Military of the Oan Isles

The military of The Oan Isles is formed of the Oan Defence Force (known colloquially as the National Defence Force and in the Oan language as the Kaha Kōrero Kōa). The military is constituted by legislation. It is governed and managed by the civilian government. It is responsible for the defence of Oan territory and projection of power throughout the world in line with the objectives of the Oan government, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of defence policy. The Oan Defence Force was founded in its current iteration in the beginning of the 20th century after the end of the Oan-Morstaybishlian War. The military was reorganized and structured to make it a modern force. The military has engaged in several armed conflicts and humanitarian operations over the years among which are its engagement in the Auroran-Pacific War and its contribution toward the Peacekeeping Forces of Urth.

History

War for the Konoa Isles

Auroran-Pacific War

Main Article: Auroran-Pacific War

War for Kōhatu Isles

Command organisation

The Emperor of Polynesia (known in the Oan language as the Rangitanga-ta-i-Moana) is the commander-in-chief of the defence forces. He is the nominal head of the armed forces, in that oaths of loyalty are sworn to him, but he has no practical role in the management or governance of the armed forces or formulation and execution of defence policy. As a result of the state of emergency that was declared during the Auroran-Pacific War in 2017, the Emper was able to exert considerable influence on the operations of the armed forces and their deployment in the war effort. Legal decisions taken by the National Court in the case Freedom International v The Crown of Polynesia found that the involvement of the Emperor in that conflict was against the principle that the separation of the monarchy and government implied in the Constitution by the phrase "The Emperor is immune, the ministers are responsible" and subsequent judicial decisions taken on the matter. It believed that even though a state of emergency was in effect, the civilian government remained fully operational therefore the influence exerted by the Emperor was disproportionate to the situation. It concluded by clearly delineating, based on law and precedent, the power the Emperor could exercise, which were effectively reduced.

The Council of Ministers forms the defence and security policy. The Minister of Defence is responsible for its implementation. The Minister is also the head of the Department of Defence which facilitates the daily administration and management of the military. The operational command is assumed by the Chief of Staff and the combat and non-combat personnel are organised within the General Staff. Although the Minister of Defence is a politician or civil servant appointed by the Prime Minister with the consent of the National Assembly, the Chief of Staff is a career senior commanding officer within one of the branches of the armed forces appointed by the Prime Minister on the Minister of Defence's advice. The operational command of the armed forces is relatively independent from the government.

Personnel and training

The armed forces employ 86,100 combat personnel on a full-time basis. They comprise approximately 1% of the population of the Oan Isles. There is no conscription and its enforcement in wartime particularly in the Auroran-Pacific War was relatively limited. Combat personnel work in either of the branches of the armed forces often restricted in career advancement (except for aircraft pilots) or serve in managerial roles in the General Staff. The armed forces employ a relatively small contingent and rely considerably (if not primarily) on aircraft, vessels, vehicles and artillery for combat and support. Non-combat personnel serve in the Military Intelligence Service, Military Health Service, Military Technology Service and General Staff as well as in technical and support roles in each branch and during active deployment.

The training requirements for entry into the armed forces are developed by the Defence Department in line with legislation. Entry is limited to Oan citizens or permanent residents. Exceptions can be made with the approval of the Defence Minister. The state funds most of the education of combatants. Some personnel are trained in foreign institutions particularly in Morstaybishlia. The Military Institute of the Oan Isles is located in La Rochelle (Tokapa). It is organised like a public university offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in military sciences accredited by the Education Department. Training is offered by senior commanding officers and retired veterans. The attracts guest lecturers, researchers and additional teaching staff from academics and experts from all over the world. The Military Institute offers education to international students as well (on a fee basis). Additional training for pilots and seamen is available through in-service training in the air force and navy respectively (which also offer courses for servicemen outside of that branch). Retention of general personnel is poor, and recruitment numbers are fairly low relative to the population. Given the rigour of the education received, the military is still able to benefit from good quality soldiers.

Expenditure

The defence forces receives all of its funding from the national budget. Restrictions exist to prevent private sector funding or extra-governmental fundraising. The military has a budget of 10 billion kiribs (70 billion tāra). This comprises approximately 3% of the total annual economic output or approximately 7% of the national budget. The budget experienced an increase of 100 million kiribs (700 million tāra) during the Auroran-Pacific War. 30% of the budget is dedicated to upgrades, maintenance, procurement and research. 50% is spent on salaries; the average salary is 50,000 kiribs (with an average 30,000 kiribs for new combat personnel up to 75,000 for the Chief of Staff). The military spends 20% on intelligence, logistics and personnel support and training.

Service branches

Army

The Army forms the terrestrial component of the armed forces. It is responsible for combat and other operations on land. It employs approximately 43,050 personnel, approximately half of the military combat personnel. It has a single command structure (or headquarters) located in the capitol. The army is made up of 55 battalions which specialise in aerial assault, mechanised infantry, armoured artillery and light role infantry. There is an emphasis on the combined deployment of the various specialisations to maximise effectiveness in combat. As a result of the high level of urban development, relatively small size in relation to other armies, distances between islands and density of jungles in the Oan Isles, the army has adapted its doctrine to focus on urban and guerilla warfare.

Ranks

Equipment

Main Article: Equipment of the Oan Army

Navy

The Navy forms the maritime component of the armed forces. Because the Oan Isles is an island nation, the navy forms the first line of defence against an invasion. This has resulted in a shift in funding to the navy. The largest portion of the research, development, maintenance, upgrade and procurement of technology is taken up by the navy. The navy is a green water navy. It can be deployed in the South Pacific Ocean as far as Stratarin and as far west as the eastern edge of the Packilvanian Ocean and as far south as the Southern Ocean. The navy has 50 ships in total. It has an amphibious infantry component (not a fully fledged marines) centered on its two amphibious assault vessels. Including which, it has a naval aviation division staffed by air force pilots.

Ranks

Equipment

Main Article: Equipment of the Oan Navy

Air Force

The air force forms the aerial component of the armed forces. The air force is the smallest force by personnel, but its technology budget is equal to the army. Although the army focuses on maintaining and upgrading existing technology, the air force has been able to make substantial procurements of new aircraft. The air forces leases air craft to the other branches and works in partnership with the navy to equip the naval aviation division with specialised naval aircraft. The air force is equipped with both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. It has three groups made up of air combat, air support and training aircraft and facilities. Its combat procurement has focused on strike aircraft and multirole aircraft. It has worked with Kuthernburg to develop, test and deploy drones for combat and reconnaissance.

Ranks

Equipment

Main Article: Equipment of the Oan Air Force'