Armed Forces of the Federated Suns

The Armed Forces of the Federated Suns (AFFS) is the military branch of the Federated Suns, the Successor State ruled for most of its history by House Davion. After 3041, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth (AFFC). This organization was short-lived, however, as the AFFC was largely folded back into the Federated Suns State Command after the Lyran secession in 3057. Ten years later, the AFFC was renamed the AFFS in conjunction with the renaming of the nation.

Organization

Most units within the AFFS, with the notable exception of the Ceti Hussars, are organized around a BattleMech regiment, which is roughly 108 'Mechs. To this regiment, conventional vehicles (tanks, V.T.O.L.s, etc.), artillery, infantry, and even aerospace fighters that complement the 'Mechs are traditionally attached. In some units, however, the AFFS took this a step further.

Many units within the AFFS are Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs). Front-line RCTs are composed of one 'Mech regiment, three of vehicles, a battalion of artillery, five regiments of infantry, and a fighter wing. Second-line, or militia, RCTs are usually composed of smaller numbers of these supporting forces. Front-line RCTs are usually commanded by a Marshal.

Command Structure

The AFFS has several layers of command. The first is that of the national authority. Headquarted in the Fox's Den on New Avalon, the Prince and his or her military advisers can effectively control the entirety of the AFFS from the high-tech command bunker. The top layer often concerns itself with matters of overall strategy, planning, and force readiness.

Often, responsibility for localized deployment of military forces belongs to the regional commanders. The Federated Suns is broken into three Marches: the interior Crucis March and the border areas of the Capellan March and Draconis March (though in Dark Ages, there is a fourth March: the Periphery March), which are commanded by Field Marshals. These Marches are further subdivided into Operations Areas: three for the Crucis March and two each for the Capellan and Draconis Marches, which are also commanded by Field Marshals. Within the Crucis March, these OAs are further subdivided into traditional Combat Theaters. On the border Marches, however, the OAs are broken down into Polymorphous Defense Zones (PDZs). Regardless of the name, these regions are commanded by Marshals.

Finally, the AFFS also has brigade commanders. Largely concerned with matters of supply, orders for troop movements that originate from New Avalon pass through brigade commanders. Brigade commanders often hold other roles within the AFFS, such as Field Marshal Andrew Terlecki, Jr. who, in addition to commanding the Deneb Light Cavalry, was named director of the Crucis March in 3067.

Prince

The head of AFFS is the First Prince of the Federated Suns who is also the Supreme Marshal of the AFFS. Since the Prince must serve five years in the AFFS in order to become Prince, the AFFS has a long tradition of able leadership and whole-hearted support from the sovereign of the realm. Note that, regardless of the sex of the leader, the title remains "Prince".

Prince's Champion

Traditionally, the Prince names a Champion who is essentially his or her regent of the AFFS, though the Prince maintains sole authority. The Champion functions as a sort of vice-president, chairing Council meetings when the Prince is unavailable. The Champion is also the chief military adviser to the Prince.

Marshal of the Armies

Whereas the Prince is responsible for the broad strategic goals of the AFFS, the Marshal of the Armies is responsible for carrying out those goals. Since they are both responsible for the AFFS, the duties of the MotA and Prince's Champion tend to overlap. "First Princess" Katherine used this to confuse the command structure in order to ensure loyalty to her. With the ascension of Regent Yvonne, however, the two offices became united in the person of Jackson Davion. In the 3130s, however, Prince Harrison again divided the two offices, a situation Caleb has seen fit to perpetuate.

High Command

While technically an advisory body, the High Command is made up of the leaders of various departments within the AFFS. These include the chiefs of Strategy and Tactics, Military Education, Quartermaster, and Military Intelligence. As such, it would be foolish for the Prince to fail to heed the High Command's advice.

Units of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns

The AFFS is primarily broken down into Corps, though some free regiments and brigades do exist. Only BattleMech units are listed below; conventional forces are considered attached to BattleMech commands for convenience.

Deployment Status

In 2750 the AFFS had a strengh of 53 BattleMech Forces and 25 WarShips. As of 2765 they where well equiped with 110 'Mech regiments, and the naval fleet had a volume of 51 vessels.

Active Corps/Brigades

These brigades are active as of 3079.

Federate Suns Armored Cavalry

The personal project of Prince Ian Davion, the 1st Federated Suns Armored Cavalry is a medium-weight formation that specializes speed and firepower. The unit has seen almost constant combat through raiding missions on the Capellan border.

Federated Suns Lancers

The first unit raised under the banner of the Federated Commonwealth, the 1st FedCom RCT saw action from the Fourth Succession War through to the conclusion of the FedCom Civil War and disbandment of the FedCom Corps, with the intact unit renamed 1st Federated Suns Lancers RCT.

Kestrel Grenadiers

The 1st Kestrel Grenadiers were the personal guards of the Duke of Kestrel. After the Fourth Succession War, the Grenadiers received Capellan defectors assigned by Prince Hanse Davion, bringing the unit to regimental combat team strength. After training quickly, the unit has deployed twice, against the Draconis Combine and Clan Smoke Jaguar. Both times, the Grenadiers have demonstrated their elite status.

New Ivaarsen Chasseurs

The guardians of the Stephenson family of New Ivaarsen, the New Ivaarsen Chasseurs are loyal to the Duke of Ivaarsen and the AFFS. The unit may be considered poorly equipped, but only because MechWarriors within the unit have routinely refused upgrades to their family legacies.

New Ivaarsen Chasseurs

Avalon Hussars

The Avalon Hussars are the descendants of the Terran Alliance Marines that served on the world of New Avalon in the early age of human extraterrestrial colonization. The unit decided to defend New Avalon after being stranded by the Democratic Proclamation, and pledged their loyalty to Lucien Davion when the Crucis Reach joined the Federated Suns. The 1st Avalon Hussars - "The Sword Of The Prince" - are the oldest fighting force in the Federated Suns, having formed on that day in 2317 from a Terran armor regiment. Since the Hussars are a large force and usually loyal to House Davion and the Federated Suns, they are well equiped. At its zenith, the Avalon Hussars defended the entire Combine border with 26 BattleMech regiments and 32 conventional regiments.

Avalon Hussars

Ceti Hussars

The Ceti Hussars are a group of units that were created specifically for short raids. Though successful, the experiment was almost abandoned. At the outset of the Amaris Civil War, the units' value became clear, and its ranks were bolstered with former Star League Defense Force soldiers that did not follow Aleksandr Kerensky into the Deep Periphery. The Ceti Hussar's tactics and regimental combat team organization proved its value, especially during the the Third Succession War. Each Hussar Regiment is divided into three small units each centered around a BattleMech Battalion.

When the Light Combat Team concept was introduced after the Jihad the AFFS High Command used the tactics developed by the Ceti Hussars as the training doctrine for the new units.

Ceti Hussars

Crucis Lancers

After General Kerensky's exodus, some Star League soldiers remained in the Inner Sphere. Some of these drifted into the Federated Suns where, during the First Succession War, Prince John Davion organized all incomplete units into the Crucis Lancers. The Lancers held tight to many of the traditions of the Star League even as they have fully integrated themselves into the AFFS. Therefore, the modern Crucis Lancers recruit almost exclusively from worlds within the Crucis March.

The Crucis Lancers brigade was reorganized during the Succession Wars, presumably because of heavy losses. For instance, the 33rd was reorganized into the "new" 7th Crucis Lancers. Thus, the Crucis Lancers might have consisted of up to 40 Mech regiments after the fall of the Star League.

Maybe the most famous company of the Crucis Lancers are McKinnon's Raiders, who are part of the 7th Lancers.

Crucis Lancers

Davion Brigade of Guards

The Davion Brigade of Guards are the descendants of the personal bodyguard that Lucien Davion created to defend the President of the Federated Suns. Over time the Brigade emerged into a modern military unit and was eventually integrated into the AFFS. Today, the Royal Brigade serves as the elite of the Davion military, and though its soldiers were once drawn solely from New Avalon, they now come from all over the realm and their loyalty to House Davion ensures the units' devotions to the Federated Suns as a whole.

Davion Brigade of Guards

Deneb Light Cavalry

During the Star League, the Rapid Deployment Mixed Armed Forces regiments were intended for rapid deployment. After the fall of the Star League, only the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry remained within the Inner Sphere. The unit, stationed on Deneb Kaitos, needed to seek employment with one of the Successor houses in order to support themselves and their families. They chose the Federated Suns because they felt that it was the closest to the ideals of the Star League. The Light Cavalry became an important part of the AFFS and quickly became an important part of their roster with their rapid style of combat.

Deneb Light Cavalry

Robinson Brigade

Starting their life as a brigade of volunteers in the defense of Robinson, the Draconis March capital world, these original volunteers were wiped out in the First Succession War. To honor these volunteers, Prince Peter Davion authorized the construction of two BattleMech regiments, financed by the Duke of Robinson. The Robinson Rangers fought the Draconis Combine in five major conflicts. Two things define the Rangers: Hatred of the Combine, and more importantly, a loyalty to the Duke of Robinson. In the early 3060s, Archon Katherine Steiner-Davion created the Third Rangers. While publicly a move to reinforce the Draconis March, it was more a political move, and the unit spent more time on New Avalon than anywhere else. The Third was destroyed during the final battle of New Avalon, with no plans to rebuild the destroyed unit.

Robinson Rangers

Syrtis Brigades

The Syrtis Fusiliers are the honor guard of the leader of the Capellan March. For that reason their fortunes have been tied to the Hasek family for years. The Hasek family is an ambitious and often scheming group of leaders that have commanded the Capellan March since the time of Prince Alexander Davion. The Syrtis Fusiliers are respected for their skill in combat but at times have been held in suspicion by an AFFS that questions their loyalty to the First Prince.

Syrtis Fusiliers

Capellan March Militia

The Capellan March Militia forces are the last line of defense for the Capellan March. Centuries of hostility with the Capellan Confederation has affected each of the units. Most members harbor a deep hatred of the Confederation, and look to House Hasek to protect them. After Operation Guerrero destroyed the Sarna March, command of the Sarna March Militia RCT's was transferred to the Capellan March Militia.

Capellan March Militia and Sarna March Militia

Crucis March Militia

The Crucis March Militia is tasked with guarding the core of the Federated Suns. While most of the CrMM doesn't see much action, the border combat regions often deal with pirate raids.

Crucis March Militia

Draconis March Militia

The Draconis March Militia units are quite loyal to House Sandoval. Centuries of raids, and the horror of the Kentares Massacre make sure that no member of the DMM will trust any DCMS officer. The detente between the Draconis Combine-Federated Suns caused them a great deal of worry.

Draconis March Militia

Inactive Brigades

Federated Commonwealth Corps

Outfitted with the finest equipment and with personnel from all parts of the Federated Commonwealth, the Federated Commonwealth Corps represented the first new units belonging solely to the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. The fortunes of the FedCom RCTs has mirriored the nation of their birth, the collapse of the Commonwealth and the bitter and devisive roll the Corps played in the FedCom Civil War leading to their disbandment.

Chisholm's Raiders

Known for their unorthodox tactics and flexibility, the Chisholm's Raiders were ultimately disbanded in the wake of the FedCom Civil War.

Chisholm's Raiders

Aragon Borderers

In actuality an upgraded garrison, the 1st Aragon Borderers are stationed on the Capellan March border world of New Aragon. The unit has been deployed off world, but has been most effective as a counter-insurgency force and short-range strike force.

Aragon Borderers

Capellan Dragoons

The 1st Capellan Dragoons are the traditional guardians of the Duke of Kathil. Raised from mercenaries and Capellan defectors, the AFFS has never truly trusted the Dragoons. The Dragoons were sold by the Hasek family early in the 31st century, and have been loaned back to the Duke of Kathil for reasons unknown. The regiment was effectively destroyed during the FedCom Civil War.

Capellan Dragoons

Kittery Borderers

The 1st Kittery Borderers emerged as an elite garrison during the Succession Wars. Originally a bolstered garrison, the Borderers have participated in raiding the Capellan Confederation for quite some time. The traditional enemies of the Borderers were the St. Ives Armored Cavalry; despite the friendship between the St. Ives Compact and the Federated Suns, it took 30 years before the Borderers had let go of traditional hatreds. No longer an elite unit, the Borderers were the personal vanguard of Kuan-Yin Allard Liao during her mercy missions to the Compact.

Kittery Borderers

Argyle Lancers

The 1st Argyle Lancers is one of several SLDF units to join the AFFS after the departure of General Aleksandr Kerensky. The unit is well equipped, but is dependent on assistance due to lack of interstellar transportation.

Argyle Lancers

Sarna March Militia

The Sarna March Militia forces are the last line of defense for the Sarna March. After Operation Guerrero shattered the Sarna March, command of the remaining Sarna March Militia RCT's was transferred to the Capellan March Militia.

Navy

Navy of the Federated Suns as of 3067:

• Indefatigable CR Fox-class
• Indomitable CR Fox-class
• Intrepid CR Fox-class
• Robinson CR Fox-class
• Murmansk CR Fox-class (reportedly in service as of 3067, though it retreated from New Avalon in 3066)
• New Syrtis CR Fox-class
• Brest CR Fox-class
• Kathil CR Fox-class: completed Fall-Winter 3063
• Bryceland CR Fox-class
• Antrim CR Fox-class
• Admiral Corinne Donnings CR Fox-class
• Admiral Michael Saille CR Fox-class
• Simon Davion CL Avalon-class
• Melissa Davion CL Avalon-class
• Lucien Davion CL Avalon-class

Ships no longer in service:

• Fox (ex-Invincible) CR Fox-class
• Inflexible CR Fox-class
• Illustrious CR Fox-class
• Kentares CR Fox-class
• Rostock CR Fox-class: destroyed 5 March 3060 over Huntress
• Alexander Davion CL Avalon-class: destroyed on 8 November 3066 over New Avalon
• Robert Davion CL Avalon-class: completed Fall 3062, destroyed in December 3062 over Kathil
• Hanse Davion CL Avalon-class: launched partially completed in 3064, destroyed 31 October 3065 over New Syrtis
• Andrew Davion CL Avalon-class: launched partially completed in 3064, likely destroyed over Talon in 3064 or 3065
• Covenant CL Covenant-Class: destroyed 31 October 3065 over New Syrtis

Federated Suns Military Academies

Albion Military Academy

Located on the capital of New Avalon,Built in the 2400s. Albion was one of three Star League Military Academies located outside of the Terran Hegemony. After the collapse of the Star League, the Federated Suns took over full administration of the institution. Albion is known for its highly-skilled graduates and boasts a well-known alumni that includes Prince Hanse Davion.

Armstrong Flight Academy

The AFA is located on Galax, home of Federated-Boeing Interstellar. Both F-BI and AFA benefit from the relationship that has started.

Filtvelt Military Academy

One of the newest additions to the Department of Military Education, Filtvelt is located near the Periphery. Given its location, many graduates serve with nearby units.

Kilbourne Academy

While the Kilbourne Academy trains MechWarriors, it is better known for its technicians. Since it is located near the Periphery, it is one of the few centers of learning in the area. Accordingly, non-cadets may attend non-military classes.

New Avalon Institute of Science: College of Military Sciences

Arguably the most prestigious military academy in the Inner Sphere, CMS turns out high-quality cadets in all military specialties. CMS used to be called NAMA, the New Avalon Military Academy. NAMA was founded during the Star League years after the League took over Albion Military Academy. After NAIS was built around NAMA and far eclipsed it in prestige, however, the institutions were reorganized and NAMA was placed under the jurisdiction of the NAIS. Home to some of the most advanced training equipment in the Inner Sphere, CMS benefits from its close relationship with the NAIS, which seems to rediscover lost technology on a daily basis.

Its large alumni base includes Prince Ian Davion, Morgan Hasek-Davion, Dan Allard, and Duke Kai Allard-Liao.

Point Barrow Military Academy

Point Barrow is known for quality technicians and engineers.

Robinson Battle Academy

Located on Robinson, RBA is the principal training academy of the Draconis March. Its graduates are known for their loyalty to the Sandoval family and their hatred of the Draconis Combine and all things Japanese.

Most scions of the Sandoval family attend the Battle Academy, so it enjoys strong support from them.

Sakhara Academy

Sakhara is one of a handful of private military academies in the Federated Suns. The small school is known for good cadets who form lasting bonds, making it a sort of fraternity.

The War College of Goshen

Based on Goshen, the War College was originally founded by a pair of retired Generals from the Capellan Front, the WCG began its life as the Goshen BattleMech Academy. Within a decade, the College had expanded its curriculum to cover all areas of combat from infantry to aerospace and was renamed the War College of Goshen. Renowned both for is philosophical approach and its hands on method to teaching, the WCG produces well-balanced cadets who exhibit a keen understanding of their combat equipment and environment. This is partly due to the fact that all cadets—save infantry—routinely participate in live-fire training exercises.

Additionally, students are noted for their deep roots in academic studies of philosophies of war and peace. No cadet graduates without a comprehensive understanding of the history of warfare, the development of tactics though that history, and a complete education on the governance of the Federated Suns both in wartime and peacetime.

The Warrior's Hall

Located on New Syrtis, The Warrior's Hall is the principal training academy of the Capellan March. Its graduates are known for their loyalty to the Hasek family and hatred of the Capellan Confederation.

Most scions of the Hasek family attend the Hall, so it enjoys strong support from them.

Federated Suns Uniforms

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Military Ranks

The AFFS has a robust ranking system that is mostly consistent across all branches. Officers show their ranks on the epaulettes of their uniforms, while enlisted ranks are worn on the sleeve. The background color of rank insignia indicates which branch of the AFFS the soldier serves. The service branch color assignments are:

• Red - MechWarrior
• Blue - AeroSpace Fighter Pilot
• Light Green - Infantry
• Tan/Light Brown - Armor
• Black - Naval Crew
• Gray - Technical Services
• Yellow - Administrative
• White - Medical
• Silver - Legal
• Brown - Logistics and Transportation

For examples of the rank insignia, please see the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns Military Ranks article.
Rank Structure in 3025 AFFS Ranks 3025

Medals & Decorations

These are honors such as medal and decorations are high prized in the AFFS. They are rewarded sparenly, only great heroic deeds are awarded or significate occupliments.

Military Departments

There are nine major departments that report directly to the Marshal of the Armies. Though not combat forces themselves, these departments are vital to the AFFS' ability to conduct operations.

Department of the Army and Navy

The Department of the Army and Navy oversees all personnel issues, including transfers, staffing, and retirement. They also coordinate with other departments to investigate complaints about poor officers, inappropriate equipment, and supply problems.

Department of Mercenary Relations

This department appoints liaison officers to the mercenary units employed by the Federated Suns. Soldiers in this department also negotiate contracts and handle administrative tasks.

Department of Military Administration

This department handles all the tasks not covered by other military departments. This department oversees the Medical Corps, Chaplain Corps, and handles payroll for regular forces.

Department of Military Communications and Research

One of the newer departments, the Department of Military Communications and Research oversees research into HPG systems and joint research projects.

Department of the Quartermaster

The Department of the Quartermaster handles the procurement of material, parts, foodstuffs, uniforms, ammunition, and everything else the AFFS needs to fight. The Quartermaster Department is also responsible for shipping the appropriate items to the soldiers on the front lines. To facilitate this the Department maintains supply depots in each March, and during major operations keeps the supply lines short by setting up forward supply depots.

Department of Military Education

The Department of Military Education handles recruiting, training, and education of all AFFS soldiers. It also sets the standards for Federated Suns Military Academies. The DME also maintains the library systems used by the AFFS and the navigational charts used by the AFFS Navy.

Department of Military Intelligence

The Department of Military Intelligence focuses on collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to AFFS commands.

Department of Military Justice

This department oversees the Military Police Corps, as well as the Judge Advocate General corps. The department is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and punishing criminal activities involving members of the AFFS.

Department of Strategy and Tactics

Formed during the Federated Commonwealth era, the Department of Strategy and Tactics examines every historical conflict and simulates potential conflicts to develop the grand strategies used by the High Command. The Department also works with the Department of Military Education to create new training materials that incorporate the latest information.

Bibliography

• House Davion (The Federated Suns)
• Field Manual: Federated Suns
• Field Manual: Updates
• Field Report: AFFS
• Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1
• NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1

---

The text in this article is based on this revision of the Wikipedia article "Armed Forces of the Federated Suns" used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. See the BattleTechWiki's copyright notice.