Section 8

From: Grand Marshall William Mulcahy, Commander – Task Force 33

To: Members of 8th Armored Infantry

Re: New Madrid Offensive

As many of you have already heard, the conflict in the Frontier Colonies has become an ever-growing threat to the empire and its people. This so-called “Arm of Orion” has already seized several imperial worlds, and has thus far gone unchallenged.

This cannot stand.

The Arm’s iron grip on New Madrid has been deemed the breaking point, and our time of action is at hand. At 0520 hours, your dropships will deploy from the Texas for the first assault on the planet. The 8th Armored will burn-in deep behind enemy lines and serve as the spearhead of our invasion forces.

You veterans know what is expected of you. There’s a reason why they refer to the 8th Armored Infantry as “Section 8” – let’s not disappoint.

For you new recruits getting a first taste of combat, remember your training and it will serve you well. Your powered armor suits are second to none, and will take the brunt of any punishment the Arm dish out. Take care of it, because that suit is the only thing between you and everything else on the battlefield.

Loadout customization is key, so remember to outfit your suit with the right weapons and support gear for the mission. You will call on your expertise in using all forms of combat arms, including explosives, firearms, tactical gear and vehicles.

For many of you, this is your first live Burn-In deployment. I have no doubt that this will be the easiest part of your mission, for once you reach the ground you will face some of the most determined fighters you have ever seen.

To aid you in this battle, Section 8 has procured several high-powered vehicles and strategic deployables that will be available to you via on-demand dropship deployment.

Remember the importance of your squad, and be aware of new mission objectives as they become available.

You are the finest this military has to offer. You are the first-in and last-out force that will set the tone of a battle from the second you touch down. The Section is nothing without the men that make up its ranks. Walk tall and walk proud, gentlemen: you are the greatest fighting force that has ever been assembled.

I don’t need to tell you the importance of this first offensive. I stand here only to address the heroes of tomorrow as they lead our people to victory.

Congratulations, soldiers - and welcome to Section 8.