The RPG and tabletop/board game are two separate games that can be combined, although I strongly recommend reviewing Total War and learning the tabletop/board game first, then teaching your players, as the RPG usually centers around combat missions in Battlemechs. Once your players are comfortable playing out Battlemech battles, the RP will be somewhat easier.
While learning the board game, you can teach your players about the universe, the factions and the options for RPG characters.l
I'm running a campaign where one player is new to Battletech and the board game and it took me a while to beat the D&D mentality out of him -He'd charge at the enemy and expect to drop a target every turn, then the enemy would concentrate fire on his 'Mech and he'd wind up ejecting. In the end, he had to be stripped of command and placed on a tight leash under one of the more experienced players.
