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Post by midniterider on Nov 3, 2010 0:14:21 GMT -5
What is the 53rd Fast Attack Company?The 53rd Fast Attack Company originated as just a made-up GM unit. I thought of the idea while I was building my GM uniform, but didn't think too much of it. Something to talk about with some friends. Perhaps something to write about. Who knows? It wasn't really meant to go much farther than that. Then I thought it'd be cool to do up a little "fun squad" thing like the 69th Dewback Cavalry in the 501st Southern Outpost. The 69th was a S.O.-specific unit of Sandtroopers that wore "dewback skin" pauldrons and carried heavy weapons and custom gear. This was a neat idea, and I hope to be a part of it some day, but my GM uniform was getting some attention, and I acted on it. Well, Bamatrooper acted on it. He created a 53rd FAC section on the Southern Outpost forums, meant to discuss the GM suit in a squad-like unit similar to the 69th, but solely within the Southern Outpost. But I was getting attention elsewhere in the Legion. I was getting attention from around the world (I got a message from the entire Italica Garrison regarding my suit). Not to mention the other GMs popping up out there (Yeah I'm talking about our German troops!). I quickly started thinking outside the garrison and wanted to make this thing a Legion-wide group. Perhaps it would go detachment some day, perhaps not. But I wanted to make a Galactic Marine forum in which we could expand our discussions more freely and have them organized under a unique banner. And so the 53rd Fast Attack Company is as you now see it. Back in March 2010, while in the building process of my Galactic Marine, I posted the question of a Galactic Marine detachment within the 501st Legion. Although I am new to this group, and I am just receiving components to start my Galactic Marine build, I was just pondering why don't you all start a detachment? The Galactic Marine is such a unique costume, and it the "story" of Star Wars, the Galactic Marines would be a BIG part of the Grand Army of the Republic. I looked into the 501st forums and found this: Excerpt from 501st Legion Charter regarding Detachments: "Given the diversity of costumes in the club, special theme units may be created to improve the quality and awareness of a specific costume category in the Star Wars universe. An example would be a squadron of TIE Fighter Pilots. These units are called Detachments and lie outside the rank and voting hierarchy of the club. A Detachment requires five (5) members (all of whom own the specific costume) and is headed by a Detachment Leader (DL), who is elected by the members of the Detachment. Application for a Detachment must be approved by the Legion Council in a vote of at least one-third of the Legion Council members, decided by simple majority. Members of Detachments still report to their respective Squads, Outposts, and Garrisons. 501st members may be members of multiple Detachments. Member affiliation with this unit is not mandatory." About two (2) weeks ago, my Galactic Marine costume was approved by the 501st Legion and I now have my GM designation. Earlier today, another member of my garrison has just had his Galactic Marine approved and received his GM designation (congratulations to Bloodknight on his approval). Currently, there are 14 Galactic Marines that are in "Active" status within the 501st Legion ( 5 = United States, 1 = Canada, 1 = Mexico, 1 = United Kingdom, 3 = Germany, 2 = Spain, 1 = Italy). I am seriously giving preliminary thoughts to starting a Galactic Marine detachment. The Galactic Marines had a fierce reputation, making them one of the Republic's most feared clone military units. As we all know, and / or are finding out, this costume is truly unique, has a bad ass look, and is perhaps the toughest clone to build (possibly 2nd to the Kashyyyk Scout). That is why I thought I would turn to the 53rd FAC first, and open up a discussion to get some of your thoughts and input. The 53rd FAC would be a perfect fit. It is already recognized by the 501st Legion, you already have an incredible website that is established, fully operational, and ready to guide any newcomer or veteran to building a GM costume. There would have to be some minor updates performed to the website, but the way the site is already set up, would probably be minor. I as well as my fellow Garrison mate are pro a GM detachment, therefore, that leaves only three (3) more to get on board. I had planned on contacting all the current GM's in the 501st Legion to see if their is interest on their behalf. After that, all that is needed is a unit logo. I am extremely proud to have my Galactic Marine, and it is the best costume that I have built. Currently the GM is under the large umbrella of the Clonetroopers Detachment, and there is nothing wrong or bad about that. But I would love to be a part of a special unit that strives to improve the quality and awareness of this costume. Just thought I would this this out there for discussion and review. Perhaps a detachment might even spur more interest, and recruit more Galactic Marines. I encourage everyone to post up thoughts, ideas, input....pro or con, good or bad. Hope I did not step outside my means, but I wanted to come to the BEST as my first stop. ;D
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Post by Toyhunter80's on Nov 3, 2010 17:35:36 GMT -5
I am about to make it #6 for the US. My application is submitted and my GML has done an initial check of the costume. He says he still needs to check into some things on it and I need to make a few changes too, but I am very close to being in. All of that being said, I have been an active member of these message boards since August 2007 and have been very involved in the advancement of this costume. I too am extremely proud to have built what many consider to be one of the toughest costumes to get right, and I would be very much in support of the 53rd FAC being an official detachment of the 501st.
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Post by midniterider on Nov 3, 2010 17:50:07 GMT -5
That's awesome Toyhunter...I'm pulling for you brother. If there is anything I can do to assist you (tips, advice, etc.) to help you turn the last corner towards your 501st approval...please don't hesitate to contact me. With four GM's in the northeast (New England, Pennsylvania, and New York ( Toyhunter 501st approval), we should meet up at a convention or event and do a photo shoot....that would be kewl. Thanks for your input and opinions. So with your GM approval, we would have 3 of the 5 (minimum) needed for a detachment.
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Post by Toyhunter80's on Nov 3, 2010 18:01:21 GMT -5
Thank you for your willingness to help. My only problem is my "special shape". I have a very large, round belly that sticks WAY out in front of me. Because of this my belt does not sit high enough making my chest plate appear too short. And, my chest and back plate have a large gap for the same reason. I can fix the gap easy enough, just bondo in a piece of ABS to connect the two. The belt is a bigger problem. If I make it big enough to sit where it is supposed to, I would need suspenders to keep it up.
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Post by RamZnation on Nov 3, 2010 20:47:22 GMT -5
There should be more already in the US (at least 2 more). I know there is one from Florida which I met at CV, and Journeyman Protector is already approved (Phil, please correct me if I am wrong). I don't want to submit to my local GML until my GM is spot on (which there are still a few minor things I need to correct...can't right now due to financial reasons...I still lack a an undersuit, need to adjust my Calf armor as well as my torso piece, a more proper backpack, Boots which I won't change what I have know until I find the KC "pit crews" and accurate Blaster). Though the SCG (IE squad) has seen my GM and believe I can submit now. I also set up a thread for any of out talented Artist Marines to help design a new logo. Most people who know of us already know the current logo with the Imperial COG and the 53 on it. Since the Galactic Marines were clonetroopers before (and during the rise of the) Empire...my suggestion is to keep the current logo but switching from the Imperial COG to the one of the Republic. 53rdfac.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=generaldiscussion&action=display&thread=618* Best of luck Toyhunter, I too suffer from the same issue. I guess the Awiha Bait messed me up on Kamino when they were cloning the metabolism on my Batch. Seems like I might have to run a few more laps. ...Oh, and Midniterider; once again...CONGRATS brother!
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Post by midniterider on Nov 3, 2010 22:33:09 GMT -5
Thank you so much Eryq. I appreciate it. I will post up an official announcement thus completing my WIP thread. Should we post up a poll for everyone to vote if interested or not? Currently got a couple of friends in my garrison working on some graphic art to produce a logo for the 53rd FAC ( to be submitted and reviewed from all members in this group). I also had to idea of inviting and allowing any Commander Bacaras to be full fledged members of the detachment (pending approval from the group and if the 53rd FAC continued forward in that direction). Again just throwing ideas out there. I will continue contacting other 501st GM's to get their input and see if they are interested. If the group starts down the path of convertion to a detachment, please let me know what I can do to assist with it.
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Post by il-matic (Lloyd M.) on Nov 4, 2010 23:43:48 GMT -5
I say we reorganize the name to be, "The Fighting 21st Nova Corps" Galactic Marine Costuming. Mainly because it reminds me of the United States Marine Corps & because of what it says about the 21st in this page: starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Galactic_Marines I love, respect, and honor all branches of the U.S. military, mainly because of my family & friends who have served this country. What do you guys think?
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Post by DarthJen on Nov 5, 2010 7:47:44 GMT -5
We might have the numbers to start a new detachment, but I think convincing the Legion council will be another matter. I think it would be awesome for us to have our own detachment, but if they approve a GM detachment, then all of the other individual clone 'groups' will want to their own detachment. Just because it can be done doesn't mean it will get approved. It would be like the Tuskens splitting off from the Krayt Clan. I just wanted to put that thought out there. *shrug* Either way, I support the idea of a new detachment.
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Post by il-matic (Lloyd M.) on Nov 5, 2010 9:15:53 GMT -5
Yeah, but isn't there just 3 costumes for the Tuskens (male, female, & baby)? Clones have several units (which I think would be kind of cool). TK's already have seperate detachments for TIE fighter pilots, scouts, TK's, Sandtroopers, Snowtroopers, etc.
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Post by DarthJen on Nov 5, 2010 10:23:00 GMT -5
The Krayt Clan encompasses Tuskens, Jawas, and other fringe characters like the Gammorean Guards etc... It's a lot smaller than the clonetrooper detachment as far as the number of 'units', but its kind of the same idea general idea.
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Post by midniterider on Nov 5, 2010 11:25:02 GMT -5
Thanks to all who are participating in this discussion on the boards. DarthJen brings up some very good points, and I appreciate that because that is why I wanted to get everyone's input and opinions. I would rather discuss the topic and issue and have all our "ducks in row" before proceeding, or if not feasible to proceed then we continue as we currently are. Hope this does not sound like a wishy washy answer....but....why not? The 53rd FAC is already established and recognized by the 501st, and it is already posted as a subforum on the Clonetroopers Detachment. No other costuming group (non detachment) has a website that is as detailed, organized, and supportive (technical / costuming data, troopers, etc.) as the 53rd FAC. I have been conversing with a GM in the Canadian Garrison, and she brought up some good points. "The GM's, while technically being Clones, don't actually fit in with the other Clones as far as costuming info goes as the parts are so dramatically different". I can completely relate to this because I built a Shocktrooper from scratch (well kit...but it was a pile of ABS). Think of our costume / character as a melting pot. There are some aspects of Clone, Snowtrooper, Biker Scout (shoulder bell with unique "ribs"), Jango Fett (boots), etc.
The Clonetrooper Detachment is such a large diverse group, with a bunch of "categories" that have a lot of similarities. The two (2) types of troopers that truly had there own "unique" / standout appearances were the Kashyyyk Troopers (that were absorbed by the Path Finders ) and the Galactic Marines. I figured what would it hurt to try to apply for a detachment. Technically, what are the major difference between a TK and a Sandtrooper? Weathering, pauldron, knee plate, one(1) or two (2) minor accessories and an optional backpack. I have currently reached out to all the GM's in North America and Great Britain, and currently trying to figure out how to communicate with European Garrisons (Spain, Germany, and Italy). From the GM's that have replied I have six (6) on board without hearing from two (2) in the USA or the European Garrisons (6 GM's)...yet. At this time, one thing is certain that was not present in the past, we have the numbers to apply for detatchment status. Perhaps the next steps would continue the discussion and try to get all pro's and cons out to disucss, and contact the Detachment Leader of Clonetroopers Detachment and talk with him, and see where we may stand. But let me say, even if this discussion or detachment formation process falls by the wayside, it may generate more interest in this character / costume, and I have had the pleasure of meeting (for the 1st time in most cases) and conversing with my fellow GM brothers & sisters.
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Post by bloodknight on Nov 6, 2010 21:04:36 GMT -5
I think the GM detachment is a great idea.We also discussed the name of it being the 21st Nova Corps as well.As long as we have the numbers to apply,I say we give it a try. So what if there aren't many of us right now.I'm honored to be part of such a small group of people who costume in an elite costume of the republic. There weren't many Galactic Marines,so maybe there shouldn't be many of us now. We'll see.But I vote to proceed with the official detachment.We don't need 50 or 100 members,or even the amount of members over on Ct.net.
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Post by il-matic (Lloyd M.) on Nov 7, 2010 0:28:31 GMT -5
Count me in as well. As soon as I finish, I will send in my pictures for approval. The only pieces I am in need of is the chest/back armor, backpack, cowl, and lenses. I love detachments!
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Post by RamZnation on Nov 8, 2010 21:27:02 GMT -5
We can also shoot for a 21st Nova detachment, but still be recognized as the 53rd FAC, possibly as a battalion or Company name (since the 53rd is the name of our Costuming group).
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Post by il-matic (Lloyd M.) on Nov 8, 2010 23:06:28 GMT -5
Yes, but legitimacy should be our main priority. The 53rd may have worked for the time being, but I think the name, "53rd Fast Attack Company" might turn some potential members off a bit. So, since times are changing we should carefully consider this move to rename this (potential) detachment. Consider the 501st Snowtrooper detachment, the "Blizzard Force", their name is already a legitimate one (see: starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Blizzard_Force ). Besides, the 21st are already an elite unit of the 4th Sector Army of the Grand Army of the Republic. So, my point is, why "reinvent the wheel" and just go with what is already available to us when it comes to naming this detachment.
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