Olefin's Twilight 2000 Universe thread

[The Rifleman]

Originally Posted by Olefin

In some cases they would have fabricated parts at machine shops from 40 and 50 year old drawings.

Back in the day, every tank and mech battalion had machine shops with some impressive tools in them. They would actually make parts for our M60A3s if they didn't have them. Obviously, some things were beyond us making, like optics, but you'd be surprised what they could do, even out in the field! As an aside, the M60s are pretty darm similar to an M48, which is only somewhat evolved from the M47. So I'd assume that a Chaffee would not be that much harder to work on.

[Olefin]

thats one reason the 28th is being tasked to get power restored to the York plant - between it and Harley they have a lot of machinging equipment and expertise - they can make parts if they have to, fabricate harnesses and the York plant can cut armor plate to size and weld it.

A very good resource to have for MilGov.

[The Rifleman]

Recovery should not be that hard. You've got to get good security in place with loyal people. If you can do that, then people will stick around because they live in a world where survival is not a given. PA also has farmland. If the farmers can concentrate on farming and not fighting, then there is excess for for workers. Those guys can get to work restoring power, fixing machines..... it all just comes down to being able to control the ground you're on.

[Olefin]

thats why my GM had the 28th go there - who better to defend ground in PA than units from the PA Army National Guard?

[The Rifleman]

Its smart. They have a vested interest in seeing recovery start at home.

[HorseSoldier]

Also increases risk of desertion, though, I'd think -- you're from Pennsylvania, you're sent to Pennsylvania, but the unit's AOR doesn't cover your home community (or you're just sick of military service and home is nearby) there is going to be a stronger motivation to take off than for a unit in Pennsylvania that originated in, say, Florida or Oregon.

[Olefin]

not if they are properly motivated - i.e. guys if you take off then the state is screwed and we wont be able to protect anyone but with us all hanging together we can start here in central PA and then expand until we have the whole state back in one piece - of course you have to do it as well - that will keep them together for a while but if its a year later and they are still sitting in York and Harrisburg then you will have some real issues begin

[The Rifleman]

Originally Posted by HorseSoldier

Also increases risk of desertion, though, I'd think -- you're from Pennsylvania, you're sent to Pennsylvania, but the unit's AOR doesn't cover your home community (or you're just sick of military service and home is nearby) there is going to be a stronger motivation to take off than for a unit in Pennsylvania that originated in, say, Florida or Oregon.

A valid concern. But I think that the way to do it is send your national guard battalions back to the same geographical area they came from. Now they aren't just defending their country, but their home.

Imgaine the white death is coming. I'd much rather have my guard buddies around then just be by myself.