[quote]Taking that into consideration, I don't think anyone would really be trained in sword use for war purposes when we have giant NC Mechs.[/quote]

I believe sword use isn’t a “standard” in the 27th Century but there are definitely precedents of training in it (at least in Red Star’s military), though I imagine a lot of that is a formality rather than a utility in general warfare unless there is a huge resurgence for some reason.