NAU Grunt

The North American Union (NAU) is one of the largest and more organized of High-bred forces on post-Event Earth. They boast not only considerable strength, but resources; and while every day is a battle for them, the territory they do hold is some of the safest on the planet.

While the NAU does have its heroes and legends, the majority of the NAU is composed of grunts; soldiers with the most basic of training and skills. While not individually strong, Grunts are numerous, resourceful, and well equipped. If a grunt has survived to see multiple campaigns, it’s because that the grunt has embraced the NAU motto: Shoot first, shoot again, and then if anything is left, ask questions. NAU grunts are not thinkers; analysis and discovery are best left to the scientists. Instead, grunts are the strong right arm of the NAU. A daring sergeant or cunning corporal may defeat some evil overlord or Churl chieftain in individual combat, but the grunts are the ones who clean up the messes and deal with minions.

Grunts have no standard height or weight, but do have some standard issue gear. All grunts are issued standard armor and fatigues. While not incredibly strong, this armor is durable and flexible. As far as weaponry goes, all grunts carry a standard issue M-8 carbine. This gun isn't incredibly strong either, but it is reliable, easy to maintain, and capable of firing and loading quickly. However, grunts can carry a variety of weapons, anywhere from sniper rifles to ground to air missiles. Every grunt is also trained to use a variety of weapons, and fight in a variety of conditions. Also, grunts are also trained in the martial arts; in the rare instance they do not have a weapon at their disposal.

Tactics and Combat: An encounter with NAU grunts can be full of surprises and no encounter is ever the same. However, a unit of grunts will employ similar tactics in every situation. In every combat encounter, a unit of grunts will try to establish a "safe zone" for which a base camp can be established and an officer can coordinate operations in the field. Secondly, in an active engagement, grunts will try to establish a firing line, normally in zigzag or crescent formation, so that multiple soldiers can simultaneously defend their fellow soldiers and attack oncoming enemies.

A standard grunt is hardly ever found alone. Most grunts encountered alone are usually a point-man, scouting ahead of the larger group to intercept, engage, and either destroy or withdraw and report back about enemies encountered. There are usually 4 to 6 point-men, who travel loosely in a circle around the unit; but this number can be larger or smaller depending on the size of the unit. Also, all grunt encampments will be guarded with field mines that can be planted and recollected as needed. Every encampment will boast at least one or two snipers as well, to serve as an additional unseen sentry.