Category:Rapid Response Reserve


 * "Recieve, respond and repel".


 * --the R.R.R.'s motto

The Rapid Response Reserve (or R.R.R. and the 1st Reserve Division) was a unit of Republic Troopers during the times of the Old Republic. Formed in 3660 BBY, the role of the Reserve's troops was to be sent as quickly as possible to secure a beachhead ahead of conventional forces and to provide a variety of combat support including full-on assaults, raids, sabotage, defensive operations and intelligence gathering. In addition, the R.R.R. closely worked with the Jedi Order to co-ordinate small scale raids, rescue missions and guerilla attacks, occuring mostly during the time of the Cold War. With the resumption of hostilities, the R.R.R. played a key role in helping the Republic forces secure victory on war-torn worlds such as Balmorra and Corellia.

When the Eternal Empire revealed itself to the galaxy after the conflict resumed two years previously, the R.R.R. was forcibly disbanded by the Republic's puppet Chancellor following the armistice. However, it was reformed under the direction of the Outlander, head of the Alliance. In this capacity, the R.R.R. were given the task of performing covert missions to undermine the Eternal Empire's grip on the galaxy by training and recruitng other alliance cells, sabotage, raids and, if neccessary, engage in all out battle.

Following the eventual overthrow of the Eternal Empire, and the apparent demise of the Sith Empire, the R.R.R. continued to serve the revived Republic up to the New Sith Wars, until it was finally disbanded following the Ruusan Reformations two millennia later. 

History
The Rapid Response Reserve was founded by Colonel Davon Canstrem in 3660 BBY. Canstrem, who had served with distinction in several battles of the Great Galactic War, grew frustrated of conventional forces being marshalled too slowly and deployed. As a result, this delay would have cost the Republic key victories needed to stem the advance of the Sith Empire. Canstrem envisioned a smaller force of troopers quickly being deployed to secure a beachhead so that conventional forces would have a springboard to launch an assault. To that end, he drew up a proposal comprising of highly-trained troops to be the first to spearhead an invasion and to create and secure a staging area for the main force to land.

Unsurprisingly, however, there was strong opposition from both the military and Senate, as many believed that Canstrem's proposal risked diverting resources from the many Republic units that were weakened by the ever-growing conflict with the Sith Empire and that it stood little chance of success. They also argued that the Republic Special Forces (though it wasn't until 3653 BBY that it was officially founded) had suffcient trained men to handle the job that Canstrem proposed. However, several high-ranking military officers and Senators saw the potential of this unit, and made a compromise: Canstrem would be allowed to form this proposed unit, and that he would be in command, on the condition that it would be placed only on reserve and would be called upon only with the proper authorization. They also could not gaurantee suffcient funds to equip, supply or arm any of the troops Canstrem recruited.

Taking into account of these limitations, Canstrem set about combing through the Republic Armed Forces' ranks, selecting only men and women based on their experience, merits, background and personality. Once he selected these people, he had them put through rigorous training such as advanced marksmenship, medical training, demolitions, slicing and sabotage. Naming his unit the Rapid Response Reserve, the troops were trained for emergency deployment situations whenever they were called on. By the beginning of 3658 BBY, the R.R.R. comprised of just 200 troopers. Worse still, there were insuffcient funds to keep up with the demand Canstrem required. Using his vast fortune, Canstrem managed to fully equip the reserve with a hodge-podge of weapons and supplies (many of these weapons were manufactured by Canstrem's family's company).

It was not until three years later that the R.R.R. were given their first mission to secure a beachhead on an undisclosed planet. Comprising of two squads, against superior Imperial forces, the R.R.R. managed to hold the beachhead long enough (at the cost of seven troopers) for the larger Republic forces to arrive and drive back the enemy. This victory proved that such an action of rapidly deploying smaller and highly-trained troopers could work, yet many in the Republic remained unconviced of the R.R.R.'s potential, and many believed that their future would not be bright and would soon be disbanded. The victory the R.R.R. claimed would be the only battle in the Great Galactic War, as, two years later, the Sacking of Coruscant occurred, and the Republic was forced into a humiliating treaty that ceded much territory to the Sith Empire. Fortunately, Colonel Canstrem was at the Alderaan Peace Conference when the Empire invaded Coruscant, and so the future of the R.R.R. was secured, at least for the time being.

During the Cold War, opponents of the R.R.R. sought to disband the fledging group, but each time Canstrem successfully defended his unit, convinced that his tactics would help the Republic. To further avoid political and military attacks, Canstrem requested the R.R.R. to be transferred to the Jedi homeworld of Tython, acting as a small defense peacetime unit, protecting untrained Padawans from Flesh Raider attacks and working closely with the Jedi Temple Guards around highly guarded areas. However, while the majority of the R.R.R. protected the Jedi temple, some teams were actually dispatched by the Order to perform raids, rescue missions and conduct guerilla warfare across enemy-held territories, many of them unsanctioned. One example was the prison breakout on Nar Shaddaa, when a squad of R.R.R. troops freed three Jedi Knights and 154 POWs. Many of these troops later joined the R.R.R., increasing the reserve to 300 soldiers. These missions, though, were limited as resources were slim.  When war was re-ignited between the Republic and Sith Empire, the R.R.R. was recalled to full time duty. Their first battle in the renewed conflict was to secure a beachhead on the planet Balmorra, home to the largest manufacturing of weapons in the galaxy. Securing Bugtown, the R.R.R., along with elements of conventional Republic forces, had to deal with further Colocoid attacks as the battle raged on. The R.R.R.'s first real challenge came when it defended the left flank as Republic forces made their final assault on the weapons factories on Balmorra. There, they managed to hold off repeated counter-attacks from veteran Imperial troops and two Sith Lords, at the cost of over 90 men and their commanding officer. With the arrival of Jedi Knight Baritin Redbreak and a squad of troops, the R.R.R. were finally able to stem the advance, forcing the remnants of the Imperial strike force to retreat. The tenacity and determination of the R.R.R. highly impressed Redbreak, and so he frequently requested the assistance of the reserve, much to the delight of Canstrem, who saw the opportunity of not only his troops gaining experience from a battle-hardened Jedi, but also to garner publicity so that the Senate could grant more resources to his troops. In addition, Redbreak, with the assistance of Ijaat Alnin and several other Jedi, instructed the troops of training effectively in close quarter combat, in particular, with Sith Lords.

 As the war continued, the R.R.R. suddenly found themselves in high demand, with units being sent to help wherever possible. It was also during this time that the Senate authorized Castrem to expand the reserve to a full-sized division, with substantial resources finally being directed to the unit. Canstrem retired from the R.R.R. shortly following the Battle of Corellia, appointing Iris Valice as his successor. During the campaign on Corellia, the R.R.R. deployed its very first battalion, the 75th, to assist in protecting the flanks from Imperial attacks. The battalion later participated in the a Battle of Ilum, securing the icy planet's numerous crystal caves to prevent the creation of the new Stealth Armada.

With the sudden appearance of the Eternal Empire, however, the R.R.R., following the armistice, was forcibly disbanded by the new Chancellor, its commander arrested, and many of its members forced to either submit to the new rule, or prison, having been declared surplus and considered a rogue unit (the R.R.R. still had a strong number of opponents). Some turned themselves in, but others went into hiding. It was not until the Outlander, leader of the Alliance, sought out its members, that the R.R.R. was reformed into a new organization. With new roles such as training guerrilla fighters and connecting and recruiting various resistance cells, the R.R.R. played a crucial role in undermining the Eternal Empire's hold on the galaxy.

After the eventual fall of the Eternal Empire, the R.R.R. was reconstituted back into the Republic's Armed Forces, but always in reserve. When the New Sith Wars started, the R.R.R. assissted the Jedi Lords in pushing back the Sith back towards the Outer Rim before finally achieving total victory on Ruusan. However, following the battle, the Senate decided to initiate the Ruusan Reformations, effctively dismantling the Republic Army, including the R.R.R. Though the unit no longer existed by the time of the Clone Wars, its legacy can still be remembered by the people who saw them as heroes throughout the millennia.



Structure
Though the Republic had its own structure and hierachy, Casntrem was granted an unusual amount of autonomy of creating his own unit, going as so far as to creating his own rank and file. The following table shows the type of unit and its functions:

Profile: Davon Canstrem

 * "Every great idea starts with the average person".


 * --Colonel Davon Canstrem

Canstrem's name will always be synonomous with quick and fast operations, seeing as that he had a desire to quickly mobilize troops and move them where they need to go, hence leading to the future formation of the Rapid Response Reserve. Born on Eriadu in 3706 BBY to a wealthy family, Canstrem could have easily opted for a luxurious life of contiuing the family business in building starships and weapons. Yet, after reading and watching historical records of famous battles, the young Canstrem decided to embark on a career as a soldier. Enlisting in the Republic's Armed Forces at the age of 21, Canstrem showed an aptitude with marksmenship and leadership capabilities, earning him a commission as a lieutenant in the 54th Battalion, commanded by Major Barkus Tris, who later became a mentor to Canstrem and helped train the early R.R.R. recruits.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">As the Republic military was operating at peacetime capacity, Canstrem's unit was often placed on Coruscant, conducting patrols and guarding the Senate building. However, when the Sith Empire revealed itself in 3681 BBY, the 54th Battalion was one of the first units to be mobilized for a war the lasted for 28 years. As the Great Galactic War raged on, Canstrem fought with great distinction in several theatres such as Balmorra, Serenno, Ord Radama, Alderaan and Rhen Var. Promoted to Colonel in 3664 BBY, Canstrem took command of the 611th Brigade, vigorously deploying men and machine to stem the Imperial advancement.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">However, the war had seriously stretched the Republic's supplies, crucially delaying troop deployments and advances, an advantage the Imperial Army was quick to exploit. Determined to keep up the pressure and denying the enemy any further advantages, Canstrem set about forming a unit dedicated to rapid deployment and holding the Imperial Armies at bay until a larger force moved in to finish the fight. Writing up a proposal, the idea was met with heavy opposition from Republic High Command, questioning its potential and feasibility. Furthermore, with resources scarce, command was unwilling to divert what little they had to the unit Canstrem proposed. Eventually, a compromise was reached: Canstrem obtained authorization to create his proposed unit, provided that it would be strictly placed on reserve, and that he would be initially responsible for funding it. Because of this, many Senators and military officers saw this unit as "Canstrem's Private Army".

<p style="font-weight:normal;">(To be Expanded) <p style="font-weight:normal;">

Weapons, Equipment and Tactics
<p style="font-weight:normal;">The troopers were supplied with the standard-grade Republic armor, adorned with gray color markings and bearing the emblem of the R.R.R. Over the course of the war, some troopers added attachments to their armor such as backpacks containing long-range scanners and communications and visors attached to their helmet, equipped with night vision and macrobinoculars capabilities. By the outbreak of the war, most of the reserve had these added attachments.

<p style="font-weight:normal;"> The R.R.R. had to be initially equipped and supplied by Canstrem himself, as the Senate refused to divert resources to the fledging group. Taking advantage of his connections to the family company, Canstrem ordered 150 of the newest interchangeable ETY-65 blasters, with added attachments such as a sniper rifle, or an anti-armor weapon, eliminating the need to carry the cumbersome missile launcher. Furthermore, Canstrem also supplied his troops with the powerful CVC-12 repeating blaster which could penetrate even the thickest of infantry armor. Another was the WEBEL-43 or "Web" pistol, standard issue to all R.R.R. personnel, ideal for close quarter combat. Many of the troops soon came to appreciate their new weapons, and even when the Senate started issuing new weapons, most preferred their ETYs, seeing the standard Republic blaster as inferior. While they appreciated these weapons, they also knew that melee combat would be inevitable. To that end, troops were to be issued with vibroblades for close-range combat against their Imperial counterparts. It was widely believed the Jedi Order played a part in training a small number of troops using their vibroblades against the Sith, but this had never been proven.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">In the R.R.R., troops would first be sent in teams for greater mobility and easier co-ordination. If required, teams could form with other smaller units to make squads to provide support and reinforcements, being the same at platoon level. Companies, on the other hand were used for larger assaults and, being sent first to secure a staging area for conventional forces. Following that, they would be tasked with screening the advancing forces by outflanking Imperial troops. At Battalion level, it nominally acted as a "static" position, being used to defend large gaps from Imperial assaults.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">A team usually consisted of three infantry, one heavy ordnance trooper (or HOTs, as they were nicknamed), and one sniper (all troops were medically trained to prevent the destruction of the whole unit). When arriving on the battlefield, the HOT trooper would first provide a base of fire from his CVC-12 blaster to allow the troops to advance safely behind, while the sniper would take out any stragglers left on the battlefield. In a defensive stance (at Battalion level), the defense line could stretch as far as five to ten meters, spiked with shielded barricades, turrets and anti-infantry weapons such as the FEH-39 repeating blaster.

Vehicle Usage
<p style="font-weight:normal;">Although Canstrem appreciated the machines utilized of the Republic Armed Forces, he felt the need to also equip his troops with designs based on his own requirements. These included machines that were cheap to produce in large numbers, but to also ensure good quality, greater mobility, reseasonably armored, and well-armed. To that end, he, along with his engineering team at his family's company, Canstrem War Engineering (Canstrem created a section dedicated to producing war machines for his troops), undertook several designs, three of which were feasible for mass production.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">

ZL-220 Gunship
The ZL-220 Gunship was a fast, yet well-armored and well-armed gunship, used to provide transport and air support to R.R.R. troops. Developed before the armistice between the Republic and Sith Empire, the gunship proved to be a valuable asset in combat. They have been used in every R.R.R. mission, and even some units of the Republic Armed Forces contracted Canstrem to produce these machines. By the beginning of the war, Canstrem War Enginerring had produced 5,000 gunships.

Specifications: (To be Expanded) <p style="font-weight:normal;"> <p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Length: 15 meters
 * Width: 15.1 meters (wingspan)
 * Height: 8.3 meters
 * Maximum Speed: 528 km/h
 * Shielding: Equipped to withstand small-arms fire
 * Armaments
 * 8 anti-personal laser turrets (four at the front of the gunship, two on each of the wing tips, and two at the rear)
 * Two mortar launchers (at the front of the gunship)
 * 20 armor piercing missles (two sections each, housed underneath the wings)
 * Complement
 * Two small anti-infantry repeating blasters (if cabin is empty, affixed to provide additional firepower)
 * One emergency medical droid
 * Passengers: 20-30 troops
 * Crew:
 * One pilot
 * One co-pilot
 * Fuel Consumption: 10 hours

Order of Battle

 * 75th Shock Battalion
 * Harrow Company
 * Easy Company
 * Storm Company
 * Spearhead Company
 * Flashpoint Company
 * 43rd Battalion
 * Akk Company
 * Mercer Company
 * Desh Company
 * Holt Company
 * Blaze Company
 * 88th Mobile Battalion
 * Thranta Company
 * Breakout Company
 * Bogwing Company
 * Cascade Company
 * Nimbus Company
 * 21st Battalion
 * Thunder Company
 * Hornet Company
 * Redoubt Company
 * Swoop Company
 * Rotor Company
 * 22nd Battalion
 * Spire Company
 * Wolf Company
 * Chase Company
 * Hawkbat Company
 * Spark Company


 * 44th Battalion
 * Zoom Company
 * Mace Company
 * Zero Company
 * Ace Company
 * 90th Company
 * 126th Rapid Battalion
 * Jolt Company
 * 66th Infantry Company
 * Red Company
 * Reema Company
 * Gulf Company
 * 87th Battalion
 * Jag Company
 * Jumbo Company
 * Torch Company
 * Zeek Company
 * Slash Company
 * 761st Battalion
 * Nox Company
 * Kix Company
 * 77th Company
 * Broadsword Company
 * Dagger Wing Company
 * 41st Battalion
 * Bane Company
 * Blue Company
 * Arc Company
 * Zuss Company
 * Nexu Company

A Closer Look: 75th Shock Battalion
<p style="font-weight:normal;">The battles during the Galactic War would not have won the Republic several key victories without the assistance of the 75th Shock Battalion. Highly trained and considered to be an elite unit within the R.R.R., the 75th troops earned the grudging respect of their Imperial counterparts due to their ferocity to repulse larger enemy forces attempting to flank the main assault force.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">The 75th's origins date back to when the Republic and Empire declared open war, effectively shattering the Treaty of Coruscant. Though the reserve brigade only totalled to three companies at the time (consisting of Harrow, Storm and Flashpoint, bringing it to a total strength of over 300), its troops spent the last decade re-training and refining its tactics and armor. The troops would later be put to the test when the entire reserve was sent to Balmorra to secure several beachheads in an effort to permenantly push the Empire off the industrial world. While they succeeded in accomplishing their initial objectives, it was only the beginning of a larger battle that was yet to come.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">Following the invasion force, teams of all three companies were sent to weaken the Empire's hold by sabotaging droid factories, intercepting enemy convoys, supporting resistance factions and disrupting Imperial supply lines. These operations proved successful, but it cost the 75th 71 casualties, 25 of whom were killed. The 75th's biggest test came to defending the left flank as Republic forces made their final assault on the main factory. All three companies were to face insourmountable odds. One trooper recorded:

<p style="font-weight:normal;">''We were digging in defenses along the "Carnst Line", named after Jedi master Lori Carnst, who made her last stand evacuating the remnants of the resistance during the last war. I remember Captain Saroota reporting that a large Imp force was coming. According to latest intel, the Imps were sending in three full battalions of crack troops, two platoons of war droids, and rumor has it that there were gonna be at least two Sith leading the charge. I'd wager I'd die if I found myself unlucky to face them, because I was poor with a vibroblade and I don't have any Force powers, but thankfully fate and luck quashed those thoughts. ''

<p style="font-weight:normal;">Fighting along the "Carnst Line" carried on for five days. During this time, the rumors were true: two Sith Lords, namely Lord Frass and Darth Gimbold caused havoc along the defensive lines. Approximiately 91 men (among them Captain Zezki Saroota) were felled by the Sith's hand, but Imperial losses were also devestating: 189 men killed and 22 war droids destroyed. With the timely arrival of Jedi Knight Baritin Redbreak and a squad of troops, the Sith, and the remaining assault forces withdrew, losing Darth Gimbold in the process.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">It was this action on Balmorra that finally made the Senate realize that the operations of the R.R.R. were feasible, and so resources were being diverted to expand the R.R.R. Canstrem, pleased with the Senate's decision, immediately drafted in another 805 troops, bringing a total to over 1008 men. With the large number of men and women at his command, Canstrem decided to officially add in two new companies to the exisiting three, being that of Easy and Spearhead Company. The colonel took one further step by officially designating all five companies into a single battalion, and so the 75th Shock Battalion was born.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">The unit's first action was on Corellia, whereby four companies were tasked with pre-emptive strikes against substantial Imperial troops garrisions in nearby areas that could threaten potential Republic assaults. Easy Company, although formed months before, earned its first battlescars by helping General Aves' men retaking the whole of Capitol Square, earning the battalion its first citation, and being the only reserve unit to do so. Since their actions on Corellia, more men and women signed up to join the elite unit, eventually reaching to division level. The training and tactics developed by the 75th would later become the template for other newly-raised battalions, truly making the R.R.R. what it is as its name suggests: fast, efficient, and deadly in all sectors of military levels. <p style="font-weight:normal;">

Noted Members
<p style="font-weight:normal;">The R.R.R. comprised of many of the best trained troops, some being awarded the Republic's highest military honors in the face of overwhelming odds.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">Officers

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Colonel Davon Canstrem, human male (3706 BBY to 3638 BBY): Founder of the Rapid Response Reserve. Served with distinction during the Great Galactic War, earning several Republic awards. Highly respected by the troops under his command. Killed in action during the war against the Eternal Empire. Posthumously promoted to Major General.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Captain Iris Valice, human female (3678 BBY to 3608 BBY): Served as company commander of Harrow Company of the 75th Shock Battalion. Promoted to Major for her actions on Balmorra. Succeeded Canstrem as head of the reserve and promoted to the rank of Colonel for her actions on Corellia. Arrested following the armistice between the Republic and Eternal Empire, having the R.R.R. being declared a rogue unit. Rescued by troopers of the reformed brigade.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Captain Zezki Saroota, male Twi'lek (3680 BBY to 3642 BBY): Commanded Flashpoint Company during the Cold War. Killed during the battle of Balmorra when hostilities resumed. Posthumously awarded the Cross of Glory.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Lieutenant-Colonel Loyek Teep, male Zabrak (3698 BBY to 3640 BBY): Personal friend of Davon Canstrem. Commander of the 88th Mobile Battalion. Excellent organizer and instinctive leader. Killed in action, much to the grief of Canstrem.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Brigadier General Orrick Wirth, human male (3636 BBY to 3544 BBY): Became leader of the R.R.R. following the fall of the Eternal Empire. Restructured the R.R.R., later expanding it to two brigades.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Major Jerra Bazlo, human female (3523 BBY to 3477 BBY): Commander of the 43rd Armored Battalion. Aggressive and keen to take on the offensive, she was both popular and unpopular with the soldiers under her command. Removed from command after a dispute regarding strategies. Reassigned to administrative duties.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Major Barkus Tris, Bothan male (3689 BBY to 3636 BBY): Former commander of the 54th Battalion. Served as instructor to the 1st Reserve Brigade. Highly revered by the men and women. When he died, during the funeral, the troops stood silently and made a five minute salute.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Captain Lumali Sundati, Mirilian female (3679 BBY to 3636 BBY): Leader of Storm Company of the 75th Battalion. Served with distinction in several theatres such as Balmorra, Ilum and Corellia. Killed in action during the Alliance's struggle to overthrow the Eternal Empire. Posthumously awarded the Cross of Glory.

<p style="font-weight:normal;">
 * Lieutenant Krix Cravin, human male (3670 BBY to 3620 BBY): Commander of 4th Platoon consisting of Risk and Ire Squads. He and his platoon fought off an armored battalion on Commenor for three days before being relieved by friendly forces. Awarded the Mark Victory, with several of his troops being awarded similar honors. Promoted to Captain in 3642 BBY. Part of the reformed brigade who waged a limited war against the Eternal Empire. Promoted to Major shortly before his death.

Triva

 * The number 75 used in the 75th Shock Battalion was derived from the 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite unit still active in the United States Army. Likewise, the "Battalion" indirectly makes a reference to the 2nd Ranger Battalion (part of the 75th), who participated in the Normandy landings during WWII. Furthermore, Easy Company is another reference to the US Army unit of the same name (though there was also another company named "Easy" that was part of the 101st Airborne Division who also fought in Europe).