[quote=Imperfectionist]
Wait, what about... There T-51bs in Anchorage, standard issue in fact, if one was a member of the Mechanized Cavalry Regiment (otherwise, you wouldn't have power armor at all).I really don't see the harm in letting him have one. In fact, it actually makes less sense to give him a T-45d suit...After the Reclamation, the Army brought most of their combat troops back down into the U.S. (which at that point had annexed Canada), including their Mechanized Cavalry. If he was a soldier who would have access to power armor at all, it would be T-51b.
[/quote]

The T-51b was released in January of 2077, sure. But look at the reality of the military and a setting where armaments are spread on multiple fronts, not to mention stockpiling. For the purpose of the story it would make more sense for the T-51b suits to be secured for actual conflicts and older, more seasoned or re-fit T-45s as tools against civil disobediences. As with any "historical" tale, just because a thing existed at the time does not mean it was likely to be had. Otherwise, you're totally right and yeah, he should be able to have it technically. 

[quote=Leos]Hmm I personally don't think it operative for him start with it, he could start with the training and then find some armour later on.
But alas if you do start with it, you should take note of the weaknesses that come laden with it and that you also make yourself a rather large target, both pre and post apocalypse, there's a lot of people who'd want that armour, make sure you sleep with one eye open.[/quote]

It's not imperative, truth, but it's interesting. Throw a few people in a room where only one can leave and the story will draw an eye; throw a revolver with a couple rounds at the center and you have an audience. Zombie will take the weaknesses to heart as I told'em or chaos will knock him down. That's just how GMing works. Also, again, please do not think about the post-apocalyptic. 

@Imperfectionist & Zombie: The T-45 has powering issues that require more energy cells. This will be the model Zombie is allowed to use if he would like power armour, so powering will be an issue that will factor into the plot. Consider that the world is on its edge right now, but structure still exists. Think Israel in World War Z. Nate will have access and the ability to charge his suit as needed so long as society holds, but should things crumble, obviously the benefits of being a part of the government might change. It's a fun thought to have a character with access to such power early on when you know the world is apt to change very soon and to see how that change ripples into their mindset. If Nate feels like a titan in his armour and eventually is cornered without energy running into it, imagine his psyche when he loses that deity-like strength. That's why I'm approving this. It's very much compelling and I believe Zombie can portray it fine.