Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars

Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars is an Inner Sphere mercenary unit founded in 3015 by Helena Turkowska. The Lifeguard Irregulars are defined by their long-lasting relationship with the Lyran Commonwealth, although they have taken various contracts with a number of clients which includes the Federated Suns, the Magistracy of Canopus, and the Aurigan Coalition.
The Irregulars garnered significant attention while fighting the Aurigan Directorate as part of the forces of the Arano Restoration. Alongside a number of other mercenary companies such as Markham’s Marauders. Following the successful campaign against House Espinosa, the Lifeguards returned to their native Commonwealth.
They were contracted by the AFFS during the Fourth Succession War participating in Operation Rat fighting the Capellans in the Chaos March. They played a minor role in the War of 3039 under contract with the newly formed Federated Commonwealth. The majority of the unit was at its headquarters on Arcturus during the onset of the Clan Invasion in 3049 and was immediately deployed against Clan Jade Falcon in which they saw significant losses.
Casualties suffered in the fight against the Clan Invasion saw the unit re-organized following the Battle of Tukayyid. The FedCom Civil War saw the Irregulars instead taking contracts in the Free Worlds League and Periphery, preferring not to fight either side of the conflict in respect for former comrades-in-arms with whom they had fought beside against the Clans.
The Word of Blake Jihad brought the unit back into the limelight in which they were part of the hired forces recruited by Chandrasekhar Kurita to fight the Word of Blake. The nuclear raid conducted by the Word of Blake destroyed the Irregulars’ headquarters in Ironfield and inflicted heavy casualties on the unit. In 3080, Natalia Turkowska relocated the unit to Odessa and performed another reorganization following the Jihad.
As of 3145, the unit is currently commanded by Zofia Turkowska.
==History==
===Background===
The concept of the Lifeguard Irregulars originates with Helena Turkowska, Emma Reinmann, Anika Reichart, and Kira Lehmann all of whom had recently been honorably discharged from the LCAF in 3015. At a bar on Donegal, the four lancemates contemplated their varying futures and ultimately decided to pool their funds together—which included a substantial inheritance from Kira’s recently deceased uncle—to invest in founding a mercenary company.
The name of “Lifeguard Irregulars” was decided upon that night. The addition of attaching Helena’s family name to the company was agreed upon between Emma, Anika, and Kira as Helena had saved each of them in one circumstance or another during their service.
The process of building and recruiting for the company to a little under a year and the Lifeguard Irregulars were officially registered with the Mercenary Review Board in November 3015.
===Third Succession War===
Not long after the company was registered and rated, the Irregulars were sent to the Commonwealth border with the Free Worlds League where they were based at Hornir’s Keep. For the first few years in contract with LCAF, the Irregulars defended the edge of Commonwealth space from incursions made by the Free Worlds League Military. Their early successes helped to develop the foundation of the Irregulars’ first regiment. Helena, Emma, Anika, and Kira also all developed well-known reputations as MechWarriors which also helped to attract new recruits and personnel.
By 3021, the Lifeguards had been transferred to Trellwan where they began facing off against the forces of the Draconis Combine who proved to be better trained and significantly more fanatical than the forces of the FWLM. These experiences necessitated that the pilots of the Lifeguards learn to adapt to the more aggressive and ferocious fighting style that characterized their opponents in the DCMS. Given the DCMS’ preference for light ‘Mechs and mobility, the Irregulars became particular skilled at combating smaller ‘Mechs piloted by skilled MechWarriors.
Although the Lifeguards had several harrowing skirmishes, they all saw the mercenary company victorious. It is speculated that the presence of the Irregulars, along with Carlyle’s Commandos, on Trell galvanized the 3024 Trell I raid orchestrated by Duke Hassid Ricol and forces of the Oberon Confederation. The betrayal of the Confederation forces against the garrison on Trell nearly destroyed Carlyle’s Commandos, inflicted heavy losses on the Irregulars’ 1 Lifeguard Regiment, and resulted in the death of Emma Reinmann.
Angered at this betrayal, the remaining Irregulars joined forces with Grayson Carlyle and staged a guerilla resistance that would eventual drive Ricol off of Trell I.
===Aurigan Civil War===
After spending a year safeguarding Loric at the edge of Commonwealth space following the Draconis Combine raid, the Irregulars began making their way rimward through the Free Worlds League. The intended destination of the mercenary company was the Magistracy of Canopus where Helena had hoped to find better prospects for the company and to escape from the memory of the of the death of her friend which was said to have deeply affected her. Helena’s intuition proved fruitful as the Irregulars’ were contacted by representatives of House Centrella—working in secret on the behalf of Kamea Arano—for an undisclosed contract in late 3024. Despite the secretive nature of the transaction, the financial and materiel benefits proved too advantageous for Helena to decline.
In 3025, it was revealed that the Irregulars’ would be one of several mercenary companies enlisted to fight for the Arano Restoration in an attempt to restore Kamea Arano as ruler of the Aurigan Reach having been deposed by her uncle in 3022. The opening move of the conflict would be an assault on the Directorate’s prison planet of Weldry. The Irregulars—alongside the bulk of Restoration forces—would make planetfall and engage the main Directorate garrison while Markham’s Marauders would instead land within striking distance of the Ice Box in an attempt to liberate anti-Directorate political prisoners.
The operation proved to be a resounding success that gave life and rallied support for the Restoration. For their part in the main action, the Irregulars were noted for their efficiency and stubbornness which formed the foundation of the Arano right flank.
Throughout the major actions of the Aurigan Civil War, the Lifeguard Irregulars were regularly employed as a bulwark for the weaker parts of the Restoration’s frontline. This earned significant respect among both the regular Arano forces and its other mercenary contemporaries. Although the exploits of the Lifeguards were not made as famous as those of Markham’s Marauders, their contribution to the Arano victory over House Espinosa was certainly recognized.
At the battle of Coromodir, the Irregulars spearheaded the Restoration’s assault of the former Aurigan Coalition Military Academy on Coromodir VI where their skill in heavy ‘Mechs would prove to be advantageous. Despite losing some ‘Mechs and facing stiff resistance, the Lifeguard Irregulars were able to complete their objective quickly.
The Lifeguard Irregulars returned to Federated Suns’ space in 3027 well financed and well reputed.
===Fourth Succession War===
In a similar fashion to how the company came in service of the Arano Restoration, the Irregulars were contracted in secret through their channels in the Lyran Commonwealth to serve with the Federated Suns in the opening moves of the Fourth Succession War.
Their first targets were Poznan and Algol as part of the first wave of Operation Rat. Alongside the Gamma and Delta regiments of the 12th Vegan Rangers, the Lifeguards’ 1 and 4 Regiments easily forced the local militia on Pozanan to surrender whereas the 2 and 3 Regiments supported the 3rd Davion Guards and Eridani Light Horse in their successful invasion of Algol. Afterward, all four regiments regrouped at Poznan in preparation for the second wave.
The Irregulars’ second target was Gan Singh operating in tandem with the Screaming Eagles. Acting as the initial invasion force, the Irregulars 1 Lifeguard Regiment secured a beachhead that allowed for the remaining forces to land safely. While the planetary garrison attempted to resist, the local militia were too few in number and underequipped to cause any significant damage to either mercenary company. Gan Singh was under Federated Suns’ control after little more than a week of sporadic fighting.
The 4 Lifeguard Regiment would remain on Gan Singh as a temporary garrison force as 1, 2, and 3 Regiments moved to support the 33rd Avalon Hussars and forces of the Blue Star Irregulars with their ongoing attack on Arboris. After the successful attack on Arboris, the Lifeguards regrouped on Gan Singh before being called in to support the disastrous ongoing invasion of Sarna as part of Wave 5.
Meeting up with the the Davion Heavy Guards, the Irregulars’ 1 Lifeguard Regiment assisted in rescuing the Crater Cobras and 2nd regiment of the Screaming Eagles from total destruction.
===The War of 3039===
===Clan Invasion===
Following the conclusion of the Irregulars’ two-year contract with the Free Worlds League, the company returned to Lyran Commonwealth where they accepted a short-term agreement on the planet of Newtown Square at the edge of Commonwealth space.
Having served extensively with the FWLM, the assignment was given to the 1st Lifeguard Regiment and was primarily focused on protecting lightly armed supply convoys from raiders. Meant to last only several months and serve as a respite prior to a new contract being negotiated with the Federated Suns, the Lifeguards were deployed on Newtown Square when Clan Jade Falcon launched its first wave of Operation Revival on 20 March 3050.
===Operation Bulldog===
===FedCom Civil War===
===Jihad===
===Dark Age===
==Tactics==
The original modus operandi of the Lifeguard Irregulars stemmed from the Lyran Commonwealth origins of the company's founders. In time before the Jihad, the Irregulars focused heavily on line battles centered on their BattleMech battalions supported by a variety of vehicles, infantry, air support, and artillery. This made them an effectively independent mercenary company and enabled the Irregulars to take contracts that required units to operate with significant autonomy or without support from their employers. These characteristics of their operating capability often allowed the Irregulars to negotiate significantly favorable terms in both payment and salvage rights.
Currently, following the various losses as a result of both the Clan Invasion and the Jihad, the Irregulars have adopted a more mobile hit-and-run approach to combat. Now lacking in their previously large amounts of Assault and Heavy ‘Mechs that had been afforded to them in the past, the Irregulars often focus on engagements that allow them to inflict damage on their opponents and disengage before their attack can be reacted to. As a result, most pilots now prefer using faster ‘Mechs with more well-rounded arsenals.
==Commanding Officers==
Commanding Officers of Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars	Commanding Officers of Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars	Commanding Officers of Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars	Commanding Officers of Turkowska’s Lifeguard Irregulars
Portrait 	Name 	Command 	
 	Helena TurkowskaFrostbite 	3015 – 3067 	
 	Natalia TurkowskaUhlan 	3067 – 3087 	
 	Aniela TurkowskaArchangel 	3087 – 3117 	
 	Emilia TurkowskaLongshot 	3117 – 3141 	
 	Zofia TurkowskaLifeline 	3141 – present 	
==Notable Members==
* Rosalina Demirkol (Callsign Atoll; 8 July 3018 – 14 October 3106) Demirkol was born on Lordinax of the Lothian League as the daughter of a local shopkeep and a mercenary captain with much of her early life dominated by rising tensions with the nearby Marian Hegemony. The frequen raids by the Marians eventually claimed the life of her father and her mother became despondent over his death. When her mother died in 3046, Rosalina realized there was nothing left for her on Lordinax and made her plans to move on. She inherited her father's Panther and decided to join up with Royce’s Rangers on the suggestions of a former friend of her father. Rosalina integrated well with the Rangers despite her Periphery origins and everything seemed to be going well until the Rangers found themselves facing Clan Jade Falcon on Lackhove. As the sole surviving MerchWarrior, she led a handful of others off planet and made her way back into the Inner Sphere. Devstated by the loss of what she had seen as her family, she originally considered headed back in disgrace to Lothian space, but upon learning that the Marian invasion decided to remain in the Inner Sphere. By chance, she met up with the Irregulars while they were preparing to fight the Clans where her experience against them convinced Helena to hire her on the spot. Rosalina served with the Irregulars throughout the Clan Invasion as well as the Jihad. She died at the age of 88 in 3106.
* Adrian Zareii (Callsign Havoc; 25 September 3019 – 11 January 3108) Born on Emporia in the Federated Suns, Zareii enlisted into the AFFS when he was eighteen years old with the infantry. After three brutal years, he eventually transferred to the armored corps fighting in the War of 3039 against both the Capellans and Combine. After six years of service, Zareii finally managed to slot himself into training to become a MechWarrior. After graduating, he stuck with service in the AFFS eventually leaving after eigh years of service. He took what was left of his back account and bought himself a light ‘Mech to make his way as a mercenary. He joined up with the Irregulars and served extensively during the Clan Wars and the Jihad. Although he was never a great MechWarrior, average at best, he made up for this with his wealth of experience serving with the infantry and armor. As a result he was one of the most well-versed MechWarriors in regards to combined arms tactics.
* Damon Pryce (Callsign Mastiff; 13 August 3023 – 11 April 3052) A native of the Free Worlds League, Damon joined the Irregulars in 3046 and became a popular personality of the company’s I ‘Mech Battalion, 1 Lifeguard Regiment. He developed a lasting friendship with Angelika Turkowska and was considered a very close friend of the family. He was killed while fighting Clan Jade Falcon in April 3052.
* Natalia Turkowska (Callsign Uhlan; 12 August 3024 – 18 October 3112) Natalia was the eldest daughter of Helena and inherited the role of commanding officer of the Irregulars after her mother stepped down in 3067. She led the Irregulars through the devastation of the Word of Blake Jihad and personally oversaw the reorganization of the company following the destruction of their headquarters on Ironfield.
* Khan Sun Do (Callsign Shepherd; 17 December 3025 – 15 May 3073) The sun of CCAF veterans, Khan was born on Homestead in the Capellan Confederation. Following the death of his parents during the Fourth Succession War, Khan was indoctrinated into the Capellan Way of life and joined the CCAF after turning seventeen. At the age of twnety, je would serve as a MechWarrior in the 3rd Confederation Reserve Cavalry, but would eventually grow tired of Capellan leadership. Selling what was left of his family estate, he joined up with the Irregulars in 3048. A physically imposing man, Khan stood at 6 foot 5 inches and weighed in at 240 pounds, piloting a Catapult for the majority of his service. He participated extensively during the Clan Invasion, including Operation Bulldog, but was eventually killed in action during the World of Blake attack on Ironfield during the Jihad.
* Angelika Turkowska (Callsign Shadow; 7 June 3028 – 20 December 3118) The second daughter of the company’s founder, Angelika is often considered one of the best pilots to ever serve with the Lifeguard Irregulars. She saw action during the Fourth Succession War and served extensively during the Clan Invasion.
* Tilde Wakumi (Callsign Mantis; born 6 April 3117) Wakumi’s ancestry hails from the Rasalhague Dominion, though she bears an East Asian appearance that reflects her distant relatives who were stalwart members of the Draconis Combine. Unlike other families, Wakumi’s grandparents did not flee during the Clan Invasion and her parents lived to see the unification of Clan Ghost Bear and the Free Rasalhague Republic. Her family is able to trace its roots through the KungsArmee and, before that, to the DCMS. Her path to becoming a MechWarrior was clear. She served briefly in the armed forces of the Dominion but found the Clan hierarchy tiresome and eventually struck out to become a mercenary. Intrigued by the exploits of the Irregulars, she joined up looking for fame and fortune. An aggressive ‘Mech pilot, Wakumi prefers close-in and point blank engagements, favoring autocannons and other short range weaponry. She pilots a Dragon BattleMech, a family heirloom that has been handed down for several generations.
==Signature BattleMechs==
===Pre-Clan Invasion===
Light
* Commando
* Flea
Medium
* Crab
* Enforcer
* Shadow Hawk
Heavy
* Rifleman
* Warhammer
Assault
* King Crab
* Nightstar
===Post-Clan Invasion===
Light
* Commando
* Dasher
* Firestarter
Medium
* Crab
* Ryoken
* Uziel
Heavy
* Linebacker
* Mad Cat
* Warhammer
Assault
* Masakari
* Nightstar
* Sunder
==Composition History==
The Lifeguard Irregulars was at the height of its strength in the time period following the War of 3039 and leading up to the Clan Invasion. In 3045, the Irregulars consisted of four regiments split into sixteen battalions of varying roles. After action against Clan Jade Falcon, the regiment accounted for its losses and was reorganized into three regiments—two of which consisted solely of ‘Mech battalions—in preparation for Operation Bulldog.
The Jihad saw the company take significant damage particularly during the Word of Blake’s nuclear raid on Arcturus. As a result, the Irregulars were forced to abandon their original headquarters on Arcturus and re-established themselves on Odessa with only enough personnel to make up one BattleMech regiment and one mixed regiment.
As of 3145, the Irregulars have yet to fully recover from their losses incurred during the Clan Invasion and the Jihad.
===3045===
1 Lifeguard Regiment
* I ‘Mech Battalion
* II ‘Mech Battalion
* I Specialist Battalion
* I Mechanized Battalion
2 Lifeguard Regiment
* III ‘Mech Battalion
* IV ‘Mech Battalion
* I Infantry Battalion
* II Infantry Battalion
3 Lifeguard Regiment
* V ‘Mech Battalion
* VI ‘Mech Battalion
* II Specialist Battalion
* II Mechanized Battalion
4 Lifeguard Regiment
* I Tank Battalion
* II Tank Battalion
* II Support Battalion
* I Reconnaissance Battalion
===3059===
1 Lifeguard Regiment
* I ‘Mech Battalion
* II ‘Mech Battalion
* III ‘Mech Battalion
* IV ‘Mech Battalion
2 Lifeguard Regiment
* V ‘Mech Battalion
* VI ‘Mech Battalion
* VII ‘Mech Battalion
* VIII ‘Mech Battalion
3 Lifeguard Regiment
* I Infantry Battalion
* II Specialist Battalion
* II Mechanized Battalion
* I Support Battalion
===3082===
1 Lifeguard Regiment
* I ‘Mech Battalion
* II ‘Mech Battalion
* III ‘Mech Battalion
* IV ‘Mech Battalion
2 Lifeguard Regiment
* I Tank Battalion
* I Infantry Battalion
* I Specialist Battalion
* I Support Battalion
===3145===
1 Lifeguard Regiment
* I ‘Mech Battalion
* II ‘Mech Battalion
* I Mechanized Battalion
* I Infantry Battalion
2 Lifeguard Regiment
* III ‘Mech Battalion
* I Tank Battalion
* II Infantry Battalion
* I Support Battalion
==Transportation==
The mobility of the Irregulars is facilitated by the dropship branch of the company. Originally headquartered in the city of Ironfield on Arcturus, it now currently operates from the new company headquarters at Blackgate on Odessa. In 3045, the Irregulars operated several dozen dropships which included a Fortress-class, four Overlords, and two dozen others ranging from Unions to Leopards. Much of the fleet was destroyed during the nuclear raid on Arcturus which initially severely crippled the company’s ability to move its troops.
The Irregulars’ current dropship fleet consists of the Fortress-class dropship Ironfield, two Overlord-class ships (Bern and Lindau), three captured Union-Cs (Trellwan, Twycross, Newtown Square), and a pair of Mammoths (Vulkan and Perleberg) which are used primarily for cargo and resupply.
The Ironfield, named after the company’s original headquarters, is the oldest ship of the fleet and was acquired in 3040 in the aftermath of the War of 3039. It has served as the flagship of the Irregulars’ as well as the field operations headquarters of the 1 Lifeguard Regiment since its acquisition and, despite its maintenance heavy running costs, is expected to continue in its role.
Alexandra Hagerström has served as the fleet manager and captain of the Ironfield since 3143.
==Colors and Insignia==
Midnight blue, slate gray, and white serve as the primary colors of the Lifeguard Irregulars. While there is no hierarchy between the three, midnight blue is the most commonly associated colored of the mercenary company and is featured prominently on all of its vehicles and ‘Mechs. The Irregulars’ insignia is a left-side portrait of a topless woman presenting ammunition similarly to blowing a kiss. It is common practice for the insignia to be displayed on the left shoulder and leg for ‘Mechs and the left fender panels of vehicles. The insignia was not adopted until after the Third Succession War and it is widely believed that the woman shares the likeness of Emma Reinmann, Helena's friend who was killed in action on Trell I in 3024.
Despite the requirements for displaying the company’s insignia and using the company’s colors, pilots and crew of the Irregulars’ are otherwise allowed to decorate their vehicles in any way they see fit. The Irregulars’ also do not have any uniform requirements outside of the company’s insignia being displayed on the left shoulder of all personnel. As a result, the company has developed a relatively tolerant and informal atmosphere for attire which has been positively received by its members since the Irregulars’ foundation in 3015.
==Gallery==
===Personnel===
Image:Helena Turkowska.png|Helena TurkowskaCO (3015 – 3067)
Image:Aira Turkowska.png|Aira Turkowska
Image:Natalia Turkowska.png|Natalia TurkowskaCO (3067 – 3087)
Image:Angelika Turkowska Portrait.png|Angelika Turkowska
Image:Damon Pryce.png|Damon Pryce
Image:Ziaul-Haq Gonzalez.png|Ziaul-Haq González
Image:Aniela Turkowska.png|Aniela TurkowskaCO (3087 – 3117)
Image:Emilia Turkowska.png|Emilia TurkowskaCO (3117 – 3141)
Image:Zofia Turkowska.png|Zofia TurkowskaCO (3141 – present)
Category:Fan Mercenary Commands
Category:Articles by ChibiPotatoes