Canopian Institute of War
Sarna News
The Canopian Institute of War, founded in 3058,[1] is the first national military academy of the Magistracy of Canopus in centuries and one of the finest in the Periphery. Previously, the Magistracy Armed Forces had relied on provincial academies run by its member worlds and "on the job" training for its soldiers and officers. Recognizing that this situation was no longer suitable, Magestrix Emma Centrella built the CIW on Canopus IV to provide the finest facilities and training for the MAF, modeling it after the famous Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy.[2]
Admittance into the CIW is dependent on prior service and education and, unlike MAF officer ranks, cannot simply be purchased. Originally the student body was largely composed of veteran soldiers who had applied for and been recommended by their commanding Colonels, with instructors likewise serving members of the MAF. Starting in 3059, the CIW began accepting applicants from the provincial academies who had placed in the top 1% of their class, with less than half meeting the stringent entrance exams. Factionalism and hazing incidents between the veterans and provincial graduates caused a number of early drop-outs, but as funding for the academies has increased greater numbers of graduates have been accepted and their drop-out rates soon fell below that of the veterans. Starting in 3062, the CIW also began accepting a limited number of applicants from the Taurian Concordat, while a number of retired Capellan Confederation Armed Forces officers were hired on to teach select courses.[2]
Basic training lasts for six months, during which time its harshness is meant to shock any preconceived notions of the MAF out of the student's mind. Once completed, cadets enter a four-year advanced individual training program to either become a MechWarrior or Aerospace Fighter pilot. While not approaching the same intensity as found at SZMW, students are nevertheless under enormous pressure to take advantage of this rare opportunity.[2]
Those who graduate are allowed the honor to wear the school's colors - gold, silver and lavender - however they like on their field uniform (so long as it does not endanger them or their comrades). They also receive a half cape, trimmed in gold with the outside silver and inside lavender, which they may wear with their dress uniform. The Magistracy Royal Guards, Chasseurs á Cheval and Canopian Fusiliers are allowed their pick of any CIW graduates,[2] though a few with the best scores and correct disposition are allowed to attend the Victoria Academy of Arms and Technology.[3]