18th Vanguard Division

The 18th Vanguard Division is a political and paramilitary youth organisation affiliated with the Nationalist and Humanist Party. The division was raised in 1706 AN as a part of the Einhorn Society (formerly known as the Normark Independence Party) to provide trained regulars for the party. The division is an adjunct of the Humanist Vanguard, which is tasked with providing support to the Nationalist and Humanist Party and aid to the civil power wherever appropriate.

The Humanist Vanguard is known for its cadre of activists, and the 18th Vanguard Division is comprised of 30,000 youth activists led by salaried officials drawn from the national leadership of the party. The division is organized into various units, including a command cohort, reconnaissance regiment, engineer regiment, and two infantry brigades.

Members of the 18th Vanguard Division are selected from the Young Humanists League, which enrolls boys between the ages of 8 and 11. These boys are taught obedience and uniformed service through a program of outdoor activities and informal education. From the age of 12, selected members are enrolled into the N&H Vanguard Group, where they receive additional development in preparation for induction into the party.

At the age of 15, suitable candidates from the N&H Vanguard Group are enrolled into Humanist Institutes, which serve as preparatory schools for the leadership cadres of the Humanist movement. Students at the Humanist Institutes are a part of the permanent strength of the Vanguard Division, and are expected to serve six month tours to gain familiarity with the organisation.

After completing their studies at the Humanist Institutes, members of the 18th Vanguard Division are eligible to be inducted into the party and serve as full members of the division. The division is known for its strict discipline and rigorous training, and members are expected to maintain a high level of physical fitness and ideological purity.

The 18th Vanguard Division has a strong focus on community service and national defense, and members are expected to participate in various activities to support these goals. This can include providing community organizers, event stewards, and humanitarian workers, as well as assisting with national defense efforts in times of need.

Service in the 18th Vanguard Division is considered a prerequisite for anyone aspiring to a career in the leadership of the Nationalist and Humanist Party. Completing a tour with the division is also necessary to earn the Red Hand, an enameled lapel badge featuring a blood-red hand held palm upwards, which is considered a mark of distinction within the party.

Establishment

In terms of military equipment, the 18th Vanguard Division has 48 armored personnel carriers, 120 utility support vehicles, 16 105mm towed artillery pieces, and 8 light self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. These vehicles and weapons are used for national defence operations and other contingencies.