Commonwealth Navy: Difference between revisions

{{NavyInfobox

|title=The Commonwealth Navy

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|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 [[Assembled Commonwealth #The_Assembly|Assembly]].

 

* 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.

 

== Navy Today ==

=== 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 [[Assembled Commonwealth#National Service|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.

 

[[File:CommonwealthNavy.png|thumb]]

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 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.

 

 

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| 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.

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| 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.

| 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.

|}

[[File:CommonwealthMarines.png|thumb]]

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.

 

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.

 

[[File:CommonwealthNavyAviationCorps.png|thumb]]

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.

 

 

===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 [[Idarast#Ankon|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.

 

 

====Naval training====

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.

 

 

====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.

 

 

====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.

 

 

===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.

 

 

===Commonwealth Navy Facilities and Bases===

The Commonwealth Navy maintains dozens of facilities throughout Commonwealth space, both planetary-based and orbital bases. The following are some of the most important.

 

'''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.

 

 

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 [[Assembled Commonwealth #The_Assembly|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.

 

 

===Admiralty Naval staff===

====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.

 

====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.

 

 

====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.

 

 

====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

 

====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 Navy===

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

===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.

 

 

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====

 

While on operation the Provosts have several roles and responsibilities such as

* War crime investigations

* Handling and collating criminal evidence

* 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:<br>

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

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SRG (Special Reconnaissance Group):<br>

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.

 

====Structure====

The table below details how units within the Commonwealth Marine Corps are structured, although there can be considerable variation between individual units:

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Contains

| 3 brigades

|2 battalions

|5 companies

 

==Ranks, rates, and insignia==

The Commonwealth Navy ranks, rates and insignia form part of the uniform of the Commonwealth Navy.

[[File:Commonwealth Ranks.png|thumb|center

|500px]]

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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.