South Sea Islands Defence Force
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| Nation: |  South Sea Islands Moorland
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| Commander in Chief: | HRM King Alpin MacMartin | |||
| Headquarters: | Saltoria Barracks | |||
| Branches: | Land Force, Air Support Service, Naval Protection Service | |||
| Manpower: | 3,000 (approx) | |||
The South Sea Islands Defence Force (otherwise know as the SSIDF or the Yellow Flashes) is the armed service of the South Sea Islands. It is, by extension of SSI's status as a protectorate of Moorland, an extension of the Moorland Armed Forces.
The primary duty of the SSIDF is the protection of the territory and interests of the South Sea Islands, including the nation's exclusive economic area. Additionally, the force may also be called upon to protect, preserve and repatriate citizens abroad, as well as participate in the peacekeeping missions and the defence of allied nations. Since it's incorporation into the Moorland Armed Forces, the SSIDF is also responsible for the defense of Moorland's territories on Hypernostria (Beelandia and Kasperia). As such the SSIDF has sub-stations in Bee Haven and regularly rotates security personnel to the island.
Command Structure
The Commander in Chief of the SSIDF is His Royal Majesty King Alpin MacMartin, with day to day responsibilities delegated to the Lieutenant Governor of the South Sea Islands. While the force is nominally split into three branches (land, air and sea respectively) the three share a common command and control structure, and work in close cooperation.
The South Sea Islands Defence force is headquartered at Joseph Town in the Saltoria Barracks, built in 1738 by Moorland.
Land Force
The Land Force of the SSIDF consists of the following units:
- Rapid Response Group: 480 commando light-infantrymen divided into four numerically named squadrons.
- Combat Support Services Regiment: 1,200 infantrymen.
- GHQ Troop: 40 command and control staff.
- Trinity Island Motorised Detachment: 9 Snatch Land Rovers) and support troops.
- Camp Motorised Detachment: 4 Horjin CV56 IFVs, 16 Snatch Land Rovers) and support troops.
- Signals & Courier Section: 1 radio equipped LandFara Command Vehicle, 20 off-road variant motorcycles and support troops.
- Area Defence Detachment: 4 Rapier air-defence systems and x6 Blaecscúr MRLS).
The SSDFI Land Force specialises in territorial defence in a polar environment, counter-insurgency, parachute landings and mobile air defence.
Air Support Service
The Air Support Service of the SSIDF currently operates the following aircraft:
- 2x CH-276 Camels.
- 1x CF-380 Atlas.
- 10x NH-76 Dromosker helicopter.
The Air Support Service provides helicopters to the Naval Protection Service, as well as providing airlift, casualty evacuation and close support for the Land Force. The Service's NH-76 Dromosker helicopters can be equipped with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles in addition to heavy machine guns, enabling them to be deployed in a variety of roles.
Six Seafox-class corvettes are currently in service with the Naval Protection Service:
- SSIDF Glory
- SSIDF Ardent
- SSIDF Steadfast
- SSIDF Repulse
- SSIDF Sir Galahad
- SSIDF Shield
The naval forces of the SSIDF are primarily engaged in anti-piracy, fisheries protection, sea rescue and reassurance patrols, with at least four the ships at sea at any one time. Additionally, the corvettes have been adapted to allow them to deploy mines in the event of a national emergency.
In addition to military vessels, the Naval Protection Service also operations the Royal Survey Ship Madison. The lightly armed Logistic Support Vessel was retrofitted with a reinforced hull, allowing it to undertake minor ice breaking operations in support of the Prince Æthelstan Research Station. Built in Shireroth, the sale of the vessel to the South Sea Islands was facilitated by the Honourable Company of the ESB Group.
Deployments
International Mandate
At the request of the government of the International Mandate for the Settlements in Apollonia, approximately two hundred members of the SSIDF were deployed on a peacekeeping mission in the International Mandate in 1687 AN. Based at Camp Gloucester, the aims of the deployment were to reinforce the internationally recognised border and preserve peace and stability in the surrounding territory.
In 1693 AN the Government of the South Sea Islands announced that the deployment in the International Mandate would come to an end. This was confirmed and formalised by the Military Withdrawal Act (1693, South Sea Islands). The permanent deployment was replaced by seasonal visits from the R.S.S. Madison.
Trinity Redoubt
With the assistance of civilian contractors, elements of the South Sea Islands Defence Force are currently undertaking a major construction project in the vicinity of Joseph Town. Known as Trinity Redoubt, the deployment aims to create a network of secure bunkers, tunnels, storage and accommodation areas in the mountainous area south of the city, forming part of the South Sea Islands' civil defence contingency plans.
