Defence and Security Doctrine of Constancia

The defence and security doctrine of the Imperial State of Constancia is characterised by a strong emphasis on regime survival, alliance integration, expeditionary capability, and forward continental defence within the framework of the Raspur Pact. It combines a mobilisation-based military structure with elite protection units and a pervasive internal security apparatus, reflecting the state's limited indigenous industrial base and reliance on multinational alliances for material and operational support.

Core Principles of Defence Doctrine

• Alliance Leadership and Contribution: Constancia positions itself as a leading member of the Raspur Pact, commanding the Trans-Euran Command (TEC) – a continental theatre command focused on Eura. The Imperial Constancian Armed Forces (ICAF) serve as the primary contributory force, allocating significant resources (e.g., 80% ICAF personnel and assets earmarked as available to the TEC) to multinational operations. Doctrine prioritises collective defence, including contributions to Apollonia Command and joint missions such as anti-piracy patrols, air policing, and pacification campaigns.
• Expeditionary and Forward Defence: The ICAF maintains high-readiness formations for rapid deployment abroad, particularly in Eura, to counter regional instabilities. Operations emphasise border security, liberation of allied territories, convoy protection, freedom of navigation, and intervention in insurgencies or civil conflicts. The Crown Lands (Prosgeiosi Basileus) function as a strategic bastion and redoubt, controlling key maritime routes into the Gulf of Aqaba and serving as a secure basing area for despatching expeditionary forces.
• Mobilisation and Reserve-Based Expansion: Peacetime forces rely on regimental cadres (Syntagma) that expand to full divisions through Home Guard mobilisation and reactivation of reserves. This enables flexible scaling, with 40% of all ICAF equipment reserved for the defence of the Crown Lands and the 501st Army (Constancian Expeditionary Force).
• Multinational Dependency: Due to economic and industrial constraints, doctrine acknowledges reliance on the Allied Production Matrix and its successors and contributions from allies such as Natopia and Nouvelle Alexandrie.

Perceived Threats

• External: Regional insurgencies, piracy, aggression from neighbouring entities, airspace violations, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
• Internal: Domestic revolt, threats to the imperial succession, revolutionary movements, and institutional instability.
• Broader: Disruptions to maritime commerce, border integrity, and allied stability in Eura.

Military Organisation and Operational Roles

The ICAF comprises five branches: Imperial Guard (elite protection and ceremonial), Army (primary ground forces, including Foreign Legion), Navy (fleet operations and anti-piracy), Air Force (air defence and support), and Home Guard (reservists and territorial defence). Command is centralised under the Minister of Defence and Imperial General Staff, with the Imperial Guard and elite units (e.g., Athánatoi Immortals) directly serving the dual sovereigns (Basileus and Autokrator). Tradition and regimental pride are emphasised in elite formations, though this may limit adaptability.

Internal Security Doctrine

• Regime and Succession Protection: Central to the doctrine is safeguarding the imperial family, government officials, and constitutional succession through Operation Everlasting (post-1735 Magna Carta amendment). This involves coordinated efforts by the ICAF, Diplomatic Service, and security agencies.
• Intelligence and Surveillance: The State Protection Authority (SPA, or Krypteia) is the primary agency for domestic intelligence, counter-intelligence, border control, and law enforcement. It operates with broad powers, including arrest and surveillance, and maintains units such as the Border Guards Corps and Diplomatic Protection Corps.
• Special Operations and Counter-Coup Capability: The State Defence Service ("Autokratorial Fist") functions as a motorised special operations division for public order, official protection, and potential suppression of unrest or coups. Recruited from loyal diasporas, it can override SPA agents under certain circumstances. Reliance on multiple-command echelon units results in political reliability via redundancy.
• Elite Guard Integration: The Imperial General Staff and Guard provide close protection, advisory roles, and specialised units (e.g., CBRN countermeasures, radio-intercept).

This hybrid approach balances defensive redoubts with proactive multinational engagement, underpinned by mobilisation readiness and intelligence dominance.