Armed Forces of the Federated Suns

Formed in 2541 from the Federated Peacekeeping Forces the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns (AFFS) is the military branch of the Federated Suns, the Successor State ruled for most of its history by House Davion. After a rough start, the AFFS would eventually become known as one of the most professional and competent militaries of the Inner Sphere and, even after the destruction of the Succession Wars, the largest. After 3041, it was integrated with the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces into the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth (AFFC), creating the largest military force since the end of the Star League. Despite fighting bravely to stem the tide of the Clan Invasion, 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, in the wake of the FedCom Civil War and with much of its strength lost, the AFFC was renamed the AFFS in conjunction with the renaming of the nation.

Structure

High Command

The command structure of the AFFS was first instituted by Prince Alexander Davion in the twenty-sixth century and remained essentially unchanged prior to the FedCom alliance. Serving as the governing and administrative body of the AFFS, High Command typically meets at the Strategy Room of the AFFS's headquarters on New Avalon, known also as the "Fox's Den." At its head sat the First Prince in their role as Supreme Marshal, along with the Prince's Champion, the three principal strategists of the Department of Military Intelligence, and fourteen Field Marshals: the heads of the Draconis and Capellan Marches, the commanders of the seven Combat Theaters, and five advisers with no permanent command.

After the dissolution of the Federated Commonwealth, the AFFS essentially inherited the command structure of the AFFC with some modification. The First Prince and Prince's Champion retained their position, joined by the eight departmental heads, the three Regional Commanders of the Marches, the Marshal of the Armies, and the Chief of the General Staff (who attends sessions as deputy to the Marshal of the Armies as a nonvoting member). Beyond their military responsibilities, most High Command officers also hold seats on the Privy Council, where they collaborate with the realm's ministerial leaders on diplomatic and civil affairs.

Supreme Marshal

As Supreme Marshal Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, the First Prince serves as the overall commander of the AFFS. A role that underscores the importance of prior military experience before ascending the throne. The First Prince leads and personally selects the members of the AFFS High Command, approves all promotions to Field Marshal, confirms or denies advancements to General officer rank, oversees strategic planning, and at times personally directs critical campaigns.

Prince's Champion

Within the AFFS, the Prince's Champion holds a position of significant influence but ill-defined boundaries. Though not formally part of the military hierarchy, the office is traditionally filled by a senior Field Marshal who serves on both the High Council and the Privy Council, acting as the First Prince's chief military advisor. When the Prince is absent from New Avalon or otherwise unavailable, the Champion is empowered to make key military and national security decisions in their stead. In practice, the Champion functions as a roving problem-solver—an officer entrusted with the authority to intervene where normal channels prove ineffective or too constrained by bureaucracy. The Prince may also call upon the Champion to carry sensitive messages or to assume command during critical moments, ensuring flexibility and rapid response in times of crisis.

Marshal of the Armies

The office of the Marshal of the Armies originated during the formation of the Federated Commonwealth, when the AFFS and LCAF were unified under a single command structure. Although the First Prince and Archon each remained the nominal heads of their respective forces, the practical burden of overseeing such massive organizations required a senior officer to handle the daily administration of military affairs such as coordinating strategy, managing logistics, and taking the field in major campaigns when necessary. When the AFFS returned to its traditional structure, the post of Marshal of the Armies endured. The role evolved into that of the First Prince's chief military advisor, combining immense operational authority with significant political weight. As head of the AFFC High Command and overseer of the Fox's Den, the Marshal works closely with the Prince's Champion and holds a seat on the Privy Council. Appointment to this office is among the highest honors in the Federated Suns, reserved for commanders of exceptional talent, loyalty, and integrity.

Military Departments

Eight departments oversee the administrative functions of the entire AFFS, ensuring its smooth operation and continued readiness. Though their directors hold no direct combat command authority, they form the essential bureaucracy that keeps the military running. Their responsibilities include maintaining trained personnel levels, managing logistics and supply chains, coordinating transportation, procuring new equipment, and ensuring effective communication between commanders and their subordinates.

Department of the Army and the Navy

This department oversees all personnel affairs within the standing forces of the AFFS, ensuring that units remain properly staffed, managing transfers and replacements, and addressing issues or grievances raised from the field. It works in close coordination with the departments of Military Intelligence and Military Justice to maintain the efficiency and integrity of the service. The department is organized into three primary divisions, each under its own director:

• The Director of the Army — managed all ground-based assets, including BattleMech, armor, and infantry formations.
• The Director of the Navy — administered the AFFS's aerospace and naval branches, covering everything from fighters to DropShips, JumpShips, and WarShips.
• The Director of Mercenary Liaison — was responsible for contracting and supervising mercenary commands, ensuring their effective integration with regular AFFS units and maintaining diplomatic and logistical relations with these hired forces. This sub-department was called the Department of Mercenary Relations and a separate department prior to reestablishment of the AFFS; which itself was the successor to an earlier military department, the Department of Contractor Relations, which was established after the enactment of the Preparedness Act of 2735. The Department of Contractor Relations was responsible for helping to recruit many of the Star League Defense Force units that remained in the Inner Sphere after the Exodus.

Department of Military Administration

See also: Director of Military Administration

The Department of Military Administration managed a broad range of essential but often behind-the-scenes functions that keep the AFFS running smoothly. It oversees payroll, personnel records, and administrative services across the entire military, while also maintaining the Historical Archives, Medical Corps, and Chaplain Service.

Department of Military Communications and Research

Despite its name, the Department of Military Communications and Research was not concerned with day-to-day message traffic or field communications. Instead, it focused on cutting-edge research and technological advancement, developing and improving interstellar communications systems, studying advanced technologies, and reverse-engineering both lostech and captured Clan equipment. It also coordinates military Research and development partnerships with defence industries and academic institutions.

Department of Military Education

The Department of Military Education was charged with shaping the minds and skills of AFFS personnel, this department managed every level of training and instruction, from the induction of new recruits to the continuing education of seasoned officers and NCOs. It administered the realm's military academies, specialized training facilities, and professional development programs. In addition, it supervised the recruitment, retention, and the operation of the AFFS Library and Combined Data Bank, which housed copies of the Helm Memory Core and vital astrogation records.

Department of Military Intelligence

The Department of Military Intelligence (normally abbrevated to "DMI") served as the AFFS counterpart to the Federated Suns' Ministry of Information, Intelligence, and Operations (MIIO). Its mission encompassed gathering intelligence on both active and potential enemies, conducting covert missions, uncovering enemy infiltrators within the AFFS, and maintaining operational security. The DMI also managed classified communication networks and processed intelligence from across the realm to support military decision-making.The department was organized into several specialized divisions, each focused on a particular aspect of intelligence work:

• MI1 - Command Division - This branch functioned as the administrative core of the DMI, overseeing its operations and housing the DMI Command Council. The Council was composed of the division directors and the DMI's overall commander.
• MI2 - Analysis and Speculation Division - This branch transformed raw intelligence from multiple sources into actionable reports and strategic forecasts. MI2 officers were embedded throughout the AFFS to provide real-time analysis, while interrogation and debriefing specialists extracted data from prisoners and detainees.
• MI3 - Electronic Information Gathering Division - Responsible for electronic intelligence (ELINT), MI3 managed surveillance satellites, signal intercept stations, and listening posts across the Inner Sphere. Its teams also served with frontline units, decrypting enemy transmissions and digital data for immediate use.
• MI4 - Covert Operations Division - Nicknamed the "Stealthy Foxes". MI4 handled clandestine missions, infiltration, and human intelligence (HUMINT). Its operatives infiltrated enemy organizations, recruited informants, and occasionally attached to front-line formations during high-priority campaigns.
• MI5 - Counterinsurgency Division - Known as the "Relentless Hounds", MI5 specialized in counterintelligence—tracking spies, uncovering traitors, and enforcing security protocols throughout the AFFS. Its agents investigated leaks and protected sensitive military information.
• MI6 - Special Forces Division - Often referred to as the "Rabid Foxes", MI6 conducted deep-penetration missions behind enemy lines, including sabotage, reconnaissance, extraction operations, and hostage rescues.
• MI7 - MIIO Liaison Division - Because the DMI and MIIO occasionally overlapped in their operations, MI7 served as the coordination channel between the two agencies. It managed joint operations and intelligence sharing to prevent duplication of effort.

Department of Military Justice

See also: Director of Military Justice and AFFS Inspector General

The Department of Military Justice oversaw all legal and disciplinary matters within the AFFS. Its responsibilities encompassed law enforcement, investigation, prosecution, and the punishment of offenders, ensuring that order and discipline were maintained throughout the military—including territories under direct military rule. Staffed by legal professionals such as attorneys, magistrates, and legal aides, the department also supervised the Inspector General's office, which audited property use and enforced compliance with AFFS regulations. The department directed the Military Police corps as well.

Department of Strategy and Tactics

See also: Director of Strategy and Tactics

Originally part of the General Staff, the Department of Strategy and Tactics was established during the formation of the unified AFFC and steadily expanded its scope since the Fourth Succession War. It examined both historical and ongoing conflicts to craft new operational doctrines and campaign strategies suited to the AFFS's needs. The department also collaborated with the Department of Military Education to ensure that training programs reflected current tactics and battlefield realities.

Department of the Quartermaster

See also: Director of the Quartermaster

Serving as the logistical backbone of the AFFS, the Department of the Quartermaster ensured that every soldier and unit received the supplies necessary to sustain operations—ranging from food and uniforms to weapons, ammunition, and equipment. It worked closely with other departments to determine procurement needs, issue contracts to Inner Sphere manufacturers, and oversee production and delivery. Once received, materiel was distributed through regional depots, with forward supply bases established during major campaigns to keep logistics lines short and efficient.

Regional Commands

Marches

With few exceptions, the bulk of the AFFS’s operational command of combat units in the field was is carried out by the three Regional Commands, known collectively as the Marches. Prior to the formation of the AFFC, the bureaucracy of the AFFS fell under the purview of the New Avalon Regional Command, which, given its relative safety, was primarily concerned with providing support to the Draconis and Cappellan Marches. Partially this was so that the Draconis March Regional Command and Capellan March Regional Command could focus entirely on executing combat operations, and partly to ensure power was centralized in New Avalon and remove the temptation for the other Marches to contest it. After the dissolution of the FedCom state, the AFFS took on the AFFC's bureaucratic structure, with the heads of each Department answering to the Marshal of the Armies and having each March operated under the authority of a Field Marshal, who also sat on the AFFS High Command.

By tradition, the heads of the Capellan and Draconis Commands have also been the Dukes of those Marches, allowing them to wield both political and military power in defending the realm and launching attacks against the Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation respectively. If however the Duke or Duchess cannot prove themselves worthy of taking on this responsibility, such a command is instead assumed by the senior most Field Marshal operating in the Regional Command. The March commanders have wide latitude to defend their regions and launch offensives into their neighbors, and have done so even without the rest of High Command's knowledge or consent, though such rogue actions usually end disastrously if the proper support isn't provided. The First Prince fulfills a similar role as commander of the Crucis March (known also as the New Avalon Regional Command), though often they will hand such a responsibility off to another Field Marshal or their Champion. Shortly after the Jihad, a fourth region, the Periphery March, was created and structured along the same lines as the original Marches.

Combat Theaters and Operation Areas

Each March was subdivided into multiple Combat Theaters (or Operation Areas in the Crucis March), to streamline command and logistics and prevent overextended supply chains. These were purely military jurisdictions with no civilian authority, established to organize defensive and offensive operations more efficiently. Theaters were often designated as either coreward or edgeward, reflecting their position relative to Terra.

Polymorphous Defense Zones and Combat Regions

At the smallest level of military organization lay the Polymorphous Defense Zones (PDZs). Each PDZ encompassed between ten and thirty or more inhabited systems it is known by the world which serves as its command and logistics center, and is commanded by a Marshal. Each PDZ is permanently assigned a March Militia unit plus additional forces from the regular army as needed. PDZs within the Crucis March are known by the older name of Combat Region and correspond with their civilian Administrative Areas but otherwise operate the same as elsewhere.

Doctrine

The AFFS has historically been a military which epitomizes combined-arms operations ever since the ascension of Melissa Davion in 2876. Becoming First Prince in the midst of the Third Succession War and with plenty of combat experience herself, Melissa recognized that, though still kings of the battlefield, BattleMechs were increasingly hard to replace with the severe destruction in infrastructure that had occurred. She also recognized that the AFFS bureaucracy had become top-heavy and interservice rivalry was hurting the military's ability to conduct operations effectively. Over the course of nearly fifteen years, Melissa Davion reformed the AFFS into her new "Model Army" by streamlining and consolidating departments and by forming combat units into Regimental Combat Teams. The new RCTs in particular forced MechWarriors and conventional troops to work more closely together than was common in the other Great Houses at the time, creating a stronger bond between the service branches and a more effective fighting force. The success of the "Model Army" in capturing Robinson in 2892 proved the effectiveness of Melissa's reforms just prior to her untimely death.

BattleMechs still form the core of the AFFS, and will often be the first (and the last) units to see combat in any given operation. 'Mech units are organized around the standard Inner Sphere model, though commanding officers are allowed to organize as they see fit (as long as they have the equipment). Some battalions might consist of three to four companies plus a command lance; some regiments likewise consist of three to four battalions with a command company. The AFFS traditionally assigns the best MechWarrior to a regiment regardless of the weight of the 'Mech they pilot, being more interested in bringing together pilots that possess both great skill and teamwork. As a result the Federation's 'Mech regiments have typically been lighter than the average among the Great Houses, though they have benefited from being the most numerous as well.

Conventional regiments not part of an RCT are typically combined into semipermanent brigades consisting of four to eight infantry regiments and at least one regiment of armor (which might similarly be reinforced as with 'Mech regiments), though independent regiments are also common. Those designated as Forward Deployment units will follow after the first wave to reinforce the front lines, while Primary Relief units come last to perform cleanup and garrison duties in the invasion force's rear areas. Like RCTs, these brigades are often assigned additional support units, typically at least a battalion of engineers but also others such as Special Forces. Such units are organized into reinforced battalions of four companies each, with four platoons per company, though they are often deployed at less than platoon strength. The AFFS was also the first Inner Sphere military to adopt battle armor and with great enthusiasm: by 3062 most Regular Army infantry regiments had at least a company of battle armor assigned to them, and several RCTs had independent battalions.

Every regiment is also assigned sufficient noncombat support personnel to see to their needs when operating away from base. Whether performing medical, supply or some other necessary function, the number of noncombatants averages two to four per combat troop in each unit. Rarely though will the entire support staff be deployed alongside the combat regiment when it goes on missions, not least of all given the limited space on transport vessels.

Organization

The AFFS employs several different categories of troops to defend its borders and prosecute offensive campaigns. The best trained and equipped regiments are those which fall under the Regular Army, many of which belong to larger formations such as the Davion Brigade of Guards that can effectively operate as independent units in their own right. The commanders of these formations usually work with High Command, but when necessary have been known to sidestep them during times of political or bureaucratic crisis to ensure their subordinate regiments receive the support they need. In 3062 about half of the Regular Army's regiments were integrated as part of an RCT or larger formation, with the rest operating as independent regiments.

Supporting the Regular Army are the March Militia units, which serve as both a reserve force for the regulars and a defensive force in their own right. Most PDZs are permanently assigned their own March Militia under the command of a Major-General, organized and equipped similar to an RCT but smaller (two armored regiments instead of three, along with fewer artillery and aerospace support), manned by personnel native to the region and receiving outdated equipment from the regular forces. March Militias may only operate within their PDZ and on worlds bordering it, and very rarely have permanently assigned transport capabilities. While generally not as skilled or technologically formidable as regular units, March Militias make up for it in their knowledge of local terrain and fanaticism in defending their homes.

Each planet also has its own planetary militia, also known as Planetary Guards, which serve as their last line of defense. While technically not part of the AFFS, officers of Marshal rank or higher have the ability to take command of them as needed. These forces are paid for, trained and equipped at each planet's own expense, meaning with rare exception, they are almost always conventional forces using outdated equipment. Depending on the resources available to a given world, its militia might number anywhere from several dozen or more regiments down to less than one regiment in size.

The AFFS also has dedicated training units as part of its forces, one of the first Inner Sphere powers to do so. This allows students under the command of experienced officers are able to gain real-life combat experience before being transfer to a Regular Army command. Each of the AFFS' military academies operate their own training cadres, most no larger than a battalion in size, though both the NAIS and Albion colleges are equivalent to a regiment. Additionally, in 3024, Prince Hanse Davion created Regional Training Battalions as an alternate method of training new MechWarriors, and while the level of equipment they receive varies most can hold their own in a fight.

Deployment Status

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

2765

• Avalon Hussars
• Arcadian Cuirassiers
• Ceti Hussars
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Dragonlords
• Robinson Chevaliers
• Syrtis Fusiliers
• Tancredi Loyalists
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia

3028

• Avalon Hussars
• Ceti Hussars
• Chisholm's Raiders
• Crucis Lancers
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Deneb Light Cavalry
• Robinson Rangers
• Syrtis Fusiliers
• New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia
• Independent Commands
  • First Aragon Borderers
  • First Argyle Lancers
  • First Capellan Dragoons
  • First Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
  • First Kestrel Grenadiers
  • First Kittery Borderers

3067

• Avalon Hussars
• Ceti Hussars
• Chisholm's Raiders
• Crucis Lancers
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Deneb Light Cavalry
• Federated Commonwealth Corps
• First Federated Suns Lancers
• New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• Robinson Rangers
• Syrtis Fusiliers
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia

• Independent Commands

• First Aragon Borderers
• First Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
• First Kestrel Grenadiers
• First Kittery Borderers
• First Royal Cavaliers

3079

• Avalon Hussars
• Ceti Hussars
• Crucis Lancers
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Deneb Light Cavalry
• Robinson Brigade
• Syrtis Brigades
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia

• Independent Commands

• First Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
• First Federated Suns Lancers
• First Kestrel Grenadiers
• First New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• First Royal Cavaliers

3085

• Avalon Hussars
• Ceti Hussars
• Crucis Lancers
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Periphery March Guard
• Robinson March Brigade
• Capellan March Brigade
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia
• Periphery March Militia

• Independent Commands

• First Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
• First Federated Suns Lancers
• First Kestrel Grenadiers
• First New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• First Royal Cavaliers

3145

• Federated Suns Lancers
• Avalon Hussars
• Ceti Hussars
• Crucis Lancers
• Davion Brigade of Guards
• Capellan March Brigade
• Periphery March Guard
• Robinson March Brigade
• Capellan March Militia
• Crucis March Militia
• Draconis March Militia
• Periphery March Militia

• Independent Commands

• First Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
• Third Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
• First Kestrel Grenadiers
• First New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• Second New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
• Davion Auxiliaries

Military Academies

The AFFS has benefited greatly from a history of providing the best training to all personnel, from lowly privates to field marshals. For the vast majority, their path towards enlistment begins by attending one of the countless Basic Military Training camps spread across the Federation. Many are directly controlled by the AFFS through the Department of Military Education, or are run by planetary authorities or private schools with accreditation received from the DME. Indeed, some of the best training a recruit can receive comes from these boot camps. Every world is responsible for funding its own boot camps, which are often staffed by retirees or reservists of the AFFS. Basic training lasts anywhere from three to six months, after which a recruit is transferred to a Specialty School based on their aptitude tests. Here the recruit is trained in their occupational specialty, whether in tank operation or battlefield communication, though only a rare few have the capability to train for highly skill-sensitive occupations. Federation citizens may enlist after reaching sixteen years of age and can expect to serve a two-to-four-year tour of duty with the AFFS.

However, attending one of the Federation's premier military academies is the surest way to a recruit's choice of assignment and path into the officer corps, though physical and academic standards are higher and their curriculum more intense. If lucky enough, a cadet who gains entrance to one of the state-run academies will have to pay no tuition, though the expense of private academies puts them out of reach of all but the most affluent. Enlisting or attending a prep school can give a prospective recruit a leg up on being accepted into an academy, but all require that they have some sort of recommendation, typically from a senior military officer. All academies follow the curriculum set by the DME, which can last anywhere from three to six years depending on the cadet's specialty. The first year is dedicated to basic military training, after which the rest of their time is spent on training for their occupation, while those who qualify can enroll in a one-year Officer Candidate School. Graduates of the academies enter the AFFS at the rank of Sergeant (or Subaltern if they completed OCS) and are obligated to serve for a set tour of duty: six to eight if they attended a state-run school, or as little as two if they attended a private school without a scholarship.

A third option are the Regional Training Battalions, designed to give prospective MechWarriors who lack the academic scores (or political clout) to get into an academy a chance to join the AFFS. Battalion instructors select candidates from those who have completed basic training and give them one of the most hands-on training available in the Federation. Practical skills are emphasized over theoretical learning, and the closest most cadets will get to a "classroom" is a field tent or repair bay. Each cadet is assigned a senior cadet mentor and staff adviser to assist them, and will graduate from the battalion when they've demonstrated a mastery of their skills in a 'Mech. As such, it is possible for a MechWarrior to graduate in just two years, though most take at least six, and will enter the AFFS with a rank of Sergeant (though it is not unknown to receive a commission instead). When the first training battalions were formed in 3024 by First Prince Hanse Davion, the MechWarriors they produced could hold their own against any academy graduate, though they were woefully ignorant of the technical aspects of their 'Mechs. Within a few decades though, graduates of these battalions were not only considered qualified pilots but capable technicians as well.

Training did not stop once a cadet graduated from school though. Noncommissioned and commissioned officers are permitted and encouraged to cross-train in different specialties in order to gain a wider understanding of the military arts. Most Specialty Schools set aside enough billets to allow whole classes of NCOs and officers to attend, as do most academies. Likewise, all AFFS units participate in at least one major combat exercise every year on their homeworld, or travel to a different world for one every two years. Additionally, the Federated Suns possesses several Combat Training Centers (CTCs) which allow for realistic combat training. At each center, sensors mounted on every combat unit and trooper allow the Ground-Aerospace Combat Tracking Instrumentation computer system to track every simulated weapons attack and assign hits and damage for each, while dedicated OpFor units accurately mimic the Federation's enemies.

Federated Suns Military Academies
	Albion Military Academy Main article: Albion Military Academy Located on the capital of New Avalon and built in the 2400s, Albion was one of three Star League Military Academies located outside of the Terran Hegemony. After the collapse of the Star League, the Federated Suns took over 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.
	Armstrong Flight Academy Main article: 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.
	Emporia Military Academy (previously Ritza Academy) Main article: Emporia Military Academy Known as the Ritza Academy (whose logo is used here) until renamed in October 3150, the Emporia Military Academy was located on Emporia. Funded by the local House Ritza and by Federated Suns leaders, the Academy was a small school, primarily teaching cadets from Emporia.
	Filtvelt Military Academy Main article: Filtvelt Military Academy A relatively young institution, the Filtvelt Military Academy lacked modern facilities and equipment, and was considered second-rate by the AFFS. Given its location near the Periphery, many graduates serve with nearby units.
	Kilbourne Academy Main article: 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.
	New Avalon Institute of Science: College of Military Sciences Main article: 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.
	Point Barrow Military Academy Main article: 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.
	Robinson Battle Academy Main article: 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 Kurita. Most scions of the Sandoval family attend the Battle Academy, so it enjoys strong support from them.
	Sakhara Academy Main article: 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.
	War College of Goshen Main article: War College of Goshen Based on Goshen, the War College was originally founded by a pair of retired Generals from the Capellan Front 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 approach to teaching, the WCG produces well-balanced cadets who exhibit a keen understanding of their combat equipment and environment. This is partly due to the fact that all cadets - save infantry - routinely participate in live-fire training exercises. Additionally, students are noted for their deep roots in academic studies of philosophies of war and peace. No cadet graduates without a comprehensive understanding of the history of warfare, the development of tactics throughout history, and a complete education on the governance of the Federated Suns both in wartime and peacetime.
	The Warrior's Hall Main article: 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.
	Fulker Military Academy Main article: Fulker Military Academy In 3020, Hanse Davion recalled all LAM pilots for reassignment, most of whom were sent to the Fulker Military Academy for training in close support and deep raiding.

Military Ranks

The ranks of the Armored Forces of the Federated Suns are a combination of elements from the SLDF and the British Army of ancient Terra. There were more ranks in the AFFS than any other Great House military barring the Lyrans, which had the effect of allowing for promotions while still giving time to judge a soldier's character and prevent incompetents from rising too high or too fast. Lyran and Davion ranks were merged together in 3042 with the creation of the AFFC, but as that organization began to split up after the Clan Invasion, the older system soon came back into use.

For enlisted personnel, their rank insignia is based on a system of stripes known as Scars, short for "Scars of the Sword", upon which a black sword is superimposed. Before 3025, the insignia was worn on the right shoulder, though after the FedCom split they could either be worn the shoulders or plain green epaulets. On service uniforms, they are colored to match their branch: Red for MechWarriors, blue for conventional forces, gold for aerospace pilots, et cetera. Regular Army or March Militia enlisted have their scars edged in black, while planetary militia are edged in dark green. Officer ranks are displayed on epaulets of the same color as their service branch, with those of general rank edged in gold. When operating in the field or wearing camouflaged clothing, the rank insignia color was subdued for both officers and enlisted, with the former having the option of displaying their insignia on the collar.

Branch Colors

Color	Branch
Pre 3028 (AFFS)
Red	MechWarriors
Gold	AeroSpace Pilots
Blue	All Other Combat Branches
White	Navy/Support Branches
Post 3028 (AFFC/AFFS)
Red	MechWarriors
Blue	AeroSpace Pilots
Light Green	Infantry
Tan	Armor
Black	Navy
Grey	Technical/Service
White	Medical
Silver	Legal
Brown	Logistics/Transportation
Yellow	Administration/Staff
Green	Cadets/Recruits

Ranks and their Insignias (Post 3028) (official images)

General Officer Rank Insignia
Leftenant General	Major General	General	Marshal	Field Marshal
Officer Rank Insignia
Cadet/Subaltern	Leftenant	Captain	Major	Leftenant Colonel	Colonel
Enlisted Rank Insignia
Recruit	Private	Corporal	Sergeant	Sergeant Major

Ranks and their Insignias (Post Reestablishment) (fan reproductions)

General Officer Rank Insignia
Leftenant General	Major General	General	Marshal	Field Marshal	Marshal of the Armies
Officer Rank Insignia
Cadet	Subaltern	Leftenant	Captain	Major	Leftenant Colonel	Colonel
Enlisted Rank Insignia
Recruit	Private	Private, First Class	Corporal	Sergeant	Sergeant Major	Command Sergeant Major

See Also

• Uniforms of the AFFS
• Medals & Decorations of the AFFS

Bibliography

• 20 Year Update
• Crimson Night (novel)
• Field Manual: 3085
• Field Manual: 3145
• Field Manual: Federated Suns
• Field Report: AFFS
• Field Report 2765: AFFS
• Handbook: House Davion
• House Davion (The Federated Suns)
• Technical Readout: 3025