''single file''. Troopers keep a watchful eye while moving and always take care not to loose the person ahead of them. Conversations are kept on the minimal, with the use of sign language to avoid talking. We will practice this before larp start. There are regular 10 minutes breaks, that are used to rest up, drink water, and keep watch for enemy activity.
Establishing Perimeter Defence:
When the troop arrives where camp is to be made, the troop staff will organize the troop in a circle, where each team has responsibility for a sector. Team Leaders make sure that everyone has a sector, while the Squad Leader makes sure that there are no uncovered space between the units. When everyone knows where they will rally if there is an alarm, they can begin setting camp. A Fire team guards the Squad's sector while the other Fire Team prepares their camp, and then they switch until everyone has made camp.
Guard duty:
When the Squad has made camp, everyone except the guard troops are dismissed for 'downtime'. There shall always be at least two soldiers on guard (except in the break-time between 0200 and 0700, letting people sleep during night is pretty important).
Usually guard duty last for an hour overlapping, which means that a soldier relieves the guard every half hour. It is the Team Leaders who will organize the guard, but it is the players who need to keep the time and make sure they attend their watch.
Downtime (playtime):
Once you're done making camp, and the watch duty is up and running, it is time to get comfortable. You will spend some time cleaning your gun, help making and camouflaging defences, adjust your own camouflage, check for minor injuries and remove critters. You may cook on a simple field kitchen, or if the weather permits, make a campfire. Most of the provisions on the larp will consist of canned goods, but noodles and other simple foods are possibilities. Take trash to the troop staff, who will see to it that it is safely disposed.
This is a good time to play out your character, sniff out rumours or snoop around. The troop staff may send out Fire Teams or Recon Teams on patrol around the campsite (players who want some more action contact troop staff organizers and ask for some missions off-larp, and the leadership and organizers will see to it that those who want it get to go on patrol or other tasks that are needed). In addition there will occur plot-driving events, but not to the extent that it will be necessary to decamp in a hurry.
Below is some information about things that will happen to the soldiery during the larp. It is wise to read up on this so that you are prepared and don't get a sense that you're a fish out of water.
On march:
While the troop is on march, it usually proceeds with the entire troop ''single file''. Troopers keep a watchful eye while moving and always take care not to loose the person ahead of them. Conversations are kept on the minimal, with the use of sign language to avoid talking. We will practice this before larp start. There are regular 10 minutes breaks, that are used to rest up, drink water, and keep watch for enemy activity.
Establishing Perimeter Defence:
When the troop arrives where camp is to be made, the troop staff will organize the troop in a circle, where each team has responsibility for a sector. Team Leaders make sure that everyone has a sector, while the Squad Leader makes sure that there are no uncovered space between the units. When everyone knows where they will rally if there is an alarm, they can begin setting camp. A Fire team guards the Squad's sector while the other Fire Team prepares their camp, and then they switch until everyone has made camp.
Guard duty:
When the Squad has made camp, everyone except the guard troops are dismissed for 'downtime'. There shall always be at least two soldiers on guard (except in the break-time between 0200 and 0700, letting people sleep during night is pretty important).
Usually guard duty last for an hour overlapping, which means that a soldier relieves the guard every half hour. It is the Team Leaders who will organize the guard, but it is the players who need to keep the time and make sure they attend their watch.
Downtime (playtime):
Once you're done making camp, and the watch duty is up and running, it is time to get comfortable. You will spend some time cleaning your gun, help making and camouflaging defences, adjust your own camouflage, check for minor injuries and remove critters. You may cook on a simple field kitchen, or if the weather permits, make a campfire. Most of the provisions on the larp will consist of canned goods, but noodles and other simple foods are possibilities. Take trash to the troop staff, who will see to it that it is safely disposed.
This is a good time to play out your character, sniff out rumours or snoop around. The troop staff may send out Fire Teams or Recon Teams on patrol around the campsite (players who want some more action contact troop staff organizers and ask for some missions off-larp, and the leadership and organizers will see to it that those who want it get to go on patrol or other tasks that are needed). In addition there will occur plot-driving events, but not to the extent that it will be necessary to decamp in a hurry.
Military structure at the larp
You are in 2nd.platoon, Easy company, 46th Infantry Battalion, 198th Brigade of the 23rd infantry division.
You are in 2nd.platoon, Easy company, 46th Infantry Battalion, 198th Brigade of the 23rd infantry division.
Numbers in parentheses in the following text is the number of troops that can be expected on the larp, depending on how many sign up, and implicitly how many losses the troop has taken before the larp begins:
Platoon:
This platoon is comprised by 3 rifle squads, each of 11 (7-11) soldiers, a platoon command of 5 soldiers and a heavy weapon squad of 10 (6-10) soldiers. Additionally the platoon has been assigned a recon squad of 8 (4-8) soldiers. Depending on how great casualties have been taken by the squad, 2nd. platoon at game start is between 35-53 soldiers.
Rifle squad:
Each rifle squad is lead by a Squad Leader. The Squad Leader commands 2 Team Leaders, who each lead their Fire Team. A fire-team consists of 4 (2-4) soldiers. The Squad Leader usually has Staff Sgt. rank, while the two Team Leaders are Sgt's or Corporals.
Hvy.wpn.sqd:
The Platoon has a heavy weapons squad. Fully manned it consists of 9 soldiers + a squad leader. The 9 soldiers are divided on three heavy weapon teams, each with a M60 machine gun. One is gunner, the other two carry ammunition. If 2nd platoon has taken casualties there may well be only 6 soldiers, that is two HWT's. These HWT's are usually deployed as support with the Rifle squad, unless circumstances calls for their deployment as a squad, and then they are lead by their squad leader.
Recon squad:
The Recon squad consists of a Squad Leader og en Team Leader. Each of them lead 3 soldiers. If they are operating as a squad, the Squad Leader functions as leader of the squad, while Team leader is second in command. But usually the Recon Squad operates as two independent recon teams, solving the tasks the Platoon Command gives them, routine assignments such as checking the road ahead, checking for Charlie following the unit, or the dreaded night patrols.
Team:
Teams are mentioned above; Fire Teams in Rifle Squads, Heavy Weapons Teams in Heavy Weapons Squads and Recon Teams in Recon Squads. A Team er (usually) lead by a Team Leader, and consists of 3-5 soldiers. A Heavy Weapons Team consists of one gunner and two ammo carriers; the 2 and 3. Even if the shooter functions as a Team Leader, it hasn't the Team Leader rank. In combat the 2's help the shooter reloading and target guidance, while the 3's secure their position and look out for enemies trying to close in on the MG.
Your buddy:
Everyone's got a partner; someone who looks after you, and who you support. You and your buddy always fight side-by side, eat sleep, argue, dig and die together.
Rank in CoC-69:
The following ranks are influenced by the American army rank system for NCOs.
It describes the ranks from conscript privates, via NCOs and covers the lower officer-rank (the 1st Lieutenant), the role of people with this rank and what it takes to gain that rank.
Private/PVT (E1):
Recruits, no rank insignia. Usually promoted to "E2" when Basic Combat Training is completed, usually after 3 months. A private can be demoted to E1 as part of a disciplinary action.
Private 2nd class/PV2 (E2):
Recruits learning team drills and starts specializing in squad roles. Usually promoted to PFC after a year.
Private 1st.class/PFC (E3):
The bulk of the army, the experienced private. A private can hold this rank for years. The most promising may be promoted to corporals or specialists, depending on their skills, talents and ambitions.
Specialist SPC (E4):
Some privates receive specialized training on certain weapon systems or other equipment. Examples of types of specializations can be Sappers, Snipers, Machine Gunners, Radiomen, First Aid operatives, etc. People with a 4 year civilian college or university-degree can enter the army at this rank. This rank gives equal pay to a Corporal, but without being considered an NCO-rank.
Corporals CPR (E4) (NCO):
Corporal is the lowest NCO-rank. It can be assigned if you have security-clearance, if you are deemed worthy of a promotion, if there is a vacant position in the unit, and after serving at least 24 months in the army. On CoC-69, Team Leaders can be Corporals. (The rank of Lance Corporal is a US-Marine rank and not used in the army.)
Sergeant SGT (E5) (NCO):
Sergeants are experienced Team Leaders and Fresh Squad-Leaders on CoC-69. They are responsible for the training of their soldiers as well as grooming standards. They are responsible for the tactical execution of the officers' plans. They are also in charge of the time before missions, ensuring the unit prepares for the mission as well as possible. In order to reach the rank of Sergeant, a person must have been recommended, having completed a SGT-course, and completed at least 36 months in army service.
Staff SSGT (E6) (NCO):
Staff Sergeants are experienced Squad-Leaders on CoC-69. They are responsible for the training of their soldiers as well as grooming standards. They are responsible for the tactical execution of the officers' plans. They are also in charge of the time before missions, ensuring the unit prepares for the mission as well as possible. In order to reach the rank of Sergeant, a person must have been recommended, having completed a SGT-course, and completed at least 80 months in army service.
Sergeant first class SFC (E7) (NCO):
Only one person in the platoon will hold this rank. They is the Platoon-leader (Lt.)'s right hand in the platoon-staff. They is directly responsible for overseeing all training, grooming standards and coursing programmes in the platoon, as well as guiding the corporals and sergeants in the platoon. They is in charge of the tactical execution of the Platoon-leader's plans during an operation, as well as being directly in charge of the platoon's direct preparations before a mission. On CoC-69, one of the Organizers will hold this rank.
1st Lieutenant (Lt.) (CO):
The commander of the platoon. They is responsible for laying plans for the platoon, based on orders they receive from the Company. Before the LARP starts, they will have received orders for the missions, and they will have made plans as to how the platoon will execute the mission. On the CoC-69 mission, the Lieutenant is without any support from the rest of the Company. In addition, they will be the one that have the most to do with the civilian "guests" taking part in the mission. In order to become a 1st Lieutenant, you need to complete a military academy, like West Point. The 1st Lieutenant will be the highest ranking playing character in the platoon. There might also be officers among the civilian "guests", of similar or higher rank, but the 1st Lieutenant will still be the commander of the platoon.
Platoon:
This platoon is comprised by 3 rifle squads, each of 11 (7-11) soldiers, a platoon command of 5 soldiers and a heavy weapon squad of 10 (6-10) soldiers. Additionally the platoon has been assigned a recon squad of 8 (4-8) soldiers. Depending on how great casualties have been taken by the squad, 2nd. platoon at game start is between 35-53 soldiers.
Rifle squad:
Each rifle squad is lead by a Squad Leader. The Squad Leader commands 2 Team Leaders, who each lead their Fire Team. A fire-team consists of 4 (2-4) soldiers. The Squad Leader usually has Staff Sgt. rank, while the two Team Leaders are Sgt's or Corporals.
Hvy.wpn.sqd:
The Platoon has a heavy weapons squad. Fully manned it consists of 9 soldiers + a squad leader. The 9 soldiers are divided on three heavy weapon teams, each with a M60 machine gun. One is gunner, the other two carry ammunition. If 2nd platoon has taken casualties there may well be only 6 soldiers, that is two HWT's. These HWT's are usually deployed as support with the Rifle squad, unless circumstances calls for their deployment as a squad, and then they are lead by their squad leader.
Recon squad:
The Recon squad consists of a Squad Leader og en Team Leader. Each of them lead 3 soldiers. If they are operating as a squad, the Squad Leader functions as leader of the squad, while Team leader is second in command. But usually the Recon Squad operates as two independent recon teams, solving the tasks the Platoon Command gives them, routine assignments such as checking the road ahead, checking for Charlie following the unit, or the dreaded night patrols.
Team:
Teams are mentioned above; Fire Teams in Rifle Squads, Heavy Weapons Teams in Heavy Weapons Squads and Recon Teams in Recon Squads. A Team er (usually) lead by a Team Leader, and consists of 3-5 soldiers. A Heavy Weapons Team consists of one gunner and two ammo carriers; the 2 and 3. Even if the shooter functions as a Team Leader, it hasn't the Team Leader rank. In combat the 2's help the shooter reloading and target guidance, while the 3's secure their position and look out for enemies trying to close in on the MG.
Your buddy:
Everyone's got a partner; someone who looks after you, and who you support. You and your buddy always fight side-by side, eat sleep, argue, dig and die together.
Rank in CoC-69:
The following ranks are influenced by the American army rank system for NCOs.
It describes the ranks from conscript privates, via NCOs and covers the lower officer-rank (the 1st Lieutenant), the role of people with this rank and what it takes to gain that rank.
Private/PVT (E1):
Recruits, no rank insignia. Usually promoted to "E2" when Basic Combat Training is completed, usually after 3 months. A private can be demoted to E1 as part of a disciplinary action.
Private 2nd class/PV2 (E2):
Recruits learning team drills and starts specializing in squad roles. Usually promoted to PFC after a year.
Private 1st.class/PFC (E3):
The bulk of the army, the experienced private. A private can hold this rank for years. The most promising may be promoted to corporals or specialists, depending on their skills, talents and ambitions.
Specialist SPC (E4):
Some privates receive specialized training on certain weapon systems or other equipment. Examples of types of specializations can be Sappers, Snipers, Machine Gunners, Radiomen, First Aid operatives, etc. People with a 4 year civilian college or university-degree can enter the army at this rank. This rank gives equal pay to a Corporal, but without being considered an NCO-rank.
Corporals CPR (E4) (NCO):
Corporal is the lowest NCO-rank. It can be assigned if you have security-clearance, if you are deemed worthy of a promotion, if there is a vacant position in the unit, and after serving at least 24 months in the army. On CoC-69, Team Leaders can be Corporals. (The rank of Lance Corporal is a US-Marine rank and not used in the army.)
Sergeant SGT (E5) (NCO):
Sergeants are experienced Team Leaders and Fresh Squad-Leaders on CoC-69. They are responsible for the training of their soldiers as well as grooming standards. They are responsible for the tactical execution of the officers' plans. They are also in charge of the time before missions, ensuring the unit prepares for the mission as well as possible. In order to reach the rank of Sergeant, a person must have been recommended, having completed a SGT-course, and completed at least 36 months in army service.
Staff SSGT (E6) (NCO):
Staff Sergeants are experienced Squad-Leaders on CoC-69. They are responsible for the training of their soldiers as well as grooming standards. They are responsible for the tactical execution of the officers' plans. They are also in charge of the time before missions, ensuring the unit prepares for the mission as well as possible. In order to reach the rank of Sergeant, a person must have been recommended, having completed a SGT-course, and completed at least 80 months in army service.
Sergeant first class SFC (E7) (NCO):
Only one person in the platoon will hold this rank. They is the Platoon-leader (Lt.)'s right hand in the platoon-staff. They is directly responsible for overseeing all training, grooming standards and coursing programmes in the platoon, as well as guiding the corporals and sergeants in the platoon. They is in charge of the tactical execution of the Platoon-leader's plans during an operation, as well as being directly in charge of the platoon's direct preparations before a mission. On CoC-69, one of the Organizers will hold this rank.
1st Lieutenant (Lt.) (CO):
The commander of the platoon. They is responsible for laying plans for the platoon, based on orders they receive from the Company. Before the LARP starts, they will have received orders for the missions, and they will have made plans as to how the platoon will execute the mission. On the CoC-69 mission, the Lieutenant is without any support from the rest of the Company. In addition, they will be the one that have the most to do with the civilian "guests" taking part in the mission. In order to become a 1st Lieutenant, you need to complete a military academy, like West Point. The 1st Lieutenant will be the highest ranking playing character in the platoon. There might also be officers among the civilian "guests", of similar or higher rank, but the 1st Lieutenant will still be the commander of the platoon.