Imperial Armed Forces
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| Active: | 351 bAN
1560 AN (re-established) |
| Allegiance: | Jingdao |
| Personnel: | 978,248 active duty personnel (Field Army)
4,802,302 reserve personnel |
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| Type: | Land Forces |
| Size: | |
| Nickname: | None yet |
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| Current Commander: | Minister of Stability |
| Conflicts & Deployments | |
The Imperial Armed Forces (IAF) is the land branch of the Jingdaoese military. The Armed Forces are without doubt the backbone of the Jingdaoese defences, which has often brought it in conflict with the Navy. It consists of a wide array of ethnicities, from which most were trained and prepared for warfare in their youth. Most officers spent their youth as member of the Young Wandering Society and were picked out from among the most promising 14-year olds to join the Imperial Kadetten, whom received a better military education on the costs of the State.
It's not abnormal to see non-Jingdaoese rise through military ranks (especially after having proven their loyalty during military conflicts).
History
Its history as an unified armed organisation can be traced back to the early Zuxiang Dynasty, when the Ying Emperor united the Eight Tribes around Xiacheng in 351bAN. This earliest form of some kind of military was composed of a number of local militia, often led by a local noble who was appointed by the Emperor.
The commanders of those militia steadily increased their power base, and from the Ming Emperor (68 - 111 AN) and onwards, the emperors appointed locals to lead the local militia. This further strengthened the might of the officers, of which some became war lords who could rival the emperor. The powerlessness of the Imperial Court became well known to the public when the Fifth Ying Emperor (258 - 265 AN) failed to have a self-made officer, Nongmin Wangzi, who was originally a son of a rich farmer, arrested for disobedience. Nongmin succesfully bribed palace guards and pressured the emperor in promoting him to Prince of Silver Rank. Nongmin eventually abused the military's might to replace the emperor and ascend the Throne himself in 265 AN.
Over the course of eons, the armed forces would remain nothing more than militias and some well trained imperial guards, who were used to suppress bandits and riots. During the Youya Dynasty, several states would exist which invested in well-trained and expensive standing armies. The Heishi (Blackrockians) were well known for their military expertise and impressed both friends and enemies. However, at the time of the Shirerithian invasion, the states of Jingdao had already been weakened by internal strife and were incapable of fending of Kaiser Gaelen's invasion force. The Battle of Jasoniacheng was a devastating loss for the Jingdaoese troops. These well-trained armies disappeared when the feudal regime of the Jierdai Dynasty took control over the lands. Only in the Middle Jierdai period would a decent standing army be re-established to protect the eastern borders against the Green barbarians and guard the Zygus Qamil.
The army would play an important role during the revolution of 1617, as the military leaders took control over most of the eastern empire and pushed out the few ethnic Shirerithian volunteers. Full scale modernisation happened during the Late Jierdai, and the now independent nation seemed to become a military and autocratic government. In the end, after a series of diplomatic and small military victories, the Haigui Emperor outmanouevred the Armed Forces and ascended the Throne as ruler over the whole Apollonian-based Jingdaoese Empire.
Ever since, the military has been a protector of the Heavenly Light. Most high ranking officers are from Jingdaoese descent, while a majority of non-ethnical Jing soldiers serve in the land forces.
Army regions
In warfare, the Army Region (or theater) is an area or place in which important military events occur or are progressing. A region includes the entirety of the air space, land and sea area that is or that may potentially become involved in war operations.
The Jingdaoese use the military region system to relieve field commanders of as much administrative work as possible, while improving coordination between troops. Ever since the War of Lost Brothers, the importance of these Regions has grown. The accompanied administrative services have to provide a regular flow of trained recruits and supplies to the Field Armies within each district. The responsibilities of training, conscription, supply, and equipment were, however, entrusted to the Imperial Jingdaoese Headquarters, whom are located in Daocheng and acts as coordinating staff between the five regional commands.
| Region Number | Region Name | Headquarters | Commanding officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Central Region | Daocheng | |
| II | Eastern Region | Xiacheng | |
| III | Western Region | Yuanbeicheng | |
| IV | Northern Region | Sisera Wharf | |
| V | Eastern Region | Shanbao |
Region V mainly has naval officers in charge, as it depends less on the armed forces and more on its Navy's strength. Oversea territories also fall under the responsibility of Region V.
Structure of Units
The most typical variety of Army units are structured as follows:
| Type of Unit | Banner Army | Field Army / Legion | Corps | Division | Brigade | Regiment | Cohort | Platoon | Squadron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contains | 5 Banner Brigades | 5 Corps | 2 Divisions | 10 Brigades | 5 Regiments | 2 Cohorts | 5 Platoons | 5 Squadrons | |
| Personnel | 10,000 | 100,000 | 50,000 | 25,000 | 2,500 | 500 | 250 | 50 | 10 |
| Commanded by | Yuanshuai | Jiangjun | Shaojiang | Daxiao | Shangxiao | Shangwei | Shaowei | Paizhang | Junshi |
Organisation
Five Banners
| Five Banner Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Field Marshall | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 50,000 | |
Around a 50,000 bannermen make up the Five Banners of the Jingdaoese Empire. These armies consist of solely ethnic Jingdaoese men from families that are considered pure. Membership of the Five Banners is mostly hereditary, a father is expected to raise at least one of his sons as a bannerman. Unlike other branches of the Imperial Armed Forces, the Five Banners do not report to the Grand Secretariat or the Ministry of Stability, rather they are considered to be part of the institute of the Imperial Palace. As such, they are natural proponents of absolutism and the Tianchaodao in Jingdaoese politics, even more so than the other branches.
The main focus of the Five Banners is to deal with dangers from within the borders of the empire. With their heavy weaponry they are more than capable to assist the police forces when violence escalates. In the past the Banners have been deployed against football riots, protests and outright rebellions. With the strong focus on purity in their doctrine, they have no mercy for those who, in their eyes, oppose the Will of the Heavenly Light. Despite their focus on internal threats, the Five Banners are trained and equipped to fight defensive wars against foreign invaders as well. Three of the Five Banners are aligned with the Tegong. Outside the capital Brigades belonging to these Banners are most likely to be encountered as they are often employed by the Tegong when it performs raids in houses and companies belonging to perceived promoters of impurity. The Heavenly Banner is most often seen in the Jingdaoese capital Daocheng where they protect the Imperial Palace and the city walls. The Apollonian Banner is composed of the descendants of the Jingdaoese infiltrators and collaborators who overthrew the Kildari government. A section of the Apollonian Banner, called 'Kaiser Gaelen IV's Apollonian Guard' accompanies the Heavenly Light on visits to the cities of the empire. Other sections of the Apollonian Banner patrol holy sites of the empire, such as the temples in the Far Eastern Territory.
- I Banner Army (Heavenly Banner Army)
- 1. Banner Brigade (1st "Golden Flower" Banner Brigade)
- 2. Banner Brigade
- 3. Banner Brigade
- 4. Banner Brigade
- II Banner Army (1st Tegong Banner Army)
- III Banner Army (2nd Tegong Banner Army)
- IV Banner Army (3rd Tegong Banner Army)
- V Banner Army (Apollonian Banner Army)
- 17. Banner Brigade (Gaelen IV's First Apollonian Guard)
- 18. Banner Brigade (Gaelen IV's Second Apollonian Guard)
- 19. Banner Brigade (Gaelen IV's Third Apollonian Guard)
- 20. Banner Brigade (Gaelen IV's Fourth Apollonian Guard)
Field Army (Yasen-gun)
The Field Army, or Yasen-gun, makes up the bulk of Armed Forces. They are trained for offensive actions and territorial defence. In peace time, they primarily support the police and secret service in keeping order.
First Field Army
| First Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | Hiu Hiang | |
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
The 'First Field Army, also known as Northern Jinkeai Army Group. It consists of around 127,800 personnel.
- I Heavenly Corps (1st Heavenly Corps)
- 1. Heavenly Division: 7 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigade, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 2. Heavenly Division: 3 infantry Brigades,, 2 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- II Heavenly Corps (2nd Heavenly Corps)
- 3. Heavenly Division: 7 infantry Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 4. Heavenly Division: 7 infantry Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
Second Field Army
| Second Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | Zeng Fan | |
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
The Second Field Army, or Taiyo-Gun, is mainly meant as a battle force against nearby enemies. The 8th Heavenly Division acts as a spearhead division, used to encircle enemy divisions and take swift action.
It's the best equipped and trained field army of the Armed Forces. Its commanding officers are primarily highly decorated officers with much experience during past conflicts.
- III Heavenly Corps (3rd Heavenly Corps)
- 5. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 6. Heavenly Division: 2 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- IV Heavenly Corps (4th Heavenly Corps)
- 7. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 8. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade, 1 Air Support Regiment
- 9. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
Third Field Army
| Third Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | Tzao Yao | |
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
The Third Field Army focuses on mobile warfare. It's personally led by Field Marshal Tzao Yao.
- V Heavenly Corps (5th Heavenly Corps)
- 10. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 4 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 11. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 4 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- VI Heavenly Corps (6th Heavenly Corps)
- 12. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 4 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 13. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 4 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
Fourth Field Army
| Third Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1645 AN | |
| Jiangjun | Zuo Tang | |
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 125,000 | |
The Fourth Field Army consists of 125,000 personnel, as the Ninth Alrig Corps is focused on the protection of Alrig against foreign aggressors.
- VII Heavenly Corps (5th Heavenly Corps)
- 14. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigade, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 15. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigade, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- VIII Heavenly Corps (6th Heavenly Corps)
- 16. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigade, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 17. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigade, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- IX Alrig Corps
- 18. Alrig Division: 4 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 19. Arlig Division: 4 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
Fifth Field Army
| Fifth Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
- X Heavenly Corps (10 Heavenly Corps)
- 20. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 21. Heavenly Division: 4 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 2 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- XI Heavenly Corps (11th Heavenly Corps)
- 22. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 23. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 24. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
Sixth Field Army
| Sixth Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
- XII Heavenly Corps (12th Heavenly Corps)
- 25. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 26. Heavenly Division: 2 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 29. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
- XIII Heavenly Corps (13th Heavenly Corps)
- 27. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 28. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
Seventh Field Army
| Seventh Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1641 AN | |
| Jiangjun | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
- XIV Heavenly Corps (14th Heavenly Corps)
- 29. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 30. Heavenly Division: 2 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- XV Heavenly Corps (15th Heavenly Corps)
- 31. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 32. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 233. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
Eight Field Army
| Eight Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
- XVI Heavenly Corps (16th Heavenly Corps)
- 34. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 35. Heavenly Division: 2 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- XVII Heavenly Corps (17th Heavenly Corps)
- 36. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 37. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 38. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
Ninth Field Army
| Ninth Field Army | ||
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| Founded | 1623 AN | |
| Jiangjun | ||
| Part of | Imperial Armed Forces | |
| Manpower | 100,000 | |
- XVIII Heavenly Corps (18th Heavenly Corps)
- 39. Heavenly Division: 5 infantry Brigades, 2 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 40. Heavenly Division: 2 infantry Brigades, 3 Motorised Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 43. Heavenly Air Support Regiment
- XIV Heavenly Corps (19th Heavenly Corps)
- 41. Heavenly Division: 6 infantry Brigades, 1 Motorised Brigades, 1 Armoured Brigade, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
- 42. Heavenly Division: 1 infantry Brigade, 2 Motorised Brigades, 5 Armoured Brigades, 1 AA Brigade, 1 Logistics Brigade
Batavian Leeuwenbrigade
Relocated to the Imperial Jingdaoese Navy.
Yobi-gun
The Yobi-gun, or Reserve Army, is a collection of divisions who become active during war time. They support the Field Army.
Industrial capacity
- See: Jingdao Division for the industrial capacity of Jingdao during peacetimes.
