Armed Forces of Zahava

The Sanctorus Imperialis Militarum sometimes referred to simply as the Militarum, is the armed forces of The Imperium of Zahava. The Militarum consists of six service branches, Imperial Army, Imperial Navy, Imperial Air Corps, Frontier Troops, Imperial Guard and the newly established Departmentum Cyberarium. Units are assigned to one of four theater commands known as Themes which are based on geographic location. The Militarum is the worlds largest military force in terms of manpower and equipment, and has an annual budget of 255 billion dollars annually. In recent years the Militarum has undertaken great measures to upgrade and modernize its forces, with particular attention being given to the navy.

The Militarum is under the direction of the general staff who work in concert with the Administratum of War. The commander in chief of the Militarum is the Primogenitor. In times of crisis the Imperial frontier troops, along with the national police the Ordo Custodes serve as additional reserve and support elements for the Imperial army.

National military Command
Following the relinquishing of government and military authority by the Primogenitor in 2020 the newly elected Magos is the official commander in chief of the Imperial armed forces. The Magos then appoints the Magister Militarum, who will serve as the chief executive officer for the Imperial military, and serves as the primary adviser to the Magos on all matters related to defense. The Magister Militarum is second in the chain of command over all Imperial armed forces, with the exception being the Imperial guard, and members of the religious protective services.

To coordinate military strategy with political affairs the ImperialCouncilum of Militarum, or Imperial Council of War has been established. The council of war serves only as an advisory body to the Magos, however several of its members exercise authority over their own ministries or departments of the government or Imperial military.

The Magister Militarum, and Magos are both additionally briefed, and advised by the Imperial general staff on all military matters. The Imperial general staff consists of chief officers from each of the service branches of the Imperial military. The Imperial general staff does not exercise operational control over any military formation despite being made up of the highest ranking officers from each of the service branches. Instead the general staff serves as an advisory body, and conducts the planning and coordination of major military operations.

Operational command of Imperial armed forces is left to the respective theater, domestically known as Themes or task force commanders. Theme commands consists of officers from each of the service branches, ensuring effective unified commands for conducting combined arms operations.From among the members of each Theme or Task force command, one officer is chosen, by the Magister Militarum to serve as the Primus Primarch, or Primary commander. The Primus Primarch exercises supreme command authority over all of the forces, regardless of branch, within his geographical or functional command, and can only be removed by the Magister Militarum.

Military Leadership
The Imperial military is officially headed by the Primogenitor, although this is merely a ceremonial role. The official head of the Imperial Military command is the Magos, followed by the head of the Administratum Militarum, known as Magister Militarum, or Master of the Formations. The Magist Militarum is advised by a council of war, this consists of the heads of the various intelligence services, the chief of the general staff, the heads of the internal security forces, and any other diplomatic, military or government officials deemed relevant to the current council session. The current makeup of the Imperial Council of War is as follows

Imperial Council of War


 * Ceremonial Chairman:
 * Primogenitor- Altarion Kalsarius


 * Chairman:
 * Magos-
 * Magister Militarum-


 * Vice Chairmen:
 * Chief of the General Staff- Aratius Thrasius
 * Commander of the Imperial Guard-


 * Members:
 * Director of the Strategos Intelligence Council-
 * Commander of the Frontier troops-
 * Magister of the Foreign Intelligence Ministry-
 * Magister of the Imperial Security Directorate-
 * Magister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
 * Magister of the Imperial Economic and Finance Ministry-
 * Magister of the Imperial Estate-
 * Prefect of the Imperial Judicatum-

Military Reforms

 * 1950
 * 1970
 * 1980
 * 1996
 * 2000

Military Themes


The Imperium is broken up into four distinct military districts, known domestically as themes. Within each Theme each service branch carries out primarily administrative duties such as training, equipping, and maintenance of equipment while the Theme command exercises operational control. Theme commands are typically made up of general grade officers, with at least one officer from the various service branches operating within the respective Theme. One officer, typically assigned by the General staff serves as the chief officer in charge of each Theme, with all other service branch commanders serving under them. This system is set up to ensure the carrying out of combined arms operations across all service branches is streamlined, effective, and additionally allows a theme to independently respond to a situation as it arises without need for direction or authorization from the general staff or administratum of War. Each theme command also has a liaison for the custodes, and other lower level civilian security and intelligence groups to coordinate efforts between the military and civilian national security groups when the need arises.

The four Themes of the Imperialis Militarum are:


 * Theme Borealis
 * Theme Iapetus
 * Theme Occidentus
 * Theme Feraxis

The Military districts are also reflected in the names of the four main Imperial field armies.

Budget
The budget of the Militarum has has grown about 10 percent annually over the last 15 years, reaching 280 billion in 2020. Spending has increased substantially while number of personnel has steadily decreased. This is due to efforts to rapidly upgrade and modernize existing forces, and in order to fund a number of projects aimed at the development and fielding of new technologies. Further spending increases have been geared towards arm exports, namely to ECOSEAS members, and a reduction in arms imports as the Militarum continues towards its 2000 reform mandated goal of total self sufficiency in arms production and procurement. Additional spending increases can be linked to ongoing instability in neighboring SiWallqanqa and the ongoing civil war in Santa Magdalena, and efforts the Imperium is undertaking to develop and modernize ECOSEAS allied forces.

Imperialis Akritarii
The Imperialis Akritarii (The Imperial Formations) known commonly as the Akirtarii is the component of the Militarum responsible for conducting land warfare. The Akritarii has around 975,000 personnel, down from over a million following the 2000 military reforms. The Akritarii account for over half of the Militarum's total manpower. The Akritarii are dispersed over the four theme commands, and are reinforced by civilian national security organizations during times of crisis and can call on an additional 525,000 reserve forces. Roughly 75 percent of all Akritarii divisions and brigades are now mechanized, or armored, doubling the percentage of such forces available in 2000. Additionally in 2017 two two amphibious mechanized divisions were also established.

As part of the 2014 reforms, the total number of Akritarii manpower has decreased to free up funding for overall modernization programs, as well as special emphasis being placed on advancements and improvements in special operations, information technology, electronic and information warfare, the deployment of integrated battlefield information networks, command and control systems, satellite communications, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based surveillance and reconnaissance systems, deployment and advancement of high tech weapons systems, as well as an emphasis on conducting by 2021 the Akritarii is expected to be fully mechanized apart from reserve forces and the formation of two additional amphibious mechanized divisions to established what will be known as the first imperial expeditionary corps will be complete.

Imperialis Nautika


The Imperialis Nautika (Imperial Navy) known commonly as just the Nautika is the component of the Militarum responsible for conducting naval warfare. Historically the Nautika was a great source of national pride, although begging in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s the Nautika was in a steady decline, being eclipsed by other world powers and taking on a role more closely aligned to a coast guard, and geared towards supporting the Akritarii.

This changed in the mid 1970s when a program of modernization began, largely the Nautika focused on the development and construction of submarines leaving the surface fleet to remain in a strictly defensive role. This again changed in 2000 when a shift towards modernization of surface vessels began and the development of the two fleet system was first adopted. The home fleet, would remain a largely defensive force, while the Imperial High Seas Fleet would be designed to serve as a to include the construction of at least three aircraft carriers, two escort carriers and one fleet carrier, the escort carriers were completed in 2018 and in mid 2019, while the fleet carrier is expected to enter service in late 2020.

The Nautika operates a naval infantry force of 30,000 broken up into six brigades, and 28,350 personnel serving in the naval aviation wing operating several hundred attack helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft both from vessels and coastal naval facilities.

Imperialis Aeronautica
The Imperialis Aeronautica (Imperial Air Corps) or Aeronautica is the aerial warfare branch of the Militarum. The 320,000 strong Aeronautica is organized into five commands, one for each Theme and then a separate reserve command. Aeronautica units are broken up into air divisions, which consist of 2 or more aviation regiments a piece, each with roughly 25-35 aircraft. The Aeronautica also operates control of the countries SAM corps, which like the air divisions are broken up into five commands, four divisions attached to the themes and one in reserve.

Most recently the Aeronautica has been tasked with administration and operational control over the Imperium's nuclear and non-nuclear strategic and tactical ballistic missile arsenals,as well as operation of the Imperium's space borne military assets to include the satellite and GPS networks.

Imperialis Praeceps
Sanctorus Imperialis Praeceps (Frontier Troops), commonly referred to simply as the Praeceps are the border defense force of the Empire, responsible for preventing unauthorized access to Imperial territory from the land and sea. These forces man border checkpoints across the frontier and operate number of vehicles, ships, and aircraft for coastal and harbor defense. Praeceps maintain checkpoints in every international airport, and port facility in Imperial territory. The Praeceps also work closely with the Ordo Custodes in enforcement of Imperial Law and dealing with civil unrest. In more rural areas of the country the Praeceps forces conduct their duties mounted on horseback, and many former Praeceps members have gone on to compete and win international equestrian tournaments.

In the event of war, the Praeceps serve as a stop-gap force intended to delay an invading army long enough for forces of the Akritarii to arrive in strength, since 2000 the Praeceps has also received training in conducting guerilla warfare tactics.

Ordo Hetaeri
The Ordo Hetaeri (Order of Companions) serves as the Imperial Guard of Zahava. The Imperial Guards is tasked with providing personal security for all Imperial residences, and for providing personal protection to all members of the Imperial family.

In the wake of the Primogenitor's relequishment of most governmental duties the majority of the Imperial Guard has been repurposed into the most elite light infantry and airborne military formations within the Militarum, with select units continuing to serve as special forces formations. While a smaller number of the Imperial guard continue to provide security for the Primogenitor, Imperial family, and other government officials, or visiting dignitaries and carry out largely ceremonial duties.

The Imperial Guard also continues to serve in its role as a secondary paramilitary police force in the capital of Arcanium, and heads security for major events such as AIFA soccer matches, or other international events.

Departmentum Cyberarium
The Departmentum Cyberarium is the newest branch of the Militarum. Originally established in the late 80s primarily as a signals intelligence and research department the The Cyberarium was officially made its own branch in the 2000 military reforms and has seen rapid advancement and increased funding since. The cyberarium deals in conducting operations which include denial of service attacks, hacker attacks, dissemination of disinformation and propaganda, internet surveillance, as well as the operation of what critics have called "troll farms" and the spread of various types of malware and other computer viruses. In addition to this the Cyberarium also conducts other means of electronic warfare, and information gathering, while conducting operations in space, and, independently from other military branches.

Intelligence Services and other National Security Organizations
Ordo Scholari

The Ordo Scholari (Order of the Scholars) are tasked with providing security for all shrines, temples, and other religious sites, as well as providing personal security for ranking religious figures

Zahavan General Staff

The General Staff is the joint command organ and the headquarters for which all the Zahavan armed forces answer to. The general staff is headed by the Chief of the general staff.

The general staff serves as the chief operations command with primary duties being studying and planning of the strategic aspects of warfare and drafting of battle plans or campaigns.

Strategos

The Strategos serves as a body and while consisting of members of both the Ordo Externus and Ordo Custodes, the Madda organization operates independently in order to provide an entirely intelligence-focused assessment to the Emperor, the ministry of war, and the general staff.

Ordo Externus

The Imperial Foreign Intelligence Ministry, or Ordo Externus serves as the main foreign intelligence gathering component of the Imperial armed forces. Tasks include identifying, monitoring, foreign agents operating within the Empire. Additionally the Ordo Externus is responsible for the operation of Imperial assets operating in foreign countries

Ordo Custodes

The Imperial Security Directorate, or Ordo Custodes, commonly referred to simply as the Custodes is the main state security service of the Empire. The official responsibilities of the Custodes are the physical protection of Imperial citizenry government officials and buildings; the uncovering and neutralization of plots against the same. Though not specifically named, these responsibilities are understood to encompass domestic and foreign intelligence gathering, counterintelligence activities, and anti-terrorism operations. The Ordo Custodes are most noted for being deployed against individuals or organizations deemed enemies of the state by the Imperial government.

Intellegentius Administratum

A national-level intelligence agency, responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign and domestic intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in a discipline known as signals intelligence (SIGINT). The Intellegentius Administratum is also tasked with the protection of Imperial communications networks and information systems.

Service
The military service is held in three different tracks: Regular service – mandatory military service which is held according to the Zahavan Conscription law Permanent Service – military service which is held as part of a contractual agreement, these are the full time professional soldiers Reserve service – a military service in which citizens are called for active duty of at most a month every year, for training activities and ongoing defense activities and especially for the purpose of increasing the military forces in case of a war.

Women
Women have served in the medical and logistics services since 1960. Until 1991 women were restricted from serving in certain services and combat roles, since 1991 women have been permitted to serve in all functions of service without restriction so long as they are capable of meeting the same requirements and standards as males in the same role.

Mission
The Mission of the Zahavan Armed Forces as outlined in the constitution is as follows:
 * To defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, and to defend its population against foreign or domestic armed aggression.
 * To render assistance in the case of natural catastrophes and disasters of exceptional magnitude, and engagement in international crisis response operations.
 * To support national policy and protect Zahavan interests
 * To Protect the Monarch of Zahava

Doctrine
The Zahavan General Staff at the Royal War College in conjunction with representatives of the ministries of War, Interior, Public Security and Foreign Affairs produce a every four years, which is broken down into three parts, the report is known as the National Defense Brief and is submitted to the Emperor and Ordo Custodes.

Part one lists what are believed to be the most immediate threats to Zahava, proposes policies to minimize or eliminate these threats. What is currently being done to eliminate or minimize the threats, and what systems or procedures are inadequate. The Second part lists projects which the joint general staff wish to see developed, as well as what the projected costs for each program will be. The last part of the report outlines the current military budget and provides extrapolations giving a general idea of what the military budget required, proposed, and desired would be for the next four years. Coupled with reports from the various other ministries the national defense brief determines the structure of funding until the next report.

The National Defense Brief is a highly classified document, although sanitized versions of the report are submitted to the media and disclosed to the public.

Part I
Immediate Threats:


 * Cyber warfare attacks carried out by individuals or hostile states against state and private infrastructure

Part II
Policies and Means to neutralize threats to the State


 * Further development and integration of existing cyber warfare monitoring and defense systems, Establishment of Specialized military network warfare forces, Further development of offensive cyber warfare and intelligence systems. Establishment of new cyber warfare and intelligence research and education centers

Weapons and Equipment


Some of Zahava's military equipment is imported, and used as is, or adapted for Zahavan use such as. Zahava has also developed its own independent weapons industry, which has developed weapons and vehicles such as the

Zahava has also produced a number of remote controlled weapons platforms, which can include machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles on a remotely operated turret attached to various vehicles or fortifications. The Zahavan armed forces also posses a number of sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles used for observation and reconnaissance, and possess advanced combat engineering equipment from armored bulldozers to ground based robots and other mine or explosive clearing vehicles.

The Zahavan armed forces also has several large internal research and development departments, and it purchases many technologies produced by these Zahavan security industries. Many of these developments have been battle-tested in Zahava's numerous military engagements with neighboring countries or rebel groups, making the relationship mutually beneficial.

Chemical and Biological Weapons


Since the early 1900's the Zahavan armed forces have researched, developed, and produced a wide variety of biological and chemical weapons agents, with production peaking in the 1970s. Until 2015 it was believed the stockpiles of such weapons were being destroyed, however the government, under pressure following a security leak has acknowledged one facility for the purpose of producing, and storing stockpiles of chemical agents. The government has not commented on the size of its chemical or biological weapons stockpile, nor has the government disclosed which chemical and biological agents it has produced or possess.

Santa Magdalena
Santa Magdalena