What kind of equipment will I have for battle? What will my uniform be like? What are the potential penalties for breaking the rules? What kinds of threats should I expect? And what is the food like?
If you were deployed in battle, you’d be equipped with one of the latest steam-powered semi-automatic rifles and an armored exoskeleton powered by cutting-edge technology. If you’re qualified, you might even command a riot-specialized mech fully outfitted with top-of-the-line ballistic weaponry.
Disciplinary actions could vary from a simple suspension to a demotion, and may even include mandatory assignment to expedition missions.
The greatest danger comes from other soldiers, as most are trained in combat magic. The food is likely to be decent since neither side made significant progress. Supply lines were maintained on regular roads because the borders remained largely unchanged. Soldiers relied on stimulants known as “sleep” to stay awake for extended periods instead of getting actual rest.
You’ll be armed with a .303 rifle and a .22 revolver as a sidearm, along with several rounds of ammunition for each weapon. Your uniform will be basic—a dark blue wool shirt and grey wool pants. It won’t offer protection against bullets, but a cuirass wouldn’t provide much more protection and is heavier, so consider yourself fortunate. Currently, the Empire isn’t in any active conflicts, but should a war arise, you’ll likely face opponents with similar or slightly inferior equipment.
As for food, it’s functional rather than gourmet. If you’re expecting high-end cuisine, you’ll be disappointed, but it will provide the sustenance you need, which is what matters.
You’ve been chosen for the 1644 Draft of the Aquarius Conflict to fight on behalf of The Blackreaver Kingdom.
After 2 years of training, it’s time to put your skills to the test. You and your unit are being deployed to the Wellis Line, also known as ‘The Road of Death.’
Your mission is to defend against the Federation forces that have encircled the Wellis railroad from all sides, except one.
You’ll be equipped with your standard issue M1930 rifle and a revolver as your sidearm.
Additionally, you’ll receive a week’s worth of emergency rations, a water canteen, 20 stripper clips of ammunition, 4 grenades, an entrenching tool, a knife/bayonet, a gas mask with 2 filters, a helmet with extra plating, and a health kit containing 3 healing potions.
In my world, there’s a global conflict. You might wear skis with your winter gear and a gas mask, or a yellow light uniform for desert combat. The weaponry is roughly comparable to that of the 1950s.
The threats you face are typical—enemy armies, the local populace, and epidemics.
The quality of food depends heavily on supply lines. You could have access to good canned goods, vegetables, and fruits, or, well, it might not be as appealing as what you had today.
And yes, these descriptions apply to different soldiers within the same army. One force is engaged in warfare across the globe.