More Persia

[ctwaterman]

The Mughal are creating a bunch of Tribal Militia's but they are being armed with the effective cast offs from the real army.  As that army advances in technology so does the Tribal Militia.

By 1915/1916 I see the Mughal Empire having a bunch of these usnit being a mix of Cavalry, Mountain and Desert Infantry all being either 3/.5 or 4/1.  Making them very well armed Militia with some light artillary :)

Charles

[P3D]

A Persia, or Mughal I won't give artillery to non-army troops. Tribal militias have somewhat split loyalties, and might give them some wrong ideas (like raiding across the borders, or even within).

If they are integrated in the army they are not really tribal anymore.

[ctwaterman]

I think your under the mistaken impression that Tribal loyalites dont already cross the Army/Tribal Militia boundry.   Army Commanders and whole Units would turn on the central if that Government moved to attack there local tribal area's.   As for raiding within the country Im sure it will happen but if a clan starts a clan war with its neighbors It realizes the harsh reaility that while the central government  may have provided the units with some light artillary It didnt supply them with unlimited Ammo :)  And the central government will provided it to the people fighting the raiding clan. 

Basically you dont want to raid the next clan over using heavy weapons because they will do the same back to you and probably do so with the support of your othe neighbors and the Central Government.  Raiding will remain the small scale actions of stealing cattle, sheep, goats, and horses it always was.  Raids across the borders into other countries are governed by the same restrictions lack of ammo except for times of war.   But it might be a bit more prelevant then inter clan war and blood feuds those are bad for buisness. ;)

It might even be more prelevant if say your neighbors take up killing muslim merchants and relatives of the clan that live or work across the border  ;)

[Kaiser Kirk]

Tribal forces are good idea, but should be limited to cavalry - infantry as it is unsuitable for tribal warfare, and I don't think of any good historical example of it.

Make say two corps at most, at active status. That means half-strength with reservists called up in war.

The Mughal tribal forces should also be limited to cavalry.

What I was thinking was that there is a fair amount of desert environment in Persia, and in SW Mughal. The indigenous tribes there might ride horses, but what truly would set them apart from an opposing force would be their ability to survive and fight in harsh arid conditions- they should be Desert even is some happen to ride horses.

Then there are the northern mountains of both countries. The Afghanis are well known for their horsemen, but folks are also quite capable of dismounted action in extremely rugged terrain. Those likewise would be distinguished in capabilities as Mountain regardless of their means of transport.

The Mughals were know for their Cav, and might indeed field some straight non-professional cav from their upper classes.

In both cases the central govt. would be providing the C&C, probably professionals for light artillery/wire, as well as the basic logistical train for what is basically skilled militia.

[The Bushranger]

What I was thinking was that there is a fair amount of desert environment in Persia, and in SW Mughal. The indigenous tribes there might ride horses, but what truly would set them apart from an opposing force would be their ability to survive and fight in harsh arid conditions- they should be Desert even is some happen to ride horses.

Or you could have them riding camels.  ;D

[Kaiser Kirk]

but they are to big to ride a cigarette...
I think arab/persian desert nomads and I think of horsemen. The funny horses with the deformed spines would likely work also.