New California Republic Army

The New California Republic Army (often abbreviated as NCRA) is the standing army of the New California Republic and one of the largest military forces in the wasteland. Its reputation and ability were forged in the constant conflicts with raiders

Structure

The units of organization are battalions, divided into companies, platoons, and squads. Typically, they are led by a sergeant or other non-commissioned officer. Military bases of the army (typically called camps) are always under the command of a commissioned officer (usually a major). Larger field camps are under the command of a colonel.

Chain of Command

The NCR Army has chosen to emulate the rank and file of the pre-War United States military, as well as their division into officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and enlisted personnel. Advancement can be swift, especially in active combat zones. It usualyl takes four years for a soldier to reach the rank of captain, but a vacancy may result in an early promotion. Going beyond the call of duty and demonstrating exceptional leadership may also result in accelerated promotions.

• General. The highest rank in the Army, responsible for commanding entire theaters.
• Colonel. These offices typically command entire portions of the region, delegated by superior offices, and not always neatly delineated.
• Major. These officers may lead large combat operations, forward operating bases, stategic outposts, and special assignments, like relief for refugees.
• Captain.Typically commanding full companies, captains may also assist superor offices in various affairs, such as overssing logistics, enforcing discipline among troops, and commanding refugee camps.
• Lieutenant. Divided into a "full" lieutenant and the junior second lieutenant, officers bearing this rank lead NCR Army units in battle, ranging from specialist squads to entire companies and garrisons. Lieutenant officers may also be assigned to specific duties, such as policing, internal security, and patrol. Medical officers may also be granted the rank of lieutenant.

Non-commissioned officers are officers who have not chosen to pursue a commission and promotion to higher levels of authority. In the Mojave Campaign, many NCOs are career soldiers, and frequently are on their second tour. Sergeants typically assist commissioned officers, such as their company and platoon commanders, in their duties, including disciplinary action. In some contexts, a sergeant's rank is a formality, bringing with it no extra responsibilities or powers.

• Master Sergeant.
• First Sergeant.
• Staff Sergeant. Aside from assisting officers (including carrying out disciplinary punishments like flogging), staff sergeants may also be responsible for compiling reports.
• Sergeant. Sergeants are the most common non-commissioned officers. Like other grades of sergeants, they assist commissioned officers in the field, and may also be assigned squads to carry out specific assignments, such as establishing forward camps, managing supplies, or leading squads in combat operations. Some sergeants may exercise authority comparable to a commissioned officer.

Enlisted ranks form the bulk of the New California Republic Army.

• Technical Sergeant. A high enlisted rank, technical sergeants may be responsible for operation of sensitive equipment and compiling reports, without subordinates.
• Corporal. Senior enlisted troops, corporals are leaders responsible for their squads, ensuring their readiness and executing orders from non-commissioned officers. As senior personnel, corporals may also be assigned to positions of special responsibility, such as that of a mess officer. In some contexts, the rank carries no extra powers, beyond indicating seniority.
• Private First Class. The rank signifies an experienced enlisted soldier.
• Private. The most basic and most numerous rank in the New California Republic Army. Privates make the bulk of the Army, bearing the brunt of the risk associated with its operations. This is compensated for by Army benefits. While monthly pay is low, a completed tour of duty and honorable discharge entitles a veteran to various Army benefits and makes securing a job easier. The Army distinguishes between two Private ranks: PVT, the "base" private, and PV2, signifying a trained soldier.

Components

The New California Republic's military is predominantly an infantry force, with a number of specialized divisions. Light infantry form the basic component of the Army, relying on large units of troopers deployed against the enemies of the Republic, from raider gans and mutants.

The infantry have numerous specialized battalions and units, including:

• First Recon, sharpshooters
• Medical units, including field medics specializing in battlefield trauma and medical doctors for more comprehensive medical care.
• Field Preparations Division, field construction and logistics units.
• NCR Military Police, responsible for law enforcement within the Army and areas reaming under the Army's jurisdiction, such as military bases.
• Other logistics and support units, including quartermasters and merchants.

Mechanized Units

The New California Republic has a mechanized vehicle division, with trucks used to deliver men and materiel. The primary limitation for the force is the supply of tires and other degradable parts that greatly limit the possibility for fielding any larger scale vehicle fleet.

Assets

Personnel

The Army has an eligible age of 16 for military service, although volunteers this young are rare. Competence is rewarded with swift promotion, and exceptional soldiers can reach officer ranks within a year. However, despite the prospects, the Army draws most of its manpower from NCR states through conscription. A majority of the troopers are drafted, due to the need to maintain a front line against the enemies of the Republic. Conscription is egalitarian and both men and women are drafted, resulting in a rough 50/50 division of sexes among active duty troopers.

Training in general tends to be limited to essential military skills. Many draftees and volunteers come from farming and ranching backgrounds, and learn to handle firearms at a very young age. Some go on to become elite sharpshooters. However, this has drawbacks: A significant number of draftees receiving just two weeks of training before being shipped out to the frontier. Predictably, this results in disciplinary problems.

The NCR promises that no deceased soldier is ever left behind, but this is not always true.

Discipline

While modern in terms of organization, corporal punishment is still used within the NCR Army. Flogging can be used as a punishment for desertion and suspected desertion. Depending on circumstances, desertion in the face of the enemy is a capital offense, with the penalty being hanging. Desertion under other circumstances or severe dishonorable conduct, such as armed robbery by active soldiers, can be punished through execution by firing squad.

Pay

The pay in the army's service varies greatly. Enlisted troopers are frequently paid poorly, with privates receiving less than $200 in monthly wages. On the other hand, the army does offer generous benefits and financial security. Good readiness evaluations can result in the army giving raises to well-performing soldiers.

History

The origins of the army are not detailed, but by 2241 it was the largest standing army in New California, composed of several divisions, including special mechanized cavalry and other mechanized units. The Army's primary foes are raiders, such as the New Khans. Decades of fighting an asymmetric war against them turned the Army into a powerful instrument of foreign policy. The Army serves the NCR's interests, securing it expansion and protecting territories under its control.

Technological Level

The Army uses computer software to coordinate and evaluate its troops, with radio and satellite communications providing real-time coordination of its military operations. The Gun Runners are the primary contractor responsible for supplying the army with weapons and ammunition.[83] Caravans deliver weapons and ammunition in bulk from factories in the Boneyard to wherever the Army needs them. Other companies supply the army's body armor, with the principal contractor being the Crimson Caravan company, competing with Far Go Traders.

NCR troopers use mass-produced weapons made from common materials (such as steel and wood) that perform reliably and can survive harsh treatment. The basic service weapon is a semi-automatic 5.56mm service rifle, supplemented by 9mm submachine guns, hunting rifles, varmint rifles and even caravan shotguns. High-end firearms such as marksman carbines, assault carbines, riot shotguns and .308 sniper rifles are commonly issued to veteran units, particularly in strategic locations. A limited supply of energy weapons, such as laser rifles, plasma rifles, tri-beam laser rifles and multiplas rifles, is also available, though restricted to rear echelons.

The M&A 9mm pistol is the standard sidearm of both officers and soldiers, though some can be found carrying 10mm pistols. All of these weapons are provided by the Gun Runners, who handle a majority of the weapons contracts of the Army. The standard armor consists of a metal breastplate and backplate supported by leather straps with leather shoulder protectors worn over brown fatigues. The NCR is also known to use mine tactics.

Type

Military, Army

Ruling Organization

New California Republic