Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

[JmOz]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

If you go with a higher ranking individual as the real leader of the bn I have always liked the name

 

Major Victory, nice double meaning, has the military rank. Both Marvel and DC do have a character named it, but both are fairly obscure IMO, so should not be a problem. And it has to my ear the sound of a name the US Military would give a super hero...

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

JmOz:

I like that name too! Maybe he can show up for inspections from time to time and give the Sgt more to worry about (as if he needs that ). It would be interesting if I could make the character a woman though...

Are there a lot of high-ranking women in the US Military?

 

-SC

[JmOz]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

JmOz:

I like that name too! Maybe he can show up for inspections from time to time and give the Sgt more to worry about (as if he needs that ). It would be interesting if I could make the character a woman though...

Are there a lot of high-ranking women in the US Military?

 

-SC

 

In my time in the US Air Force there was a definite difference of high ranking male to female, but they are far from unhead of. Purly non scientific, but I would guess that abour 20-25% of Majors would be female, but that is purly guess work from 10 years ago, and realising that I delt mostly with pilots...

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

JmOz:

Sorry to ask, but is it too much to think that the Justice Battalion could be a combination of army forces? There are a lot of government super-heroes, and they could be very powerful if they were put together into one group.

I would like Major Victory actually to fly

There are very few super-heroes in the city that fly (well) and she could be a nice surprise visitor from time to time.

How old would Majors be?

 

-SC

 

Edit: Also, is there a strong rivalry between the different army forces? It would be nice if the heroes were maybe recruited by various forces (I hope I am using the right word to describe the divisions), but would it be impossible to combine them together into one unit?

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Another question to all, and this may seem silly (Sorry!):

But do military officers (like a Major) have any problems with dating non-military or people who are being commanded by him/her? Do they have to do some kind of regulations?

 

-SC

[JmOz]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

JmOz:

Sorry to ask, but is it too much to think that the Justice Battalion could be a combination of army forces? There are a lot of government super-heroes, and they could be very powerful if they were put together into one group.

I would like Major Victory actually to fly

There are very few super-heroes in the city that fly (well) and she could be a nice surprise visitor from time to time.

How old would Majors be?

 

-SC

 

Edit: Also, is there a strong rivalry between the different army forces? It would be nice if the heroes were maybe recruited by various forces (I hope I am using the right word to describe the divisions), but would it be impossible to combine them together into one unit?

 

 

Your game, go for it. The terminology would not be perfect, but then a good Public Image guy could explain that away easily...

[Ian Mackinder]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Sorry to ask' date=' but is it too much to think that the Justice Battalion could be a combination of army forces? There are a lot of government super-heroes, and they could be very powerful if they were put together into one group.[/quote']

 

The Justice Battalion might function a lot like the military's Special Forces (or like a specialist branch of any other really large organization). Maybe just one or a few central facilities for them, but at any given time, a lot of different JB teams deployed all over the world doing different things - hunting major villains, assisting other US military units, on loan to the UN or to US law enforcement, etc.. The Justice Battalion might only ever have a lot of its people in one place if there is a MAJOR emergency (end-of-the-world stuff, basically).

 

I would like Major Victory actually to fly

There are very few super-heroes in the city that fly (well) and she could be a nice surprise visitor from time to time.

How old would Majors be?

 

In their thirties as an uneducated guess, at least. Of course, this is a superhero setting so, if Victory is something of a prodigy, she MIGHT be a bit younger. Not 'fresh out of high school' age though, for certain.

 

Edit: Also' date=' is there a strong rivalry between the different army forces? It would be nice if the heroes were maybe recruited by various forces (I hope I am using the right word to describe the divisions), but would it be impossible to combine them together into one unit?[/quote']

 

Most militaries have some degree of rivalry amongst their various branches. In the well-run forces, at least, this is usually no more than nicknames for each other and perhaps a mild degree of teasing.

Within the army, depending on one's own branch, there may be a tendency to see signalmen as delicate and always needing protection, tankers as useless without their machinery, and infantry as not too bright and always in need of a bath. None of these are of coursae, necessarily true. But, these specialities and others all NEED each other, so they will work together without a second thought. That is how it is meant to work.

 

The worst rivalries may be found at the higher levels - the guys who talk about politics, budgets, appropriations and grand strategy; and often disagree with each other about what this all means. In an extreme case, there might be one general who wants most of the Army converted into Special Forces units, another general who wants everybody to be in a tank, another guy who likes Special Forces but thinks they should be made part of some other branch, another general who thinks all tanks should be thrown away and just helicopters used from now on. and so on, and so on.

These guys may not seek to sabotage each other, but they will certainly try to put their own causes in the best possible light whilst highlighting all faults and failures of the others.

In the case of superheroes, there may be generals who want the Justice Battalion disbanded and all members re-assigned to different parts of the military, and others who don't, plus several variations. Politics.

[Tom]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Another question to all, and this may seem silly (Sorry!):

But do military officers (like a Major) have any problems with dating non-military or people who are being commanded by him/her? Do they have to do some kind of regulations?

 

-SC

 

Not sure what the current regs are, they tend to change, and I've been a full time civilian for quite a few years now, but there was a general prohibition between relationships involving officers and enlisted personnel or personnel in the same chain of command...

 

I served on a ship with a mixed crew (male and female), and relationships among the crew were generally discouraged but I don't recall if there were any specific regulations governing it.

[JmOz]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Yah direct chain of command tends to be a no no, but no prohibition between civilian and military otherwise

[greenbriar]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Fraternazation is frowned upon. because of the chance of showing favortism to the person you were dating. answer to your question, when I was in the Navy the commander of our base was a female 2 star Admiral.

[Yansuf]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Another question to all, and this may seem silly (Sorry!):

But do military officers (like a Major) have any problems with dating non-military or people who are being commanded by him/her? Do they have to do some kind of regulations?

 

-SC

 

Yes, there are regulations. The military have regulations for everything.

 

Dating non-military, no problem. (Except that some non-military piss off or offend military by their ignorance/misperceptions about the military.) Dating (or any other "fraternization" with anyone under your command is strictly forbidden. (Of course, that doesn't mean that it never happens.)

Dating someone of junior rank, who is not under your command, is OK in general.

It used to be that male officers who dated female enlisted personnel were not bothered, as long as there was no chain of command issue. But female officers dating male enlisted could get the officer in trouble for "conduct unbecoming an officer."

I think the services have dropped that sexism; but I'm a bit out of the loop today. Still, I continue to read Army Times, and I haven't seen any mention of this in over a decade.

 

But in general, discretion is expected of officers. The more senior the officer, the more discrete they should be. Generals (male) have been court marshaled and removed from command for having affairs with married women. If the woman had been unmarried, there would not have been a court martial. The removal from command might have happened, it would depend on how politically embarrassing the affair was.

 

The CO of a public special unit like the Justice Bn would be expected to be discrete.

[Yansuf]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

JmOz:

I like that name too! Maybe he can show up for inspections from time to time and give the Sgt more to worry about (as if he needs that ). It would be interesting if I could make the character a woman though...

Are there a lot of high-ranking women in the US Military?

 

-SC

 

The percentage of women in the US military is about 15%. In the army, it is 11.2% (Air Force has the highest percentage.)

While the percentage of female generals is still below the overall average, for majors it should be right around the same 11%.

 

A major would probably be in their early thirties. A brand new (just promoted) major could be 28 or 29, but they would have to have received early promotions to both captain and major. Majors could be in their late 30's, but they would not be on the "fast track", as the CO of the Justice Bn would probably be. So between 31 and 35 would probably be right here.

[Teflon Billy]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Yes, there are regulations. The military have regulations for everything.

 

Dating non-military, no problem. (Except that some non-military piss off or offend military by their ignorance/misperceptions about the military.) Dating (or any other "fraternization" with anyone under your command is strictly forbidden. (Of course, that doesn't mean that it never happens.)

Dating someone of junior rank, who is not under your command, is OK in general.

It used to be that male officers who dated female enlisted personnel were not bothered, as long as there was no chain of command issue. But female officers dating male enlisted could get the officer in trouble for "conduct unbecoming an officer."

They clarified the overall fraternization policy 8-9 years ago. Enlisted/Officer is absolutely not permitted. Regardless of gender.

I think the services have dropped that sexism; but I'm a bit out of the loop today. Still, I continue to read Army Times, and I haven't seen any mention of this in over a decade.

Where did you get that it was different? Males have been getting cashiered for violating this policy forever. There were several generals/admirals done in by zipper failure during the 90s that I remember clearly.

 

But in general, discretion is expected of officers. The more senior the officer, the more discrete they should be. Generals (male) have been court marshaled and removed from command for having affairs with married women. If the woman had been unmarried, there would not have been a court martial. The removal from command might have happened, it would depend on how politically embarrassing the affair was.

 

The CO of a public special unit like the Justice Bn would be expected to be discrete.

I think it should be kept in mind that this very well would be a Special Operations unit, and therefore would have an unconventional MTOE. Meaning more senior ranks, and task oriented chain of command.

 

TB

[Shoutybloke]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

If you go with a higher ranking individual as the real leader of the bn I have always liked the name

 

Major Victory, nice double meaning, has the military rank. Both Marvel and DC do have a character named it, but both are fairly obscure IMO, so should not be a problem. And it has to my ear the sound of a name the US Military would give a super hero...

 

I think it should be Colonel Victory, because of course, the promotions board didn't quite get it and promoted him for saving the president or something, and now politicakl reasons are stopping promotion to "General Victory"

[bubba smith]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

 

BoloofEarth:

Sgt Superior is the code name given to him by the people who made the super-science that gave him his powers (The government scientists sort of gave him a goofy name ). His last name is not Superior. He does like to use it a lot though:

"You think they named me Sgt SUPERIOR because you maggots could take me down? If you really want to get a hurting, then step right up!"

whenever i read a reference to sgt. SUPERIOR i pictured the gijoe cartoon version of pro wrestler SGT. SLAUGHTER[he was depicted as a joe drill instrutor as per his wresting persona ] now i can see why i made that conection

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Thank you all for your replies!

 

I am now at least a little more confident I can try and make a more realistic military like approach to the characters

 

I have worked out Major Victory as a plot point, and I think she will be very fun career type woman with super-powers that will make Sgt Superior worry. (Not sure if it ok for the Sgt to have a crush on the Major. She is pretty, and maternal )

 

Perhaps I should watch this GI Joe movie that people are talking about for ideas...

 

-SC

[bubba smith]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

thank you all for your replies!

 

I am now at least a little more confident i can try and make a more realistic military like approach to the characters

 

i have worked out major victory as a plot point, and i think she will be very fun career type woman with super-powers that will make sgt superior worry. (not sure if it ok for the sgt to have a crush on the major. She is pretty, and maternal )

 

perhaps i should watch this gi joe movie that people are talking about for ideas...

 

-sc

good idea a better one might be to cheak out gi joe a real american hero season1.1the first three miniseries that brough tabout the series and the first six regular episodes also the movie version of gi joe arise serpentor arise[which introduced their version of sgt.slaughter] and the animated gi joe the movie[you should be able to find the last two on ebay]

[Yansuf]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

I think it should be kept in mind that this very well would be a Special Operations unit' date=' and therefore would have an unconventional MTOE. Meaning more senior ranks, and task oriented chain of command. TB[/quote']

 

I agree.

[Yansuf]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

Sorry to ask' date=' but is it too much to think that the Justice Battalion could be a combination of army forces? [/quote']

 

While that is unusual, I would say yes.

Delta Team is officially part of the US Army special forces, but accepts volunteers from any of the US military services. That said, most members of Delta are army.

 

Still, if to be in the Justice Bn you must have super powers, I would expect DOD to make it "purple" (US military slang for joint, i.e. inter-service operations.

 

Also' date=' is there a strong rivalry between the different army forces? It would be nice if the heroes were maybe recruited by various forces (I hope I am using the right word to describe the divisions), but would it be impossible to combine them together into one unit?[/quote']

 

If you mean the different military services (army, navy, air force, etc.) there is some; but it generally is strongest in DC. (Rivalry for budget.)

Out in the field, while there is a lot of talk making fun of other services, they actually do get along. (I often refer to the Air Force as the "Air Farce", but got along with members of it fine.)

 

If you mean between army branches such as infantry, artillery, quartermaster, etc. not as much. There is pride in your individual branch, but there is no problem with working together. Indeed, within the army it is common.

 

However, remember this is your world! You can do pretty much whatever you want.

[SSgt Baloo]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

SSgt Baloo, Killer Shrike, incrdbil, Yansuf:

A THOUSAND THOUSAND APOLOGIES

I was trying to do what Vondy said, but now I realize it was just offensive.

Really, really sorry

 

-SC

 

I think I owe you an apology. You weren't offensive nor did you have that intent. I'm sorry that some folks got touchy about the subject. My own comments weren't at you at all, and I did mention that I have seen examples of Official Stupidity© in my years in the Air Force. Any veteran on this board who claims never to have seen so much as one self-impressed tin god in uniform either wasn't looking or needs glasses.

 

@ my military bretheren: Cut her some slack, guys! She's young enough that virtually all of her military exposure has likely been from movies and TV. The Military Person Mad with Power™ has a long history in movies and fiction. Anybody remember General Ripper or General Turgidson? How about those generals from Spies like Us who wanted to start WWIII?

 

@ Balabanto: I guess I wasn't clear that I approved of your plan for how Sergeant Superior might prank the PCs. Besides, with a name like Sgt Superior, I'd expect the guy to be at least somewhat smug and self-important. I just hope the PCs will show him up!

 

--SSgt Baloo

[CourtFool]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

I do not see Sergeant Superior 'going after' Harry so much as constantly mumbling, "His antics are going to get someone killed one day."

 

You have a clash of 'by the book' vs 'wing and a praryer'. They can both learn from one another.

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

bubba_smith:

Thank you for your suggestion! I went to youtube and watched a few shows. I don't think I quite understand it though. Nobody seems to die? It might just be me, but it does not make war seem... serious? I must admit, I am surprised that there is a ninja

I might go to see the movie if he is in it too.

 

SSgt Baloo:

Thank you for your post, but please do not read too much into it. I was worried that I had offended everyone badly (and I did offend, but maybe not as bad as I had thought...) Thank you for your support in any case, it does mean a lot, and I try my best to make myself well-understood

 

CourtFool:

I agree! Although I think the Sgt has said something more like:

"He's going to get everyone killed one of these days..."

Sometimes I think the two fight because they are very much like each other.

Both are really important in their own fields, and they hate to admit mistakes, and will go charging in despite their own common sense. Also, both are loyal to their beliefs and friends! Still, I suppose that people can dislike what they see in themselves often as well (How did I get philosophical on this? )

 

-SC

[greenbriar]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

You may get the rivalry as most officers go to class and learn theories, while

sgt.s learn leadership in the field. the field experience vs. classroom rivalry.

[SimComm]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

greenbriar:

So what you are saying is that young officers who do not have experience are often rivals of sgt who have experience?

 

-SC

[Yansuf]

Re: Military Eye for the Civilian Gal

 

bubba_smith:

Thank you for your suggestion! I went to youtube and watched a few shows. I don't think I quite understand it though. Nobody seems to die? It might just be me, but it does not make war seem... serious? I must admit, I am surprised that there is a ninja

I might go to see the movie if he is in it too.

 

While I have not seen the GI Joe stuff, I am willing to bet it is NOT an accurate depiction of anything; it isn't really designed to be.

 

Go see them if you wish; I hear they are fun. But if you model any NPCs on what you see there, realize they are nowhere near a realistic depiction of real military men and women.

 

There are very few movies or TV shows available with anything approaching a realistic depiction of war or military personnel.

Interestingly, the old (1960's) TV show "Combat" which depicted fighting in France in WWII is probably the most realistic available. (And it is no more realistic than most good "cop" shows are, but it is head and shoulders above most other TV/movie fare available.)

 

Better depictions are available in books. If you want fiction, I suggest Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" (Navy), "Rainbow Six" (Anti-terrorist special ops), "Red Storm Rising" (all services); Larry Bond's "Red Phoenix" or "Vortex"; Harold Coyle's "God's Children", "Team Yankee" or "Sword Point"; Stephen Coonts' "Flight of the Intruder"; or John Hackett's "Third World War". These are fiction, but the military characters are believable.