With the introduction of the M19 Ryoko Mecha and lessons learned in the field, the Mecha Pilot occupation was created in YE 44 with the occupational code of 15D.
With the introduction of the M19 Ryoko Mecha, the Star Army of Yamatai for the first time had a true mecha (or Frame) usually commonly seen outside of Yamatai and Nepleslia. The M19's use of THOUGHT Software Package makes for an easy transition for infantry to use the design. But as Taii Mikael Harris quickly realized while an exchange soldier at the New Dusk Conclave, the tactics were not exactly 1:1. Using lessons he learned while there in addition to research conducted by the Star Army Rikugun, the Mecha Pilot occupation was created in YE 44.
Training for Mecha Pilots is handled by Star Army Training Administration where they learn how to translate Star Army Infantry skills to work on a Mecha scale. This training is conducted at rikugun bases (ground component) and star fortresses (naval component). Upon graduation of their training, they are certified to operate any Mecha and Power Armor in service of the Star Army of Yamatai using THOUGHT Software Package.
The minimum rank for this occupation is Santô Hei and the maximum rank is Taisa.
A Mecha Pilot is able to operate any craft using THOUGHT Software Package known in the Star Army of Yamatai.
Due to the technology used to control SAoY Mecha, Star Army Mecha Pilots are more akin to Star Army Infantry than Star Army Pilot. Mecha pilots' skill sets reflect this reality.
Due to their ability to see the whole battlefield, Mecha Pilots must be able to clearly communicate with their superiors and those on the field at the same time. They must be familiar with all proper communication protocols and etiquette of the SAoY and ally nations.
Essentially oversized Power Armor, Mecha Pilots gain additional understanding of Mecha-scale weaponry and artillery (direct and indirect).
The additional types of sensors employed by the M19 require a greater understanding of the underlying technologies (hardware and software).
Due to their ability to see a greater amount of the battlefield than their fellow infantry, mecha pilots are expected to independently assess (critical thinking) the situation and react accordingly. Mecha Pilots also gain an understanding of additional subsets of tactics such as operating as fighter craft providing close air support or attacking Naval targets.
Mecha Pilots are expected to be able to troubleshoot problems their Mecha might have. Not only can they fix the problems on their own (saving technician time) if minor, they can accurately point to the source of major problems (again saving technician time).
A catchall for Mecha Pilots. With the wide range of information required to know and remember, some examples of knowledge they would know are:
Depending on the interests, personality, and unit a Mecha Pilot is in; they might have a greater understanding of related skills. Those less intense, though, might have a skill more related to personal interests such as cooking.
Players with Mecha Pilots are expected to have a basic understanding of the capabilities of the M19 Ryoko of the Star Army of Yamatai, Mecha in general within the setting, and be prepared to research those topics more in-depth. Many hours of watching Gundam (other related anime is okay) and playing Armored Core are strongly encouraged.
Players playing a member of the Mecha calvary will be doing ground support missions, orbital fire support missions, fleet escort, working in conjunction with fighter pilots to defend space based assets and craft and specialized mecha based missions where the use of other resources may be unavailable or unusable.
These are the characters currently listed as Star Army mecha cavalry.