Welcome Commander...

If you are reading the following communique, it stands to reason that you have been selected by the Shas'ar'tol as a primarily qualified candidate to participate within the classified "MARS" program. If by some chance you are not qualified(please perform self judgement) please proceed to delete this message and all inclusive documents and continue on...doing, stuff.

As you may be wondering, the "MARS" acronym refers to the proposed formation of a specialized "Mobile Armored Reaction and Support" class battle formation. Composed of several operating units deploying in tandem, the "MARS" program seeks to capitalize on the recent success of other specialized cadres such as the ***-**{classified} program developed to combat the Y'he. However, the focus of the "MARS" program is instead directed towards supporting standard cadres facing heavy gue'la forces outside the Damocles Gulf. In addition, on the advisement of the Shas'ar'tol, this operation will not operate as a classified unit(once tested and approved for replication) but rather as a standard group of cadres supporting planetary assaults. As you may have deduced by now, the "MARS" initiative will therefore be operating on a much larger scale, and thus less exotic, than previous special purpose cadres.

The following details are limited to a single such cadre, but be mindful that the "MARS" unit is composed of 10 identical cadres, each working in close proximity to each other.

*Restrictions: Due to the rapid nature of the "MARS" objective, certain elements have been eliminated from requisitionable components. These include Kroot of any variant, Sniper teams, Stealth teams, Skyrays and Broadsides, and ethereals will not attach to these cadres under any circumstance. While initial concern was raised over the exclusion of several of these elements, it was deemed that they simply could not operate with the speed and lethality of the remaining elements.

Element Compositions:
XV "Crisis" teams: These battlesuits form the backbone of each "MARS" cadre, providing, almost to exclusivity, the entirety of the cadres short and mid-range lethality. Each cadre will contain no less than four teams, which includes the command team/s. These teams should be equipped with either a plasma/missile, fusion/missile or plasma/fusion combination, and mixing weapons within teams is highly discouraged. Also note that while not restricted, Special Issue weaponry not slated for future production is also discouraged, due to the inability to replicate on a larger scale, and any information involving these items must be disregarded in your reports.

Vespid "Interdiction" squadrons: While previously limited to scattered use in low concentration among thousands of cadres and therefore performing with sub-average reports, recent evidence has pointed that Vespid serve better in larger numbers. In addition, due to the nature of the "MARS" objective of battling power armored gue'la, the Vespid fit a niche roll within the force that no other element can consistently perform. It is suggested that at least three such squads be included if pathfinders are not being deployed, and that each team both mirrors the others in composition as well as movement and targeting on the battlefield.

"Katana" class Hammerhead Gunships: Named so for their totality of upgrades, "Katana" gunships maintain Smart Missile Systems, Flecette Launchers, Disruption Pods, and any other number of equipments that directly increase its damage output and survivability, while forgoing upgrades which only serve small battlefield support roles. Where traditionally Hammerheads have served towards the rear of the line, the "Katana" class was intended to serve in the forward role, covering the mobile fire teams and applying heavy pressure to any large enemy threats while these fire teams move into the kill zone. While not intended, the loss of a gunship in the "MARS" initiative is considered acceptable if it allows a fire team to advance unhindered and eliminate its target. *Note that while main armament is not mandated to either choice, both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Further field testing will be required to determine if one surpasses the other, or if a choice combination of the two offer the greatest versatility.

Firewarriors/Pathfinders/Drones: These three elements have been allowed to remain in the cadre to serve as light, low number support troops, providing mid field recon, flank denial and rapid low risk interceptors as the remainder of the cadre advances forward. Firewarriors and Pathfinders are intended to be mounted initially with the "Warfish" variant transport, but once the battleground is reached will dismount. Pathfinders may alternatively deploy into forward observer positions. Once Firewarriors have deployed, it is intended that they secure a defensible position and establish and aid the communications of the cadre with other "MARS" cadres operating within the vicinity. Drones, however, are maintained within stealthed "Drone Bays" to allow for quick insertion around the field, either to intercept flanking units or to divert enemy fire bases. *Note that it is not recommended for mixtures of vespid, pathfinders and drones to be mixed within a "MARS" total force.

Tactical Application: As previously stated, the Mobile Armored Response and Support cadre is designed and specialized to deal with heavy, power armor equipped foes(example Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Expelled Traitor Forces, etc etc). In most cases the "MARS" units will hold back from a line engagement, waiting out and then seeking these heavier troops when located, only committing otherwise if it becomes apparent no such foe is present. While still able to strike heavily, its efficiency is decreased when dealing with larger numbers of poorly equipped forces.

Crisis teams, forming the mainstay of the cadre, should deploy close to the gunships, maintaining cover behind the larger tanks. Depending on the load out of your teams will dictate the deployment of the secondary strike teams.

1) If deploying Vespid, current battle data shows that these elements are excellent shock troops, and will cause most power armored commanders to hesitate in choosing other targets. Despite their light armor, their mobility and speed should allow them to appropriate cover when needed in preperation for a strike. It is therefore advised that the teams set up in relative proximity to the crisis teams, but attempt a swift flank towards the weakest side, which for the purposes of this cadre, will be the largest congregation of unmounted foot soldiers. Utilize Vespid to harry and stall lethal enemy infantry, but avoid becoming totally engaged or drawn into assault unless victory is certain and swift retreat possible.

2) If deploying mounted infantry and/or gun squadrons, utilize these to their greatest strengths, but do not over invest in their use and application. Firewarriors should remain towards the back upon objectives, or in a mid range covered area to provide light harassment fire. Pathfinders should maintain positions that allow them to support the Crisis teams while maintaining cover and avoiding direct contact with enemy forces. Any vehicles assigned to these elements should detach and support the forward armored fighting elements. Gun Drones, as stated before, should be used to mitigate enemy flanking, reserve troops, or when possible, back field harassment to allow forward elements to close and engage.

For an example deployment, specific to the use of crisis/vespid force with supporting warfish, and a spearhead deployment type: Position Hammerheads as close to the "no-go" zone(the 12" circle) with crisis teams behind. Vespid will either flank to the left or right, or if no clear infantry mass is apparent, team a unit of vespid with each crisis team. The hammerheads will move forward, followed by a single team of crisis/vespid, while the two secondary teams move in a double flank to each side. The fourth crisis team should move to the side that looks to need the most support.

Other tactics: The weakness of the "MARS" formation is its lack of dedicated, reliable armor killing capacity. This is mitigated by its ultra agressive closing power, but should still be factored into your field decisions. Crisis teams offer the most versatility here, and can play a major role in supporting your hammerheads. In preparing for such an event, it may be wise to diversify your teams. A highly successful variation has been to load three teams with the following tools:

Shas'Vre w/ Fusion Blaster, Missile pod, targeting array and HW target lock, HW DC, HW MT 1x Shield Drone
2x 'Ui w/ Plasma Rifle, Missile pod, Multi-Tracker, 2x Shield Drone

Paired with a team of vespid, this team, if needed, can tag team heavy transports and their cargo. The Crisis team moves to a weak side or within fusion range, destroys the vehicle and prepares to retreat. The vespid team fills in this gap and lays down its armor punching weapons in a salvo.

Supporting this formation would be the fourth team, the commander and guard, which should be outfitted with a Deathrain configuration and ensuring two suits carry HW target locks, allowing them to target multiple light transports or vehicles. This will allow greater long range medium-intensity firepower and alleviate the burden on other crisis teams to eliminate transports. Note that the larger the number of Vespid, the more reliable this tactic becomes.

Variations apply in all scenarios, and your data or observations are requested. As more efficient data is acquired, the "MARS" program will progress into it's final stages. Your cooperation and oversight will be the most helpful factor in this undertaking. Remember, the aim of any "MARS" formation is not to delay or deter the enemy, but to completely push them from the battlefield. Thank you for any further input you may provide, and if you choose to include yourself in this program, your battle reports should be presented for the investigation of the Caste Command.

-------------Shas'O J'Kaara Nan, "MARS" commander-----
------------------"Shas'Ar'Tol Task Force 83"------------
---End Transmission Document---------------------------



The idea for the "MARS" cadre came to me after reading Wolf's Arc-16's, in which he presents a beautiful army that plays by its own rules and comes out on top. It stands to reason that the next innovation of the Tau Empire would be many more similar cadres, designed to efficiently combat specific threats well rather than "anything that we encounter" with mediocrity. So while Wolf created an idea for a force that was designed to use its agility in combat, the "MARS" in my mind struck with a single minded severity and aggression. Tau are not great at holding objectives, but in a game where your opponent has no more models, that weakness is inherently eliminated. Where specialized cadres like Wolf's are great at finesse and agility, my vision is a brutal, fast force that eliminates the opponents battle plans and forces them to backpedal and react. It is most certainly not the most diverse of forces, but an unprepared or overconfident MEQ player should find a lot of difficulty here.

I'd most certainly appreciate any comments or ideas, and if any of you wish to try out the formation feel free to post the battle report here. I'd like to say that eventually I'll get pic's up and fluff and all that, but as in the past my busy schedule leaves me little time to do more than write, and often not that either. Anyways, I'm looking forward to what ya'll come up with!