Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission
Unit Brief
Early in the First Succession War the Blackhawks sought to refine the combined arms concept in order to optimize their effectiveness as an independent mercenary command. As SLDF independent regiments the Blackhawks were designed as combined arms units. As a mercenary unit the Blackhawks further developed their combined arms experience to a new level.
Each of the Blackhawks regiments are organized into three composite units called BattleGroups. Each BattleGroup is composed of three BattleMech companies, three armor companies, three hovercraft recon companies, six mechanized infantry companies, one VTOL company, one artillery company and one AeroSpace fighter squadron. Trained in coordinated actions down to the company/lance level, the Blackhawks BattleGroups are unparalleled in their flexibiity and striking power. Attatched to each regiment is an independent AeroSpace fighter wing. Having striven to maintain maximum battlefield autonomy from outside support, the Blackhawks are masters of their own destiny.
In addition to its four combat regiments, the Blackhawks maintain four independent operational commands. Transport Command controls all JumpShip and DropShip assets and personnel. Logistics Command oversees the procurement of all equipment and supplies needed. Security and Intelligence is tasked with intelligence gathering as well as defending against outside intelligence agencies. A sub-command of SI is the Special Operations Group. On par with DEST, MI6 and Seventh Kommando, the special forces troops of SOG excel in a variety of covert and battlefield commando operations. The SOG is the first unit in the Blackhawks to be equipped with BattleArmor.
The Blackhawks Table of Organization and Equipment lists a majority of 3055 and older designs, the Blackhawks have maintained a modernizaton program since 3045 which has allowed all Blackhawks Mechs to have been upgraded to at least 3050 technology level. Currently Clan technology is being incorporated into selected BattleMech chassis and special designs. The Blackhawks currently posses in excess of two battalions worth of captured and purchased Clan OmniMechs and second line mechs.
Drawing on their Star League heritage, the Blackhawks have always maintained and passed on critical technical skills and knowledge. SLDF technical databases have been diligently maintained as priority information for the Blackhawks technical personnel and has served them well throughout the course of their mercenary career.
Having kept a high level of technical skill, the Blackhawks are able to perform extensive modifications to custom tailor their BattleMechs and vehicles to fit their needs. Following the Clan Invasion, an influx of ClanTech and other advanced equipment are being incorporated in to the Blackhawks BattleMechs.
Following the Peace of Tukayyid technical personnel have received advanced training in ClanTech from Wolf's Dragoons on Outreach. Pooling this technical expertise the Blackhawks are able to provide in excess of 100% of their technical needs.
Bitter experience has led the Blackhawks to maintain at least a 100% JumpShip and DropShip capacity to prevent any disasters such as befell the 321st Hussars in the 3rd Succesion War. Current transport capacity exceeds 150%. The Blackhawks routinely charter excess transport assets for revenue generation.
The Blackhawks crest is a black hawks' head set upon a scarlet disc rimmed with a gray and black sawblade pattern. This insignia is worn on the left shoulder of the dress and utility
uniforms and is worn in subdued colors on the field uniform.
The Blackhawks crest is displayed on the left leg or left torso of BattleMechs, the left wing of AeroSpace fighters and on the hulls of vehicles. The regimental insignia is worn on the right arm of the uniform and is displayed on the right torso of BattleMechs, the right wing of AeroSpace Fighters and on the hulls of vehicles.
The parade colors of the Blackhawks consists of standard Star League olive drab and gray trimmed in black. In the field the Blackhawks paint their Mechs and vehicles in appropriate camoflage patterns. The field paint schemes are trimmed in olive drab in recognition of the Blackhawks origin in the Star League Defense Force.
