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# Military Science Fiction

Tips on Writing Military SF

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- [XML Sitemap](https://milsf.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog, Articles and Posts](https://milsf.com/posts/)
- [Writing Military Science Fiction:  Infantry](https://milsf.com/writingmilsfinfantry/) - Printed Book E-Book Now AvailableThis book has over 140K words explaining military life, operations, tactics, techniques, ranks, responsibilities, weapons (including Sci Fi weapons), organization, challenges and so much more. The printed book will be 20% off during the month of February. If your book references the military ground forces in any way shape or form then you
- [The Return](https://milsf.com/the-return/) - [amazon template=image&asin=B00LSZWNPG] Only two outgunned and outnumbered pilots were there to hold the line against the enemy while the colony of New Alamo escaped through the wormhole. When the battle was over the enemy fleet was shattered and Luke Kishi had lost the love of his life. She had made him promise to live and
- [New articles coming](https://milsf.com/hello-world/) - New articles are coming. . . stand by.

## Pages

- [Writing Military Science Fiction](https://milsf.com/) - The first book "Writing Military Science Fiction: Infantry" is now available! A Resource, a reference manual, a guide book. A crucial reference for writers of military science fiction and a priceless resource for other writers. What goes on during a firefight? What does a Staff Sergeant do? A Corporal? A Lieutenant? A Captain? How big
- [The Future of Warfare: Robotic Mules in Military Science Fiction](https://milsf.com/the-future-of-warfare-robotic-mules-in-military-science-fiction/) - In the realm of military science fiction, the battlefield of the future is not only a testament to human resilience and strategy but also to technological innovation. Humans are constantly looking to increase their effectiveness and lethality. Among these advancements, robotic mules stand out as pivotal assets, revolutionizing the way infantry squads operate. These mechanical
- [Mailing List](https://milsf.com/mailing-list/) - Personally, I despise spam and I'm a firm believer in the concept of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. With that said don't expect a lot of e-mails from me and rest assured I will not share your e-mail address. Thank you and Semper Fi!
- [Billets and Duties](https://milsf.com/billets-and-duties/) - Usually, the more elite a unit is, the more specialists it has. Every military unit has different specialists, people with special training and special jobs. Here is a list of some of the duties a unit may have. It is by no means complete but it might help you figure out exactly what that one
- [Ship Classifications](https://milsf.com/ship-classifications/) - Below is a list of military ships with largest to smallest. Please note, there might be some cultural differences. While this list does not detail actual size, crew, speed, etc, this is so variable that it would be ludicrous to assign a value. Deathstar - iconic. Planet sized warship. That’s no moon. . .
- [Lists](https://milsf.com/lists/) - Various lists and links
- [Infantry Weapons and Technology](https://milsf.com/infantry-weapons-and-technology/) - Communicating on a battle field is crucial. As the battlefield becomes more complex, more information needs to be shared and more people need to know about it. Secure, undetectable communication is a holy grail of battle field communication. If the enemy knows what you are telling others, then they can take appropriate action. The next
- [The Warrior](https://milsf.com/the-warrior/) - Hollywood is great at making war seem so simple and strait forward. It makes the watcher believe that people kill each other because they are told, because it is kill or be killed, the enemy is hated or whatever. Hollywood tries to make us believe that all soldiers fire at each other, desperately attempting to
- [Infantry Tactics](https://milsf.com/infantry-tactics/) - To understand where infantry tactics may go in the future, it helps to understand where they came from and how technology has changed warfare. Technology has changed warfare in so many ways, from the shield wall to the English Longbow to the musket.
- [Military Organization - Infantry](https://milsf.com/military-organization-infantry/) - A lot of combat units revolve around two or three front line combat units, from the top all the way down. This usually gives a commander a great deal of flexibility and control. Two front line units is usually the minimum and four (or more) becomes hard to control.
- [The Big Picture](https://milsf.com/the-big-picture/) - War is not generally an individual action. It is usually a cultural or national action. It is complex because people are complex and a war can have as many reasons as the people fighting it.
- [Writing Military Science Fiction](https://milsf.com/writing-military-science-fiction/) - War is not about guns or bombs, war is about people. It is about people who cannot, or are unwilling to resolve their differences through discussion or other non-violent means. It is not about fancy weapons, neat space ships, or unstoppable killing machines. War is about people. If you are writing about anything other than
- [Writing Military SF](https://milsf.com/msfinfantry/) - A Resource, a reference manual, a guide book. A crucial reference for writers of military science fiction and a priceless resource for other writers. What goes on during a firefight? What does a Staff Sergeant do? A Corporal? How big is a company? How far can soldiers march in a day? What are the mechanics
- [Activity](https://milsf.com/activity/)
- [Members](https://milsf.com/members/)
- [Books](https://milsf.com/books/) - Military Science Fiction Books The Regiment Man Who Never Missed Redliners by David Drake (Published by Baen Books) An excellent book. I highly recommend it. See my Review. Officer Cadet by Rick Shelley (Published by Ace Books) Would be better if the author knew anything about small unit tactics. WarStrider by William H. Keith, Jr. (Published by
- [Orbital Assault](https://milsf.com/orbital-assault/) - Assaulting a target from space is a staple in many movies and science fiction books. Hordes of drop ships braving enemy defensive fire to land their troops on the ground. Sounds exciting and dangerous. It is a trope that has been beat to death. The biggest thing that most stories get wrong is that a
- [Future of the Infantry 1](https://milsf.com/future-of-the-infantry-1/) - With a growing increase in pin point weapons that can destroy entire cities one begins to wonder if Infantry will become obsolete. Already satellites can count eggs on a table. Technology is only going to make them more accurate and reliable. When orbital weapons satellites become a reality there will be a great many changes
- [Tactical](https://milsf.com/tactical/) - For specific individual, battleteam, fireteam, squad, platoon and company tactics see the links on the left The tactical level is the level right before, during and after the battle is actually joined and the first shot has been fired in anger. Tactics are of the utmost importance before and after the battle as well
- [Psychology of Killing](https://milsf.com/psychology-of-killing/) - Hollywood is great at making war seem so simple and strait forward. It makes the watcher believe that people kill each other because they are told, because it is kill or be killed, the enemy is hated or whatever. Hollywood tries to make us believe that all soldiers fire at each other, desperately attempting to
- [Mega-Structures](https://milsf.com/mega-structures/) - Thank you to Isaac Arthur. He has a really interesting series and I would recommend checking out the others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQLDwY-LT_o While this is not MILITARY-SF exactly, this is good information and very useful. From a military perspective it adds some interesting objectives to capture and hold, or destroy. It takes a lot of resources to
- [Special Operations](https://milsf.com/special-operations/) - Commandos raiding a POW camp or an enemy headquarters are considered special operations, along with hostage rescue and clandestine missions. The secret to successful Special Operations is intelligence and planning. I'm not talking IQ intelligence, I'm talking information intelligence. Elite units receive some of the best training, best weaponry and the best information. The more
- [Military Organization](https://milsf.com/military-organization/) - Militaries are not usually mobs of men and as technology has more impact on the way wars are fought more detailed organization is required. A lot of different things affect organization, tactics, training, weapon availabity and deployment to name a few. A military organization must have some degree of flexibility in the way it is
- [Evolution of Warfare](https://milsf.com/evolution-of-warfare/) - Warfare started with fists, sticks and stones, yelling distance. People usually knew their enemy, not always by name but they could see the fear in his as he bled to death at their feet. Combat was more personal and direct. As weapons evolved so did the method of using them. With a bow and arrow
- [Robots and Drones](https://milsf.com/robots-and-drones/) - This is a touchy part about warfare in the future. Military planners envision a future battlefield full of robotic warcraft. Currently several US Military branches field unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV's. Let's take aircraft as an example. An unmanned fighter craft can withstand more demanding maneuvers than a manned one where a pilot would black out.
- [Writing Resources External](https://milsf.com/writing-resources-external/) - Links to some useful external writing resources
- [Squad Tactics](https://milsf.com/squad-tactics/) - A squad consist of two to three fireteams, with two being the average. Some militaries, like the French and British call a squad a section. Not all squads are broken down into fireteams. A squad usually has a massive amount of firepower at its disposal. However, some squads are little more than a bunch of
- [Distances](https://milsf.com/distances/) - When working with ranges it is important to know existing distances. Here is a base line on distances; Average Distances Contrails: 6-12km Weather Balloon: 40km Troposphere: 12km (lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) Stratosphere: 12km to 50/55km (Second lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) Mesosphere: 50km-80/85km (Third highest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) Thermosphere: 80km-1000km International Space Station:
- [Ship Size, Tonnage and Crew](https://milsf.com/ship-size-tonnage-and-crew/) - In most cases “Tonnage” is not exactly weight. Displacement measures weight of a volume of water displaced, not the vessel's absolute weight in pounds put on a scale. It should not be confused with other measurements of volume. Since we don’t usually have water in space. . . values are slightly different. The Zuku’s from
- [Space](https://milsf.com/space/) - This section provides information and details on space craft and warfare in space.
- [Sniper](https://milsf.com/sniper/) - In my opinion, one of the most challenging jobs is that of the scout sniper. It takes a special breed of warrior to hunt the enemy like big game. In the US Marines, every battalion has a platoon of scout snipers. Some people have said that the Geneva Convention states that snipers are a
- [Fireteam Tactics](https://milsf.com/fireteam-tactics/) - The Fireteam A fireteam consists of three to six men. One member is usually armed with a light machine gun and one is the team leader. In some formations there is also a grenadier with a grenade launcher. In US Marine units the grenadier is usually the fireteam leader, in some Army units the grenadier
- [Technologies](https://milsf.com/technologies/) - These are a deep dive into certain technologies and how they can directly impact the battle field. A machine gun is more than just a bullet thrower that shoots faster for instance.
- [Writers Resources](https://milsf.com/writers-resources-2/) - These are writers resources, links, articles, prompts, lists and idea generators.
- [Patrolling](https://milsf.com/patrolling/) - Patrols are some of the most important combat operations conducted. A patrol can be anywhere from a fireteam in size to a battalion. The mission often determines the size of the patrol. Patrolling is a very general term used to describe a unit that is on the move and is doing something other than attacking
- [Insertion and Extraction](https://milsf.com/insertion-and-extraction/) - Regardless of what weapons are used, how big the forces are, what planet they are on, all the combatants will have to be brought together. Casualties will have to be evacuated. A commando team does not suddenly appear at their objective. Careful planning must be done to insert a team into the area of operations
- [Future Trooper](https://milsf.com/future-trooper/) - The soldier of the future will probably differ a great deal from the soldier of today, or yesterday. Advances in technology and tactics are continuously changing the battlefield and it will continue to do so. The Roman Phalanx for instance gave the ancient Romans a massive combat advantage over their less sophisticated enemies. A machine
- [National Policy](https://milsf.com/national-policy/) - According to the US Marine Corps there are five elements that affect National Policy and its warriors. These are Military, Economic, Political, Geographical, and the National Will. Any and all of these elements can affect whether or not a nation engages another nation in war. For instance. Iraq has the Political and National will to
- [Martial Arts](https://milsf.com/martial-arts/) - Martial arts are great. I have studied martial arts for several years and I think it is something every warrior should study. Most serious warriors do to some extent or another. Martial Arts means quite literally Military Arts, it does not mean hand to hand combat arts but it has come to mean that to
- [Individual Tactics](https://milsf.com/individual-tactics/) - Tactics at the individual level are as complex as tactics at higher levels. The individual usually has little say in whether or not combat is initiated and is more concerned with not getting killed, killing the enemy is secondary. Firefight Individual tactics, more than any other level of tactics are extremely common sense. If the
- [Battle Team Tactics](https://milsf.com/battle-team-tactics/) - The Battleteam Two men make up a battleteam and they will never be far from each other. This is very important on a battlefield. First is the morale factor. A person is much more likely to panic if he is alone. He will feel cut off, in extreme danger and about to die. If someone
- [Designing a Military](https://milsf.com/design-a-military/) - Before writing about a military certain things should be clear in the mind of the writer. Military branches and units are often as complex as Nations. Militaries have histories, mottoes and traditions. Like everything Militaries evolve and are heavily influenced by the society they protect or in some cases, manage. A great many different factors
- [Ranks](https://milsf.com/ranks/) - Military units vary in thier ranks structure as much as anything else. For instance a Corporal in the US Marines usually commands a fireteam, but in the British Royal Marines a Corporal commands a squad (which they call a section). This makes it impossible to properly compare different ranks between different militaries. A Captain in
- [Munitions](https://milsf.com/munitions/) - Grenades, Artillery, Missiles, Rockets and Bombs can do more than just explode. Usually it is not the explosion that kills it is the shrapnel or contents of the munition. There is a wide variety of munitions available today, in the future there are likely to be more. Below is a list of current munitions marked
- [Future of the Infantry](https://milsf.com/future-of-the-infantry/) - With a growing increase in pin point weapons that can destroy entire cities one begins to wonder if Infantry will become obsolete. Already satellites can count eggs on a table. Technology is only going to make them more accurate and reliable. When orbital weapons satellites become a reality there will be a great many changes
- [Communications](https://milsf.com/communications/) - The ability to receive and use information is of critical importance on the battle field. It can often spell the difference between victory or defeat. The Battle at Midway, in World War 2 was won because Americans were able to intercept Japanese communications and use the information to their advantage. This is a prime example
- [Combined Arms](https://milsf.com/combined-arms/) - Every combat unit has its place in the order of battle and everything compliments each other. Combined arms is the art of using all the different weapons systems with each other in an effective and devastating way. For example, tanks are very vulnerable to infantry armed with rockets and grenades. It is not difficult for
- [Combat Operations](https://milsf.com/combat-operations/) - All manner of warfighting activities are usually planned and have many similarities. There are a wide variety of missions from attacking a hill to hostage rescue. Each operation requires a different approach and different planning requirements. In the movies you usually see the Lieutenant, Captain, Major or whoever saying "We attack at dawn," or "Don't
- [Weaponry](https://milsf.com/weaponry/) - Guns, blades and bombs are often the center of physical combat. Many writers do an excellent job of devising interesting sounding new weapons and equipment. Blasters, phasers, disrupters, lightsabres, ect. However, many writers do not consider the full impact of the weapons in a combat environment. A weapon that fires once and takes a minute
- [Military Targets and Objectives](https://milsf.com/military-targets-and-objectives/) - This list is not designed to be a complete list but it will give you something to work with besides 'attack the hill because the enemy is on it'. AIRFIELD: The destruction of an enemy airfield can cripple the enemy's ability to control the air. Most modern aircraft need a runway to land and take
- [Martial Arts Styles](https://milsf.com/martial-arts-styles/) - The Martial arts have many similarities and many differences. A punch is not simple a punch. Is the palm up or down, is the impact area two knuckles or the finger tips. It is aimed at the nose or groin. Different styles teach different methods. Aikido and Karate are very, very different for example. One
- [Ships and Types](https://milsf.com/ships-and-types/) - This is a listing of possible ship descriptions and types. It is by no means complete but should help you decide and understand the roles and abilities of different space (or waterborne) vessels. ASTEROID SHIP: This ship is made from an asteroid. Size may vary quite a bit but it will likely have a great
- [Sensors](https://milsf.com/sensors/) - As weapons become more deadlier and more able to strike pinpoint targets, smaller targets will be selected for attack. If a radio operator sees a squad of enemy troops a kilometer or more out then he is very likely to call in mortars, artillery or something even bigger. The enemy will do it to the
- [Mission Complications](https://milsf.com/mission-complications/) - This list is to give you some idea of the things that can go wrong and complicate a mission. Of course there are over two billion things that could go wrong but this list might help get you on the track. "BUG" IN GEAR: The enemy is able to track the movements of the unit
- [Links](https://milsf.com/links/) - United States Marine Corps Official Web Page: How could I not put this one here! Has a massive amount of good info. It even has some online doctrine manuals. Has pictures and info on current weapons used by my beloved Corps. First Battalion Third Marines: My old Battalion. This is an unofficial web page. The
- [Recommended Books](https://milsf.com/recommended-books/) - Redliners by David Drake (Published by Baen Books) An excellent book. I highly recommend it. See my Review. Officer Cadet by Rick Shelley (Published by Ace Books) Would be better if the author knew anything about small unit tactics. WarStrider by William H. Keith, Jr. (Published by AvoNova SF) Overall a satisfactory novel. Similar to
- [War Theater](https://milsf.com/war-theater/) - Every war is different. Every nation is different, and things can change from region to region. Wars may be over resources, territory, economics, religion or whatever, they all have one thing in common and that is people are involved. People are not simple and everyone reacts different under pressure. In essence people will react differently
- [Types of War](https://milsf.com/types-of-war/) - Regardless of whether aircraft, ground forces, space ships or waterborne ships are used, there are three different types of war that can be waged. The most common type is called Attrition Warfare. This is what most movies and books portray. It is simply a matter of force on force. "The enemy is here, we attack
- [The Individual](https://milsf.com/the-individual/) - Good writers write about people, individuals and military science fiction is no different. Combat is a different environment than most people are used to and for everyone the experience is different. A violent confrontation is very traumatic to most people and even though soldiers are trained for it, combat still traumatizes the best. A fight
- [Fighting Vehicles](https://milsf.com/fighting-vehicles/) - Tanks are awesome. AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicles) are big monsters that dominate the battlefield. Thier main gun can usually destroy the toughest targets, their machine guns can decimate enemy infantry formations. They can grind a target to dust. They even sound big mean and vicious. They are the King of the battlefield and Infantry are
- [Company Tactics](https://milsf.com/company-tactics/) - Most companies, whether regular infantry or mechanized, or armored, have an incredible amount of firepower at their disposal. They cover a sizable amount of area when dispersed for battle and can be very versatile in their operations. Most companies have two to six platoons and are led by an officer, an assistant (usually one grade
- [Platoon Tactics](https://milsf.com/platoon-tactics/) - The infantry platoon usually consists of two to four squads, three or four being average. The platoon is usually commanded by a junior officer, or if none are available, a senior sergeant. If a platoon is lead by an officer then he will always be assisted by the platoon sergeant. The platoon sergeant will act
- [Rocket Launchers](https://milsf.com/rocket-launchers/) - A rocket launcher is basically an explosive charge propelled at the enemy by explosive gases. The explosive gases give the round velocity and help accelerate after it leaves the barrel or launcher. A bullet uses explosive gases to push the projectile out in a single explosion. A rocket burns fuel in flight to give the
- [Rates of Fire](https://milsf.com/rates-of-fire/) - This is frequently overlooked aspect of firefights. Anyone who has fired a weapon can attest to how quickly a magazine is emptied. When a weapon runs out of ammo it is useless until it is reloaded. Empty weapons don't kill people unless they are used as clubs and if the other guy still has ammo
- [Offensive Operations](https://milsf.com/offensive-operations/) - The attack is one of the more important aspects of war. If both sides defend then there really isn't a war. In order to win a war one side must attack and in attacking take a risk. If the attacker fails he may be vulnerable to a counter attack. When armies clash they do not
- [Not Getting Hit](https://milsf.com/not-getting-hit/) - The most important thing in battle is not getting killed. Then you worry about killing the enemy. Simple in theory, not simple in practice. It is mostly common sense but it is amazing how many people lack common sense. Being shot is the last thing anyone wants to happen to them. It hurts and can
- [Mortars](https://milsf.com/mortars/) - One of the most dreaded and revered weapons of an infantryman is mortars. Mortars are light weight and man portable (so say the people not carrying the bastards!) In many militaries light infantry units have a mortar section (three mortars)in every company. In World War Two some German units had a mortar with every platoon.
- [Machine Guns](https://milsf.com/machine-guns/) - Automatic Weapons, also known as Machine guns, are not just weapons that shoot more bullets than other firearms. While it may be true that 'throwing' more bullets at the enemy increases the chance of hitting him in the real world it is not that simple. For instance, an AK-47 assault rifle, used in many movies
- [Grenade Launchers](https://milsf.com/grenade-launchers/) - The grenade launcher is one of the most versatile weapons in an infantryman's arsenal. The history of the grenade launcher dates back to World War two when means were sought to develop a method of delivering an infantry carried explosive to a target. Heavier and heavier 'grenades' were needed to take out tanks. As tank
- [Logistics](https://milsf.com/logistics/) - One factor most authors tend to overlook is logistics. This is more important than fancy weapons and equipment. Logistics is supply, if troops don't have food or bullets, they can't fight, if the troops are a psychological wreck they won't fight well. Logistics involves Food, Water, Ammunition, medical supplies, enemy prisoners of war, mail, medical
- [Firefight Dynamics](https://milsf.com/firefight-dynamics/) - Although television and the movies make firefights look like people just throw bullets at each other and hope to hit, reality is different. Of course some people do attempt to throw bullets in an attempt to kill him/her but professionals aren't so simple and taking the time to aim is not practical. Noise, volume of
- [Defensive Operations](https://milsf.com/defensive-operations/) - Although an opponent cannot be defeated with a defense alone, a good defense can cripple an attacker. Defensive Operations are of critical importance to the attacker as well as the defender. An attacker cannot keep moving, eventually he must stop, sleep, eat, and basically recover. Whenever a unit stops it should immediately go into the
- [Covering Fire](https://milsf.com/covering-fire/) - When you want to kill the enemy without getting killed yourself avoid getting shot by the enemy covering fire is the key to survival. Covering fire is used to decrease the accuracy of the enemy. If the enemy can't shoot accurately it dramatically decreases the chance he will hit you when he shoots at you.
- [Electronics](https://milsf.com/electronics/) - The future of the battlefield will be closely tied in with the advance of electronics. Computers, robots and sensors will become more common on the future battlefield. Presently the United States employs unmanned air craft as scouts, very intelligent cruise missiles and as resupply craft. That is today, right now, and the use of these
- [Billets](https://milsf.com/billets/) - The military, like any organization, has different positions within its organizational structure. NCO's or Non Commissioned Officers are not brutes who bully the lower rankers into obeying orders. Officers are not the only ones who make tactical decisions. Of course militaries vary dramatically based on the experience and culture but there are a lot of
- [Operational](https://milsf.com/operational/) - The Operational level can encompass everything from the theater, campaign or unit operational area.
- [Strategic](https://milsf.com/strategic/) - The strategic and grand strategic level are the highest level of a military operation. The strategic level is the entire war and encompasses the operational and tactical level.

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