Point Barrow Military Academy

Point Barrow Military Academy
Crest of the Point Barrow Military Academy
Crest of the Point Barrow Military Academy
Academy Information
Location Point Barrow[1]
Course Information
BattleMechs Unknown - 3079+[1]
Infantry Unknown - 3079+[1]
Conventional Armor Unknown - 3079+[1]
Battle armor Unknown - 3079+[1]
Technician Unknown - 3079+[1]
Engineer Unknown - 3079+[1]


History[edit]

Star League Era[edit]

Located near Murchison on the Chukchi continent of Point Barrow,[1] during the Star League era the Point Barrow Military Academy (PBMA) primarily produced officers destined for the conventional forces of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns; this was largely due to the lack of attention that the Academy received from New Avalon, but it was in no way a reflection of the caliber of graduates. Conventional forces officers trained at the Academy were considered to be of excellent quality, even if they were destined for the less glamorous roles of cavalry or infantry officer rather than MechWarrior. Graduates from the PBMA were every bit of proud of their role in the AFFS as graduates of other institutions.[2]

Succession Wars[edit]

During the Succession Wars the PBMA's reputation dropped, with the graduates from the bulk of its classes considered merely adequate - the notable exceptions being those trained via the PBMA's engineering and technician programs. The PBMA subsequently became a flashpoint for terrorist activity,[3] and by the end of the Fourth Succession War the PBMA was under active investigation by both the DMI and MIIO.[4]

In the 3030s the PBMA underwent a comprehensive restructuring and facelift, with the radical elements being purged from the Academy. The PBMA also received assistance and direction from Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion, who helped shape the PBMA into one of the most demanding military academies in the Federated Suns and a primary military academy for the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth.[3][5]

Clan Invasion Era[edit]

The PBMA continued to be known for specializing in the delivery of technical training, but also offered training in almost every military specialization. Even after the death of Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion the cadets and staff of the Academy felt that they still owed a debt to the late Archon, and transferred their devotion from mother to daughter, providing Archon Katherine Steiner-Davion with loyal supporters within the Federated Suns.[3]

Despite continuing to be a highly demanding training academy, the PBMA didn't possess the advanced simulators used in older, more prestigious academies such as the Albion Military Academy, and as a consequence all of the training was conducted either in or on real equipment; with lives on the line during every field exercise it wasn't uncommon for cadets to drop out as a result of health or mental problems arising from the stress of knowing that failure wasn't an option.[3]

Furthermore, many citizens of the Point Barrow Combat Region lacked the educational background of other Federated Suns citizens, and so the PBMA offered many remedial courses to fill the gaps in their student's education. For this reason many people attempted to access the Point Barrow Military Academy.[5]

The Dark Age[edit]

The PBMA survived the Jihad and continued to train personnel for the AFFS; both the training at the academy and the environment of Point Barrow remained stressful enough that the cadets at PBMA had their own unofficial motto: "If the classes don't kill you, the weather will."[1]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 21: "Point Barrow"
  2. Field Report 2765: AFFS, p. 5: "Academies and Command Centers"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Field Manual: Federated Suns, p. 40: "Point Barrow Military Academy Profile"
  4. House Davion (The Federated Suns), p. 156
  5. 5.0 5.1 Handbook: House Davion, p. 145

Bibliography[edit]