Veridian Armed Forces

(In progress) The Armed Forces of the Veridian Empire was formed from the unification of the Federal Republic of Rhodesia and Genosha's respective armed forces. The military branches are considered a Professional Military, with an all volunteer force.

History

The Veridian Armed Forces were formed in 2016, after the controversial merging of Genosha and the Federal Republic of Rhodesia. The Military was radically reorganized to better form a cohesive bond after the merger. The Armed Forces rely on an all-volunteer force, incentivized by numerous governmental benefits for serving the two year minimum.

Army

The Army is more relegated to a "Policing" and reserve land force, but is capable of fighting overseas if need be to reinforce strategic locations taken by the Marines and serving as an occupying force. It utilizes the same equipment that the Marines field, and is drawn from for reinforcing manpower for the Marines.

Marines

The Marines are the primary land force in which the Veridians take pride in. It is a very mobile force being anywhere, anytime, in a short notice. Officially, the Marines comprise a equally sized infantry force as the Army, and in some respects is seen as larger.

The Rhodesian Marines currently service the Rhode Heavy Works M1A1 Main Battle Tank in very small numbers. Other vehicles in service include the LAV-III, Striker, and the Amphibious Assault Vehicle.

Marine Aviation

To promote further capabilities, the Marines have an Aviation component. However they only use rotary-wing aircraft. In service are the AH-1Z Wildcat and the UH-1Y Bane.

Also used are the VAe Systems CH-47D Kru. The "Kru" is an updated version of the Chinook, with self-folding blades for easier stowage, upgraded electronics done by SaiberDyne Systems, and a upgraded air-frame using less parts for less maintenance and checkup efforts.

Inherited Genoshan Mi-24 Hinds and Mi-17 Hips are common sight for land based only operations. The surviving number of said helicopters were too great to pass up, thus being pressed into service. Despite the greater stress of adopting foreign vehicles, the leadership decided that the trade-off was worth it, for the greater capabilities. Current inventory Hinds and Hips were updated to Veridian standards with up-to-date electronics, heat dissipation, and weaponry.

Navy

The Navy is seen as the first line of defense against any threats overseas. While not as large as others, it is capable of putting a hurt on their enemies thanks to the nation's strategic location next to international shipping routes. The main doctrine that the Navy evolves around is the Pacific Gap

Fleet Air Arm

The Fleet Air Arm is a branch of the Navy responsible for operation of naval and land-based aircraft. With the formation of the Veridian Empire, the Air Force was absorbed into the Navy. A highly controversial topic that resulted in the resignation of several high ranking officials of the Air Force.

It currently operates the VAe Systems Skua II and the RP-3C Albatross. As it's prime-time fighter and secondary attacker, the Navy operates the F/A-14E Bobcat. The difference between the D model from the E is the addition of the original glove vanes from the A model. With the glove vanes, it enables the plane to turn 7.5gs at Mach 2. Another notable difference is the expanded capability to it's radar system to strike ground targets. As a dedicated attacker, the Navy utilizes the navalised variant of the F-111 "Aardvark". Including it's electronic attack cousin, the EF-111 "Spark'vark". Both planes operate the same F110 engine that the Bobcat uses.

It currently services the F-16E "Copperhead", a name picked for when the planes were originally equipped with the gold-tinted canopies. The Copperhead serves as the mainstay multi-role fighter of the Federal Republic of Rhodesia. Supplanted by the F-16F, a two-seater version, for attacker duties. The Air Force is looking into options of a dedicated Interceptor/Air Superiority Fighter to replace the F-4X Peace Jacks. The Copperhead has replaced the F-4E "Spirit" as the mainstay fighter, however the F-4X "Peace Jack" retains it's role as a dedicated interceptor, supplanted by former Genoshan MiG-25s and Mig-31s, albeit in single digit numbers. To further expand the military's capabilities in striking tactical and strategic targets, the Air Force maintains a fleet of F-111 Aardvarks.

For logistical airlift, the Air Force relies on RC-17 "Petrel". It provides both strategic and tactical airlift while maintaining a "global" capability. The Veridian Air Force faced trouble trying to decide a airlift plane that can readily transport the nation's MBTs and equipment without having to rely heavily on ships. As the prime-time Tactical Airlift transport, the C-390 "Guppy" takes the role. Despite having a smaller cargo space than the C-130 Hercules that other nations field, the Guppy boasts a longer range, heavier payload, and less maintenance downtime. It also has greater fuel economy, faster speed, and higher operating altitude. It has fully replaced the aging C-130 although specialized variants of the Hercules still remain in service.

As a dedicated Electronics Warfare aircraft, the EC-130 "Barn Owl" fills the role of listening in and updating commanders with information gleaned from enemy communications. Utilizing electronics made by Wey-Yu Industries, the EC-130 will maintain it's role well into the 21st century.

The dedicated aerial tanker of the Fleet Air Arm is the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 plays a key role in the mobilization of Veridian military assets, capable of taking part in overseas operations far from home. The Extender is expected to serve until the 2040s.

The branch also operates locally produced RAe Systems TF-39 as jet trainers. Inherited Genoshan MiG-29s and MiG-21s serve as aggressor squadrons for training purposes.

Rotary craft in service is the UH-1Y Bane.

Fleets

The Navy currently operates:

• 2x Cecil Rhode-class Aircraft Carrier
• 3x DuVall-class Amphibious Assault Ship
• 6x Samuel Veridia-class Guided Missile Destroyer
• 12x Ranzac-class Frigate
• 5x Zulfiquar-class Frigate
• 3x Oliver Harry-class Frigate
• 15x Armadale-class Patrol Boat
• 30x Sa'ar-class Missile Boat
• 4x Leewin-class Survey Vessel
• 4x Cay-class Landing Ship
• 5x Endurance-class Replenishment Ship
• 10x Collins-class Submarine

The Veridian Empire currently sails two fleets. The First Fleet is a Carrier Strike Group comprised of one Cecil Rhode-class Aircraft carrier, five Ranzac frigates, one Oliver Harry-class frigates, two Endurance-class Replenishment Ship, two Collins-class submarine, and one Leewin-class Survey Vessel.

The Second Fleet is an Expeditionary Strike Group comprised of one DuVall-class Amphibious Assault Ship, Five Ranzac frigates, one Oliver Harry-class frigate, one Endurance-class Replenishment Ship, two Cay-class Landing Ships, two Collins-class submarines, and one Leewin-class Survey Vessel.

Submarines and frigates not part of the fleet operate in packs of two, patrolling the seas near the Empire. Patrol class ships are responsible for "Coast Guard-like" duties around the Veridian Empire. Leewin-class Survey Vessels are tasked with the responsibility of surveying and providing support to fleets. One of the DuVall-class ships is tasked as a training vessel, teaching marines how to lead amphibious invasions. Genoshan ships inherited in the merging are the Zulfiguar-class Frigates and Sa'ar-class Missile Boats. After extensive reviewing, these classes were deemed suitable for the needs of the Navy until a suitable replacement is found.