Embrean Defense Forces

The Embrean Defense Forces comprise the military of the Embrean Realms and are composed of the Embrean Army, Royal Embrean Navy and Embrean Air Force.

The modern Embrean military tradition dates from the 1730 Concordat of Reims, by which the right to provision a standing army, and thus control of the military, passed from control of the Crown to that of the Estates-General. While the monarch is considered to be commander-in-chief of the armed forces, his position in this regard is purely ceremonial and exercised at the advice of the Estates; thus, effective control of the military rests with civilians.

Army
The Embrean Army is the largest of the three branches, with 120,000 active duty personnel in 12 divisions. A primarily defensive military, its mandate includes defense of Embrean territory from foreign aggression as well as the protection of Embrean interests overseas; in this latter role, it has deployed in limited quantity to Santa Magdalena in support of League of Free Nations operations in that country, as well as taking part in the Veikan Civil War as part of the League mandate there.

The Army operates a doctrine of "total defense," predicated on a hypothetical future conflict with regional rival Tiperyn and assuming, based on the disparity of force size between the United Realms and Tiperyn Realm, that it will likely do so outnumbered. Embrean military tactics thus emphasize active deterrence through maintenance of a high level of readiness, strong nuclear program and modern, heavily-mechanized ground force to rapidly respond to and defeat threats wherever they may materialize.

Formerly a primarily conscript force, the Embrean Army has been all-professional since 1999, at which time women were permitted to serve for the first time, in rear-echelon and noncombat roles. Despite occasional calls for the reinstatement of national service, support for military professionalism remains high and satisfactory recruitment and retention figures make a return to conscription unlikely in the near future.

Equipment

 * See main article: Equipment of the Embrean Defense Forces