#afsuslsks

[mrs-mikko-rantanen]

So tell us about the regiment! What’s the purpose of it? How do they get new recruits (aside from kidnapping rebel leaders kids)? What’s it take to move up the ranks? How do you leave the regiment? Is it possible to be discharged or would you have to deflect? Dishonorably discharged? What would it take? How might someone go about hiding that they’re ex-regiment? Could they? Could they have been somewhat high ranking, and still able to hide their past? Even from other ex-regiment?

Oh anon. I would just like to say I love you, amd then warn you that this is going to be a very very long answer.

Purpose: they are the governing force of the Galaxy. The closest thing would be the Empire in Star Wars. (Ngl I was heavily inspired by star wars so like...oops.) The Militia is tasked with enforcing the Regiment's laws, keeping citizens in check and quieting revolutions, and just general safety and military proceedings.

Recruitment: Drafting is rare, but does happen. Usually people resist that, so its avoided if possible. Children who are orphaned are frequently taken in by the Regiment, their wounds and illnesses treated; and then offered a choice: join the Militia or go back to fighting to survive. Its decent money, lots of people take the job just because they don't see any other options.

Advancement in ranks: acts of valor, service records, time spent in the Militia. Nyar was made Captain because he was head of his class at the Academy. Followed orders well, smart, had good grades, and demonstrated excellent leadership skills with his little squadron of cadets. He received decorations for injury on the battlefield, as well as a Meritorious Service Medal that he received 6 months after graduation, making him the youngest decorated captain in the Regiment. Other than that, it takes years of hard work to make advances in the militia. Often records are kept meticulously, and that makes an impact on advancements. Nyar hasn't been promoted on more than one occasion simply because of the few, very rare occasions that he's ignored direct orders. (Always to help a member of his crew somehow.)

Leaving: honorable discharge for people who have been wounded in combat beyond recovery, usually accompanied with an offer for a desk job. Dishonorable discharge after 6 offences; ignored orders without valid cause, cases of treason, if its found out that you gave up information during an interrogation you can be discharged for betrayal of the state as well. Often those caught deserting are branded with a symbol and stripped of any service medals. Retirement is an option....if you survive that long.

Hiding that you're ex-regiment: so long as you can hide the brand, most civilians probably wouldn't know. Hiding it from other Regiment though could be tricky. They just see familiar traits and ticks. Checking doors and exits, outlines of hidden weapons, hands twitching to salute officers after years of conditioning, posture....just little things you cant quite let go of.

High rank hiding: much harder to hide, even from civilians. Imagine like celebrities hiding from paparazzi. In a high tech society, they'd be pretty recognizable, familiar faces. If they were dishonorably discharged, there would probably be a public ceremony to strip them of their medals, some form of exile, and announcements with their faces saying what they'd done and who they were. So even if they could hide the little habits, it would be much harder for them to hide.

Deserters: so eventually the Archangels will have to deal with this, but at first theyre actually presumed dead so they have some time. But deserters are often hunted down. If they're known to have caused other offences, then upon capture they may be executed, taken in for questioning and trial, or imprisonment. Depends on their service record some as well. (Soldiers with 'clean slates' are likely to be brought in for interrogation/trial, then are sentenced to prison for varying lengths of time after being branded. Less compliant soldiers often get much less understanding treatment.)