Bean: Yes, though Del Rey is using them as slaves to build things like Hadrians wall, which still remains in part, then building Caracalla's gigantic bath complex which was little more then rubble after a few generations.
Fin: Gaurd the kids? Meh. I admit to all you say, but I also stand by what I said. No worthy self respecting Roman galley would dare have anyone but sailors and Marines onboard unless there were none to be had.
Men could sign on as marines, rowers/seamen, craftsmen and various other jobs, though all personnel serving in the imperial fleet were classed as soldiers, regardless of their function.
Though the fleet had its own marines, these troops were used for boarding enemy vessels rather than amphibious assaults. The status of the sailors and marines of the Roman navy were somewhat similar to that of the auxiliary soldiers serving in the army, and received a salary of around the same amount. The fleet recruited freeborn citizens and provincials as well as freedmen. Soldiers that did not possess Roman citizenship received this privilege after a minimum of 20 years of service with all the attending benefits that this entailed, as well as a sizable cash payment.
What the word that is used in lue of REMF?
As for the Imperial Fleet, I have three things to say about that. First, I never mentioned Amphibious Assaults. Second: I did not say that there were not professional rowers... In combat practices, Marines were the most numerious. Third...
I kinda intended it as a pun...
PREDATOR B - MQ-9 HUNTER/KILLER
In May 1998 General Atomics was awarded a Block 1 Upgrade contract to expand the capabilities of the Predator system. System upgrades include development of an improved Relief-On-Station (ROS) system which allows continuous coverage over areas of interest without any loss of time on station, secure air traffic control voice relay, Ku-band satellite tuning and implementation of an Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS). The upgrade also covers a more powerful turbocharged engine and wing de-icing systems to enable year-round operations. The upgraded Predator, the MQ-9 Hunter/Killer, has been operational in the Balkans since April 2001. In March 2005, the USAF awarded a further contract for the System Design & Development (SDD) of MQ-9. 15 MQ-9 have been ordered and eight delivered to the USAF. Production units are to be delivered in 2008.
Sounds pretty cool huh?...maybe something to add to the SOP SAT surveilance system