Battlefield Roles

Military organizations throughout the Core classify mechs according to their intended battlefield function. Although terminology varies somewhat between factions, the following role designations are widely recognized by military planners, procurement agencies, mercenary companies, and StarCom analysts.

Role	Description
Scout	Fast, lightly armed machines optimized for reconnaissance, screening operations, target acquisition, and pursuit. Scouts are often expected to avoid prolonged engagements whenever possible.
Striker	Mobile attack mechs designed to rapidly engage vulnerable targets before repositioning. Strikers typically emphasize speed and concentrated firepower over durability.
Cavalry Striker	Highly mobile strike platforms equipped with jump capability. These machines specialize in flanking maneuvers, rapid redeployment, and exploiting weaknesses in enemy formations.
Line Mech	General-purpose combat machines intended to form the backbone of military formations. Line mechs balance mobility, protection, and firepower while remaining adaptable to a wide range of battlefield conditions.
Brawler	Heavily armored close- to medium-range combatants designed to absorb punishment while maintaining offensive pressure. Brawlers are common among forces that favor aggressive engagements and sustained combat.
Fire Support	Long-range combat platforms armed with missiles, rockets, artillery systems, or other stand-off weapons. Fire support units provide battlefield coverage from positions behind the main line of engagement.
Missile Skirmisher	Mobile missile or rocket carriers that combine indirect fire capability with high mobility. These machines rely on maneuver, harassment, and positional advantage rather than direct confrontation.
Assault	Heavy frontline machines intended to break enemy formations, anchor defensive positions, or spearhead major offensives. Assault mechs often serve as the centerpiece of battlefield operations.
Shielded Assault	A specialized assault classification most commonly associated with Orion Corporate designs. These machines combine heavy firepower with advanced shield systems, allowing them to absorb extraordinary levels of punishment.
Superheavy Assault	The largest combat machines regularly fielded by modern militaries. Rare, expensive, and strategically significant, superheavy assault mechs are often treated as operational assets rather than ordinary battlefield units.

Although these classifications are widely used, battlefield roles frequently overlap. Experienced commanders often employ machines outside their intended doctrine, and many of the most famous mechs in history achieved distinction precisely because they excelled in roles for which they were never originally designed.