The Assault Joe
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Overview
The Assault Joe represents the standard rifleman of Gondaran Assault Infantry formations. Equipped with the BR-35 Battle Rifle and transported by the AV-35-C, he forms the core combat element of the Army's offensive spearhead forces.
Unlike the standard infantry rifleman, the Assault Joe is optimized for rapid offensive action rather than prolonged defensive operations. Assault Infantry are expected to seize objectives, eliminate immediate resistance, and maintain operational momentum until relieved by follow-on forces.
The Assault Joe is trained to fight aggressively, maneuver rapidly, and operate within close coordination of his assigned carrier. While capable of independent action, his doctrine assumes that vehicles remain the primary source of ammunition, sustainment, and logistical support.
Training
Assault Infantry receive extensive training in mechanized warfare, urban combat, trench reduction, room clearing, and fortified position assaults. Particular emphasis is placed on speed, initiative, and violence of action.
Every Assault Joe is expected to function effectively under degraded conditions and maintain combat effectiveness even when separated from higher headquarters or vehicle support.
Training places heavy emphasis on coordination between infantry and vehicle crews. Assault soldiers are expected to understand the capabilities and limitations of their assigned carrier and to fight as part of an integrated vehicle-infantry team.
Assault formations routinely train alongside combat engineers, armor, reconnaissance units, and artillery elements to ensure effective combined-arms operations.
Battlefield Role
The Assault Joe serves as the Army's primary offensive infantryman.
His mission is to close with the enemy, clear objectives, eliminate resistance, and create opportunities for follow-on Mobile and Line Infantry formations.
Unlike ordinary infantry, Assault Infantry are not expected to occupy positions for extended periods. Once objectives have been secured and immediate threats neutralized, responsibility for defense is normally transferred to Mobile Infantry formations.
Assault units then regroup, rearm, and prepare for the next offensive operation.
Equipment Philosophy
Assault Infantry doctrine assumes that the soldier fights from his vehicle rather than lives from his back.
Unlike standard infantry formations, Assault soldiers do not normally carry large field rucksacks during combat operations. Instead, they carry a compact Assault Pack containing sufficient supplies to remain combat effective and physically survive for approximately twenty-four hours if separated from vehicle support.
Additional ammunition, spare clothing, extended sustainment supplies, and personal equipment are carried aboard the squad's assigned carrier.
Each soldier maintains both a combat load and an administrative load. Administrative loads are stored aboard the vehicle in dedicated personal stowage spaces, allowing rapid transfer to another carrier if the assigned vehicle becomes disabled or destroyed.
This system minimizes the weight carried during combat while ensuring soldiers retain access to essential equipment when operational plans fail.
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Standard Equipment
The following profile represents a typical Assault Infantry rifleman. The loadout emphasizes immediate combat effectiveness, rapid movement, and short-duration independent survival. Additional sustainment supplies, reserve ammunition, and personal equipment are normally carried aboard the soldier's assigned carrier.
| Category | Item | Qty | Est. Unit Weight | Est. Total Weight | Unit Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Weapon | BR-35 Battle Rifle | 1 | 10.2 lb | 10.2 lb | $120 | $120 |
| Magazines (Loaded) | BR-35 magazines (25 rounds each) | 10 | 1.1 lb | 11 lb | $4 | $40 |
| Explosives | G-25 Fragmentation Grenade | 4 | 1 lb | 4 lb | $4 | $16 |
| Explosives | G-25 Smoke Grenade | 2 | 1 lb | 2 lb | $4 | $8 |
| Combat Gear | Steel helmet | 1 | 3 lb | 3 lb | $8 | $8 |
| Combat Gear | Web gear | 1 | 4 lb | 4 lb | $6 | $6 |
| Combat Gear | Knife / bayonet | 1 | 1 lb | 1 lb | $4 | $4 |
| Sustainment | Canteens, 2-quart (filled) | 2 | 4.5 lb | 9 lb | $3 | $6 |
| Medical | Bandages and first aid items | 1 kit | 1 lb | 1 lb | $4 | $4 |
| Assault Pack | 24-hour emergency sustainment pack | 1 | 10 lb | 10 lb | $15 | $15 |
| Clothing | Heavy leather boots | 1 pair | 4 lb | 4 lb | $10 | $10 |
| Estimated Total | 59.2 lb | $237 | ||||
Grenade Doctrine
Assault Infantry place heavy emphasis on grenade employment during close combat. Fragmentation grenades are routinely used to clear trenches, bunkers, fighting positions, and interior rooms before entry. Smoke grenades are carried in significant numbers to screen movement, cover casualties, obscure enemy observation, and support assaults across exposed terrain.
The standard Assault Joe carries four fragmentation grenades and two smoke grenades. This balance reflects Gondaran doctrine, which prioritizes aggressive maneuver and objective seizure over static firefights. ```
Assault Pack Contents
The Assault Pack is designed to sustain a soldier for approximately twenty-four hours following loss of vehicle support.
Typical contents include:
- Emergency ration
- Spare socks
- Poncho
- Emergency blanket
- Signal flare
- Weapon cleaning kit
- Small personal items
- Limited reserve ammunition
The pack is not intended for long-term field operations. Its purpose is to allow isolated soldiers to continue fighting and survive until recovery or reinforcement can occur.
Vehicle Stowage
Additional equipment is normally carried aboard the soldier's assigned carrier.
Typical stowed equipment includes:
- Duffel bag
- Spare uniforms
- Additional rations
- Additional water
- Reserve ammunition
- Cold weather gear
- Personal equipment
Vehicle stowage is organized to allow rapid recovery should the squad be forced to transfer to another vehicle during combat operations.
Service Profile
| Category | Standard |
|---|---|
| Rank Range | E-1 to E-4 |
| Primary Weapon | BR-35 Battle Rifle |
| Combat Load | ~59 lb |
| Ammunition Carried | 250 rounds |
| Primary Assignment | Assault Infantry |
| Battlefield Function | Offensive rifleman |
| Estimated Equipment Cost | $237 |
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