[@vietmyke] They don't, but this is the first mission. 

By the rules in the game, anyway, getting a new mech is as easy as deciding you want one between missions. I believe, and I shall double check, that by level 3 you should have access to a new frame(depending on where you put your license points). 

[@rocketrobie2] no, you have the right of it. 

Now, my intention was to start at level 0 for simplicity, but I'll let you all chime in. It would be a little more complicated, but if we start at 3 you would have a lot more options for your mechs, and we wouldn't all be bound by the starter frame. What do folks prefer? 

[@Dead Cruiser] I'm certainly not full yet.