Editing Commando (section)

==Overview==
The Commando is one of the oldest 'Mech designs, dating back to 2463 and thus being the first known Light 'Mech. Designed by one Andrew Barcalow and manufactured by Coventry Defense Conglomerate (which would eventually become Coventry Metal Works) for the Lyrans, it started out with its COM-1A variant which was one of the first 'Mechs explicitly designed to be a recon unit. It was much lighter and faster than anything that came before, but since this first variant is so old it's saddled with the use of primitive tech. Despite being designed as a scout, it was able to punch up pretty hard - in 2475, it participated in the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs on Nox and managed to destroy 55-ton Gladiators from the [[Draconis Combine]].

Despite this impressive showing, the fact it only had a Large Laser that had several problems of its own - as well as the fact better scouts like the [[Wasp]] and [[Stinger]] were being rolled out and spelling the end of the Commando's recon days - would lead to the design being radically overhauled into the more advanced 2D in 2486, now with a short-range missile-heavy loadout to make it the striker we all know and love.

That being said, even if it's a striker that can punch up, its definitely not supposed to get into an all-out fight with a bigger 'Mech - its light armor even for a light 'Mech means its relying on its speed to not get instantly blown to bits. The COM-2D reflects this by being designed to hunt scouts as well as for hit-and-run tactics.

In any case, it'd become a favorite of the Lyran armed forces and wind up being used for six entire centuries. They also made sure to keep the Commando out of others' hands, only finally relenting when the [[Federated Suns]] joined up with them to create the Federated Commonwealth. Evidently the Feds saw a 'Mech that looked like G.I. Joe if he was a walker and were instantly sold, as FedCom soon chose the Commando to be one of their standard Light 'Mechs alongside the [[Valkyrie (BattleTech)|Valkyrie]]. They'd also let the [[Taurian Concordat]] have some by giving the plans for the 2D (by then replaced with the superior 5S).

Of course, the Lyrans couldn't keep all the Commandos out of enemy possession. Some ended up being picked up by various mercenaries, who proceeded to refit the 2D into a multitude of variants known as then 7-series. The [[Marian Hegemony]] would also gain some to turn into the rocket-heavy 4H, while the dreaded [[Word of Blake|Wobbies]] also made a few in the form of the COM-7B after occupying Coventry from 3068 to 3074 (since conquering the home of the corp that designed them obviously gives you the capacity to make your own). Even [[the Clans]] got to make an IIC variant due to some Lyrans jumping ship to Kerensky's SLDF during the whole Amaris Civil War boogaloo.