Armed Forces of the Federated Suns
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The Armed Forces of the Federated Suns (AFFS) is the military branch of the Federated Suns, the Successor State ruled for most of its history by House Davion. Its precursor, the Federated Peacekeeping Forces, served the Federated Suns from the twenty-third to the 26th century. After 3041, it was integrated into the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth (AFFC).[1] This organization was short-lived, however, as the AFFC was largely folded back into the Federated Suns State Command after the Lyran secession in 3057. Ten years later, the AFFC was renamed the AFFS in conjunction with the renaming of the nation.[2]
Contents
Organization
Most units within the AFFS, with the notable exception of the Ceti Hussars, are organized around a BattleMech regiment, which is roughly 108 'Mechs. To this regiment, conventional vehicles (tanks, V.T.O.L.s, etc.), artillery, infantry, and even aerospace fighters that complement the 'Mechs are traditionally attached. In some units, however, the AFFS took this a step further.
Many units within the AFFS are Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs). Front-line RCTs are composed of one 'Mech regiment, three of vehicles, a battalion of artillery, five regiments of infantry, and a fighter wing. Second-line, or militia, RCTs are usually composed of smaller numbers of these supporting forces. Front-line RCTs are usually commanded by a Marshal.[citation needed]
Command Structure
The AFFS has several layers of command. The first is that of the national authority. Headquarted in the Fox's Den on New Avalon, the Prince and his or her military advisers can effectively control the entirety of the AFFS from the high-tech command bunker. The top layer often concerns itself with matters of overall strategy, planning, and force readiness.
Often, responsibility for localized deployment of military forces belongs to the regional commanders. The Federated Suns is broken into three Marches: the interior Crucis March and the border areas of the Capellan March and Draconis March (though in Dark Ages, there is a fourth March: the Periphery March), which are commanded by Field Marshals. These Marches are further subdivided into Operations Areas: three for the Crucis March and two each for the Capellan and Draconis Marches, which are also commanded by Field Marshals. Within the Crucis March, these OAs are further subdivided into traditional Combat Theaters. On the border Marches, however, the OAs are broken down into Polymorphous Defense Zones (PDZs). Regardless of the name, these regions are commanded by Marshals.
Finally, the AFFS also has brigade commanders. Largely concerned with matters of supply, orders for troop movements that originate from New Avalon pass through brigade commanders. Brigade commanders often hold other roles within the AFFS, such as Field Marshal Andrew Terlecki, Jr. who, in addition to commanding the Deneb Light Cavalry, was named director of the Crucis March in 3067.
Units
The AFFS is primarily broken down into Corps, though some free regiments and brigades do exist. The main article lists the deployment status of their main units.
The above link lists all AFFS ships as of 3067.
Academies
The above link alphabetically lists all AFFS academies.
Uniforms
The AFFS uniform varies between the different positions within it, but generally includes mostly gold and blue.
Ranks
The Armed Forces of the Federated Suns has a robust ranking system that is mostly consistent across all branches. Officers show their ranks on the epaulettes of their uniforms, while enlisted ranks are worn on the sleeve. The background color of rank insignia indicates which branch of the AFFS the soldier serves.
Medals & Decorations
The AFFS has numerous prestigious awards, of which many are general, but others are for those showing valor against certain factions.
Military Departments
There are nine major departments that report directly to the Marshal of the Armies. Though not combat forces themselves, these departments are vital to the AFFS' ability to conduct operations.[3]