The Rapid Insertion Forces Troopers, known more commonly by their acronym of RIFT, is the principle Special Warfare group of the Threshold for both foreign and domestic missions. RIFT specializes in dangerous mid-combat insertions and stealth operations. Their most common missions consist of clandestine, counter-insurgency, planetary-body, deep space, shipboard, and orbital operations. RIFT is known for the extensive use of technomancers in their ranks. All soldiers are well trained in diverse environments, and all RIFT are given limited technomancy training in all artforms to familiarize the troopers with their strengths and weaknesses to make them effective counter-mancers, though each trooper can only specialize in the artform they are most suited for.
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Etymology
The traditional name Rapid Insertion Forces Troopers (RIFT) was given to the group based on their original purpose of creating beachhead through orbital insertions for planetary combat, neutralizing enemy defenses to allow for ships to deliver larger units and reinforcements.
The name of the group has changed several times, most notoriously to the Special Warfare Division in 3117, then to Orbital Insertion Division in 3201 and Dynamic Warfare Group in 3218. The traditional name was returned to the group in 3327.
History
Made famous for their textbook assault on the rebellious planet of Laterus in 2992, in which simultaneous RIFT orbital insertions enabled the destruction of multiple rebel command posts and heavy weaponry, RIFT rapidly became the most beloved military force in Threshold. Though originally a part of the Navy, by the turn of the millennia RIFT became so operationally large that they realized not having independent command and logistics was hindering their operations and founded the independent Special Warfare Command in 3112.
Participants
Operators: 19,542
Support Personnel: 44,010
Objectives
The goal of RIFT is to act as the main Special Warfare component of the Threshold Armed Forces. They act primarily as an aggressor in combat, though they may be used as security force assistance. They are not a mainstay force for combat operations but were originally intended for creating beachhead.
Operations
Counter-Insurgency
Unconventional Warfare
Counter-Terrorism
Foreign Internal Defense
Beachheading
Domestic Cartel Disruption & Removal
Mid-Combat Insertion
Planetary Combat Operations
Orbital Combat Operations
Special Reconnaissance