Armed Forces of the Commonwealth

Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Fiannria
Founded	1804
Service branches	Army of the Commonwealth Naval Service of the Commonwealth Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force Unified Strategic Defense Force
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief	President of the Commonwealth of Fiannria
Manpower
Military age	18, Volunteer basis; conscription in wartime only
Conscription	In times of national emergency
Expenditures
Budget	$818 billion (2024)
Percent of GDP	3.5% (2024)

The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Fiannria are the military forces responsible for defending the Commonwealth of Fiannria, securing its interests, and upholding its sovereignty. Established in 1804, they consist of four primary branches: the Army of the Commonwealth, the Naval Service of the Commonwealth (including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Interior Seas Force), the Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force, and the Unified Strategic Defense Force. The Armed Forces operate under the civilian leadership of the President of the Commonwealth, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief.

The Commonwealth Armed Forces are a voluntary force, though conscription can be enacted in times of national emergency, though this has not been utilized since the Operation Kipling era. As of 2024, Fiannria allocates approximately $818 billion to its defense budget, about 3.5% of its GDP. Fiannria is also an active member of the Levantine Union Defense Council and maintains numerous overseas bases in allied nations.

Mission

The mission of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth is to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Fiannria, to defend against external threats, and to support allied nations through joint operations and peacekeeping efforts.

Organization

The Fiannrian Armed Forces are divided into four uniformed branches:

1. Army of the Commonwealth
2. Naval Service of the Commonwealth
   • Navy of the Commonwealth
   • Commonwealth Marine Corps
   • Interior Seas Force of the Commonwealth
3. Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force
4. Unified Strategic Defense Force

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History

The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Fiannria trace their origins to the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Commonwealth in 1804, following the turbulent Fiannan Brother's War. Over its history, the military has been at the center of Fiannria's national defense, foreign interventions, and alliances. From its early engagements in the Kin Wars to its modern peacekeeping operations, the Armed Forces have evolved into a professional force with a global presence.

Early 19th Century: The Kin Wars

The Kin Wars were a defining series of conflicts between Fiannria and Faneria. These wars shaped Fiannria's early military identity and territorial boundaries.

• The Third Kin War (1820s): The Third Kin War was a brutal conflict that ended in defeat for Fiannria. The loss resulted in significant territorial concessions in the subsequent peace treaty. The war exposed weaknesses in the early Commonwealth's military structure and underscored the need for the modernization and industrialization efforts that consumed the country for the next few decades.
• The Fourth Kin War (1880s): The Fourth Kin War marked a resurgence for Fiannria, as its forces decisively reclaimed previously lost territory and expanded beyond it. The quick and decisive victory demonstrated the Armed Forces' improved organization and capability, solidifying Fiannria's regional position following its capture of the Fanerian monarch.
• The Fifth Kin War (1930s–1940s): The Fifth Kin War occurred during the global conflict of the Second Great War in Ixnay. Fiannria's involvement was marked by fierce fighting and eventual nominal victory, with a peace treaty that favored Fiannria's strategic interests. This war marked the conclusion of the Kin Wars and initiated a period of détente with Faneria.

19th and Early 20th Century: Foreign Interventions

During this period, Fiannria participated to some degree in Audonian Liberation Wars and the Barbary Wars. These conflicts reflected Fiannria's growing military ambition and its willingness to project power abroad. The Armed Forces honed their skills in expeditionary warfare, gaining experience in diverse operational environments.

Mid-20th Century: Operation Kipling and the Cold War Era

Following the Fifth Kin War, Fiannria shifted its military focus to combating the spread of communism during the Cold War. As part of Operation Kipling, Fiannria supported counterinsurgency efforts against communist movements in Audonia, often working in conjunction with allied forces. These campaigns while largely considered successful, harmed the Fiannran outlook and willingness to intervene abroad, impacts that still affect the Commonwealth's political psyche today.

Late 20th and Early 21st Century: Modern Conflicts

In recent decades, Fiannria has taken on a more active role in international peacekeeping and coalition operations.

• Intervention in Soirwind: Fiannan forces were involved in the intervention in Soirwind, aimed at stabilizing the region amidst political the political crisis that consumed the state in the mid 1990s.
• Peacekeeping in Varshan: Fiannria has supported League of Nations and Levantine Union efforts in Varshan, contributing troops and resources to peacekeeping missions.
• Ongoing Operations in Audonia: Fiannria remains engaged in combatting insurgencies in Audonia, continuing its historical involvement in the region's conflicts.

Contemporary Role

Today, the Armed Forces of Fiannria are a professional, volunteer force with a global presence. They maintain alliances through organizations like the Levantine Union Defense Council and play an active role in collective security arrangements. Modernization efforts and overseas deployments have positioned the Fiannan military as a key player in regional and international security.

Leadership and Command Structure

The President of the Commonwealth serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Fiannrian Armed Forces, exercising supreme authority over military operations. The President appoints senior military leaders and collaborates closely with the Department of Defense and the Department of Home Affairs to shape defense policy, national security, and military strategy.

Key Leadership Roles

• President of the Commonwealth
  • Role: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Directs military operations and national defense strategy.
    • Appoints senior military leaders, including the Minister of Defense, Chiefs of Staff, and other key officials.
    • Oversees the broader national security framework.
• Secretary of Defense
  • Role: The top civilian official in the Department of Defense.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Manages military budgets, strategic policies, and interagency coordination.
    • Advises the President on military readiness and operations.
    • Provides civilian oversight of the Armed Forces.
• Secretary of Home Affairs
  • Role: Oversees the Department of Home Affairs, which supports domestic security, emergency response, and intergovernmental coordination.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Liaises with the Armed Forces on matters of homeland defense, counterterrorism, and civil-military disaster response.
    • Coordinates efforts between military and civilian agencies during national emergencies.
    • Plays a crucial role in mobilizing the National Reserve during wartime or crises.
• Chiefs of Staff
  • Senior leaders of each branch of the Armed Forces:
    • Chief of the General Staff (Army)
    • Chief of Naval Operations (Naval Service)
    • Chief of the Commonwealth Air Force (Air Force)
    • Chief of the Unified Strategic Defense Force (USDF)
  • Responsibilities:
    • Serve as primary military advisors to the President and Minister of Defense.
    • Plan and oversee branch-specific training, readiness, and operations.
    • Coordinate inter-branch strategies and execution of national defense objectives.
• Adjutant General
  • Role: Senior official responsible for overseeing the National Reserve Forces and personnel management across all branches of the Armed Forces.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Manages recruitment, mobilization, and training of reserve forces.
    • Oversees veteran programs and benefits.
    • Advises the Minister of Defense on matters related to personnel and reserve readiness.
• Chairperson of the Joint Defense Council
  • Role: Senior military leader responsible for inter-branch coordination.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Ensures collaboration between the Chiefs of Staff and civilian leadership.
    • Oversees joint operations and multi-branch military campaigns.

Branches of the Armed Forces

Army of the Commonwealth

The Army of the Commonwealth serves as the primary land-based military force of Fiannria. Its mission encompasses homeland defense, expeditionary operations, and international peacekeeping, ensuring both the security of Fiannria's borders and its interests abroad. Organized into multiple divisions with specialized capabilities, the Army is built to adapt to a wide variety of combat scenarios.

Mission and Responsibilities

• Homeland Defense: Protects Fiannria’s borders and critical infrastructure, including rapid deployment to prevent incursions.
• Expeditionary Operations: Conducts peacekeeping, counterinsurgency, and allied operations abroad.
• Support to Civil Authorities: Assists during domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
• Global Engagement: Actively participates in multinational coalitions and League of Nations missions to maintain global stability.

Organizational Structure

The Army of the Commonwealth is organized into a hierarchy of divisions, brigade combat teams, and specialized units. Its structure reflects both strategic and tactical priorities, emphasizing flexibility, readiness, and the ability to respond to threats at home and abroad.

Divisional Overview

The Army is divided into several key divisions, each with unique roles and capabilities:

1. 1st Infantry Division: ‘The Grenadiers’
   • Units:
     • 1st Jaeger Brigade
     • 2nd Jaeger Brigade
     • 1st Motorized Brigade
2. 1st Cavalry Division: ‘The Cavaliers’
   • Units:
     • 1st Mechanized Brigade: ‘Lancers’
     • 2nd Mechanized Brigade
     • 3rd Jaeger Brigade
3. 2nd Infantry Division: ‘Vanguards of the Commonwealth’
   • Units:
     • 4th Jaeger Brigade
     • 5th Jaeger Brigade
     • 2nd Motorized Brigade
4. 2nd Cavalry Division: ‘The Dragoons’
   • Units:
     • 3rd Mechanized Brigade
     • 4th Mechanized Brigade
     • 6th Jaeger Brigade
5. 1st Highlanders Division
   • Specialized in mountain warfare and air assault operations, with elite units capable of rapid deployment.
   • Units:
     • 1st Highlander Brigade: ‘Highland Guard’ (Air Assault)
     • 2nd Highlander Brigade: ‘Skyhoppers’ (Airborne)
6. 1st Janissary Division
   • Represents the volunteer and auxiliary forces, often deployed in support of Commonwealth operations abroad.
   • Units:
     • 1st Janissary Brigade
     • 1st Ulan Brigade
     • 2nd Janissary Brigade

Corps-Level Commands

• LUDC Corps (Levantine Union Defense Command): The backbone of Fiannria’s defensive strategy, focusing on mechanized and infantry capabilities for operations in the Northern Corridor. Key units include:
  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mechanized Brigades
  • 1st and 6th Jaeger Brigades
  • 1st Highlander Brigade
• Global Defense Corps: Dedicated to expeditionary and peacekeeping operations, leveraging motorized and light infantry for maximum mobility. Key units include:
  • 1st and 2nd Motorized Brigades
  • 2nd and 5th Jaeger Brigades
  • 2nd Highlander Brigade
• Audonian Volunteer Corps: A specialized formation supporting operations in Audonia, including counterinsurgency missions and regional stabilization efforts. Key units include:
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Janissary Brigades

Capabilities and Doctrine

The Army of the Commonwealth emphasizes a blend of mobility, versatility, and resilience to address a wide range of threats. Its doctrine is shaped by the challenges of defending Fiannria’s rugged terrain while maintaining the ability to project power abroad.

Strategic Deployment

The Army maintains a balanced distribution of forces, ensuring both homeland security and readiness for overseas operations:

• Domestic Forces: Approximately 9 brigades remain stationed within Fiannria, providing defense, training, and civil support.
• Overseas Forces: 5 brigades are deployed in strategically important regions, particularly in Audonia.

The Overseas Corps Headquarters, stationed in Soirwind, oversees international operations, symbolizing Fiannria’s continued commitment to global security. Combat brigades rotate through Audonian states that request the support or are vital to Fiannan interests.

Recent Operations

• Kin Wars: Played a pivotal role in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Kin Wars, with a legacy of resilience and strategic innovation.
• Operation Kipling: Counterinsurgency campaigns in Audonia, providing support to allied nations and stabilizing the region.
• Soirwind Intervention: Deployed as part of a multinational coalition to address regional instability.
• Varshan Peacekeeping: Supported League of Nations efforts to maintain peace and rebuild war-torn areas.

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Naval Service of the Commonwealth

The Naval Service of the Commonwealth is composed of three divisions:

• Navy of the Commonwealth: The main naval force tasked with protecting maritime borders and ensuring the security of sea routes.
• Commonwealth Marine Corps: An amphibious force specializing in rapid response, coastal defense, and expeditionary warfare.
• Interior Seas Force of the Commonwealth: A smaller maritime force responsible for inland waterways and territorial seas within Fiannria.

Further details on each division’s capabilities, fleet composition, and areas of operation here

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Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force

The Fiannan Commonwealth Air Force (FCAF) provides air and space capabilities, securing Fiannria’s airspace, conducting reconnaissance, and supporting other branches in combat operations.

Further details on types of aircraft, mission types, and specific air force units here

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Unified Strategic Defense Force

The Unified Strategic Defense Force (USDF) is a specialized branch of the Fiannrian Armed Forces, tasked with managing cutting-edge operations that protect national security in cyberspace, outer space, and against advanced and unconventional threats. The USDF also serves as the custodian of Fiannria's strategic nuclear deterrents and missile defense systems, playing a vital role in maintaining peace and deterring aggression.

Mission and Responsibilities

The USDF’s core responsibilities include:

• Cybersecurity and Cyber Operations:
  • Defending Fiannria's critical infrastructure and military networks from cyberattacks.
  • Conducting offensive cyber operations to counter adversaries and protect Fiannria’s national interests.
• Missile Defense Systems:
  • Operating advanced missile defense networks to neutralize potential threats from ballistic and cruise missiles.
• Space Operations:
  • Managing Fiannria’s military satellite network for reconnaissance, communication, and navigation.
  • Conducting space-based operations, including monitoring and neutralizing potential threats in orbit.
• Strategic Nuclear Deterrents:
  • Maintaining and securing Fiannria’s strategic nuclear arsenal.
  • Ensuring readiness and operability of delivery systems, including missile silos, submarines, and bombers.

Organizational Structure

The USDF operates under a centralized command, with specific subdivisions managing its diverse responsibilities:

1. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM):
   • Responsible for network defense, cyber intelligence, and offensive cyber capabilities.
2. Missile Defense Command (MDC):
   • Oversees ground-based and sea-based missile defense systems.
3. Space Command (SPACECOM):
   • Focuses on space situational awareness, satellite management, and space-based reconnaissance.
4. Strategic Deterrence Command (STRATCOM):
   • Manages the operational readiness of Fiannria’s nuclear deterrent forces.

Key Facilities

The USDF maintains state-of-the-art facilities across Fiannria:

1. Cybersecurity Operations Centers:
2. Missile Defense Installations
3. Space Operations Headquarters
4. Strategic Deterrence Bases

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Capabilities and Assets

• Cyber Capabilities:
  • Advanced artificial intelligence-driven threat detection systems.
  • Offensive tools capable of disrupting enemy communications and infrastructure.
• Missile Defense Assets:
  • A combination of ground-based interceptors and sea-based missile defense systems.
  • Integration with radar and early-warning systems.
• Space Assets:
  • A constellation of reconnaissance satellites providing real-time intelligence.
  • Secure satellite communications for the military and government.
• Strategic Nuclear Arsenal:
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.

Budget

In 2024, Fiannria allocated approximately $818 billion USD to defense, amounting to 3.5% of GDP. This funding supports modernization efforts, personnel training, operational readiness, and the expansion of technological capabilities.

Potential elaboration on budget breakdown by branch or major project allocations

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Personnel and Recruitment

The Fiannrian Armed Forces operate on a volunteer basis, although conscription remains an option in times of national emergency. Currently, there has not been a conscription since the Operation Kipling era.

Further details on recruitment programs, demographics, or any significant policies related to personnel management

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Equipment and Technology

Fiannria’s Armed Forces are equipped with a range of modern and sophisticated weapons, vehicles, and technology to meet the demands of contemporary warfare. This includes:

• Advanced aircraft and naval vessels for the Navy and Air Force.
• Cyber defense infrastructure managed by the USDF.
• Armored vehicles, artillery, and missile defense systems for the Army.

Further elaboration on major equipment, technological innovations, or R&D initiatives

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Bases and Facilities

The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth maintain an extensive network of domestic and overseas bases, including:

• Domestic Bases: Located strategically across Fiannria, these bases support homeland defense and rapid mobilization.
• Overseas Bases: Fiannria maintains bases in allied territories, such as Soirwind, as well as various foreign expeditionary bases to project power and support global missions.

Potential list of major bases, functions, and any notable alliances or host country arrangements

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International Cooperation

Fiannria is an active member of the Levantine Union Defense Council and collaborates closely with allied nations on defense and security matters. The Commonwealth Armed Forces participate in joint military exercises, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian missions worldwide.

Further elaboration on international engagements, partnerships, and recent joint operations

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Modernization and Future Objectives

The Armed Forces of the Commonwealth are engaged in a continuous modernization program to enhance their capabilities. This includes investment in cyber warfare, unmanned systems, advanced weaponry, and sustainable practices within military infrastructure.

Further elaboration on future plans, strategic goals, or new technologies being adopted by the Armed Forces

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Notable Operations and Conflicts

Section detailing major military operations, conflicts, or campaigns in which the Armed Forces of Fiannria have participated throughout history. This could include both domestic and international engagements, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian interventions.

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See Also

• Levantine Union Defense Council
• History of Fiannrian Warfare
• Fiannria Department of Defense
• President of the Commonwealth