The Imperial Russian Army in Detail v3.0 (FT Army)

[OMGeverynameistaken]

The Army of the Russian Empire
Whoever Comes to Us With A Sword Shall Die By the Sword

Bombardiers! You see that man? Fuck him and everybody near him.

Total Standing Army:
20,179,802 on Earth
2,522,475 on Mars
2,221,090 on Venus
78,719,210 First Line Reserve
= 41,368 regiments


Total Reserve, Foreign, and Irregular Forces:
427,921,791
-171,168 paper regiments grouped onto 5 military sectors


Official Organization of the Standing Army:
41,368 regiments

The Guard
2 Guards Infantry Regiments

The Infantry
21,680 Line Infantry Regiments
11,259 Light Regiments
1,210 Grenadier Regiments
500 Non-Human Regiments
2,112 Regiments of Naval Equippage
1,330 Regiments of Engineers

The Cavalry
3,936 Dragoon Regiments
-1,150 Assault Dragoon Regiments (CQC specialists)
166 Hussar Regiments
81 Carabinier Regiments
44 Cuirassier Regiments

Ranks:
Ranks in the Russian Military are tied to the Table of Ranks, giving high-ranking officers equivalent status to their civilian counterparts. In wartime, a tie between grades defaults to the military officer.

Grade 0: By special appointment during wartime only, the supreme commander of Russia's military forces
Archon (Army)
Navarch (Navy)

Commander of a system's military forces
Strategos (Army)
Polemarch (Navy)

Commander of a planetary military force
Vima (Army)
General Admiral (Navy)

Grade I: Commander of a national/regional military force
Field Marshal
General Admiral (N)

Grade II:
General of the Infantry
General of the Cavalry
Adjutant General
Quartermaster General
Master of Artillery
Master of Engineers
General Commissioner
Admiral (N)

Grade III:
Lieutenant General
Vice-Admiral (N)

Grade IV:
Major General
Counter-Admiral (N)

Grade V:
Brigadier
Captain-Commodore (N)

Grade VI:
Colonel
Captain 1st Class (N)

Grade VII:
Sub-Colonel
Captain 2nd Class (N)

Grade VIII:
First Major
Major
Captain 3rd Class (N)

Grade IX:
Captain (Rittmeister in the cavalry)
Lieutenant (N)

Grade X:
Lieutenant-Captain (Stabs-Rittmeister in the cavalry)
Sub-Lieutenant (N)

Grade XI:
Lieutenant
Ship's Secretary (N)

Grade XII:
Sub-Lieutenant

Grade XIII:
Senior Ensign (Cornet in the cavalry, Deputy Ensign in the artillery)
Ensign (N)

Under Officers:

D1:
Captain at Arms (Senior NCO of the Russian military)
Senior Sergeant (Wachtmeister in the cavalry, Junior Ensign in the artillery)
Chief Mate (N)
Senior Ensign(N)
Conductor (N)

D2:
Sergeant
Skipper (N)

D3:
Junior Sergeant
Midshipman (N)

D4:
Feldwebel (Corporal)
Bosun (N)

D5:
Farrier (Cavalry only)
Sub-Skipper (N)
Second Mate (N)

D6:
Gefrieter (PFC)
Third Mate (N)
Quartermaster (N)
Spaceman 1st Class (N)

D7:
Musketeer/Cavalryman/Artilleryman (Private)
Spaceman 2nd Class (N)

Army Group ->
2+ Army per army group -> 200,000 men
2+ Corps per army -> 100,000 men (Korpu)
2 Division per corps -> 50,000 men (Diviziya)
5 Brigade per division -> 10,000 men (Brigada)
4 Regiment per brigade -> 2,500 men (Polk)
5 Battalions per regiment -> 500 men (Batallion)
8 Platoon per battalion -> 60 men (Vzvod)
6 squads per platoon -> 10 men (Artel)


The Regular Army

6 Armies
-Western Army (European Russia)
-Eastern Army (Siberia, East Asia)
-Army of the Americas (California and Alaska)
-The Army of Mars (Mars)
-Novo Ukraine Army (Novo Ukraine system)
-Alexandria Army (Nevsky System)

Each army is assigned a certain number of military distracts which it defends during peacetime. Each military district maintains its own command over several army units.

Regimental Organization:

There are three battalions per regiment. The 1st company of each battalion is designated as a grenadier unit, acting as heavy infantry with a limited anti-tank

-I Battalion
----1st Company - Grenadier Company
--1st Platoon
--2nd Platoon
---2nd Company
--3rd Platoon
--4th Platoon
----3rd Company
--5th Platoon
--6th Platoon
----4th Company
--7th Platoon
--8th Platoon - Skirmisher platoon


-II Battalion
----1st Company - Grenadier Company
--1st Platoon
--2nd Platoon
---2nd Company
--3rd Platoon
--4th Platoon
----3rd Company
--5th Platoon
--6th Platoon
----4th Company
--7th Platoon
--8th Platoon - Skirmisher platoon

-III Battalion
----1st Company - Grenadier Company
--1st Platoon
--2nd Platoon
---2nd Company
--3rd Platoon
--4th Platoon
----3rd Company
--5th Platoon
--6th Platoon
----4th Company - Logistics Company
--7th Platoon
--8th Platoon

Jaeger regiments do not have grenadier battalions. Instead their specialist units are composed of either riflemen or fusiliers.


[i]Infantry Regiment Organization:
Regimental Staff:

Senior Officers:
-1 Shef (chief) - commander of the regiment, or possibly several regiments. Typically an honorary position, the shef may not be present with his regiment. Rank of Colonel (preferably Brigadier,) at least.
-1 Polkovyi Komandir (Regimental Commander) - Assistant to a commanding shef or the actual commander of the regiment. Rank of Colonel or Sub-Colonel.
-3 Batalionnyi komandir (Battalion Commander) - Commanders of battalions, rank of Sub-Colonel.
-3 Majory (Majors) - 2nd in command at the battalion level

Junior Officers:
-1 Kaznachei (Cashier) - Deals with regimental finances and clerical duties. Rank of lieutenant.
-1 Kvartirmeister (Quartermaster) - Rank of lieutenant.
-1 Adjutant Shefa (ADC to shef) - Rank of lieutenant or ensign
-1 Polkovyi Adjutant (ADC to regimental commander) - May not be present if shef personally commands a regiment (Rank of lieutenant or ensign)
-1 Batalionnyi Adjutant (ADC to battalion commander) - Rank of lieutenant or ensign
-6 Kapitan (captains)
-8 Kapitan Poruchik (Captains 2nd class)
-20 Poruchik/Sub-Poruchik (lieutenants)
-24 Ensigns

Enlisted Men:
-1 Polkovoi Baranashchik Majoy (Regimental Drum Major)
-4 Batalionnyi Barabanshchik Majory (Battalion Drum Major)
-36 Drummers
-8 Fifers
-12 standard bearers


Company Composition:
208 men (ideally)

Officers and NCOs: 8
-1 Captain
-1 Lieutenant
-2 Ensigns
-2 Sergeants
-1 Farrier
-1 Company Scribe

Enlisted Men:
200
-2 Drummers
-2 Fifers
-2 Batmen
-8 Corporals
-16 Gefrieters
-2 Standard Bearers
-160 Privates

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Units and Armaments:

Infantry



Line Infantry:

A Sergeant and Fusilier of Martian regiments and a senior officer with a Terran musketeer
Soldiers of the line are men equipped with linear muskets, weapons which, by dint of their poor accuracy, require massed fire to be effective at range. However, the sheer devastating power of these weapons more than makes up for any lack of accuracy. Soldiers of the line must be steady, able to stand at attention and perform complicated actions while under constant enemy attack. Discipline is vital to survival, since the slightest wrong move can result in a man leaving his units shield and getting shot, disrupting the formation and causing further damage to the unit.

Because of the obvious issue involved in marching shoulder to shoulder in an environment filled with explosive bullets flying through the air at face-melting speeds, some protection must be provided to the infantry. This exists in the form of the kinetic shield, which converts kinetic, x-ray, and various other intense concentrations of energy into sound and visible light. The result is that when a weapon, for example a musket round, strikes the shield, it promptly expends all of its energy in the form of a loud noise and flash of light, the sudden cessation of movement is frequently rather damaging to the round itself as well, of course. The shield design has several weaknesses, in that it does not protect against low-energy weapons, for example, arrows, thrown objects, and enemy soldiers themselves, unless they are wearing some form of energized armor or wielding energy weapons of some kind. Further issues include such dishonorable devices as landmines and poison gas.

Kinetic shields generally encompass an area in which a single company can march in close order, which means that marching ability is quite important if you do not wish to have your legs blown off. In order to avoid carrying around a great ugly shield projector pole, kinetic shields are generally integrated into the company, battalion and regimental standards and flag, with the flag itself being carried by one man while an aid carries the generator itself. The shield is projected from the flag pole's finial, the poles themselves usually being roughly nine feet in height.

Russian infantry receive intensive military training, featuring strong indoctrination, where each man is taught to regard military service as a privilege conferred upon him by the Emperor. This attitude is far stronger in the Russian provinces, although in the Polish, Scandinavian and Asian portions of the Empire military service is held in high regard due to the strong military traditions of those peoples. However, most of the rural population, regardless of location, maintains a traditional wish to avoid service. Training focuses in encouraging teamwork and cooperation at the squad, platoon, company and battalion level, as well as instilling a healthy competitive spirit at the regimental level. Soldiers are taught to consider their regiment to be their new 'home town.'

Marksmanship training suffers somewhat due to the traditional Russian adherence to the 'suvorov doctrine', placing emphasis on the bayonet above all else. This has been somewhat enhanced by the Japanese reference to the sword, therefore all soldiers receive training in both. Most Russian soldiers receive a smallsword in addition to their bayonet, although NCO's are issued traditional halberds, which aid in keeping lines in formation and general discipline (in addition to being quite deadly in a melee.) Officers are, of course, expected to provide their own personal weapons. Soldiers have great reverence for their swords, which are melted down and recast after their death. This is always done by the regimental armorer, to ensure that the sword's metal does not leave the regiment.

Jaegers:

A Terran and Martian Jaeger
Jaegers are the flexible and mobile arm of the Russian army. Equipped with less powerful, but more accurate, weapons, their goal is to flank the enemy and drive them towards, or at least pin them down for, the line infantry. To this goal, they move in an open order, ranging either from a 'loose' line (roughly arms length spacing between men) to a scattered skirmish formation with many yards between men. Several regiments employ no particular formation at all, which is somewhat frowned upon but not complained too loudly about since it gets results. Most Jaeger regiments train men to operate in pairs, one man firing while the other either reloads or picks off nearby threats.

Jaeger units come in a variety of styles, ranging from units which employ customized muskets accurate to roughly twice the range of standard infantry muskets, to more range-oriented types fighting in open order using the Mosin-Nagant Automatic Rifle. Some Jaeger regiments have specialized themselves into assault roles, known unofficially as 'assault jaegers', they employ their automatic weapons at close range and usually train to operate in urban environments.

Jaegers are the only organization within the army with any nod to camouflage. While not terribly effective, jaegers are issued with, depending on climate, a khaki, olive drab, or white coat. Colonial Jaeger regiments, such as those on Mars, being much further from the eye of the high command, often adopt even more drab uniforms, although in the case of Mars this may be because brightly colored uniforms inevitably turn rust red regardless of the care lavished on them.

Within jaeger regiments linear rifles are issued to the best marksman of every two squads (in theory). This gives many jaeger regiments a significant source of firepower to employ against armored vehicles and similar.

The effectiveness of Russian jaegers varies wildly, typically depending on where the unit was raised. Kalifornian, Martian and Caucasian units are regarded as being the best shots within the Russian army, while European Russian units are usually more focused on short ranged assault combat.



Grenadiers:

A fusilier of a grenadier regiment, and an officer and soldier from a grenadier unit.
Grenadiers come in two primary varieties. Grenadier regiments are elite units, composed of the best men drawn from regular infantry, selecting for strength, height, discipline and general soldierly qualities. Company grenadiers are specialist units attached to regular infantry battalions, serving as heavy infantry. Company grenadiers are typically of lesser quality than those serving in grenadier regiments, but are still considered somewhat elite. Their equipment is typically the same, consisting of a heavy pattern musket which is slightly longer than the typical infantryman's, which serves two purposes:
1. To provide more acceleration to the round, giving increased accuracy and power
2. To provide additional reach for the inevitable bayonet assault

Grenadiers specialize in close combat, assaults and shock tactics. Each grenadier carries with him, in addition to his standard ammunition, a number of anti-armor 'dart' rounds, very dense shots designed to take down enemy tanks, powered armor and so forth.

Grenadier regiments contain only one grenadier battalion, the remaining men are referred to as 'fusiliers' and carry the same equipment as regular line infantry, but wear a mitre cap to distinguish their elite status.


The Engineering Corps:

A Bombardier, a Sapper and an officer of the Engineering Corps
The engineers are the solid core of the Russian army, their goal being to set up battlefield fortifications, deploy defenses, build bridges, and, in addition to this, destroy all of those things that the enemy likes. Every man of the Engineering Corps is well educated in the mathematical and scientific aspects of his job, including the officers who are required to attend special academies prior to enlisting in the corps. The engineering corps is relatively small, but very proud of its role in the army. When the enemy asks why they can't have nice things, the answer is inevitably that Russian sappers blew up some key logistical point.

Bombardiers man the siege artillery of the Russian Empire, as well as servicing the close support battlefield artillery such as mortars. Their primary weapon is the much-feared hand bombard, which fires a large explosive device some distance. While not as long ranged as a rifle, and fairly inaccurate, these weapons can be quite deadly in skilled hands. They can also, in a pinch, act as massive shotguns by firing any magnetic material which can be shoved down highly accommodating barrel.

Sappers are 'engineers under fire', their primary goal being the demolition of enemy fortifications, logistics and anything else which a commander determines requires exploding. They are generally regarded as slightly mad by the rest of the army, as they have the lowest survival rate of any soldier in any branch of the army. They are also the highest paid men in the army and serve the shortest combat term, only five years in wartime (compared to 25 for regular infantry,) after which the survivors are transferred to training roles in order to preserve their field knowledge.


Guards:

A grenadier, trooper and officer of the Preobrazhensky Regiment

Originally formed in the dying days of the 17th century, the Russian Guard has a long history of glories and tragedies. Most of the Guard regiments were gradually disbanded over the course of the 30th century, leaving only the Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky regiments, who's duties were relegated to guarding the 'museum town' of St. Petersburg. Ivan XI added the final insult to the heritage of the Guard by formally stripping the Preobrazhensky regiment of its duty as his bodyguard, replacing them with his own New Line Regiments. However, as the young Peter VII discovered the stripped down Guards Regiments in St. Petersburg, now reduced to a mere company each and without any equipment, he promptly took command of them, filled their ranks with assorted servants and playmates and produced his own Guard, which would be instrumental in saving his life during the later coup attempt by his half-sister.

The infantry of the Guard are the best of the best, pulled from the ranks of grenadier and highly regarded infantry regiments, they are supplied with junior officers by the best young graduates of the military academies, young and ambitious nobles with much to prove, and commanded by veterans and the best strategists available. Many of the Guard's members still remember the days of play battles on the outskirts of Moscow, and have a strong personal loyalty to the Emperor. In return, the Emperor knows many of them personally.

Guard regiments are five battalions each, three of fusiliers, one of grenadiers and a light infantry battalion.

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Cavalry

Dragoons on the Charge
'Cavalry' is something of a misnomer. Cavalry in modern terminology refers to the powered armor troopers, who function in essentially the same role as cavalry, providing the 'shock' to compliment the staying power of the infantry. However, historical cavalry designations, husssar, dragoon and cuirassier, have survived into modern times and been applied to various military units within the Russian Empire.

All cavalry are equipped with individual kinetic shields of varying strength.

Hussars:

Hussars

Hussars are the fast attack force of the Russian Army, they are light and quick, with a touch of dash and bravery bordering, some say, on the suicidal. This reputation is not unearned, as many a regimental history can attest, Hussars have often been a part of daring assaults and great charges, striking and withdrawing before an enemy can respond or engaging in pitched battle where disordered troops present a ready opening.

Hussar armor is, by necessity, light, being composed of strong fiber weave, supplemented by artificial muscles within the armor, as well as ballistic and energy-absorbing plates over critical locations. Hussar armor also features an armored pelisse, designed to cover the more vital parts of the Hussar, while capable of being detached and employed to cover other areas. It is also quite warm. This allows for their high mobility and speed, an otherwise unassisted Hussar can leap many yards vertically and will easily outpace most other armored troops. Unlike Cuirassiers and Dragoons, Hussars typically wield weapons that a normal human would find comfortable to hold.

Most regiments employ 'optional' equipment depending on their personal image and specializations. Some regiments employ jump packs, optical camouflage, or ECM equipment.

Dragoons:

A dragoon trooper and officer, and a soldier, and an assault dragoon

Dragoons are the support troops of the cavalry, providing a balance of melee skill and firepower. Dragoon armor is heavier than Hussar-pattern armor, being composed of solid metal and ceramic plates. Dragoon helmets feature narrow eye-slits, providing better facial protection than Hussar helmets. The armor itself is more powerful than the lighter version as well, a Dragoon is capable of very easily lifting an unarmored civilian vehicle above his head. This raw power does not reflect a more advanced design, but merely larger motors. In fact, dragoon armor is significantly cheaper than other models and is by far the most numerous branch of cavalry.

What Dragoons lack in the dash and daring of Hussars, they make up for in raw power. They are regarded as somewhat brutish by the other cavalry branches (which tend to attract nobility and higher-class citizens), and tend to be the most egalitarian cavalry branch, bringing in men from all walks of life, unlike the ambitious minor nobles of the Hussars or the old money of the Cuirassiers. The Dragoons are still a vital part of the army, and the most numerous of the cavalry branches. Typically they wield the fearsome 'dragon' muskets, a shortened, much heavier, version of the regular linear musket that has sufficient punch to blast through heavy fortifications and will seriously inconvenience all but the best armored of vehicles.

The spirit of the Dragoon forces is, perhaps, best embodied in the famous 'power mauls' wielded by certain members of this cavalry branch. The maul is a large hammer which, like standard cavalry sabers and swords, is sheathed in a disruption field. With the additional size and weight of the hammer behind it, these are devastating to almost any target. Most Dragoons, however, prefer the palaash, a type of broadsword which is heavier and slightly shorter than the Cuirassier sabers.


Carabiniers:

A carabinier officer and trooper.

Carabiniers are specialized long-range support cavalry who employ armor based on Dragoon pattern equipment. Carabiniers typically perform one of two roles, either acting as a hit-and-run force or a support force, with weapons loadout varying between roles. Carabinier armor is typically lighter than dragoon armor to allow for increased mobility and a heavier weapons loadout, including repeating light cannons.


Horse Grenadiers:

Troopers of the Horse Grenadiers

Just as infantry have their own elite units of grenadiers, the Dragoons feature a select number of regiments who are designated as Horse Grenadiers. These men are given somewhat higher-end dragoon armor with heavier weapons, specialized for the assault role. Their weapon of choice is a high-powered version of the Bombardier's hand bombard, which fires what is essentially a modestly sized rocket. For closer-in work, they typically employ similar weapons to the regular Dragoons.

Horse grenadiers are typically better trained and paid than dragoons, and are held to a high standard of training and discipline.

Cuirassiers:

Cuirassier officers and troopers

While having the appearance of lumbering giants, Cuirassiers are surprisingly agile. This frequently comes as a great surprise to those who find themselves on the receiving end of their seemingly slow charge. With deceptive speed, these battlefield titans will seek to close with their foe and, once in contact, are virtually guaranteed to destroy them. Cuirassier armor is the largest in the Russian inventory, topping out at eight feet in height and stretching the bounds of technology even at that. Various internal supports and shielding provide the Cuirassiers with the protection required to get in close in an environment where infantry wield weapons capable of destroying most armored vehicles in a single shot.

Because of their role in the melee, Cuirassiers must be fast and agile, able to, when required, get out of the way quickly. Their armor is larger and heavier than that of the Dragoons, but, simultaneously, faster. Their role in battle best suits that of traditional cavalry, to charge in and break infantry formations. Their weapon of choice is a straight saber, nearly six feet long, which provides more reach the sabers employed by the Hussars and is more maneuverable than the Dragoons pallash.


Guards Cavalry:

Soldiers of the Cavalry Guard
Like their infantry brethren, the Guards Cavalry are drawn from the best units to serve as personal escorts for the Tsar (in theory). They are given the best and newest equipment, better paid, and so forth. They are an elite unit, although considered lacking in the 'dash' of other European state's cavalry, they are still formidable opponents and a proud unit within the army. The current Horse Guard is a single company of elite dragoons, who's duty is to guard the life of the Emperor during battle, while the Preobrazhensky regiment is occupied with military matters. They also serve a ceremonial role

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Artillery:

Ultima Ratio Regum!


Soldiers of the Russian artillery
Artillery is the pride of the Imperial army, and as such artillery units receive plenty of funding, training and supply. Many young nobles find themselves in the artillery corps, although in other nations this is considered a low posting indeed. Artillery is the true 'shock and awe' of the Imperial Army, and laying down a massive barrage capable of ruining just about anything's day is their main goal.
Russian artillery is considered among the best in Europe, in part due to the morale of the gunners which verges on insanity in some cases. This is partly due to the fact that virtually all Russian artillery is considered, to some degree, sacred by the religious population. This is due to the fact that, several times in Russian history, a state of national emergency has required the 'donation' of church bells for metal to be used in military equipment, most frequently artillery. These bells, being blessed by the priesthood, are themselves holy. The Russian artillerymen connected 2 and 2, determining that, as they were made with holy metal, the cannons themselves were holy.

Therefore, the artillery corps considers its cannons sacred and will defend them with fanatical zeal. Even if the cannons are lost, the infantry will frequently make spirited charges in the attempt to retake them.


Cannon:

6lb cannon, 95mm

12lb cannon, 120mm
Cannon are most commonly found in the 6 and 12 pound models. 6 pounders are considered 'light' artillery, employed for field work and typically assigned at the division level in batteries of eight to twelve, with a piece assigned to each brigade as well. 12 pounders are heavy artillery most often employed in set-piece battles and defensive work, especially in field fortifications. Six pound pieces take significantly less time to load, but, naturally, provide less firepower.

As cannons are bulky enough that additional cooling equipment can be added without much notice, cannons are mostly rifled, making them quite accurate at long range.

Both types have three primary types of shot. The standard slug is a rounded shell primarily used for anti-armor work at long ranges, with limited anti-infantry applications. The second is high explosive 'shell' shot, essentially a type of fragmentation shell. The third is generally known as 'grapeshot' or 'canister' and is mostly employed to turn the weapon into a giant shotgun.

Canister is employed in two grades. The first fires six large slugs, about an inch in diameter for use at long range, the second fires a more traditional spray of standard musket slugs for use at musket ranges. Both are deadly to unshielded infantry and light vehicles.

Larger cannons, 24-48 pounders, are mostly used as fortification pieces because of their bulk. Larger caliber cannons exist as well, both for use on naval vessels and in fortifications.

Speaking in terms of damage, a 6-pounder is roughly (in FT terms) the equivalent of a modestly sized field artillery piece/anti-tank gun. It's capable of taking out light and medium armored vehicles with little trouble (when firing suitable shot). A 12 pounder is more of a heavy AT-gun, and will generally knock out pretty much anything short of an Imperial Titan with a good hit.


Howitzers:

1/4 pud unicorn


3lb 'Shuvalov' anti-infantry howitzer
Howitzers are indirect fire weapons, generally in the range of 12-32 pounds. They are lighter than cannons because of their short barrels, but provide a useful means of extricating enemies from structures and fortifications.

They generally fire either an armor piercing shell or an explosive shot, although incendiary shells are sometimes used.

A Russian variation on this is the 'gun-howitzer' commonly called the 'licorn' or 'unicorn' (named for the mythical horse printed on its barrel). This is basically a long howitzer that can be employed as either a cannon or howitzer. Within the Russian army, unicorns typically fill the traditional artillery role, while howitzers perform air cover duties, taking out fighters, bombers, and missiles targeting the infantry.

The main use of unicorns and howitzers in battle is the dropping of explosive shells on infantry formations. Because the shells are not 'hot' and do not travel faster than the speed of sound on the down-side of their ballistic arc, they will fall through kinetic shields and explode inside. While devastating, this method of attack is also somewhat inaccurate.


Siege Artillery:

Uniform of the Siege Artillery, knowing the conditions they would fight in, with uncharacteristic foresight, the high command issued them a drab, easy to clean, uniform.
Siege artillery consists of large weapons, generally in the +20 pound range (up to several tons, in fact), designed to smash fortifications. They are unwieldy and clumsy weapons, and while quite accurate at very long range, take some time to assemble and disassemble. Hence they are only used in situations where their set up time is not a major handicap. Once in place, however, siege artillery is capable of leveling just about anything.

Most anti-orbital weapons fall into this category, as a weapon capable of blowing up a fort from 100 miles away is just as effective at bringing down an orbiting starship. To account for this, most siege guns now employ a variable charge setting. Lower power allows for ballistic attacks against fortifications and cities, while a high-power setting is used when shooting at things in space.

Some of the largest siege weapons are the 'thirty-one-ton' emplaced guns on the moons of Mars. Designed as anti-fleet weapons, their theoretical range allows them to engage ships virtually anywhere in the solar system. They are (naturally) seen as a major threat by the British, who have apparently begun work on a similar design. Most military men see such guns as a massive waste of resources, although none can deny their effectiveness against targets.


Horse Artillery:

Horse artillery consists of light cannon affixed to powered armor, although some other armies prefer to use dedicated vehicles for their 'mobile' artillery. Russian horse artillery is quite mobile and effective, being considered some of the best in Europe, although the French are known to apply theirs better in the heat of battle. Horse artillery units employ modified dragoon armor.

Powered armor horse artillery consists of two separate units. The first, the gunner, is a suit of armor modified to accept the weight and stress of a small, mounted, cannon (a 6lb howitzer or 10lb licorn). Horse artillery models are generally lighter and less powerful than their standard brethren, relying on mobility to bring them within firing range. These suits also feature braces and rangefinding equipment, their pilots being trained artillerymen. They usually do not carry the other weapons associated with cavalry, wielding a pistol or shotgun and saber.

The second unit of a horse artillery gun is the loader, who is also capable of aiming the weapon should the gunner be otherwise unable to do so. They carry the ammunition and loading equipment of the gun.

Specialist and Foreign Units

The Knights Hospitaller:


Russia is host to several knightly orders of varying age, but the Hospitaller Order, also known various as the Knights of Malta, the Knights of St. John and several variations of those names, is the oldest and generally regarded as the most prestigious. From its foundation as a Crusading order to its near dispersal in the 19th century, the Hospitallers held onto their existence rather grimly. In the early 23rd century under Tsar Boris III (known as 'The Cavalier') the leadership of the order passed to the Russian Tsars on a hereditary basis.

Initially the Knights were purely a medical and support unit, such soldiers as existed within their ranks acted only to defend their medics and hospitals in the field. However, gradually, the order began to re militarize until, but the reign of Ivan XI roughly half of the order was fully dedicated to military operations. This suited Ivan well, particularly in regards to his Martian campaigns where the Knights performed quite well.

Today, this split in the order remains. Half of the order provides humanitarian services to all peoples of the world, regardless of race, religion or hostility, although they will be pleased to try to convert you. This side of the order typically wears the maroon and white uniforms associated with the Maltese branch of the order. It also features far more non-nobles.

The military branch of the order wears black and white, as the crusading Hospitallers did, although they retain their red ceremonial uniforms. They are renowned fighters in the melee, disdaining ranged weapons in most cases. They wield long, straight swords which would, in lesser hands, generally be considered as two-handed weapons, but, thanks to the great strength of their armor, these are wielded one handed. Some, of course, prefer various axes, mauls and suchlike, but the sword is considered the symbol of the Hospitaller order.

Hospitaller armor is highly advanced and always custom made to its wearer. Modern styles did not appeal to the order and they opted for a much more old fashioned appearance, with slimmer lines and generally medieval appearance.

Regiments of Naval Equippage:

An cadet of the Naval Cadet Corps, a soldier of the Regiments Equippage, and a Naval Grenadier (with boarding axe)
Specialists in close-quarters combat, such as fighting in the interior of ships and space stations, naval infantry are a semi-elite force. While not quite as prestigious as the Grenadiers or the Guard, there is a certain amount of dash attached to an organization which deals in the sort of threats the Imperial Marines routinely face. While generally focusing on boarding procedures and internal defense of ships, they also train to make planetary landings, and defend planetside naval installations.

Their weapons of choice are typically rapidfire, close-quarters, types, either gauss or chemically powered. They do, however, employ line tactics when required, but prefer to function in the 'light infantry' capacity. They maintain their own sharpshooter units as well. They also maintain a variety of tools, such as powered axes for hacking through bulkheads and doors on short notice. Marines usually form the first wave of a planetary assault, dropping to the ground in rapid deployment pods rather than slower, more vulnerable, landing boats. In this role as well as on ships, they frequently employ powered armor, typically a modified dragoon model.

Rifles:

A Romanian Jaeger and Circassian Skirmisher
Dedicated rifle units are fairly common in European armies, although not the rule by far. The disadvantages of rifles are too numerous to prevent widespread adoption, thus, rifle units are frequently the elite marksmen of an army, whether they be regiments, battalions or merely squads. Rifle units are typically collections based on national lines consisting of those perceived as being traditionally good shots, in the case of Russia this means Balkans and Circassian troops, generally regarded as being excellent shots and guerrilla fighters, with the added benefit of coming with their own weapons.

Such troops tend to be of lesser discipline and usually do not have 'uniforms' so much as 'vaguely similarly colored clothes'.


Section IV (the Imperial Psychic Corps):
Traditional psychics or 'mages' who employ human mental abilities. Through various means, generally of the unscrupulous sort, the Russian Empire has developed a number of strong psychics with abilities ranging from classic 'prediction' to pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and so forth. Because of their stability, general sanity, and the fact that use of their powers does not, no matter what side of the moral scope they fall on, lead to mental or physical corruption, Section IV interacts most closely with the army, typically falling into a combat support role.

Because the use of supernatural powers in warfare is not regarded as 'gentlemanly' they are usually attached in brigade form to Jaeger regiments, where they are most effective in any case.

Employed correctly, a single skilled telepresence psychic is able to perform the reconnaissance functions of an entire light cavalry brigade.

The most common form of psychic is easily distinguished from regular humans by two features. First, and most obviously, their hair and eyes become gray once they hit puberty, generally thought to be a side effect of hormones released in response to the sudden changes brought on within the brain itself. Secondly, they display few emotional responses, although it is known that they do experience emotions. This is believed to be a secondary result of the changes, the brain having been so heavily 'rewired' to process the information flowing into it that other sections are neglected, specifically those relating to the display of emotions.

Voyska Spetsialnogo Naznacheniya: Spetznaz
'Spetznaz' is a term which more or less means 'special purpose troops', that is, any unit with a specific role. Because of their inherently special nature, these units are set aside from the main army chain of command and exist within their own special rank system, being subject only to regular army officers ranking colonel or higher. Over time, the Spetznas has come to incorporate non-combat units. Unit 100 and 400 are the 'combat arm' of the Spetznas, while units 200 and 300 cover roles related to special operations, but which do not involve fighting.

Unit 100: Military Special Operations
The 'public' face of the Spetznaz, these soldiers are more or less a highly elite corps of jaeger-model soldiers who conduct behind-the-lines operations, black ops, and counter-operations against similar units. Because they are considered 'dishonorable' by the mainstream Russian army the unit is not publicly acknowledged and operates at the order of the Tsar and those the Tsar designates to command it.
Unit 100 deals with battlefield special operations, blowing up bridges, tactical points and so forth. They are composed of the best jaeger units deemed unsuitable, for whatever reason, for the Guard.

200: Military Press and Public Perception
The propaganda arm of the Spetznas, this unit is possibly the least directly dangerous, its mission is, publically, to engage in relief operations for civilians affected by war, to propagandize to said civilians, and to generally keep the image of the military in good shape. Less publically, it deals with internal corruption, treason and similar crimes within the military. While the regular military police theoretically cover this function, it was generally found that they were not effective in prosecuting crimes committed by high-ranking officials and deeply entrenched corruption.
Attracting the attention of Unit 200 is considered a death sentence, for one's career at the very least.

Unit 300: Research and Development
Unit 300 develops the specialized technology employed by units 100 and 400. Separate from regular military R&D, they have access to all of the regular military's developments, but are free to conduct less savory experiments with fewer moral restrictions, as well as to develop weapons of questionable application, including biological and chemical weapons, 'planet busting' weapons and similar.

Unit 400: Specialist Units
401: AРC Анти-Резервуар Солдат Anti Tank Solders (Gespenst Jager: Ghost Hunter)
The 401st Unit, known as the 'Soulless Division' was created specifically to deal with cavalry and other heavily armored units. Because of the nature of kinetic shielding, virtually the only way to engage powered armor, save with heavy AT guns, is at point-blank range. For this reason the APC was created. These soldiers go into battle under the influence of hypnotic suggestion which adds greatly to the already prodigious capacity for pain the Russian soldier exhibits, allowing them to ignore fatal wounds, the roar of gunfire and the terrible morale effect of armored units in order to close in, at which point they can employ their specialized anti-tank pistols, high-powered, single shot, weapons which are placed against the joints of armor or other weakspots prior to firing. Some units also employ powered shears designed to slice into armor.
In order to close to their point-blank range, the 401st unit uses an extremely powerful model of void shield code named 'Blue Steel Lantern' for its distinct grey-blue glow. While capable of absorbing heavy fire and dealing even with the mighty blows of a powered maul, the shield suffers from the side effect of generating unhealthy amounts of radiation. Life in the 401st is very short indeed.
During the Second Great War rumors of 'Will o the Wisps' haunting battlefields led to the unit being nicknamed 'Gespent Jager'.

402: БTC Баллистическая Тактика Солдат Ballistic Tactics Soldiers (Flügellos Jaeger: Wingless Hunter)
Specializes in orbital drops and 'paratrooper tactics'.

403: ВTC Высокая Температура Солдат High Temperature Soldiers (Alt Schmied Jager: Old Smith Hunter)
Named for an ancient Germanic god, the VTC unit is another highly specialized group dedicated to the employment of various incendiary and high-temperature weapons. Making use of an experimental microwave beam as their primary armament, they go into battle with modified Dragoon armor which is equipped with extensive cooling equipment in order to take the massive temperatures they frequently encounter. They also employ flamethrowers and various other devices.

404: ГПC Глубокое Проникновение Солдат Deep Infiltration Soldiers (Führer Jager: Leader Hunter)
Stealth unit dedicated to that most dishonorable act of decapitating the enemy's chain of command.

406: Психологическая войны Солдат Psychological Warfare Soldiers (Geist Jaeger: Mind Hunter)
Specialists in psychological warfare, terror tactics and demoralization. This corps contains many psychics who are trained to employ direct mental attacks on the enemy's pscyhe.

412: КТC Космическая Тактика Солдат Space Tactics Soldiers (Stern Jager: Star Hunter)
Elite zero-gravity combat unit, specializes in ship and space station infiltration. Employed as anti-terrorist unit in situations involving space elevators.

423: ХTC Химическая Тактика Солдат Chemical Tactics Soldiers (Krankheit Jager: Pestilence Hunter)
Biological and chemical weapons agents, employ these on a tactical level as well as the strategic level. A flexible unit which can, depending on the mission, cripple an enemy's soldiers with the equivalent of dysentery, or render an entire planet uninhabitable.


Reserve, Irregular, Foreign, and 'Other' units

Reserves:

A typical reservist uniform
The Reserve, also known as garrison troops, are the non-standing part of the Russian army. After an initial five year tour, recruits serve an additional twenty years in the Reserve. Reserve units are composed of regular infantry, cavalry, and so forth, organized and equipped much the same as the regular army. However, they do not train and only 1/3 of a reserve unit is on 'ready' status at any time, with the remainder off duty. In times of war the remaining 2/3 must be called up, equipped and, often, retrained.
A large reserve is part of the Russian armies policy. They give the army a massive pool of manpower to draw on at minimal expense, as only 1/3 of a unit must be paid, and the pay is 1/3 that of the regular army. Reserve troops are expected to maintain their own weapons and to supplement the militia in times of war when they are not actually called up.

Militia:

Men of the Russian and Caucasian militia.
Militia units are raised in times of crisis to serve as reserve troops, a handy source of labor, or cannon fodder. Their level of equippage varies greatly. A few militia units are equipped and trained to the standard of line regiments, as they come from wealthy cities. The vast majority of the Russian militia are, however, essentially handed a weapon and told 'go that way'. In major wars, they generally fill the armies logistical roles, operating vehicles, acting as runners, and generally filling non-combat roles if possible.
In theory the militia comprises all able-bodied males within the Russian Empire, estimated at several billion souls. It is, however, unlikely that even in the most extreme cases that this number could be called up.
Russian militia are known as 'opolchenie', and is chiefly composed of serfs called up by a draft system in times of emergency. Freemen and aristocrats can join on a volunteer basis. Officers and NCO's usually consist of retired army personnel or volunteers from the upper classes.

Cossacks and Asiatic Cavalry:

Two Cossacks and a Bashkir
The Russian Empire's irregular cavalry, guerrilla warriors and superior light cavalry all rolled into one, the Cossacks are numerous, brave, and expert cavalry, both in powered armor and the more traditional manners of horse-mounted warfare. They fill a variety of roles in the army, however, as each Cossack clan, or host, has a different specialization.
The Don Host and Kuban hosts, for example, are considered the most reliable, the Don Cossacks fielding massive formations of powered armor cavalry while the Kuban are famous for their infantry, being disciplined almost to European standards, their black and red kaftans making them a very distinct sight on the field.

Cossacks of varying hosts are a common sight on all Russian worlds, the nomadic steppe dwellers having taken tot he stars with startling ease. They typically roam between systems in Stanitsas, a word formerly meaning 'village' but now often applied to such roaming fleets. These are headed by a hetman, while each host has its own ataman (this is the official title used by the Russian Empire, each host usually calls its leader by a unique title.) Cossack society is highly militarized, and a stanitsa will often act as a system's first line of defense assuming no actual military presence. Cossack armies may even maintain their own artillery.

Cossack children are expected to learn to ride at age 3, and to be contributing members of the community between 7 and 8. At age 12 her receives his first military uniform and arms, as well as two horses. Most Cossacks carry a small bag of their native land's soil with them.

Cossack Hosts within the Russian Empire:
The Don Cossacks:
The largest and, traditionally, most loyal Cossack host. The Don specialize in light, mobile cavalry and artillery, with few infantry units. They also contribute the most personnel to the Lifeguard. The traditional Don Cossack uniform is solid blue with red facings.
The Don Cossack Choir, officially debuting in 1925, is one of the most famous military bands in the world, having performed in most western nations. They are extremely popular.

The Marskoi Cossacks:
Based on Mars, these Cossacks are excellent cavalrymen, riding Mars' large, open, plains with confidence and ease of many generations. They, along with the Don host, are the only Cossacks to maintain heavy cavalry units, fearsomely well armed and armored to rival even cuirassiers, with skills honed from birth, they are a force to be feared.

The Kuban Cossacks:
The second largest Cossack host, the Kuban Cossacks possess the most infantry of any Cossack host and are some of the best skirmishers in the Empire. Their uniforms are black with red facings.

The Terek Cossacks:
A small but wealthy host, the Terek Cossacks have a military policy similar to that of the Don. They are fairly influential for their size due to their possession of a large amount of fertile land. Their uniforms are very similar to those of the Kuban host, save that they have blue facings.

The Caucasian Cossacks:
The Caucasian Cossacks, based in Georgia primarily, were nearly destroyed in the Russian Civil War of the early 20th century and have, thereafter, born a great hatred of Communism. They are employed most often as paramilitary personnel, scouts, and trackers, as well as counterinsurgency troops. Their uniform is black and green.

The Ural Cossacks:
A more mobile Cossack host that is closer to its nomadic traditions. The Ural Cossacks are the most wide-ranging host and are best known as scouts and explorers. Many famous Russian space explorers came from the Ural host, and several of Russia's first extrasolar explorers were Ural Cossacks. They also have a reputation as excellent starship engineers. They wear a darker blue than the Don host with silver facings.

The Siberian Cossacks:
Like the Ural Cossacks, the Siberian host is a fast-moving and far ranging group, known for producing excellent vanship pilots of great daring and skill. They wear white uniforms with green facings.

The Semirechye Cossacks:
Another wealthy host, mostly charged with the protection of Central Asia, they are mountain warriors and capable of moving with surprising speed in broken and occasionally vertical terrain. Their uniforms are green, with blue trousers.

The Baikal Cossacks:
A collection of smaller hosts, including the Chita, Buryats, Tungus and other local groups. The Baikal Cossacks are mostly charged with the patrolling of Russia's eastern borders and coasts. They are known for their performance on the steppe and in forests. They wear white uniforms.

The Amur Cossacks:
The Amur Cossacks, with their proximity to China, are often employed in cross-border dealings with the various Chinese dynasties. They wear blue uniforms with yellow facings.

The 'Cosmacks':
Some Cossacks have abandoned planetary living entirely, preferring to take their traditional nomad ways to space. They retain their loyalty to the Tsar and provide military tithes of ships and men, though, and are excellent warriors provided they don't have to set foot on a planet, being almost to a man, highly agoraphobic. They wear black uniforms with silver facings, similar to that of the Russian navy.




Janissary Corps:

The Mars Mameluke Regiment


A soldier of the Imperial Janissary Corps[/img]

A result of the peculiar Russo-Turkish situation, where the Russian Tsar achieved, indirectly, the goal of the Russian Empire since its founding. Through a complex arrangement of marriages, alliances and backroom dealings an Ottoman Sultan took a Russian bride as his first wife, and the resulting offspring was named a Grand Duke of the Russian Empire, which promptly placed him under the authority of the Tsar. The curious coup is now under threat from the revolting Nizam-I Cedid (or 'new order' troops), who seek to create a new Turkish state.

The Janissary Corps sided with the Russian Empire and the Sultan, and have proven themselves valuable allies. Prior to the Second Great War, the Janissary corps was renowned for its corruption, incompetence and laziness, but during the fighting in the Balkans, and especially the brutal Greek campaign, the Janissary Corp was whittled down to an elite corps of troops and then built back up again with Russian funding.

The 'new' Janissary Corps is an elite body, while their method of combat is not up to Western standards, they are excellent melee fighters and their morale effect can be devastating. The sight of a body of sword-wielding maniacs tends to unnerve even veteran troops. They carry muskets as well, which tend to be larger and heavier than Western models, firing a much larger shot. These can be quite devastating but take a long time to reload, hence Janissary tactics tend to be firing a volley and charging.

The Russian army maintains several Eastern-style regiments, all of these are collectively referred to as either 'Asiatic' or 'Janissary' regiments, regardless of their actual role.


Greek Units:

[i]A soldier from one of the Macedonian regiments

The Russian army, especially on Mars, is host to many Greek expatriates. These men are usually dressed in light blue uniforms in the style of their native country. They are generally excellent light infantry, especially in mountainous conditions. They have, historically, performed so well that a Greek regiment was included in the Imperial Guard.
Greeks are mostly famous for their rapid light infantry attacks, as well as their vicious skills in the melee.

Turkestan Units:


From Central Asia, these units wear white shirts, caps with neck covers and red trousers as a concession to the somewhat warmer climate of the region. They are not, however, up to par with the regular army units in terms of equipment or training, as duty in Central Asia is often regarded as a punishment, as duty there tends to alternate between great boredom and great danger from the various guerrilla and tribal warriors who like to snipe at anybody wearing a uniform.

American Units:

A Kalifornian grenadier and infantryman.
American units generally receive new uniforms after their Russian counterparts and as such often appear slightly behind the times in fashion terms. As Americans are generally thought to lack the discipline required by line infantry, most of them are employed in light infantry units, although line and grenadier regiments do exist in the region. Americans are generally highly regarded in the area of light infantry tactics, although not as much as the 'true' jaeger units of Caucasia and the Balkans. They are often used as reserves and logistical support units in armies under European commanders.
Kalifornia provides the most line and grenadier units of the American colonies, as well as light cavalry from the south, while Oregon and Alaska provide skirmisher units.

Martian Units:

A Martian jaeger and a line soldier.
Martian units typically wear much less pronounced uniforms than their Earthly cousins. Due to the dusty conditions prevalent on Mars, their battle dress uniforms are inevitably khaki, rust-red or another drab shade, because if they weren't, they soon would be. Martian units also typically have 'unofficial' headgear consisting of forage caps with neck cloths designed to keep the sun off of men's necks on the march, due to the high levels of ultraviolent radiation on the planet.
Regular Martian units do maintain dress uniforms, however, the traditional green, typically with red trousers instead of white.

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Logistics
The Russian Empire's ground forces, while employing few combat vehicles, do maintain a wide variety of logistical vehicles.

The most common is the Platoon Combat Transport, or TBB (Транспорт боя взвода). This is, more or less, a large platform equipped with a number of benches which, as its name implies, carries roughly a platoon worth of soldiers and their personal equipment. The TBB is used to move infantry to the combat zone and back and is designed for rapid loading and unloading. Line soldiers, once disembarked from the transport, will assemble into columns and join together as battalions. Jaegers and other light infantry will typically remain as platoons.

Similar units are employed to carry baggage and supplies, while artillery transports are specially designed with ramps and various useful equipment for the maintenance of artillery, as well as spare parts and so forth. Typically an artillery transport will carry two guns and associated gear, crew, and ammunition. Because of recoil, artillery is usually not fired from these vehicles except in an emergency extreme enough to warrant either flipping the vehicle over or sending the gun flying off the rear.

Larger transports, such as the Battalion Transport Vehicle and Regiment Transport Vehicle, are usually enclosed and are used for strategic transport. Regimental transports are employed as landing vessels where the threat of orbital fire is minimal.

The Russian quartermaster corps is infamously corrupt and a major contributor to the army's chronic supply issues.


Equipment:

Tricorns, Helmets, and General Headgear:
All uniform caps and helmets have an integrated communication system. All soldiers can receive orders from commanders and, with authorization from the relevant NCO or officer, reply on the same channel. In the event that all NCO's are terminated and contact with officers is impossible, the system will automatically designate the senior private as acting NCO.
Each cap also integrates a display which provides soldiers with orders if the situation means spoken orders aren't viable, as well as providing target designations and ranging from the units dedicated communications attachment. Officer displays also provide a local map with the disposition of any nearby allied and know enemy units, as well as terrain and similar.

Uniforms:
All uniforms are equipped with basic lifesign monitoring equipment which measures pulse rate, blood pressure and various other signs, relaying this information to the senior commander and/or medical officer. This is mostly used as a 'dead or alive' monitor, although some regiments have a more capable medical/technical staff. Uniforms also incorporate IFF units.

Uniform jackets and trousers are made with a stab/bullet/shrapnel resistant fabric (although the qualities of this fabric are somewhat questionable.) Soldiers are issued two uniforms, summer wear (generally jacket and trousers for infantry) and a winter uniform (which includes a greatcoat.) Most regiments also maintain parade uniforms purchased by officers for soldiers, these are much fancier than standard battle dress and a good deal less comfortable.

While the cut of uniforms is determined from St. Petersburg, the colors are up to the regimental commander. Uniform colors vary greatly, although bottle green is most common for the primary color.

The state provides each field soldier with two dress uniforms per year, and one greatcoat every two years. Generally officers are expected to provide whatever requires replacing in the interim. This means that low level officers frequently find themselves heavily in debt, as they lack the financial resources of the more senior officers.

The levels of dress in the Imperial Russian Army are:
Walking Out - 'Off Duty' uniform, typically consists of a plain shirt and trousers for enlisted men (Sometimes in regimental colors, often in a generic drab) and fancier 'gentleman's' clothes for officers.

Undress/Fatigues - General duty uniform for use outside of battle and off guard duty. Most often consists of plain, easy to wash and care for shirt and trousers, as this is the uniform employed for labor and construction work. Officers may have a fancier version.

Dress - Battle uniform, often consists of the Full Dress uniform stripped of the majority of its decorations. The Russian Army is unique among Europeans in that they retain certain portions typically reserved for the 'full dress' uniform in battle, including cap decorations and markings. These are notoriously difficult to keep clean, especially on campaign, but they somehow manage to do it.

Campaign Dress - Also known as 'marching dress', this is the uniform typically worn while not in battle but still on campaign. It is usually worn over the dress uniform to keep it clean during the march. Campaign dress, rather than being a distinct separate class, is more of an 'addition' to the dress uniform, consisting of a greatcoat and various coverings for caps and suchlike, with a more comfortable version of the boots worn in full dres It is less showy, but more practical. Some commanders do not make use of campaign dress, preferring their troops to be shiny and sparkly at all times.

Full Dress - Formal uniform for state occasions, parades, inspections, etc. Generally features lots of braiding, fancy metallic decorations, regimental decorations and so forth.

Parade Dress - The most fancy dress, frequently this is an entirely separate uniform of high quality material made to look good rather than be practical on the field.


Armory

Small Arms:

M72 'Baz' Musket
The chief weapon of the Russian Army is the Model 72 Linear Musket, which fires a .69 caliber explosive slug and is accurate to ranges of up to 50 paces. The nickname 'Baz' is derived from 'Bazalt' the designer of the M70 musket.

Russian muskets are sturdy, reliable and fairly long, and inevitably equipped with a bayonet. They are regarded as being somewhat heavy, however, and not terribly accurate even in trained hands. So far as one can consider any musket 'accurate'. They do, however, have a number of advantages. Firstly, they are generally regarded as being practically indestructible, are remarkably simple to maintain via a system of modular parts, allowing even the most simple-minded field soldier to affect field repairs.

M72c 'Bazka' Carbine:
Bazka is the diminutive form of 'Baz', essentialy it means 'Little Baz'. The carbine form is designed for use by hussars and light infantry who are required to reload their weapon on the move or from cover, which is much easier with a shorter weapon. It is slightly less accurate, but in compensation is a bit quicker to load.

M75 'Strelets' Jaeger Musket:
A 'fine tuned' musket issued to jaeger regiments. They are of better quality than regular muskets, allowing for greater power and accuracy. In addition to standard musket features, the jaeger models are enhanced with power selectors, allowing a soldier to 'overcharge' a shot when required to hit targets at a greater distance.

M77 Dragon:
'Dragons' are a model of linear musket employed by dragoons. Being much larger, they are quite deadly at short range. They have been modified in order to allow them to be carried by dragoons without being crushed, and are quite resilient to physical damage. Their larger size allows them to be made much more powerful than standard muskets, and they have been employed as anti-armor weapons with great effect. Dragoons are also known to use them to fire buckshot or 'buck and ball' (a load of two small pellets with the larger shot), both of which can have devastating effects against infantry at close range. The effects of buckshot fired from a linear musket can, as one might well imagine, destroy an entire formation of infantry.


M80 Rifle:
Rifles are fairly rare weapons, being quite expensive. This is primarily because of the expense involved in their manufacture, as they are very 'high-tech' and require a master craftsman to complete. A lot of miniaturization and high-end coolant is expended with each weapon. The trade off, however, is that they are accurate to a much longer range. Thus, they are typically sprinkled out among the light infantry at a rate of roughly one man in twenty. Some officers and NCOs in regular units have obtained rifles as personal weapons.

Another disadvantage of rifles is their loading time. Because the rifling must 'bite' into the projectile it has to be forced down the barrel, rather than simply dropped in as with muskets. Hence, most riflemen can only fire twice per minute.

Rifles are generally somewhat more powerful than muskets, given their quality of manufacture. Because of the expense in producing them, rifles are generally not fitted with bayonet mounts, as it is not wise to risk such a weapon being sliced in half by a sword blow. Riflemen are usually issued a shortsword or saber instead.



M67 Pistol
Pistols are typically employed by officers who need a hand free to signal or wield a sword in. These weapons are small, and, thus, less accurate than their musket brethren. They are still, however, quite powerful and not to be underestimated. The M67 is a revolving pistol which, while slightly less powerful than single-shot types, gives a much higher rate of fire even if it has a long reloading time.


Firearms and Rapid Fire Gauss Weapons:
Employed by jaegers and other light infantry, these are far less powerful than their cousins employed by the line infantry, but still pack a significant punch. The most favored model is the M90/95 Mosin-Nagant Automatic Rifle, the base design of which is nearly a hundred years old. It is an automatic rifle in the 9mm caliber, which generally fires an explosive round to compensate for its relative lack of mass and muzzle velocity. Despite the obvious recoil issues, compared to a musket it is highly accurate.
Currently there are several 'rapid fire' gauss weapons in use, however, these are typically large, requiring a carriage for movement and are deployed in defense of fixed positions, as their bulk prevents them from moving up with infantry for attacks.

Currently the army is looking into providing something better, as it seems unlikely that this weapon will be effective against many foes in the universe at large.

M00x Laser Weapon:
The 'something better'. Currently in testing, high-powered energy weapons useful for long-range work have had some success. Laser weapons are a new development, and most of them are fragile, making them somewhat unsuited to general field work. They have found a place, for now, among the Gendarmie sniper units for use in urban situations where they can receive the intense and almost constant maintenance required by such weapons.


Ammunition:
M10 Explosive Slug
The main ammunition type employed by the army, this round is fired from muskets, carbines and rifles. Fairly simple in construction, it consists of an explosive-filled metal casing tipped with a mass sensor. Once the sensor detects sufficient mass around the shell, typically set for the amount inside the human body, or that the shell has ceased moving, the explosive is detonated with, hopefully, messy results. This particular model will penetrate some armor, including that of mid-level armored vehicles.

M15 Anti-Armor Slug
A specialist round employed by "tank-killer" units, the AA slug consists of a tough, high-density metal darts whose mass is rather greater than their size would imply. Of course, only the strongest men are employed in these units due to the sheer weight of ammunition carried. The effects of these darts, employed correctly, on infantry formations can be quite horiffic. Fired from a flanking position the darts, much like artillery fire, will readily pass through a number of men without slowing.



Melee Weapons:


Pattern 55 Powered Light Cavalry Saber (160cm blade)
Pattern 65 Powered Officer Saber (101cm blade)
Pattern 68 Powered Infantry Saber (95cm blade)
Pattern 70 Powered Heavy Cavalry Saber (370cm blade)
Pattern 70 Powered Artillery Short Sword (60cm blade)
Pattern 72 Powered Dragoon Pallash (355cm blade)

Powered swords are a traditional cavalry weapon given a modern twist, with subtle variations between types. Typically light cavalry sabers, used by Hussars, are curved and much lighter, allowing for better use against light targets, with a preference for slicing or slashing attacks. Heavy cavalry sabers, used by cuirassiers, are longer, and straight for stabbing and piercing thick armor. The Dragoon palaash is a broadsword which lacks the elegance of either of the sabers, but is very good for smashing things.

All weapons are equipped with a generator which creates a disruptive field around the weapon, which can have very messy effects on solid matter. Organic matter is generally violently disassembled at the molecular level, effectively, it simply evaporates. Denser materials, such as metal, will slow the sword down, but a skilled swordsman will know the best angle to strike from in order to achieve maximum effect. This allows a sword, properly wielded, to slice through most types of armor with ease as well as inflicting deadly wounds on infantry. Such weapons tend to react to shields and so cavalry must be careful around infantry formations lest they have their weapons torn out of their hands.


Pattern 66 Powered Maul
A weapon almost exclusive to the Dragoons, who favor it for its raw power, the Powered Maul takes the concept of the powered sword and applies it to a very large hammer. This device is essentially the ultimate anti-armor and anti-building weapon, provided one can get close enough, there is very little that cannot be reduced to dust by a practiced wielder of this weapon. While long-ranged for a melee device, with a reach of up to a dozen feet in some cases, they are quite heavy and slow to wield, presenting an obvious weakness in those not well versed in the weapons use. Thus power maul users are often backed up by a number of assistants.


Pattern 80 Powered Bayonet:
A device employed to turn the average musket into a serviceable spear, the powered bayonet operates on the same principal as the above weapons. When affixed to the muzzle of a rifle and turned on, the blade is sheathed in an energy field which will make short work of any solid matter the point contacts. The blade has a length of 53cm. Employed without power, the blade is still deadly against unarmored enemies, with its triple-edged design, it inflicts wounds which are very difficult to sew up and tend to bleed profusely. It's secondary function as an entrenching tool is helped by the powered blades ability to break down solid matter, which can make short work of rocks, tree roots and so forth.


Vehicle Inventory:

'Tachanka' or Light Armored Vehicle (OBT)

There are two main divisions of this vehicle, both are very similar but differ in their method of manufacture. The first is the purpose-built OBT, which consists of (typically) a modified logistics vehicle such as a TBB with a heavy weapon (a 3-6lb cannon or repeating linear weapon, normally). These are employed as rapid hit-and-run vehicles similar to Hussars, although more mobile. They are, though, less easy to conceal and far easier to hit. They usually have minimal armor and carry no shields, although the rare heavy version does exist.

The second class, what is typically referred to as a 'Tachanka' (diminutive of the Ukrainian for 'wheelbarrow'), or 'machine gun cart'. This type is not purpose built, but rather consists of a military or civilian transport vehicle with a large weapon strapped to it. They are often used by revolutionaries or criminals, but the army makes use of them when required, and it is not uncommon to see a tachanka or two among the supply train of an army.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

The Imperial Guard In Detail

The Emperor's Bayonets

-1st Guards Division
--1st Brigade
*Lifeguard Preobrazhenski

An officer, grenadier, and soldier of the Preobrazhensky regiment
The First, The Finest!
The Preobrazhenski, along with the Semenovski, are the oldest Guards regiments, predating the establishment of the Russian Empire itself when Peter the Great founded the two as the first regiments of his new-style army. They were created in 1683 as one of two 'toy regiments' the young Peter employed in mock battles, which gained increasing realism as time went on, going so far as to construct entire fortification systems and conduct sieges of them, using cannon and muskets firing leather balls, which proved to be only slightly less lethal than the actual thing. With the foundation of the Empire they and the Semenovski regiment were created simultaneously from the play regiments of Peter's childhood. They distinguished themselves in virtually every war the Russian Empire was involved in, earning numerous decorations and unit honors.
As with the other Guards regiments, the Preobrazhensky were gradually sidelined over the course of the 30th century, eventually being stripped of their role as bodyguards to the Tsar when Ivan XI founded his own New Line regiments. The Preobrazhensky, one of two surviving regiments of Guards, were relegated to guarding the abandoned palaces of St. Petersburg. However, they were eventually happened upon by a young Peter VII, who adopted them as his own and went on to employ them to great effect.
The Preobrazhenski are regarded as a balanced regiment, equally capable of engaging a foe in the melee or at range with their muskets. Their hallmark is a calm and controlled approach to battle, approaching a machine-like set of mind. They are not known for their rapid charges, but for their plodding, unstoppable, advance.




*Lifeguard Semenovski

A grenadier and musketeer of the Semenovsky regiment
What is good for others is not enough for the Semenovski Regiment!
Together with the Preobraznhenski the Semenovski are the oldest regiments in the Russian army. The Semenovski are somewhat less distinguished than the Preobrazhenski, and a good deal less famous, a fact which irks the soldiers of the regiment greatly and pushes them into fierce competition with the 'senior' regiment. Further competition is engendered by the fact that most of the high nobility prefer to join the Preobrazhenski regiment, leaving the lower nobility space only in the Semenovsky. Unlike the Preobrazhenski, the Semenovski did not survive the Russian Revolution, they were disbanded in 1918 after the commander received word of the death of the Tsar, a stain which the regiment strives to remove. Reformed by Anastasia I, they survived the centuries only to be relegated to the sidelines.
Unlike the Preobrazhensky, the Semenovski are known for their aggressive tactics and fiery spirit. They prefer the assault to the exchange of musket fire and will often seek to close to close quarters.


Distinguished Regiments:

Infantry Units

The Banner of the Imperial Lifeguard (issued to both regiments:)


The Preobrazhensky Regiment:


The Semenovsky Regiment:


The Baltic Naval Grenadier Regiment:


The Novo Petrograd Regiment of Naval Equipage and the St. George's Colours Awarded for Bravery:


The Smolensk Regiment of Naval Equipage:


The Pavlovsk Regiment of Musketeers and the St. George's Colours Awarded for Bravery:


The Novo Petrograd Regiment of Musketeers:


The Archangelsk Regiment of Musketeers:


The Tobolsk Regiment of Jaegers:



Cavalry Regiments

The Emperor's Company of Horse:


The Maltese Mounted Knights:


The Don Cossack Hetman's Guard:


The Kuban Cossack Hetman's Guard:


The Imperial Kalmyk Scouts Regiment:


The Grodno Hussar Regiment and the St. George's Colours:


The Vladimir Dragoon Regiment:


The Novgorod Dragoon Regiment:


Artillery Units

The Guards Artillery Train and Bombardier Company:


The Regiment of Naval Artillery:

[OMGeverynameistaken]

A festive holiday bump.

Comments and criticism are welcomed. I'm always looking to improve. I'd particularly like input on my combined-arms approach, with Jaegers acting as more traditional FT Infantry.

The idea would be to take a 'rock and a hard place' approach, with Jaegers encircling an opponent (assuming roughly equal forces in the sky, or, better yet, total control of the air ), and driving them towards the oncoming line infantry. This would allow the relatively slow line infantry to close with and destroy the enemy who, hopefully, are having their heads kept down by the jaegers.

Dragoons and cuirassiers add a good 'hammer' as well. One of the oldest tactics in the book is to engage an enemy's front and hit them in the flanks or rear with cavalry. Historically very few forces could stand up to the morale shock of a heavy cavalry charge up the wazoo, so to speak.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

Updated, now with a list of things considered by the Imperial Russian Army to be sissy.

[Rethan]

I have a comment.

This is an awesome army. I mean they use future muskets. MUSKETS! And cavalry! Marching battle line, cavalry charges. I really like this, such an awesome concept.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

I have a comment.

This is an awesome army. I mean they use future muskets. MUSKETS! And cavalry! Marching battle line, cavalry charges. I really like this, such an awesome concept.

I try. If I could draw I probably would've done a comic about this or something, but since I have no talent in that area whatsoever I decided to make it an NS nation

[Brogavia]

Pure win, other than one little nit pick. The men in the pictures do not have big enough beards to be Russians. And they don't look drunk either. What kind of space Russia are you?

[OMGeverynameistaken]

Pure win, other than one little nit pick. The men in the pictures do not have big enough beards to be Russians. And they don't look drunk either. What kind of space Russia are you?

Only sappers wear beards, my good man. Besides, beards have been out of style in the military since the 1600's

As to the alcohol, that typically happens when off duty. Those posing for portraits are requested to be sober when doing so. It looks bad otherwise.

[Brogavia]

Pure win, other than one little nit pick. The men in the pictures do not have big enough beards to be Russians. And they don't look drunk either. What kind of space Russia are you?

Only sappers wear beards, my good man. Besides, beards have been out of style in the military since the 1600's

As to the alcohol, that typically happens when off duty. Those posing for portraits are requested to be sober when doing so. It looks bad otherwise.

Style shmyle. They're Russians, not fashion models.

[Conserative Morality]

This. Is. Beautiful. Space Russians with muskets.

[Polish Worlds]

This. Is. Beautiful. Space Russians with muskets.

Hopefully they won't invade the Space Poles with bolt-action rifles

[Brogavia]

This. Is. Beautiful. Space Russians with muskets.

The only thing could ever be more epic than this would President Eastwood.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

@Brogravia
Pfft, it's a Space Napoleonic Army. Half the point is that they're fashion models as well as soldiers

@CM
I rather liked the idea. As I said elsewhere, if I could draw I would've done a comic about it. Since I can't draw I decided to write about it

@Polish Worlds
...Space...Poland? ...Poland.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST SUBJUGATE ALL POLANDS.

[Polish Worlds]

...Space...Poland? ...Poland.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST SUBJUGATE ALL POLANDS.

It would be an epic thread.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

...Space...Poland? ...Poland.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST.
DESTROY.
MUST SUBJUGATE ALL POLANDS.

[img]http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5503/bijbolszewika.jpg[img]

[img]http://mobmg.photobucket.com/albums/v491/gustav1/31_7.jpg?t=1242302783[img]

It would be an epic thread.

Hey, now, don't go putting us on the level of the Soviets. Our soldiers are FAR better looking than that.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

Update, now with EVEN SHINIER PICTURES.

[Nordic Imperium]

I would like to know if you would be willing to help me do up a Army and Naval Factbook. Also if you could get me any inform on what countries are in the Nordic Imperium as it would able to give me a size to have for my military forces. Also I would like to know how weak self-loading repeating rifles are compared to muzzle loading muskets and maybe point me in a direction for both naval, tanks and aircraft please?

[Solyhniya]

Absolutely awesome. Admittedly, I kinda neglected to read the "FT" bit in the title, so it took me a while to figure out what was going on xD

Tsarists with railguns. Definitely on the same level as a lobster knife fight...

[OMGeverynameistaken]

Did a bit of reorganization. Enjoy!

[The Ben Boys]

Can you elaborate on the PTCs and other transports? I don't know if they're machines or giant wagons.

[Greater United Russia]

._. Muskets in FT; I'm scared now. Love the detail; it's certainly more interesting than overbaring people with ships the size of planets and missiles the size of dreadnoughts. Go you.