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GTA/PVN Military Philosophy |
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Fundamental differences exist between Humans and Vasudans not only physically, but mentally. This fact became clear in the first fleet engagements between the two species, but became shockingly apparent in the first ground conflicts.
Vasudan history is a relatively peaceful ordeal when compared to Terran history. Terran history is riddled with many more wars and general violence, and as a result the race is experienced with countless types of warfare and tactics. The basic philisophy of doing "Greater with Fewer" that became popular in the 21st century is still the central pillar of military tactics and technology in the 23rd. The typical Terran fighter or capital ship generally has better offensive and defense capabilities than their Vasudan counterparts. The Vasudans mimiced this philosophy in their ship design several years into the war with the Typhon class destroyer and Seth class fighter (They also mimiced carrier capacity with the Typhon, a concept that the Terrans have practiced religiously since the 20th century but the Vasudans had never seen before). The first conflicts usually came down to numbers rather than tactics. The Vasudan staple of overwhelming the enemy worked well until the GTA struck a balance between numbers and tactical viability (The Apollo class fighter is an excellent example of this). At that point the outcome of battles down to tactics and the ability of pilots.
Similar differences apply to the ground war, which has been fought sporadically throughout the war on many assorted planets. The Terran military places a heavy emphasis on the longevity and effectiveness of the individual soldier, while the Vasudans rely heavily on overwhelming numbers and tactics that almost seem to have been taken out of a book on 17th century Europe (Orderly combat, almost conducted like a chess game). The first clash between armies in Deneb proved to be embarrassingly disasterous for the Vasudans. Terran guerilla-style fighting and heavy armor inflicted casualties easily in the 90th percentile while suffering few losses themselves. Vasudan stubborness prevented them from adapting quickly, causing even more horrendous losses. It wasn't until the Vasudan invasion of Vega V that they attempted to use the tactics they had fallen victim to in Deneb. Their offensive failed, but did some serious damage to GTA divisions on the planet. GTA soldiers no longer considered Vasudan ground forces to be a joke. It was also at Vega V that the Vasudans' skill and physical advantage in melee tactics became very clear for a few dozen unlucky GTA soldiers and civilians.
Both species suscribed to very different combat philosophies, but by 2329 (8th year of the conflict) both sides have adapted to each other significantly. Even so, these basic distinct differences make themselves known even today.
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