Commonwealth Navy
| Founded | 22nd December 152 (PA) (220) |
|---|---|
| Faction | Assembled Commonwealth |
| Role | Military Force |
| Motto | "Ad Bonum Omnium" (For the good of all) |
| Commander | Lord High Admiral - Aetharch Tyber I First Space Lord- Admiral of the Fleet Caelen Irvine |
The military arm of the Assembled Commonwealth is the Commonwealth Navy. It traces its origins to the first vessels that arrived in Asta during Idarast’s colonisation. The Commonwealth Navy has been called upon countless times to defend the interests of the Assembled Commonwealth. Its influence is so widespread, select officers are granted seats in the Assembly.
The Commonwealth Navy maintains a fleet of over 100 commissioned technologically sophisticated vessels and naval bases. The Commonwealth Marines and Naval Aviation Corps are sub-branches of the Commonwealth Navy and are integrated into its command structure. The Head of the Commonwealth Navy is known as the First Space Lord and the position is currently held by Admiral of the Fleet Caelen Irvine
Role
The Commonwealth Navy has a variety of roles and must maintain the ability to adapt its role to circumstances faced by the Assembled Commonwealth and as dictated by the Assembly. Currently, its official mission can be outlined in seven major points:
- Preventing Conflict – On an Interstellar and regional level
- Assembled Commonwealth Security – To ensure the stability of the Commonwealth and protect its citizens
- Building International Partnerships – To help cement the relationship with the Assembled Commonwealth’s Allies and partners
- Maintaining Combat Readiness – To protect the Assembled Commonwealth’s interests across Beacon Space
- Protecting the Economy – To safeguard vital trade routes to guarantee the Assembled Commonwealth’s and its allies prosperity. As well as operating in a customs and inspection role.
- Providing Humanitarian Aid – To deliver a fast and effective response to interstellar catastrophes
- Providing Police support- To provide a police force that operates above the city-state level, focusing on fighting Domestic terrorism and organised crime
History
The Commonwealth Navy was formally founded on 22nd December 152 (PA) (220) following the establishment of the Assembled Commonwealth. However, its origins can be traced back to several precursor organisations on Idarast well before the Commonwealth’s founding.
During Idarast’s initial colonisation various groups of settlers had their security forces and naval vessels. The largest was the collection of ships that arrived alongside the refugees from the House of Ida. These vessels, though heavily damaged, provided an essential boon to the security of the colonies. Eventually, each of the city-states built up their naval forces, protecting Asta and Idarast from raiders and pirates. This enabled the colonies to explore the system and exploit its resources.
The City-state of Ankon was especially quick to establish shipyards and a professional navy and soon rivalled that of Beorgan and the vessels they had inherited from the House of Ida. To this day the city of Ankon is heavily invested in shipbuilding and has extremely close ties with the navy.
The first unified Idari navy was formed during the events leading up to the Beacon Wars. In response to growing tensions in interstellar politics, the Navigation Treaty was signed. This called for all the city-states to contribute to a joint task force responsible for the defence of the Asta system. Attempts at fortifying the Asta system commenced as the diplomatic situation in Beacon Space collapsed and hostilities became a certainty. The joint task force would meet its first test at the Battle of the Gates.
Outnumbered, the joint task force relied on superior tactics and positioning against the attempt to invade Asta. While victorious, the battle was a close-run thing. Losses for the joint task force were high. Commanding one of the vessels was the then, Aetharing Uriele. To this day his actions while breaking the enemy lines are taught in the naval academy. Uriele is remembered as one of the Commonwealth’s greatest naval heroes. The Uriele Naval Anchorage is named in his honour.
In the aftermath of the battle, and the continued fractious nature of Beacon Space, the city-states of Idarast agreed to form the Assembled Commonwealth and with it the Commonwealth Navy. United the city-states pooled their resources to rebuild and expand their naval capacity. The two largest contributors to this new navy were the Ankon Defence Force and the Beorgan Navy. The influence of these two organisations is seen in how the Commonwealth Navy was organised and structured. Admiral Volkov, formerly of the Ankon Defence Force, was appointed as the First Space Lord and began a programme of rapid expansion and further fortification of the Asta system and idarast itself.
The following decades saw the Commonwealth Navy involved in several skirmishes and a series of campaigns to thwart any more incursions. But it wasn’t only foreign powers the Navy had to contend with. Domestic groups opposed to the formation of the Commonwealth had taken up arms and began a small insurgency. Based mostly in the Vale belt the Commonwealth Navy was tasked with rooting the insurgents out and protecting the vital trade routes in and out of Asta. After a series of bombings on Idarast, a major campaign was undertaken to root out the insurgent’s bases. Dozens of vessels combed the vast Vale belt, while marines were deployed on Idarast to occupy several suspected insurgent bases. The insurgency was declared defeated but it is rumoured that several cells survived and simply continued their efforts against Commonwealth traders, fueling the rise of piracy in the Vale belt.
As the situation in Beacon Space calmed down, and relative peace returned to the sector, the Commonwealth Navy was tasked with securing the rapidly expanding trade routes. Fueled by the formation and successes of the guilds, Commonwealth goods could now be found on the extreme edges of known Beacon Space. The Navy was required to make all effort possible to protect those guilds. The fleet became stretched thin. Vessels were on constant patrol. Shipbuilding continued at a significant pace. Competition between the guilds became fierce, each bidding for rich trade routes and precious charters. This led to several altercations between different Guilds. This animosity eventually escalated, leading to some unscrupulous guild masters hiring criminals and pirates to interfere with their competitors' routes. The Commonwealth Navy was overwhelmed by this new development, and droves of vessels simply disappeared. Unsatisfied with the efforts of the Commonwealth Navy some guilds turned to mercenaries to protect their cargoes. These private militaries would eventually become known as Guild Corsairs. Open warfare had been declared by the largest guilds upon each other. At the height of the Guild Corsairs, the number of vessels almost outnumbered the entirety of the Commonwealth Navy.
Fighting between the guilds remained outside the Asta system, though some incidents came close. Intervention by Commonwealth Navy vessels prevented anything serious. Aetharch Vittore became concerned by the guilds’ increasing power, worried that it was only a matter of time before the conflict erupted on Idarast. He passed a series of regulations upon the guild. The size of any private military’s company vessel was severely limited. All vessels were required to be registered with the Commonwealth Navy and be issued a Letter of Marque. A new tax was levied on the guilds to provide funds for the further expansion of the navy. And finally, he declared that any Guild Corsairs that fired upon a registered Commonwealth trader would have their Letter of Marque removed and they would be declared pirates.
The actions of the Aetharch, though praised by many in society, drove a wedge between the guilds and the Aetharchy. Some of the largest guilds even went so far as to publicly begin questioning the role of the Aetharch and many more began to isolate the Aetharch’s business ventures and investments. Many experts believe this contributed heavily to the Aetharch’s efforts in establishing Project Atlas.
The events of the Idari Crisis are well known; the catastrophic failures that led to the Atlas event, the slow reaction by the Aetharcy, and the disastrous consequences faced by the Idari people. The Commonwealth Navy was heavily involved in rescue efforts in the short days after the Asteroid hit. The endeavours were severely hampered by the delayed response from the Aetharchy. Requests to deploy the marines on Idarast went unanswered for days. Emergency powers were not announced until the First Space Lord met with the Aetharch in person and stressed the importance of allowing the navy to utilise all its resources in handling the disaster.
The majority of naval vessels were recalled to Idarast. Naval stores were opened and released to the city-state authorities for distribution. Marine engineers were dispatched to City-state of Ankon, the hardest hit of the city-states, to search for survivors. When the high level of radiation was discovered in the atmosphere naval bases were opened to shelter refugees. Some of the largest vessels in the Navy allowed refugees to shelter onboard while more permanent solutions could be arranged. The Guilds and the Navy coordinated quickly, bypassing the Aetharch entirely, relief convoys were organised bringing food and medical supplies from nearby systems and heavily escorted by navy vessels.
A year passed and events had stabilised, most refugees had permanent shelter on Idarast or within the Baldr belt. Efforts were ongoing to shield the city-states from the high levels of radiation now present in the atmosphere. Military engineers had begun to adapt the already present filters and erect more resistant domes over large portions of the city-states, though work would continue for many years before being complete. The Aetharch had been secluded in the verdant palace since the early days of the crisis. Matters of state had fallen to members of the bureaucracy and the navy. It was clear to the Admiralty that the Aetharch had abandoned his duty and a change was needed.
A delegation from the navy, the guilds, and prominent members of the city-states demanded an audience with the Aetharch. The meeting made it clear that the Aetharchs position was untenable and demanded the Aetharchs abdication in favour of his young son Tyber. On 15th August 7(PA) (75) Aetharch Vittore abdicated and removed himself from public life. The navy remained heavily involved in the political sphere, helping form Tyber’s regency council and eventually making a pivotal contribution to the founding of the Assembly. To this day the navy remains prominent in the Assembly and wields vast political influence.
After the events of the Idari Crisis, the navy underwent a wide-ranging reform. Recruitment requirements were relaxed, officers no longer had to fund their education and instead, cadets were chosen on merit from the general recruitment pool. The training was modified so all branches were combined during basic training, helping to forge bonds across the branches and ensuring a base level of competency in certain areas. An influx in recruits followed the crisis, with the newfound desire to contribute to the common good and the introduction of national service. The navy began to expand and overhaul its vessels, new classes of cruisers and destroyers were developed that favoured long-range exploration and commerce defence.
Personnel
Personnel in the Commonwealth Navy are split between the three branches The Navy, Marines, and Aviation corps. The Commonwealth Navy has over two million active personnel, with another million on ready reserve. Nearly eighty percent are enlisted sailors, Marines, or Aviators, 15 percent are commissioned officers and the remainder are midshipmen and officer cadets.
A large number of enlisted personnel are in the navy to complete their National Service, and therefore, only have to serve for two years. However, it's not unusual for this to be voluntarily extended to a full five-year tour or even a full Naval Career.
The Navy is the senior branch in the Commonwealth Navy. It encompasses both the Aether fleet and “shoreside” installations such as the Idarast orbital defence stations, Uriele Anchorage, and the Gate defence network. The Aether fleet is the name given to all the mobile vessels of the Commonwealth Navy, these ships patrol Commonwealth-controlled space and various foreign trade routes.
The Aether fleet is divided into the Line Fleets- Red Fleet, Blue Fleet, and White Fleet, and two ancillary fleets- The Picket Flotilla and The Survey Flotilla. The Line fleets consist of the largest and most powerful warships within the Commonwealth Navy, they are designed to bring enemy fleets to battle. They are often however split into smaller task groups and only coalesce to face large enemy formations.
The Picket flotilla operates exclusively within Commonwealth space, its vessels consist of small patrol craft that performs the Navies customs and inspections role, scanning and inspecting civilian vessels entering and travelling through Commonwealth space. The survey flotilla operates in unexplored territory, its vessels are lightly armed and instead carry extensive sensor systems and science equipment. Their main aim is to find interesting and potentially valuable resources that the Commonwealth can exploit. Recently the Survey Flotilla has been assigned to aid the newly founded Board for the Exploration and Colonisation of Uninhabited Systems.
| Ship Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Battleships | The Largest vessels in the Aether fleet. Heavily armed and armoured with broadsides of around 100 missiles. Designed to take part in the line of battle. The Commonwealth Navy currently only fields two Battleships. |
| Fleet Carriers | Can carry several squadrons of strike craft, allowing the Carrier to exert control over a vast area of space. Fleet Carriers generally avoid the line of battle and are instead designed to support engagements from a long-range. Fleet Carriers do not carry a large arsenal of weapons and rely on escort craft. They are especially useful at supporting planetary operations. The Commonwealth Navy currently only fields two Fleet Carriers. |
| Escort carriers | Are smaller versions of fleet carriers, they usually carry half the amount of squadrons that a fleet carrier does. Escort Carriers are designed to carry out long-range raids or provide protection to trade routes. |
| Battlecruisers | Are designed to have the armour and the armament nearly comparable to a battleship but with the speed of a cruiser. The Battlecruiser class is the newest developed class of vessel in the Commonwealth Navy and only a few have been built. |
| Heavy Cruisers | Are a mainstay of the Commonwealth fleet, designed to make up the majority of the line of battle. Heavy Cruisers employ a respectable missile broadside and heavy kinetic cannons. They are often used as flagships for smaller task forces. |
| Light Cruisers | Are designed as point defence platforms, therefore they carry a reduced broadside compared to heavy cruisers. They often act as escort ships to larger capital ships such as Battleships and Fleet carriers. |
| Destroyers | They are good all-around vessels, designed to augment a task force’s point defence. But also capable of operating independently, they are often used as scouts. |
| Frigates | Frigates are the smallest ships employed in the line of battle, they act as point defence platforms. Squadrons of Frigates operate as screening forces extending a fleet's point defence envelope. |
| Corvettes | They are short-range vessels largely used as pirate hunters and custom vessels. They are too lightly armed and armoured to take a position in the line of battle. |
| Cutters | Are inter-system ships, used as customs and inspection ships. Occasionally they are employed in friendly systems to carry important despatches due to their speed. |
| Auxiliary ships | The Commonwealth Navy employs a variety of Auxiliary ships from missile colliers and tankers to medical ships and Bulk Freighters. Auxiliary ships provide logistical support to the Fleets, allowing them to operate far from commonwealth space and friendly ports. |
Commonwealth Marine Corps
The Commonwealth Marine Corps encompasses the ground forces of the Commonwealth Navy. Utilised if operations require planetary surface control, the Marines are highly trained in a wide variety of planetary operations, anything from quick tactical strikes to full planetary invasions and temporary occupation.
Marine corps doctrine is based around the need to overwhelm local defences quickly, taking out surface to obit defence stations, weaken local command and control, and destroy strategic targets on the surface before withdrawing to orbit. Long-term occupation of a planet would require a vast expansion of the Commonwealth Marine corps and at this time is not within the remit of the Marine Corps.
A detachment of Marines is present on most Commonwealth naval vessels. They act as shipboard infantry providing security and allowing for boarding operations. The marine presence also allows naval commanders the opportunity of limited ground operations, although any protracted engagement is best left to a Marine Assault group, as shipboard Marines carry no heavy armour or support units.
A Marine Assault group consists of a ground element; a single Marine Brigade and a naval element, Three M-RAT’s (Marine- Rapid Assault Transport), and a single M-CV (Marine Command Vessel). The M-RAT’s have enough space to transport the entire brigade, their support units, M-LAT(Marine Landing Assault Transport) and M-HET (Marine Heavy Equipment Transports), supplies, and a CNAC flight of Typhoons, Thunderbolts, and Vipers. The MCV is a command and control vessel that allows Marine commanders to maintain good communication with troops on the surface of a planet and coordinate the ongoing operation. The MCV also contains an extensive medical facility that allows it to act as the main casualty centre for the Assault group. When deployed a Marine Assault group is usually allocated a squadron of escort vessels from the Navy. At any one time, three Marine Assault groups are ready to be deployed, with a further three on five-day readiness.
A Marine Brigade is made up of three Infantry Battalions, one Armoured Battalion, one Artillery Battalion, and a single Support Battalion. The majority of Infantry Battalions are designated as Light or Mechanised Infantry, the difference being Mechanised infantry are deployed with Armoured Transports. Armoured Battalions in the Commonwealth Marines are equipped with a mix of T-60 (heavy tanks), GT-62 (Grav Tanks), and M-67 (Light Mechs). Marine Doctrine uses M-67s as recon units and infantry support, M-67s are relatively light in comparison to other militaries, the Marine corps values the mobility and ability to provide close support to infantry units over Heavy firepower. Artillery Battalions field a mix of heavy to light artillery pieces as well as anti-air systems. Support Battalions comprise the logistic elements needed to support Marine Corps operations, including medical support, supply transports, and Engineer companies.
The CNAC operates the Commonwealth Navy’s small craft, strike fighters, tactical bombers, shuttles, and Landing craft, heavy transports, and logistic craft. CNAC strike squadrons can be found on Aether fleet carriers and Naval defence stations, ground-based bases on Idarast and Mankira Niti, as well as attached to Marine Assault groups and at Corps level. Virtually every Aether fleet vessel will carry a handful of CNAC personnel to man the navy's shuttles.
Strike craft operated by the CNAC consist mainly of Lightings and Typhoons, both are superiority fighters designed to clear their operational theatre of enemy small craft and support Naval or Marine operations within that theatre. Lightings are designed to operate in space and Typhoons within the atmosphere, both are capable of operating in the other theatre but do so with reduced efficiency.
To support ground operations the CNAC operates both Thunderbolts and Vipers. Thunderbolts are extremely fast craft that are designed to strafe enemy positions using their heavy 30mm cannon and rocket pods. Vipers are tactical craft that operates at extreme altitudes and utilises extremely accurate guided missile systems to strike targets on the ground.
The CNAC maintains Herald shuttles for service on most naval vessels, they are capable of landing and takeoff from most planets and capable of surviving contested landings. Heralds are also designed to take part in boarding operations, delivering a section of marines to an enemy vessel. For large-scale deployment of Marines, the CNAC operates M-LATs and M-HETs. M-LATs are capable of deploying a company of Marines or a troop of armoured units, they are armoured to withstand heavy air defences and armed with a handful of defensive weapons. M-HETs are capable of deploying a full Infantry battalion or a squadron of armoured units, or artillery and heavy support equipment. M-HETs are slow and not nearly as manoeuvrable as M-LATs so, therefore, are often only deployed once a landing site has been fully secured.
Uniform
Each branch has its own uniforms, from everyday service uniforms, formal dress and shipsuits. Enlisted personnel and commissioned officer’s uniforms differ significantly and allow easy identification of an individual's rank and specialisation. Each member of the Commonwealth Navyis issued a shipsuit, this is a specialised vac suit that is to be worn at all times when aboard a naval vessel. It is designed to protect against sudden loss of atmosphere and contains enough life support to last 48 hours in a vacuum.
Training
Basic training is delivered to all recruits from all branches at CNB Rally near Ankon on Idarast. Recruits from all branches are combined into a single programme in mixed companies. It consists of a 3-month course, recruits undergo a strenuous fitness regime and are instilled a level of military discipline. Recruits also complete basic weapons drills, emergency drills and are taught basic survival skills.
The programme of combined basic training was introduced after the Naval reforms of 5 (Ae) (63) as a way of fostering a new level of interconnectedness and ensuring a knowledge base that is consistent throughout the branches.
After basic training recruits are sent to their respective branches' training facilities, outstanding recruits are allowed to attend the various officer training courses. There are some courses that branches combine on, for example, the Marines advanced weapons and tactics course invites some naval personnel to train with Marines.
Many recruits join the Navy to fulfil their National service requirement, this provides a wide variety in recruits’ fitness levels, enthusiasm, and skill levels. The Commonwealth Navy uses basic training to establish a base level of fitness and skill as well as identify recruits’ aptitudes and determine where they will function most optimally. Some recruits are deemed unsuitable for active service and are removed from the training process, if this happens those individuals must still complete their National Service with another organisation before it is complete. Recruits that are fulfilling their National Service and gain the opportunity to attend one of the officer schools must sign on for a full term of service before being able to attend the school. Personnel that are fulfilling their National Service are often encouraged to remain in the Navy after their National service is complete, with incentives such as a higher rate of pay and extra training opportunities.
Naval recruits remain at CNB Rally to undergo specialist training depending on which career path a recruit is considering. Upon completing specialisation recruits are given the rank of Able rating and assigned to a Commonwealth naval vessel. Naval crewmen will often return to CNB Rally throughout their careers to attend specialist training and receive advancements and trade badges.
Recruits chosen to attend the Commonwealth Naval academy undergo a year-long programme designed to teach navigation, basic engineering tactics, ethics, and enhance leadership skills. While at the academy recruits are given the rank of cadets. The final test is a 3-week long exercise aboard training vessels with cadets rotating throughout the various roles within the ship. Completing this programme grants the rank of Midshipman.
Midshipmen undertake what is known as a “Midshipman's cruise”; they are assigned to a vessel and rotate through the various departments aboard a ship. Midshipmen undergo a series of assignments and examinations before being “passed” on a department. It is the duty of the Captain of the ship and senior ships officers to oversee the development and training of the Midshipmen. The average length of a midshipman’s cruise is two to three years, once all departments are complete Midshipman can undertake the lieutenants' exam, the exam covers all areas of shipboard life and the roles of a commissioned officer in the Commonwealth Navy. Passing grants a commission as a sub-lieutenant, the particular assignment received is determined by test scores and recommendations from superior officers. Failing means a midshipman has to continue their cruise for another year before being able to attempt the exam again.
The only commissioned officers that don’t undertake a full cruise are those entering as medical officers, instead of a midshipman’s cruise they undergo a four-year medical school and once completed are granted a commission as a lieutenant and assigned as a junior doctor within the Commonwealth Navy.
Marine training
Training for Enlisted Marines and Officer Cadets is undertaken predominantly at Fort Gulf. Enlisted recruits undergo a further 3-month intensive course on advanced weapons and tactics and eventually specialise in infantry, armour, or support roles. Some specialisations require further training which is undertaken at various bases on Idarast and across Asta. Eventually, recruits will be given the rank of private and assigned to various Marine Regiments.
Cadets undergo a year-long programme, focusing on advanced weapons and tactics, development of leadership skills, and initiative. Cadets undergo a specialisation course similar to enlisted personnel. Towards the end of the programme, cadets undertake a 3-week long exercise, pitting teams of cadets against each other. Cadets are deployed in the wilderness of Idarast and must survive until the end of the exercise, taking part in operations as the weeks progress. Upon graduation from Fort GulfCadets are commissioned at the rank of Second Lieutenant and assigned to a regiment.
Aviation corps training
Further training for Aviation corps recruits takes place at CNAC Taral. Enlisted recruits undertake a series of specialisation courses, depending on their desired area of expertise. Specialisations include mechanics, weapons and sensor technicians, logistic support, rescue operations, clerical duties, and navigators. Specialisation lasts on average 3 months after which recruits are granted the rank of Aviator and assigned to a squadron. The navigator specialisation lasts a further 6 months and upon completion, the recruit is granted the rank of Flight Sergeant.
Officer candidates are chosen from exemplary recruits, they are split into two categories, support candidates and pilot candidates. Support candidates are those recruits deemed likely to excel as officers in a support role, such as engineers, logistics, and Intelligence. They undergo a year-long course in their specialisation and upon graduation are commissioned at the rank of Ground officer
Pilot candidates are chosen after a series of aptitude and physical tolerance tests. Candidates undergo a six-month basic flight training programme, utilising simulators and a Hawk class trainer. Candidates also go through general service training and a series of academic courses completion of basic flight grants a commission as a pilot officer however further training is required before pilots join operational squadrons. Instructors use evidence from basic flight to divide pilots into three specialist streams- Strike craft, Support craft, and Tactical craft.
Strike craft training lasts twelve months and teaches pilots how to fly Lightning and Typhoon class strike craft (the primary combat elements of the CNAC). Pilots are sent to a tactics and weapons school before completion of the programme and assignment to an active squadron. Upon assignment, pilots are granted the rank of Flying officer.
Tactical craft training lasts 12 months and teaches pilots how to fly Thunderbolts and Vipers. Pilots are also sent to a tactics and weapons school but focus on ground support roles and tactics. Upon completion, pilots are granted the rank of Flying officer and assigned to an active squadron.
Support craft training lasts 12 months and teaches pilots how to fly a variety of craft, including herald class shuttles and heavier transport and logistic craft. A further 6-month course is undertaken by pilots destined for Marine support units and shipboard service, detailing contested landings tactics and boarding actions. Upon assignment to a squadron pilots are granted the rank of Flying officer.
Current Deployments
The Commonwealth Navy is dispersed throughout Assembled Commonwealth-controlled space and beyond. The vast majority of the Navy's strength is located in Asta, Red Fleet maintains its position as Home Defence, providing security to Idarast and the various settlements throughout Asta. Elements of the Blue Fleet have recently been deployed to Mankira Niti as well as small detachments sent to Astynar and Vaddonia, Blue Fleet’s presence in the Aether reach, is expected to vastly increase in the following months. The white fleet has several task forces deployed within Asta but the majority of the fleet is on operations outside of Commonwealth-controlled space, touring Commonwealth allied space, visiting Commonwealth concerns and operations as well as patrolling the various trade routes ensuring Commonwealth traders can proceed without hindrances. The survey Flotilla buoyed by recent discoveries in Astynar and Vaddonia are focusing their attention on the area known as The Chain.
The Majority of Marine formations remain on Idarast or settlements within the Asta system. However, the 3rd Marine Division has been deployed to Mankira Niti to assist in training the Mankiran defence force. The 21st Brigade and 18th Brigade have been deployed to Peleus and Koritas, to provide defence of the burgeoning colonies and assist in developing basic Infrastructure.
The Commonwealth Navy maintains dozens of facilities throughout Commonwealth space, both planetary-based and orbital bases. The following are some of the most important.
Admiralty House: The Administrative centre of the Commonwealth Navy and the Headquarters of the First Space Lord. Admiralty House was relocated from Beorgan to Nyhavn fifty years ago and is built within the Assembly compound. The building contains offices for every department in the Commonwealth Navy and employs nearly 30,000 military and civilian personnel. Rumour has it that a vast command centre was built underneath Admiralty house that would allow the First Space Lord to coordinate Idarasts defences in the event of a planetary invasion.
Uriele Anchorage: The largest naval base in Commonwealth space, Uriele Anchorage is located at Idarast’s L4 Lagrange point. It is the Headquarters of the Second Space Lord and the Naval Planning and Operations Department. It is also currently serving as the Home base of the Red fleet while they are deployed in Asta. The Naval Anchorage is made up of several different stations the largest of which is known as “The Spire”. The Anchorage is predominantly a defensive base for Idarast and a facility for Naval vessels to resupply and refuel. It is considered by many as the de facto Aether Fleet Headquarters and houses detachments from every major Commonwealth Navy formation.
Vulcan Slipways: The Vulcan Slipways are owned and operated by the Commonwealth Navy, located at Idarasts L1 Lagrange point alongside other facilities that make up the Lagrange Yards. It is considered the preeminent shipyard in Commonwealth space, not only producing vessels but housing dozens of laboratory spaces for research and development of military technologies. The Vulcan Slipways boasts over a dozen large slipways for the production of capital class naval vessels, able even to accommodate the production of classes such as Battleships and Fleet carriers.
CNB Rally: The largest military base on Idarast, headquarters of the Fourth Space lord, and the main training facility for Commonwealth Navy recruits. The base is located near the city-state of Ankon and is built upon what was once an independent base for the Ankon defence force. The facilities have been extended in recent years and the base now extends for over 300 square miles, including vast exercise areas and extensive subterranean facilities.
Fort Gulf: Are the main training facility of the Commonwealth Marine Corps, the Headquarters of the Commandant General of the Commonwealth Marine Corps, and the Home Barracks to 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions. Fort Gulf is located between the City-states of Ankon and Beorgan along the Krane river, it is the second-largest military base on Idarast.
CNAC Taral: Is the main training facility of the Commonwealth Naval Aviation Corps, the Headquarters of the Chief Marshal of the Commonwealth Naval Aviation Corps, and Home to the No. 3 Group and No. 6 Group. Most of the Facility is underground, with only a handful of buildings visible from above and four large hangar doors built into the Taralene cliffs. Sometimes called the Aerie.
Point Ande: With Mankira Niti’s recent joining of the Assembled Commonwealth a small naval base has begun construction in the system. The current Naval support facilities in the system are located on the surface of Mankira Niti so the size of vessels that can be supported is limited. Point Ande will be able to support all Commonwealth naval vessels and will even have limited refitting capabilities.
Point Astynar:To support the newly founded colony on Peleus a small naval outpost that has been developed alongside Brahms Core. Point Astynar can support a small squadron of Commonwealth naval vessels and houses a squadron of CNAC strike craft.
Pride of Ida:is the first Anchorage class vessel and one of the most technologically advanced vessels in the commonwealth navy. It is similar in many ways to the Uriele anchorage but instead of being in a fixed orbit the Pride of Ida is able to manoeuvre and even jump to other systems, either by using the gates or its own jump drives. The Pride of Ida acts as a mobile fleet headquarters and is designed to assist in fleet operations far outside of Commonwealth space. It is currently commanded by Admiral Warner and houses the fleet headquarters of Blue Fleet.
Command control and organisation
The titular head of the Commonwealth Navy is Aetharch Tyber I, who holds the rank of Lord High Admiral. The professional head of the Commonwealth Navy is the First Space Lord and holds supreme authority over all military forces of the Assembled Commonwealth. The six of war a committee of the Assembly maintains oversight of the Commonwealth Navy and appoints the First Space Lord, and has the authority to recall them.
Admiralty Board
The most senior officers in the Commonwealth Navy, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Commonwealth Navy and supervise the various departments that make up the Naval staff. The entire Admiralty Board meets at least once a year joined by the members of the Six of War.
First Space Lord - Admiral of the Fleet Caelen Irvine - Overall command of the Commonwealth Navy
Second Space Lord - Admiral Lynna Sloane - Oversees the planning and operations department as well as Fleet Intelligence
Third Space Lord - Vice Admiral Felix Hansson - Oversees ship construction, research and development, and procurement of supplies
Fourth Space Lord - Vice Admiral Jennifer Ness - Oversees the personnel department and training programmes
Fifth Space Lord - Rear Admiral Madison Singh - Oversees the finances and logistics operations
Planning and operations department
The Planning and Operations department is the main preparation and strategic planning arm of the Commonwealth Navy, responsible for the formulation of operational orders, the composition of fleets, task forces, squadrons, and assault groups, and the formulation of long-term policy and Naval Doctrine.
The department works closely with Fleet Intelligence to ensure both departments are expanding their efforts on the right theatre. The Department can’t update commanders in real-time so will often provide several contingency plans but ultimately the final decision on what action to take lies in the hands of the Senior commander of the operation.
Provides operational, tactical, and technical information to the Commonwealth Navy, reports on actions of foreign militaries and their governments as well as monitoring and countering threats to the Assembled Commonwealth. The department is split into three divisions.
The Signals division develops fleet-wide signals and communication protocols including encryption protocols as well as the interception of signals, their decryption, and analysis.
K-Division supports active operations with intelligence, providing tactical and strategic level support to Commanders in the field. The division is entirely focused on military intelligence from Foreign militaries and political entities.
The Office of Special Acquisition is the most secretive of the divisions it is tasked with covert collection and analysis of foreign human intelligence in support of the Assembled Commonwealth’s security. The Office of Special acquisition is only authorised to conduct operations outside of Assembled Commonwealth Territory.
Department of ships
The Department of Ships oversees the Procurement and development of Naval vessels designs. The Design process is overseen by the college of Naval architects who assess designs and approve them for production. The final assessment of completed Naval vessels is undertaken by the Surveyor of the Navy who decides whether a vessel is accepted into service or not.
The Superintendent of the Commonwealth Navy Yards is responsible for the operation of the various Naval yards owned by the Commonwealth Navy, chiefly those located as part of the Lagrange yards and some smaller operations within the City-State of Ankon.
Ordnance department
The Ordnance Department, headed by the Chief of Ordnance, is responsible for the development and procurement of Weaponry, mIlitary equipment, and vehicles. While the Department does maintain some research labs the vast majority of development is undertaken by private companies contracted by the Ordnance Department. Licenses are issued by the department to produce and supply the Commonwealth Navy with military hardware and equipment.
Personnel Department
The Personnel Department oversees the administration of Commonwealth Navy personnel and is headed by the Chief of Personnel. The Department is responsible for handing out assignments, monitoring staffing levels, ensuring efficient numbers are maintained, and the organisation of the Naval Reserve. The Department is responsible for various areas of Commonwealth Navy policy relating to pay, leave, and discipline. The Personnel Department has two sub-departments: the Medical Department and the Judicial Department.
The Medical Department organises all Commonwealth Naval facilities as well as medical professionals in the Navy. It is responsible for Medical policy in the Commonwealth Navy as well as training of medical personnel.
The Judicial Department is responsible for the organisation and operation of all military courts in the Commonwealth Navy. Most minor offences by serving Naval personnel are dealt with summarily by the serving members commanding officer (for ranks below OF-5) however if a serving member wishes to appeal any judgment the process is undertaken at a Naval Court. For serious offences, a Court Martial is convened and organised by the Judicial Department, presided over by a Naval Judge Advocate and a jury of Officers and Warrant officers. It is standard procedure to convene a Court Martial whenever a ship is lost; this does not presume that the captain is suspected of wrongdoing, but merely that the circumstances surrounding the loss of the ship be made part of the official record. The most senior Judge in the Commonwealth Navy is the Judge advocate general and Fleet Counsel. Another high-ranking member of the Judicial Department is the Solicitor of the Admiralty, they are the chief legal advisor to the Admiralty and represent the Admiralty in legal settings.
The Judicial Department has close ties with the Inspector General of the Provosts, who is responsible for all military police and masters at arms within the Commonwealth Navy. The Provosts are a section of the Commonwealth Navy responsible for policing the areas under the jurisdiction of the armed forces against all criminal activity by military or civilian personnel. The Provosts are sometimes called to assist local City-state police in times of need and act as a federal-level police force. The Provosts work closely with the Commonwealth Internal Security Office (which remains a civilian operation) especially in the areas of Organised crime and Counterterrorism. The Provosts are also responsible for maintaining and patrolling the Commonwealth’s borders (assisted by ordinary Naval units) and act as customs agents when searching vessels entering and leaving Commonwealth space.
Training and staff duties department
Headed by the Director of Training The Training and staff duties department is responsible for the formation and implementation of various syllabuses related to training of Naval personnel, this includes basic training, specialisation, and professional development of naval personnel. The Commonwealth Naval academy is technically under the remit of the Training and staff duties department, however, the Academy Commandant is provided with a large amount of lee-way in designing a syllabus and fermenting an ethos of their own. The Department is also responsible for the creation and amendment of standard duty operational orders, which guide Naval personnel’s operational duties during an ordinary day.
Finance Department
Headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Navy, the Finance Department is responsible for the Commonwealth Navy budget, the department coordinates with all the other departments to ensure spending is controlled and allocated appropriately. Every five years the Permanent Secretary of the Navy convenes with the Admiralty Board and develops a proposal for the Navy's future budget, which is then sent to the Assembly for assessment and confirmation. Logistics Department
Headed by the Comptroller of the Navy, the Logistics department is responsible for the allocation of military stores and equipment to operational forces as well as maintenance of those stores and stockpiles. The Departement is also responsible for the formation and operation of Military convoys as well as the maintenance and operation of the Fleet Auxiliary. The Controller of Victualling is responsible for the outfitting of Commonwealth Navy formation with appropriate supplies and equipment before they are deployed.
Marine General staff
The Marine General staff is made up of senior Marine Corps officers who oversee the Marine corps and its operation, the General staff liaise closely with the Fleet Planning department and assist in planning operations that include Marine Forces. The Commandant General of the Marine Corps is also known as the Chief of the Marine General staff and is the Senior most officer in the Commonwealth Marine Corps.
Aviation Corps staff
The Aviation Corps staff is made up of senior Aviation Corps officers who oversee the Aviation corps and its operation, the Aviation Corps staff liaise closely with the Fleet Planning department and assist in planning operations that include Aviation Corps forces. The Chief Marshall is also known as the Chief of the Aviation Corps staff and is the Senior most officer in the Commonwealth Naval Aviation Corps.
Senior Enlisted officers
The Senior Enlisted officers are the three senior-most non-commissioned officers in the Commonwealth Navy, their role on the Admiralty Staff is to represent the Rank and File of the Commonwealth Navy. The Senior Enlisted officer of the Navy is appointed as Chief Warrant officer of the Naval service and reports directly to the Second Space lord. The Senior Enlisted Officer of the Marine Corps is the Corps Regimental Sergeant Major and reports directly to the Commandant General of the Marine Corps. The Senior Enlisted Officer of the Aviation Corps is the Master Chief Aircrew and reports directly to the Chief Marshal.
Though Fleets and formations are assigned orders from the operations department and the overall strategy of the Navy is decided by the First Space Lord, the commanders of Fleets and task forces have significant leeway in interpreting their orders and the means of which they employ to complete their objectives. This independence is vital because the distance that naval operations occur makes it impossible for the Admiralty to intervene.
The Line Fleets- Red Fleet, Blue Fleet, and White Fleet are each commanded by an officer of a flag rank usually of Vice-Admiral or Admiral rank. Historically the Line Fleets have operated in different regions or been assigned a specialized task.
Red Fleet is also known as the Home fleet, it operates almost exclusively within the Asta system and usually within the inner system around Idarast and the Baldr belt. The Fleet is made up of some of the largest and most powerful warships in the Commonwealth Navy. It's currently commanded by Admiral Claudia Lang from their flagship the battleship CNV Aetharch, though it also maintains a headquarters at Uriele Anchorage.
Blue Fleet is also sometimes known as the Expeditionary fleet, it has historically been the fleet used to support operations in hostile foreign space, though recently it's become the fleet assigned to defend the Commonwealth’s burgeoning colonial possessions within the Aether Reach. It is currently Commanded by Admiral David Warner from their flagship, the fleet carrier CNV Victory, once completed the fleet is expected to also maintain a headquarters at Point Astynar.
White Fleet is also known as the trade fleet, it has historically been assigned to protect the expansive trade routes frequented by Commonwealth traders. Recently it has also been assigned the patrol areas around the gates and Vale Belt in Asta, with the Blue Fleet being assigned to the colonies. Due to its assignment, the White fleet has a larger proportion of light vessels compared with the other fleets. It is currently commanded by Vice Admiral Yaakov Walsh from their flagship the Battlecruiser CNV Indefatigable.
The Two flotillas- the Picket Flotilla and the survey flotilla, are vastly smaller than any of the Line Fleets. The Survey flotilla is currently commanded by Commodore Renae Auer and has its headquarters at The Aether Institute in the City-state of Montar. The Picket Flotilla is currently commanded by Rear Admiral Emidio Von Essen and headquartered at Admiralty house in Nyhavn. The Picket Flotilla is subordinate to Asta system Command which has authority over the naval stations and outposts in Asta, it is commanded by Vice Admiral Farhan Garret and Headquartered at Uriele Anchorage.
These Fleets and Flotillas don’t normally operate as a single formation, instead, they are further split into task forces, squadrons and sometimes even operate as individual ships. Task Forces usually consist of a mixed force of capital ships and escorts and are assigned a specific mission. Squadrons consist of similar types of vessels, such as destroyers, cruisers, or frigates, and are usually how vessels are organised within a larger formation. The rank of the officer commanding a task force often depends on the size of the task force, but can usually range from Commodore to Vice-Admiral.
Marine Corps
The Commonwealth Marine Corps is commanded by the Commandant General of the Marine Corps Markus Stringer. Currently, the Marine corps headquarters are located at Fort Gulf. The Marine Corps maintains two field armies in subordinate commands, Home Command and Expeditionary Command each of which are commanded by a Lieutenant General. These two Commands serve distinct purposes and are divided into a structure of divisions and brigades, which themselves consist of a complex mix of smaller units such as Battalions.
Home Command maintains a defensive readiness for Idarast and settlements within Asta. Home Command’s remit has recently been expanded to include the defence of Mankira Niti and the colonies of Koritas and Peleus. Home command maintains a full division on active readiness with one division taking part in training exercises and one on leave.
Expeditionary command is tasked with maintaining an offensive readiness to react to any situation that requires Commonwealth Marines to be deployed outside of the Assembled Commonwealth’s territory. With twenty-four hours notice Expeditionary Command can deploy a full Marine Division in three Marine Assault groups (a Marine Brigade and Naval escort Component) into transit, with five days notice another full division can be deployed.
On an administrative level, the Marine Corps is organised into Regiments. Regiments are the largest permanent formation and are a way to maintain heritage, the continuance of battle honours, and esprit de corps. These Regiments are often based in a specific region and consist of two Battalions of either Infantry, armour, or artillery. Support units are organised into regiments but are often deployed as companies rather than full battalions.
Operationally Marine Corps units are organised into Brigades, these brigades consist of three infantry battalions, one armoured battalion, one artillery battalion, and a support battalion. These Brigades are further organised into divisions containing three brigades, with six divisions making up an army.
A single battalion is made up of five companies, a headquarters company, three companies of infantry, armour, or artillery, and a support company. Each company is commanded by either a commander or Lieutenant commander, with a senior Lieutenant as second in command. The Headquarters company contains signals, quartermaster, catering, intelligence, administration, pay, training, operations, and medical elements. The support company contains specialised elements that support the other companies i.e anti-tank, machine gun, mortar, pioneer, and reconnaissance platoons. Armoured and Mechanised units usually have an attached light aid detachment (LAD) from an Engineer company to perform field repairs on vehicles and equipment. Support companies in Artillery battalions consist of extra logistics capacity and defensive troops.
Other Units
The Marine Corps maintains several different units outside of the two Army Commands, though these units will often interact with those commands and even be temporarily subordinated to them.
This Regiment is the Administrative unit designated to organise the Marine units assigned to naval vessels in the Commonwealth Navy. The Regiment is divided into four battalions, three providing Marine units to one of the line fleets and one to Asta system command. These battalions are then split into units and assigned to individual ships and stations, usually consisting of single platoons with the largest vessels able to accommodate a single company. The Naval Infantry division has never been deployed as a single entity, Marines deployed on naval vessels instead are subordinate to the Captain of the vessel they are deployed on.
Marine Provosts
The Marine Provosts are dedicated Marine police and security forces deployed within Naval bases and on active military operations. All Marine Provosts are organised into the Provost Regiment and are often further organised into base companies or assigned as companies to operational Divisions. Elements of the Provosts are often seconded to local city-state police to assist in investigations and provide tactical support.
While on operation the Provosts have several roles and responsibilities such as
- War crime investigations
- Handling and collating criminal evidence
- Detainee handling
- Search operations
- General policing duties within operational bases
- Foreign policing and military training
- Providing close protection operatives for senior military and diplomatic personnel on operations
Commonwealth commando brigade
A highly specialised and adaptable elite light infantry force, the Commonwealth Commando brigade is trained for rapid deployment sector-wide and capable of dealing with a wide range of threats. The Commonwealth Commando brigade is organised into a light infantry brigade (32nd Commando Brigade) and some separate units, the Pathfinders, and the Special Reconnaissance Group. The brigade operates in all environments and climates, though particular expertise and training are spent on Contested Planetary landings, hostile environment warfare, and Raiding operations.
Pathfinders:
The Pathfinders are specialised infantry, their role is to land before any major operational forces to secure landing sites, placing signal beacons to mark drop zones and once landing has begun provides tactical intelligence and offensive action roles for the operation. The Pathfinders consist of a single Battalion level unit organised into 32 Commando Brigade
SRG (Special Reconnaissance Group):
The unit specialises in many roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance. Much of the information about the SRG is highly classified, and the unit is not commented on by either the Assembly or the Admiralty due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations.
The SRG is organised into eight squadrons A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H divided into four troops of 16 operators; troops often deploy in patrols of eight act independently from each other, though it is common for an entire squadron to be assigned to a Marine Division when deployed.
Structure
The table below details how units within the Commonwealth Marine Corps are structured, although there can be considerable variation between individual units:
| Type of Unit | Division | Brigade | Regiment | Batallion | Company, Squadron, Battery | Platoon or Troop | Section | Fireteam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contains | 3 brigades | 6 battalions | 2 battalions | 5 companies | 3 platoons | 3 sections | 2 fire teams | 4 individuals |
| Personnel | 14,000 | 4500 | 1400 | 640 | 120 | 30 | 8–10 | 4 |
| Commanded by | Maj-Gen | Brig | Major | Major | Commander or Lt Commander | Lt or 2nd Lt | Cpl | LCpl |
CNAC
The Commonwealth Naval Aviation Corps is commanded by Chief Marshal Ida Alden from its headquarters in CNAC Taral. The CNAC organises its operational units into Theatres, Stations, Groups, Wings, Squadrons and Flights.
Theatres encompass multiple Stations and Groups, they are an administrative and strategic level formation, commanded by either a Marshal or Vice-Marshal. Idarast is split into four theatres, as well as an orbital theatre, Asta contains several different Theatres based around naval outposts in the system, as they are based around fixed positions these theatres are considered “Shore” based. There is a single Theatre for Groups that are operating with the Naval fleet and alongside Marine corps units, this Fleet Theatre allows Groups to operate with much more flexibility and independence than is granted to “Shore” based Theatres.
Stations are formations based around a single CNAC base or Naval outpost. There is also a station-level formation for each Naval Line fleet. “Shore” based Stations organise the support and administrative elements for Flying squadrons that operate from their stations. The Fleet stations have fewer support elements attached as each Fleet Group has its support attached to the vessel they are operating from. Instead, the Fleet Station is tasked with assisting Fleet Commanders in coordinating the fleet's CNAC component in the event of a fleet-wide engagement. Large “Shore” based stations and Fleet stations are commanded by an Aviation Commodore, smaller stations can be commanded by a Group Captain.
Groups are made up of multiple Wings of mixed aircraft types that are tasked with operating over a specific region or from a single vessel. They are commanded by a group captain, which onboard a carrier is referred to as the CAG (Commander Aviation Group). “Shore” based groups can be split over multiple stations and utilise support elements at those stations. Fleet Groups have support elements attached to them and the vessel they are operating from.
Wings are organised by type of aircraft or mission type the aircraft and crew are specialised for. For example, one wing made up of Lightning class fighters may be specialised in Superiority missions while another would be specialised in Strike missions. Each Wing is usually made up of multiple squadrons and commanded by a Wing Commander.
Squadrons are groups of around twelve of the same craft, they are permanent formations, similar to Marine Regiments in so far as they can be awarded battle honours, and maintain the heritage regardless of where they are based or which aircraft they are operating. They are commanded by a Squadron Leader.
Flights are subdivisions of a squadron, there are usually two flights in each Squadron, usually designated either A or B. The Squadron Leader will lead one Flight with the other led by the senior-most Flight Lieutenant. Support elements are also divided into flights often commanded by a Ground officer.
Elements of the CNAC that provide a crew to serve shuttles for naval vessels and Marine transports or logistics transport craft are organised into squadrons but often operate independently of their squadron. Instead, they are often organized into individual units, the entirety of a fleet's support craft are organised into Support wings and attached directly to Stations rather than as part of a Group.
Naming
Naval vessels in the Commonwealth Navy are given the Prefix CNV (Commonwealth Naval vessel) which includes Marine assault transports. Auxiliary support vessels are given the prefix CNAV (Commonwealth Naval Auxiliary Vessel)
Names of vessels are allocated when a ship is built by a committee within the Department of ships. They are often given according to a theme for the class of ship, with the first ship in a particular class sharing the class name (I.e CNV Aetharch is an Aetharch class battleship) Names are often re-used, offering a new ship the rich heritage, battle honours and traditions of her predecessors. Each Vessel is also assigned a pennant number when built, denoting its type and number (ie CNV victory is a fleet carrier and given the Pennant number CV-01)
Ranks, rates, and insignia
The Commonwealth Navy ranks, rates and insignia form part of the uniform of the Commonwealth Navy.
Rank insignia is worn in a prominent place that allows for quick identification. In addition to their rank insignia, Enlisted personnel in the Commonwealth Navy include trade badges on the right sleeve to indicate the wearer's specific job. Trade badges include stars below the branch logo, indicating an individual's qualification within their branch. Leading rates show one star while petty officers show two etc.
Customs and traditions
Unit Badges
Ships, Squadrons, and Regiments all receive unique badges to distinguish them from each other. The Design of which often comes from the unit itself, with vetting from the Admiralty, and is based on past deeds, and often alludes to the unit's nickname.
Salute
The Commonwealth salute is common throughout the three branches of the Commonwealth Navy. It is carried out by bringing two fingers on the right hand to the forehead with the back of the fingers facing outwards. The salute originated when crewmen would wear heavy vac suits onboard vessels, to identify themselves they would switch on internal suit lights, or if safe, open the helmet visor, controls for which were on the forehead of the helmet. It was adopted as a sign of respect and soon spread to other military institutions as they formed on Idarast.
Gate crossing ceremony
The Gate crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person’s first journey through the Ftl gates. The Navy sanctioned the tradition, but restrictions have been placed on the rites to prevent severe hazing.
The ceremony is performed by the senior enlisted crewmen acting as members of Baldr and Vale's court. All those who have not crossed the gates before can be called before the court, irrespective of rank. The uninitiated are made to undergo various tasks and embarrassing ordeals to be deemed worthy of Baldr and Vale’s blessing.
After completing the ritual crewmen are often given some symbol of their newfound status, often this is unique to the ship they are serving on but usually consist of ship medallions or patches.