Re: [FT] Replacement Boarding Rules v1.0b

Jared spake thusly upon matters weighty: 

> It was accurately pointed out on the FTML that it is contrary to
current naval
> practice for vessels to carry trained teams for boarding actions.

Um. I beg to differ. I know of several Canadian ships that have a 
staff of trained experts in boarding actions (they give extensive 
courses on this) that can be assembled at short notice by the Bosun. 
I have a friend who has recieved this training. The ships routinely 
field boarding parties from the crew when executing assistance to 
customs and excise, blockade enforcement (think Persian Gulf), and 
drug inspections. The training involves training the naval personel 
in boarding tactics, small unit tactics, legalities, risks, use of 
SMGs, assault carbines, assault shotguns, and pistols, and CQB, 
amongst other things. 

I sort of assume other navies follow suit... either that or Canada 
has what seems to be a pretty good plan. These are not 'defence 
teams' as they are constituted for many types of mission in an 
'excursive' role where they depart the vessel to board other vessels.

Now, equipment is an issue. Any ships locker will contain firearms 
(rifles, possibly a SAW or two, and maybe some shotguns). The SMGs 
and other specialized BP tools will only be brought aboard when the 
ship expects to undertake boarding actions - customs duty, blockade, 
interdiction or the like. 

These are NOT marines, but they are very serious, very dangerous,  
well trained boarding parties. And they are drawn, at need, from the 
ship staff. (Now, I'm not sure the doctrine for combat boardings as 
I'm sure the ship wouldn't want to spare key people if engaged 
actively... but I don't know). 
 
<Otherwise, your ideas about boarding parties are interesting and 
perhaps viable>.

Tom.  
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Thomas Barclay		     
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 "C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot.  C++ makes
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