United Mercantile Federation Army
From its earliest days, the UMF has had a reputation for aggressive expansionism, as much by force as by diplomatic or economic means. The UMFA was the instrument of their martial ambition, a large and powerful multi-service armed force. Since joining the CNCS the size of the UMFA has decreased considerably, but this is made up for by the quality of its troops and equipment.
As with all major organizations in the UMF, the UMFA i s legally a corporation in its own right, operating under the aegis of the UMF and receiving financial support from the central government. The UMFA also raises its own revenue from the promotion "ransoms" of its officers and from the sale of merchandise such as books, model kits and artwork relating to its units and equipment. The army's volume of income and expenditure, combined with its corporate status, qualify it for a seat on the Corporate Council though until Director Davi took up his seat in Autumn TN 1936, only two Directors had exercised this option. Furthermore, unlike most militaries, the UMFA is directly represented in the Mercantile government, its Director also holding the post of Secretary of Defense.
The Director works closely with colleagues in the Northern Guard, the WFPA and the NAF. Save for the head of the WFPA, who also serves as head of state for the Protectorate, the Director has the most wide-ranging powers in peacetime. The liberalization of the Guard following the War of Alliance has strengthened the position of the Director, but even so he must bow to the will of the CNCS Grand Marshal in times of war. At such times the Director still retains considerable influence through a seat on the Northern Guard's Joint Command Council. Indeed, in this capacity the Director commands both UMFA troops and Northern Guard forces operating in the Federation.
Furthermore, the Federation's War Powers Act grants the Director sweeping powers over the economy in times of war, giving military supplies and foodstuffs priority. Even in peacetime the UMFA maintains strong links with the Mercantile military-industrial complex. Many arms companies court the UMFA's patronage with large financial contributions and sponsorship of units. The military are also closely involved in the development of new technologies, with military pilots and designers working at corporate sites, and new equipment given to UMFA troops to field test. This has, however, earned the UMFA the reputation of being a "show room" for Northco products.
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