Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth

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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.

Contents

History[edit]

Although the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth were allied since the FedCom Accords of 3020, exchanged officers and held 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.[citation needed]

In early 3041, the AFFC High Command was ready to take command of both militaries,[1] and the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth formally came into being on the first of April, 3042.[2]

This unification process was not yet complete when the Clan Invasion struck in 3050, and the AFFC suffered heavy losses to the Clan invaders.[3]

In 3057, the Lyran half 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—essentially House Davion's military, the former AFFS—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.[4] 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.[5]

Organization[edit]

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, Capellan and Crucis Marches, while the Lyran Commonwealth was reorganized into the Tamar, Tamarind, Periphery, Donegal, Sarna and 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.[6]

High Command[edit]

The Federated Commonwealth High Command, or 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.[7][8] 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.[9]

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.[10] 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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] Rounding out the High Command were the Department heads.[9] 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.[14]

Defense Industry, Production and Technology[edit]

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.[15] 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.[16] 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, Cataphract, Commando, Enforcer, JagerMech, Valkyrie and Victor.[15][17] 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.[15][17][18]

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 engines, double heat sinks, 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.[19] 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.[17][20] The Federated Commonwealth would trail the Draconis Combine in the development and manufacture of Inner Sphere OmniMechs, however with the unprecedented cooperation between the two enemies, Coventry Metal Works soon began producing the Firestarter OmniMech.[21] 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 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 units.[22] Another design, the Infiltrator Mk. I, would soon follow.[23] 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.[24] New advanced designs, from the Sprint VTOL scout[25] to the powerful Challenger X MBT assault tank[26] would emerge during this period.

Perhaps the most impressive reintroduction of Star League technology deployed by the AFFC was the reintroduction of WarShips. The 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.[27]

Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth Unit Roster[edit]

Archon Melissa Steiner in 3050

At its peak prior to the Clan Invasion, the AFFC represented the largest single military since General Aleksandr Kerensky took most of the Star League Defense Force beyond the Periphery, with over 268 BattleMech regiments.[28] 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, Periphery, Skye, Tamar and Tamarind March Militias were all formed to help protect the former Lyran Commonwealth, a move which succeeded despite initial misgivings by Lyran commanders.[29] 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.[17] 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[edit]

Arcturan Guards[edit]

Arcturan Guards
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.[30] 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 and 24th Arcturan Guards.
Insignia of the Arcturan Guards 8th Arcturan Guards RCT
11th Arcturan Guards RCT
15th Arcturan Guards
17th Arcturan Guards RCT
19th Arcturan Guards
20th Arcturan Guards
23rd Arcturan Guards RCT
24th Arcturan Guards RCT
25th Arcturan Guards RCT

Avalon Hussars[edit]

Avalon Hussars
The Avalon Hussars are the descendants of the Terran Alliance Marines that served on the world of New Avalon in the early age of human extraterrestrial colonization. The unit decided to defend New Avalon after being stranded by the Demarcation Declaration, and pledged their loyalty to Lucien Davion when the 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.[31] The Clan Invasion was not kind to the Hussars, as the 33rd and 41st Avalon Hussars were both destroyed[31] while the 39th took heavy losses.[32] The 41st would eventually be rebuilt after Operation Guerrero.[33] 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.[34]
Insignia of the Avalon Hussars 11th Avalon Hussars RCT
17th Avalon Hussars RCT
20th Avalon Hussars RCT
22nd Avalon Hussars RCT
33rd Avalon Hussars RCT
39th Avalon Hussars RCT
41st Avalon Hussars RCT
42nd Avalon Hussars RCT

Ceti Hussars[edit]

Ceti Hussars
The Ceti Hussars are a group of units that were created specifically for short raids. Though successful, the experiment was almost abandoned. At the outset of the Amaris Civil War, the units' value became clear, and its ranks were bolstered with former Star League Defense Force soldiers that did not follow Aleksandr Kerensky into the Deep Periphery. The Ceti 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.[35] 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.[36]
Insignia of the Ceti Hussars 1st Ceti Hussars RCT
2nd Ceti Hussars RCT
3rd Ceti Hussars RCT

Chisholm's Raiders[edit]

Chisholm's Raiders
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.[37] 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 RCT. This proved to be very unpopular with troops from both commands. After the Lyran Secession, the First Raiders were rebuilt.[38][39] 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.[36]
Insignia of the Chisholm's Raiders 1st Chisholm's Raiders RCT
2nd Chisholm's Raiders RCT

Crucis Lancers[edit]

Crucis Lancers
After Aleksandr Kerensky's 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.[40] 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 in many battles.[41]
Insignia of the Crucis Lancers 1st Crucis Lancers RCT
2nd Crucis Lancers RCT
3rd Crucis Lancers RCT
4th Crucis Lancers RCT
5th Crucis Lancers RCT
6th Crucis Lancers RCT
7th Crucis Lancers RCT
8th Crucis Lancers RCT

Davion Brigade of Guards[edit]

Davion Brigade of Guards
The Davion Brigade of Guards are the descendants of the personal bodyguard that Lucien Davion created to defend the President of the Federated Suns. Over time the Brigade emerged into a modern military unit and was eventually integrated into the AFFS. Today the Royal Brigade serves as the elite of the Davion military, and though its soldiers were once drawn solely from New Avalon, they now come from all over the realm and their loyalty to House Davion ensures the units' devotion to the Federated Suns as a whole.[42] 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 Jade Falcons.[43] When the FedCom Civil War broke out, the entire brigade sided with Victor against Katherine. They made the difference for the Allies in many key battles, though all units took heavy losses and the Fourth and 5th Davion Guards remained deactivated after the war.[44]
Insignia of the Davion Brigade of Guards Davion Assault Guards RCT
Davion Heavy Guards RCT
Davion Light Guards RCT
1st Davion Guards RCT
2nd Davion Guards RCT
3rd Davion Guards RCT
4th Davion Guards RCT
5th Davion Guards RCT

Deneb Light Cavalry[edit]

Deneb Light Cavalry
During the Star League, the Rapid Deployment Mixed Armed Forces regiments were intended for rapid deployment. After the fall of the Star League, only the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry remained within the Inner Sphere. The unit, stationed on Deneb Kaitos, needed to seek employment with one of the Successor houses in order to support themselves and their families. They chose the Federated Suns because they felt that it was the closest to the ideals of the Star League. The Light Cavalry became an important part of the AFFS and quickly became an important part of their roster with their rapid style of combat, soon expanding to an entire brigade based on that doctrine.[45] 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 and 12th Deneb Light Cavalry RCTs 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.[46] The FedCom Civil War split the brigade, with the 10th and 15th Deneb Light Cavalry RCTs 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.[47]
Insignia of the Deneb Light Cavalry 4th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT
5th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT
8th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT
10th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT
12th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT
15th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT

Donegal Guards[edit]

Donegal Guards
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. 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.[48] 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 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 Fifth Donegal Guards temporarily rendered inactive.[49]
Insignia of the Donegal Guards 2nd Donegal Guards RCT
3rd Donegal Guards
4th Donegal Guards RCT
5th Donegal Guards RCT
6th Donegal Guards RCT
7th Donegal Guards
8th Donegal Guards RCT
10th Donegal Guards RCT
11th Donegal Guards
12th Donegal Guards RCT
13th Donegal Guards
14th Donegal Guards RCT
17th Donegal Guards RCT

Federated Commonwealth Corps[edit]

Federated Commonwealth Corps
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.[50] This began with the First FedCom RCT, the 'Mechs of which were a wedding present from Melissa Steiner to her husband at the start of the Fourth war.[51] By the War of '39, six of the commands had become active, with most of those seeing heavy action.[52] At its peak, these twelve RCTs represented the most powerful brigade in the AFFC.[53] 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.[54] Unfortunately, the united Corps would last only as long as its namesake state. The Second FedCom RCT was destroyed during Operation Guerrero,[55] while the Fourth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth FedCom RCTs 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.[50] 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.[56]
Insignia of the Federated Commonwealth Corps 1st FedCom RCT
2nd FedCom RCT
3rd FedCom RCT
4th FedCom RCT
5th FedCom RCT
6th FedCom RCT
7th FedCom RCT
8th FedCom RCT
9th FedCom RCT
10th FedCom RCT
11th FedCom RCT
12th FedCom RCT

Lyran Guards[edit]

Lyran Guards
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.[57] 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 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.[54] Two commands of the Lyran Guards, the First and the Nineteenth, were destroyed during the Clan Invasion, and several others suffered serious losses.[57] During Operation Guerrero, both the 13th and 30th Guards both went rogue. The Guards were deeply divided during the FedCom Civil War, with many commands attempting to remain neutral while others fought against the Jade Falcons and one even joining the Skye rebels. As did most former AFFC forces, the brigade took heavy losses during the war.[58]
Insignia of the Lyran Guards 1st Lyran Guards RCT
3rd Lyran Guards RCT
5th Lyran Guards RCT
6th Lyran Guards RCT
10th Lyran Guards RCT
11th Lyran Guards RCT
13th Lyran Guards RCT
15th Lyran Guards RCT
19th Lyran Guards RCT
24th Lyran Guards RCT
26th Lyran Guards RCT
30th Lyran Guards RCT
32nd Lyran Guards RCT
36th Lyran Guards RCT

Lyran Regulars[edit]

Lyran Regulars
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.[59] 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.[60] The Fourth Regulars were so damaged from raiding operations against the Clans that they were temporarily deactivated.[61] Most of the Regulars sided with Katherine during the FedCom Civil War, although the Tenth did side with Victor.
Insignia of the Lyran Regulars 1st Lyran Regulars
3rd Lyran Regulars
4th Lyran Regulars
5th Lyran Regulars
7th Lyran Regulars
8th Lyran Regulars
9th Lyran Regulars
10th Lyran Regulars
11th Lyran Regulars
15th Lyran Regulars

New Ivaarsen Chasseurs[edit]

New Ivaarsen Chasseurs

The guardians of the Stephenson family of New Ivaarsen, the New Ivaarsen Chasseurs are loyal to the Duke of Ivaarsen and the AFFS. The unit may be considered poorly equipped, because MechWarriors within the unit have routinely refused upgrades to their family legacies.[62] 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.[63]

Insignia of the New Ivaarsen Chasseurs 1st New Ivaarsen Chasseurs
2nd New Ivaarsen Chasseurs

Robinson Rangers[edit]

Robinson Rangers
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 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.[64] 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.[65]
Insignia of the Robinson March Brigade 1st Robinson Rangers
2nd Robinson Rangers

Royal Guards[edit]

Royal Guards
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 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.[66] 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 First Royal Guards. Early in Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion's reign, he replaced the two Griffins with a Marauder from the 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.[67] 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.[68]
Insignia of the Royal Guards 1st Royal Guards RCT
2nd Royal Guards RCT
3rd Royal Guards RCT

Skye Rangers[edit]

Skye Rangers
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.[69] 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 in 3056, and would continue afterwards, ultimately leading to further trouble during the FedCom Civil War.[70]
Insignia of the Skye Rangers 4th Skye Rangers RCT
10th Skye Rangers
17th Skye Rangers RCT
22nd Skye Rangers

Syrtis Fusiliers[edit]

Syrtis Fusiliers
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.[71] The entire brigade was loyal to Duke George Hasek during the FedCom Civil War, taking very heavy casualties while fighting the Loyalists on New Syrtis and Kathil.[72]
Insignia of the Syrtis Fusiliers 5th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT
6th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT
8th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT

Tikonov Republican Guards[edit]

Tikonov Republican Guards
The Tikonov Republican Guards were formed from the remnants of 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.[73] The remaining three regiments nominally served the LAAF for a few years before they were destroyed in the FedCom Civil War.
Insignia of the Tikonov Republican Guard 1st Republicans
2nd Republicans
3rd Republicans
4th Republicans
5th Republicans

Unaffiliated[edit]

Unaffiliated
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[74] to a full regiment,[75] only to watch that proud command perish during the Clan Invasion.[76] The other regiments saw little action during the Clan Invasion, but three of them were engaged in Operation Bulldog where they performed well.[77] 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.[78]
1st Aragon Borderers
1st Argyle Lancers
1st Capellan Dragoons
1st Federated Suns Armored Cavalry
1st Kathil Uhlans
1st Kestrel Grenadiers
1st Kittery Borderers
Winfield's Brigade

March Militias[edit]

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.[79] The AFFC expanded the March Militias to include the new Lyran Operation Areas and the Sarna March.[29][80] While this expansion began prior to the War of '39,[81] it was only completed under the AFFC.

Capellan March Militia[edit]

Capellan March Militia
The Capellan March Militia forces are the last line of defense for the Capellan March. Centuries of hostility with the Capellan Confederation has affected each of the units. Most members harbor a deep hatred of the Confederation, and look to House Hasek to protect them. 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.[82] The FedCom Civil War was particularly harsh for the Capellan March Militia, as all commands engaged in heavy fighting.[83] The Loyalist Alcyone CMM was destroyed early in the conflict,[84] as was the Allied Kathil CMM.[85] The loyalist Nanking SMM was likewise crushed.[86] The New Syrtis CMM had to be rebuilt, with the rest of the brigade taking serious damage.[83]
Insignia of the Capellan March Militia Alcyone CMM
Kathil CMM
New Syrtis CMM
Ridgebrook CMM
Sirdar CMM
Valexa CMM
Warren CMM

Crucis March Militia[edit]

Crucis March Militia
The Crucis March Militia is tasked with guarding the core of the Federated Suns. While most of the CrMM doesn't see much action, the border combat regions often deal with pirate raids.[87] Like most of the march militias, the mission of the CrMM did not change under the AFFC. The 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 CrMM were both destroyed. The Tsamma CrMM and most of the remaining units worked towards rebuilding after the war.[88]
Insignia of the Crucis March Militia Anjin Muerto CrMM
Islamabad CrMM
Kestrel CrMM
Malagrotta CrMM
Marlette CrMM
New Avalon CrMM
Remagen CrMM
Tsamma CrMM

Donegal March Militia[edit]

Donegal March Militia
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 and Coventry Province Militia umbrellas.[29]
Alarion DMM
Carlisle DMM
Coventry DMM

Draconis March Militia[edit]

Draconis March Militia
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.[89] 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 DMM was destroyed and the shattered Clovis DMM was folded into the new Kentares DMM. The bulk of the brigade was forced to rebuild in the conflict's aftermath.[90]
Insignia of the Draconis March Militia Addicks DMM
Bremond DMM
Bryceland DMM
Clovis DMM
Dahar DMM
Kilbourne DMM
Mayetta DMM
Milligan DMM
Raman DMM
Robinson DMM

Periphery March Militia[edit]

Periphery March Militia
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.[29]
Teyvareb PMM
Florida PMM
Alekseyvka PMM
Qanatir PMM
Neerabup PMM
Chahar PMM

Sarna March Militia[edit]

Sarna March Militia
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.
Achernar SMM
Corey SMM
Epsilon Eridani SMM
Kaifeng SMM
Liao SMM
Nanking SMM
Wei SMM

Skye March Militia[edit]

Skye March Militia
Accrington SMM
Alexandria SMM
Denebola SMM
Gacrux SMM
Lyons SMM
Nekkar SMM

Tamar March Militia[edit]

Tamar March Militia
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.[29] 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.
Hot Springs TMM
Kelenfold TMM
Koniz TMM
Laurent TMM
Twycross TMM
Wotan TMM

Tamarind March Militia[edit]

Tamarind March Militia
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 and Bolan Province Militias.[29]
Furillo TMM
Dar-es-Salaam TMM
Dixie TMM
Penobscot TMM

Training Cadres and Battalions[edit]

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.[91] 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.[92] The Clan Invasion would result in the destruction of training battalions from the Blackjack, Somerset, Benfled and Tamar War Colleges. The Tikonov Martial Academy Training Group and Sarna Martial Training Groups 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.[92]

Albion Military Academy Cadre[edit]

Albion Military Academy Cadre
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.[93] Both Cadres saw action in the final days of the FedCom Civil War, taking heavy losses.[94]
Insignia of the Albion Military Academy Cadre 1st Albion Training Cadre
2nd Albion Training Cadre

NAIS College of Martial Sciences Cadet Cadre[edit]

NAIS Cadet Cadre
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.[95] 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.[96]
Insignia of the NAIS Cadet Cadre 1st NAIS Cadet Cadre
2nd NAIS Cadet Cadre
3rd NAIS Cadet Cadre

Training Battalions[edit]

Training Battalions
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.[97] Several of these units were lost against the Clans in service to the Federated Commonwealth.[92] Training units how belong to an academy show the academy crest on their machines and all other units show the Federated Suns Logo.[97]

1st Bell Training Battalion
1st Conroe Training Battalion
Blackjack Training Battalion
Filtvelt Academy Training Battalion
Kilbourne Academy Training Battalion
Point Barrow Academy Training Battalion
Royal New Capetown Training Battalion
Somerset Academy Training Battalion

1st Brockton Training Battalion
1st Kittery Training Battalion
Buena War College Training Battalion
Goshen War College Training Battalion
Pandora College Training Battalion
Robinson Battle Academy Training Battalion
Sakhara Academy Training Battalion
Tamar War College Training Battalion

Martial Training Groups[edit]

Martial Training Groups
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.
Sarna Martial Training Group
Tikonov Martial Academy Training Group

Mercenaries[edit]

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.[98] 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.[99] 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 Clans Smoke Jaguar and 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.[100] 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.[101] 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.

Mercenaries of the Federated Commonwealth
12th Star Guards
1st Regiment
2nd Regiment
3rd Regiment
7th Regiment

12th Vegan Rangers
Alpha Regiment
Beta Regiment
Gamma Regiment
Delta Regiment
Blue Star Irregulars
1894th Light Horse
21st Rim Worlds
Avatars of Painful Death
Dioscuri
Castor Regiment
Pollux Regiment
Dismal Disinherited
1st Regiment
2nd Regiment
3rd Regiment
Eridani Light Horse
151st Light Horse
21st Striker
71st Light Horse
Grave Walkers
1st Grave Walkers
2nd Grave Walkers
Illician Lancers
1st Illician Lancers
2nd Illician Lancers
3rd Illician Lancers
4th Illician Lancers
Kell Hounds
1st Kell Hounds
2nd Kell Hounds
Knights of St. Cameron
1st Regiment
2nd Regiment
Lexington Combat Group
32nd Recon
Frederic's Gazelles
Marie's Golden Hammers
Narhal's Raiders
1st Regiment
2nd Regiment

Northwind Highlanders
1st Kearny Highlanders
2nd Kearny Highlanders
MacCleod's Highlanders
Stirling's Fusiliers
Screaming Eagles
1st Screaming Eagles
2nd Screaming Eagles
Fighting Urukhai
8th Striker
DeMaestri's Sluggers
Roman's Bar Hounds
Wolf's Dragoons
Alpha Regiment
Beta Regiment
Gamma Regiment
Delta Regiment
Epsilon Regiment
Black Widow Battalion
Zeta Battalion

Barber's Marauder IIs (Battalion)
Clifton's Rangers (Battalion)
Fuchida's Fusiliers (Battalion)
Gray Death Legion
Green Machine
Greenburg's Godzillas
Gregg's Long Striders
Grim Determination
Hansen's Roughriders
Harlock's Warriors
Hermann's Hermits
Hsien Hotheads
Kingston Caballeros
Laurel's Legion
Lindon's Regiment
Lone Star Regiment
Markson's Marauders
Martian Cuirassiers
Mobile Fire
New Hessen Armored Scouts
Simonson's Cutthroats
Snord's Irregulars (Battalion)
Team Banzai
Vandelay's Valkyries
Vinson's Vigilantes

Federated Commonwealth Military Academies[edit]

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.

Federated Commonwealth Military Academies
Albion Military Academy logo.png 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.[102]

Armstrong Phoenix Academy logo.png 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.[103]

Blackjack School of Conflict logo.png 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.[104] The Blackjack Training Battalion, one of several built by the Federated Commonwealth, was destroyed by Clan Jade Falcon during the Clan Invasion.[105] Although the academy's facilities were later razed by Clan Steel Viper,[105] years later, the Falcons would reopen the school as Jade Falcon School of Conflict on Blackjack.

Coventry.png 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.[106] 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.[107]

Davionacademiesfilvet.png 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.[108]

Thorin.png The 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. Rather than rebuilding it, the Lyran Commonwealth chose to build the Alarion Naval Academy as a replacement.[109] The school closed permanently in 3063 during the FedCom Civil War.[110]

Davionacademieskilbourne.png 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.[111]

Somerset.png The Military Academy of Somerset

The Military Academy of Somerset was a small institution dedicated exclusively to the training of MechWarriors and Aerospace pilots. [112] 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.[113]

The Nagelring academy emblem The Nagelring on Tharkad

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.[114]

Emblem of the NAIS College of Military Sciences New Avalon Institute of Science: College of Military Sciences

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.[115]

Pandora College of Military Sciences logo.png 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.[116] The PCMS and its training battalion were overrun by the Jade Falcons in 3064.

Point Barrow Military Academy logo.png 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.[117]

Battle Academy of Robinson.jpg 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.[118]

Newcapetown.png The 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.[119] During the Federated Commonwealth era, a training battalion was formed.

Emblem of Sakhara Academy 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.[120]

Emblem of Sakhara Academy Sanglamore Academy

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.[121]

War College of Buena 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.[122][123] The Commonwealth formed a training battalion to improve the academy.[122]

Logo of the War College Goshen War College of Goshen

Based on Goshen, the War College was originally founded by a pair of retired Generals from the Capellan Front, the WCG began its life as the Goshen BattleMech Academy. Within a decade, the College had expanded its curriculum to cover all areas of combat from infantry to Aerospace and was renamed the War College of Goshen. Renowned both for is philosophical approach and its hands-on method to teaching, the WCG produces well-balanced cadets who exhibit a keen understanding of their combat equipment and environment. This is partly due to the fact that all cadets—save infantry—routinely participate in live-fire training exercises. Additionally, students are noted for their deep roots in academic studies of philosophies of war and peace. No cadet graduates without a comprehensive understanding of the history of warfare, the development of tactics throughout history, and a complete education on the governance of the Federated Suns both in wartime and peacetime.

Tamar.png War College of Tamar

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.[124] Among the War College's graduates was Galen Cox, future aide to Victor Steiner-Davion.[125] The College and its training battalion were destroyed during the Clan Invasion.

The Warriors Hall logo.png 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.[126]

Military Ranks and Uniforms[edit]

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.[127]

AFFC Officer Ranks
AFFC Rank AFFS Rank LCAF Rank
Marshal of the Armies Marshal of the Armies General of the Armies
Field Marshal Field Marshal General
Marshal Marshal Kommandant General
Hauptmann General Not applicable Hauptmann General
Leftenant General Leftenant General Leutnant General
Kommandant Major Kommandant
Hauptmann Captain Hauptmann
Leftenant Leftenant Leutnant

Medals and Decorations[edit]

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.[1]

Departments of the AFFC[edit]

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.[128] Every department was commanded by a Field Marshal, with each of those Field Marshals serving on the High Command.[9]

Department of the Army and Navy[edit]

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.[128] 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, DropShip, JumpShip and WarShip assets.[129] 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.[129] As of 3050, the Department of the Army and Navy was commanded by Field Marshal Jessup Winston.[9] As of 3062, Fleet Admiral Alistair Buchwald commanded the AFFC Navy.[130]

Department of Mercenary Relations[edit]

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.[131][132] According to one report, it was the general practice of AFFC representatives to approach prospective mercenary companies in pairs.[133] 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.[134] As of 3050, the Department of Mercenary Relations was commanded by Marshal Grissom Miller.[9]

Department of Military Administration[edit]

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.[135][136][137] As of 3050, the Department of Military Administration was commanded by Field Marshal Thomas Steiner-Green.[9] As of 3062, the position was held by Field Marshal Andre Mossbauer.[130]

Department of Military Communications and Research[edit]

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.[9] During the Clan Invasion, this department played a key role in reverse engineering Clan technologies.[138] As of 3050, the Department of Military Communications and Research was commanded by Field Marshal Tony Banzai, formerly of Team Banzai.[9] By 3062 this department was headed by Field Marshal Sidney Zweibel.[130]

Department of Military Education[edit]

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.[139][129] 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.[140] As of 3050, the department was commanded by Field Marshal Toni Reynolds.[9] By 3062 Field Marshal Angela Kouranth was commanding.[141]

Department of Military Intelligence[edit]

Insignia of the DMI while serving the Federated Suns

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.[142] 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.[143] Despite all of this, the DMI remained an extraordinarily potent and critical agency.[142] 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.[144] The DMI was the only Department that exclusively trained its own operatives, most of whom had already undergone military training if not service.[145]

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.[146]
  • 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.[147]
  • 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.[148]
  • MI4: Covert Operations Division The cornerstone of the DMI, the famed "Stealthy Foxes" are elite field operatives who gathered intelligence through human interaction.[148][149][145]
  • MI5: Counterinsurgency This division monitors the AFFC and the DMI itself for signs of enemy operatives.[148][149]
  • MI6: Special Forces The "Rabid Foxes" are an elite commando force, the equivalent to the LIC's Loki or the ISF's DEST teams.[150][151]
  • MI7: Intelligence Secretariat Originally the MIIO Liaison, the Secretariat coordinates the operations of the DMI, the MIIO and the LIC to avoid conflicts.[152]

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.[144] 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".[153] As of 3050, the department was commanded by Field Marshal Ivar Bergstrom.[9] By 3056, Marshal Lucy Miller had taken command of the DMI.[154] 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.[146]

As of 3062 DMI was commanded by Field Marshal Stephanie Day.[141]

Department of Military Justice[edit]

Another Department based on a section of the AFFS under the same name, the DMJ also effectively replaced the Lyran 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.[155][156][157] By 3062 Military Justice was headed by Field Marshal Kalena Sakharov.[141]

Department of the Quartermaster[edit]

The Department of the Quartermaster was a new department that essentially combined the Quartermaster Corps of the LCAF[158] with the Transportation and Resupply Command under the AFFS' old New Avalon Regional Command.[159] 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.[160][161] One specific task the Department of the Quartermaster performed was setting specifications for new equipment, notably for new BattleMech designs.[162] As of 3050, the Department of the Quartermaster was commanded by Field Marshal Lisa Steiner.[9]

Department of Strategy and Tactics[edit]

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.[163][164] The DST would likely have been the department most responsible for championing the 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.[9] 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.[60] By 3062 this Department was commanded by Field Marshal Paul Gevin.[141]

Legacy[edit]

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 3050s 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[edit]

  • 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.[9]
  • The 17th Skye Rangers were reported to be an RCT prior to the Clan Invasion in Field Manual: Lyran Alliance,[165] which is not reflected in the 20 Year Update deployment tables.[166] Furthermore, the 17th Skye Rangers were considered destroyed in the early stages of the invasion,[76] while the Field Manual claims they escaped destruction albeit without their conventional regiments.[165]
  • In an apparent error, the 5th Syrtis Lancers appear twice in the deployment tables of the 20 Year Update, both on Cammal[167] and on Bora.[168]
  • 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.[169][170] This gives the illusion that the AFFC claimed three more regiments in 3050 than they did in reality.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

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Bibliography[edit]