Pandora College of Military Sciences

Pandora College

History (c. 3061)

Originally a school for DropShip pilots, the Pandora College of military Sciences has seen major investment over the last three and a half decades, converting it from a specialist school into a full-fledged military university. Aerospace and VTOL training courses began on Pandora just before the Fourth Succession War, followed in the 3030s by courses for Mechwarriors and armor crews. Courses for infantry, combat engineers, and medical personnel were added in 3045, followed in 3054 by a battle-armor elective for the infantry.

Ironically, the DropShip crew and officer training courses, for which Pandora is best known, are no longer taught at the academy. The last DropShip class graduated in 3061, at which point the equipment and most of the instructors transferred to the dedicated naval academy on Alarion. A number of instructors, notably those who had married into the local population, elected to remain on Pandora and transferred to the aerospace program.

Atmosphere

The PCMS is very conscious of its role as a 'front-line' academy, of the responsibility for training the next generation of LAAF warriors while being situated above the Tukayyid Truce line, close to the Jade Falcon border. As a result, from the first day practical skills are the main emphasis of the program, with a strenuous basic training program ensuring that after the first few weeks even new recruits can take an active role in any defensive action, albeit as infantry.

Investment in the school has ensured its place on the cutting edge of military education, with the latest equipment and educational techniques in common use. As might be expected, PCMS simulators are state-of-the-art, but the system isn't limited to vehicle crews. Sophisticated facilities allow a full company of infantry to exercise alongside their armored colleagues. Using the same Universal Terrain Generation System (UTGS) as is installed at the Davion Area on Solaris, this complex can simulate a wide variety of environments, ensuring Pandora graduates have experience of fighting in almost all circumstances. Real-world training is not neglected, however. Cadets spend at least one week a month on field exercises, and the graduation exam takes the form of a week-long simulation of Clan Jade Falcon's assault on Pandora in early 3052, which was ultimately halted by the Grey Death Legion. The tactics used by the Legion to repulse the Falcons have become a part of the Pandora strategy and tactics texts.

The PCMS has attempted to maintain its neutrality in the dispute between Archon Katherine and Prince Victor, focusing instead on bolstering the border defenses against the Clans. Pandora graduates tend to be among the pragmatic in the LAAF.

The school rag of the Pandora College of Military Sciences is red, and is frequently referred to as the 'blood band'.

Special Notes

Pandora's role as a regional military and intelligence command center offers many opportunities for cadets to practice their skills. It also results in stringent observation by the LIC. Additionally, PCMS's emphasis on combat-ready cadets means it maintains more rigorous physical education requirements for students than most academies; a physical exam and fitness assessment are required before entry.

Pandora College Training Battalion

The Pandora College Training Battalion began operations in 3032, first training Mechwarriors and armor crews and later expanding to encompass infantry and, in 3054, battle armor troops. Pandora cadets undergo intensive simulator training, and the battalion gives them the opportunity to put their learning to practical use. Unlike other training units, where members are assigned for a tour lasting several months, service in the Pandora cadre is interwoven with theoretical learning and simulator sessions, with cadets spending roughly one week per month in the field with the battalion. Though posing a major administrative and technical challenge, this policy ensures all cadets are familiar with the practical aspects of their learning, rather than having to recall information six months after the fact. It also ensures that should a disaster such as a Clan assault, befall Pandora, every member of the student body can contribute to the defense.

...The Pandora Battalion is well equipped, thanks to major investment by the LAAF. The unit fields a company each of 'Mechs, armor and infantry, supported by an aerospace squadron and a battle-armor platoon. Many of the battalion's exercises are against elements of the elite Third Donegal Guards, who also serve as the opponents in Operation Hawk, the academy's graduation exercise that simulates a Clan invasion of Pandora."

Pandora College