FROM THE TOWER!
Volume 2014, Issue 7
OFFICE OF THE MARSHAL OF THE ARMY
Soldiers of the Kingdom!
June has passed and we’re midway through July. What’s
happened to Summer? But fear not, my brothers and
sisters, the High Command has been busy in the Tower
with more new programs being discussed and
implemented.
We introduced “The Chiron House” - a scholastic honor
society for coursework taken at the King Roger I Military
Academy on 29 June and currently have 11 members.
This is an invitation only membership based on taking at
least four (4) exams at the KR1MA and scoring 100% on
two (2) or more. So make sure to enroll in the courses,
which also apply to promotional requirements.
The newest program will be “The Queen’s Club”, which is an all
Services club for officers from the Grand Alliance that have
taken required courses at KR1MA. Entry to the “Club” requires
Enlisted, Warrant and Officer coursework. And since our Officer
exams are currently in Beta testing, the program is on hold until
they are approved.
The Chiron House is aimed at all members of TRMN. The
Queen’s Club will be aimed primarily at the “military” members.
We hope that both will increase the presence of the RMA within TRMN.
As the Marshal of the Army, I am always looking for an opportunity to recruit new
members, and I am constantly welcoming new members to the TRMN Facebook
page from “King William’s Tower” and adding the “Wear the beret” poster. I’m not
shy about extoling the virtues and opportunities the RMA has to offer to new
member as well as old members. Recently I have heard a rumble of a grumble
that I’m “poaching” members. Well, first of all, it’s an improper use of the word as
I am not doing anything “illegal or unfair” when introducing new members to the
RMA. I don’t encourage current RMN/RMMC members to transfer; I simply
present the RMA and a “be all you can be” attitude. RMN/RMMC members come
over on their own because they recognize the vista of opportunities the RMA
provides. J
I do encourage each and everyone one of you to be equally active in your
recruiting. If you’re on Facebook, then share your adventures as a Soldier of the
Kingdom. We also have a number of great recruiting posters, and some new ones
coming up, that can be left at your local library or comic book/gaming stores.
And speaking of recruiting, we are actively recruiting for the Office of Deputy
Chief of Staff – Logistics (see below).
I also encourage and welcome ideas for where the RMA is heading and what we
can be doing differently or better. What do YOU want to see in your career in the
Royal Manticoran Army!
As always, my door is always open and until such time as I get more staff to
handle the various areas (HINT, HINT), I'm here to answer questions. And even
then, My door will always be open.
Finally, let me take this opportunity to remind everyone that at the end of October
you might consider going to HonorCon (http://www.honorcon.org/). The more
soldiers we have there the better!
Thanks again for being part of the adventure.
Lord Sir Rbt. J Jackson, KDE, MM
Marshal of the Army, RMA
The Right Honorable Baron of Karstadt Sea
"Ex Cathedra” - With Authority.
Fellow soldiers,
Another month has passed and now we are well into convention (and vacation)
season for much (but not all!) of our membership. There are a number of interesting
developments in the RMA to announce, as you will see in the Deputy Chiefs of Staff
reports later in the update.
I would like to take this opportunity to mention the issue of 'poaching'. That is,
there is an unwritten rule in tRMN that one is not supposed to attempt to convince
another member to leave his or her billet to join another ship/service/etc.
While I see the point of this (perhaps) when a RMN chapter member decides to
hive off her own chapter, it can cause trouble if that new chapter guts the membership
of an existing chapter to fill out its own ranks.
I do not believe that is what we are doing when we advertise to new tRMN
members - we have a serious disadvantage in recruiting as there is little in the
Honorverse books for people to get interested in. So, we have to make it known that we
exist or how can a potential new soldier even know that they have a choice? The
answer is: they cannot.
So, if we give new members access to information (and most of the RMA's
canonical information is on the tRMN website and _House of Steel_) then they can
decide if they want to be RMN, RMMC, RMA, GSN, IAN, et cetera.
The Marshal has advised me that should anyone outside the RMA have
concerns about recruiting methods, they should contact the Marshal himself with those
concerns.
In other news, Admiralty House had a large contingent at a convention in the
Third Battlegroup AO - the FLA, the First and Second Space Lords along with several
other high-ranking tRMN members were at CONvergence 2014 in the Twin Cities,
Minnesota (USA).
There before the assembled members of nine ships from seven US states I
announced the deployment of Bivouac FOX RIVER VALLEY and a commendation for
Captain Heather Selbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff - Operations.
I hope to be able to make many more such announcements in the future as you
all help us recruit and grow our membership. We are only about 1/10th the size of the
RMMC but we can catch up with your help. Get the word out and nothing will stop us!
You will definitely want to make plans for attending Manticon
(http://manticon.org/) in May of 2015 in Minneapolis, MN. That will be the location of our
annual meeting next year - the more soldiers we have there the better!
Keep up the good work!
Colonel Sir Kevin Horner, KDE
Chief of Staff, Royal Manticoran Army
“Labore et Honore” – “By Labor and Honor”
The last month in the Personnel office has been very busy with all the new members
that have joined us, all the promotions going on, Bivouacs starting up, and awards being
awarded. I would like to remind everyone to please keep the Personnel office up-to-date
on all the classes that you are taking so that we can add them to your personnel jacket
for promotion time. Lets get to all the good things that have been going on this month:
MEMBERSHIP
We welcome the following soldiers to the family:
Leo Rogers
Lana Rogers
Aaron Clark
Scott Taggart
Jeffrey Webb
We know it’s difficult to get fans interested in the RMA when the RMN has all of the
shiny things. But we have the unique opportunity to create or help create our own
history (or future) as well as other items that could be approved for canon. It’s a great
time to be in the RMA! The new recruiting materials were included in the last issue (and
a couple included with this issue). Let’s get out there and spread the work about TRMN,
and especially the RMA!
OPEN BILLETS
• Office of Deputy Chief of Staff - Logistics (Army Directive 04-1307 –
updating 05-1207)
• First Sergeant - HHC/1Bn/1RR of Foot (Army Directive 08-1301)
These are the open positions within the RMA and are listed on TRMN website
(trmn.org) as well as the Facebook page. It's your participation in the group that will help
it grow and be a viable part of TRMN. While we will always be the fictional red-headed
step children to the other services, that in no way means we aren't a vital part of this
organization. I encourage all of you to see what is available for open billets within the
RMA. If you're interested, let me know.
COMMENDATIONS/RECOGNITION
• Meritorious Service Medal--- Captain Heather Selbe, ODCSOPS; for her work
as Deputy Chief, Operations.
The TRMN Achievement and Service Awards; what is available and the
requirements for receiving them.
The TRMN commendation program was established by two Admiralty Orders;
• Achievement Awards - Updated (Admiralty Order 1006-05) and
• Service Awards - Updated (Admiralty Order 1006-06)
We’ll discuss the most basic and commonly issued commendations/awards from these
AOs. Both AOs are located on the TRMN site for further review –
http://www.trmn.org/portal/index.php/ldrship/orders/86-admiralty-orders/172-serviceawards-updated-admiralty-order-1006-06
http://www.trmn.org/portal/index.php/ldrship/orders/86-admiralty-orders/173achievement-awards-updated-admiralty-order-1006-05
Currently, there are no RMA ribbons, so we will discuss the RMN equivalent that may
be issued/authorized and worn on the appropriate uniform.
Space Services Deployment Ribbon:
This award is granted after your initial assignment to a Unit *and* your graduation from
your first Saganami Island or King Roger I Military Academy Course. There is no
subsequent issuance of this award as it can only be awarded once.
• Awarded by ODCSTRA
Armed Forces Service Medal:
This award is issued for having successfully completed the Basic Enlisted Course and
the Ensign Course at Saganami Island Academy or King Roger I Military Academy. This
award is only issued once both criteria are met and is only issued once. • Awarded by Sixth Space Lord or MOTA
Havenite War Campaign Medal:
This award is offered to those members who participate at a function of The Royal
Manticoran Navy, such as the annual meeting at Shore Leave. The key word here is
participation, not attendance. The Member must have done more than simply attend
(i.e., served on a panel, worked on the Security detail, etc.)
• Awarded by Unit CO or Higher
Masadan Occupation Medal:
This award is given to Members for participation on behalf of The Royal Manticoran
Navy at a function of another fan organization, such as the annual STARFLEET
International Conference or a Regional Summit. The key word here is participation,
not attendance. The Member must have done more than simply attend (i.e., served on
a panel, worked on the Security detail, etc.) Likewise, the Member must have attended
in their TRMN persona for the entire time.
• Awarded by Unit CO or Higher.
Silesian Anti-Piracy Campaign Medal:
This award is given to Members who have undertaken extreme or lengthy travel on
behalf of the TRMN. The two important criteria are “extreme or lengthy” and “on
behalf of the TRMN.” The former requires a judgment call by the Unit Commander. A
possible standard might be 5 hours travel time, for example. The latter is more exact:
Taking a long road trip to attend a convention with the other members of your chapter,
for example, does not qualify. Doing so because you are going to be presenting a class,
a demonstration or manning a recruiting table would qualify.
• Awarded by Unit CO or Higher
Prisoner of War Medal
This Medal is given to those who dedicate time to another organization. It is given to
members of The Royal Manticoran Navy for participation in events with other Science
Fiction oriented fan organizations, to include groups such as Maquis Forces
International, STARFLEET International, Colonial Defense Forces, etc. If the RMN
Member is also a member of the other organization, they *must* wear a distinctive RMN
item (RMN Patch, RMN Awards, RMN Rank) with their other uniform to qualify as a
“Prisoner of War”. Showing up to a meeting in your CDF uniform with your RMN Ship
Patch would qualify.
• Awarded by MOTA
These are the most frequent awards given. Other Service awards or Achievement
awards have higher and more stringent criteria.
PROMOTIONS
Private (PVT, E-1) Aaron Clark to Lance Corporal (LCPL, E-3)
Private (PVT, E-1) Scott M. Taggart to Lance Corporal (LCPL, E-3)
Private (PVT, E-1) Jeffrey A. Webb to Lance Corporal (LCPL, E-3)
Lance Corporal (LCPL, E-3) Leo Rogers to Major (MAJ, O-4)
Private First Class (PFC, E-2) Carol Jean Marchese to Lance Corporal (LCPL, E-3)
Promotions are awarded for "Time in Grade" (see Admiralty Order 1009-02) with
required course work at King Roger I Military Academy or SIA. It is also awarded for
taking command of a Ground Installation (such as a Bivouac). Remember to send Major
Stump the list of exams you have taken via SIA for inclusion of your record.
At this time we have no one who is eligible for promotion. But we have a lot of soldiers
that are eligible for promotion but do not meet the education requirements. I am not
going to repost the non-promotable list again due to the fact that it is taking up valuable
space in the newsletter that could be used to give out more information. The Personnel
Office would like to remind everyone to please make sure your Personnel jacket is upto-date and current so when promotion time comes around we can take care of you. If
you have any question about your personnel jacket or would just like to review it please
contact the Personnel office and we will get you taken care of.
APPOINTMENTS
Major Leo Rogers as Commandant, King Roger I Military Academy
If anyone has any questions about their records please feel free to me at [email protected]
Major John Stump, ODCSPER "Qui vult Can. Qui temptat, facit. Qui amat, vivit." (“Who wills, Can. Who tries, Does. Who loves, Lives.”) “Aut viam inveniam aut faciam” – “I shall either find a way or make one”
The ODCSTRA attended BAM (BuNine Annual Meeting) via digital communications for
all three days this month. Much of relevance was discussed over the last few days in
relation to the RMA and how it functions. In addition, I managed to submit
recommendations for Branch Insignia. The Creator (Tester praise him for you Grayson
types) has pretty much confirmed that our organizational template pretty much matches
his internal idea of how it should be done with the only exception being that he sees
each Deputy Chief of Staff position being the head of a Command that relates to our
special functional area. This isn't too far from what we've already got so we're doing
well. In addition, I almost managed to get a lock on where the main campus of the
KR1MA would reside (they were leaning toward Gryphon) but the Creator wanted more
time to think it over as there are apparently political issues with that choice.
BuNine, as a whole, has begun work on House of Lies which will feature more star
nations (like Haven) in the HonorVerse in the same way that House of Steel did and I
can't discuss what we're doing with that at the moment but, suffice to say, you all should
be looking forward to it.
As usual, we are still low on the priorities list as far as getting "canon" ideas into
circulation but I consider it a small victory that we have gotten as much as I have so far.
I now realize that I really need to form some sort of "suggestion box" for you all to send
me ideas to create/run by the BuNine people and I will work on that when I have time.
Go with honor!
Peter J. Gordon, MM CGM
Lieutenant Colonel
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training
Si vis Pacem Para Bellum – “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Several members are now it the process of creating new exams for beta testing, this
includes the COS, XO of the 1st of Foote, and LCPL Taggart.
TRAINING and this office is in discussion over several initiatives within our current
structure to help fill out some of the gaps in the RMA doctrine and equipment, such as
making Branch Instructors also the coordinators for equipment and doctrine working
groups within their given specialty areas.
Stay tuned, it’s going to get exciting!
Major Leo A. Rogers
Commandant, King Roger I Military Academy
Enlisted School
Very quiet month, only 8 exams taken amongst 7 students, although there have
been numerous others applied for, so in time, they too will submit their work for grading.
Warrant School
Two exams taken in the reporting period, although with the number of people
doing RMATs (see next section), there will hopefully be more. Technical School
Exams continue to be produced for Alpha and Beta-testing , plus some more look
to be ready for public assessment very soon, so if you completed Basic Combat
Engineer, keep an eye on your inbox.
We've had a number of students taking exams. In fact, with 6 students
completing a total of 14 exams, the RMATs have been the busiest of the lot.
Medical School
Officer School
The first three exams have been beta-tested and should be formatted soon
KR1MA wants you!
Despite all the progress being made, there is always more to be done. For those with
the desire and determination, exams need to be written and administered. If you want to
help us create the curriculum, email myself or MAJ Rogers.
Command Sergeant Major Sir Neil Swadling, KDE CGM
Instructor, King Roger I Military Academy.
====
Anyone interested in helping out the KR1MA staff on writing course exams is encourage
to contact MAJ Rogers directly - [email protected].
We encourage everyone to take the other courses through the TRMN Academies.
There is a lot of interesting and challenging coursework. So, send Major Stump
(ODCSPER) - [email protected] - your list of courses you have taken for our own
records and to enable a promotion board.
PREAMBLE
We, believing that military service is an
obligation of citizenship, and that the
greater opportunities afforded the men
and women of the Star Empire, for the
study of military science place upon them certain responsibilities as
citizens. Therefore, we do form this society and adopt this constitution in
order to unite in closer relationship the military branches of the Star
Empire of Manticore and members of the Grand Alliance; to preserve and
develop the essential qualities of good and efficient soldiers, spacers and
marines; to prepare ourselves as educated men and women to take a more
active part and to have greater influence in the military affairs of the
communities in which we may reside; and above all to spread intelligent
information concerning the military requirements of our Empire and the
Alliance.
MISSION
We are dedicated to developing all current military personnel that emulate
the Five Star qualities while fostering strong joint-service relationships. We
plan to provide a dynamic platform that will enable our new and current
military officers from different military branches the opportunity to
continue their development while improving their joint service education
and relationships.
VISION
Our members will redefine the standard of excellence for all military
personnel.
The Chiron House is the honor society of the King Roger I Military Academy. The
Chiron House recognizes excellence among peers, those who excel academically and
as leaders among their peers.
Membership is offered to those of the Grand Alliance who have taken a minimum of four
(4) exams in either the • Enlisted Schools (KR1MA-RMA-0001 through 0008),
• Technical Specialties Section (KR1MA-RMAT-02A through 019B), or
• Warrant Officer Schools (KR1MA-RMA-0011 through 14)
And achieved a score of 100% in two (2) of those exams.
The Chiron House also encourages its members to emulate the Five Star qualities:
Honor, Leadership, Professionalism, Officership, and Unity.
Current Members:
Robert J. Jackson, President Emeritus (RMA)
Peter J. Gordon, Commandant Emeritus (RMA)
Leo A. Rogers (RMA)
Patrick Devine (RMA)
Neil Swadling (RMA)
Alex Mackenzie (RMA)
George Grosskopf (RMA)
Scott A. Akers (RMN)
Mark A. West (RMN)
Wayne Burns (RMN)
Andrew Sivula (RMN)
Brian Harris (RMN)
“Virtute et armis” – “By courage and by arms”
This office is currently handling the explosive growth of Bivouacs! Three have been
formally formed as of this report (MISSISSIPPI, MUIR POINT, and SHORNCLIFFE),
under the command of LCPL Clark, Taggart and Webb.
Operations strongly encourages those who want to form Bivouacs to do so. You only
need one member, and can easily grow from there. If anyone has questions about the
process, please feel free to contact me.
I will be attending Shore Leave 36 and Otakon in August. At Shore Leave I will be
performing security, and helping at the TRMN booth, and will be in uniform with
information at various times at Otakon.
I have created an updated Bivouac request form to better organize the layout and
information required for establishment.
Captain Heather Selbe,
ODCSOPS
GROUND INSTALLATIONS (Army Directive 06-1303)
Bivouac TUDEV
68th RCT (South Australia), Seventh Battlegroup - V Planetary Command - Talbot
Quadrant (Australia).
LCPL Alex MacKenzie ([email protected])
JUN-JUL REPORT: Attendance at several meetings of Adelaide Live Action Swords
and Sorcery game and training nights. LCPL MacKenzie has been in attendance at
planning meetings as the Department Volunteer Coordinator for the Video Games
department for AVCON
Bivouac PEACHTREE
22nd RCT (Georgia), Fourth (Southeastern) Battlegroup - I (Manticore) Planetary
Command - Home System (US)
LCPL Kevin Mulkey ([email protected])
JUN-JUL REPORT: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac FIREHAWK
29th RCT (Iowa), Fifth (Central) Battlegroup - I (Manticore) Planetary
Command - Home System (US)
CPL James Hawk ([email protected])
JUN-JUL REPORT: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac FOX RIVER VALLEY
18th RCT (Wisconsin), Third (Great Lakes) Battlegroup – I (Manticore) Planetary
Command – Home System (US)
LCPL Lana Rogers ([email protected])
MAY-JUN Report: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac MISSISSIPPI
14th RCT (Wisconsin), Third (Great Lakes) Battlegroup – I (Manticore) Planetary
Command – Home System (US)
LCPL Aaron Clark ([email protected])
JUN-JUL Report: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac MUIR POINT
40th Regimental Combat Team, Sixth (Western) Battlegroup – I (Manticore)
Planetary Command, Home System (US)
LCPL Scott M. Taggart ([email protected])
JUN-JUL Report: Chapter established four days prior to report. I am currently working
on the tests for POW and Search for the academy, and am considering compiling tests
in SERE, Drop Certified (Planetary Insertion), and Pathfinder Ops. If nobody starts it
before I do, I'll do Recon Scout as well as I want to develop Muir Point as a scout school
and unit. Bivouac SHORNCLIFFE
37th Regimental Combat Team, Fifth (Central) Battlegroup – I (Manticore)
Planetary Command, Home System (US)
LCPL Jeffrey A. Webb ([email protected])
JUN-JUL Report: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
King William’s Tower
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Royal Regiment of Foote
1LT Patrick Devine ([email protected])
JUN-JUL Report: The XO requested authorization to start a
Washington State detachment of King William's Tower and received
permission. Five personnel hoped for. The XO plans on contacting all
members of the 1st with information pertaining to an online interaction
vector after coordinating with ODCSINT. The XO's efforts to set up a thematic online
Roleplaying environment with a development proposal first have been unfortunately
delayed.
Personnel completing exams this period:
• PVT Jeffrey Webb has completed KR1MA-RMA-0001 with a grade of 100.
• PVT Jeffrey Webb has completed KR1MA-RMA-0002 with a grade of 100.
PVT Webb has since been deployed to Bivouac ShornCliffe and promoted to Lance
Corporal. The 1st wishes him and two other members (LCPL Clark and LCPL Taggart),
much success in their deployments.
Current Roster:
Patrick Devine
Andrew Thetford
Kevin Greene
George Grosskopf
Carol Jean Marchese
James Ward
John McDonald
Brad Bowen
Johnny Joyner
John McCoy
David Dalton
Tina Marie Davis
David Caines
Jose Edelmiro Soto
Ted Dannemiller
Andrew Wang
John Irving
Derran Stanley
Dana Stump
First Lieutenant (XO)
Corporal
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
Private, First Class
Private, First Class
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
Private
UNIT FORMATIONS
1st Squad, 1st Platoon, HHC, 1st Battalion, 13th Light Infantry
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Royal Regiment of
Foote (Army Directive 08-1301)
ODCSOPS would like to remind and encourage any Regiment of the Foote member
that they can start a bivouac of their own! Bivouacs can be as small as a single
member, and simply requires you to submit a RMA Deployment Request form, available
through my office at [email protected] or from the Facebook page and on line
(www.trmn.org/DOCUMENTS/FORMS). Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions
about this!
Colonel of the Regiment (Army Directive 04-1401)
In an effort to establish a greater presence in the TRMN, the High Command
operationalized this program by Army Directive on 30 April 2014. This established a
new policy for the Landed Peers of the Realm to be recognized as a "Colonel of the
Regiment", if they so choose. This is a sinecure appointment in the Royal Manticoran
Army (Reserve) - a required “chain of command” authority for a Home Guard Regiment
assigned to their peerage lands.
History
In the Royal Manticoran Army, Colonels (both in rank and appointment) were originally
the owners and field commanders of infantry regiments, which evolved as tactical
entities of what would later be described as battalion size (in other words, a grouping of
infantry companies). These regiments were divided into three wings, with the Colonel,
and his two deputies (Lieutenant-Colonel and Major) commanding them. When the
regiment evolved as a single tactical formation of ten companies in the late 1600s and
early 1700s, the Lieutenant Colonel became the real commanding officer on the
battlefield, with the Colonel becoming more of a ceremonial and political position, whose
power was cut even further by various reforms in the mid-1700s. Despite becoming a
figurehead, the Colonel was usually one to have actually served in the regiment or had
some other, historic, connection to it.
Multiple-battalions did not evolved until the mid-1800s, and the "Colonel of the
Regiment" evolved into the titular head of these entities, often compared to families. In
the RMA these Regiments came to include several battalions of Reserve and Home
Guard units, and expanded tremendously during the First Havenite War.
Some of the historic duties associated with the title "Colonel of the Regiment" (to
distinguish it from the military rank of colonel) continue to be used in the modern RMA.
When attending functions as "Colonel of the Regiment", the titleholder wears the
regimental uniform with rank insignia of (full) colonel, regardless of their official rank. A
member of the Royal Family is known as a "Royal Colonel".
Function
The Colonel of the Regiment is expected to take an active interest in promoting the
welfare of his/her regiment, attending military policy conferences, ceremonies, and unit
celebrations.
Regulations
A Colonel of the Regiment may be appointed for:
•
•
Each Home Guard Regiment within the designated peerage lands of the
appointee.
Appointments as Colonel of the Regiment are usually restricted to Peers of the
Realm who have served as officers of the Manticoran Armed Services and
normally held the rank of colonel or above.
Tenure
The tenure of appointment of a Colonel of the Regiment is normally for the life of the
Peer, or the Peerage.
Terms of Reference
The terms of reference of a Colonel of the Regiment include:
• fostering esprit de corps throughout his regiment;
• advising PCHQ on
o matters of significance to his regiment
o the administration and disposition of regimental funds and properties
o regimental charities, organizations and memorials
• liaising between regimental units of the Front Line and Reserve Forces
• liaising with allied or affiliated formations, regiments and units
• advising military associations or unit commanders in order to maintain uniformity
in such matters as dress and custom within the regiment
Channels of Communication
A direct channel of communication is authorized between a Colonel of the Regiment
and Home Guard Adviser on matters falling within the terms of reference above.
A Colonel of the Regiment is also permitted to communicate with
• the Adjutant of his Commanding General regarding significant regimental
activities and exchange of birthday or similar greetings;
• commanders of commands, when appropriate; and
• The Theatre Command, when appropriate.
Visits
In the performance of his duties a Colonel of the Regiment is permitted to
• visit units of his regiment on appropriate occasions
• visit PCHQ for consultation with the Commanding General
• attend meetings of his regimental association Current Roster:
The Right Honorable Sir John Neitz, KR, GS
Commodore, RMN
Baron Westmarch
95th Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (Westmarch Rifles)
The Most Honorable Sir Scott Akers, KSK, KDE, KCR, SC
Fleet Admiral; First Space Lord, RMN
Earl of New Arkhangelsk
10th Gryphon Mountain Guards Regiment, Home Guard (New Arkhangelsk
Snow Leopards)
The Right Honorable Sir John Roberts, KDE, SC
Admiral of the Green, RMN
Baron New Mecklenburg
42nd Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (New Mecklenburg
Fusiliers)
The Home Guard (Army Directive 05-1401)
In an effort to establish a greater presence in the TRMN, and in conjunction with the
"Colonel of the Regiment" program, the High Command operationalized this program on
20 May 2014 by Army Directive. This established a policy for the Civilian members of
the Star Kingdom to serve their Home World and Crown outside their regular civilianbased duties.
The Home Guard is the third component of the Royal Manticoran Army (Front Line,
Ready Reserve, and Home Guard), that acts as a rapid mobilization force with a large
number of citizen-soldiers located across their home world. Service is voluntary and
unpaid, though members' loss of income from time taken off work, transport expenses
and other basic expenses are covered. Workshop and depot staff plus clerks and senior
officers are all paid.
Its top authority is the Home Guard Command, which is under dual management by a
military General and a civilian (usually a member of parliament). In times of crisis and
war the Planetary Command assumes command over the Home Guard.
Background and implementation
In the Beginning (1416 PD)
With its preformed Navy, there was little danger from pirates and therefore no
need for a standing Army. So, a basic constabulary was formed to protect the colony
from the usual dangers of civilization and unknowns of the planet.
After the Plague (1454 PD)
The need for more colonists (due to a recent plague) made it necessary to
increase the size of the constabulary and eventually militia units were formed.
The Planetary Guard is born (1471 PD)
With the establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy, the standing militia units
were converted into a larger organized format as Planetary Guard, where each planet in
the Manticore system had its own to provide for disaster relief, peacekeeping, and
planetary security. There was still no perceived need for a Kingdom-wide army.
Selected members of these Guard units were assigned to specifically protect the
new Monarch and became the first unit of the Monarch’s Own Regiment.
The Royal Army is born (1648 PD)
Formally established by King Roger Winton II, the Royal Manticoran Army was
the youngest of the Star Empire’s three military services. With the growing merchant
fleet and responsibilities of the Royal Manticoran Navy in the years following the first
transit of the Junction, the Star Kingdom began to look forward towards a military that
was capable of force projection in addition to its historical role of system security and
defense. The Royal Army was established as part of that initiative, merging the three
Planetary Guard forces into a single service and starting a research and Star Empire of
Manticore construction program to develop the equipment and doctrine to fight a major
ground war if required.
With the merging of the three Planetary Guards, the idea of a Home Guard for
each planet to provide the same duties as disaster relief, peacekeeping, and planetary
security. On 17 May the Home Guard achieved official legal status when the Privy
Council issued the Defense (Home Guard Volunteers) Order in Council, and orders
were issued from the Marshal’s Office to the newly established regular RMA Planetary
Command headquarters throughout the three home worlds explaining the status of
Home Guard units; volunteers would be divided into regiments organized from regions
and counties but would not be paid and leaders of units would not hold commissions or
have the power to command regular forces. Any regional governor or county LordLieutenant can call on the Guard at a moment’s notice.
The Home Guard Mission
Home Guard Soldiers serve both community and Kingdom. Their versatility
enables them to respond to domestic emergencies, reconstruction missions and more.
As members of their community, the Home Guard has close contact with civil society.
The enlisted and most officers are civilians on a daily basis, and there is also a formal
contact with civil society through that every district has a council where the civil society
organizations are represented. This cooperation is also on a world basis.
Main tasks
• Protecting people and key community features, including:
o Force Protection
o Withdrawal / rollover of pre-stored material
o Visits and allied training
o Securing the infrastructure, key personnel and material
o Monitoring and Control
o Support civil society to natural disasters and accidents, as well as search
for missing persons.
• Support for the regular military services and total defense in peace, crisis and
war.
The Citizen-Soldier
The primary area of operation for each Guard Soldier is the local Region and
County of their home world. While most able-bodied men and women volunteer for
active duty in the three main services, many stay behind, either by choice or due to
necessity of their civilian occupation.
Typically, Guard Soldiers live at home, where they can be near friends and family
while holding a civilian job. Drill is scheduled just one weekend each month. Two-week
Annual Training takes place once each year. Unlike their counterparts in the Ready
Reserve, members of the Home Guard have no liability for off-planet service.
Organization within TRMN
The Home Guard organization is divided into districts, which again is divided into
smaller units, typically covering a single County or Municipality. For purposes of TRMN,
civilian membership in the United States will be subdivided into the regional “districts”
(Northeastern, Atlantic, Great Lakes, Southeastern, Central, and Western). Other
geographic subdivision in the case of international Civilian members will be determined
as necessary.
Each of the Districts will be assigned Home Guard units numbered by state in the order
they entered the Union. In our example of the Manticore Planetary Command (MPC);
Northeastern District:
•
•
•
5th Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (Connecticut),
6th Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (Massachusetts),
23rd Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (Maine), etc.
For civilian members that want to “live” on Gryphon or Sphinx, then there would be the
same numbering sequence, but different unit designation.
•
•
5th Gryphon Mountain Guards Regiment, Home Guard (Connecticut), or
5th Sphinxian Grenadier Guards Regiment, Home Guard (Connecticut), etc.
Where the number for the unit has already been assigned to a Peerage unit, the next
number after 50 will be assigned. More descriptive names (see below) for the Home
Guard units may be determined by the members and submitted by the Officer
Commanding (OC) for approval by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations
(ODCSOPS).
Home Guard units of the Landed-Peers
Some of the Peers of the Realm have been appointed as “Colonel of the Regiment” for
the Home Guard units within their peerage. These currently include:
•
•
•
•
42nd Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (New Mecklenburg Fusiliers)
95th Manticoran Regiment of Foote, Home Guard (Westmarch Rifles)
10th Gryphon Mountain Guards Regiment, Home Guard (New Arkhangelsk Snow
Leopards)
6th Sphinxian Grenadier Guards Regiment, Home Guard (Karstadt Sea
Fencibles)
Equipment
Home Guard units are responsible for maintenance and operation of the equipment
transferred to them from the Logistics. With the exception of MBTs and Stingships,
Home Guard units have a level of equipment in vehicles and weapons similar to Front
Line units. All services in the RMA have the same personal weapons and equipment.
GUIDON
The guidons designated for Home Guard units follow the standard RMA guidon
dimensions: Swallow-tailed unit markers, having 20-inch hoist by a 27-inch fly, the
swallow-tail end forked l0 inches. Guidons shall be made of bunting cloth or nylon.
Design elements will appear on the opposite side as if printed through the material.
Letters and numerals will read from left to right on each side of the guidon. The letters
and numbers on guidons shall be 3 1/2 inches high. The RMA Emblem, consisting of a
Crown centered and superimposed over a crossed Spear and Missile, shall appear
proper on both sides.
OPEN
BILLET
“Nos sustineo” – “We sustain”
Re: Recruiting (Army Directive 01-1401. Updating 05-1207)
As of this date the Royal Manticoran Army is looking for a qualified member of the
Grand Alliance to serve as the RMA Deputy Chief of Staff-Logistics (ODCSLOG).
The ODCSLOG is responsible for:
* Overseeing all charitable activities undertaken by the RMA.
* Overseeing that RMA specific uniform insignia are available from the TRMN
Quartermaster (BuSUP).
* Working with BuSUP to establish new uniform insignia as decided by the High
Command.
The ODCSLOG is usually a Colonel (O-6) or lower. Rank will be assigned based on
time in grade, exam work and experience. While this position is open to all members of
the TRMN, the person chosen will be reassigned from their current Division to the Royal
Manticoran Army and King William’s Tower.
All applicants must be a member of TRMN in good standing. Letters of interest for this
position must be directed to this office. In the letter of interest please indicate which
positions, if any, are currently held within the Grand Alliance, and other fan
associations. Appointments will be made as warranted.
GUIDONS (Army Directive 07-1303)
No updates
UNIFORMS - (Army Directives: 07-1301 [Uniform of the Day - Updated], 07-1302 [Field
Dress Uniform {Class B} - Variant], 07-1304, 10-1302 {Service Dress Uniform {Class A}
- Variant].
With the above Army Directives, we have options on what to wear for events with a
TRMN presence (Conventions, gaming, charity events, etc). You can find these on the
TRMN website under ORDERS/Army Directives.
Field Dress Uniform (Class B) - Variant
Field Dress Uniform (Class B) - Variant
EQUIPMENT
No updates.
"Ad respondendum quaestioni" – “To answer the question”
My update is pretty small this month. I've been extremely busy with work and family
obligations for the past month. I've also been fighting with decisions about how to
proceed on many of the projects I would like to pursue, without doing a lot of
redundant work. I will be discussing this with the rest of the staff in the coming
weeks. My main concerns are that I avoid duplicating work that will have to be done
once the official Database project is launched.
I would however like to go ahead and request assistance with the design for
the RMA website. I'm very good at making things work, and programming, but I'm
very weak at the design side of things. I don't have full specs for what we'll need in
the near future yet, but I will be developing those requirements in my discussions
with staff. The basic requirements are something that uses the Army colors and
insignia, and resembles the main RMN website, to maintain the official design
standards.
1. RMA Website
o This will primarily be a place for branch specific news and articles, and
sites for individual bivouacs.
o The individual bivouac sites will feature membership details, including
ranks and awards. In the future, this will integrate tightly with the official
Database, but for now, we'll maintain the records internally.
o I plan to have a rough draft of the site design done by the end of June,
with some basic functionality for the main page. I may make more
progress than that, but it depends on too many factors.
2. RMA Chatrooms
o I've got some ideas for this, but haven't gone very far with it yet. My
current plans are that once I have the website project further along, I'll
integrate chatroom information into the bivouac pages, and automate the
setup.
3. Con Attendance
o I haven't heard of any cons other than the usual suspects (MantiCon /
HonorCon) that people are planning to be at in any numbers.
o I'd like to make one of the big cons next year, possibly with some kind of
uniform. Admittedly, this depends on budget and to be frank on whether
I've managed to get in better shape. I don't want to invest a lot of time or
money into a uniform until I've managed to drop a few dozen pounds.
4. RMN Coordination
o I've had a couple conversations with my counterpart in the Navy, and have
open channels. I've also made contact with the new local ship, and will be
attending their launch party in a few weeks, bringing along some offerings
of bratwurst to welcome them.
I think that about wraps it up. If anyone has anything that I should be aware of, please
make sure to contact me.
Captain Matthew Walker
RMA, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence
"Ad eas, Ut attingere" - "To inspire, to achieve"
The NCO corps continues to grow, as we have a couple of new Bivouacs to welcome.
So join me in greeting LCPLs Scott Taggart of Bivouac Muir Point and Aaron Clark of
Bivouac Mississippi.
I'd also like to take a moment to thank Corporal Jim Hawk for his tireless efforts in
promoting TRMN (and the RMA in particular).
Command Sergeant Major Sir Neil Swadling, KDE, CGM
Sergeant Major of the Royal Army
The Royal Manticoran Army
Combat Outposts
In any occupation mission, the first and most
important objective of our forces is to secure
the local population. That means RMA forces
have to be co-located with them. Given the
small numbers of troops we can commit at
any one time and place, this necessarily means only small units can be positioned in
most towns and villages, at most a company, but more commonly a reinforced
platoon. These forces are positioned in what are, in Army jargon, “Combat Outposts,”
or COPs. Ideally, COPs are located close enough to be mutually supporting, either by
fires or maneuver. Further, the small numbers of troops available to any COP means
the commander is faced with the challenge of sustaining a viable defense of the COP,
while also needed to get outside the “wall”.
There are two reasons he needs to go out. First, the force MUST engage the local
population. RMA forces must provide, and be SEEN to provide, physical security
against any insurgent forces, support the host nation civic institutions and security
forces, promote infrastructure development and generally “show the flag.” Further, RMA
forces have to patrol within their areas of influence to deny any remaining insurgent
forces safe havens, and provide early warning of any impending attacks on their
COP. On Masada, during the initial occupation, the COP was part of an “ink blot”
strategy in which a COP would first provide security for itself, then the immediate
surrounding area, then through the use of offensive patrolling and attacks on insurgent
hide positions, expand its region of security and influence. Obviously, the more terrain
you secure, the more troops you need.
Hunkering down in FOBs and COPs just isn’t an option. During the initial landing phase
on Masada, our ground forces often didn’t have the manpower to get out among the
population to the degree needed to establish control over any area greater than their
compound. Eventually, unit commanders were assigned enough manpower to both
establish an interlocking network of COPs, and the forces to operate outside the wall to
provide security to neighborhoods, villages, towns and entire cities.
For the past 20 years, the Kingdom’s Occupational Policy on Masada has relaxed, so
similar, though not identical, circumstances are in effect today. There are still combat
outposts scattered near the isolated areas which are occupied by RMA forces. While
any Pure in Faith insurgent forces have little chance of defeating RMA troop units on a
large scale, that doesn’t mean that they cannot conceivably mass sufficient forces to
defeat a platoon COP. Militarily, the destruction of one RMA platoon doesn’t mean
much. The Pure in Faith would not be able to retain the position, and would be exposed
to destruction. But that isn’t their objective, is it? The blow to the Kingdom’s
Occupational Doctrine and any domestic political support from Parliament for operations
there would be worth almost any price the Pure in Faith paid. The secondary effect of
showing the local population that the RMA was unable to guarantee their security would
be an added bonus.
The Royal Manticoran Army’s capstone doctrine, foresees a future battlefield where
combat will take place across a spectrum from low-level civil disturbances, to small
scale insurgency, to mid-intensity conflict, all simultaneously in a single theater. As
such, it is almost inevitable that any future theater the RMA deploys to will see
distributed operations that include numbers of small troop formations establishing
COPs.
While most of the proposed solutions to the tactical problems described are technical,
the fact is, the answer is, as always, in leadership and training. Small unit leaders such
as platoon leaders must be trained and capable of applying METT-TC (Mission, Enemy,
Terrain, Troops available, Time, and Civilian considerations) analysis and implementing
troop leadership procedures to prepare for operations in remote locations in which
supporting ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets, fire support, and
reinforcement from other units may not be close at hand. Leaders at company,
battalion, and Regimental level have to be aware of the difficulties they are imposing on
these small detachments. They have to have a plan in place to support them. In fact,
they’d better have a strong plan in place to determine whether establishing a COP at a
given location at a given time is a wise use of their limited resources, or whether
operations elsewhere should be used first to facilitate follow-on operations with a
greater chance of success.