| advanced combat engagement (a.c.e) |
| Under the High Table, A.C.E was born to battle the Kaiju on earth. With the High Table relocating the program to Mars in 2052, they left a few Paladins back there as a precaution. With their new home on Mars, the program was housed under the Shatterdome, a location that is approximately eight miles away from the colony. The Shatterdome is the largest dome on Mars, housing all of the Paladins and humans associated with the program. All cadets are allowed to sign up starting at the age of eighteen if they do not go to Mars University. When they apply, they are put through a written and physical test. They have to get at least 90% to advance. All cadets train for a total of FOUR YEARS prior to graduating. All cadets start at year 1, increasing in number until graduation. The Cadets that are rejected are allowed to go back to civilian life, continue to train to become a Pilot, or pursue other careers within A.C.E. |
| mechanics |
| Mechanics have an important role. They are the link between Mission Control and the Pilot. They are the ones that are responsible for the Pilot's welfare in battle. In battle, the Mechanic is always active behind the control panel. If the Pilot feels pain in one part of his/her body, the Mechanic "cuts the line" to that part of the body, desensitizing the Pilot. It gives the Pilot the ability to fight through their pain. Mechanic Cadets go through different training compared to Pilot Cadets. They go through physical tests and drills but they also learn everything about the Paladins and how to fix them. They go through stress testing to see if they can handle the pressure of dealing with being behind a console akin to a 911 operator. They are known to have a higher aptitude for science, math, and they're quick on their feet due to the nature of their position. Mechanic Cadets meet their Pilot Cadet in the second half of their first year (year 1). They are assigned to each other because they match up by compatibility and aptitude. The Mechanic is the Pilot's support: mentally and physically. |
| other personnel |
| There are other personnel under A.C.E. Cadets take up about 60% of personnel but there are still the other 40% occupants. Cooks, medical staff, custodians, security, instructors, scientists, R&D, and other various personnel strive within the Shatterdome walls. |
| pilots |
| Pilots have the lowest and toughest success rate due to the nature of the position, availability, and tenure. Since there are only SIX available Paladins, it is harder for a cadet to fill an open vacancy. In order to do so, a cadet has to be in the top six to be considered an actual pilot. When they reach year 4 (they start at year 1), the Pilot Cadets are ranked 1-6. The top six are then able to fill a vacated pilot spot, at the head instructor's discretion. If a cadet has an Esper, they are automatically tracked as a pilot. Regardless if they have more of an aptitude to become a Mechanic. As a Pilot Cadet, they train for four years. The training is rigorous and sometimes grueling. There are physical aptitude tests and mental aptitude tests. They learn: Ballet or dance to show balance and rhythm with other Paladins Physics Hand-to-Hand Firearms Training Running/Endurance Meditation Other lessons as instructors see fit When they train in hand-to-hand training, they use Paladin simulations. When they are in these simulations, they will feel pain as if they are in an active battle. But they would not have any physical pain, just a jolt through the simulation. During battle, if a pilot is injured, the Mechanic will "disconnect" neurons to certain parts of the Pilot's brain so the Pilot no longer feels the sensation of pain. Although the Pilot would have full mobility, he/she will not feel the pain anymore -- until they exit the cockpit. Pilots meet their two Mechanics in the second half of their first year. |
| paladins |
| uniforms |
| When mechanic and pilot cadets are on duty, they must wear their uniforms. The only way to differentiate the two cadets are the colors of their trimmings. For special events, like the induction ceremony, all cadets wear this. Mechanic Cadets have silver trimmings instead of blue and the Pilot Cadets have gold trimmings. For other events, they are free to wear what they would like. Once they are promoted, Mechanics (F, M) have their own uniform. There colors vary, matching the Paladin's colors but the gray is their base color. Pilots (F, M) have their own special uniforms. All of their uniforms are naturally black and gold, when the insignia on their chest is pressed, the nanotech changes the color to match the Paladin they pilot specifically. The Pilots are the only ones to have different colors on their uniforms. Instructors dress all in black with small piping down their sleeves, signifying which "faction" (ie: mechanic or pilot) they used to be in. Gray for Mechanic and gold for Pilot. If they don't have a faction, it would simply be all black. All medical staff wear white outfits. Although they wear clothing in lengths and styles, they are always distinguishable. For special events, like the induction ceremony, the instructors and medical staff wear ceremonial outfits. There is no particular reason instructors wear red, they just do -- most say just to stand out. If a medical or instructor is female, they have a choice to wear pencil skirts that hit right above the knee. |
