Lestykhol National Defense Force

The Lestykhol National Defense Force (LNDF) is the armed forces of Lestykhol. It consists of 5 branches: The Ground Forces, Maritime Forces, Air Forces, Special Forces and Expeditionary Forces. It has actively participated in foreign conflicts since its inception in 1919. In the present day, the forces serve primarily defensive purposes.

1400s to Dnieper
Although the current iteration of the LNDF is fairly recent, Kholak culture has long necessitated a strong military presence. As early as the 1400s, members of Kholak tribes were dedicated to military duties.

Vojiskiy Era
When the Dnieper Confederation was absorbed into the Vojiskiy Empire in XXXX, the Kholak Military was reconstituted into the Imperial army. The Empire used Kholaks as heavy cavalry, military leaders and guards of the Emperor. The latter of these roles, known as the "Konvoi," was extremely prestigious as members were trusted to safeguard the Emperor's life. The Kholaks were instrumental in the expansion of the Vojiskiy Empire's borders. The Kholak Cavalry played an integral role in the Dzuynakaz Wars. These wars took a drastic toll on the morale and public opinion of the Kholaks, which over the decades would lead to Kholaks vying for independence.

War of Independence and Grand Campaigns
During the Grand Campaigns, the Vojiskiy Empire fought on the side of the Crown Alliance against the Republicans. Ushered by orators like Rosninskiy Volkachev and Vasily Katyushin, the Kholaks rose against the Imperials, condensed in the northern part of the country. In October of 1919, the Republic of Lestykhol declared its independence. In order to combat the invading Imperial forces, conscription notices were sent out, and by the end of October, the Lestykhol National Defense Force had an army to defend the new republic. The army began a brutal guerilla campaign in Lestykhol's southern forests. The defenses consisted of long chains of fortified towns that were supported by cavalry and additional infantry who would counter-attack. The results were devastating to the already weakened and demoralized Imperial troops. Important battles at Brezhnegrad, Kholdnareka and Belaya were won by the Kholaks, who would drive back the Yarovans as they froze in droves. By the spring of 1920, the country's independence was secured.

Vojiskiy War
During the Vojiskiy War, Lestykhol sent volunteers to assist the Republican Front against the Empire. Kholaks participated in most of the major battles, and were some of the first forces to breach the Imperial Palace. Although relations started positively with the Republican government, they refused to acknowledge promises that they made to Lestykhol, causing the already negative opinion of Yarovans to deteriorate further.

Great Kesh War
The Lestykhol National Expeditionary Force was formed in 1947 for the express purpose of allowing Lestykhol to project its influence abroad, and to act as an auxiliary force to foreign armies. Their mettle was tested during the Great Kesh War. A force of ten thousand troops was sent to Kesh where they landed in Guurdalai and were ferried to Alvakalia. In Alvakalia, they joined the Alvak Heer against Kodeshia. The bulk of the force was sent to the West, however, where they engaged in counter-insurgent operations against the Mihrani League and Maderistan People's Army. The Kesh War was also a symbolic conflict for the Kholaks. They saw it as a spiritual and political struggle against the Muslim and Communist armies, which boosted morale. However, the rough desert environments of Kesh proved difficult for Kholak troops to adapt. Many soldiers were afflicted with conditions like heatstroke and dysentery.

Western Front
The Western Front was where the LNEF saw most of its action.

Eastern Front
Although the fighting on the Eastern Front was brief compared to the West, it was arguably just as intense. The Kholak units fought alongside the Alvak Heer against Kodeshia, These units were re-equipped with Alvak uniforms and weaponry in order to promote cohesion and prevent friendly fire incidents.

Secularist Revolt
On June 6th, 1966, a group of radical militant activists caused a revolt in the industrial city of Belaya. The revolutionaries, who sought to limit the Svogda Patriarchate's influence in the government. They siezed key locations in the city like the rail station, barracks, police headquarters, city hall and other important buildings within several weeks. A state of emergency was declared in the district, and an immediate counter-attack was put into action. A large force of LNGF troops was sent to subdue the revolutionaries. The combat quickly devolved into a brutal urban slug fest that eventually resulted in the rebellion collapsing. Combat ceased on November 14th.

Rovski-Zaporizhian Separation
In 1995, the situation in the United Provinces of Rovsnoska and Zaporizhia escalated to an all-out brawl. The Rovsnoski military sent a call to the Ataman, Yulian Antonovich, for support in the conflict. After some deliberation, it was agreed that the Lestykhol National Maritime Force was deployed to the Zaporizhian coast to distract the Zaporizhian fleet and engage in coastal bombardment. Although the Kholak fleet suffered heavy casualties, they succeeded in their objective of preventing the Zaporizhian fleet from sailing inland and bombarding the Rovsnoski capital.

Possible PAC-PaZ Proxy-war
Not confirmed

Organization
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Command Structure
The Ataman is the commander-in-chief of the Lestykhol National Defense Force. The Chair of the Department of Security acts as the minister of the Force.

Doctrine
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Branches
The Lestykhol National Defense Forces are divided into five branches.

Ground Forces
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Maritime Forces
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Air Force
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Special Forces
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Expeditionary Force
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Equipment
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Infantry Equipment
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Small Arms
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Ground Vehicles
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Armored Vehicles
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Unarmored Vehicles
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Artillery
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Support Vehicles
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Air Vehicles
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Figthers/Interceptors
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Ground Attack Aircraft/Helicopters
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Transport Aircraft
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Infantry Equipment
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Small Arms
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Vehicles
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