The Allied VCM


Designation: Advanced Base Construction
Manufacturer: Strauss-Fuhrmann Autowerks
Country of Origin: Germany
Mass-produced at: Allied Weapons Factory

Key features:

• Construction Yard
• Removable air cushion for naval voyages
• Encrypted communications panel
• MAPS processing unit


Excerpt from ‘Assessing the Impact of the 3rd Generation Provision Management Technology on Global Strategic Policy’, by Ian Cochran Burke. This assessment was commissioned to examine the fiscal, diplomatic and military impact of adopting the proposed Battle VCM and Provision System. Burke’s assessment of the VCM’s impact on warfare has proved prophetic in the light of recent events.

The tactical benefits of adopting the VCM system have been discussed at length by Mathers, O’Donnell and others (for a comprehensive historical analysis, see ‘Tactical Engineering: A Review’ in Issue 468 of Modern War), and little needs to be added. It is worth noting that, whilst many focus on the use of the VCM’s Standardised Production Assembly Modules (MAPS) to construct structures, the technology for manufacturing a wide variety of weapon systems from a single universal component is not new. Traditional production facilities (War Factories, Airfields, etc.) have been using MAPS for over a decade: rapid-assembly modules have effectively redefined mobile warfare with the first Medium Tank designed to be assembled on the battlefield. A more revolutionary technological aspect of the VCM system is Virtually Operated Industrial Production (VOIP), a system that enables VCMs to remotely facilitate the production of state-of-the-art weapons. This same system can now also be found at the Allied Prospector.


VCM commanders are experienced veterans with an immense sense of duty.

But the true impact of adopting the VCM system is far more subtle. Mathers comes closest to understanding the ramifications of VCMs on the battlefield in his report to the Budget Office (see Cost Analysis: VCM). His proposals are correct. The demand for bases in the impending conflict (for there is no longer any doubt: war is approaching) far exceeds the number of VCMs we will be able to deploy. As VCMs move across the battlefield, the tendency is to create smaller, stationary bases that will remain at the rear when the VCM departs.

But his conclusion – that these bases will have no military value and will simply be a constant drain on our resources – is incorrect. Even if this were true, the strategic advantages would still justify pressing ahead with the programme. The flexibility of the VCMs – their extreme mobility and amphibious capability; their ability to deploy a small base and fight effectively even when cut off from supplies; and, of course, their ability to rapidly construct a large forward base when well-supplied – will provide Commanders with an unprecedented ability to project precise military power across the battlefield.


In their mobile configuration, VCMs are particularly vulnerable to weapons such as Terror Drones.

But the true value of these small bases will become apparent once the war is over. Following the defeat of the main enemy forces, what will be needed throughout the combat zone is the ability to rapidly restore order and provide a home for the integration of free men into Allied culture and society. The bases that will be established throughout the campaign as a natural result of VCM redeployment will serve this purpose. These bases will be beacons of Freedom and Justice after the impending conflict.


Reconnaissance on the battlefield has revealed at least the following facts about Allied VCMs:

• Mobile– Capable of traversing rough terrain, the Mobile Construction Vehicle gives the Allied Commander the ability to project Allied power across the battlefield. It is also fully amphibious, capable of crossing the sea on a detachable air cushion.

-Productive- The VCM is capable of deploying as a stationary Construction Yard. In this configuration, it can build production and defensive structures. The Construction Yard can also be upgraded to allow its PIVE system to produce the most advanced Allied war machine. If the enemy gets too close, the Construction Yard can redeploy as a MCV and move to a more advantageous Emplacement.

-Unarmed but dangerous- Neither the mobile nor the stationary configuration of the VCM is equipped with any weapons. Whilst its mass provides a degree of protection against enemy units, the VCM requires armed support to survive in a high-risk environment. But beware of secondary threats! VCM conductors are known to try and crush unwary enemies beneath their eight massive tracks.

-Well-Supplied - VCMs are well-stocked with MAPS before entering the battlefield. This allows Commanders to build a small base and a defensive force whilst they establish their supply chain.