Order of Rangers

After the Colonists of Raven joined Pangard as "the Fourth Kindred," the 29th Colonial Ranger Wing was reorganized into the "Pangard Order of Rangers." Modelled after the old ISSA Ranger Corps with a similar doctrine and rank structure, the Pangard Rangers are at the forefront of the Great Journey, serving as long-range scouts and explorers wherever in the Cosmos the Pangard find themselves next.
Due the over prevalence of humans in the ranks, they are sometimes referred to as "Human Rangers" or "the Human Auxiliary," though more and more Engi, Han-Larn, and Yizith are joining the ranks.

Structure

Founded by ISSA veterans, the Ranger Order's organizational structure bears many similarities to its predecessor organization, as well as taking inspiration from an ancient, extinct Pangard order called "the Wayfinders." As such, the Rangers are the only unit in the Pangard that continue to mostly use old Earth military ranks and organization.
Like all Orders they are subordinate to the High Council. They are led by the "Lead Wayfinder," the highest ranking commissioned officer, and their command staff, subdivided into separate offices such as the Office of Intelligence, Office of Research and Development, Office of the Inspector General, the Chaplaincy Office, and more.
Order Command presides over the Order's constituent "Ranger Wings." Initially there was only the one founding Wing, the 29th, but since then the Order has expanded to include 2 wings in total, with plans to add an additional 2 in the future.
A Wing is divided into multiple squadrons, anywhere from 4 to 9. The HQ for the Wing (WINGCOM) has its own team command staff, and often supplemented by staff personnel from the Squadrons it commands. The commanding officer of the Wing ("Wing Commander" or more informally, "the Boss") is a captain in rank. Each Squadron within the Wing also has its own sub-offices and command staff (SQHQ), and serves as the smallest independent formation.
Squadrons, and sometimes entire Wings are usually attached as Auxiliaries to larger Pangard forces and expeditions, generally performing long range scouting and reconnaissance duties for them, and in such duties the SQHQ or WINGCOM is subordinate to the expedition command.
A Squadron is led by a Commander, and is subdivided into Patrols - Patrols are not permanent formations, existing on an ad hoc basis for specific situations. A Patrol might consist of anywhere from two pilots on a recon flight, to a team of two dozen Rangers performing a ground survey. Generally Patrols are sent out in small groups for extended periods time, keeping watch over a large area of space, sometimes from isolated Patrol stations. The standard Patrol is typically commanded by a 1st Lieutenant. Each squadron also possesses a variety of Aerospace craft to assist in the performing of its duties, anywhere from 5 to 15 planes in total, but generally 10. A Squadron can vary greatly in number of personnel, but generally consist of 200 officers.

Culture

While the rest of the Colonists amalgamated into the Pangard, adopting new alien traditions and customs, the Rangers are known for still being very "human." For one, they still mostly old Earth ranks, uniforms, organization, and even equipment, and just like their predecessors, are known for their rough talk, rough living, and bold daring. Even decades after the start of the great journey, the Rangers form a sort of microcosm of old Colonial culture, even still using outdated slang. As such, many in the Pangard view them as a relic from a bygone age. Like those before them, a love of discovery, freedom, and adventure permeates the organization, and the Rangers are prepared to embrace the unknown despite the dangers, though their antics be considered foolhardy and unprofessional by some among the rest of the Pangard.

Public Agenda

Whenever the Oracle feels the mysterious calling, she will take the reigns of Eongel, and teleport the vast space station and all her inhabitants to a new point in space & time. The Pangard missions and exploratory fleets will then spread out from the temple and attempt to find out why Pangard was called there, finding any nearby clues that may point towards the next step in Pangard's Great Journey. The Rangers serve as scouts for these larger expeditions, travelling in small patrols at the forefront, charting any potential interests or dangers. Their mission is also one of general exploration - discovering new scientific wonders, charting the universe, and occasionally, first contact with alien civilizations and entities.

Assets

The Corps currently has a mix of old Colonial equipment and advanced Pangard technology. Work is currently being done to update and augment the old inventory of the 29th, giving the Pangard Rangers a blend of human and alien assets and aesthetics.
Capable of operating in Space, on land, or underwater, the Corps possesses a wide variety of equipment for a wide variety of situations.
Land:

• SRV - a sturdy, all terrain vehicle, that can be deployed to various planetary surfaces.
• Esh - a Pangard hovercraft that utilizes ground-effect aerodynamics and ionic propulsion to speed along the surface at high velocities. Holds a single occupant, with variants holding up to 3.

Sea:

• Various small patrol and research craft, used for studying the ocean, and salvaging rocket parts.
• Bahamut - a large submarine used for securing vast oceans, and launching small satellites from the ocean surface.
• Jonah - an experimental deep sea diving suit.

Aerospace:

• YT-34 Thunderbird - a Long Range Patrol-Fighter, made for exploring the depths of space and planetary atmospheres.
• Va'a class - a class of ship consisting of a large solar sail and docking ports for smaller craft. Propelled using powerful lasers from Eongel's "eyes," these craft can travel vast distances from the Temple, ferrying smaller craft to destinations several thousand AU or even a couple light years away from home.
• YT-28 Tobiko - a short range, orbital interceptor. An extremely maneuverable glass cannon, it is an excellent space fighter.
• J-89 Condor - a VTOL dropship used for deploying payloads across a planetary surface.
• KX-99 Starwing - a massive spaceplane used for orbital transport

Adi Altariq, "Light the Way"

Type

Expedition, Scientific

Alternative Names

Order of Rangers, Pangard Ranger Corps, PRA

Predecessor Organizations

• ISSA
• Wing 29

Demonym

Ranger, Corpsman, Trooper, Patrolman

Ruling Organization

Pangard

Parent Organization

Pangard

Location

High Temple