Difference between revisions of "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces"

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The '''Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces''' was for centuries known as the best-equipped military in the [[Inner Sphere]], thanks to the economic power of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]].  Unfortunately it also had a reputation for being "top heavy" both in terms of its equipment and officer corps. The infamous [[Social General]]s of the LCAF were as well-dressed as they were incompetent, bungling from one disaster to the next, much to the dismay of the enlisted ranks.  Luckily for the Lyran state, even during the dark days of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], it's economic might meant the LCAF had the best that money could buy, and where tactical finesse was not available sheer brute force could often win the day.  
The '''Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces''' or '''Lyran Alliance Armed Forces''' (abbreviated '''LCAF''' or '''LAAF''') consists of several branches, including ground forces and naval forces. The political leader of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] - the Archon - is the most senior military commander.
 
  
During the [[Third Succession War|Third]] and [[Fourth Succession War]]s, the Lyran Commonwealth was divided into four military districts and nine theatres, nine of which lie along borders with the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Free Worlds League]]. Citizens of the Lyran Commonwealth can join the military at the age of sixteen at any of the numerous recruiting centers within the Commonwealth.
+
In the years leading up to the [[Fourth Succession War]], the alliance between the Commonwealth and [[Federated Suns]] culminating in the [[Federated Commonwealth]] would provide much-needed reforms to the Lyran military.  As part of the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]], the Lyran State Command became a far more effective fighting force, mirroring many of the traits of its Davion counterparts.  Unfortunately, a series of events - most prominent among which were defeats suffered during the [[Clan Invasion]] and the creation of a separate [[Lyran Alliance]] - began to see these reforms reversed as a number of "old school" officers returned to power.  With the end of the [[FedCom Civil War]] and formal dissolution of the FedCom state, the independent'''Lyran Alliance Armed Forces''' became something of a hybrid, mixing the traditions of the old LCAF with the lessons learned during their partnership with House Davion.
 +
 
 +
==Structure==
 +
===High Command===
 +
The [[Archon]] is the Commander-in-Chief of the Lyran military as set down in the original [[Articles of Acceptance]].  Invested with absolute military authority, it was often expected that an Archon have prior military experience, though when necessary they may appoint a "Commander Pro-Tem" to lead in their stead.  Neither the [[Estates General]] nor the [[Lyran Commonwealth#The Council|Commonwealth/Alliance Council]] have any formal say in military matters, but nevertheless the political power they wield can have tremendous influence nonetheless.<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 14, 16</ref><ref>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 103</ref>
 +
 
 +
Since the beginning, '''High Command''' has been responsible for formulating and executing the military policy of the Lyran state.<ref name=HSTLC117>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 117</ref><ref name=HSTLC117>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 117</ref><ref name=FMLA16>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 16</ref><ref name=HHS105>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 105</ref>  If necessary an Archon can go around High Command and issue orders directly, as is their prerogative, however going through the proper channels ensures a smoother flow of command and lessens the dangers which making unilateral choices can bring.<ref name=FMLA16/><ref name=HHS105/>  Until the FedCom merger, High Command consisted of the Archon, the [[General of the Armies]], the heads of the sixteen military branches, and the commanders of the regional Military Districts and Theaters of Operation.<ref name=HSTLC117/>  The LAAF High Command was streamlined by [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and split into a two-tiered system: an Inner Council consisting of the Archon, General of the Armies, and the five Margraves, and the full council, which includes the branch heads, other regional commanders and the commander of the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]].<ref name=FMLA16/><ref name=HHS105/>
 +
 
 +
===Regional Commands===
 +
As of [[3025]], the Lyran Commonwealth was divided into 13 regions, each with their assigned forces and military commander.  The four '''Military Districts''' were all completely within the borders of the Commonwealth.  Known simply by their numbering, these Districts tended to have fewer units assigned to them.  The nine '''Theaters of Operation''' were the primary lines of defense for the Commonwealth, lying along its borders with the [[Draconis Combine]], [[Free Worlds League]], and the [[Galactic Directions#Anti-spinward|anti-spinward]] [[Periphery]].  Averaging 30 parsecs long and 18 parsecs wide, Theaters were named after the location of the commanding officer's headquarters.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 118</ref>  Theater Commanders also received the non-hereditary title of [[Nobility#Lyran Commonwealth/Alliance|Margrave]], allowing them to act in the capacity of a military governor.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 89</ref>
 +
 
 +
During the FedCom alliance the Lyran state adopted the regional command structure of the AFFC, but following it's separation the LAAF returned somewhat to the previous command system under the Commonwealth.  The five extent Provinces which made up the Alliance were divided into two, an interior region or ''Kerngebiete'' and an outward-facing '''Theater'''.  Theater commanders were again granted the title of Margrave, but with more expanded political powers than before, and were considered senior to the generals commanding the interior.  Because of their expanded authority, the Margraves were also under closer scrutiny by the JAG Corps, which had the authority to quickly remove one if they abused their powers.<ref name=FMLA21>''Field Manual: Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 20-21</ref><ref name=HHS107>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 107</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Military Departments===
 +
The complex bureaucracy of the Lyran military is divided into multiple departments, which operate under semi-autonomously under the overall aegis of High Command.  Often with overlapping responsibilities and enmeshed in politicking, the departments nevertheless work towards the good of the Lyran state, and the fact that they manage to function as well as they have means this structure has largely been maintained, both before and after the FedCom alliance.<ref name=HSTLC114>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 114</ref><ref name=FMLA17>''Field Manual: Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 17</ref><ref name=HHS105>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 105</ref>
 +
 
 +
;Commonwealth Army/Alliance Army
 +
The main combatant arm of the Lyran military, the Army encompasses all non-reserve ground forces.  The Army is composed of eight Corps and numerous sub-commands, principally divided into combatant and non-combatant:<ref name=FMLA17/><ref name=HHS105/><ref name=HSTLC116>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 116</ref>
 +
* BattleMech Corps - Consists of all [[BattleMech]] forces and often considered the cornerstone of the Army
 +
* Armored Corps - Consists of all other [[combat vehicles]], including tanks, hovercraft, and wheeled vehicles
 +
* Infantry Corps - Consists of all [[infantry]] forces, including [[Jump Infantry]] and Special Forces units
 +
* Artillery Corps - Controls all [[artillery]] pieces.
 +
* Combat Engineer Corps - Responsible for construction and destruction duties by [[Combat Engineer]]s.
 +
* Supply Service/Supply Corps - Responsible for all battlefield movement of supplies and munitions; frequently integrates with the separate Quartermaster Corps
 +
* Transportation Service/Transport Command - Oversees organization and assignment of [[JumpShip]]s and [[DropShip]]s assigned to ground forces.
 +
* Signal Corps - Responsible for security and reliability of battlefield communication.
 +
Other non-combatant commands of the Army include those responsible for its Technicians and all non-combat engineers.<ref name=FMLA17/><ref name=HHS105/>
 +
 
 +
;Commonwealth Navy/Alliance Navy
 +
The Lyran Navy is responsible for all spaceborne combat assets, including JumpShips, DropShips and [[WarShips]].  This often creates some overlap with the Army's Transportation Command and the Transportation Division, so various Archons have found ways to clear up any confusion.  During the Alliance era, all combat DropShips and JumpShips operating outside of Alliance space or in one of the five Theaters were under the Navy's jurisdiction.<ref name=HSTLC116/><ref name=HHS105/>
 +
 
 +
;Commonwealth Aerospace Forces/Alliance Aerospace Command
 +
All [[AeroSpace Fighter|aerospace]] and [[Conventional Fighter|conventional]] fighter craft, their pilots and technicians fall under the Aerospace department. It is further divided into three groups depending on their area of responsibility:<ref name=FMLA17/><ref name=HHS105/><ref name=HSTLC116/>
 +
* Planetary Command - Directs operations for all craft on planetary or system defense duty, including those assigned to planetary and provincial militias.
 +
* Escort Command - Directs operations escorting spacecraft.  Escorting supply convoys is often known as "Dolphin Duty," while "Beehive Duty" is the common name for accompanying combat DropShips and WarShips into battle.
 +
* Wings of Combat - Directs units assigned to front-line duty, and primarily deployed for offensive operations only.
 +
 
 +
;Reserve Corps
 +
This department is responsible for maintaining the military equipment, manpower, training, and supplies held back from active duty. The equipment is usually out-dated, but is still in good condition. Units normally consist of either retired active duty personnel or part-time soldiers and specialists.  Retired soldiers are required to remain in the Reserve Corps for five years and complete two weeks of military service per year; those who remain on the rolls longer can receive a monthly stipend. The Reserve Corps also oversees planetary garrisons.<ref name=FMLA17/><ref name=HHS105/><ref name=HSTLC116/>
 +
 
 +
;Military Education
 +
The Military Education department is responsible for all aspects of training in the Lyran Military.  This includes not only overseeing the thousands of boot camps which accept millions of new recruits throughout the realm, but the the more advanced training opportunities such as attending one of the realm's prestigious military academies. It frequently coordinates with the Army, Navy and Aerospace Commands.<ref name=HSTLC115>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 115</ref><ref name=FMLA18>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 18</ref><ref name=HHS106>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 106</ref>
 +
 
 +
;Replacement Depot Corps
 +
Known also as the Rep-Dep Corps, this department is responsible for maintaining supply depots across the Lyran state and ensuring all military units are in fighting shape.  Rep-Dep is charged with forecasting supply needs, placing the appropriate orders with Quartermaster Command, and arranging shipment with the Transpiration Division.  This includes the ferrying of replacement personnel to depleted units, using its own fleet of vessels if needed.<ref name=HSTLC115/><ref name=FMLA19>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 19</ref><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Judge Advocate General
 +
The Judge Advocate General (or JAG) department is responsible for administering fair and objective laws for military personnel.  Its ranks includes judges, lawyers, investigators and military police, all charged with ensuring that justice is done and all legal rights are upheld.  JAG is also responsible for the administration of planets under martial law, including those recently captured from enemy Houses or that are deemed rebellious. In such cases, the JAG will appoint a Military Governor, who will attempt to foster an atmosphere that will win the cooperation of the local population.<ref name=HSTLC115/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Quartermaster Corps
 +
This department is responsible for acquiring and distributing supplies and materiel to units throughout the Lyran state. They define the military's materiel needs, coordinate acceptance testing for new systems, and transfer supplies to units.  The Quartermaster Corps have their own cadre of elite troops - seconded from other departments - tasked with testing and evaluating new weapons systems and equipment.  The department can punish corporations who fail to meet their contractual obligations or deliver shoddy work, but given it's close association with the military-industrial complex it's also the department most rife with corruption.  This has made the Quartermaster Corps and near constant target by JAG.<ref name=HSTLC115/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Transport Division
 +
The Transport Division controls the majority of the military's non-combat JumpShips and DropShips and operates a vast web of shipping lanes within the Lyran state.  Transporting everything from troops to bulk goods, the Transport Division works closely with and sometimes sub-contracts out to private interests to ensure that soldiers and materiel arrives where needed in a timely manner with minimum confusion.<ref name=HSTLC115/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Military Intelligence
 +
This department is responsible for acquiring and analyzing information about enemy forces, from troop dispositions and personality quirks about their commanders. Several intelligence headquarters exist, with the Free Worlds League center located on [[Bolan]], the Draconis Combine one located on [[Pandora]], and the Periphery located on [[Virtue]]. The largest and overall command center is located within Asgard on [[Tharkad]].  Military Intelligence works closely with the civilian Lyran Intelligence Corps, sharing information and placing observers on each other's staffs.<ref name=HSTLC115/><ref name=HHS107/><ref name=FMLA20>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 20</ref>
 +
 
 +
;Strategies and Tactics Division
 +
This department is the think-tank for the Lyran military, using data gathered by Military Intelligence to identify the enemy's weaknesses and formulate war plans.  This unit utilizes the most advanced computers available conduct war games and has been able to accurately predict an enemy's next move on many occasions.  Strategies and Tactics has proven itself quite effective over the years with a reputation for innovative thinking and battle planning...which unfortunately was more often than not executed quite poorly by Lyran commanders on the battlefield.<ref name=HSTLC116/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS107/>
 +
 
 +
;Commonwealth Medical Corps/Alliance Medical Corps
 +
This department is responsible for all aspect of medical care within the Lyran military.  Everything from providing [[Field Medic]]s for battlefield treatment, to evacuating the wounded to [[MASH]] and orbital field hospitals, to running their own fleet of medical DropShips and JumpShips painted white and bearing the red Caduceus symbol. Because the Lyran military is one of the few remaining militaries that still respects the [[w:Geneva Conventions]], its officers are prevented from interfering with medical treatment for enemy soldiers or forcing a doctor or nurse to do something against their medical judgment.  This is partly because the Medical Corps is outside the normal chain of command, and so even a medic could ignore an order from a Marshal if it would endanger a patient in their care.<ref name=HSTLC117/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Administrative Section
 +
The Administrative Section is responsible for tracking everything that happens within the Lyran military to every soldier, every piece of equipment, every munition, and every paycheck. Given the Herculean task of tracking all of this data, the department has occasionally made some truly stupendous mistakes - such as "forgetting" about huge supply depots only to be discovered latter like buried treasure - and has also been marred by corruption by unscrupulous officials seeking to line their pockets at the state's expense.  Nevertheless, the Administrative Section has managed to accomplish its task more or less without fail through centuries of service.<ref name=HSTLC117/><ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS107/>
 +
 
 +
This department is also responsible for all non-combat communication within the Lyran military.  Often this means working with [[ComStar]], though a system of couriers are also used for messages too sensitive for the [[HPG]] network.  Following their acquisition of [[black box]] technology though, the Administrative Section has also maintained a separate Lyran Military Communications Network to transmit these confidential communiques.<ref name=FMLA19/><ref name=HHS107/>
 +
 
 +
;House Troops Liaison
 +
This department coordinates the administration and upkeep of the private military forces of the various noble families and corporations within the Lyran realm.  While the law states that all private forces are independent of the Lyran military, the Household Troop Agreement of [[2883]] has allowed the Archon to traditionally maintain a tight control over them.  The House Troops Liaison helps foster the illusion of independence of these private militias.<ref name=HSTLC116/><ref name=FMLA18/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Mercenary Troops Liaison
 +
This department has the responsibility of coordinating the [[mercenary]] units hired by House Steiner. It acts as the paymaster for the units and, if the contract calls for it, provides supplies and materiel. The officers of this department try to ensure that mercenary units are treated with the same respect as the regular army troops. The department consists of many diplomats and negotiators who work to improve the state's relationships with the units it employs.<ref name=HSTLC116/><ref name=FMLA18/><ref name=HHS106/>
 +
 
 +
;Com Guard and Star League Liaison
 +
Created shortly after the Fourth Succession War, this department was initially charged with coordinating with the newly-revealed [[Com Guard]] units of ComStar.  A combination intelligence agency and diplomatic corps, it was openly cooperative but secretly suspicious of Com Guards, until the Clan Invasion suddenly prompted warmer relations.  Following the creation of the [[Second Star League]], this department's authority expanded to include the monitoring and coordination of any [[Second Star League Defense Force|SLDF]] units operating within Lyran space.<ref name=FMLA18/><ref name=HHS106/>
  
*[[LCAF - Organization|Organization]]
 
*[[LCAF - Command Structure|Command Structure]]
 
 
*[[LCAF - Units|Units of the Lyran Military]]
 
*[[LCAF - Units|Units of the Lyran Military]]
*[[LCAF - Navy|Navy]]
 
 
*[[LCAF - Academies|Academies]]
 
*[[LCAF - Academies|Academies]]
*[[LCAF - Uniforms|Uniforms]]
 
 
*[[LCAF - Ranks|Ranks]]
 
*[[LCAF - Ranks|Ranks]]
*[[Awards#Lyran Commonwealth/Lyran Alliance|Medals & Decorations]]
 
*[[LCAF - Military Departments|Military Departments]]
 
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
* [[Lyran Commonwealth]]
+
*[[Awards#Lyran Commonwealth/Lyran Alliance|Medals & Decorations of the LCAF/LAAF]]
* [[Federated Commonwealth]]
+
*[[LCAF - Uniforms|Uniforms of the LCAF/LAAF]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 17:32, 25 January 2019

The Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces was for centuries known as the best-equipped military in the Inner Sphere, thanks to the economic power of the Lyran Commonwealth. Unfortunately it also had a reputation for being "top heavy" both in terms of its equipment and officer corps. The infamous Social Generals of the LCAF were as well-dressed as they were incompetent, bungling from one disaster to the next, much to the dismay of the enlisted ranks. Luckily for the Lyran state, even during the dark days of the Succession Wars, it's economic might meant the LCAF had the best that money could buy, and where tactical finesse was not available sheer brute force could often win the day.

In the years leading up to the Fourth Succession War, the alliance between the Commonwealth and Federated Suns culminating in the Federated Commonwealth would provide much-needed reforms to the Lyran military. As part of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth, the Lyran State Command became a far more effective fighting force, mirroring many of the traits of its Davion counterparts. Unfortunately, a series of events - most prominent among which were defeats suffered during the Clan Invasion and the creation of a separate Lyran Alliance - began to see these reforms reversed as a number of "old school" officers returned to power. With the end of the FedCom Civil War and formal dissolution of the FedCom state, the independentLyran Alliance Armed Forces became something of a hybrid, mixing the traditions of the old LCAF with the lessons learned during their partnership with House Davion.

Structure

High Command

The Archon is the Commander-in-Chief of the Lyran military as set down in the original Articles of Acceptance. Invested with absolute military authority, it was often expected that an Archon have prior military experience, though when necessary they may appoint a "Commander Pro-Tem" to lead in their stead. Neither the Estates General nor the Commonwealth/Alliance Council have any formal say in military matters, but nevertheless the political power they wield can have tremendous influence nonetheless.[1][2]

Since the beginning, High Command has been responsible for formulating and executing the military policy of the Lyran state.[3][3][4][5] If necessary an Archon can go around High Command and issue orders directly, as is their prerogative, however going through the proper channels ensures a smoother flow of command and lessens the dangers which making unilateral choices can bring.[4][5] Until the FedCom merger, High Command consisted of the Archon, the General of the Armies, the heads of the sixteen military branches, and the commanders of the regional Military Districts and Theaters of Operation.[3] The LAAF High Command was streamlined by Katherine Steiner-Davion and split into a two-tiered system: an Inner Council consisting of the Archon, General of the Armies, and the five Margraves, and the full council, which includes the branch heads, other regional commanders and the commander of the Lyran Intelligence Corps.[4][5]

Regional Commands

As of 3025, the Lyran Commonwealth was divided into 13 regions, each with their assigned forces and military commander. The four Military Districts were all completely within the borders of the Commonwealth. Known simply by their numbering, these Districts tended to have fewer units assigned to them. The nine Theaters of Operation were the primary lines of defense for the Commonwealth, lying along its borders with the Draconis Combine, Free Worlds League, and the anti-spinward Periphery. Averaging 30 parsecs long and 18 parsecs wide, Theaters were named after the location of the commanding officer's headquarters.[6] Theater Commanders also received the non-hereditary title of Margrave, allowing them to act in the capacity of a military governor.[7]

During the FedCom alliance the Lyran state adopted the regional command structure of the AFFC, but following it's separation the LAAF returned somewhat to the previous command system under the Commonwealth. The five extent Provinces which made up the Alliance were divided into two, an interior region or Kerngebiete and an outward-facing Theater. Theater commanders were again granted the title of Margrave, but with more expanded political powers than before, and were considered senior to the generals commanding the interior. Because of their expanded authority, the Margraves were also under closer scrutiny by the JAG Corps, which had the authority to quickly remove one if they abused their powers.[8][9]

Military Departments

The complex bureaucracy of the Lyran military is divided into multiple departments, which operate under semi-autonomously under the overall aegis of High Command. Often with overlapping responsibilities and enmeshed in politicking, the departments nevertheless work towards the good of the Lyran state, and the fact that they manage to function as well as they have means this structure has largely been maintained, both before and after the FedCom alliance.[10][11][5]

Commonwealth Army/Alliance Army

The main combatant arm of the Lyran military, the Army encompasses all non-reserve ground forces. The Army is composed of eight Corps and numerous sub-commands, principally divided into combatant and non-combatant:[11][5][12]

  • BattleMech Corps - Consists of all BattleMech forces and often considered the cornerstone of the Army
  • Armored Corps - Consists of all other combat vehicles, including tanks, hovercraft, and wheeled vehicles
  • Infantry Corps - Consists of all infantry forces, including Jump Infantry and Special Forces units
  • Artillery Corps - Controls all artillery pieces.
  • Combat Engineer Corps - Responsible for construction and destruction duties by Combat Engineers.
  • Supply Service/Supply Corps - Responsible for all battlefield movement of supplies and munitions; frequently integrates with the separate Quartermaster Corps
  • Transportation Service/Transport Command - Oversees organization and assignment of JumpShips and DropShips assigned to ground forces.
  • Signal Corps - Responsible for security and reliability of battlefield communication.

Other non-combatant commands of the Army include those responsible for its Technicians and all non-combat engineers.[11][5]

Commonwealth Navy/Alliance Navy

The Lyran Navy is responsible for all spaceborne combat assets, including JumpShips, DropShips and WarShips. This often creates some overlap with the Army's Transportation Command and the Transportation Division, so various Archons have found ways to clear up any confusion. During the Alliance era, all combat DropShips and JumpShips operating outside of Alliance space or in one of the five Theaters were under the Navy's jurisdiction.[12][5]

Commonwealth Aerospace Forces/Alliance Aerospace Command

All aerospace and conventional fighter craft, their pilots and technicians fall under the Aerospace department. It is further divided into three groups depending on their area of responsibility:[11][5][12]

  • Planetary Command - Directs operations for all craft on planetary or system defense duty, including those assigned to planetary and provincial militias.
  • Escort Command - Directs operations escorting spacecraft. Escorting supply convoys is often known as "Dolphin Duty," while "Beehive Duty" is the common name for accompanying combat DropShips and WarShips into battle.
  • Wings of Combat - Directs units assigned to front-line duty, and primarily deployed for offensive operations only.
Reserve Corps

This department is responsible for maintaining the military equipment, manpower, training, and supplies held back from active duty. The equipment is usually out-dated, but is still in good condition. Units normally consist of either retired active duty personnel or part-time soldiers and specialists. Retired soldiers are required to remain in the Reserve Corps for five years and complete two weeks of military service per year; those who remain on the rolls longer can receive a monthly stipend. The Reserve Corps also oversees planetary garrisons.[11][5][12]

Military Education

The Military Education department is responsible for all aspects of training in the Lyran Military. This includes not only overseeing the thousands of boot camps which accept millions of new recruits throughout the realm, but the the more advanced training opportunities such as attending one of the realm's prestigious military academies. It frequently coordinates with the Army, Navy and Aerospace Commands.[13][14][15]

Replacement Depot Corps

Known also as the Rep-Dep Corps, this department is responsible for maintaining supply depots across the Lyran state and ensuring all military units are in fighting shape. Rep-Dep is charged with forecasting supply needs, placing the appropriate orders with Quartermaster Command, and arranging shipment with the Transpiration Division. This includes the ferrying of replacement personnel to depleted units, using its own fleet of vessels if needed.[13][16][15]

Judge Advocate General

The Judge Advocate General (or JAG) department is responsible for administering fair and objective laws for military personnel. Its ranks includes judges, lawyers, investigators and military police, all charged with ensuring that justice is done and all legal rights are upheld. JAG is also responsible for the administration of planets under martial law, including those recently captured from enemy Houses or that are deemed rebellious. In such cases, the JAG will appoint a Military Governor, who will attempt to foster an atmosphere that will win the cooperation of the local population.[13][16][15]

Quartermaster Corps

This department is responsible for acquiring and distributing supplies and materiel to units throughout the Lyran state. They define the military's materiel needs, coordinate acceptance testing for new systems, and transfer supplies to units. The Quartermaster Corps have their own cadre of elite troops - seconded from other departments - tasked with testing and evaluating new weapons systems and equipment. The department can punish corporations who fail to meet their contractual obligations or deliver shoddy work, but given it's close association with the military-industrial complex it's also the department most rife with corruption. This has made the Quartermaster Corps and near constant target by JAG.[13][16][15]

Transport Division

The Transport Division controls the majority of the military's non-combat JumpShips and DropShips and operates a vast web of shipping lanes within the Lyran state. Transporting everything from troops to bulk goods, the Transport Division works closely with and sometimes sub-contracts out to private interests to ensure that soldiers and materiel arrives where needed in a timely manner with minimum confusion.[13][16][15]

Military Intelligence

This department is responsible for acquiring and analyzing information about enemy forces, from troop dispositions and personality quirks about their commanders. Several intelligence headquarters exist, with the Free Worlds League center located on Bolan, the Draconis Combine one located on Pandora, and the Periphery located on Virtue. The largest and overall command center is located within Asgard on Tharkad. Military Intelligence works closely with the civilian Lyran Intelligence Corps, sharing information and placing observers on each other's staffs.[13][9][17]

Strategies and Tactics Division

This department is the think-tank for the Lyran military, using data gathered by Military Intelligence to identify the enemy's weaknesses and formulate war plans. This unit utilizes the most advanced computers available conduct war games and has been able to accurately predict an enemy's next move on many occasions. Strategies and Tactics has proven itself quite effective over the years with a reputation for innovative thinking and battle planning...which unfortunately was more often than not executed quite poorly by Lyran commanders on the battlefield.[12][16][9]

Commonwealth Medical Corps/Alliance Medical Corps

This department is responsible for all aspect of medical care within the Lyran military. Everything from providing Field Medics for battlefield treatment, to evacuating the wounded to MASH and orbital field hospitals, to running their own fleet of medical DropShips and JumpShips painted white and bearing the red Caduceus symbol. Because the Lyran military is one of the few remaining militaries that still respects the w:Geneva Conventions, its officers are prevented from interfering with medical treatment for enemy soldiers or forcing a doctor or nurse to do something against their medical judgment. This is partly because the Medical Corps is outside the normal chain of command, and so even a medic could ignore an order from a Marshal if it would endanger a patient in their care.[3][16][15]

Administrative Section

The Administrative Section is responsible for tracking everything that happens within the Lyran military to every soldier, every piece of equipment, every munition, and every paycheck. Given the Herculean task of tracking all of this data, the department has occasionally made some truly stupendous mistakes - such as "forgetting" about huge supply depots only to be discovered latter like buried treasure - and has also been marred by corruption by unscrupulous officials seeking to line their pockets at the state's expense. Nevertheless, the Administrative Section has managed to accomplish its task more or less without fail through centuries of service.[3][16][9]

This department is also responsible for all non-combat communication within the Lyran military. Often this means working with ComStar, though a system of couriers are also used for messages too sensitive for the HPG network. Following their acquisition of black box technology though, the Administrative Section has also maintained a separate Lyran Military Communications Network to transmit these confidential communiques.[16][9]

House Troops Liaison

This department coordinates the administration and upkeep of the private military forces of the various noble families and corporations within the Lyran realm. While the law states that all private forces are independent of the Lyran military, the Household Troop Agreement of 2883 has allowed the Archon to traditionally maintain a tight control over them. The House Troops Liaison helps foster the illusion of independence of these private militias.[12][14][15]

Mercenary Troops Liaison

This department has the responsibility of coordinating the mercenary units hired by House Steiner. It acts as the paymaster for the units and, if the contract calls for it, provides supplies and materiel. The officers of this department try to ensure that mercenary units are treated with the same respect as the regular army troops. The department consists of many diplomats and negotiators who work to improve the state's relationships with the units it employs.[12][14][15]

Com Guard and Star League Liaison

Created shortly after the Fourth Succession War, this department was initially charged with coordinating with the newly-revealed Com Guard units of ComStar. A combination intelligence agency and diplomatic corps, it was openly cooperative but secretly suspicious of Com Guards, until the Clan Invasion suddenly prompted warmer relations. Following the creation of the Second Star League, this department's authority expanded to include the monitoring and coordination of any SLDF units operating within Lyran space.[14][15]

See Also

References

  1. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 14, 16
  2. Handbook: House Steiner, p. 103
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 117
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 16
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Handbook: House Steiner, p. 105
  6. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 118
  7. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 89
  8. Field Manual: Lyran Commonwealth, p. 20-21
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Handbook: House Steiner, p. 107
  10. House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 114
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Field Manual: Lyran Commonwealth, p. 17
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 116
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth), p. 115
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 18
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 Handbook: House Steiner, p. 106
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 19
  17. Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, p. 20

Bibliography