FST-01 Firecats

The Firecats were created as an experimental squadron to determine whether the New Republic would find more combat success by returning to the use of rebellion-era tactics against the Empire. The squadron, along with other Forward Strike Teams, operates outside the main Republic fleet and reports directly to the Chief of State.

They are a joint task force, drawing team members from Fleet Operations, Ground Operations, Starfighter Operations, and even civilian sources. All team members are expected to cross-train and gain proficiency in areas outside their own expertise. Those who were once pilots only learn to fight on the ground and drive ground vehicles, and former marines learn basic combat piloting and gunnery. All team members train to reach their maximum individual levels of proficiency in every area possible.

The Forward Strike Team mission profile is to disrupt Imperial operations by attacking their infrastructure, withdrawing when the mission is complete or when overwhelming enemy reinforcements arrive. This includes attacking convoys to appropriate supplies, destroying outposts, freeing enslaved sentients, and sabotaging financial resources.