Editing Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth

[[File:Fedcom.gif|300px|right]]

The '''Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth''' (AFFC) was the military arm of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. As the Federated Commonwealth was a union of the [[Federated Suns]] and the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], the AFFC was formed from the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Suns]] and the [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]]. At its peak, the AFFC represented the largest single military since the original [[Star League Defense Force]].

==History==
Although the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth were allied since the [[FedCom Accords]] of [[3020]], exchanged officers and held [[Operation Galahad|joint exercises]] in preparation for the [[Fourth Succession War]] which they launched in [[3028]], and generally enjoyed a high level of cooperation, the process of formally uniting their two militaries into a single one was not fully realized until the aftermath of the [[War of 3039]] where poor coordination had resulted in an embarrassing defeat.{{cn}}

In early [[3041]], the AFFC High Command was ready to take command of both militaries,<ref name=20YU16-1>''20 Year Update'', p. 16: Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth</ref> and the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth formally came into being on the first of April, [[3042]].<ref name=FCCW12-T>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 12: Timeline</ref>

This unification process was not yet complete when the [[Clan Invasion]] struck in [[3050]], and the AFFC suffered heavy losses to the [[Clan]] invaders.<ref name=OR13>''Objective Raids'', p. 13: Deployment Table</ref>

In [[3057]], the Lyran half [[Lyran_Alliance#Genesis|seceded]] from the Federated Commonwealth and renamed itself the [[Lyran Alliance]] (which would later revert to Lyran Commonwealth), setting the stage for the [[Federated Commonwealth Civil War]]. This effectively dissolved the AFFC as a unified military by taking the former LCAF elements out of it. However, [[Archon-Prince]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] did not formally recognize the Lyran Alliance and the forces that remained loyal to him&mdash;essentially [[House Davion]]'s military, the former AFFS&mdash;continued to serve under the AFFC banner in the same fashion as the "Davion half" of the former superstate continued to function under the Federated Commonwealth name.<ref name=SS25>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 42: Fires of War</ref> This would last until the conclusion of the civil war in [[3067]], when the Davion half of the Commonwealth returned to calling itself the Federated Suns, with its military reverting to the AFFS designation.<ref name=FCCW180>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 180: Genesis</ref>

==Organization==
The AFFC was divided into two state commands, both of which answered to a High Command. This system was developed after the War of 3039, when it was determined that a single, overly centralized power structure would be unfeasible. The Federated Suns State Command was composed of the historic [[Draconis March|Draconis]], [[Capellan March|Capellan]] and [[Crucis March|Crucis Marches]], while the Lyran Commonwealth was reorganized into the [[Tamar March|Tamar]], [[Tamarind March|Tamarind]], [[Periphery March (Federated Commonwealth)|Periphery]], [[Donegal March|Donegal]], [[Sarna March|Sarna]] and [[Skye March|Skye Marches]] (the latter formerly known as the [[Federation of Skye]]). Each march was commanded by a [[Field Marshal]] while each of the two state commands were commanded by supreme Field Marshals. Likewise, nine administrative and support departments were each commanded by a Field Marshal. The Marches were broken up into Combat Theaters in the Federated Suns State Command and Operations Areas in the Lyran Commonwealth State Command.<ref name=20YU1617O>''20 Year Update'', pp. 16–17: Organization</ref>

===High Command===
The [[Federated Commonwealth High Command]] (FCHC) included many positions. The supreme heads of the AFFC were the [[First Prince]] of the Federated Suns and the [[Archon]] of the Lyran Commonwealth, with the Archon-Prince taking sole command upon the deaths of both rulers.

The position of Federated Commonwealth Champion was created to replace the [[Prince's Champion]] position that had been used for centuries by the Federated Suns. The Heads of State were aided by the [[Marshal of the Armies]], a position created along with the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth to effectively serve as the day to day commander of the united AFFC and officially commanding whenever the First Prince or Archon was unavailable.<ref name=FMFS14>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 14: Marshal of Armies</ref><ref name=HHD121-122MA>''Handbook: House Davion'', pp. 121–122: Marshal of the Armies</ref> Beneath these were the commanders of the two State Commands and the heads of the [[Department of Military Intelligence]] and the Department of Strategy and Tactics, followed by the other Department heads.<ref name=20YU16-2>''20 Year Update'', p. 16: High Command</ref>

[[Image:Hanse Davion ER3052.jpg|right|thumb|First Prince Hanse Davion in 3050]]First Prince [[Hanse Davion]], the architect of the Fourth Succession War who first conceived of the Federated Commonwealth alongside Archon [[Katrina Steiner]], had led the Federated Suns since well before the AFFC's formation, and he would continue in that role until his death in [[3052]]. With his great military experience and genius, Hanse oversaw the majority of military decisions for the AFFC, although his wife and Katrina's daughter, Archon [[Melissa Steiner-Davion]], did overrule him from time to time, such as in the handling of the new Sarna March worlds, which early on chafed under their new rulers.<ref name=ER52-6566>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 65–66: Personalities: Melissa Steiner-Davion</ref> Melissa assumed the throne of the Commonwealth upon the abdication of her mother, Katrina, in [[3038]]. Upon her ascension, Melissa's title as Duchess of the Sarna March transferred to her and Hanse's son, Victor Ian Steiner-Davion, heir designate of the Commonwealth. [[Ardan Sortek]], Hanse Davion's best friend who had served as Prince's Champion for years, was a natural choice to continue as Federated Commonwealth Champion, a position he held until Katherine Steiner-Davion's usurpation of Victor's throne on [[New Avalon]]. [[Ran Felsner]] was the first Marshal of Armies of the Federated Commonwealth, serving in that role until his retirement in [[3049]].<ref name=HW39-22>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 22: Personalities: Ran Felsner</ref> [[Morgan Hasek-Davion]], Duke of [[New Syrtis]] and the nephew of Hanse Davion, succeeded Felsner, leading with loyalty and devotion until his death in [[3060]].<ref name=ER52-6667>''Era Report: 3052'', pp. 66–67: Personalities: Morgan Hasek-Davion</ref> At the outset of the Clan Invasion, [[Jackson Davion]] and [[Nondi Steiner]] were the Field Marshals heading the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth State Commands, although Nondi Steiner had earlier opposed military unification and later resented House Davion for not supporting the Commonwealth further against the Clans.<ref name=HW39-21>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 21: Personalities: Nondi Steiner</ref> Rounding out the High Command were the Department heads.<ref name=20YU16-2/> In the years following Hanse Davion's death, Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion would effectively serve as Regent of the Federated Suns, allowing her son Victor (who did hold the title of First Prince) to remain in the field.<ref name=HHS63M>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 63: FedCom and the Clans, Tragedy and Discord</ref>

===Defense Industry, Production and Technology===
[[Image:Wolfhound.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Wolfhound'' became a signature 'Mech of the AFFC]]
For the most part, the Alliance created a major boom in the defense industries of both realms. Not only did the AFFS and LCAF need to recover their losses from the Fourth Succession War and War of '39 (and later the Clan Invasion), the High Command also ordered the creation of dozens of new units and RCTs, creating a need for huge amounts of weapons, equipment and supplies that military suppliers were only too willing to fill.<ref name=20YU17DI>''20 Year Update'', p. 17: Defense Industry</ref> The crown jewel of the new state's military industrial might was largest [[BattleMech]] manufacturer (and manufacturing facility overall) in the [[Inner Sphere]] in [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus II]].<ref name=OR76>''Objective Raids'', p. 76: Defiance Industries of Hesperus II</ref> Even prior to the Clan Invasion, select 'Mech designs distinctive to the new alliance were a key part of the military buildup. The ''[[Hatchetman]]'' and ''[[Wolfhound]]'' 'Mechs, machines designed by Davion engineers while produced by Lyran manufacturers, emerged as overwhelming successes in the years leading up to and including the Fourth Succession War. Eventually joining them would be the ''[[Caesar]]'' and ''[[Axman]]'' designs, which would be produced in both halves of the Commonwealth. The High Command also gave preference to several existing designs, including the ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', ''[[Cataphract]]'', ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Enforcer]]'', ''[[JagerMech]]'', ''[[Valkyrie]]'' and ''[[Victor]]''.<ref name=20YU17DI/><ref name=TRO305044P>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 44: Production</ref> While most of these 'Mechs claimed a distinct Davion heritage, the ''[[Zeus]]'', long the pride of the LCAF, was too successful a machine to be ignored. It, too, was soon seen in large numbers throughout the Federated Commonwealth.<ref name=20YU17DI/><ref name=TRO305044P/><ref name=TRO3050190P>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 190: Zeus</ref>

The rediscovery of [[Star League]] technology allowed the manufacturers of the Federated Commonwealth to produce a quality of BattleMechs rarely seen outside of [[ComStar]]'s [[Com Guards]] in centuries. Virtually every design in production at the time received an upgrade, with technologies such as [[extralight engine]]s, [[Double Heat Sink|double heat sinks]], [[Endo Steel|endo steel]] internal structure and [[ferro-fibrous]] armor complementing improved weapon systems. In the wake of the Clan Invasion, it was determined that while upgraded BattleMechs helped narrow the gap with the "invincible" Clan invaders, it was determined that new machines would be needed to help meet the threat. Along with new 'Mechs produced by the other Houses of the Inner Sphere, the Commonwealth soon deployed a large selection of new designs, from the incredibly fast 20-ton ''[[Fireball]]'' to the massive 100-ton ''[[Berserker]]''. Most of these were quickly deployed to the Clan front as rapidly as they could be produced.<ref name=TRO3055-2488>''Technical Readout: 3055'', pp. 24, 88: Fireball, Berserker</ref> The AFFC had begun purchasing significant numbers of [[Free Worlds League]] BattleMechs and other equipment even before the Invasion, and with Hanse Davion's agreement with [[Thomas Marik]], new Marik machines and refit kits became a common sight in many AFFC units. Marik did, however, apparently balk at providing the Commonwealth with many of its new designs, which it reserved for its own [[Free Worlds League Military]] and its allies.<ref name=TRO305044P/><ref name=TRO3055-22>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 22: Jackal</ref> The Federated Commonwealth would trail the [[Draconis Combine]] in the development and manufacture of Inner Sphere [[OmniMech]]s, however with the unprecedented cooperation between the two enemies, [[Coventry Metal Works]] soon began producing the ''[[Firestarter (OmniMech)|Firestarter]]'' OmniMech.<ref name=TRO3058U128>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 128: FS9-O ''Firestarter''</ref> While other OmniMech designs would soon follow, most of these would only see deployment after the Lyran secession.

The Invasion also introduced the AFFC to modern [[battle armor]] units when Clan [[Elemental (Battle Armor)|Elementals]] completely took their soldiers by surprise. This time, [[NAIS]] scientists helped the Commonwealth stay ahead of the other Houses, as they would be the first to deploy the [[Inner Sphere Standard (Battle Armor)|Inner Sphere Standard]] battle armor units.<ref name=TRO3058U26>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 26: Inner Sphere Standard</ref> Another design, the [[Infiltrator Mk. I]], would soon follow.<ref name=TRO3058U14>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 14: Infiltrator Mk. I</ref> Though somewhat primitive compared to Clan Elementals, these units and their successors represented potent new additions to the AFFC arsenal.

The AFFC deployed [[combat vehicles]] in huge numbers, and in the aftermath of the Clan Invasion they would begin upgrading these units as well.<ref name=TRO3058U52>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 52: Combat Vehicles</ref> New advanced designs, from the [[Sprint]] [[VTOL]] scout<ref name=TRO3058U54SO>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 54: Sprint: Overview</ref> to the powerful [[Challenger|Challenger X MBT]] assault tank<ref name=TRO3058U114CO>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 114: Challenger X MBT: Overview</ref> would emerge during this period.

Perhaps the most impressive reintroduction of Star League technology deployed by the AFFC was the reintroduction of [[WarShip]]s. The ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class Corvette, named in honor of Hanse Davion shortly after his death, was among the first new Inner Sphere WarShips produced in centuries. Though relatively small, the ''Fox'' boasted an intimidating arsenal of weapons and [[DropShip]] carrying capacity. Unfortunately, it would not see full scale production until the Commonwealth's sundering, though it would be manufactured in both the Davion half of the Commonwealth and the Lyran Alliance.<ref name=TRO3057-120>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 120: Fox (Corvette)</ref>

==Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth Unit Roster==
[[Image:Melissa Steiner-Davion.jpg|right|thumb|Archon Melissa Steiner in 3050]]
At its peak prior to the Clan Invasion, the AFFC represented the largest single military since [[General#SLDF|General]] [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] took most of the Star League Defense Force beyond the Periphery, with over 268 [[BattleMech]] regiments.<ref name=20YU19-DT>''20 Year Update'', p. 19: Deployment Table</ref> In addition to the traditional brigades of both realms, the Federated Commonwealth created a number of new commands to better streamline their military. Most notable among these was the [[Federated Commonwealth Corps]], twelve new regimental combat teams with personnel drawn from all over the Commonwealth, using the latest equipment. Also expanded were the march militias, a system that had served the Federated Suns for hundreds of years. The [[Donegal March Militia|Donegal]], [[Periphery March Militia|Periphery]], [[Skye March Militia|Skye]], [[Tamar March Militia|Tamar]] and [[Tamarind March Militia]]s were all formed to help protect the former Lyran Commonwealth, a move which succeeded despite initial misgivings by Lyran commanders.<ref name=FMLAp108>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: Regional Militias</ref> The [[Sarna March Militia]] was created to protect former [[Capellan Confederation]] worlds taken during the Fourth War. Dozens of long-serving Lyran units were also expanded into RCTs.<ref name=TRO305044P>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 44: Production</ref> To facilitate unity within the Commonwealth, many traditionally Lyran units were assigned to garrison the Federated Suns State Command while several Davion units took up postings in Lyran space. Below is a listing of major commands that were active during the Federated Commonwealth era between 3041 and 3057. The roster is necessarily incomplete, as it does not include the many conventional regiments that were never formally attached to a regimental combat team, nor does it include the relatively small but significant planetary militias found on nearly every world. It also does not, with only a few exceptions, include the household guards of noble families, such as the [[Kelswa Guard]] on [[Tamar]]. Finally, the list of mercenaries does not include most units of [[battalion]]-size or smaller that may have been in the employ of planetary governments, corporations, or nobles.

===House Units===
====Arcturan Guards====
{{main|Arcturan Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Arcturan Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Arcturan Guards were the first Lyran national unit mustered to defend the nascent Lyran Commonwealth. Named for the original capital world of the Commonwealth, the Arcturan Guards traditionally recruited a plurality of their soldiers from [[Arcturus]].  However, these recruitment practices have been relaxed, especially because Arcturus is now mostly abandoned. The brigade is traditionally well equipped.  The parade color for the unit is flat white.<ref name=FMLA54>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 54: Arcturan Guards: For the Oath</ref> Several (though not all) of the Arcturan Guards units were expanded to Regimental Combat Teams while serving under the AFFC umbrella. During the Clan Invasion, the Arcturan Guards were engaged in some heavy fighting, resulting in the destruction of both the [[8th Arcturan Guards|8th]] and [[24th Arcturan Guards]].
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Arcturan Guards -Brigade logo.png|125px|Insignia of the Arcturan Guards]]
|align="center "|[[8th Arcturan Guards|8th Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />[[11th Arcturan Guards|11th Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />[[15th Arcturan Guards]]<br />[[17th Arcturan Guards|17th Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />[[19th Arcturan Guards]]<br />[[20th Arcturan Guards]]<br />[[23rd Arcturan Guards|23rd Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />[[24th Arcturan Guards|24th Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />[[25th Arcturan Guards|25th Arcturan Guards RCT]]<br />
|}

====Avalon Hussars====
{{main|Avalon Hussars}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Avalon Hussars
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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 [[Demarcation Declaration]], and pledged their loyalty to [[Lucien Davion]] when the [[Crucis March|Crucis Reach]] joined the Federated Suns. At its zenith, the Avalon Hussars defended the entire Combine border with 26 BattleMech regiments and 32 conventional regiments. Though a shadow of its former glory, today the Hussars are the heart of the AFFS, a group of units loyal to House Davion and to the ideals of the Federated Suns.<ref name=FMFS51>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 51: Avalon Hussars: Honored Service</ref> The Clan Invasion was not kind to the Hussars, as the [[33rd Avalon Hussars|33rd]] and [[41st Avalon Hussars|41st Avalon Hussars]] were both destroyed<ref name=FMFS51/> while the [[39th Avalon Hussars|39th]] took heavy losses.<ref name=FMFS56>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 56: 39th Avalon Hussars RCT: Swift Wind</ref> The 41st would eventually be rebuilt after [[Operation Guerrero]].<ref name=FMFS57>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 57: 41st Avalon Hussars RCT: Restless Spirit</ref> The FedCom Civil War split the Hussars, with some units siding with Victor and others with Katherine. The [[11th Avalon Hussars]] fell on [[New Syrtis]] and the 41st were once again destroyed, this time on [[Benet III]]. The 17th participated in Duke [[James Sandoval]]'s incursion into the Combine, while each of the other RCTs saw more than their share of heavy fighting.<ref name=FMU126>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 126: Avalon Hussars</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Avalon Hussars -Brigade logo 3062.png|100px|Insignia of the Avalon Hussars]]
|align="center "|[[11th Avalon Hussars|11th Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[17th Avalon Hussars|17th Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[20th Avalon Hussars|20th Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[22nd Avalon Hussars|22nd Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[33rd Avalon Hussars|33rd Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[39th Avalon Hussars|39th Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[41st Avalon Hussars|41st Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />[[42nd Avalon Hussars|42nd Avalon Hussars RCT]]<br />
|}

====Ceti Hussars====
{{main|Ceti Hussars}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Ceti Hussars
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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 Hussars' tactics and regimental combat team organization proved its value, especially during the [[Third Succession War]]. Each Hussar Regiment is divided into three small units each built around a BattleMech Battalion.<ref name=FMFS62>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 62: Ceti Hussars: Grand Experiment</ref> The Hussars continued to serve in the AFFC, though they saw little action against the Clans. Fiercely avoiding the political situation, they saw relatively little action in the [[FedCom Civil War]], although the Second did join Ardan Sortek's assault on New Avalon at the end of the conflict.<ref name=FMU127CH>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 127: Ceti Hussars</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Ceti Hussars.jpg|100px|Insignia of the Ceti Hussars]]
|align="center "|[[1st Ceti Hussars|1st Ceti Hussars RCT]]<br />[[2nd Ceti Hussars|2nd Ceti Hussars RCT]]<br />[[3rd Ceti Hussars|3rd Ceti Hussars RCT]]<br />
|}

====Chisholm's Raiders====
{{main|Chisholm's Raiders}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Chisholm's Raiders
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|[[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]] John Chisholm, a well-regarded military commander who was constantly critical of the military establishment, was forced into retirement in [[2892]]. Going to his homeworld of [[Colorado]], he quickly became bored with retirement and took control of the planetary militia, and began to train them.  Soon, word of his activities made it to High Command, where they investigated his training.  Chisholm's Raiders proved their mettle and their methods in ensuing war games, where they were pitted against the elite [[2nd Crucis Lancers]].  Eventually the unit was built into two full RCTs.<ref name=FMFS59>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 59: Chisholm's Raiders: Unorthodox Tactics</ref> The Raiders fared poorly during the Clan Invasion, with the [[1st Chisholm's Raiders]] rendered inactive due to heavy losses. This led to the consolidation of the brigade into a single command under the [[2nd Chisholm's Raiders|2nd Chisholm's Raiders RCT]]. This proved to be very unpopular with troops from both commands. After the Lyran Secession, the First Raiders were rebuilt.<ref name=FMFS60>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 60: 1st Chisholm's Raiders RCT: The Green Giant</ref><ref name=FMFS61>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 61: 2nd Chisholm's Raiders RCT: The Apaches</ref> Both were loyal to Katherine in the [[FedCom Civil War]], which resulted in their destruction. There are no plans to reconstitute either regiment as of the end of the Civil War.<ref name=FMU127CH>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 127: Ceti Hussars</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Chisholms Raiders 1st logo 3062.png|100px|Insignia of the Chisholm's Raiders]]
|align="center "|[[1st Chisholm's Raiders|1st Chisholm's Raiders RCT]]<br />[[2nd Chisholm's Raiders|2nd Chisholm's Raiders RCT]]<br />
|}

====Crucis Lancers====
{{main|Crucis Lancers}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Crucis Lancers
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|After Aleksandr Kerensky's [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]], many SLDF soldiers remained in the Inner Sphere. Some of these troops traveled to the Federated Suns where, during the [[First Succession War]], First 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]]. Attached to the [[7th Crucis Lancers]] was the semi-independent company known as "The Fox's Teeth", which were originally the famed mercenary unit [[McKinnon's Raiders]].<ref name=FMFS66>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 66: Crucis Lancers: Pride of the People</ref> The Crucis Lancers served the Federated Commonwealth well, though only the [[2nd Crucis Lancers]] witnessed serious fighting during the Clan Invasion. The FedCom Civil War proved to be perhaps the finest hour for the storied brigade, as all eight RCTs sided with Prince Victor. Although many of the commands took heavy losses and the [[8th Crucis Lancers]] were destroyed fighting the Draconis Combine, the Lancers turned the tide for the [[Allies (FCCW)|Allies]] in many battles.<ref name=FMU128CL>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 128: Crucis Lancers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Crucis Lancers -Brigade logo.png|100px|Insignia of the Crucis Lancers]]
|align="center "|[[1st Crucis Lancers|1st Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[2nd Crucis Lancers|2nd Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[3rd Crucis Lancers|3rd Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[4th Crucis Lancers|4th Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[5th Crucis Lancers|5th Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[6th Crucis Lancers|6th Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[7th Crucis Lancers|7th Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />[[8th Crucis Lancers|8th Crucis Lancers RCT]]<br />
|}

====Davion Brigade of Guards====
{{main|Davion Brigade of Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Davion Brigade of Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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' devotion to the Federated Suns as a whole.<ref name=FMFS75>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 75: Davion Brigade of Guards: The Prince's Strength</ref> The role of the Davion Guards changed little during the Federated Commonwealth era, though several of its units served with distinction in the Lyran half of the Commonwealth during the Clan Invasion with the [[4th Davion Guards]] in particular taking heavy losses during a series of battles to the [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcons]].<ref name=FMFS82>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 82: 4th Davion Guards RCT: Dragon's Bane</ref> When the FedCom Civil War broke out, the entire brigade sided with Victor against Katherine. They made the difference for the [[Allies (FCCW)|Allies]] in many key battles, though all units took heavy losses and the Fourth and [[5th Davion Guards]] remained deactivated after the war.<ref name=FMU129>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 129: "Davion Brigade of Guards"</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Davion Guards -Brigade logo.png|100px|Insignia of the Davion Brigade of Guards]]
|align="center "|[[Davion Assault Guards|Davion Assault Guards RCT]]<br />[[Davion Heavy Guards|Davion Heavy Guards RCT]]<br />[[Davion Light Guards|Davion Light Guards RCT]]<br />[[1st Davion Guards|1st Davion Guards RCT]]<br />[[2nd Davion Guards|2nd Davion Guards RCT]]<br />[[3rd Davion Guards|3rd Davion Guards RCT]]<br />[[4th Davion Guards|4th Davion Guards RCT]]<br />[[5th Davion Guards|5th Davion Guards RCT]]
|}

====Deneb Light Cavalry====
{{main|Deneb Light Cavalry}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Deneb Light Cavalry
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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, soon expanding to an entire brigade based on that doctrine.<ref name=FMFS84>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 84: Deneb Light Cavalry: Strength Through Tradition</ref> During the initial Clan Invasion, the Cavalry did not see much action, though several commands were assigned to garrison the new Clan Occupation Zone border. The [[5th Deneb Light Cavalry|5th]] and [[12th Deneb Light Cavalry|12th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]s both took part in a major raid on [[Sudeten]], resulting in the effective destruction of the Fifth and a slow rebuilding process for the Twelfth.<ref name=FMFS88>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 88: 12th Deneb Light Cavalry: The Blur-Snakes</ref> The FedCom Civil War split the brigade, with the [[10th Deneb Light Cavalry|10th]] and [[15th Deneb Light Cavalry|15th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]s both siding with Katherine, resulting in their destruction. The remaining three commands all suffered severe casualties, effectively rendered inactive, though all three worked towards rebuilding.<ref name=FMU130DLC>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 130: Deneb Light Cavalry</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Deneb_Light_Cavalry.jpg|100px|Insignia of the Deneb Light Cavalry]]
|align="center "|[[4th Deneb Light Cavalry|4th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />[[5th Deneb Light Cavalry|5th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />[[8th Deneb Light Cavalry|8th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />[[10th Deneb Light Cavalry|10th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />[[12th Deneb Light Cavalry|12th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />[[15th Deneb Light Cavalry|15th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT]]<br />
|}

====Donegal Guards====
{{main|Donegal Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Donegal Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The '''Donegal Guards''' predate the formation of the Lyran Commonwealth.  Originally the defensive force of the [[Protectorate of Donegal]], the Donegal Guards are a large and well-supplied unit, mostly because the Protectorate of Donegal was not ravaged by the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]].  Donegal Guards fight with dogged determination.  At its zenith, the brigade numbered 20 BattleMech regiments and an addition 80 regiments of conventional forces.  The Donegal Guards paint their BattleMechs and Combat Vehicles blue-gray.<ref name=FMLA62>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62: Donegal Guards: Tuatha Dé Danann</ref> Most of the Donegal Guards units were upgraded to RCTs by the Federated Commonwealth. In addition, Victor Steiner-Davion, heir to the united Federated Commonwealth, was assigned to the [[12th Donegal Guards]] on [[Trell I]] after graduating from the [[The Nagelring|Nagelring]] in early 3050. The Donegal Guards suffered heavily during the Clan Invasion, with the 12th Donegal Guards destroyed, the [[10th Donegal Guards]] rendered combat ineffective and disbanded, and the [[5th Donegal Guards|Fifth Donegal Guards]] temporarily rendered inactive.<ref name=FMLA66>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 66: 5th Donegal Guards RCT: Bulldogs</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Donegal Guards -Brigade logo.png|125px|Insignia of the Donegal Guards]]
|align="center "|[[2nd Donegal Guards|2nd Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[3rd Donegal Guards]]<br />[[4th Donegal Guards|4th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[5th Donegal Guards|5th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[6th Donegal Guards|6th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[7th Donegal Guards]]<br />[[8th Donegal Guards|8th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[10th Donegal Guards|10th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[11th Donegal Guards]]<br />[[12th Donegal Guards|12th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[13th Donegal Guards]]<br />[[14th Donegal Guards|14th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />[[17th Donegal Guards|17th Donegal Guards RCT]]<br />
|}

====Federated Commonwealth Corps====
{{main|Federated Commonwealth Corps}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Federated Commonwealth Corps
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Federated Commonwealth Corps was conceived with the idea of a true unification between the AFFS and the LCAF. These commands would receive the best equipment and soldiers the Federated Commonwealth had to offer, with the personnel coming from throughout both realms of the new superstate.<ref name=FMFS90>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 90: The FedCom Corps: Strength Through Unity</ref> This began with the [[1st FedCom RCT|First FedCom RCT]], the 'Mechs of which were a wedding present from Melissa Steiner to her husband at the start of the Fourth war.<ref name=FMFS91>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 91: 1st FedCom RCT: Guardians of a New Order</ref> By the War of '39, six of the commands had become active, with most of those seeing heavy action.<ref name=HW39-136-FC>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 136: Deployment Table: FedCom Corps</ref> At its peak, these twelve RCTs represented the most powerful brigade in the AFFC.<ref name=FMU130FCC>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 130: Federated Commonwealth Corps</ref> The Corps experienced some successes during the Clan Invasion, with the [[9th FedCom RCT]] taking part in the Battle of [[Twycross]], the first instance of Inner Sphere troops defeating the Clans.<ref name=LH?>''Lethal Heritage''</ref> Unfortunately, the united Corps would last only as long as its namesake state. The [[2nd FedCom RCT|Second FedCom RCT]] was destroyed during Operation Guerrero,<ref name=FMFWL17-SC>''Field Manual: Free Worlds League'', p. 17: Swann's Cavaliers</ref> while the [[4th FedCom RCT|Fourth]], Ninth, [[10th FedCom RCT|Tenth]], [[11th FedCom RCT|Eleventh]] and [[12th FedCom RCT|Twelfth FedCom RCT]]s all chose to join the LAAF, forming the core of the new [[Alliance Guards]]. The six remaining RCTs remained loyal to the Davion half of the Federated Commonwealth, but they were seriously demoralized by the sundering of the Commonwealth and the collapse of the Sarna March.<ref name=FMFS90/> The brigade was finally dissolved for good after the FedCom Civil War, with only the First FedCom RCT remaining active as the 1st Federated Suns Lancers.<ref name=FMU130-FSL>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 130: 1st Federated Suns Lancers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:FedCom Corps -Brigade logo.png|150px|Insignia of the Federated Commonwealth Corps]]
|align="center "|[[1st FedCom RCT]]<br />[[2nd FedCom RCT]]<br />[[3rd FedCom RCT]]<br />[[4th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[5th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[6th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[7th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[8th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[9th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[10th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[11th FedCom RCT]]<br />[[12th FedCom RCT]]<br />
|}

====Lyran Guards====
{{main|Lyran Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Lyran Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Lyran Guards were founded with the creation of the Lyran Commonwealth, as a bond of the three founding states. Drawing its personnel from across the Commonwealth, the prestige of the brigade was so great that it could select from its future graduates. Since their founding, the regiments of this brigade have served as the vanguard of Lyran forces in nearly every major conflict.<ref name=FMLA74>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 74: Lyran Guards: The Iron Fist</ref> The Federated Commonwealth did not disregard this prestigious brigade, upgrading every active regiment to an RCT. After the Clan Invasion struck, Prince Victor Steiner-Davion was transferred to the [[10th Lyran Guards|Tenth Lyran Guards]]. The Tenth would join the [[Kell Hounds]] and the Ninth FedCom at the Battle of Twycross, where they dealt Clan Jade Falcon their first defeat.<ref name=LH?/> Two commands of the Lyran Guards, the [[1st Lyran Guards|First]] and the [[19th Lyran Guards|Nineteenth]], were destroyed during the Clan Invasion, and several others suffered serious losses.<ref name=FMLA74/> During Operation Guerrero, both the [[13th Lyran Guards|13th]] and [[30th Lyran Guards|30th Guards]] both went rogue. The Guards were deeply divided during the FedCom Civil War, with many commands attempting to remain neutral while others [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3064)|fought against the Jade Falcons]] and one even joining the [[Federation_of_Skye#FedCom_Civil_War_and_another_Rebellion|Skye rebels]]. As did most former AFFC forces, the brigade took heavy losses during the war.<ref name=FMU170-LG>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 170: Lyran Guard</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Lyran Guards brigade logo.png|125px|Insignia of the Lyran Guards]]
|align="center "|[[1st Lyran Guards|1st Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[3rd Lyran Guards|3rd Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[5th Lyran Guards|5th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[6th Lyran Guards|6th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[10th Lyran Guards|10th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[11th Lyran Guards|11th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[13th Lyran Guards|13th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[15th Lyran Guards|15th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[19th Lyran Guards|19th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[24th Lyran Guards|24th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[26th Lyran Guards|26th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[30th Lyran Guards|30th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[32nd Lyran Guards|32nd Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />[[36th Lyran Guards|36th Lyran Guards RCT]]<br />
|}

====Lyran Regulars====
{{main|Lyran Regulars}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Lyran Regulars
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Originally a Lyran national brigade (mustered, disbanded and remustered) used for hopeless missions, the Lyran Regulars were raised from Lyran veterans, hired mercenaries, the remnants of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] Military, and the remnants of the SLDF which remained in Lyran space. The Lyran Regulars lack patronage, and specialize in tactics considered "unorthodox" within the LAAF. As such, the Lyran Regulars are the only brigade lacking a political agenda. The modern Lyran Regulars are basically a training cadre, and are poorly equipped.<ref name=FMLA85>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 85: Lyran Regulars: The Crucible</ref> The role of the Lyran Regulars changed little under the AFFC, though some of its units expressed resentment when assigned to garrison traditional Davion worlds. During the Clan Invasion, the [[1st Lyran Regulars]] were among the first AFFC commands to be destroyed.<ref name=FMLA85-CO>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 85: Commanding Officer</ref> The [[4th Lyran Regulars|Fourth Regulars]] were so damaged from raiding operations against the Clans that they were temporarily deactivated.<ref name=FMLA87>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 87: 4th Lyran Regulars, Tropic Lightning</ref> Most of the Regulars sided with Katherine during the FedCom Civil War, although the [[10th Lyran Regulars|Tenth]] did side with Victor.
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Lyran Regulars Insignia.png|125px|Insignia of the Lyran Regulars]]
|align="center "|[[1st Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[3rd Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[4th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[5th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[7th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[8th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[9th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[10th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[11th Lyran Regulars]]<br />[[15th Lyran Regulars]]<br />
|}

====New Ivaarsen Chasseurs====
{{main|New Ivaarsen Chasseurs}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|

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, because MechWarriors within the unit have routinely refused upgrades to their family legacies.<ref name=FMFS97>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 97: New Ivaarsen Chasseurs: Pikemen</ref> Both regiments of the New Ivaarsen Chasseurs saw action against Clan Jade Falcon, with the [[2nd New Ivaarsen Chasseurs]] all but destroyed, not reactivated until after the Lyran secession. The units managed to avoid the fighting of the FedCom Civil War, emerging intact.<ref name=FMU131-NIC>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 131: New Ivaarsen Chasseurs</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:2nd New Ivaarsen Chausseurs.jpg|125px|Insignia of the New Ivaarsen Chasseurs]]
|align="center "|[[1st New Ivaarsen Chasseurs]]<br />[[2nd New Ivaarsen Chasseurs]]<br />
|}

====Robinson Rangers====
{{main|Robinson Rangers}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Robinson Rangers
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Starting their life as a brigade of volunteers in the defense of [[Robinson]], the [[Draconis March]] capital world, these original volunteers were wiped out during the [[First Succession War]]. To honor these volunteers, Prince [[Peter Davion (First 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.<ref name=FMFS100>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 100: Robinson Rangers: Honor Through Vengeance</ref> The Robinson Rangers viewed Victor Steiner-Davion and his relationship with [[Omi Kurita]] with great distrust and hostility. Both units saw action against the Combine during the FedCom Civil War, while the [[2nd Robinson Rangers]] accompanied Duke [[Tancred Sandoval]] in the final battle of New Avalon. Both took heavy casualties and were forced to rebuild afterward. The short-lived [[3rd Robinson Rangers]] ever owed its loyalty to Katherine Steiner-Davion, and was destroyed in the fighting on New Avalon.<ref name=FMU131-RR>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 131: Robinson Rangers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Robinson March Brigade.png|100px|Insignia of the Robinson March Brigade]]
|align="center "|[[1st Robinson Rangers]]<br />[[2nd Robinson Rangers]]<br />
|}

====Royal Guards====
{{main|Royal Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Royal Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The '''Lyran Royal Guards''' are the best equipped and most prestigious brigade within the LAAF, but mostly serve as the protectors of the Lyran government.  Each unit within the Royal Guards recruits by invitation only from soldiers of a particular parent state, meaning that each of the Royal Guards regiments represents the pinnacle of military prowess for either the [[Protectorate of Donegal]], the [[Federation of Skye]], or the [[Tamar Pact]].  The Royal Guards are also tasked with the protection of the Archon or Archon-Designate, and the [[Tharkad#The Triad|Triad]].  In fact, the BattleMechs that stand constant garrison over the Lyran throne room are elements of the 1st Royal Guards.  The Royal Guards paint their machines a base of Lyran blue, with gold painted on the left and right side.<ref name=FMLA95>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 95: Royal Guards: Lyran Pride</ref> Like many other traditional Lyran commands, the Royal Guards Brigade adopted the Regimental Combat Team structure as part of the AFFC, though this did not impact unit quality. For hundreds of years, the Archon's throne room on [[Tharkad]] was guarded by two ''[[Griffin]]'' BattleMechs, drawn from the [[1st Royal Guards|First Royal Guards]]. Early in Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion's reign, he replaced the two ''Griffin''s with a ''[[Marauder]]'' from the [[1st Kathil Uhlans|First Kathil Uhlans]] and a ''[[Crusader]]'' from the [[Kell Hounds]]. This move proved to be extraordinarily unpopular with the Lyran people. When Katherine Steiner-Davion seized the throne, she soon replace those two 'Mechs with a pair of brand new ''[[Hauptmann]]'' OmniMechs, both from the First Royal Guards.<ref name=FMLA96>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 96: 1st Royal Guards RCT: The Pride of Donegal</ref> All three Royal Guard commands would suffer massive losses during the FedCom Civil War, with the First and Second virtually annihilated after the crucible on Tharkad. Only reputation and tradition kept the commands from being dissolved permanently.<ref name=FMU172-RG>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 172: Royal Guard</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Royal Guards -Brigade logo.png|125px|Insignia of the Royal Guards]]
|align="center "|[[1st Royal Guards|1st Royal Guards RCT]]<br />[[2nd Royal Guards|2nd Royal Guards RCT]]<br />[[3rd Royal Guards|3rd Royal Guards RCT]]<br />
|}

====Skye Rangers====
{{main|Skye Rangers}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Skye Rangers
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Originally the army of the [[Federation of Skye]], where the Skye Rangers were once synonymous with courage and resolution, many in the LCAF saw them as divisive for their ties and support of Skye independence movements like [[Free Skye]]. The Skye Rangers have maintained close ties to its parent state, recruiting almost exclusively from the Federation. As such, the unit frequently sides with the Duke of [[Porrima]], not the Archon. Therefore, the brigade's loyalty is questionable.<ref name=FMLA99>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 99: Skye Rangers: Bravehearts</ref> Despite the subsequent upgrading of a number of Skye Rangers commands to RCT status, the formation of the AFFC made a bad situation worse with respect to the loyalties of the Skye Rangers, who perhaps more than all other Lyrans saw the new order as "Davion interference". This resentment helped lead to the [[Second_Skye_Rebellion#The_Rebellion_of_3056|Second Skye Rebellion]] in [[3056]], and would continue afterwards, ultimately leading to further trouble during the FedCom Civil War.<ref name=FMU173-SR>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: Skye Rangers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Skye Rangers Insignia.png|125px|Insignia of the Skye Rangers]]
|align="center "|[[4th Skye Rangers|4th Skye Rangers RCT]]<br />[[10th Skye Rangers]]<br />[[17th Skye Rangers|17th Skye Rangers RCT]]<br />[[22nd Skye Rangers]]<br />
|}

====Syrtis Fusiliers====
{{main|Syrtis Fusiliers}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Syrtis Fusiliers
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Syrtis Fusiliers are the honor guard of the leader of the [[Capellan March]]. For that reason their fortunes have been tied to [[House Hasek]] 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. The Fusiliers experienced a period of relative calm serving under the Federated Commonwealth, as Marshal of Armies Morgan Hasek-Davion firmly supported House Davion and the alliance. This would change under Katherine Steiner-Davion's government.<ref name=FMFS104>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 104: Syrtis Fusiliers: Pride and Prejudice</ref> The entire brigade was loyal to Duke [[George Hasek II|George Hasek]] during the FedCom Civil War, taking very heavy casualties while fighting the [[Loyalist (FCCW)|Loyalist]]s on [[New Syrtis]] and [[Kathil]].<ref name=FMU132>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 132: Syrtis Fusiliers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Syrtis Fusiliers -Brigade logo.png|125px|Insignia of the Syrtis Fusiliers]]
|align="center "|[[5th Syrtis Fusiliers|5th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT]]<br />[[6th Syrtis Fusiliers|6th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT]]<br />[[8th Syrtis Fusiliers|8th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT]]<br />
|}

====Tikonov Republican Guards====
{{main|Tikonov Republican Guards}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Tikonov Republican Guards
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The [[Tikonov Republican Guards]] were formed from the remnants of [[CCAF|Capellan]] units stationed within the former [[Tikonov Commonality]] during the Fourth Succession War. Defecting along with their commander, [[Pavel Ridzik]], the Guards served as the garrison of the short-lived [[Tikonov Free Republic]]. When the Republic was absorbed into the Federated Commonwealth, the Republican Guards became part of the AFFC. At their height, the Tikonov Republican Guards consisted of five regiments. One regiment was destroyed during Operation Guerrero, while another deserted.<ref name=FMLA104>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 104: Tikonov Republican Guards: The Enemy Within</ref> The remaining three regiments nominally served the LAAF for a few years before they were destroyed in the FedCom Civil War.
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Republican Guards -Brigade logo.png|Insignia of the Tikonov Republican Guard]]
|align="center "|[[1st Republican|1st Republicans]]<br />[[2nd Republican|2nd Republicans]]<br />[[3rd Republican Guards|3rd Republicans]]<br />[[4th Republican|4th Republicans]]<br />[[5th Republican Guards|5th Republicans]]<br />
|}

====Unaffiliated====
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Unaffiliated
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Never a formal brigade, most of these regiments claimed a Davion lineage, with only Winfield's Brigade claiming a Lyran origin. The Federated Commonwealth rebuilt Winfield's Brigade from two battalions<ref name=HW39-138W>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 138: Deployment Table, Winfield's Brigade composed of two battalions</ref> to a full regiment,<ref name=20YU25W>''20 Year Update'', p. 25: Deployment Table, listed as a regiment</ref> only to watch that proud command perish during the Clan Invasion.<ref name=TRO3050-6>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 6: Destroyed Units</ref> The other regiments saw little action during the Clan Invasion, but three of them were engaged in [[Operation Bulldog]] where they performed well.<ref name=DR11>''The Dragon Roars'', p. 11: Unit Summaries</ref> The [[1st Kathil Uhlans]] would join the Star League Defense Force after returning from the [[Clan Homeworlds]]. The other regiments would all side with Victor during the FedCom Civil War, though both the [[1st Argyle Lancers]] and [[1st Capellan Dragoons]] were destroyed during the conflict.<ref name=FMU125-IC>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 125: Independent Commands</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[1st Aragon Borderers]]<br />[[1st Argyle Lancers]]<br />[[1st Capellan Dragoons]]<br />[[1st Federated Suns Armored Cavalry]]<br />[[1st Kathil Uhlans]]<br />[[1st Kestrel Grenadiers]]<br />[[1st Kittery Borderers]]<br />[[Winfield's Brigade]]<br />
|}

===March Militias===
The March Militias were originally established centuries ago by the AFFS High Command to help coordinate an organized defense against the realm's enemies, along with the Polymorphous Defense Zones (PDZs). Each zone would be assigned a militia, primarily composed of personnel native to that area, were effectively RCTs, though not with as many conventional regiments as seen among the frontline units. Despite lacking permanent transport and the combat effectiveness of more prestigious brigades, these commands surprised enemy forces on many occasions.<ref name=FMFS108>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 108: AFFC March Militias</ref> The AFFC expanded the March Militias to include the new Lyran Operation Areas and the Sarna March.<ref name=FMLAp108/><ref name=20YU17O>''20 Year Update'', p. 17: Organization</ref> While this expansion began prior to the War of '39,<ref name=H39-159160MM>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 159–160: Forces Table: Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces, March Militias</ref> it was only completed under the AFFC.

====Capellan March Militia====
{{main|Capellan March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Capellan March Militia
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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. The formation of the Federated Commonwealth changed little for the Capellan March Militia, although with the creation of the Sarna March, they were no longer necessarily considered the frontline against House Liao. After Operation Guerrero destroyed the Sarna March, command of the remaining two Sarna March Militia RCTs was transferred to the Capellan March Militia.<ref name=FMFS109>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 109: Capellan March Militia</ref> The FedCom Civil War was particularly harsh for the Capellan March Militia, as all commands engaged in heavy fighting.<ref name=FMU133>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 133: Capellan March Militia</ref> The Loyalist [[Alcyone CMM]] was destroyed early in the conflict,<ref name=FCCW5354A>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 53–54: Alcyone</ref> as was the Allied [[Kathil CMM]].<ref name=FCCW182KCMM>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: Deployment Table: Kathil CMM</ref> The loyalist [[Nanking Sarna March Militia|Nanking SMM]] was likewise crushed.<ref name=FCCW6465N>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 64–65: Nanking</ref> The [[New Syrtis CMM]] had to be rebuilt, with the rest of the brigade taking serious damage.<ref name=FMU133/>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Capellan March Militia -Brigade logo.png|115px|Insignia of the Capellan March Militia]]
|align="center "|[[Alcyone Capellan March Militia|Alcyone CMM]]<br />[[Kathil Capellan March Militia|Kathil CMM]]<br />[[New Syrtis Capellan March Militia|New Syrtis CMM]]<br />[[Ridgebrook Capellan March Militia|Ridgebrook CMM]]<br />[[Sirdar Capellan March Militia|Sirdar CMM]]<br />[[Valexa Capellan March Militia|Valexa CMM]]<br />[[Warren Capellan March Militia|Warren CMM]]<br />
|}

====Crucis March Militia====
{{main|Crucis March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Crucis March Militia
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|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.<ref name=FMFS114>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 114: Crucis March Militia</ref> Like most of the march militias, the mission of the CrMM did not change under the AFFC. The [[New Avalon Crucis March Militia|New Avalon CrMM]] was built to help defend the capital while the more prestigious Davion Brigade of Guards units were away. While the brigade saw more action during the FedCom Civil War than at any other time during its previous history, it still emerged with comparatively minor losses, although both the New Avalon and [[Tsamma Crucis March Militia|Tsamma CrMM]] were both destroyed. The Tsamma CrMM and most of the remaining units worked towards rebuilding after the war.<ref name=FMU134>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 134: Crucis March Militia</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Crucis March Militia -Brigade logo.png|115px|Insignia of the Crucis March Militia]]
|align="center "|[[Anjin Muerto Crucis March Militia|Anjin Muerto CrMM]]<br />[[Islamabad Crucis March Militia|Islamabad CrMM]]<br />[[Kestrel Crucis March Militia|Kestrel CrMM]]<br />[[Malagrotta Crucis March Militia|Malagrotta CrMM]]<br />[[Marlette Crucis March Militia|Marlette CrMM]]<br />[[New Avalon Crucis March Militia|New Avalon CrMM]]<br />[[Remagen Crucis March Militia|Remagen CrMM]]<br />[[Tsamma Crucis March Militia|Tsamma CrMM]]<br />
|}

====Donegal March Militia====
{{main|Donegal March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Donegal March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Donegal March Militia was one of five new march militia brigades formed by the AFFC. Protecting the interior of the Lyran half of the Commonwealth, only three such units were deemed necessary. After the formation of the LAAF, these units were reorganized under the [[Alarion Province Militia|Alarion]] and [[Coventry Province Militia]] umbrellas.<ref name=FMLAp108>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: Regional Militias</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Alarion DMM]]<br />[[Carlisle DMM]]<br />[[Coventry DMM]]<br />
|}

====Draconis March Militia====
{{main|Draconis March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Draconis March Militia
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Draconis March Militia units are quite loyal to House Sandoval. Centuries of raids, and the horror of the [[Kentares Massacre]] ensure that no member of the DMM will trust any [[DCMS]] officer. While its role under the AFFC changed little, the DMM deeply resented the détente with the Combine.<ref name=FMFS119>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 119: Draconis March Militia</ref> This led many units to side with Katherine during the Civil War, with most units quickly falling to either Allied attacks or Combine reprisals. The [[Mayetta Draconis March Militia|Mayetta DMM]] was destroyed and the shattered [[Clovis Draconis March Militia|Clovis DMM]] was folded into the new [[Kentares Draconis March Militia|Kentares DMM]]. The bulk of the brigade was forced to rebuild in the conflict's aftermath.<ref name=FMU135-DMM>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 130: Draconis March Militia</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Draconis March Militia -Brigade logo.png|115px|Insignia of the Draconis March Militia]]
|align="center "|[[Addicks Draconis March Militia|Addicks DMM]]<br />[[Bremond Draconis March Militia|Bremond DMM]]<br />[[Bryceland Draconis March Militia|Bryceland DMM]]<br />[[Clovis Draconis March Militia|Clovis DMM]]<br />[[Dahar Draconis March Militia|Dahar DMM]]<br />[[Kilbourne Draconis March Militia|Kilbourne DMM]]<br />[[Mayetta Draconis March Militia|Mayetta DMM]]<br />[[Milligan Draconis March Militia|Milligan DMM]]<br />[[Raman Draconis March Militia|Raman DMM]]<br />[[Robinson Draconis March Militia|Robinson DMM]]<br />
|}

====Periphery March Militia====
{{main|Periphery March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Periphery March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Periphery March Militia was another new march militia brigade created by the AFFC and composed of second-line RCTs. The PMM effectively helped defend the [[Anti-spinward]] border of the Lyran half of the Commonwealth, facing periodic pirate attacks. The brigade did not see action during the Clan Invasion, though some of their commands did go on a heightened state of alert as the invaders came within a few jumps of the Periphery March. When the LAAF was formed, the brigade was divided into the [[Timbuktu Theater Militia]] and [[Melissia Theater Militia]] commands.<ref name=FMLAp108>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: Regional Militias</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Teyvareb PMM]]<br /> [[Florida PMM]]<br /> [[Alekseyevka Timbuktu Theater Militia|Alekseyvka PMM]]<br /> [[Qanatir PMM]]<br /> [[Neerabup PMM]]<br /> [[Chahar PMM]]<br />
|}

====Sarna March Militia====
{{main|Sarna March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Sarna March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Sarna March Militia was formed by the AFFC in the aftermath of the Fourth Succession War, created to defend territory taken from the Capellan Confederation. Although technically part of the Lyran state command, the brigade was effectively abandoned by the LAAF during Operation Guerrero. The conflict went poorly for the brigade. The [[Liao SMM]] surrendered without firing a shot, while the [[Wei SMM]] was destroyed by elements of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]]. The [[Corey SMM]] was also eliminated. The [[Kaifeng SMM]] and [[Epsilon Eridani SMM]] both went independent, severing all ties to the Commonwealth. The [[Achernar SMM]] and [[Nanking SMM]] were both folded into the Capellan March Militia, effectively dissolving the brigade.
|-
|align="center "|[[Achernar Sarna March Militia|Achernar SMM]]<br />[[Corey SMM]]<br />[[Epsilon Eridani SMM]]<br />[[Kaifeng Sarna March Militia|Kaifeng SMM]]<br />[[Liao Sarna March Militia|Liao SMM]]<br />[[Nanking Sarna March Militia|Nanking SMM]]<br />[[Wei SMM]]<br />
|}

====Skye March Militia====
{{main|Skye March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Skye March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|
|-
|align="center "|[[Accrington SMM]]<br />[[Alexandria SMM]]<br />[[Denebola SMM]]<br />[[Gacrux SMM]]<br />[[Lyons SMM]]<br />[[Nekkar SMM]]<br />
|}

====Tamar March Militia====
{{main|Tamar March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Tamar March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|The Tamar March Militia was one of five new march militias formed by the AFFC. These second-line RCTs, each one named for the Command area in which it was based, freed up frontline troops for other assignments.<ref name=FMLAp108>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: Regional Militias</ref> Unfortunately for the Tamar March Militia, their position placed them directly in the way of the invading Clans during the invasion, and four of the six militias were destroyed. The remaining two were formed into the [[Pandora Theater Militia]] after the birth of the LAAF.
|-
|align="center "|[[Hot Springs TMM]]<br />[[Kelenfold Pandora Theater Militia|Kelenfold TMM]]<br />[[Koniz Pandora Theater Militia|Koniz TMM]]<br />[[Laurent TMM]]<br />[[Twycross TMM]]<br />[[Wotan TMM]]<br />
|}

====Tamarind March Militia====
{{main|Tamarind March Militia}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Tamarind March Militia
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Along with the other new March Militias, the Tamarind March Militia was formed by the AFFC, composed of second-line RCTs, each one named for the Command area in which it was based. The Tamarind March Militia primarily defended against potential attacks by the Free Worlds League, and went untouched during the Clan Invasion, and upon the creation of the LAAF, was divided among the [[Cavanaugh Theater Militia|Cavanaugh]] and [[Bolan Province Militia]]s.<ref name=FMLAp108>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 108: Regional Militias</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Furillo TMM]]<br />[[Dar-es-Salaam TMM]]<br />[[Dixie TMM]]<br />[[Penobscot TMM]]<br />
|}

===Training Cadres and Battalions===
With the resources of the Federated Commonwealth, training units in the field, both from prestigious military academies and otherwise, became a growing trend in both halves of the new superstate.<ref name=20YU16>''20 Year Update'', p. 16: Organization</ref> While such formations had long been a presence in the AFFS, not every academy in the former Lyran Commonwealth approved of the new approach, with the Nagelring and [[Sanglamore]] both declining. Others accepted, however, and the formations soon supplemented the AFFC throughout the realm.<ref name=FMLA121>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 121: Training Units</ref> The Clan Invasion would result in the destruction of training battalions from the [[Blackjack Training Battalion|Blackjack]], [[Somerset Training Battalion|Somerset]], [[Benfled Cadet Corps|Benfled]] and [[Tamar War College Training Battalion|Tamar War College]]s. The [[Tikonov Martial Academy Training Group]] and [[Sarna Martial Academy Cadre|Sarna Martial Training Group]]s both left the AFFC during Operation Guerrero. In the aftermath of the Lyran Secession, these units became unpopular with the LAAF High Command, which dismissed them as a "Davionist" influence.<ref name=FMLA121/>

====Albion Military Academy Cadre====
{{main|Albion Military Academy}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Albion Military Academy Cadre
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Though it was long displaced as the premier military academy of the Federated Suns, Albion Military Academy and its Cadres have produced some of the best soldiers of the Federated Suns for over 600 years, demonstrating tremendous teamwork and personal skills. This did not change while serving the AFFC.<ref name=FMFS125>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 125: Albion Military Academy Cadre</ref> Both Cadres saw action in the final days of the FedCom Civil War, taking heavy losses.<ref name=FMU136-ALB>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 131: Albion Training Cadre</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:Albion Military Academy.png|100px|Insignia of the Albion Military Academy Cadre]]
|align="center "|[[1st Albion Training Cadre]]<br />[[2nd Albion Training Cadre]]<br />
|}

====NAIS College of Martial Sciences Cadet Cadre====
{{main|College of Martial Sciences Cadet Cadre}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| NAIS Cadet Cadre
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Arguably the most prestigious military academy in the Inner Sphere, the College of Martial Sciences of the NAIS turns out high-quality cadets in all military specialties. Formerly the New Avalon Military Academy, after the NAIS was built around the NAMA it 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.<ref name=FMFS127>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 127: College of Martial Sciences Cadet Cadre</ref> The Cadres served the AFFC well though none fought the Clans, and all three sided with the Allies during the FedCom Civil War, where they took massive losses.<ref name=FMU136-NAIS>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 131: NAIS Training Cadre</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[Image:NAIS Cadet Cadre.png|100px|Insignia of the NAIS Cadet Cadre]]
|align="center "|[[1st NAIS Cadet Cadre]]<br />[[2nd NAIS Cadet Cadre]]<br />[[3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre]]<br />
|}

====Training Battalions====
{{main|Federated Suns Regional Training Battalions}}
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Training Battalions
|-
|colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Many training battalions owed their existence to the AFFC, while others had served in the old Federated Suns for years. Training battalions that were not affiliated with illustrious academies were usually composed of enlisted trainees from that region of space.<ref name=FMFS42>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 42: Regional Training Battalions</ref> Several of these units were lost against the Clans in service to the Federated Commonwealth.<ref name=FMLA121/> Training units how belong to an academy show the academy crest on their machines and all other units show the Federated Suns Logo.<ref name=FMFS42/>
|-
|align="center "| <br />[[1st Bell Training Battalion]]<br />[[1st Conroe Training Battalion]]<br />[[Blackjack Training Battalion]]<br />[[Filtvelt Academy Training Battalion]]<br />[[Kilbourne Academy Training Battalion]]<br />[[Point Barrow Academy Training Battalion]]<br />[[Royal New Capetown Training Battalion]]<br />[[Somerset Academy Training Battalion]]<br />
|align="center "| <br />[[1st Brockton Training Battalion]]<br />[[1st Kittery Training Battalion]]<br />[[Buena War College Training Battalion]]<br />[[Goshen War College Training Battalion]]<br />[[Pandora College Training Battalion]]<br />[[Robinson Battle Academy Training Battalion]]<br />[[Sakhara Academy Training Battalion]]<br />[[Tamar War College Training Battalion]]<br />
|}

====Martial Training Groups====
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="1" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Martial Training Groups
|-
|colspan="1" style="border-bottom: 1px solid black"|Both of these groups served in the Sarna March. The Sarna Martial Training Group left the AFFC after Operation Guerrero while the Tikonov Martial Training Group went rogue during the FedCom Civil War.
|-
|align="center "|[[Sarna Martial Academy Cadre|Sarna Martial Training Group]]<br />[[Tikonov Martial Academy Training Group]]<br />
|}

===Mercenaries===
[[Image:Kell Hounds logo.png|right|thumb|Emblem of the Kell Hounds, one of the most famous mercenary companies in the FedCom's employ]]
The Federated Commonwealth was the dominant employer of mercenaries for most of its existence, owing much to its heritage. Both the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth were major employers of mercenary soldiers prior to the alliance, and their formidable resources,
combined with the defense needs of their large border, helped make this a necessity. Further, the AFFC could claim nearly all of the top mercenary companies among its roster, including [[Wolf's Dragoons]], the [[Kell Hounds]], the [[Eridani Light Horse]] and the
[[Gray Death Legion]]. They had an advantage over the other major factions, due in no small part to [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]]'s "Death to Mercenaries" order in the Draconis Combine, the legendary factionalism of the Free Worlds League and the relative lack of resources of the [[Capellan Confederation]] and the Periphery States. There were drawbacks to the new AFFC system, however, as was the case of the [[Stealthy Tigers]], who for decades had effectively served as a personal army for the Duke of [[Tamar]] under a loophole under the old Lyran system, were allowed to become full mercenaries and to eventually leave the Commonwealth's employ.<ref name=FMLA24ST>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 24: Stealthy Tigers</ref> Nevertheless, the Commonwealth and its mercenaries enjoyed a prosperous relationship overall until circumstances changed during the Clan Invasion, as many mercenary units, most notably the [[12th Star Guards]], were destroyed. Believing that the AFFC was sacrificing mercenary units against the invaders while House troops attempted to rearm and regroup, many mercenary companies with long-running ties to the Commonwealth went rogue, breaking contract and signing on with other employers or simply becoming pirates. Other units likewise allowed their contracts to expire.<ref name=OR6>''Objective Raids'', p. 6: Situation Briefing</ref> Despite this, the use of mercenaries against the Clans by the AFFC did have its successes. In addition to the fighting on Twycross by the Kell Hounds, both the Hounds and Wolf's Dragoons saw action battling [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Clans Smoke Jaguar]] and [[Clan Nova Cat|Nova Cat]] on [[Luthien]]. Having promised Theodore Kurita he would not send AFFC troops into the Combine while the Clans remained a threat, Hanse Davion, at perhaps the height of Federated Commonwealth diplomacy, instead sent the finest mercenaries in the Inner Sphere to rescue his ancient enemy.<ref name=MH55-35>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 35: Eighth Contract: Federated Commonwealth</ref> In the aftermath of the Invasion, the Commonwealth continued to hire large numbers of mercenaries not only to defend the Clan border, but also to protect the Sarna March, clearly vulnerable to attacks from both the Free Worlds League and the Confederation and which witnessed a resurgence of Liao-supported guerrillas. (These additional units sent to Sarna were obviously inadequate to defend against Operation Guerrero, where they faced not only large numbers of enemy troops but also often a hostile citizenry.) During this period, the reputation of the Commonwealth in dealing with mercenaries continued to slide somewhat, as their pay rate was considered only average in comparison to the suddenly ascendant Free Worlds League, as well as the more progressive policies the Draconis Combine experienced under Coordinator [[Theodore Kurita]]. Likewise, the political divisions within the Commonwealth worried some mercenary companies, as the relative stability of the Commonwealth had been considered a plus in the past.<ref name=MH55-100106>''Mercenary's Handbook 3055'', p. 100, 106: Federated Commonwealth, Payment</ref> It should be noted that although Wolf's Dragoons is included among the commands listed here and the Dragoons usually did operate under Federated Commonwealth contracts, their semi-independent nature allowed them to hire their units out to other factions.

{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Mercenaries of the Federated Commonwealth
|-
|align="center "|'''[[12th Star Guards]]'''<br />[[1st Regiment (12th Star Guards)|1st Regiment]]<br />[[2nd Regiment (12th Star Guards)|2nd Regiment]]<br />[[3rd Regiment (12th Star Guards)|3rd Regiment]]<br />[[7th Regiment (12th Star Guards)|7th Regiment]]<br />
'''[[12th Vegan Rangers]]'''<br />[[Alpha Regiment (12th Vegan Rangers)|Alpha Regiment]]<br />[[Beta Regiment (12th Vegan Rangers)|Beta Regiment]]<br />[[Gamma Regiment (12th Vegan Rangers)|Gamma Regiment]]<br />[[Delta Regiment (12th Vegan Rangers)|Delta Regiment]]<br />'''[[Blue Star Irregulars]]'''<br />[[1894th Light Horse]]<br />[[21st Rim Worlds]]<br />[[Avatars of Painful Death]]<br />'''[[Dioscuri]]'''<br />Castor Regiment<br />Pollux Regiment<br />'''[[Dismal Disinherited]]'''<br />[[1st Dismal Disinherited|1st Regiment]]<br />[[2nd Dismal Disinherited|2nd Regiment]]<br /> [[3rd Dismal Disinherited|3rd Regiment]]<br />'''[[Eridani Light Horse]]'''<br />[[151st Light Horse]]<br />[[21st Striker Regiment|21st Striker]]<br />[[71st Light Horse]]<br />'''[[Grave Walkers]]'''<br />1st Grave Walkers<br />2nd Grave Walkers<br />'''[[Illician Lancers]]'''<br />[[59th Strike Regiment|1st Illician Lancers]]<br />[[21st Illician Rangers|2nd Illician Lancers]]<br />[[4th Illician Rangers|3rd Illician Lancers]]<br />[[9th Illician Rangers|4th Illician Lancers]]<br />'''[[Kell Hounds]]'''<br />[[1st Kell Hounds]]<br />[[2nd Kell Hounds]]<br />'''[[Knights of St. Cameron]]'''<br />1st Regiment<br />2nd Regiment<br />'''[[Lexington Combat Group]]'''<br />[[32nd Recon Combat Group|32nd Recon]]<br />[[241st Battle Combat Group|Frederic's Gazelles]]<br />[[180th Dragoon Combat Group|Marie's Golden Hammers]]<br />'''[[Narhal's Raiders]]'''<br />1st Regiment<br />2nd Regiment<br />
|align="center "|'''[[Northwind Highlanders]]'''<br />[[1st Kearny Highlanders]]<br />[[2nd Kearny Highlanders]]<br />[[MacLeod's Regiment|MacCleod's Highlanders]]<br />[[Stirling's Fusiliers]]<br />'''[[Screaming Eagles]]'''<br />1st Screaming Eagles<br />2nd Screaming Eagles<br />'''[[Fighting Urukhai]]'''<br />[[8th Striker]]<br />[[DeMaestri's Sluggers]]<br />[[Roman's Bar Hounds]]<br />'''[[Wolf's Dragoons]]'''<br />[[Alpha Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Alpha Regiment]]<br />[[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Beta Regiment]]<br />[[Gamma Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Gamma Regiment]]<br />[[Delta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Delta Regiment]]<br />[[Epsilon Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Epsilon Regiment]]<br />[[Black Widow Battalion]]<br />[[Zeta Battalion]]<br /><br />[[Barber's Marauder IIs]] (Battalion)<br />[[Clifton's Rangers]] (Battalion)<br />[[Fuchida's Fusiliers]] (Battalion)<br />[[Gray Death Legion]]<br />[[Green Machine]]<br />[[Greenburg's Godzillas]]<br />[[Gregg's Long Striders]]<br />[[Grim Determination]]<br />[[Hansen's Roughriders]]<br />[[Harlock's Warriors]]<br />[[Hermann's Hermits]]<br />[[Hsien Hotheads]]<br />[[Kingston Caballeros]]<br />[[Laurel's Legion]]<br />[[Lindon's Regiment]]<br />[[Lone Star Regiment]]<br />[[Markson's Marauders]]<br />[[Martian Cuirassiers]]<br />[[Mobile Fire]]<br />[[New Hessen Armored Scouts]]<br />[[Simonson's Cutthroats]]<br />[[Snord's Irregulars]] (Battalion)<br />[[Team Banzai]]<br />[[Vandelay's Valkyries]]<br />[[Vinson's Vigilantes]]<br />
|}

==Federated Commonwealth Military Academies==
With military academies from both realms, the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth could boast officers from a wide range of philosophies. Under the Commonwealth government, these academies were expanded. Many formed training battalions, assisting the AFFC in the defense of the combined nation.
{|class="wikitable" width='700px' style="background: #gray; border: 2px solid black;"
! colspan="2" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| Federated Commonwealth Military Academies
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Albion Military Academy.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Albion Military Academy'''
{{Main|Albion Military Academy}}
Located on the capital of [[New Avalon]] and built in the [[2400]]s, 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 the administration of the institution, and since then it has produced countless quality officers for the AFFS and AFFC. Albion is known for its highly skilled graduates and boasts many well-known alumni including First Prince Hanse Davion.<ref name=HHD128-AMA>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 128: Albion Military Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademiesarmstrong.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Armstrong Flight Academy'''
{{Main|Armstrong flight academy}}
The premier flight school in the Federated Suns, the Armstrong Flight Academy is located on Galax, home of [[Federated-Boeing Interstellar]]. Both F-BI and AFA benefit from the relationship
between the academy and the corporation.<ref name=HHD129-AFA>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 129: Armstrong Flight Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Blackjack School of Conflict logo.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Blackjack School of Conflict'''
{{Main|Blackjack School of Conflict}}
The Blackjack School of Conflict was the only privately run military academy in the Lyran Commonwealth, and was known for producing graduates with a flair for corruption, despite being excellent warriors otherwise.<ref name=HSLC126BLA>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 126: The Blackjack School of Conflict</ref> The [[Blackjack Training Battalion]], one of several built by the Federated Commonwealth, was destroyed by Clan Jade Falcon during the Clan Invasion.<ref name=JFCS41BJ>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 41: Blackjack</ref> Although the academy's facilities were later razed by [[Clan Steel Viper]],<ref name=JFCS41BJ/> years later, the Falcons would reopen the school as Jade Falcon School of Conflict on Blackjack.
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Coventry.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Coventry Military Academy'''
{{Main|Coventry Military Academy}}
Committed exclusively to MechWarrior training, the Coventry Military Academy was a small institution which enjoyed a strong relationship with [[Coventry Metal Works]].<ref name=HSLC125COV>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 125: The Coventry Military Academy</ref>
After the Lyran secession, the Academy's cadets would see action fighting the Jade Falcons in [[3058]] as well as becoming mired in the Civil War some years later. The academy would be upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment when it was reopened following the Falcons' attack.<ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 109: Coventry Military Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademiesfilvet.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Filtvelt Military Academy'''
{{Main|Filtvelt Military Academy}}
A relatively young institution, the Filtvelt Military Academy lacked modern facilities and equipment, and was considered second-rate by the AFFS and AFFC. Given its location near the Periphery, many graduates serve with nearby units.<ref name=HHD129-FIL>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 129: Filtvelt Military Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Thorin.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''The Flight Academy of Thorin'''
{{Main|Flight Academy of Thorin}}
The Flight Academy of [[Thorin]] was founded in [[2832]], and specializes in Aerospace pilots and DropShip crews. The facilities on Thorin were damaged in the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. Rather than rebuilding it, the Lyran Commonwealth chose to build the [[Alarion Naval Academy]] as a replacement.<ref name=HSLC125THOR>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 125: The Flight Academy of Thorin</ref> The school closed permanently in [[3063]] during the FedCom Civil War.<ref name=HHS108>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 108: Major Training Centers</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademieskilbourne.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Kilbourne Academy'''
{{Main|Kilbourne Academy}}
While the Kilbourne Academy trains MechWarriors, it is better known for its technicians. Since it is located near the Periphery of the Draconis March, it is one of the few centers of learning in the area. Accordingly, non-cadets may attend nonmilitary classes.<ref name=HHD129-KIL>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 129: Kilbourne Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Somerset.png|100px]]
|align="left "|'''The Military Academy of Somerset'''
{{Main|Military Academy of Somerset}}
The Military Academy of Somerset was a small institution dedicated exclusively to the training of MechWarriors and Aerospace pilots.
<ref name=HSLC126SOM>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 126: The Military Academy of Somerset</ref> The [[Somerset Academy Training Battalion]], built with assistance from the Federated Commonwealth, was destroyed by Clan Jade Falcon during the opening stages of the Clan Invasion.<ref name=JFCS39SOM>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 39: Somerset</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:TheNagelring_logo.jpg|120px|The Nagelring academy emblem]]
|align="left "|'''The Nagelring on Tharkad'''
{{Main|The Nagelring}}
The Nagelring is the Lyran Commonwealth's oldest and most prestigious military academy. Originally, the Nagelring was a Star League facility, which was taken over by House Steiner after the Exodus of [[General Kerensky]]'s [[SLDF]]. To the surprise of House Steiner, many of the former Star League instructors decided to stay on Tharkad. The Nagelring trains officers in all branches of the LCAF, including DropShip and [[JumpShip]] crews. It is known for its extensive variety of teaching aids, such as ''[[Chameleon]]'' training 'Mechs and ''Jenny'' aerospace fighters. Some of the most distinguished military leaders, including Aleksandr Kerensky, Katrina Steiner, [[Morgan Kell]] and Victor Ian Steiner-Davion, graduated at the Nagelring.<ref name=HHS109110>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 109–110: "The Nagelring"</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:NAIS College of Military Science.jpg|Emblem of the NAIS College of Military Sciences|120px]]
|align="left "|'''New Avalon Institute of Science: College of Military Sciences'''
{{Main|New Avalon Institute of Science}}
Arguably the most prestigious military academy in the [[Inner Sphere]], the College of Military Sciences of the NAIS turns out high-quality cadets in all military specialties. Formerly known as the NAMA, the New Avalon Military Academy, the school 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 First Prince [[Ian Davion]], Morgan Hasek-Davion, [[Dan Allard]], and [[Kai Allard-Liao]].<ref name=HHD128-NAIS>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 128: NAIS College of Military Sciences</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Pandora College of Military Sciences logo.png|150px]]
|align="left "|'''Pandora College of Military Sciences'''
{{Main|Pandora College of Military Sciences}}
The Pandora College of Military Sciences was formerly reserved for training the crews of DropShips. After the Fourth Succession War, it was expanded to almost all areas of military training.<ref name=FMLA41P>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 41: Pandora College of Military Sciences</ref> The PCMS and its training battalion were overrun by the Jade Falcons in [[3064]].
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademiespointbarrow.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Point Barrow Military Academy'''
{{Main|Point Barrow Military Academy}}
Point Barrow Military Academy demands the best out of its cadets, favoring a practical, hands-on approach that implemented live-fire exercises as opposed to simulators. Offering courses in virtually all specializations, Point Barrow is known for producing quality technicians and engineers.<ref name=HHD129-PB>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 129: Point Barrow Military Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Battle Academy of Robinson.jpg|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Robinson Battle Academy'''
{{Main|Robinson Battle Academy}}
Located on [[Robinson]], the 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.<ref name=HHD128-ROB>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 128: Robinson Battle Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Newcapetown.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''The Royal New Capetown Military Academy'''
{{Main|Royal New Capetown Military Academy}}
The Royal New Capetown Military Academy is a military school with a past troubled by the racism of its home planet New Capetown. Reforms during the Federated Commonwealth era seemed to ease this, but local hatreds were then directed towards the Clans. In the years leading up
to the FedCom Civil War, these divisions took on a political nature. The Academy focuses on ground warfare, from conventional units to battle armor to BattleMechs. Graduates wear a gold silk sash with tasseled fringe.<ref name=HHS110RNC>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 110: Royal New Capetown Military Academy</ref>
During the Federated Commonwealth era, a training battalion was formed.
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademiessakhara.png|Emblem of Sakhara Academy|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Sakhara Academy'''
{{Main|Sakhara Academy}}
The Sakhara Academy is one of a handful of private military academies in the Federated Suns. A small academy, the school is known for producing quality cadets who form lasting bonds, making it a sort of fraternity.<ref name=HHD128-SAK>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 128: Sakhara Academy</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Sanglamore.jpg|Emblem of Sakhara Academy|120px]]
|align="left "|'''Sanglamore Academy'''
{{Main|Sanglamore}}
Sanglamore Academy on [[Skye]] is another former Star League academy and is considered the twin of the famed Nagelring on Tharkad. However, the academy was severely damaged during [[House Kurita]]'s attempt to invade Skye. Since then, the facility was no longer able to train naval officers. Instead, Sanglamore concentrated its efforts on the best possible MechWarrior training and education of the LCAF's warrant officers. However, Sanglamore is heavily influenced by Federation separatist sentiment. This secures a high percentage of LIC personnel on campus. In addition, many of its graduates try to join the Skye Rangers. [[Anastasius Focht]], when he was still known as Frederick Steiner, graduated at Sanglamore.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 123: Sanglamore on Skye</ref>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Buena.png|120px|War College of Buena]]
|align="left "|'''War College of Buena'''
{{Main|War College of Buena}}
The War College of Buena was founded in [[3020]] on [[Buena]]. The academy was well funded by the Federated Commonwealth, with excellent technical courses and respected MechWarrior and Aerospace pilot training programs.
Graduates wear a green and blue checkered silk sash.<ref name=FMLA3839BUE>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', pp. 38–39: War College of Buena</ref><ref name=HHS109BUE>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 109: War College of Buena</ref>
The Commonwealth formed a training battalion to improve the academy.<ref name=FMLA3839BUE/>
|-
|align="center "|[[File:War College of Goshen logo.png|Logo of the War College Goshen|120px]]
|align="left "|'''War College of Goshen'''
{{Main|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&mdash;save infantry&mdash;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 throughout history, and a complete education on the governance of the Federated Suns both in wartime and peacetime.
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Tamar.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''War College of Tamar'''
{{Main|Tamar War College}}
The '''War College of Tamar''' was reopened in [[3025]], after it had been destroyed by DCMS forces during one of House Kurita's invasion attempts during the Third Succession War. Most of its instructors and cadets died in the valiant defense of Tamar. The reconstruction of the facility began [[3017]], almost a hundred years after the Kurita forces were pushed off-world. In 3025: the War College trained only MechWarriors and ground personnel. The first cadets of the restored academy graduated in 3028.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 123: War College of Tamar</ref> Among the War College's graduates was [[Galen Cox]], future aide to Victor Steiner-Davion.<ref name==MMSCD207GC>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 207: Galen Cox</ref> The College and its training battalion were destroyed during the Clan Invasion.
|-
|align="center "|[[File:Davionacademieswarriorhall.png|120px]]
|align="left "|'''The Warrior's Hall'''
{{Main|The Warrior's Hall}}
Located on New Syrtis, the Warrior's Hall is the principal training academy of the Capellan March, with graduates known for their loyalty to the Hasek family and their hatred of the Capellan Confederation. Most scions of the Hasek family attend the Hall, so it enjoys strong support from them.<ref name=HHD128-WH>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 128: Warrior's Hall</ref>
|}

==Military Ranks and Uniforms==
{{seealso|Armed Forces of the Federated Suns Military Ranks|Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces Military Ranks}}
The ranking system employed by the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth was a merger of the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces.
Although intended to foster '''esprit de corps''' between the two halves of the AFFC, the new system instead led to dissent, as many officers considered their new ranks to represent demotions,
and considered the massive increase in senior officers to represent limited opportunities for promotion.<ref name=FCCW12MA>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 12: Military Alliance</ref>
{|class="wikitable" width='750px' style="background: #gold; border: 3px solid black;"
! colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2px solid black"| AFFC Officer Ranks
|-
|align="left "|'''AFFC Rank'''
|align="left "|'''AFFS Rank'''
|align="left "|'''LCAF Rank'''
|-
|align="left "|[[Marshal_of_the_Armies#Marshal_of_the_Armies|Marshal of the Armies]]
|align="left "|Marshal of the Armies
|align="left "|[[General of the Armies]]
|-
|align="left "|[[Field Marshals|Field Marshal]]
|align="left "|Field Marshal
|align="left "|[[General]]
|-
|align="left "|[[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]]
|align="left "|Marshal
|align="left "|[[Kommandant-General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|Kommandant General]]
|-
|align="left "|[[Hauptmann General]]
|align="left "|Not applicable
|align="left "|Hauptmann General
|-
|align="left "|[[Leftenant_General#Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns|Leftenant General]]
|align="left "|Leftenant General
|align="left "|[[Lieutenant_General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|Leutnant General]]
|-
|align="left "|[[Kommandant]]
|align="left "|[[Major#Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns|Major]]
|align="left "|[[Major#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|Kommandant]]
|-
|align="left "|[[Hauptmann_(Rank)#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|Hauptmann]]
|align="left "|[[Captain#Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns|Captain]]
|align="left "|Hauptmann
|-
|align="left "|[[Leftenant#Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns|Leftenant]]
|align="left "|Leftenant
|align="left "|[[Leftenant#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|Leutnant]]
|}

<gallery>
File:fcaf-fs-field-uniform-3054.png|Davion Field Uniform
File:fcaf-fs-dress-uniform-3054.png|Davion Dress Uniform
File:fcaf-lc-field-uniform-3054.png|Steiner Field Uniform
File:fcaf-lc-dress-uniform-3054.png|Steiner Dress Uniform
File:fcaf-ranks-3054.png|Ranks
</gallery>

==Medals and Decorations==
The AFFC included all medals and decorations from both states, while adding several new ones. These included the Federated Commonwealth Medal of Honor, the Federated Commonwealth Star, the Pride of Sarna Medal and the Tikonov Sword. The St. Ives Diamond was awarded to soldiers who served with distinction defending the [[St. Ives Compact]], which was effectively an allied protectorate of the Commonwealth.<ref name=20YU16-1>''20 Year Update'', p. 16: Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth</ref>

==Departments of the AFFC==
Based on the Federated Suns model, nine departments oversee the administrative and support needs for the AFFC's combat forces. Reporting directly to the Marshal of Armies through a separate chain of command, these departments ensured the combat readiness of the AFFC.<ref name=FMFS15>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15: Military Departments</ref> Every department was commanded by a Field Marshal, with each of those Field Marshals serving on the High Command.<ref name=20YU16-2>''20 Year Update'', p. 16: High Command</ref>

===Department of the Army and Navy===
[[Image:Fox (Corvette) Jump Sail TRO3057r.png|left|thumb|The ''Fox''-class Corvette was among the first WarShips produced in centuries.]]
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.<ref name=FMFS15/> Divided into two directorates, the Director of the Army has administrative authority over all BattleMech, armor, and [[infantry]] units, while the Director of the Navy exercises administrative control of all [[aerospace fighter|aerospace]], DropShip, JumpShip and WarShip assets.<ref name=HDFS123/> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War and the formal rebirth of the AFFS, the Department of Mercenary Relations was folded into this department, as one of three major subdivisions along with the Army and Navy.<ref name=HDFS123/> As of 3050, the Department of the Army and Navy was commanded by Field Marshal [[Jessup Winston]].<ref name=20YU16-2/> As of [[3062]], [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Alistair Buchwald]] commanded the AFFC Navy.<ref name=FM:FSp15>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15</ref>

===Department of Mercenary Relations===
The [[Department of Mercenary Relations]] coordinated the AFFC's dealings with mercenaries. As the largest employer of mercenaries in history at its peak, the AFFC relied on this department to avoid incidents that would lead to poor relations between the superpower and its hired soldiers. The AFFC usually offered its mercenaries favorable pay and semi-autonomy, as opposed to the micromanaging found among many other employers. In return, mercenaries were expected to fight to the best of their ability. Every mercenary unit was assigned a liaison officer from the DMR to handle requests, fulfill administrative functions and to resolve issues as needed.<ref name=HDFS124-DMR>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 124: Department of Mercenary Relations</ref><ref name=FMFS15-DMR>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15: Department of Mercenary Relations</ref> According to one report, it was the general practice of AFFC representatives to approach prospective mercenary companies in pairs.<ref>''D.R.T.'', p. ??, from Rianna Rose{{cn}}</ref> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War and the formal rebirth of the AFFS, the Department of Mercenary Relations was folded into this department, as one of three major subdivisions along with the Army and Navy.<ref name=HHD123-DAN>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 123: Department of the Army and the Navy</ref> As of 3050, the Department of Mercenary Relations was commanded by [[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]] [[Grissom Miller (AFFC)|Grissom Miller]].<ref name=20YU16-2/>

===Department of Military Administration===
The Department of Military Administration effectively serves as a 'catch all', handling all the tasks not covered by other military departments. This department oversees the Medical Corps, the Chaplain Corps, the historical archives and the keeping the payroll for regular forces. The DMA also coordinates communication between Departments, constantly seeking to improve the military bureaucracy of the AFFC.

The Medical Corps was placed under the DMA by the AFFS High Command when it realized during the [[First Succession War]] that all three branches of the military, navy, BattleMech regiments and other ground forces, were each using their own medical personnel, resulting in significant waste and inefficiencies.<ref name=HDFS124-DMA>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 124: Department of Military Administration</ref><ref name=FMFS15-DMA>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15: Department of Military Administration</ref><ref name=HHD123-DMA>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 123: Department of Military Administration</ref> As of 3050, the Department of Military Administration was commanded by Field Marshal [[Thomas Steiner-Green]].<ref name=20YU16-2/> As of [[3062]], the position was held by Field Marshal [[Andre Mossbauer]].<ref name=FM:FSp15>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15</ref>

===Department of Military Communications and Research===
The Department of Military Communications and Research was founded in secret upon the creation of the AFFC, responsible for all research and development projects outside of the normal chain of command, coordinating with manufacturers and educational centers such as the NAIS. This included the covert development of new communications, such as the manufacture and use of the [[Black Box]] "fax machines" that allowed the Federated Commonwealth allies to communicate without the use of [[ComStar]] during the Fourth Succession War and the War of 3039. They were also responsible for researching [[HPG]] technologies. As of 3050, the Department had more than thirty secret research centers.<ref name=20YU16-2/> During the Clan Invasion, this department played a key role in reverse engineering Clan technologies.<ref name=FMFS15-DMCR>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15: Department of Military Communications and Research</ref> As of 3050, the Department of Military Communications and Research was commanded by Field Marshal [[Tony Banzai]], formerly of [[Team Banzai]].<ref name=20YU16-2/> By [[3062]] this department was headed by [[Field Marshal]] [[Sidney Zweibel]].<ref name=FM:FSp15>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 15</ref>

===Department of Military Education===
The Department of Military Education was responsible for recruiting, training and educating all AFFC personnel. The department oversaw all the military academies and training centers throughout the Federated Commonwealth. The DME also maintains the library systems used by the AFFC and the navigational charts used by the Navy. Responsible for the training of thousands of soldiers at any given time, the department ran everything from boot camps to the elite academies of the NAIS and the Nagelring.<ref name=FMFS1516>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', pp. 15–16: Department of Military Education</ref><ref name=HDFS123>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 123: Military Departments</ref> The Department also directed orders for units to rotate to major industrial centers to undergo refitting and new training. The automated nature of this system sometimes had unintended consequences, as was the embarrassing case of the 23rd Arcturan Guards RCT during the Clan Invasion.<ref name=FMLA60>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 60: 23rd Arcturan Guards: The Frost Giants</ref> As of 3050, the department was commanded by Field Marshal [[Toni Reynolds]].<ref name=20YU16-2/>  By [[3062]] [[Field Marshal]] [[Angela Kouranth]] was commanding.<ref name=FM:FSp16>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16</ref>

===Department of Military Intelligence===
[[File:Dmi.png|right|thumb|Insignia of the DMI while serving the Federated Suns]]
{{main|Department of Military Intelligence}}
The [[Department of Military Intelligence]], retaining the same name and overall role from its AFFS days, was responsible for gathering knowledge about enemies and potential enemies of the Federated Commonwealth any way possible and, as a secondary duty, defeat or confuse enemy intelligence operations via sabotage, misinformation, or other means. In recent decades, The DMI's civilian counterpart, the [[Ministry of Information, Intelligence, and Operations]] (also known as the MIIO, and at times called the Federated Commonwealth Ministry of Intelligence), gained greater influence, due mostly to its Secretary's relationship with the First Prince. [[Quintus Allard]] was one of Hanse Davion's closest friends and advisors.<ref name=IOH28>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', p. 28</ref> After Allard's retirement in the aftermath of the War of 3039, his own son would succeed him. [[Justin Allard]] was a former MechWarrior and hero of the Fourth Succession War, and he grew as close to the First Prince as his father had, if not closer.<ref name=20YU91>''20 Year Update'', p. 91</ref> Despite all of this, the DMI remained an extraordinarily potent and critical agency.<ref name=IOH28/> Note that unlike the MIIO or the LIC, the DMI was fully incorporated into the AFFS and later the AFFC, hence its inclusion here. When the Federated Commonwealth was first formed, it was originally proposed that the intelligence agencies of both states — the DMI in the Federated Suns and the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] in the Commonwealth — would be merged into a single massive organization. Both organizations, however, strongly resisted the move, ultimately prevailing on the leadership to change their plan. Instead, they created the [[Intelligence Secretariat]] (also known as the Federated Commonwealth Intelligence Corps, or FCIC), an "umbrella" agency that would serve as a central clearinghouse to theoretically allow both agencies to operate independently and harmoniously without interfering with each other.<ref name=IOH3536>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', pp. 35–36</ref> The DMI was the only Department that exclusively trained its own operatives, most of whom had already undergone military training if not service.<ref name=FMFS16-DMI>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16: Department of Military Intelligence</ref>

As it had throughout its history, the DMI under the Federated Commonwealth was composed of seven divisions:
* '''MI1: Command''' The CO of MI1 is always a [[Field Marshal]], who heads the entire Department. The High Command delegates its orders through M1.<ref name=AGCO56>''A Guide to Covert Ops'', p. 56</ref>
* '''MI2: Analysis and Speculation''' Here all information gathered by the DMI is collected and analyzed. The results are then passed on to the appropriate command, from individual field units to the High Command itself.<ref name=AGCO5657>''A Guide to Covert Ops'', pp. 56–57</ref>
* '''MI3: Electronic Information Gathering''' Responsible for monitoring enemy communications not only within the AFFC but throughout the Inner Sphere, using the most advanced NAIS equipment.<ref name=AGCO57>''A Guide to Covert Ops'', p. 57</ref>
* '''MI4: Covert Operations Division''' The cornerstone of the DMI, the famed "[[Stealthy Foxes]]" are elite field operatives who gathered intelligence through human interaction.<ref name=AGCO57/><ref name=IOH40>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', p. 40</ref><ref name=FMFS16-DMI/>
* '''MI5: Counterinsurgency''' This division monitors the AFFC and the DMI itself for signs of enemy operatives.<ref name=AGCO57/><ref name=IOH40/>
* '''MI6: Special Forces''' The "[[Rabid Foxes]]" are an elite commando force, the equivalent to the LIC's [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] or the [[ISF]]'s [[DEST]] teams.<ref name=AGCO5758>''A Guide to Covert Ops'', pp. 57–58</ref><ref name=IOH4041>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', pp. 40–41</ref>
* '''MI7: Intelligence Secretariat''' Originally the MIIO Liaison, the Secretariat coordinates the operations of the DMI, the MIIO and the LIC to avoid conflicts.<ref name=IOH41>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', p. 41</ref>

Unfortunately, rivalries still existed between the agencies, and when Archon Melissa Steiner was assassinated, these tensions blossomed out of control, leading to conflict and interfering in joint operations against Clan Jade Falcon. The LIC resented the DMI's focus on preserving the borders of the Federated Suns half of the Commonwealth, and the DMI feeling compelled to order a number of operatives to infiltrate the courts of Tharkad.<ref name=IOH3536/> Among the vast fallout of the Lyran secession, the DMI began assigning a secondary loyalty rating to determine the political leanings of a unit and its officers, either in favor of "Victor": "Katherine" or "Neutral".<ref name=FMFS44>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 44: AFFC Profiles</ref> As of 3050, the department was commanded by Field Marshal [[Ivar Bergstrom]].<ref name=20YU16-2/> By 3056, Marshal [[Lucy Miller]] had taken command of the DMI.<ref name=IOH3847>''Intelligence Operations Handbook'', pp. 38, 47</ref> In the aftermath of the FedCom Civil War, the FCIC was dissolved and the DMI returned to its traditional Federated Suns ranking structure, with the MIIO Liaison once again taking the place of MI7.<ref name=AGCO56/>

As of [[3062]] DMI was commanded by [[Field Marshal]] [[Stephanie Day]].<ref name=FM:FSp16>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16</ref>

===Department of Military Justice===
Another Department based on a section of the AFFS under the same name, the DMJ also effectively replaced the Lyran [[LCAF#Judge_Advocate_General|Judge Advocate General]]. Responsible for all matters justice in the AFFC, the Department handled all stages from investigation to prosecution to punishment and corrections. Employing its own lawyers and magistrates and overseeing the Military Police Corps, the Department has a broad mandate and does not hesitate to prosecute soldiers and officers who do not adhere to rules and regulations.<ref name=HDFS124-DMJ>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 124: Department of Military Justice</ref><ref name=FMFS16-DMJ>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16: Department of Military Justice</ref><ref name=HHD124-DMJ>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 124: Department of Military Justice</ref> By [[3062]] Military Justice was headed by [[Field Marshal]] [[Kalena Sakharov]].<ref name=FM:FSp16>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16</ref>

===Department of the Quartermaster===
The Department of the Quartermaster was a new department that essentially combined the [[LCAF#Quartermaster_Corps|Quartermaster Corps]] of the LCAF<ref name=HSLC115>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 115: The Quartermaster Corps</ref> with the Transportation and Resupply Command under the AFFS' old New Avalon Regional Command.<ref name=HDFS122>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 122: New Avalon Regional Command</ref> This department was responsible for the vital task of keeping the AFFC supplied, with one division dedicated to purchasing new equipment and supplies and other divisions responsible for disbursement. The department coordinated with other departments to determine material needs, requested bids from military industries, and issued contracts as needed. The department then used supply depots within the combat theaters to coordinate distribution. During operations, forward supply depots were established to shorten resupply lines.<ref name=HHD124DQ>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 124: Department of the Quartermaster</ref><ref name=FMFS1617>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', pp. 16–17: Department of the Quartermaster</ref> One specific task the Department of the Quartermaster performed was setting specifications for new equipment, notably for new BattleMech designs.<ref name=TRO3055U30C>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 30: ''Watchman'' Capabilities</ref> As of 3050, the Department of the Quartermaster was commanded by Field Marshal [[Lisa Steiner (31st c.)|Lisa Steiner]].<ref name=20YU16-2/>

===Department of Strategy and Tactics===
The Department of Strategy and Tactics was founded at the same time as the united AFFC. Once a minor part of the High Command, the Department analyzes past, current and potential future military operations to assist the AFFC in creating plans and grand stratagems. It also works alongside the Department of Military Education in developing and updating training protocols to reflect the current doctrines of the AFFC, and included study of most recent campaigns.<ref name=FMFS16ST>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16: Department of Strategy and Tactics</ref><ref name=HHD124ST>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 124: Department of Strategy and Tactics</ref> The DST would likely have been the department most responsible for championing the [[Combined_Arms#Combined-Arms|combined-arms]] warfare philosophy that was prevalent in the AFFC throughout its existence. As of 3050, the Department was commanded by Field Marshal [[Michele Bjuti]].<ref name=20YU16-2/> Among the high-ranking officers who served with this Department was [[Tellam Stellwar]], a graduate of the Blackjack School of Conflict, whose father was killed during the Clan Invasion. Stellwar would go on to command the Lyran Regulars Brigade.<ref name=FMLA85-CO/>  By [[3062]] this Department was commanded by [[Field Marshal]] [[Paul Gevin]].<ref name=FM:FSp16>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 16</ref>

==Legacy==
[[Image:Victor Steiner-Davion ER3052.jpg|thumb|right|Future Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion in 3050]]
In the end, the failings of the AFFC were more a reflection of the political reality of the [[Clan Invasion Era|3050]]s than a reflection on the quality of the military. The challenge of compelling soldiers and citizens to regard the Federated Commonwealth as a single nation ultimately proved insurmountable given the inexperience of Archon-Prince Victor, the machinations of his sister Katherine, and the political turmoil that was prevalent throughout the Inner Sphere during the mid-3050s. The average Lyran either resented the presence of "Davion" troops in their space at one extreme, or felt that the Federated Suns ought to have done more to defend the Commonwealth against the Clans. The Federated Suns soldiers, for their part, never regarded their Lyran counterparts as equals in military matters, and regarded popular Lyran support for military offenses as tepid at best, particularly after the War of '39. Though an incredibly formidable military, the AFFC struggled as much as the rest of the Inner Sphere to meet the Clan threat effectively, and it was unable to respond to the best of its ability once the cracks in the alliance began to grow out of control. Despite its ultimate failure and the devastation of the FedCom Civil War, the AFFC did leave some lasting positive impact. The long-term quality of the LAAF (which would later return to the LCAF) was dramatically improved from its experience, emerging as a more capable and professional military. For the AFFS' part, though its military and industrial base was ravaged by the Civil War and the [[Jihad]] that shortly followed, two positive, long-term changes emerged: The first was the retention of the Marshal of the Armies position, a change that aided them well during and after the Jihad. The second was a philosophy, developed in part out of necessity, dedicated more towards defending its own citizens than to expanding its borders through military conquest.

==Notes and Errata==
* The Department of Military Justice is not listed among the AFFC military departments in the ''[[20 Year Update]]'', however its presence in other publications confirms its existence under the AFFC.<ref name=20YU16-2/>
* The 17th Skye Rangers were reported to be an RCT prior to the Clan Invasion in ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]'',<ref name=FMLA101>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 101: 17th Skye Rangers: The Boys of Summer</ref> which is not reflected in the ''[[20 Year Update]]'' deployment tables.<ref name=20YU24-17SR>''20 Year Update'', p. 24: Deployment Tables</ref> Furthermore, the 17th Skye Rangers were considered destroyed in the early stages of the invasion,<ref name=TRO3050-6/> while the ''Field Manual'' claims they escaped destruction albeit without their conventional regiments.<ref name=FMLA101/>
* In an apparent error, the 5th Syrtis Lancers appear twice in the deployment tables of the ''20 Year Update'', both on [[Cammal]]<ref name=20YU21-DD>''20 Year Update'', p. 21: Deployment Table, 5th Syrtis Lancers</ref> and on [[Bora]].<ref name=20YU23-DD>''20 Year Update'', p. 23: Deployment Table, 5th Syrtis Lancers</ref>
* The three regiments of the [[Dismal Disinherited]] likewise seem to have been listed twice in the ''20 Year Update'' deployment tables in completely different locations.<ref name=20YU20-DD>''20 Year Update'', p. 20: Deployment Table, Dismal Disinherited</ref><ref name=20YU28-DD>''20 Year Update'', p. 28: Deployment Table, Dismal Disinherited</ref> This gives the illusion that the AFFC claimed three more regiments in 3050 than they did in reality.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
AFFC Recruiting Poster FMFS.jpg|AFFC Recruiting Poster
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
* ''[[D.R.T.]]''
* ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 3052]]''
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Federated Suns]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Free Worlds League]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
* ''[[A Guide to Covert Ops]]''
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''
* ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
* ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
* ''[[Intelligence Operations Handbook]]''
* ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]''
* ''[[Lethal Heritage]]''
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
</div>


[[Category:Military Organizations|Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]