Auxiliary Contingency 3: Fill & Download for Free

Macedonia’s hetairoi[1] (Greek word, i.e. Companion Cavalry) was already reputable by the late fifth century, but Philip II greatly improved military effectiveness by fine-tuning cavalry tactics, incorporating auxiliary contingents, and transforming the Macedonian infantry, by equipping them with the innovative sarissa spear, into a phalanx of pezhetairoi[2] (Greek word, i.e. Foot Companions) that would prove invincible for the next two centuries.That particular ‘model’ of spear was used only by the Macedonians. Philip II got the idea of transforming the Greek phalanx when he was at Thebes for three years as a hostage and studied military matters under great generals such as Epaminondas and Pelopidas.[3]Philip never considered adopting the Greek hoplite style of hand-to-hand fighting at close quarters. Instead, thanks to the tactical influence of Pammenes and Epaminondas of Thebes, he taught his infantry new skills and grouped them together in various battalions (led by battalion commanders) that together comprised the phalanx, over which he had ultimate control.He therefore adapted the shorter dory[4] to a longer version, the sarissa, which improved the strength of the phalanx by extending the rows of overlapping weapons projecting towards the enemy.Footnotes[1] Companion cavalry[2] Pezhetairos[3] https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj4l8fOrqrvAhWk4YUKHVZ9B2UQFjAFegQIARAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrbs.library.duke.edu%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F2541%2F5897&usg=AOvVaw0I8TR1paiR1iEszp-Y3xTq[4] Dory (spear)

It fulfils all the major non-combat/support roles for the Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces as a whole in the maritime field. It is the second largest Auxiliary fleet in the world behind the US at nearly 500,000t.These vessels fall into three main roles:Replenishment/SupplyThe vast support force of the RFA are constantly undergoing improvements, made up of 5 different classes now - some going back to the late 70s while others such as the Tide-class Tankers are both the largest and newest at 39,000t while being brought into service just over the past 2–3 years. All four are now in commission and more replenishment vessels are set to be built of comparable if not greater proportion.Another two fleet tankers able to support large forces are the Wave-class, slightly smaller at 32,000t. The older vessels are between 23,000 and 33,000t used for supplies but also offer heavy air power options with capacities for 3–5 helicopters each in the hangars and on their decks. Finally the last active tanker is another from civilian service, MV Rapier, about 37,000t fully loaded. It does not have the same sort of mid-operation or at-sea replenishment capabilities but fills valuable shipping duties for the nation.A flotilla with several of the largest supply ships in the fleet - two Tide-class (39,000t) and RFA Fort Victoria (33,000t) on deployment last year.AviationAlthough a more flexible and limited category, this pertains to one specific vessel: the 28,100t RFA Argus. It was formerly transport ship Contender Bezant that carried 16 aircraft to the Falklands including Harriers, Chinooks and Wasps. After it was brought into the RFA, it served during the Gulf War, carrying numerous Sea Kings and in various roles since - including as a light LHD prior to HMS Ocean’s service, as an aviation training vessel and as a hospital vessel.With a hangar for 5+ helicopters, a vast flight deck and two elevators it has many of the core elements of a dedicated helicopter carrier.Here the vessel can be seen hosting various helicopters from a Baltic deployment last year with ASW and transport capabilities (2 Wildcats and 3 Mk.4 Merlins). This number could be matched by an equal number below deck in the hangar. The ship has also been known to operate flights of Apache attack helicopters.Here in its older configuration the vessel carries a chinook on an otherwise empty flight deck with both elevators available to take aircraft below deck.Landing/Amphibious WarfareIn addition to the two Albion-class LPDs, three additional amphibious warfare vessels are operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: the Bay class. At 16,000t these vessels carry Mexofloat rafts and landing ships along with helicopters in a temporary hangar on deck with a large flight deck which can carry a battalion of commandos ashore. A fourth vessel is also used by the Royal Australian Navy.Another class used by the Fleet Auxiliary - a civilian class on lease by the MoD - is the point-class of Ro/Ro (Roll-On, Roll-Off) that act as ferries for large quantities of military equipment such as contingents of ground vehicles or aircraft (reportedly up to 8,000t of vehicle). These vessels displace 23,000t though require only small crews as they are not designed for opposed landings.A pair of the Bay-class landing ships, both with temporary hangars set up with their large flight decks on full display.Despite its commercial appearance, inside these vessels are packed with army and marine combat vehicles.All RFA vessels also have secondary capabilities. For example, with many of the vessels carrying decent arsenals of anti-missile and boat systems such as Phalanx CIWS, auto cannons, decoy launchers and small arms they can conduct various patrol duties. RFA Fort Victoria even has accommodation for over a dozen vertically launched Surface to Air missiles.

Yes,There is a famous example of this in history. When the US fleet elements were evacuating from the Philippines after the Japanese invasion it became clear the remaining Mostly US Army forces would not be relieved but were to continue a fight until the end and then regroup and form a guerrilla force as they could…Each of the Naval vessels took all their watch stations to 2 section duty ( called port and starboard) and left contingents of sailors behind with side arms, and all the rifles they had or could get from the Army forces. I once read an article stating that nearly 1000 sailors were selected to remain behind and several officers from each ship.The general selection criteria was non- quals sailors unable to stand watch because of being junior), then the junior of every position of normally 3 watch standers - for example for the watch station, Auxiliary electrician forward - let’s say there’s (2) second class electricians and (1) 3/c electrician. That 3/c got assigned to the detachment.As they were formed up each ship then selected sufficient chiefs, 1/c petty officers, and commissioned officers to remain behind and command those men. I always use to joke that those sailors probably learned fast and listen to everything the soldier said as if it were gold…It’s why there were so many Naval POWs in that battle - usually POW counts are very low due to the vessel sinking so normally the naval service has A Higher than normal KIA and lower than normal POW than the Army or Marines.When I was assigned to serve as Combat systems officer, I had my ship Crew shoot to the Marine Qualification standard instead of the Navy one because as I would say, I was the most senior expendable department head ( being the only one not required by Congress on a nuclear powered ship). The CO, XO, Engineer and theNavigator are all specifically identified as required for a nuclear powered vessel …. So I was it, if we ever had to do this again.Really I was trying to improve focus on traditional submarine missions instead of simply being a Bus for SEALs ( we were a specially configured SDV submarine). But no submariner joins the navy to drive SEALs around- They do it to track and kill enemy submarines. One sailor actually made a new logo for the ship with a school bus and a seal (the animal) with a dixie cup hat waddling off of it. I always hated that patch…So, yes, non traditional assignments can occur and those who were told by some recruiter they’d never possibly see combat might just find out their duty requires them to do it.There is zero difference between a Marine, an Airman, a sailor and a soldier in terms of their duty to defend this country and prosecute war on their enemy - regardless of if they are trained to do it or not.