The Republic of Texas Marine Corps’ ground pounder elements typically use a mix of armed cycles and jeeps for short-range transportation. Many transform around the pilot into small mechs to improve combat capabilities. Standard Marine mechs usually deploy for atmospheric insertion in an aerodynamic mode similar to other reentry vehicles. They then transform into mech mode upon arriving at the landing zone, whereupon they help to secure the zone for further deployments. Marine tanks represent the primary offensive and defensive firepower of any Marine battalion, and no major battle is complete without their input. Various close air support craft were always included in Pre-Contact Marine units, but modern gravtech integration changed everything. When every unit can fly at need, which ones hug the ground and which ones fly overhead to rain destruction down on the enemy can become blurred.