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Welcome to ABU-Defense Front recruitment! We're glad you have decided to join in the defense of democracy and equality under the guidance of our great leader, Richard the Mechanic.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812929308/" title="Richard the Mechanical - Engineer"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/381 ... 6277_o.jpg" width="384" height="291" alt="Richard the Mechanical - Engineer"></a>
Richard the Mechanical, Our Fearless Leader

One of the foundational concepts of the ABU is equality. Minifigs of all brick-races are welcome within our borders (though currently there remain only yellow Minifigs, due to the tyrannical terror practices of the former regime, and the assassination of our first elected leader, President McPeach).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812555861/" title="President McPeach"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/381 ... 42c3_o.jpg" width="170" height="125" alt="President McPeach"></a>
President McPeach, RIP

We are currently recruiting primarily into our Mechanized Infantry and Support units. Future openings will certainly be available, as units are rotated in from the front.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812115527/" title="Mechanized Infantry and Support, with Officers and Heroes"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/381 ... 1618_o.jpg" width="648" height="486" alt="Mechanized Infantry and Support, with Officers and Heroes"></a>
Mechanized Infantry on Display

In all likelihood you will first be placed into the general Basic Infantry.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116837/" title="General Basic Infantry"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/381 ... e6da_o.jpg" width="618" height="405" alt="General Basic Infantry"></a>
Basic Infantry are characterized by black uniforms, with a single colored sleeve denoting which type of unit. These green-sleeved infantry belong to the Mechanized Infantry unit.

Basic Infantry are divided into five-man squads, lead by a sergeant (who is usually a veteran himself). In battle, squads are often assigned Officers to provide extra support and leadership. Your squad will become closer to you than your family. Your Officer will become the parent you never knew you had.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930106/" title="Five Man Formation with Officer"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/381 ... e830_o.jpg" width="543" height="250" alt="Five Man Formation with Officer"></a>
The five-man squad allows for better tactical deployment. The Officer, in the dark-gray uniform on the left, is a specialist in leadership.

While Basic Infantry is the standard position for entry-level soldiers, if you are one of those recruits, with a burning passion for up-close encounters, you may be allowed entrance to the Flamer Corps.
<a href="Flame Soldiers" title="resized 04 - Basics - Flame Soldiers by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/381 ... c448_o.jpg" width="527" height="296" alt="Flame Soldiers"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116621/" title="resized 04 - Basics - Flame Soldier firing by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/381 ... 6e42_o.jpg" width="296" height="270" alt="resized 04 - Basics - Flame Soldier firing"></a>
Flame Soldiers have usually failed the mandatory psych evaluations, particularly the "self preservation" and "not a pyromaniac" sections. As "experimental" units (the flamethrower design is still categorized as "undergoing fieldtesting" by Richard the Mechanical), Flame Soldiers lack the unit-designating colored sleeve.

If you are one of the few and the proud who have a special (some may say, elite) level of skill and/or training, several other options may present themselves.

The first group of Elite soldiers is the Officer Corps.
<a href="Elites, Officers" title="resized 03 - Elites - Officers front by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/381 ... e1fe_o.jpg" width="458" height="306" alt="Elites, Officers"></a>
Elite Infantry, including Officers, wear dark gray uniforms. Officers wear officers' caps to denote their rank and leadership specialty.

Officers come in two varieties, based upon experience. Should you be placed directly into the Officer Corps, you will find yourself alongside other equally-talented individuals as a Junior Officer.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812929638/" title="Junior Officers"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/381 ... 2dc3_o.jpg" width="427" height="252" alt="Junior Officers"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116449/" title="resized 03 - Elites - Officers seniors by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/381 ... a3e8_o.jpg" width="336" height="222" alt="resized 03 - Elites - Officers seniors"></a>
Junior Officers are equally skilled as their more experienced brothers, but are usually less sure of their equipment loadouts. Experience, it seems, breeds caution: most Senior Officers wear a type of two-piece medium armor.

Despite their differences, both types of Officers have marksman training, and prefer sniper rifles over lighter weapons. The mysterious "Assassin" is the heroic expert who provides this training.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116315/" title="resized 02 - The Assassin by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/381 ... fdc1_o.jpg" width="269" height="228" alt="resized 02 - The Assassin"></a>
The Assassin is the only true "sniper" in the ABU-DF. While he has trained many excellent marksmen, most of them do not have the proper specialty in stealth to be true "snipers."

The second group of Elite soldiers is the Superheavy Infantry corps.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116571/" title="resized 03 - Elites - Superheavies with visors down by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/381 ... 8aa5_o.jpg" width="559" height="335" alt="resized 03 - Elites - Superheavies with visors down"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116593/" title="resized 03 - Elites - Superheavy firing by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/381 ... 0173_o.jpg" width="305" height="263" alt="resized 03 - Elites - Superheavy firing"></a>
Superheavy Infantry wear the standard dark gray Elite uniforms, but they are concealed under heavy body armor and full helmets. They are equipped with man-portable miniguns, and are extremely deadly against enemy infantry formations.

Superheavies are the "storm troopers" of the ABU-DF. Their heavy armor and massive weapons will weigh you down significantly, but if you have the skill and dedication (and a bit of bloodlust wouldn't hurt), you can make a great name for yourself as a member of one of these units.


So now you understand the different infantry positions available to you as a ABU-DF recruit, but what about the hardware? If you're one of those with a natural tendency toward the mechanical, prepare to rejoice. Even the most lowly of Basic Infantry receives some type of vehicular training in the ABU-DF. While not enough training to be a "specialty," it is enough to man one of our mechanized vehicles.

Within the Mechanized Infantry unit, there are two primary vehicles used: the Airborne Transport and Support Chopper (or "ABU-T/SC"), and the Medium Front-Line Transport (or simply "ABU-APC"). In addition, some units also utilize Long-Ranged Artillery Emplacements (or "ABU-LRA").

The T/S Chopper is the primary airborne unit of the Mechanized Infantry. As the name suggests, its role is primarily as a troop transport. It allows rapid squad deployment behind enemy lines, or in difficult to reach locales.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930946/" title="Chopper Top"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/381 ... f4fb_o.jpg" width="437" height="520" alt="Chopper Top"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930826/" title="Chopper Front"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/381 ... 5e32_o.jpg" width="550" height="297" alt="Chopper Front"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117619/" title="Chopper Side"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/381 ... 5838_o.jpg" width="648" height="319" alt="Chopper Side"></a>
Unlike most military units, the Mechanized Infantry focuses on troop deployment over vehicular armament. The Chopper is no exception, and carries no real weapons in its default configuration.

The Chopper allows for rapid deployment of infantry upon landing. In addition, it is equipped with an experimental drone package, allowing it to provide additional support to units dropped in dangerous positions.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117899/" title="Drones Undeployed"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/381 ... cd52_o.jpg" width="324" height="243" alt="Drones Undeployed"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812118005/" title="Drones Dropped"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/381 ... 6cf0_o.jpg" width="324" height="243" alt="Drones Dropped"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812931078/" title="Drones Deployed"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/381 ... 2a9c_o.jpg" width="300" height="240" alt="Drones Deployed"></a>
Assault drones are experimental as well. The drones dropped by the Chopper are automated, but can be accessed and controlled by remote. The drone with an antenna serves as the "commander" for the group. If it is eliminated (or its antenna damaged), the drones revert to automated command.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812931396/" title="Troop Compartment Open"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/381 ... 3583_o.jpg" width="486" height="364" alt="Troop Compartment Open"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117917/" title="Full Deployment"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/381 ... 2781_o.jpg" width="446" height="329" alt="Full Deployment"></a>
Squads hit the ground running, ready to do battle.

An experimental alternative mounts a double minigun into one side of the Chopper, providing a degree of offensive power.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117755/" title="Alt Chopper Gun"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/381 ... 6778_o.jpg" width="324" height="243" alt="Alt Chopper Gun"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930992/" title="Side Gun"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/381 ... e6ba_o.jpg" width="324" height="243" alt="Side Gun"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117683/" title="Side Gunner"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/381 ... dab8_o.jpg" width="323" height="222" alt="Side Gunner"></a>
The gattling turret is still limited to "field testing." The primary concerns remaining are the slower squad deployment speed, and the weight shifting involved in attaching the gun.

The APC provides medium-armor and medium-speed deployment of infantry squads. It has a heavy wheeled (rather than tracked) design, allowing it to traverse most terrain at decent speeds. It comfortably seats a full five-man squad (including a driver) - but don't expect to experience this "comfort" for long. The APC is a front-line transport, and is almost exclusively used to ferry troops to the front lines of battle (or to ferry troops to create the front lines of a battle).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930626/" title="resized 05 - APC - Standard side front by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/381 ... 8a15_o.jpg" width="443" height="353" alt="resized 05 - APC - Standard side front"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930570/" title="resized 05 - APC - Standard side by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/381 ... 87c9_o.jpg" width="469" height="361" alt="resized 05 - APC - Standard side"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930646/" title="resized 05 - APC - Standard side rear by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/381 ... 286b_o.jpg" width="468" height="345" alt="resized 05 - APC - Standard side rear"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117139/" title="resized 05 - APC - Standard front by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/381 ... 56cf_o.jpg" width="510" height="415" alt="resized 05 - APC - Standard front"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930492/" title="resized 05 - APC - Standard rear by Greatfrito, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/381 ... 49cf_o.jpg" width="444" height="371" alt="resized 05 - APC - Standard rear"></a>
The APC is small, compact, and heavily armored. It deserves all of the praise it earns as the general work horse of the mechanized infantry.

Each APC can carry four soldiers in its internal compartment. In addition, four handholds on the corners of the vehicle allow four additional troops to ride into battle where necessary.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117237/" title="Internal Troop Compartment"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/381 ... 0f14_o.jpg" width="281" height="225" alt="Internal Troop Compartment"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930700/" title="External Riders"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/381 ... 00cc_o.jpg" width="271" height="197" alt="External Riders"></a>
Riders on the external handles are in a very precarious position. Suffice to say, do well on your evaluation tests or you may find yourself in this precarious position.

When enemy armaments are heavier, and the situation is more dire, an optional package allows for the installation of a full additional set of armor plates on the standard APC. These armored plates utilize the additional hardpoints on the frame, as well as the external handles, effectively limiting what they can be used with.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116969/" title="Armored APC"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/381 ... 9159_o.jpg" width="253" height="207" alt="Armored APC"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116913/" title="APC Comparison - Unarmored vs Armored"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/381 ... d8ed_o.jpg" width="324" height="243" alt="APC Comparison - Unarmored vs Armored"></a>
The full armor plating is generally frowned upon by upper command. The theory is: if you have a situation where you need the plating, you really should just be bombing the hell out of it instead.

The gun mount on the back of the APC is modular. Two of the more common equipment packages are the com/sat array and quad minigun turret.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116989/" title="Bare Gun Mount"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/381 ... 4e31_o.jpg" width="351" height="262" alt="Bare Gun Mount"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117059/" title="Sat/Com Array"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/381 ... b70d_o.jpg" width="347" height="335" alt="Sat/Com Array"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117023/" title="Quad Minigun"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/381 ... 1a76_o.jpg" width="345" height="260" alt="Quad Minigun"></a>
While the satellite has not yet been weaponized (it is under development), the coms unit allows superior coordination of field troops. The quad minigun is an effective anti-infantry weapon, but allows for some anti-air support as well.

In addition, while not a vehicle, artillery guns serve an important support role for the ABU-DF. These double-barreled cannons are capable of lobbing explosive munitions deep into enemy formations, and far past allied infantry.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117467/" title="The Two Guns"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/381 ... f314_o.jpg" width="277" height="190" alt="The Two Guns"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812930738/" title="Empty Gun"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/381 ... 99b0_o.jpg" width="314" height="380" alt="Empty Gun"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812117427/" title="Manned Gun"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/381 ... 6d38_o.jpg" width="251" height="198" alt="Manned Gun"></a>
The double barrel design allows for the gun's operator to fire either two charges at once (for heavy damage), or one charge at a time(allowing for more time between necessary reloads).

And finally, a peek into the future of the Mechanized Infantry! Richard the Mechanical is hard at work on a new (pilfered) design. The goal is to fully "mechanize" an entire squad of infantry, turning them into individual units of armor.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116171/" title="Richard the Mechanical with the Prototype Hardsuit"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/381 ... 62c4_o.jpg" width="268" height="213" alt="Richard the Mechanical with the Prototype Hardsuit"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812929442/" title="Hardsuit Empty"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/381 ... 14e7_o.jpg" width="243" height="324" alt="Hardsuit Empty"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116285/" title="Richard in Hardsuit"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/381 ... 929e_o.jpg" width="165" height="180" alt="Richard in Hardsuit"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812116245/" title="Hardsuit Armed"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/381 ... 8a79_o.jpg" width="253" height="161" alt="Hardsuit Armed"></a>
The Hardsuit is a prototype. Richard doesn't really use it - but then again, he doesn't really engage in actual "combat" if it can be avoided. In addition, the hardsuit design is shamelessly pilfered from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-chuckc-/s ... ">Chewk</a>. All design credit goes to him.

In closing, we're glad to see your interest in our military, and we look forward to working with you (even if it's only to use you as a meat-shield).

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3812931458/" title="ABU-DF In Action (All Troops in Transports)"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/381 ... fe7f_o.jpg" width="589" height="457" alt="ABU-DF In Action (All Troops in Transports)"></a>
The ABU-DF In Action. Don't let the numbers on the board fool you: each APC holds a full five-man squad, as does the Chopper.


===========================================
UPDATE

We've recently begun a secondary wave of recruitment and design, partially to fill perceived gaps, and partially because, well, more stuff is great.

First, we would like to introduce a new mercenary that has been hired to lend his skills in the training of recruits.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786876/" title="Commando Mercenary"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/397 ... 4163_o.jpg" width="183" height="204" alt="Commando Mercenary"></a>
This lightly armored, dual-gun-wielding commando is an expert at infiltration. Currently he's working as a mysterious mercenary, and his name remains unknown.

We hope to leverage his particular skills into the creation of a full Commando unit. However, training is slow - as is the acquisition of the required light armor uniforms.


Next, we would like to introduce our fledgling Psi-Corps. The Psi-Corps is an experimental new unit. Its members (who tend to be fairly unstable themselves) have the ability to influence the minds of our enemies - a useful talent, certainly, though we have only just begun to field-test their capabilities.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786786/" title="Psi-Ops"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/397 ... 8e7f_o.jpg" width="149" height="226" alt="Psi-Ops"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973020311/" title="Psi-Ops Controlling Your Brain"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/397 ... 4029_o.jpg" width="163" height="257" alt="Psi-Ops Controlling Your Brain"></a>
The Psi-Ops units are promising. However, they all remain far too free-willed and self-confident. Our officers don't believe they'll listen to orders properly, and our soldiers are wary of working with them.


We're also in the process of adding two additional units to our Basic Infantry. The first is the Engineering Corps - these brave men and women will be in charge of vehicle design and maintenance, working directly with our brave leader, Richard the Mechanical.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973020269/" title="Mechanic Corps."><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/397 ... 0843_o.jpg" width="193" height="250" alt="Mechanic Corps."></a>
Some soldiers prove to have more aptitude with design and repair than with guns. These lucky individuals may end up working directly alongside our brave leader in designing our newest weapons of war.

The second additional Basic Infantry type is the Mortar Team. These small two-man teams carry a mortar tube capable of firing small explosives in large arcs. After some field testing, the larger, emplaced, artillery units have proven somewhat less effective than intended. To replace them in the field, smaller man-portable mortars have been developed. Though these are less destructive, they can be easily placed where they can do the most damage.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786826/" title="Mortar Team"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/397 ... 491c_o.jpg" width="195" height="200" alt="Mortar Team"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786850/" title="Mortar Team Deployed"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/397 ... 0ea8_o.jpg" width="148" height="208" alt="Mortar Team Deployed"></a>
The Mortar Team will consist of two paired soldiers. While the mortars can be operated by a single troop, having an additional troop allows for faster reload and firing.

Finally, what was once merely a "future design" has become a reality for the Mechanized Infantry.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786612/" title="Hardsuits"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/397 ... 81af_o.jpg" width="453" height="317" alt="Hardsuits"></a>
The Hardsuits are no longer a prototype design. A single soldier can man each suit from the inside. Again, the hardsuit design is shamelessly pilfered from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-chuckc-/s ... ">Chewk</a>. All design credit goes to him.

Two hardsuits are complete, and are undergoing field testing. Further suits are currently in production, with the goal being a full 5-man squad equiped with these armaments. The hardsuits are heavily armored, like most vehicles. They boast enhanced sensory packages, improved speed and strength, and hand-like manipulators, allowing them to carry a variety of weapons. The current standard armament is the heavy autocannon.

In addition, the current hardsuits are being tested with the newly designed shoulder-mounted plasma cutters.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786630/" title="Hardsuit with Plasma Cutter"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/397 ... 024d_o.jpg" width="317" height="268" alt="Hardsuit with Plasma Cutter"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786646/" title="Hardsuit with Active Plasma Cutter"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/397 ... 7cbc_o.jpg" width="350" height="300" alt="Hardsuit with Active Plasma Cutter"></a>
After initial contact with many nations was hostility, concerns rose about the ABU-DF's ability to deal with much larger vehicular assets. The plasma cutters were designed to allow the hardsuits to breach even the heaviest of vehicle armors, given time.

Several optional weapon and equipment systems are under development.

Out of the same concern that birthed the plasma cutters, the Limpet Pulse Multi-Explosive (LPME) had been developed.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786922/" title="Limpet pulse multi-explosive"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/397 ... df36_o.jpg" width="86" height="133" alt="Limpet pulse multi-explosive"></a>
These massive explosives are intended to be carried by hardsuits, and placed on supremely hardened targets.

And finally, while there still is no intent to develop a space corps., testing has begun on an extended-life support and rocket propulsion system attachment for the hardsuits.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973020173/" title="Hardsuit Jump Pack"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/397 ... 5313_o.jpg" width="320" height="399" alt="Hardsuit Jump Pack"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973786686/" title="Hardsuit Jump Pack"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/397 ... 186f_o.jpg" width="331" height="292" alt="Hardsuit Jump Pack"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24256174@N02/3973020205/" title="Hardsuit Jump Pack Firing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/397 ... d430_o.jpg" width="345" height="319" alt="Hardsuit Jump Pack Firing"></a>
These packs remain experimental. Though they provide adequate lift, and constant life support, their drain on the suits power and their weight. They may be viable in 0-G environments, but within a gravity environment they remain unwieldy.

Of course, design, development, and recruitment is always ongoing. Supplies currently on order will hopefully allow the finalization of some Heavy Armor vehicle designs.

Kickass. Love the engineer.

Great army. The artillery is pretty cool, and I really like the Flamethrowers. You did a great job on the rest of the infantry too.

Simply fabulous. Great look to the army all round, it must have cost a bundle.

love the flamers. great job.

I'd sign up voluntarily for this army even as a meatshield. More infantry! Put me on the armoured APC (I don't like it when things I stand on suddenly explode) with some kind of longe range weapon and I'm your man

Just continuing in your style, but my question and suggestion is in there. I can't say you wrote too much, 'cos it's awesome when people do that and I believe it's even necessary, otherwise you're just watching pictures and you could view the thread in less than a minute... so good job on the army and the way you presented them

awesome army. Were you going after a warhammer 40k techpriest look for your hero? Because the arms do resemble one

Sexy, sexy, sexy. Ridiculously sexy.

Perdy. O_O

Zahru II wrote:Kickass. Love the engineer.

Thank you. I love me too.

ltobvious wrote:Great army. The artillery is pretty cool, and I really like the Flamethrowers. You did a great job on the rest of the infantry too.

I'm still fairly "meh" about the artillery. I wanted something that looked decent, and maintained the color scheme (so, a success on both points). However, the guns just feel... small, and the barrels themselves can get a bit... droopy.

Small, droopy artillery barrels don't exactly inspire a lot of confidence on the battlefield, you know. (Taken as a double-entendre, this whole paragraph is... creepy.)

Leprechaun wrote:love the flamers. great job.

Thank you. The flamerthrowers themselves were designed using the same process I use for most creations: randomly stick pieces on in an extended game of trial-and-error, until it looks how it looks in my brain. Many recruits died in the "initial testing" phases, but their charred corpses serve an important warning to the others (which is: "Warning: you are more likely to die from weapons testing injuries than from enemy fire. Unless the enemy is testing weapons. Then you're just all screwed.").

The fact that it took decades (no, seriously, decades!) for me to realize that the little black hose end would fit in the bottom of one of the air/fuel/rocket-pack pieces is... infuriating.

Warhead wrote:Simply fabulous. Great look to the army all round, it must have cost a bundle.

It did cost a bit, but it was manageable (especially given that it was all "wishlisted" for quite some time now). About $50 "real money" to several mercenaries arms merchants (through the international supply channels - you know, BrickLink) was enough to acquire more or less everything (though the vehicles were designed from our existing supplies, while we awaited shipments to arrive). The most expensive single piece was the uniform for the Assassin, because he insisted upon a single piece. (Namely the Black dino-hunters torso, with several "gun rounds" visible - for some reason, the Assassin wanted everyone to know just how big his bullets are. Again, the double entendre? It hurts my brain.)

Bragallot wrote:I'd sign up voluntarily for this army even as a meatshield. More infantry! Put me on the armoured APC (I don't like it when things I stand on suddenly explode) with some kind of longe range weapon and I'm your man

Haha! A recruit! And with enthusiasm! That's the best kind!

This makes me think that I should ask recruitment for their initiation testing forms (ooor actually write some up), and add them to the thread at some point. (It may be worth a laugh.)

As for your combat preferences, I completely concur. I, too, hate it when things I'm on suddenly explode.

And yes, I too love infantry (editor note: Using minifigs as wargaming stand-ins is really what drew me in in the first place), which is why the Mechanized Infantry was the first unit to be showcased (and to open recruitment). We will explore other units in the future (as they, er... get recruited/purchased/built), such as the Armor unit, and perhaps the Aircraft, Naval, or Psi-Ops units (we're not even sure if we'll have that last one - I believe it depends on the types of troops we can actually recruit).

Bragallot wrote:Just continuing in your style, but my question and suggestion is in there. I can't say you wrote too much, 'cos it's awesome when people do that and I believe it's even necessary, otherwise you're just watching pictures and you could view the thread in less than a minute... so good job on the army and the way you presented them

Thank you, kind sir. (To be honest, Bragallot, your army write-ups for you medieval factions/squads/armies/whatevers were the primary inspiration for a full "write-up" to go along with "Here's my crap, look at it!" I love reading your blurbs and discussions - I think they give a lot more "oomph" to the presentation than just pictures and description.)

dcl32 wrote:awesome army. Were you going after a warhammer 40k techpriest look for your hero? Because the arms do resemble one

You know, I'm not actually familiar with most 40k elements, other than in passing (literally, passing them in the game store most of the time - my knowledge is cursory at best, and probably maxes out at the names of a few factions, and some general descriptions of how they look and how I think the game is played). But it's probably likely an influence that I just didn't think of.

The real reason for the arms goes something like this:

1. I was sitting around, tooling with some designs of mine.
2. I thought "Man, wouldn't this be easier if I had, like, more arms for more tools?"
3. I looked over at my pet octopus, Carl. A light clicked on in my head.
4. I found Dr. Octopus, grabbed my buzzsaw, and hacked his arms off. (We were keeping him prisoner after I saw his movie - I thought that, both visually and character-wise, he was the best thing in weird penis 2. Also, his arms are one of the coolest brick-pieces I've seen in a while - I wish they were easier to get ahold of now.)
5. I put the arms on myself, and instantly was 5x more of a badass.

(Editors Note: I wanted to use the arms on the main "hero" of whatever faction I built. A few ideas trickled down, but when I got to "Engineer with multiple arms" it just clicked. I've always been a fan of the "mad-scientist/inventor" trope anyways, so taking that and running with it for the "leader" of my faction works well. Also, it gave me an in-character/in-universe justification for stealing other peoples' designs and modifying them toward my own goals.)

birdman wrote:Sexy, sexy, sexy. Ridiculously sexy.

Sir, are you... hitting on my army? Because while most of my men don't swing that way (except for Squad 2, and that one Junior Officer), we of the ABU are tolerant of everyone.

But it's still creepy for one man to hit on an army.

Nitewatchman wrote:Perdy. O_O

Thank you.

I only just noticed your guys have the ability to stand on water. That should come in handy at some point.

Thank you, kind sir. (To be honest, Bragallot, your army write-ups for you medieval factions/squads/armies/whatevers were the primary inspiration for a full "write-up" to go along with "Here's my crap, look at it!" I love reading your blurbs and discussions - I think they give a lot more "oomph" to the presentation than just pictures and description.)

You read through it and didn’t comment? *cries and runs off*

O rly? I’m so flattered right now. It’s exactly what it’s about, but it’s of course up to others to decide whether or not it worked. My armies are going to participate in a bit of a story as well so I found it necessary (also for myself, to work things out and have somewhere else than my head to store my ideas and test them).

such as the Armor unit, and perhaps the Aircraft, Naval, or Psi-Ops units (we're not even sure if we'll have that last one - I believe it depends on the types of troops we can actually recruit).

Yeah, enlarging this army would be nice though it’s already large enough for a very nice battle indeed. The second would also require you to build planes and ships first but are more than possible and the last… I guess you could make those too, not to mention a medic. You’ll have to buy some weird faces for them though, no kidding.

And it would indeed be funny. When I get my camera back and when I finish cleaning up my room (having poured out my Lego again the past few weeks certainly hasn’t helped) I might actually do something. Lil’ sneak preview

..HOLY SH*T I looked at this army and jizzed my pants.

Excuse me, I need to go change....

And when I come back, I'll probably need to change again.

Just seriously

Holy Uncle snuggling Sh*t.

Bragallot wrote:I only just noticed your guys have the ability to stand on water. That should come in handy at some point.

Our parade grounds are painted blue (and covered with about 1" of water at all times) for a reason you know. The hope is that we make the troops believe they can walk in water. Eliminate that natural fear of drowning.

Yes... that's the reason. It wasn't that our options were "blue" or "light brown" or anything like that.

You read through it and didn’t comment? *cries and runs off*

Not as of yet, no. Building the army was the first priority, and I restrained myself from any posting until that first order of business could be completed.

Oh, and revolution. We had ourselves one of those to work out as well.

O rly? I’m so flattered right now. It’s exactly what it’s about, but it’s of course up to others to decide whether or not it worked. My armies are going to participate in a bit of a story as well so I found it necessary (also for myself, to work things out and have somewhere else than my head to store my ideas and test them).

I look forward to it.

Yeah, enlarging this army would be nice though it’s already large enough for a very nice battle indeed.

Oh, yes, it is. But we'd like to keep our options open. Our research and design teams, under my command, are maintaining interest in expanding the ABU-DF into most fields (except space - screw space; there's just no way we could compete on the scale of the other space-faring nations I've seen).

The second would also require you to build planes and ships first but are more than possible and the last… I guess you could make those too, not to mention a medic. You’ll have to buy some weird faces for them though, no kidding.

Aircraft may get built in the future, though right now there's very little interest. Armor is almost a sure-thing (when we get more resources - maybe next month?). And naval ships might be in our future as well - it's the most likely direction to take if we decide we want to build massive vehicles (since, as stated above, we've no interest in space).

We plan on recruiting a medic at some point (we know how he'll work, we just couldn't find the proper outfit - the clothes make the man, and all that jazz). As for Psi-Ops, we're keeping the door open to it. I don't actually know what we'd do with it, nor what they'd do themselves, but if we can find enough screwy-looking recruits, we might run with it.

And it would indeed be funny. When I get my camera back and when I finish cleaning up my room (having poured out my Lego again the past few weeks certainly hasn’t helped) I might actually do something. Lil’ sneak preview

I look forward to seeing what you put together.

Gunney wrote:..HOLY SH*T I looked at this army and jizzed my pants.

Excuse me, I need to go change....

And when I come back, I'll probably need to change again.

Just seriously

Holy Uncle snuggling Sh*t.

Uh... thank you?

This is why I tell the soldiers: "If you want to get the girls/guys, clean appearance is key. Hence the uniforms."

Did you make those infantry uniforms yourself, or are they just from some crazy set I haven't heard of?

Blitzen wrote:Did you make those infantry uniforms yourself, or are they just from some crazy set I haven't heard of?

I found them by searching through the BrickLink catalogs for something that "worked" for us. The uniforms were purchased as "torso assemblies," and the legs were purchased separately.

Apparently it's from <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?M=alp032">This Guy</a> from <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=4744-1">This Set</a>. Really though, they were just cheap black suits.