Military of Colchester Landing
Colchester Landing, Astyria's smallest state, has a very limited military capability, and would depend entirely upon its larger neighbours for defence in the face of an aggressive world power. All together there are 285 soldiers serving in Colchester Landing's military (not including civilian employees who currently number 58 total), making its military one of the smallest in the region.
The Navy of Colchester Landing is a very small force, whose primary responsibilities include search and rescure, port security, and contraband interdiction. The entire fleet consists of 3 ships(a Super Dvora MK III and two Defender class boats), and maintains a force of thirty four men, including six officers as well as about eight civilian employees.
Military and Civil Defence
Two full-time militarized armed forces exist under the control of the Department of the Interior. One is the Colchester Defense Corps, and the other is the Presidential Protection Corps. Both units are key to the "Blue Plan" which makes provision for the evacuation of Colchester Landing in case of natural disaster or civil emergency.
Colchester Defense Corps
Describing itself as a "military force" the Colchester Defense Corps consists of 10 officers, 26 non-commissioned officers, and 99 other ranks - a total force of 135 military personnel, as well as about thirty civilian employees. Based at two barracks, the Corps is equipped with fire engines, rescue vehicles, and a range of specialist vehicles including a fire boat, and sealed tracked vehicles for entering Colchester Landing's railway tunnels during an emergency.
Beyond fire-fighting duties, the Corps has an extensive Civil Defense brief. Its personnel are trained in the use of firearms, and the Corps has a central armory; personnel are also trained to handle chemical incidents, and have specialist chemical incident vehicles and equipment. They are also equipped with front-line ambulances, and personnel have first-aid and paramedic training.
Presidential Protection Corps
Slightly smaller than the CDC, the Presidential Protection Corps has a total force of 116, consisting of 3 officers, 15 non-commissioned officers, and 98 enlisted men, as well as twenty civilian employees. The primary duty of the PPC is the defense of the President, his family, and the Presidential Palace. By extension, it also has a role in guarding members of the judiciary, who administer justice in the name of the President.
There are a number of specialist units within the PPC, which include a motorcycle section (for rapid-response and motorcycle outriding); a bodyguard and protection unit; a diving unit with military, rescue, and scientific capabilities; a military first-aid unit which provides first-aid and ambulance cover at public and sporting events; and a military band, which includes state trumpeters, a brass ensemble, and a small orchestra, as well as being a marching band for ceremonial purposes.
Dress and Equipment
The equipment and vehicles of the military has been upgraded in recent years. Mobility has been improved by the adoption of modern vehicles, adapted to different missions, such as two Mercury aromored personnel carriers, six Peugeot P4s, and a number of BMW R1200RTPs. Old rifles, and revolvers have been replaced by weapons like the AR-2, and Glock 17.
Parade dress in the winter is a modernized version of that worn in the early 1900s. It comprises a dark blue tunic, and light blue trousers with red facings. A light blue cloth helmet is worn, with plumes for gala occasions. White trefoil epaulettes, spats and aiguillettes date from the 19th century. In the summer a simple white shirt sleeve order is worn with a white helmet. For ordinary duties a modern police style uniform is worn with a peaked cap replacing the helmet.