Kalama and Ta Rahkshi

I am in agreement. However let's take a quick look at the latest in the Rahkshi search in Le-Wahi.

Recently, 6 Rahkshi just raided the hiding place of an unknown Toa of Water. This was revealed as to be a cupboard of sorts.

They appeared to be most interested in a pile of stones about the same size as pebbles.

They are not looking for something as big as a Kanohi or a Toa Stone.

It's something far smaller and easier to mistake for a rather common object.

I wholly agree with you about the training. That's something that is done regardless of a fight. Basic will prepare the soldier for the life of soldiering but the units are responsible for keeping the soldier trained to do what the unit needs him/her to do. No unit will ever deploy a soldier they believe to be fully unprepared and will conduct drills to keep the soldiers trained and ready in between combat times. You might see my Marines sparing among themselves or my Irregulars training for aerial combat to keep the soldiers sharp. I'd fully expect a seasoned commander to run his unit through practice runs so that the recruits feel calm and confidant when they face the situation for real and it's actually life or death.

*snort* I'm beginning to wonder if EW even has any sort of military experience.

From my research, Protosteel is nothing more than refined Protodermis which WAS available on Mata-Nui (Not to be confused with Energized Protoderms which is a separate element altogether) combined with steel. Hence Proto-Steel. Get it? XD

As for unit requirements, I don't see too much of a problem with what you've already got other than the prior history requirement. Not everyone is cut out for service. And not all units are alike. Depending on the unit's purpose and mission they can be as standardized or unique as the unit commander wants. In your case I see a Heavy Cavalry Unit. It would make sense that you be as heavily armed and armored as possible as you will be the front line defenders if used properly. While riding Ussal Crabs would make up for your lost mobility being heavy shock troops, you would more or less be there to be the anvil on which the enemy is smashed against. In that case your use of heavy armor and arms is justified.

Individual unit pride is another factor. With a standard weapons set, everything is interchangeable and you don't have to worry about losing people as other could just as easily pick up a wounded soldiers weapon and wield it with the same amount of skill. A weapon unique to your unit also sets you apart from other units which is what your pride is based upon and does affect soldier morale. Note however you won't be the only unit using those weapons but *shrug* now you just get to brag about how your unit is the best with those weapons.

Now as for the experience part, I'm kind of not for that. From my experiences the High Command is going to send you where they have the most gaps whether you can do the job or not sometimes. The only time experience plays a factor would be selection of a special forces group. I don't want a raw rookie straight from Basic in a special forces unit unless he was really exemplary because I still don't know how he'll react in a combat situation. Unless this is a special forces unit, I'd say you're going to get all kinds of green recruits because you're a regular unit.

HA! That didn't last long! Good to know my sixth sense on things like that are still active.