Isling’s Incinerators

MRBC Update 01-01-3145

Isling’s Incinerators' insignia

History

Initially formed as Tobruk's Torches, the unit first emerged from the seedy underside of the Galatean mercenary community at the turn of the century. Poorly equipped and composed of a dubious mix of cast-offs, unemployed warriors and the seemingly desperate, the Torches chose to play to the few strengths that they possessed.  Billing themselves as a counterinsurgency and 'scorched earth' unit, the Torches managed to land contracts in low-level periphery and minor conflicts that allowed them to survive and grow.

Within a decade, the Torches had managed to grow into a mixed battalion of infantry and armour, focusing on property destruction and intimidation. Field experience and combat attrition had weeded out the worst of the initial crew, leaving a corps of capable and skilled soldiers that also knew the limits of their unit. Despite several brushes with the review boards over potential contract breaches (usually not responding to enemy forces outside of those clearly defined by their contracts) and questionable actions (typically in response to insurgent targets) the Torches built a reputation for being willing and able to take jobs that other units shied away from.

The Blackout gave the Torches a real chance to shine, the brushfire conflicts that sprung up across the Republic providing them with ample work. Initial successes allowed the unit to grow further, adding a BattleMech lance and expanding their support elements, while also allowing much needed upgrades of obsolete equipment.

However, success nearly turned to disaster during an operation to clear out pro-Swordsworn forces on Algot in early 3134. Major Jin Tobruk was killed by an insurgent sniper, decapitating the unit and leaving it unable to cope with a sudden Swordsworn counterattack. Fortunately, Markus Isling, the recently hired BattleMech commander was able to step in, taking control of the unit and pull it out while minimising losses. After taking control of the unit with the approval of its other surviving officers (and some rumoured bribes and threats), he was able to recoup losses and rebuild.

After several years of fighting in the Republic Territories, the now re-branded Incinerators dropped out of sight for a few months, only to resurface in early 3137 on Galatea with suddenly expanded financial reserves. In the last couple of years, the Incinerators have seen a lot of work for Lyran interests, targeting assets left behind in the Falcon and Wolf advances to deny them to the Clans. Rumours also persist that they have been approached by the GDL in preparation for a "worst case" scenario.

Force Strength

After their dramatic growth in the 3130s, the Incinerators have remained stable as an oversized battalion. Fireball company acts as a command unit, and is rarely deployed as a whole. Rather, its separate BattleMech, Battle Armour and VTOL assets are usually used as needed in support of other elements. Firestorm Company is the main offensive punch of the unit, consisting of medium tanks, specifically those geared to anti-infantry use. Firestarter company often acts in direct support to root out enemy forces. Armed with portable plasma weapons and incendiary grenades, the so-called "Corona" platoons specialise in incendiary warfare. Finally, Firelight company act as reserves and are often deployed for clean-up and security duties.

While potent when used against enemy infantry and other soft targets, the Incinerators are no match for most BattleMech or armoured units. If faced with heavy opposition, they will typically split their forces, trying to draw off and tie up the enemy while the remainder of their troops reach the objective.  The Incinerators will often use fire as a weapon to turn things to their advantage, such as burning forests, grasslands, crops or settlements to provide cover or a distraction.

Support

At some stage, Isling converted his cash reserves into hard currency and supplies, leaving the Incinerators well equipped against future contingencies. Not only are they currently covering their maintenance needs, but they also have a good reserve of parts and assets to fall back on. As yet, investigations into the source of these reserves have come up empty-handed, with some hitting the literal wall of Fortress Republic.

Transport

The Incinerators sole dropship is the Firebird, a Condor-class transport. In reasonable condition, the ship is nonetheless considered a weak link in the unit, given its questionable armaments and lack of fighter capacity. While the ship does need to be upgraded or replaced, so far it does not seem to be a priority for the unit.

Colours and Insignia

The Incinerators use 'Mechs are painted with red-yellow patterns on the arms and legs, fading to charcoal on the torsos to suggest flames and smoke. On vehicles, the colours are similar, with the flames at front fading to the rear. The insignia of the Incinerators is a simple fire hazard warning.