Sanctarian Defence Forces

Sanctarian Defence Forces
Flag of the Sanctarian Defence Forces
Founded	19 November 1974 (1974-11-19)
Service branches	Army Navy Air Force Coastguard
Headquarters	Fort Julius, Templar, Aquitanium
Leadership
Supreme Commander	President Katherine Saunders
Secretary for Homeland Security	Nicola Allman
Chief of Staff	ADM Mark Simpson
Manpower
Military age	18 for voluntary service
Active personnel	728,000
Reserve personnel	108,000
Expenditures
Budget	S£380 billion (2020)

The Sanctarian Defence Forces, commonly referred to as the SDF, are the military services responsible for the defence of the Divine Federation of Sanctaria, supporting international peacekeeping efforts, and providing humanitarian aid. The defence forces consists of four service branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coastguard. The Defence Intelligence Agency, though not a service branch, also forms part of the SDF. The President of Sanctaria is the ceremonial supreme commander of the defence forces, however de jure authority lies with the government of Sanctaria, represented by the Secretary for Homeland Security. Day-to-day management of the SDF is overseen by the Chief of Staff of the Sanctarian Defence Forces who is selected by the government, by convention from among the heads of the four service branches, and who serves a four year term. Traditionally the Chief of Staff is promoted to a five-star rank within their service branch to indicate their seniority as de facto head of the military.

The SDF was officially established on 19 November 1974 when the Divine Republic of Sanctaria legally succeeded the Papal States of Sanctaria. It is the successor military to the Blessed Army of the Patriarch which, though legally a personal military of the Patriarch of the Church of Sanctaria when that post was simultaneously head of state of Sanctaria, acted as that nation's military when required; the Blessed Army was abolished upon dissolution of the Papal States.

As Sanctaria is constitutionally neutral, the Sanctarian Defence Forces has an official policy of non-belligerence, and is legally mandated only to act in defence of the nation or, since a 2007 court ruling, to guard the security of Sanctaria. The SDF has also been permitted to act in situations of conflict prevention and de-escalation, as well as to support peacekeeping and other humanitarian efforts. The SDF is further barred by legislation from being used by the government to enforce any domestic policy within the nation.

The Sanctarian Defence Forces were unaffected by the federalisation of the nation which came into effect on 01 January 2019.

Service branches

Army

The Sanctarian Army is the principal ground warfare branch of the Sanctarian Defence Forces, responsible for land-based military operations. As the largest branch of the armed forces, the Sanctarian Army plays a crucial role in defending national security, maintaining peace, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts.

Soldiers of the Sanctarian Army during a war game exercise.

Established in 1974 alongside the rest of the SDF, the Sanctarian Army has since evolved into a modern and well-equipped fighting force. Its primary mission is to protect the sovereignty of Sanctaria and its citizens, ensuring the nation's territorial integrity and national interests.

The Sanctarian Army is organized into various units, including infantry, armor, artillery, engineering, and support services. These units work in coordination to provide a versatile and effective force capable of conducting a wide range of military operations. The army employs advanced weaponry, equipment, and tactics to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

Training is a cornerstone of the Sanctarian Army's success, with a strong emphasis on discipline, professionalism, and skill development. Soldiers undergo rigorous and comprehensive training programs that prepare them for combat situations, peacekeeping missions, and disaster response operations. The army also places great importance on leadership development, nurturing officers and non-commissioned officers to lead effectively in diverse operational environments.

The Sanctarian Army has a long-standing tradition of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts. It has deployed troops to various regions around the world, working alongside other nations to promote stability, security, and humanitarian assistance. These deployments reflect Sanctaria's commitment to global peace and its willingness to play an active role in maintaining international order.

Navy

The Sanctarian Navy is the maritime branch of the Sanctarian Defence Forces, responsible for naval operations and safeguarding Sanctaria's maritime interests. As one of the key components of the nation's defense apparatus, the Sanctarian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and sovereignty of Sanctaria's territorial waters and protecting its maritime trade routes.

A carrier group on exercise.

Since its establishment, the Navy has grown into a modern and technologically advanced naval force. It operates a diverse fleet of ships and submarines, as well as naval aviation assets, enabling it to project power, conduct maritime operations, and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts.

The Navy's primary mission is to defend Sanctaria's maritime borders, deter potential threats, and safeguard the nation's maritime interests. It accomplishes this through a combination of surveillance, patrols, and maritime presence, ensuring the integrity and security of Sanctaria's exclusive economic zone and territorial waters. The force actively participates in international naval exercises and cooperative initiatives, fostering partnerships and promoting maritime security in the International Democratic Union. It collaborates with other navies and maritime organizations to counter piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats, contributing to regional stability and upholding the rules-based international order.

The Navy is organized into various fleets, task forces, and specialized units, enabling it to undertake a wide range of operations. These include but are not limited to anti-submarine warfare, maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions.

Training and readiness are of paramount importance to the Sanctarian Navy. Sailors and officers undergo comprehensive training programs that cover various aspects of naval operations, including seamanship, navigation, combat tactics, and maintenance of naval equipment. The Navy also places great emphasis on maintaining high operational readiness, regularly conducting exercises and drills to ensure preparedness for any potential contingencies.

Air Force

The Sanctarian Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Sanctarian Armed Forces, responsible for air and space operations to safeguard Sanctaria's airspace and national security interests. It is one of the key components of the nation's defense apparatus, with a primary mission of defending Sanctaria's airspace, projecting power, and providing support to ground and naval forces.

A stealth fighter used by the Sanctarian Air Force.

The Force's core responsibilities include maintaining air superiority, conducting offensive and defensive air operations, supporting ground forces with close air support, conducting reconnaissance missions, and providing strategic airlift capabilities. These operations are carried out through a combination of combat aircraft, air defense systems, aerial refueling capabilities, and specialized units. It operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport planes, and reconnaissance aircraft. Additionally, the Sanctarian Air Force is actively involved in space-related operations, including satellite launches and space surveillance.

Members of the Sanctarian Air Force actively participate in joint exercises and cooperative initiatives with allied nations within the region, enhancing interoperability and strengthening collective defense capabilities. It also collaborates with international partners in areas such as airspace surveillance, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Coastguard

The Sanctarian Coastguard is the maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency responsible for ensuring safety and security along Sanctaria's coastal waters. It operates as a service branch of the Sanctarian Defence Forces and plays a crucial role in protecting Sanctaria's maritime interests, safeguarding the coastline, and ensuring the safety of mariners and coastal communities.

A Coastguard helicopter.

Established in 1993 as a separate branch to the Navy, the Sanctarian Coastguard's primary responsibilities include maritime law enforcement, maritime border security, maritime safety and pollution prevention, and search and rescue operations. The Coastguard operates a fleet of vessels and aircraft specifically designed for these missions, including patrol boats, rescue craft, and helicopters.

Maritime law enforcement is a significant aspect of the Coastguard's mandate. It conducts patrols and surveillance operations to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing. The Coastguard works closely with other law enforcement agencies and international partners to combat maritime crime and maintain maritime security in Sanctaria's waters.

Another vital role of the Sanctarian Coastguard is ensuring maritime safety and pollution prevention. It enforces safety regulations for commercial vessels, conducts inspections, and responds to maritime incidents, including accidents, oil spills, and other environmental emergencies. The Coastguard's quick response capabilities and specialized equipment enable it to effectively mitigate maritime hazards and protect Sanctaria's coastal environment. Search and rescue operations are another core function of the Sanctarian Coastguard. It coordinates and conducts search and rescue missions to assist vessels and individuals in distress at sea. The Coastguard's highly trained personnel and well-equipped assets enable them to respond promptly to maritime emergencies, providing critical assistance and saving lives.