Yes, I have begun to reconsider Modern Tech. I tried to do it once before but failed miserably. You may ask why.
Well my problem is that I don't know where to start. There's so many kinds of tanks, equipment, aircraft, ships, everything, that it seems impossible to be able to make a nation for Modern Tech, as there is just too much to start from. I was overwhelmed the last time and ended up getting frustrated the last time.
So, I ask the MT community its advice and hell, even any mentoring on how to get my MT nation set up. I await your reply.
Amazonian Beasts
25-04-2007, 01:43
The first thing you should do is work out the geographical, societal and governmental details of it-it seriously helps the layout of military, balanced with other factors.
Are you an island nation? Landlocked? What kind of natural disasters, obstructions, wildlife, resources?
Do you want to be a fascist regime? A commie state? A republic? A constitutional monarchy? Etc.
As for people: Are you a land of the free? Are they repressed, under either political extreme? A mix? What kind of people are they (race, language, etc.)? How's your economy function? What's your primary markets and imports/exports? That kinda jazz.
Once you work out the politics and people, you've essentially established the minimum I think to begin laying out your military. Some may say you can go straight from military-but for a new guy, I don't think so.
First of all, try laying a military base with actual real-world equipment. Trying to simply lay a base with made-up NS stuff could go down pretty badly if you're new to it. Laying down a solid foundation (usually from what I've seen, NS nations use Russian, US, or Euro Union material) is a start.
From there, you can get into the fine-tuning. Design ships or aircraft or army/marine armored units, artillery, or infantry (or whatever else) in Mac's draftroom or present it here to the public for judgement. Or, buy from the numerous storefronts that are around to meet your bad-ass needs.
Let's go a bit deeper into the three subdivisions of the MT military.
Army is usually the first thing people do, from what I've seen and done. It can basically be divided into four main parts: Infantry, Armor, Artillery (both anti-ground and anti-air), and Support (with support containing medical, command, supply, and even the air branch, such as the gunships and helos). You'll want to have a solid infantry, the standard of all armies-you really can't get far without 'em. Armor has seen a drastic rise in NS, and now there are powerful tanks all over (Kraven had some mighty fine ones). As far as armor goes, you'll want one bad-ass busting MBT for your frontline duties, as well as some smaller, anti-infantry and light cavalry tanks. Artillery: It's a variety. Most nations have some sort of rocket system artillery, as well as Non-LOS heavy artillery and the anti-air branch (SAMs, Flak, you name it). Support: Really up to each individual; but keep in mind, that support will be your biggest arm of the army.
Navy is a strong suit with nations that have a good deal of coastline or just want to get wet (Questers is the biggest in the business). I'd say over half of experienced NSers (including me) have an analogy to the battleship/dreadnought, or even the super dreadnought (I call it the Alpha Dreadnought in my fleet). It's your big-gun armed ship that essentially is the MT way of countering the intense CIWS systems for intercepting missiles that have come around. You'll want to invest a lot of time in carriers, as well, as well as some smaller missile ships, like destroyers and frigates, for protection and long-range strike. Having a strong naval air arm is key here. Also, like the army, you'll have a good deal of ships that aren't made for sea warfare: landing ships, landing ship carriers like LHDs, command ships (like the Blue Ridge), oilers, supply vessels, etc.
Air Force is a bit of a Wild Card with MT nations. Most nations have some sort of tactical bomber unit, as well as a primary fighter and a strike aircraft of some sorts. Stealth aircraft often can find a way into a nation's lineup (like the F-35 or F-22). Mostly, the AF is a good deal of variety and personal preferance.
The final, optional arm is Space Command-and this is mostly if you're looking to dabble in low PMT (or middle PMT). Here, the Fr-(...prefered RPers)...sometimes use Noo-(er, Godrods) to accomplish cow-(strategic strikes). I think you can understand how I feel on the subject of Godrods through that-space-based tactical projectiles sent through the atmosphere. As a counter, many nations also have space-capable missiles to shoot down Satellites.
That's a solid start, though I'm sure more people will be around to chime in.