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The Themata

Troops of the Provinces

 

Themata in historical Rome were soldiers assigned to the various local subdivisions called themes.  There is some dispute as to precisely what their status was at various times, whether they were full time soldiers or part-timers, whether their land grants were literal or whether they were assigned tax revenues from them.  One thing that is certain is that they performed heroically during the period of the Arab invasions and again during the counterattack period under the Macedonians. Subsequently, their pay was cut and they were eventually allowed to commute their service in return for taxes used to hire foreign mercenaries.  Their effectiveness declined precipitously thereafter.

The modern Roman Army assigned the name to soldiers stationed primarily in a defensive posture throughout the Empire.  These are full time soldiers, supported by the Imperial fisc.  They report through a dual chain of command, up to the Master of the Soldiers at New Constantinople and to their local Strategos.  Generally they are recruited locally, but reassignments between themes are used to ensure a proper mix of units is in each district.

The following organizations are only those likely to show up on a Dirtside II table with regularity. Higher level organizations and Infantry platoon organizations for Stargrunt II are elsewhere.

Note that Imperial doctrine and tactical realities mandate cross-attachments of companies and platoons to other battalions and companies, and that elements of the Headquarters companies and support assets are often attached to the companies. Also note that these are only the combat and direct support elements. Ammunition costs for artillery are not included.  Points costs for engineering equipment is also not included.

Of course, on campaign (and on a Dirtside II table), the organization of a Company Team will not be it's on-paper, by the book organization. Supporting attachments are necessary for battlefield effectiveness.

A line company will almost always have following assets attached:

Sometimes the company will have a mortar section in direct support or attached. More usually, both mortar sections will be in general support of all companies. However, the Battalion main effort may have one or both in direct support. A company which is serving as an advanced guard may have operational control of the scout platoon, and usually an air defense vehicle is attached to the company, leaving 2 for the battalion HQ and trains.  The FSV marked with an * is the Fire Support Team attached from the Regimental Artillery Battery.

In addition, maneuver platoons may be attached, detached, or cross-attached. Cross-attachment is where a platoon is 'traded', most frequently an infantry platoon for a tank platoon.

Equipment stats get their own page.

Thematic units are always reasonably well trained and often experienced. d10 1-2 Green, 3-8 Regular, 9-12 Veteran. Add one if war or rebellion is ongoing. Add one if drawn from Thracian, Anatolian, or Armenian themes.

Clibanophoroi Company (6501)

Kataphract Battalion (25,876) 

Skutatoi Battalion (24,403)

Regimental Trapezitoi Troop (3724)

Divisional Trapezitoi Squadron (20,198)

Engineer Company

Light Infantry Battalion (4782)

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