Robotech Expeditionary Force: 2022-2044
The exploits of the REF were briefly chronicled in the third Robotech Saga but were greatly expanded on in Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. Although the Jack McKinney novels (books 13-17) details the exploits of the REF, they have been reduced to Secondary continuity in the Robotech Saga in 2002 and are no longer considered reliable in the rebooted Robotech timeline.
The REF departs Earth in a quest for the Robotech Masters' homeworld of Tirol in 2022 (in the rebooted timeline). The mission's objective is to attempt a diplomatic solution with that power to resolve the mutual need for the Protoculture supply that caused the previous Robotech War. In the event that a peaceful resolution proves impossible, then the REF will be at least be able to fight in the Masters' territory this time. However, instead of facing the Robotech Masters, they become involved in a long-running battle with both a faction of the Invid led by a male leader known as the Regent, who leads half of the Invid Race. The other half, led by his wife, the Regess (or Regis) has already traveled to Earth and occupied it in 2031.
In 2029, the Second Robotech War began when the Robotech Masters and their entire spacefleet arrive in Earth orbit to reclaim the protoculture matrix in the ruins of the SDF-1. The war lasts for over a year and although the Masters are defeated, the United Earth Government (UEG) is crippled and the United Earth Forces (included the elite Army of the Southern Cross) suffer massive losses. The REF was unable to send significant aid back to Earth due to its war with the Invid. When the Invid invaded Earth in 2031, marking the start of the Third Robotech War, the remaining military forces on Earth were easily defeated. The REF learns that Earth has fallen to the Invid when a group of survivors from the Southern Cross refugees who escaped from Earth after acquiring one of the few remaining operational spacecraft.
In September 2038, the REF 10th Mars Division launched an assault against the Invid in an attempt to destroy Reflex Point. However, the attack fails miserably, and the Division is nearly wiped out, although a handful of survivors, including Lance "Lancer" Belmont are able to reach earth. The REF had faced the Invid before but it is soon realized that the Invid have been evolving on Earth and consequently, their military abilities and strength has grown considerably.
In September 2042, the REF 21st Mars Division launched another assault against the Invid but despite their improved weaponry, the Invid overpower and destroy the entire division. One confirmed survivor was REF pilot Scott Bernard.
In 2043, as chronicled in Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles the Regent is soon joined by General T. R. Edwards, who betrays the REF to gain power. Edwards eventually betrays the Regent as well, killing him. Edwards is eventually defeated by Admiral Rick Hunter and Captain Vince Grant, and the REF turns their attention to freeing Earth from the Invid.
Read more about this topic: Robotech Armed Forces