Thursday, May 20, 2010

Science Fiction Ground Forces Echelons



Just a few thoughts, most of this chart is what is currently used by military organizations throughout the world. The Echelons above Theater/Region were created on this chart using diamonds as a simple symbol that can be put on military mapping graphics. Its free to use by anyone (just attribute the use of diamonds appropriately, but really I don't care). I came up with the idea sitting on TOC shift in Iraq a few years ago emailing science fiction ideas back and forth with my Dad in my off time. While it seems to fit cozy, I'm sure, like in reality, nothing fits perfectly! After all, a Planetary Forces command might only have a Brigade sized element at its command on a small moon orbiting some forsaken gas giant... And be listed as a Planetary Force Command much to the dismay of another PFC officer on some dirt ball with several Theater Commands under him (yeah, he'd be pretty pissed to have to address someone with fewer forces as an equal!).

So, go make some games or write some good roleplaying adventures using this structure! It could lead to some incredible fun (say, would a giant self aware cyber tank count as a Team or an entire Armored Battalion?)!

References:
Other than the numerous military publications available, an nice online article to read is Wikipedia's on Military Organization