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 554 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.

Mission
The Mission of the Militarum as outlined in the constitution is as follows:
 * To defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Imperium, 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 the Interests of the Imperium abroad
 * To carry out any other directives given to the Militarum by the Imperial government

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

History
The Imperial Militarum is among the oldest established professional standing military forces in the world, with a professional army dating back to 3rd century BCE when the Kraxir dynasty formed the first Zahavan empire uniting all the coastal city states under one rule and established the first formations of the imperial retinue which formed the core of the Kraxian army. The Imperial navy was similarly officially established during the first Empire along with specialist naval infantry, originally meant to carry out bordering actions at sea. The Imperial frontier troops were formally established halfway through the first Empire, with the Imperial air corps being formed during the Grand Campaigns. The newest branch of the Militarum, Departmentum Cyberarium was established formally in 2000 to ensure the Militarum can meet the offensive and defensive needs of the modern world.

The militarum's current organization can be traced back to reforms enacted as Imperial observers witnessed new tactics and technology deployed during the Great Kesh War from 1949-1959. Since then the organization of the Militarum has evolved to meet the threats posed by the new digital age, with modernization programs, the research and development of new technologies, the development and implementation of cyber-warfare assets and safeguards, the construction of chemical, biological, and nuclear arsenals, and the creation of expeditionary formations to deploy to protect Imperial interests abroad.

Zahavan Civil War
The single most defining event for the Militarum in the modern era has been the Zahavan Civil War. The war was a multi sided affair, consisting of Imperial loyalists, Usurper forces, and a number of separatists or revolts of varying sizes. All sides involved in the war were ill prepared for the long eight year ordeal the war would become. Many important figures in each of the factions, and even the population as a whole expected the conflict to be over relatively quickly. However no one faction possessed the necessary forces or equipment to be able to achieve a quick decisive victory. This ultimately lead to the establishment of wide spread and sometimes even forced conscription across the various factions involved.

The Zahavan civil war was particularly bloody as the technology available at the time far exceeded the capabilities most military minds around the world thought they were capable of, as a result all sides used outdated strategies and tactics in planning their campaigns, resulting in tremendous loss of life and extensive destruction of property.

As the various campaigns stalled, a precursor to the trench warfare that would become prominent during the Grand Campaigns would set in, until more forward thinking commanders began to adapt their tactics to the equipment and forces available to them. The loyalist forces were particularly adept at using railways and river ways as a means to rapidly transport forces across the front, allowing them to attack their enemies at unexpected locations on numerous times. The modernization of mobilization, communication and the development of smaller assault and infiltration units were largely the result of initiatives began by the forward thinking loyalist staff officer Marus Parmenion Ryse, who would go on to achieve the Rank of Primarch, and hold the office of Magister Militarum after the war.

Ultimately it was the loyalist victory at sea, allowing the loyalists to effectively blockade usurper territory, and thus cripple the usurper forces means to conduct warfare, coupled with their punitive approach towards areas in rebellion, that is the total destruction of all assets that could be used by rebel forces along with the mass internment of rebellious populations that allowed the loyalist forces to gradually wear down the usurpers and other rebellious factions and ultimately achieve victory.

The civil war had far lasting effects not only on the Zahavan population but on the Militarum as well, as a general principal after the civil war the Militarum has sought to study and implement new technologies and strategies as the arise rather than be caught using antiquated battle plans again. The zahavan civil war is also considered among the earliest modern wars due to its use of new technologies, tactics, and the effects on the population through large scale industrial mobilization the excessive loss of life, as well as the totality of destruction of infrastructure and other non-military assets.

Notable Events in Modern Era to Present

 * Zahavan Civil War 1892-1900
 * Grand Campaigns 1915-1925 (volunteers only)
 * South Avalonian War 1923-1927 (volunteers only)
 * Great Kesh War 1949-1959 (volunteers, officially only observers)
 * Quechan Wars 1972-1995 (clandestine support of SiWallqanqan forces)
 * SiWallqanqan Civil War 2015-2018 (support of SiWallqanqan government)
 * Peacekeeping in Santa Magdalena 2008-Present

National military Command
Following the relinquishing of government and military authority by the Primogenitor in 2020 the newly elected Archon is the official commander in chief of the Imperial armed forces. The Archon 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 Archon 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 Archon, however several of its members exercise authority over their own ministries or departments of the government or Imperial military.

The Magister Militarum, and Archon 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 Archon, 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:
 * Archon-
 * 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-
 * Arbitrator of the Imperial Judicatum-

Military Reforms
As the Great Kesh war continued Imperial observers noted the use of more modern tactics, and equipment especially combined arms maneuvers and the impact aircraft had on the outcomes of campaigns. As a result, the Militarum made its first major shift away from a doctrine of quantity and towards a more modern force with higher levels of quality. Funding was shifted heavily towards the development of aircraft, and air defense systems as well as an emphasis being placed on modernization particularly of naval assets. This was done primarily through a reliance by the Imperium's ally Chezzetcook, who's engineers and research assistance were vital for the formation of the modern Imperial navy.
 * 1955

The use of nuclear weapons in 1959 also spurred the Militarum to develop and begin building up its own arsenal of nuclear weapons as a deterrent. The second major conflict that spurred the Militarum to commit largescale reforms was the Quechan Wars which demonstrated the effects a well organized and adequately equipped insurgent force could have on a country. This lead the Militarum to begin placing emphasis on anti-insurgency tactics, and the conducting of guerilla warfare operations, particularly to be conducted by the frontier troops in the event of Invasion. The 1974 reforms also saw a continuation of the efforts to modernize the Militarum across all branches. The Militarum began to adopt a view of quality over quantity, and the army began a steady rate of downsizing in terms of overall manpower, while training and equipment steadily improved. The navy stagnated yet again while emphasis was given to improving the air force and army, as the Imperial government took a more Avalonian central view, and with the opinion that threats to the Imperium would come from the continent and not abroad and the need for force projection, and thus a sizeable navy was seen as unnecessary, the navy was heavily slanted towards the development and construction of submarines over surface vessels.
 * 1974

The reforms of 1983 were largely a continuation of the 1974 reforms, the army continued to downsize in favor of improved equipment and better trained soldiers, however the events of the Eurekan War caused Militarum leadership to rethink their stance on the navy and once again modernization efforts for the fleet were pursued. Developments of long ranged air launched anti ship missiles were also accelerated and again Chezzetcook naval expertise and assistance was crucial in achieving these goals. The naval infantry and naval aviation wings of the Imperial navy were greatly expanded, and the first modern Imperial aircraft carriers were purchased from Chezzetcook.
 * 1983

The 1996 military reforms were largely administrative, in order to cut costs the number of military districts was cut from fourteen to four, to ensure efficient command theme commanders were now given total command authority over all forces within their district, regardless of service branch, while the service branches took on a more administrative training and equiping role instead of commanding their own forces. The 1996 reforms also saw a large budget increase for the Militarum as a whole, as efforts to modernize, and continue the development of new technologies continued. The 1996 reforms also saw the establishment and funding for extensive electronic warfare and early cyber warfare technologies and applications. The 1996 reforms also saw the creation of an expeditionary force, specifically meant to be able to deploy rapidly and begin operations anywhere within southern Avalonia
 * 1996

The 2000 military reforms continue to see budget increases, the research and development of new technologies and a furthering of the quality over quantity mantra. The 2000 reforms also strive for defense independence whereby the Militarum does not rely on outside imports for defense technology, and instead has the goal to become a defense asset exporter. The 2000 reforms saw a mandate for a further expansion of the expeditionary force, and continued development in aspects of electronic and cyber warfare, to include the formation of a new military branch to conduct operations solely in cyberspace. The 2000 reforms also formally outline the creation of a high seas or blue water naval force capable of conducting operations, and supporting the expeditionary force outside of Avalonia, this expansion includes the construction of three modern aircraft carriers as well as other numerous surface vessels, again with the assistance of Chezzetcook although in a much more subdued capacity than previous contracts.
 * 2000

The 2005 Military reforms would be some of the most dramatic in over a century. The Akritarii was to be cut in strength from over 900,000 men to just under 500,000. Many of the soldiers being removed from the ranks would instead be transitioned to form the Imperial Development and Construction corps. A new, civilian organization which would provide logistics,skilled labor, and administrative roles to fulfill the goals outlined in the New Dawn Initiative whereby large public works projects are meant to increase the standard of living and help bridge the income inequality gap between the rural interior of the country and the wealthy coast.
 * 2005

The 2005 reforms would also outline the need for an expanded navy, and expeditionary force. This force, totaling 155,000 men would provide the primary offensive capability for the Imperium capable of deploying around the globe, while the Akritarii would be limited to a more defensive or localized Avalonian conflict role, with the ability to mobilze large numbers of reserve forces should the need arise. The downsizing of the army would allow for overall improvement of troop quality and equipment, with those expeditionary units receiving top priority.

The 2005 reforms would see the Aeronautica reduced in size slightly as well, with a number of older and obsolete aircraft being fully retired. All surplus equipment from the military that was not going to be repurposed for civilian construction or logistics use was to be sold to ECOSEAS member states

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 554 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 465,000 personnel, down from over a million following the 2005 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.

As part of the 2005 and earlier reforms, the total number of Akritarii manpower has been steadily 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. Additionally as part of the 2005 reforms the Akritarii will be taking on a more defensive role, allowing expeditionary forces to provide the Militarum's offensive capabilities. The Akritarii will however still be tasked with conducting operations throughout southern Avalonia

By 2021 the Akritarii is expected to be fully mechanized apart from reserve forces.

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 1980s 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 and provide transport for the newly established expeditionary forces. The 1980s reforms included the construction of at least eight total aircraft carriers, four light carriers, primarily to serve in the home fleet, and four nuclear powered fleet carriers as well as amphibious assault ships and other modernized vessels. The 2000 reforms saw the construction of the four fleet carriers begin with the first vessel being introduced in 2007.

The Nautika operates a naval infantry force of 155,000 broken up into two expeditionary force groups, 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 a specialized paramilitary force. The Scholari's primary mission is providing security at all religious sites such as shrines, temples, or monuments. Additionally the Scholari serve as the personal security forces for all members of the senior priesthood or other religious figures. The Scholari often serve as a secondary security detail for the Primogenitor, or other members of the Imperial house hold.

Aside from these duties the Ordo also is tasked with providing assistance to missionaries abroad, and when applicable providing security for Zahavan religious facilities abroad, within the scope of the host nations laws. The Ordo also assists local and national law enforcement agencies involving investigations of ecclesiastic members or crimes committed on or against church owned properties.

Zahavan General Staff

The Zahavan General Staff serves as both the primary body responsible for the planning, and the coordination of all major military operations and campaigns. Additionally the General staff serves as a source for continuous study of warfare, economics, engineering, and other disciplines relevant to conducting military operations.

The general staff also serves as a means to continually rotate senior and junior staff officers through administrative, instructive, studious, and command roles. Thus ensuring the Militarum's command does not become stagnant or stuck in old methods of thinking in the application and conduct of warfare.

Lastly the general staff serves as a secondary advisory body to the Magister Militarum and Archon on matters of national defense, and the presentation of plans for the authorization for military 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
By law military service in the Militarum is obligatory for all Imperial citizens. In practice however the Militarum has not had to rely on conscription since the zahavan civil war and has been able to recruit enough personnel to maintain more than adequate manpower levels through voluntary service alone. Still by law all citizens are required to register for Imperial service at the age of 18, doing so however does not mean that the person doing so must join the Militarum, merely it means they are ensuring their unique identification number is in the Imperial system should the need for a draft be required again.

Imperial edict no 4650-2 prescribes conscription and military service as "It is a sacred duty of every citizen of Empire to defend his or her motherland and resist invasion. It is an honoured obligation of the citizens of the Imperium to perform military service" The edict further states that "military service is the duty of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation"

From a legal standpoint all persons 18-25 can be compelled to complete a minimum of 36 months of service in whatever branch of service the Militarum deems necessary, this however remains unnecessary as volunteer numbers provide adequate enlistment numbers to to support all military posts within the Imperium.

The Militarum does provide waivers for military service based on medical evaluations conducted by Militarum appointed medical panels. The Militarum has historically not allowed exemptions from military service based on any religious grounds, however this policy has been rescinded with the turnover of power from the Primogenitor to the Archon, and the senate.

Enlisted
Enlisted personnel make up the bulk of the Militarum, while all persons must register for service the Militarum typically targets citizens in the 18-40 age range. Persons under the age of 18 can enlist to active service through a dual enrollment program whereby students in their last year of Primary school take additional courses on basic military knowledge such as ranks and chain of command, proper wear of the uniforms, basic drill and ceremony procedures, and basic map reading, radio communications, and marksmanship.

Each branch of the Militarum conducts its own enlistment processes but all are roughly the same. Potential recruits first take an aptitude test, consisting of math, science, reading and comprehension questions which is used to determine which military specialties the recruit is eligible for placement into. Each service branch administers its own exam and the makeup of the exams change across branch. The Navy and Air Corps for example have a larger percentage of math based, and engineering problems than the Army or Frontier troops.

After passing the entrance examination recruits must then pass a medical evaluation which involves a physical, mental health screening, dental and vision exam, and a detailed medical history. The results of the entrance exam and the medical evaluation are then combined, and an algorithm determines which military specialties will be offered to the recruit based on their selected service branch needs. The recruit then chooses from among their available specialties, officially signs their enlistment contract and takes their oath of allegiance to defend the Imperium and its interests abroad.

After this, typically a week to two weeks later the recruit will attend basic training for their selected service branch. Each service branch has a minimum of two basic training installations in each military district. The length of basic training varies dependent on service branch. Upon successful completion of basic training recruits are then sent to a more specialized school where they will be instructed on how to perform their specific military specialty tasks and duties. Additional schools are required for those persons who enlist at higher ranks, where leadership courses and other command oriented training, similarly those who have enlisted for a more technical professions such as being a field surgeon will undergo extensive training before being assigned to an actual unit. In the event the recruits chosen military specialty reaches a status of surplus, the recruit can have their specialty reclassified to another specialty dependent upon the needs of their branch of service or needs of their destination military district.

After successful completion of schooling a recruit will be sent to their designated unit, based on service and district needs. Most recruits will start their service at the lowest grade of OR-1, and upon reaching their units be promoted to OR-2. Recruits who had some higher education, or who participated in a dual enrollment program will start at the grade of OR-2 with OR-3 being the highest grade considered to be lower enlisted. Promotions for junior enlisted are based on time in service, time in grade requirements although these requirements can be waived by the unit commanders. Promotions can also be given for achieving a specified level of technical proficiency, and continuance of good conduct. Each of the service branches has their own promotion criteria in regards to time in service, time in grade, and demonstration of technical proficiency.

Promotion can also be denied with reason and demotion can occur as the result of a formal punishment for various infractions.

Non-commissioned Officers
Non-commissioned Officers, or NCO's are unofficially broken into two groups, junior and senior NCO's. Technically both groups are defined as any enlisted personnel over the grade of OR-3. Unlike junior enlisted positions have higher requirements for promotion, and are generally much more competitive. Typically enlisted personnel of the rank OR-4 have at least three to four years of service. The primary function of junior NCO's, those grades OR-4 to OR-5 is to serve as as first-line supervisors and squad leaders, training the junior enlisted in their duties, ensuring junior enlisted maintain their unit and service standards in regards to physical fitness and appearance and offering guidance to junior enlisted on their career advancement through their service branch.

Senior Non-commissioned Officers, those of the grade OR-6 or higher perform duties more focused on leadership and administrative duties rather than on technical expertise. Senior NCO's mirror their commissioned counter parts to an extent, for example each platoon has an officer in charge known as a platoon leader, while also having a platoon sergeant, who serves in an advisory role to the platoon leader. Many senior NCO's assist in staff work at a headquarters level, or are tasked with carrying out other administrative tasks. Additionally senior NCO's are expected to mentor, and advise junior NCO's and enlisted personnel in their units ensuring they too maintain service and unit standards. Senior NCO's also typically are involved in the implementation of training or other instructional programs as directed by their commanding officers, additionally delegating certain duties down to individual squad leaders and other junior NCO's as necessary.

Typically to achieve the rank of a senior non-commissioned officer enlisted personnel will have between 12 to 17 years of service

Technical Officers
Technical officers, or warrant officers are commissioned officers who serve in a more technical and specialized role within units and do not conduct leadership or administrative duties as their commissioned line officer counterparts. In the Akritarii technical officers are typically helicopter pilots, electronics, engineering, or computer specialists.

Typically technical officers are former non-commissioned officers, enlisted, or senior non-commissioned officers who work in a highly technical field and have gone through the process to receive an officers commission based on their technical proficiency. Additionally technical officers have also successfully completed the required training, such as successful completion of flight school, and have been in their respective field for some time.

Technical officers are equal to their line officer counterparts but they have declined, or have not been offered a command. It is possible, but extremely rare for a person to attend basic training, go directly into technical officer certification programs and then attend flight school.

Technical officers are afforded all the same privileges, customs, and courtesies as commissioned officers and typically receive the same pay rate. The duties of technical officers vary from service to service.

Commissioned Officers
Officers in the Militarum receive their commissions typically by attending, and successfully completing education at one of the service academies.

The second most common method officers revieve their commissions is when enlisted, after having held the rank of OR-5 for at least two years attend the officers candidacy program, with letters of recommendation to attend the program from their unit commanders.

Other means for officers to receive their commissions include direct commissions, for civilians in technical fields such as surgeons, legal professions, dentistry, pharmacy and other select professions.

Battlefield commissions can be granted to enlisted personnel who greatly distinguish themselves from their peers. Battlefield commissions can be issued by a units commander officer after approval from the theater commander, and as the name implies can only be issued for exemplary service in combat and thus opportunities for this type of promotion exist only during times of war.

Commissioned officers recieve their commissions from the Magister Militarum, on behalf of the Archon, and swear an oath of office upon receiving their commissions. Once attaining their commission most officer start at the rank of OF-1 through OF-3 and are commonly referred to as junior officers. These junior officers are typically paired with senior non-commissioned officers who serve as assistants and mentors and function as leaders of smaller units or sections of a unit

Field grade officers in pay grades OF-4 through OF-6 known as senior officers lead significantly larger and more complex operations, with gradually more competitive promotion requirements.

General officers OF-7 to OF-12 serve at the highest levels and oversee major portions of the military missions. All officers hoping to achieve general grade ranks will advance their careers through successful completion of time at the staff college, where typically a graduates ranking from the staff college heavily influences what general rank grade they are able to achieve. All officers regardless of rank attend education, development and training programs as directed by the staff colleges for their respective branches, successful completion of these programs is typically part of an officers promotion requirement.

Women
Beginning in the Zahavan civil war the auxiliary women's corps was established and entire female units were armed, trained, and equipped alongside their male counterparts, and served in combat roles. In 1970 the auxiliary women's corps was disbanded as part of larger cost cutting measures, and female military personnel were instead integrated into existing formations.

Women have been able to serve in combat roles, including commands since 1970 so long as they are capable of meeting the same physical requirement standards as male soldiers. A few select formations remain entirely segregated after studies showed mixed gender formations suffered from a lower combat readiness than non mixed formations of the same type. Typically these segregated units are limited to special operations formations, and certain combat roles. The ability of women to hold all positions that male counterparts due extends across all service branches and Militarum departments. Women account for roughly 3% of all Imperial air corps pilots, and an almost equal percentage of naval aviators. Historically women have held even the highest positions in the Militarum, with half the themes being under the command of a female officer until 2019.

All personnel regardless of gender at the same rank and time of service are compensated the same rate across all branches, and all personnel have the same promotion criteria.

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