- the Royal Manticoran Navy!

FROM THE TOWER!
Volume 2014, Issue 10
OFFICE OF THE MARSHAL OF THE ARMY
Soldiers of the Kingdom!
October, and HonorCon is just around the corner. Are
you ready? The High Command will be in nearly full
attendance, with three panels to entertain, and hopefully
educate the less fortunate about being a Chosen of the
Creator!
The first panel is on Friday @ 1600-1700 (Room E), titled “Meet the High
Command”. That is your opportunity to meet your fellow Soldiers who have the
responsibility to keep the RMA running smoothly and efficiently, so that you can
get the most enjoyment out of your duty to Kingdom and Crown.
The second panel is on Saturday @ 1100 – Noon (Room E), titled “The Lonely
Outpost – Deploying to a Ground Installation.” This panel will explain what a
Ground Installation is, and the procedures for starting one and deploying to
same.
The third panel is on Sunday @1000 – 1100 (Room E), titled “A Soldier of the
Kingdom – Your Career in the Royal Manticoran Army”. This panel will discuss
the various opportunities in the RMA, as well as the how that MOS falls within the
framework of the organization.
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!
We also have a number of new recruiting posters coming up and some great ones
already in the “library” that can be left at your local library or comic book/gaming
stores. I strongly encourage each and everyone one of you to be active in your
recruiting. If you’re on Facebook, then share your adventures as a Soldier of the
Kingdom. To that end, we have also coined a new catch phrase:
“DO MORE, BE MORE”
Feel free to use this catch phrase in any of your FB posts or other
communications. You’ll be seeing it more on the new posters as they are
approved and come online. Let’s get out there and spread the work about TRMN,
and especially the RMA!
And speaking of recruiting, we are actively recruiting for the Office of Deputy
Chief of Staff – Intelligence (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.
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
“FROM THE TOWER” is the monthly newsletter of the Roy al Manticoran Army (A
Division of The Royal Manticoran Navy: The Official Honor Harrington Fan Association, Inc.).
Naturally, all graphic images and logos are copyrighted by the RMA and TRMN. All other
materials associated with the Honor Harrington Universe is the property of the Creator – David
Weber – and BuNINE.
"Ex Cathedra” - With Authority.
Fellow Soldiers of the Kingdom,
October means different things to different people but for us it means more conventions
and more activity in our units.
We have a new Deputy Chief of Logistics to be announced, reports of excellent work in
Texas (and elsewhere, of course), and more to let you know about this month.
I would like to invite everyone in range of Raleigh, NC to go to HonorCon from 10/1-10/2
(http://www.honorcon.org/). The High Command will be there - the seven of us should
make an impression among the less enlightened members of Her Majesty's subjects.
We will be on panels and helping out in general so any of our other soldiers who make it
should have no problems finding at least one of us around the convention.
MantiCon is also a convention to put on your calendar - May 22-24 in Bloomington, MN
(http://manticon.org/). Like HonorCon, MantiCon is run and staffed by TRMN members.
Though both conventions will of course non-TRMN members (and lots of them!) both
conventions going forward will need your help in supporting them as attendees and to
help staff them. If these two conventions are successful going forward there may well be
TRMN-run conventions in other parts of the US in the future - perhaps someday we will
see an Australian, UK, or German convention run by the organization?
In service,
Colonel Sir Kevin Horner, KDE
Chief of Staff, Royal Manticoran Army
“Labore et Honore” – “By Labor and Honor”
Hello one and all,
This month has actually been a very quiet month for the Personnel Office. In the office
the biggest thing that we have going on right now is starting to get everything packed up
and having uniform inspections to make sure everything ready for HonorCon at the end
of October. The Personnel office will be present at HonorCon and will also have all the
personnel records there, so if anyone has any questions about your file this would be a
great time to be able to do it face-to-face. The personnel office will also be working with
the Operations Office at HonorCon to help anyone that would like to set-up an
installation. Well with that all said lets get down to the important stuff.
NEW PEOPLE – At this time we have had no new enlistees since last report.
OPEN BILLETS
•
•
•
Office of Deputy Chief of Staff - Intelligence (Army Directive 01-1401)
Executive Officer – HHC/1BN/1RR of Foote (Army Directive 09-1401)
First Sergeant - HHC/1Bn/1RR of Foote (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.
BILLETS - We have had some shifting around in the last month so some new people
have moved into offices and others have stepped down:
• 1st Lt. Patrick Devine has taken a commission in the RMN as the XO of the
HMS Andromeda, BC-571 with the rank of Commander (O-5)and since the RMN
is now his primary service he is now considered RMA(r).
COMMENDATIONS/RECOGNITION - This month was quiet in the awards
department but I am hearing rumors that there are going to be a lot awarded at
HonorCon so stay tuned
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 physical RMA ribbons, so we will discuss the RMN equivalent
that may be issued/authorized and worn on the appropriate uniform.
Space Services Deployment Ribbon (Army Space Duty 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 - This month I have no promotions to report since at this time
we have no one that has reached Time-in-Grade (TIG) and the education
requirements. At this time we have 90%of the RMA enlisted that are eligible for
promotion if they would only take the exams. So please remember to take you
exams and make sure that they are reported to the Personnel Office so that they
are included in your file for promotion.
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
ODCSPER 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 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 up-to-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
If anyone has any questions about their records please feel free to me at [email protected]
Major John Stump, Deputy Chief of Staff – Personnel Command "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 DCSTRA has been out in the field since the last report, observing and participating
in new training protocols, and had no report for this edition (CoSRMA)
Go with honor!
Peter J. Gordon, MM CGM
Lieutenant Colonel
Deputy Chief of Staff – Training Command
Si vis Pacem Para Bellum – “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
DETERMINATION
You can see it on a good person’s face.
When you come face to face with them, you
know they are unlike any other. They are
bold, daring. They believe in themselves and
thrive on challenges.
They are determined.
They are Soldiers of the Kingdom!
NEWS FROM THE COMMANDANT’S DESK
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.
Major Leo A. Rogers
Commandant, King Roger I Military Academy
====
Enlisted School
19 exams taken
Warrant School
4 exams taken
Technical School
0 exams taken
Medical School
In Beta testing
Officer School
In Beta Testing
KR1MA wants you!
Another quiet month at the academy, seeing only 23 mainline exams and 8 technical
exams being graded. Hopefully HonorCon will see an uptick in students seeking exams.
Grading duties for the Infantry and Engineering schools have been officially handed
over to Scott Taggart and John Stump respectively, so the workload is being spread
around a bit more than it used to be.
For those unable to do exams at home, it is possible to get tested in person at
conventions or chapter meetings (visit the TRMN website and search for the Remote
Training Institute for more information).
We encourage everyone to take the other courses through the TRMN Academies.
There is a lot of interesting and challenging coursework. So ODCSPER [email protected] - your list of courses you have taken for our own records and to
enable a promotion board.
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 directly [email protected]
Command Sergeant Major Sir Neil Swadling, KDE, CGM
Senior Instructor, King Roger I Military Academy.
====
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)
Christopher Fells (GSN)
George Grosskopf (RMA)
Scott A. Akers (RMN)
Mark A. West (GSN)
Wayne Burns (RMN)
Andrew Sivula (RMN)
Brian Harris (RMN)
Carol Marchese (RMA)
Andrew Sivula (RMN)
Patrick McKinnion (RMN)
Scott Taggart (RMA)
Michael Paquette (RMN)
Jeffrey Webb (RMA)
Justin Twohy (RMN)
Anne Zecca (GSM)
Bobby Dean (RMA)
Mark Gledhill (RMN)
Eric Stolle (RMA)
Quinn Bratteng (RMA)
Edward Wandall (RMN)
Hal Vaughan (RMN)
Alvin Kimble (RMN)
“Virtute et armis” – “By courage and by arms”
No new Bivouac Requests this month. Operations will be bringing a laptop to HonorCon
to allow interested parties to sign up for a Bivouac on the spot.
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 have created an updated Bivouac request form to better organize the layout and
information required for establishment.
Captain Heather Selbe,
Deputy Chief of Staff – Operations Command
GROUND INSTALLATIONS (Army Directive 06-1303)
Barracks SHORNCLIFFE
37th Regimental Combat Team, Fifth (Central) Battlegroup – I (Manticore) Planetary
Command, Home System (US)
PSGT Bobby Dean
• 1st Platoon/HHC/1BN/342AIR
o 2LT Jeffrey A. Webb([email protected])
SEPT-OCT REPORT: ONGOING – Shorncliffe Personnel are working to raise money
for Extra Life, with the event taking place on 25 October. We have currently raised
pledges of $312 out of the $500 goal for the location at which we will play- Dragon’s Lair
Comics and Games. We are going to attempt to complete the location’s entire goal of
$500 in the next ten days.
10 October 2015 – PT Night.
4 October 2015 – Drill Day. Shorncliffe personnel began their day at 0900 at Cypress
Creek Campus. Classroom I covered using genre-specific lingo to create immersion in
roleplaying games. Classroom II covered the FATE roleplaying system. After lunch,
2LT Webb ran a FATE game, PVT Covarrubias ran a Star Wars game, and PVT Walker
ran an Axis and Allies board game. After official dismiss at 1800, the majority of the
membership returned to The Ogre and gamed until after midnight with more FATE.
3 October 2015 – PT Night.
29 September 2015 – Staff Meeting. Shorncliffe personnel met to plan out the 4
October drill day. Discussed our running STARFLEET Region 3’s Game Day on 8
November 2014. Will be wearing RMA livery at that event as available.
26 September 2015 – PT Night.
23 September 2015 – Shorncliffe Personnel went to Flix Brewhouse to see Raiders of
the Lost Ark on the big screen.
19 September 2015 – PT Night.
Bivouac TUDEV
68th RCT (South Australia), Seventh Battlegroup - V Planetary Command - Talbot
Quadrant (Australia).
PSGT Alex MacKenzie ([email protected])
SEPT-OCT REPORT: NOTHING TO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac PEACHTREE
22nd RCT (Georgia), Fourth (Southeastern) Battlegroup - I (Manticore) Planetary
Command - Home System (US)
LCPL Kevin Mulkey ([email protected])
SEPT-OCT REPORT: NO REPORT THIS PERIOD
Bivouac FIREHAWK
29th RCT (Iowa), Fifth (Central) Battlegroup - I (Manticore) Planetary
Command - Home System (US)
PSGT James Hawk ([email protected])
SEPT-OCT 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])
SEPT-OCT Report: Planning to recruit at convention next month.
Bivouac MUIR POINT
40th Regimental Combat Team, Sixth (Western) Battlegroup – I
(Manticore) Planetary Command, Home System (US)
LCPL Scott M. Taggart ([email protected])
SEPT-OCT REPORT: Attended Convolution in San Francisco with 10th
Fleet and played some Artemis
King William’s Tower
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Royal Regiment of
Foote
SEPT-OCT REPORT: NO REPORT THIS MONTH
CURRENT ROSTER
Andrew
Kevin
George
James
John
Brad
Johnny
John
David
Tina
David
Matthew
Jose
Ted
Andrew
John
Derran
Dana
Amy
Forrest
Jamie
Thetford
Greene
Grosskopf
Ward
McDonald
Bowen
Joyner
McCoy
Dalton
Davis
Caines
Walker
Soto
Dannemiller
Wang
Irving
Stanley
Stump
Beasley
Reeves
Smolen
Corporal
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
Private First Class
Private First Class
Private
Private
Private
Private
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)
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 342nd Armored Infantry
(Dragoon Guards)
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 Maj 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 civilian-based
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.
CURRENT ROSTER
Mr. Greg Preast (1LT/HG), Officer Commanding;
Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Battalion (BN), 4th Gryphon Mountain Guards Regiment
(Home Guard), III Planetary Command, Southeastern District (Georgia).
“Nos sustineo” – “We sustain”
Greetings fellow Soldiers of the Kingdom!
I have been working on samples of items for sale/welcome kit. I am starting off with
similar items that I saw that RMN had. (Lanyards, pins, -we have stickers- and I had
some recruitment posters printed, for RMA. I also have a sample patch done. I don't
think I am going to be able to make HonorCon but will send the sample to Sir Kevin to
discuss with the MotA. I have two great printing people here in Columbia where I live, so
I am working on this. If you had any thoughts or questions please do not hesitate to
contact me at – [email protected]
In Honor to the Queen!
Captain CJ Martin-Marchese
Deputy Chief of Staff – Logistics Command
GUIDONS (Army Directive 07-1303)
Guidon design for Home Guard units established.
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
PATCHES/UNIFORM ITEMS
Samples currently in process.
EQUIPMENT
No updates.
OPEN BILLET
"Ad respondendum quaestioni" – “To answer the question”
Recruiting ODCSINTEL (Army Directive 08-1401)
As of this date the Royal Manticoran Army is looking for a qualified member of the
Grand Alliance to serve as the RMA Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff-Intelligence
(ODCSINTEL).
The ODCSINTEL is responsible for
• Working and coordinating with the First Lord of the Admiralty’s Staff Intelligence
Officer,
• All communication venues (List server, IRC Channel, RMA website, other
electronic communications) as determined necessary by the Marshal of the
Army.
• Coordinating and directing activities in communications by assisting the Staff
Communications Officer of the First Lord of the Admiralty with Media Contacts
referring to the RMA.
The ODCSINTEL-RMA 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.
"Ad eas, Ut attingere" - "To inspire, to achieve"
This month has been fairly quiet (the eye of the storm, maybe?), but we’re building up
towards HonorCon at the end of the month.
In the meantime, Scott Taggart, of Bivouac Muir Point has been keeping busy, even
showing the Navy how to man the Weapons desk of the Artemis Bridge Simulator. Also
keeping busy have been the members of Barracks Shorncliffe, who are in the process
of getting people to at least take the first Enlisted exam at KR1MA.
I’d like to hear from the NCO Corps, and find out if there’s anything we could be doing
more of, or differently, to encourage greater participation from our membership. So to all
of you senior enlisted folk, now is the time to drop me a line and give your two cents
worth.
Command Sergeant Major Sir Neil Swadling, KDE, CGM
Sergeant Major of the Royal Army
====
The Royal Manticoran Army
Communication
For units operating out of COPs,
communication with their parent unit is of
extreme importance and in some cases a
matter of life and death. Today’s military units
have multiple communication platforms:
SATCOM, Force XXI Battle Command, RCT
and Below (FBCB2), and Blue Force Tracker (BFT). Despite this wide array of systems
and bandwidth coverage even COPs situated on “high ground” or in urban areas should
plan for reduced commo effectiveness. Units should never forget though that there is no
replacing having the communication “high ground,” which often, but not always,
correlates with the geographical high ground. Units should be cautious to volunteer
themselves for untested new equipment. Instead commanders should focus on
educating their Soldiers on commo systems organic to their unit and maximizing the
capabilities of this existing equipment.
Final COP Considerations
Commanders should never forget that
maximizing RMA personnel on the ground
is the primary rationale for COP
establishment. Commanders should not
build COPs simply on a whim. There are
considerable time, labor, and money costs
associated with COP construction. COP
construction should be preceded by
detailed planning. Every detail should be
considered, even how the COP will be
named. For example, will the COP be
named after the unit, a fallen comrade, or
be given a local name so locals can more
easily reference the outpost? These
decisions although seemingly minor
should not be overlooked. Since the
beginning of the war with Haven there has
been a significant increase of COPs. With
the peace accords from Haven, a
drawdown of troops has occurred, but the
possibility of future conflict with the
Solarian League may again increase the
number of COPs
Construction of COPs does not automatically equate to an abatement of insurgent
activity. Units should not expect that simply building a COP will cause insurgents to
cower and flee. There is no substitute for Soldiers patrolling on the ground, and COPs
can sometimes actually lower a unit’s overall boots on the ground troop strength. COPs
require a significant troop presence to secure and man, which unlike FOBs, cannot be
outsourced, for example COP force protection