It is the year 0079 of the Universal Century. A half-century has passed since Earth began moving its burgeoning population into gigantic orbiting space colonies. A new home for mankind, where people are born and raised..And die.

9 months ago, the cluster of colonies furthest from the Earth, called Side 3, proclaimed itself the Principality of Zeon and launched a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Initial fighting lasted over one month and saw both sides lose half their respective populations. People were horrified by the indescribable atrocities that had been committed in the name of independence. Eight months had passed since the rebellion began. They were at a stalemate.

(You) are a man of the Earth Federation, and you are:

1) A fresh new recruit. Green as can be, but you make up for it with enthusiasm and some damn good luck. Assigned to EFGF ground infantry, your boots are still squeaky clean. A naive young man ignorant to the horrors of war, and the newest member of the 12th Anti-Mobile Suit squad consisting of 7 troopers.
2) A grizzled veteran. You've served the Earth Federation for as long as you could remember, like your father, and his father before him. Years of experience has made you wise, but you're set in your ways, and age has a way of catching up to you. Assigned to EFGF Armored Cavalry, you're the commander of a three-man crew for a Type 61 tank, and you lead a platoon of 5 Type 61s. Many find you to be intimidating and imposing, but you care for every man under your command.
3) A Special Ops soldier. Most of your history is redacted, a human mystery box with more secrets than friends. You get bounced around between ground and space forces depending on what you're needed for, but most of your missions have been in the skies or the vacuums of space with an FF-S3 Saberfish. You're versatile, but used to working alone.

You may choose a name for yourself as well.