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 Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:11 am
Given a number of people seem to be coming from military backgrounds, I thought it prudent to expand on the Anachronism's military, particularly as it differs from most.
As with any other nation, the Anachronism has its own military. However, given their airborne nature of the city, it's military differs significantly in structure, equipment and vehicles used, and tactics. The Airship is the mainstay of the Anachronism, and as such the Aerostatical Navy* is the principle division of the armed forces, the other main divisions being based on Airships.
*Given that Airships emulate their nautical brethren, the term 'Navy' was adopted.
Principle Divisions
Navy
There are in command of the Anachronism's military airships, and subsequently all armed forces which rely on them (see below).
Due to the diverse nature of airships (and the size and style they come in), airships can be used in a variety of roles, all of which the navy covers. The largest airships serve as bombers, whilst the smaller and more manoeuvrable craft (including winged hybrids) are used for surveillance and air to air combat. However, other craft serve as carriers (for the Air Force) and troop transport (for the Army).
Air Force
The Air Force commands all the heavier than air craft of the Anachronism; which principally covers gliders, but also (increasingly) powered craft. Gliders are the preferred craft, their speed and manoeuvrability allowing them to quickly reach enemy vessels in relative safety. They can be fitted as bombers, fighters, or transport for one boarding soldier. There are an increasing number of powered craft, being fitted with small steam of clockwork engines to expend their range, and maximum payload or speed.
Army
The equivalent of Marines, these are carried aboard airships. Every airship has at least a small number of soldiers to defend it from enemy boarding; but some serve as sole carriers of troops and supporting vehicles (in case of ground assault). Most are used to fend of enemy Airships, but they are trained in ground and sea combat as well, should the need arise.
Other Divisions
Police
In addition to main policing (which is relatively unnecessary in the Anachronism), the Police serve as a coast guard of sorts - watching out for pirates and smugglers amidst the airships which dock with the Anachronism.
Defence Force
Serve to defend the Anachronism itself from close aerial assault (which is a rarity); having various artillery and other weaponry to shoot down any airships in closer proximity. If too close, and there is a danger of collision, they will either board the enemy craft of wait for them to land before attacking (as necessary).
Submariners
In situations where the Anachronism must set down upon water (either for repairs, resupply or to conserve resources), airships are still the principle defence. However, in case of attack from below (enemy, pirates, or Kraken) the Anachronism supports a number of submersible craft to fend off such attackers.
Command Structure
Command structure follows in the same manner as all over nations. However, due to the peculiarities of the Aerostatical Navy having chief command, the highest rank attainable is Admiral of the Fleet, in charge of all military divisions. No comparable rank exists in the other divisions.
Any questions?
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:56 pm
Of course you KNEW I'd ask one. Gotta get myself in the right mindset for the storyline or else I'll assume too much. Not that I know a lot about the military anyway, though I talk to people in/obsessed with it sometimes.
For the main military, is there a set number of years for active duty, or a turn based active/leave set up since it's mainly peace time, or it's pretty much 'you're always on call, similar to the police in our day and age?
Is there a certain age to join or are there any departments a person has to be 'elected' into by the public/group in question?
The set up looks solid though, and can definitely be put to good use in the story against whatever antagonist comes our way.
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:06 pm
Ah, an excellent point!
To answer you questions:
If you are in any branch of the military, you are required to serve a minimum of one year. After completing said year, you are free to either leave or renew your commission/service, in which case you are required to serve another full year. This is to ensure minimum variation in numbers, and to prevent loss of personnel in critical areas.
Because of the Anachronism's relatively small size, and because it is most often at war (only engaging in hostilities with pirates, or when called to aid a vessel or country in distress) - most military personnel are not required year round, and are needed to hold down over jobs vital to the Anachronism. e.g. one might serve as soldier for three months of the year, but as a banker the remaining nine.
Whether or not you serve all year, or merely part, depends on your role in the military - and what branch of the military you belong to.
The following applies for the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Police.
All high ranking officers are required to serve the full year, as even in times of peace there is business for them to attend to (such as managing resources, troops, etc.). Captains always remain with their ships all year round, as do senior crew. Ships, however, are rotated between active duty, and reserve (allowing for rest and repair).
Similarly, almost all specialists (e.g. engineers) serve the full year - but will rotate from being in potential combat situations (e.g. on board an airship) to 'safe' situations (the hangars). Each will stay with the same airship and hangar to ensure familiarity [which helps ensure all craft are in the best condition possible], and it is for this reason most remain all year round. However, exceptions can be made.
For almost all other personnel (such as soldiers, airmen, police officers), they will only serve on active duty for part of the year - minimum one month, but typically three months. The time spent on duty varies based on their role, and the availability of others to fill it. If they desire to, however, anyone can serve for the whole year.
When not on active duty, members will perform other jobs on the Anachronism; but if needed would be called back to duty at any time (although this is a rarity).
For the Defence Force and Submariners.
As these functions are needed very rarely, all but engineers (to ensure all equipment is ready for use whenever) hold down other jobs all year, but are merely called to service as and when necessary.
With regards to joining.
All above the age of 16 may enlist or enter the Academy and are subsequently trained. However, it is not until they are 18 that they will be permitted to enter active service. There are, of course, minimum height and fitness requirements for those serving combat roles. Aptitude tests are taken to ensure the candidates suitability for the role they wish to perform, but that are given the freedom to choose when branch and role they wish to enter.
With regards to election.
Within the military, there is no form on en masse direct election of officers.
However any promotion to a high ranking post is first done by discussion and vote between existing senior officers - although this is less the case for lower ranking promotions. All such promotions are subject to public scrutiny and a publicly announced one month before they are made official. Any citizen of the Anachronism can voice their object to any promotion, and if there are significant numbers opposed the promotion will not take place.
This help?
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Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:23 pm
Definitely, thank you. The monthly/yearly service plan works quite well, and having side jobs only proves that there is no(?) corruption/excessive ego in the forces, since they can work the mundane jobs as well.
I'll read thought it again tomorrow. Tis' Midnight here and I'm TRYING to stay on my schedule of being offline around this time so I don't end up staying up way too late.
If anything else comes to mind, I'll be sure to post it.
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