Clan military organization

Point A Point is the smallest unit in Clan organization. A point consists of one Battlemech, two aerospace fighters or combat vehicles, five battle armored troopers, or a 25-man platoon of conventional infantry. For all except Battlemech points (where there is only one warrior), points are led by a Point Commander.

Star A Star consists of five points. Generally, stars are kept "pure," containing only one type of unit. A Star is led by a Star Commander. Stars are often given a name that reflects the unit's role and composition. Striker (light to medium Mechs), Battle (medium to heavy Mechs), and Assault (heavy to assault class Mechs) Stars are the most common designations. Some Clans, like the Steel Vipers and Jade Falcons, give themed names to their Stars that reflect the clan's totem.

Nova A Nova is a combined-arms unit consisting of a star of BattleMechs and a star of Elementals. Some clans recognize the rank of Nova Commander for these units, which is a higher position than a Star Commander, but wears the same uniform insignia and occupies the same position in the chain of command.

Binaries and Trinaries Binaries and Trinaries are units of two and three stars, respectively. These units are commanded by a Star Captain.

Supernova A Supernova Binary or Supernova Trinary is a unit consisting of two or three Novas, respectively. A Supernova is led by a Nova Captain, if that rank is recognized within the particular clan.

Cluster A Cluster consists of three to five Binaries and Trinaries. While approximately the size of a Star League battalion, the Cluster fills the same organizational role as a regiment. These units are commanded by a Star Colonel, the highest rank most warriors can hope to achieve.

Clusters are generally divided into Front Line, Second Line, and Provisional Garrison units. Front Line units are the cream of the crop of a Clan's touman, and composed of trueborn warriors. Second Line units are only a step below the quality of a front line unit, and usually do not have as many OmniMechs among their warriors. PGCs are primarily freeborn and solahma warriors.

Galaxy A Galaxy consists of three to five Clusters, and is commanded by a Galaxy Commander. Entire Galaxies are rarely deployed together, and the Galaxy Commander's role is as much political as it is military.

Touman This term refers to a clan's entire fighting force.

Keshik This is a command unit. Its size varies from clan to clan, as does the usage of the term. A Khan's personal unit is always referred to as a keshik, whether it is a Star or a Cluster. Some clans, such as Clan Wolf use the term to refer to the command unit of each Galaxy, which is separate from any individual Cluster.