French Army: 2300AD

Armée Métropolitaine de la Nouvelle Provence

  

Introduction

 

One of the three ‘establishments’ that make up the wider Armée Métropolitaine, the Armée Métropolitaine de la Nouvelle Provence (AMNP) comprises the vast majority of the French Armée de Terre force raised on the colony of Nouvelle Provence. As such it is one of the three main ‘pillars’ of the Armée Métropolitaine together with the forces raised in European 'Hexegone' France and French Africa. Formerly part of the Coloniale the AMNP is a force that is proudly French yet also uniquely Néo-Provençal. It is also perhaps the most powerful military force on Alpha Centauri A I.

 

Narrative

 

The Néo-Provençal fantassins of II Bataillon 6e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane ‘Bijagos’ patrolled carefully along the blasted and arid terrain of Kimanjano’s uplands in the border region between French Fromme and Azanian Okavango. Even now eight months after the fall of the Kafers small forces of the aliens could be found in the depth of the shattered terrain of the back country. All arms teams of the 9e Division de Marche were regularly dispatched to support the local soldiers of the Milice Coloniale combat the menace.

 

The Bijagois soldiers of this unit approached the task with grim determination, in part to rid the colony of the Capu menace and in part to revenge the heavy casualties suffered by their sister battalion I/6e RIT in the Liberation of Kimanjano. Alongside the infantry were AC-12 hover tanks of the Calanques raised 22e Régiment d'Aro-Dragons de Tirane to provide heavy support.

 

There are no fewer than 10 combat battalions of the Armée Metropolitaine de la Nouvelle Provence stationed on Kimanjano as part of the Armée de Libération. These soldiers are there not only to scour the remaining aliens from this world but also to prepare for further operations against this scourge. They train not only to defend the French Arm from a renewed offensive, but also to prepare one of their own to push the aliens back completely from human space.

 

I followed these men for a week on their unglamorous mission, watching as they had small contacts; killing a Capu here, suffering a casualty there. I could not fail to be affected by the professionalism and dedication of these men from Calanques, Bijagos, Cou Plat and Tatouine. I prayed that they would pass through their trial and be reunited with their families back on Nouvelle Provence.    

 

Index

 

History
Order of Battle
Formations
Regiments
Organisation
Recruitment
Training
Culture
Uniform and Equipment
Personalities
Role Playing

Design Notes
Acknowledgments
 

 

History

 

The AMNP has one of its two roots in the first colonial defence militias or Milice Coloniale raised by France in its new colony on Tirane with the lessons of the Alpha Centauri War very fresh in the minds of politicians and military leaders alike. With colonists able to at least offer token defence interstellar blackmail would be much less easy to undertake and the French keenly established local defence forces as did the other ESA nations.

 

The second root of the AMNP was the Coloniale regiments raised in the colony from 2168 onwards. These soldiers were ‘colonial regulars’, a mixture of locally and Terran recruited soldiers who bore an increasing burden for the defence of the colony as the French government aimed to reduce the number of its Metropolitan soldiers deployed off world and utilise them in maintaining the Paix Française on Earth.

 

The strength of the Coloniale increased steadily in line with the ever growing population of Nouvelle Provence until the colony was granted status as part of Metropolitan France in 2139. By this time the Coloniale had some 37 battalions of infantry in three large regiments and numerous other support units. These units were removed from the remit of the Coloniale and created a new establishment of the Armée Métropolitaine. The organisation was changed with the infantry being reformed into 33 new regiments, and other similar reforms took place across the board.

 

This new establishment became known as the Armée Métropolitaine de la Nouvelle Provence and was largely administered on the same lines as the Armée Métropolitaine de lHexagone but like the Armée Métropolitaine d’Afrique Française had its own organisational peculiarities.

 

The Milice Coloniale continued un-reformed for a number of years with its existence being largely ad-hoc outside the major cities. However in 2145 moves were made to bring the Milice under the control of the AMNP but with the force reorganised on a regional basis. This was largely a cosmetic exercise with the force being known as the AMNP-Milice but it gained little in capability. The Milice often became a source of power for local strongmen and corruption was not uncommon.

 

The regular component of the AMNP grew steadily for nearly 20 years but remained largely a light mechanised and light infantry force aimed largely at internal security and border guard tasks. However from the outset a number of Néo-Provençales units had served on Earth with formations from the AMH or AMAF, for both training reasons and to bolster French prestige. Many saw action in a number of battles defending the decaying French Peace. The French recognised the value of the Néo-Provençales troops both for their tactical quality and the vast reserve of manpower they represented.

 

This came to a head during Central Asian War when the French soon made use of increasing numbers of Néo-Provençales troops in the War on the Steppes against the Manchurians. Initially this was as battalions attached to Earth raised divisions, and later as a formed division, the Division de Marche de Tirane. Ultimately most of the Néo-Provençales troops fought as a part of a mainly Tirane raised 6e Corps. The value of the 6e Corps in the final battles of the CAW has been often overlooked but the arrival of two fresh AMNP hover mobile divisions training in North Africa added significant impetuous to an counter-attack often credited to the Japanese alone.

 

Even the AMNP-Milice became involved in the war with a division of volunteers being mobilised for rear area security duties. Their involvement was less happy and most of the division was overrun in the Manchurian offensive. Although their fate was also shared by a number of French AMH conscript units their performance was used to justify a sweeping array of reforms to the AMNP-Milice and other Colonial Milice by a French military establishment which was becoming increasingly mistrustful of the polyglot nature of the force.

 

The AMNP-Milice was dissolved and the force reformed and greatly reduced, being brought under the overall command of the AMNP for administrative purposes. What emerged was the Défence Opérationelle Territoriale de Nouvelle Provence, a full time regional based force organised into 11 divisions and tasked with regional defence. The DOTNP was manned by a mixture of conscripts chosen by ballot and short service volunteers. It was officered by men seconded from the wider AM including many retired CAW veterans from Earth. What was produced was a much smaller and better focused, better trained, equipped and more under control force.

 

With the DOTNP in place the rest of the AMNP was also reformed to become better suited to being deployed for force projection tasks on Tirane and beyond. What French High Command wanted was a force that was highly capable, well trained and loyal – the aim was to have the capability to deploy a Corps of the AMNP on Earth if required.

 

A great challenge for the AMNP arrived at the same time as these reforms with the accession of the Junta in Paris following the CAW and the collapse of the 12th Republic. Initially it was difficult to see what impact this would have on Nouvelle Provence, with some commentators speculating on the possibility of a schism. The Junta instead sent the hardliner General Louis Perez to Mirambeau. General Perez first assured himself of the loyalty of the AMNP, with the newly reformed DOTNP being especially on-side, and then installed himself as head of the government.

 

It was a testing time for the AMNP and Nouvelle Provence, with an upsurge of violence, the emergence of a true, if very small, independence movement and troops often being deployed to bring control to the streets. The AMNP was largely divorced from the people, although its small size and volunteer nature allowed it to survive without major internal problems. Those officers and NCOs who disagreed strongly with the junta managed either to resign or obtain transfers to the Coloniale or Marines or other establishments, most simply bit their tongues and soldiered on.    

 

The war with Germany in 2292-3 came as another shock to the AMNP, especially as for a while it was not known if neighbouring Garten would ally itself with the rest of Bavaria and join the new German State. The bulk of the ATT was prepared for a possible intervention into Garten, whilst parts of the DOTNP were still tasked with ensuring internal security in troubled regions of the interior. Consequently only a small part of the AMNP was deployed to Earth in response to the crisis, with two divisions being dispatched with much fanfare on impressed civilian ships supposedly to marry up with equipment on Earth.

 

In the event only the 202e DI saw action and even operated on German soil in the Rhineland, gaining plaudits for its performance. The famed 1e DMT on the other hand arrived in plenty of time but found there was no equipment for it and so sat out the war in Algeria, although some of its tank crews were used as battle casualty replacements. The defeat of the War against Germany led to the fall of the junta and the restoration of civilian rule across France, much to the relief of the AMNP amongst others, although military-civilian relations are still not what they were. The disappearance of General Perez and several members of his entourage into the backwoods of the colony was especially embarrassing and his activities have led to numerous operations to hunt him down which have so far proved abortive.

 

Post-WoGR the ATT was again reformed with the creation of two manoeuvre corps and a rapid reaction corps of troops. The DOTNP retained the same organisation although many hardline Terran born officers were quietly eased aside. The AMNP was able to concentrate strongly on training and re-equipping, this has left in good state to participate in the Kafer War where now many of its units are now in action in defence of the French Empire.

 INDEX

 

Order of Battle

 

This is the AFNP order of battle for Jan 2303. It does not include units ‘de Marche’ or company sized element. This orbat is for armoured and infantry units only.

 

Corps de Cavalerie Tiranais

 

1e Régiment de Cavalerie Coloniale (1e RBT) Ilede Tirane

2e Régiment d'Aéro Hussards de Tirane (2e RBT) Calanques

3e Régiment de Chars de Combat de Tirane (3e RBT) – Tatouine

4e Régiment de Cuirassiers à Roues de Tirane (4e RBT) – Pays Verdoyent

5e Régiment de Cuirassiers Blindée de Tirane (5e RBT)  – Karoise

7e Régiment d'Éclaireurs de Tirane (7e RBT)  – Le Cou Plat

8e Régiment d'Aéro-Carabiniers de Tirane (8e RBT)  – Vars

9e Régiment d'Aéro-Chasseurs de Tirane (9e RBT) – Pays du Lac  

10e Régiment d'Aéro-Lanciers de Tirane (10e RBT) – La Croix

11e Régiment de Chasseurs à Roues de Tirane (11e RBT) – Bijagos

12e Régiment d'Aéro-Chars de Tirane (12e RBT) – Ile de Tirane

13e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Tirane (13e RBT) – Calanques

14e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons Parachutiste de Tirane (14e RBT) – Tatouine

15e Régiment d'Aéro-Chars de Tirane (15e RBT) – Ile de Tirane

16e Régiment d'Aéro-Hussards de Tirane (16e RBT) – Tasili

17e Régiment de Dragons de Tirane (17e RBT) – Le Cou Plat

18e Régiment d'Aéro-Cuirassiers de Tirane (18e RBT) – Karoise

19e Régiment de Spahis Parachutiste de Tirane (19e RBT) – Ile de Tirane

20e Régiment de Lanciers de Tirane (20e RBT) – Tasili

21e Régiment d'Aéro-Chasseurs de Tirane (21e RBT) – Karoise

22e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Tirane (22e RBT) – Calanques

23e Régiment d'Aéro-Hussards de Tirane (23e RBT) – Tatouine

24e Régiment d' Aéro-Chars de Tirane (24e RBT) – Ile de Tirane

25e Régiment de Lanciers Blindée de Tirane (25e RBT) –I le de Tirane

26e Régiment de Dragons Blindée de Tirane (26e RBT) – Calanques

27e Régiment d'Aéro-Cuirassiers de Tirane (27e RBT) – Le Cou Plat

28e Régiment d'Aéro-Spahis de Tirane (28e RBT) – La Croix

29e Régiment de Dragons Tiranais de l'Impératrice (29e RBT) – Tasili

30e Régiment de Dragons de Tirane (30e RBT) – Ile de Tirane

31e Régiment de Lanciers de Tirane (31e RBT) – Karoise

32e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Tirane (32e RBT) – Vars

33e Régiment d'Aéro-Cuirassiers de Tirane (33e RBT) – La Croix

 

1e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (1e RCNP) – Ile de Tirane

2e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (2e RCNP) – Calanques

3e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (3e RCNP) – La Croix

4e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (4e RCNP) – Du Lac

5e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (5e RCNP) – Bijagos

6e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (6e RCNP)– Karoise

7e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (7e RCNP)– Cou Plat

8e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (8e RCNP) – Tassili

9e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (9e RCNP) – Vars

10e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (10e RCNP) – Pays Verdoyent

11e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (11e RCNP)– Pays Verdoyent

12e Régiment de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (12e RCNP) – Tatouine

 

 

Corps d’Infantrie Tiranais

 

1e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (1e RIT) Ile de Tirane

2e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (2e RIT) – Karoise

3e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (3e RIT) – Calanques

4e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (4e RIT) – Vars

5e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (5e RIT) – La Cou Plat

6e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (6e RIT) – Bijagos

7e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (7e RIT) Ile de Tirane

8e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (8e RIT) – Pays du Lac

9e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (9e RIT) – La Croix

10e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (10e RIT) – Tasili

11e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (11e RIT) – Pays Verdoyent

12e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (12e RIT) – Calanques

13e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (13e RIT) – La Croix

14e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (14e RIT) – Karoise

15e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (15e RIT) – Tatouine

16e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (16e RIT) – Tatouine

17e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (17e RIT) – La Cou Plat

18e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (18e RIT) Ile de Tirane

19e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (19e RIT) – Tasili

20e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (20e RIT) – Karoise

21e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane (21e RIT) Ile de Tirane

 

10e Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes (10e RCP) Nouvelle Provence 

 

1e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (1e RCT) – Karoise

2e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (2e RCT) Ile de Tirane

3e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (3e RCT) – Bigajos

4e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (4e RCT) – Le Cou Plat

5e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (5e RCT) – Pays du Lac

6e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (6e RCT) – Tatouine

7e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (7e RCT) – Vars

8e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (8e RCT) – Calanques

9e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (9e RCT) – Tasili

10e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais (10e RCT) – La Croix

 

1e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (1e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane

2e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (2e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane  

3e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (3e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane     

4e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (4e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane 

5e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (5e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane     

6e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (6e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane 

7e Régiment de Grenadiers de Nouvelle Provence (7e RGNP) – Ile de Tirane 

 

1e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (1e RFNP) – Calanques

2e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (2e RFNP) – Calanques

3e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (3e RFNP) – Calanques

4e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (4e RFNP) – Calanques

5e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (5e RFNP) – Calanques

6e Régiment de Chasseurs de Nouvelle Provence (6e RFNP) – Calanques

 

1e Régiment des Gardes Coloniaux de Nouvelle Provence (1e RGCNP) – Pays du Lac

2e Régiment des Gardes Coloniaux de Nouvelle Provence (2e RGCNP) – Pays du Lac

3e Régiment des Gardes Coloniaux de Nouvelle Provence (3e RGCNP) – Pays du Lac

4e Régiment des Gardes Coloniaux de Nouvelle Provence (4e RGCNP) – Pays du Lac

5e Régiment des Gardes Coloniaux de Nouvelle Provence (5e RGCNP) – Pays du Lac

 

1e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Nouvelle Provence (1e RADNP) – Bijagos

2e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Nouvelle Provence (2e RADNP) – Bijagos

3e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Nouvelle Provence (3e RADNP) – Bijagos

4e Régiment d'Aéro-Dragons de Nouvelle Provence (4e RADNP) – Bijagos

 

1e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nouvelle Provence (1e RTNP) – Karoise

2e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nouvelle Provence (2e RTNP) – Karoise

3e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nouvelle Provence (3e RTNP) – Karoise

4e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nouvelle Provence (4e RTNP) – Karoise

5e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nouvelle Provence (5e RTNP) – Karoise

 

1e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (1e RILNP) – Le Cou Plat

2e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (2e RILNP)  – Le Cou Plat

3e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (3e RILNP) – Le Cou Plat

4e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (4e RILNP) – Le Cou Plat

5e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (5e RILNP) – Le Cou Plat

6e Régiment d' Infanterie Légère de Nouvelle Provence (6e RILNP) – Le Cou Plat

 

1e Régiment de Spahis à Pied de Nouvelle Provence (1e RSPNP) – Tassili

2e Régiment de Spahis à Pied de Nouvelle Provence (2e RSPNP) – Tassili

3e Régiment de Spahis à Pied de Nouvelle Provence (3e RSPNP) – Tassili

4e Régiment de Spahis à Pied de Nouvelle Provence (4e RSPNP) – Tassili

 

1e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (1e RGMNP) – Vars

2e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (2e RGMNP) – Vars

3e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (3e RGMNP) – Vars

4e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (4e RGMNP) – Vars

5e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (5e RGMNP) – Vars

6e Régiment des Goums de Nouvelle Provence (6e RGMNP) – Vars

 

1e Régiment de Chasseurs-Voltigeurs de Nouvelle Provence (1e RCVNP) – Pays Verdoyent

2e Régiment de Chasseurs-Voltigeurs de Nouvelle Provence (2e RCVNP) – Pays Verdoyent

3e Régiment de Chasseurs-Voltigeurs de Nouvelle Provence (3e RCVNP) – Pays Verdoyent

4e Régiment de Chasseurs-Voltigeurs de Nouvelle Provence (4e RCVNP) – Pays Verdoyent

 

1e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (1e RZNP) – Tatouine

2e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (2e RZNP) – Tatouine

3e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (3e RZNP) – Tatouine

4e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (4e RZNP) – Tatouine

5e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (5e RZNP) – Tatouine

6e Régiment de Zouaves de Nouvelle Provence (6e RZNP) – Tatouine

 

1e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (1e RFNP) – La Croix

2e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (2e RFNP) – La Croix

3e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (3e RFNP) – La Croix

4e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (4e RFNP) – La Croix

5e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (5e RFNP) – La Croix

6e Régiment de Fusiliers de Nouvelle Provence (6e RFNP) – La Croix

 

Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais

 

Groupe de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GCCT) Nouvelle Provence 

Groupe Maritime de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GMCCT) Nouvelle Provence 

Groupe Aéromobile de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GACCT) Nouvelle Provence 

INDEX

Formations

 

The vast majority of the forces of the AMNP form almost all of the Armée Territoriale de Tirane which is described in detail here. In addition to this troops from the ATNP also form part of the Armée de Manœuvre, Armée d’Aurore and the Armée de Libération.

 

INDEX

 

Corps of the AMNP

 

Corps de Cavalerie Tiranais

 

The CCT comprises all of the AFMP’s armoured units from the national and regional forces. These are known as the Régiments Blindées de Tirane (RBT) and the Régiments de Cavalerie de Nouvelle Provence (RCNP) respectively. It comes under the direction of the Arme Blindée Cavalerie on Earth 

 

All of the regular national Néo-Provençal cavalry and armour of the RBTs were initially all part of the 1e RCC of the Coloniale. As French Colonial forces expanded beyond the size of one regiment the new units formed were given a 'fractional' number i.e. 1/1e RIC, 7/1e RIC, as higher regimental numbers had already been assigned. When integrated into Metropolitan France and loosing the 'Coloniale' title the regiments converted to the style Xe Régiment Y de Tirane. Where X was the previous fractional number and Y a cavalry or armoured title. So for example the 2/1e RCC became the 2e Régiment Aéro-Hussards de Tirane. The choice of title was left largely to the personnel of the regiment involved and reflected the equipment of the unit or the amount of élan the unit wanted to project. Most regiments largely opted for cavalry titles. No matter what the title the units have the abbreviation RBT to avoid any more confusion than strictly necessary.

 

The one exception was the 1/1e RCC which almost from its inception had operated off Tirane, but continued to recruit from Tirane. With the re-organisation it decided to retain its 'Coloniale' title, and typically is still to return to Tirane after some 20 years service on the French Arm. It still has the reputation as being the 'senior' NP armoured regiment. The old 6/1e RCC became the 6e Régiment de Chars de Marine Tiranais and was transferred to the control of the Troupes de Marine, consequently there is no 6e RBT.

 

The size of the RBT portion of the CCT has increased steadily through the years, especially during the years of the Central Asian War. When required a new regiment is formed using the next highest unused number.

 

The RCNP represents the regional cavalry forces of the AMNP, and are descended from the old Milice Coloniale. The modern RCNP maintains the traditions and names of its predecessor units in its squadron titles. The RCNPs are full time units manned by short service volunteer soldiers.

 

Corps d'Infanterie Tiranais

 

The CIT contains the totality of the AMNPs infantry force, both regular and regional. The ANMP has maintained very strong regional links for its regiments and this continues to this day. Whilst it is common for soldiers to be transferred internally between battalions transfers between regiments are much less commonplace and are normally done only for officers.

 

The original regular infantry of the AMNP was contained in the numerous battalions of the 1e, 2e and 3e Régiments d'Infanterie Coloniale. The 1e RIC contained most of the 'line' infantry strength of the colony, the 2e RIC was a smaller regiment containing most of the intervention forces, whilst the 3e RIC contained light infantry trained for operations in the mountains, swamps, jungles and other challenging terrain.

 

When Nouvelle Provence became a de-facto part of Metropolitan France in 2139 the 1e RIC battalions became Régiments d'Infanterie de Tirane retaining their original battalion number. The 2e RIC battalions became part of the Marines or Paras with three battalions forming the 10e Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutiste and the other three forming the 13e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine. 10e RCP remains administratively a part of AMNP although under the auspices of the TAP, however 13e RIMa are administrated by the Troupes de Marine and are not a part of the AMNP. 3e RIC became the Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais.

 

As the AMNP grew the new regiments would expand by adding new battalions to their strength. Today most RIT units have two battalions, although some have three. The RCT generally have a single battalion although 1e and 2e RCT have two battalions. 10e RCP has remained with a strength of three battalions. The RIT, RCT and 10e RCP remain manned on a long service regular basis.

 

The CIT also includes the regional infantry regiments of the DOTNP. These were descended from the original Milice Coloniale, although they have been extensively reformed. The regional regiments are manned predominantly by short service volunteers or those serving under ballot. The regional regiments are large units whose predecessor units are acknowledged in sub-unit titles. The overall size of the regional part of the CIT is dramatically smaller than the old militia it replaced.

 

Other Corps

 

The AMNP also includes the full array of corps and services found across the militaries.

 

INDEX

 

Notable Regiments

 

1e Régiment de Cavalerie Coloniale

 

The 1e RBT styles itself as the ‘1e Régiment de Tirane’ and regards itself as the senior regiment in the AMNP. Descended from the old I/1e Régiment de Cavalerie Coloniale the regiment chose to retain the Coloniale name on its transfer into the AMNP. The I/1e RCC was at the time deployed on Beta Canum IV and it remained on that world for almost another decade. Indeed it has spent only twenty of the last sixty years stationed in Nouvelle Provence.

 

The unit saw itself dispatched to Joi during the Elysian Revolt, where it provided rare hovertank support for the French forces. The regiment destroyed its vehicles rather have them fall into the hands of the rebels at the conclusion of the war. It then saw service on Adlerhorst during the period of the War of German Reunification and took art in the operation to crush support the Bavarian loyalists. Relocated again to Beta Canum it was was about to be returned home when the Arcturus Crisis erupted and it was dispatched to Aurore with the relief expedition where it remains today after heavy fighting.

 

Very much the exception to the rule as a Metropolitan unit deployed in the colonies, 1e RBT is a very high profile unit which attracts many of the best recruits. Although it nominally recruits from Mirambeau soldiers from across Nouvelle Provence can be found it its ranks. For many officers service in the regiment proved to be a stepping stone to higher command, indeed a stint in the ranks of 1e RBT in the French Arm became a much sought after posting.

 

Today the 1e RBT is a very combat hardened unit in the 22e DMM based on Aurore and has three years of combat experience behind it. The AMNP might withdraw the unit to refit, but currently the influx of replacements combined with the veteran soldiers maintain the unit at a very high standard. 

 

18e Régiment d'Aéro-Cuirassiers de Tirane

 

The 18e RBT are a Karoise regiment equipped with AC-12 and are currently assigned to the 8e DM at Ouaga Nouveau. The regiment gained its fame during its actions in the last year of the Central Asian War, when they were rushed to the front and conducted a memorable delaying action protecting the retreating 8e Corps following the calamitous Battle of Omsk. Although suffering heavy casualties it completed its mission successfully and was able to later take part in the counter offensive. As a result the regiment was awarded both the Légion d’Honneur and the Médaille Militaire, and earned a fine reputation. Several hovertank aces came from its ranks including the highest scoring Néo-Provençal crew. 

 

18e RBT is recruited from the hinterlands of the city of Lançon-Nouvelle-Provence and is strongly rooted in the small towns of that region. The regiment has a reputation as a swashbuckling unit which strongly values its cavalry élan, and being almost typically Karoise. 18e RBT prides itself as being a hard hitting and fast moving force and its soldiers have a strong regimental esprit de corps.    

 

3e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane ‘Calanques’

 

3e RIT is an unusual regiment for the ANMP in that its soldiers are almost totally recruited from the white European French population of rural Calanques and is an exception to the normally polyglot and multiracial Néo-Provençal norm. The regiment is also strongly Catholic and is very correct in its religious observances and is one of the few units to conduct formal church parades.

 

The regiment has three battalions. I/3e RIT is a mechanized infantry unit with 206e DI based in its native Calanques, II/3e RIT is a combat walker unit attached to the 4e RB and III/3e RIT is a hovermobile infantry unit attached to the 6e DM.  

 

The regiment is know as the ‘Démons Blanches’ to the rest of the AMNP, and is well known for its high standards of discipline as well as its unusual demographics. Battalions of the regiment served in the Central Asian War and most of its senior NCOs and officers have operational experience. Other ANMP regiments dislike serving alongside this unit in barracks due to the zealousness of its regimental police. 

 

6e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane ‘Bijagos’

 

The 6e RIT is  regiment currently bearing the brunt of the campaign against the Kafers. The regiment was assigned the Bigagos archipelago as its recruitment area in its time as VI/1e RIC. The 6e RIT was always regarded as a youthful, somewhat fun loving regiment for most of its existence. However recruitment was always something of a problem due to the limited population of the islands.

 

A regiment of two battalions the I/6e RIT was assigned to the elite 2e DLB and saw action with it during the Liberation of Kimanjano. During these landings and the subsequent operations the battalion took severe casualties. These could not later be made good because the sister battalion II/6e RIT was also serving in the Armée de Libération and so reinforcements from across the ANMP flooded into the battalion.

 

Consequently I/6e RIT is a battalion in transition with Bijagois soldiers still in most of the command positions but with most of the soldier from elsewhere in Nouvelle Provence, including a large number of Karoise. II/6e RIT has seen less action and taken fewer casualties and consequently still retains its original character.

 

7e Régiment de Chasseurs Tiranais ‘Haut Vars’ 

 

7e RCT is a single battalion regiment raised in the eastern reaches of the region of Vars around the city of Bordelle. I/7e RCT is a mountain specialised light infantry battalion serving in the 205e DLI based in the Alpes Orientales. The regiment is noted for its recruitment in its strongly Italian ethnic home region and also its recruitment of people with extensive hunting experience in the Haut Vars.

 

Typically for a RCT this regiment prides itself on its physical toughness and its abilities in mountainous, hilly and wooded terrain. However 7e RCT is well known for its gregariousness but and also its serious approach to its military role. It is well known for producing senior officers and also volunteers for the CCT. The 7e RCT also wears an eagle feather in its beret as a nod to the Italian heritage of so many of its soldiers.

 

10e Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes

 

The 10e RCP is perhaps the most glamorous single infantry regiment in the AMNP. Descended from part of the old 2e RIC it has concentrated on the airborne role since 2140. Although several AMNP infantry units have parachute training the 10e RCP are the acknowledged masters of the trade as part of the 20e DP. The regiment recruits from amongst serving soldiers in the other units of the AMNP.

 

The battalions of the regiment saw action on several tours during the Central Asian War and were stood too on a number of occasions to see action against the Manchurian enclave of Tunghu, and again for possible intervention in Garten during the War of German Reunification. Indeed soldiers of the II/10e RCP were amongst the first to deploy into the newly independent Freihafen on training missions at the behest of the new government.

 

The soldiers of the regiment however have since been denied the opportunity to prove its mettle against  the Kafers when the 11e DP was deployed to the French Arm and half of the 20e DP shifted to Earth to provided a rapid response capability. The three battalions of the regiment are regarded as tough, aggressive and highly professional in their conduct. They exercise regularly with their airborne counterparts in other Tiranean colonies and nations. 

 

19e Régiment d'Infanterie de Tirane ‘Côte du Sud’

 

19e RIT is a regiment raised in the southern coastal areas of Tasili and has the finest fighting reputation of any Néo-Provençal regiment forged in its time in Central Asia. 19e RIT recruits from the population of some of the most beautiful, if rugged, parts of Nouvelle Provence. These are a hardy mix of people from fishing villages, hill farms and Ibadites from Tamanrasset. The regiment is well know for its mixture of soldiers descended from colonists who were Bretons, Normans and even Scottish Islanders in addition to the Muslims from the Saharan oasis of M’Zab.

 

Originally the XIX/1e RIC, a battalion that was raised for service on the French Arm, the regiment’s battalions have continued to often serve off-world. II/19e RIT was serving on Earth when the Central Asian War broke out and for the first two years the battalion was an integral part of the 1e DB. When the II/19e RIT finally returned home its sister battalion deployed to Earth as part of the DMT. Together the battalions won numerous decorations, fought in countless actions and were always where the action was fiercest. The regiment gained the nickname of ‘Le Vieu Fidèle’ for its service.  II/19e RIT also saw action against Germany with the 202e DI in the Black Forest during the failed drive towards Stuttgart, winning more decorations.

 

The regiment continues to man two battalions, I/19e RIT with 6e DM and II/19e RIT with 203e DI, although both are currently based on Tirane. The regiment has produced many senior officers who ensure the regiment’s representation in the higher reaches of the ANMP’s hierarchy. The regiment is eager for any opportunity to return to the fray against the Kafers. 

 

Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais

 

The CCT are the special forces element of the ANMP and are assigned to the command of the CTS. There are eleven company sized Commandos each affiliated to a particular region and each with its own specialties. The Commandos are assigned to one of three battalion sized groups. The CCT recruit internally from the ranks of the ANMP.

 

INDEX

 

Organisation

 

Bataillon de Cavalerie Blindée

 

The BCB are pure hovertank battalions and are equipped with a mixture of the modern AC-12bis and the slightly older AC-12 with the few AC-10s largely faded out. The BCB is organised with 3 hovertank Escadrons and a command and service Escadron. The hovertank Escadron are organised with four 3 tank troops and a command troop. In total the BCB has 41 hovertanks and numerous support and service vehicles.

 

Bataillon de Cavalerie Mécanisés

 

These are almost identically to the BCB except for being equipped with the new EBRC-97 wheeled AFV or the ABR-76/VCIR combination. These units are predominantly regional although there are some regular units.

 

Bataillon de Chars de Combat

 

The BCC is outwardly very similar in organisation to the BCB except it is equipped with the fearsome CC-21 heavy ground tanks. The main difference is in the extra provision of maintenance teams to keep the vehicles running.

 

Bataillon de Cavalerie de Reconnaissance  

 

The BCR has the standard three manoeuvre Escadrons and a command and support Escadron. The sabre Escadrons have three reconnaissance troops equipped with ACR-89s, a hovertank troop for support and a support troop of ACVI-3s carrying dismounted troopers and UAVs. This organisation is standard even for the heavy DBs.  

 

Bataillon de Cavalerie de Reconnaissance Mixte   

 

The BCRM is present in two units supporting 2e DLB and 20e DP. They share much with the standard BCR except that that one Escadron is organised for dismounted long range recce tasks. 

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Aéromobiles

 

The BFA has four rifle companies, a support company (CEA) and a HQ company (CCS). The rifle companies have three rifle platoons and a HQ with small integral anti-tank and anti-aircraft elements. The support company has reconnaissance, mortar, anti-tank and anti-aircraft elements. The command company has the usual combat support elements and a pioneer platoon which also functions as a defence platoon. The BFA battalions assigned to 20e DP are fully parachute trained and roled.      

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Aéromobiles Tiranais 

 

There are specialist ANMP specific units very similar to BFAs except with one of the companies allocated to the parachute role. 

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Aéro-Mécanisés

 

The are equipped with either the ACVI-4 or ACVI-3 and are highly trained in manoeuvre warfare. The BFAM has four manoeuvre companies, a CEA and a CCS. The companies have three rifle platoons and a support platoon in addition to the usual headquarters.

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Légers Aéro-Mécanisés

 

The BFLAM is almost identical to the BFAM except they operate in the 1e and 2e DLB. The difference is in the versatility of the training opportunities, but they are also equipped with ACVI-4s. I/6e RIT is the only battalion in this role and is attached to the 2e DLB.  

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Mécanisés

 

BFMs are very similar to BFAMs but are equipped with wheeled AFVs. These include the regular infantry divisions in the Corps and also the regional units of the DOTNP. The ANMP operates a mixture of EBRC-97s, VCIR and trucks in this role.

 

Bataillon de Fantassins Mécanisés Blindée

 

The BFMB is the infantry equivalent of the BCC and utilises heavy tracked APCs. .

 

 

Bataillon de Chasseurs à Pied Blindée

 

BCPB are French combat walker units, each has 4 CW companies, a CEA and CSS. Each company has two platoons of walkers with a small HQ for a total of 24 walkers. In total the BCPB has 100 frontline walkers but also hold a reserve of 25 walkers to replace maintenance and combat losses. These are operating the BH-21 although some are beginning to take delivery of the new BH-25.

 

 Bataillon de Troupes Spéciales  

 

All three battalions of CCT are organised as BTS, France’s default special forces organisation.

 

INDEX

 

Recruitment

 

The ANMP is able to recruit any citizen of the French Empire, however naturally its main recruiting area is the colony of Nouvelle Provence. With over 200 million potential recruits it is able to maintain its regular regiments to a high level of manning when compared to some of the Earth based units of the AM. The vast majority of the ANMPs soldiers are recruited from the 11 regions of Nouvelle Provence, however a small proportion are from other parts of the Empire, mostly from France or French Africa.

 

The ANMP has three forms of recruitment, regular, short service volunteer and conscript. Regular recruitment is utilised to man the main elements of the ANMP that were originally part of the Coloniale. Short service and conscript service is used to man the regional elements of the force.

 

Regular recruitment is a full service commitment and soldiers can be deployed any where including off world. Due to the ANMP’s strong recruitment it has been able to retain longer initial service terms than the Terran parts of the AM. Currently initial service is for a minimum of five years with additional service in three year increments and maximum service of 30 years. Regulars can also be found as leadership cadres in the regional units. On completion of service the soldiers are transferred into the reserve, which is a manpower pool linked to previous regiments or corps but with no enforced training periods.

 

Short service and conscript service are for a period of two years and fill the ranks of the regional units. These two types of service are limited engagements and cannot be deployed outside of Nouvelle Provence without the agreement of the individual soldier. This did occur during the Central Asian War when a division of the ANMP-Milice deployed to provide rear area security. Conscript service, chosen by ballot, is only used when not enough short service volunteers are forthcoming. This is done on a regional basis and is somewhat controversial as the weight of the conscription generally falls on the less populous regions such as Pays Verdoyent, Pays du Lac and Bijagos.

 

Short service and conscript recruits can transfer to regular service and many do. Pay and conditions for both of these recruiting methods are identical and accrue a cash bounty and educational entitlements on completion of service. These soldiers have no further reserve commitment.     

 

The ANMP will accept any volunteer for regular service over the age of 18 who has passed a Baccalaureat, although such a soldier will have to undertake to study for a degree whilst serving. Currently around 50% of the ANMP regular recuits have degrees before joining.

 

Officers are recruited from France’s military academies and also from Aspirants serving in the ranks. The primary source of officer recruits is from the sprawling Académie Militaire Coloniale in the hills of the Massif du Feu Froid north of Aix-En-Nouvelle-Provence. 

 

The ethnic make up of the ANMP represents that of the colony as a whole with a rich mixture of the peoples of the Empire. People of European French background are slightly over represented but in general the majority of recruits are from the melange of nationalities that is typically Néo-Provençal.

 

The ANMP’s fighting regiments are traditionally very regionally based with recruits normally being dispatched to join their local regiment. This has led to the regiments developing very localised esprit-de-corps.

 

Transfer between the ANMP, AMH and AMA is relatively easily done although good reasons will have to be presented due to the cost of relocations. Normally it is restricted to the ranks of senior NCO and field grade officer with specific or specialised training.

 

Breakdown

 

The table below shows the late 2302 breakdown of ANMP soldiers by region of recruitment. It should be noted that there are just under 275 000 soldiers in the ANMP, of which nearly 197 000 are regulars and just over 77000 are short service or conscript soldiers. Of note is that almost 20% of these soldiers were not born in Nouvelle Provence, although many grew up on Tirane.  

 

 

%

Number

Ile de Tirane

22.3

61150

Calanques

12.4

33947

Tatouine

9.6

26437

Pays Verdoyent

2.5

6868

Karoise

14.2

38967

Le Cou Plat

10.7

29446

Vars

6.0

16396

Pays du Lac

3.5

9465

La Croix

9.6

26400

Bijagos

2.9

7939

Tasili

6.2

17002

 

100%

274018

 

 

 

French (Non NP)

18

49323

 

Recruitment Regions

 

Ile de Tirane

 

1e RCC, 12e RBT, 15e RBT, 19e RBT, 24e RBT, 25e RBT, 30e RBT.

1e RCNP

I/1e RIT, II/1e RIT, III/1e RIT, I/7e RIT, II/7e RIT, I/18e RIT, II/18e RIT, I/21e RIT, II/21e RIT, 1/2e RCT, II/2e RCT.

1e RGNP, 2e RGNP, 3e RGNP, 4e RGNP, 5e RGNP, 6e RGNP, 7e RGNP. 

 

The Ile de Tirane is the proportionately the largest recruitment area for the AMNP as befits its status as the most populous of the regions of Nouvelle Provence. There are officially regular five infantry regiments that recruit from the area, together with seven cavalry regiments. The 1e and 21e RIT are affiliated with the capital of Mirambeau, 7e RIT with Lome and the 18e RIT with Douala and the rural Ile de Tirane. The crack 2e RCT is recruited from amongst the communities of the Massif du Feu Froid.   

 

DOTNP units include one cavalry and seven infantry regiments. Of note is the 1e RCNP which is almost entirely composed of ex-regular soldiers and is of a very high standard. Indeed all of these regional units have a high number of ex-regulars in the ranks, including 7e RGNP which is sometimes jokingly referred to as the III/2e RCT.

 

Ile de Tirane recruited units are normally very cosmopolitan in make up with all the races and religions of the colony represented. They are normally very streetwise and often suffer from the reputation of being ‘light fingered’. Rivalry is very strong between the regiments, especially between 1e, 21e and 7e RIT, with violence not being uncommon and gang related feuds sometimes being taken into uniform.

 

In addition to these combat units the Ile de Tirane contributes a greater than proportionate number of recruits to the other arms and corps of the AMNP.  

 

Calanques

 

2e RBT, 13e RBT, 22e RBT, 26e RBT

2e RCNP

I/3e RIT, II/3e RIT, III/3e RIT, I/12e RIT, II/12e, I/8e RCT

1e RCNP, 2e RCNP, 3e RCNP, 4e RCNP, 5e RCNP, 6e RCNP

 

Calanques is a large region with several distinct sub-areas. 3e RIT, 2e RBT, 22e RBT and 26e RBT are recruited from the coastal area of Calanques. 12e RIT and 13e RBT are drawn from the Vaucluse area, whilst the Chasseurs of 8e RCT are recruited from the rugged Mandara.

 

The Calanques regiments are very closely associated with their recruitment areas and share most of their local characteristics. In general the infantry are recruited from the rural areas and the armoured units from the cities. 3e RIT in particular is noted for its stereotypically strong Catholicism and small mindedness, whilst 12e RIT is predominantly recruited from the sons of the regions’ farmers.

 

Calanques regiments are always strongly manned and exhibit a strong tendency for multigenerational service with sons succeeding fathers in the ranks. The urban centres also provide many recruits into the other more technical corps and services of the army.  

 

Tatouine

 

3e RBT, 23e RBT, 14e RBT

12e RCNP

I/15e RIT, II/15e RIT, I/16e RIT, II/16e RIT, I/6e RCT

1e RZNP, 2e RZNP, 3e RZNP, 4e RZNP, 5e RZNP, 6e RZNP

 

The central region of Tatouine is one of the bread-baskets of Nouvelle Provence and a predominantly rural region in the wide open and baking equatorial plains between the Pays Verdoyent and the Mandara Massif.  These grasslands are the home to vast herds of local and imported wildlife and criss-crossed with ranches and stations.

 

15e RIT is raised from the city of Djibouti-el-Jedid whilst the 16e RIT is recruited from Basse Terre. Actually the vast majority of recruits from the region are actually from the small towns and stations scattered across the Tatouine plains. Most parents in the region still have very large families and younger sons have traditionally had to make their way in the world. These units have the reputation as being very physically tough and are tightly disciplined.

 

6e RCT is recruited from the north of the region from the southern slopes of the Mandara Massif and has more in common with the Calanques’ 8e RCT than the other Tatouine regiments. The three armoured regiments are regarded as being very high quality manoeuvre units, comfortable with sweeping operations across very large areas.

 

Pays Verdoyent

 

4e RBT

10e RCNP, 11e RCNP

I/11e RIT, II/11e RIT

1e RCVNP, 2e RCVNP, 3e RCVNP, 4e RCVNP

 

The Pays Verdoyent is the least populated region of Nouvelle Provence an is an area dominated by the upper reaches of the mighty Congueve River. Although the site of one of the earliest colonial settlements it continues to be poorly developed and truely remains a frontier zone.

 

4e RBT and 11e RIT are both recruited from the area around the city of Mataró on the Congeuve, a rough and ready city founded by Catalan settlers. As a result both regiments have unique characters when compared to other AMNP units. Its soldiers are self-reliant to the point of insolence, deal very poorly with outsiders, are regarded as light fingered and speak an almost unintelligible Franco-Catalan dialect. They do tend to perform very well on both operations and exercise, so its foibles are tolerated by higher commanders.

 

The regional units are divided equally between Mataró and Escalier des Etoiles, with several elements assigned to the protection of the orbital facilities located there. In general the people of Pays Verdoyent serve almost exclusively in their local regiments, although there is a substantial contingent in the AMNP’s special forces element.  

 

Karoise

 

5e RBT, 18e RBT, 21e RBT, 31e RBT

6e RCNP

I/2e RIT, II/2e RIT, III/2e RIT, I/14e RIT, II/14e RIT, I/20e RIT, II/20e RIT, I/1e RCT, II/1e RCT

1e RTNP, 2e RTNP, 3e RTNP, 4e RTNP, 5e RTNP

 

The Karoise region is a populous one situated on the lower Congeuve Region and is dominated by the river trade transporting the region’s agricultural harvest. 5e RBT, 21e RBT, 2e RIT and 20e RBT are predominantly recruited from the city of Dakar on the Congeuve Delta. 18e RBT, 31e RBT and 14e RIT have been raised from the city of Lançon-Nouvelle-Provence. 1e RCT is manned by members of the communities of the mountains of the Boucle and deserts south of Lançon.

 

Karoise regiments are regarded as being gregarious, generous, easy going, yet physically aggressive, competitive and professional. Like those raised in the Ile de Tirane they are very polyglot, representing every ethnic and religious group who settled in the regions and without any strong mores. Many soldiers from the region are former workers on the rivers and are very comfortable with riverine operations.

 

The Dakar raised units are renowned for their love of sports, especially football and Lutte Provençal wrestling, in which it is a bad year if a 2e RIT battalion isn’t champion of the AMNP. The Lançon units are more noted for their internal rivalries mirroring their quartered city.

 

The regional units are strongly recruited with volunteers and ex-regulars and have high operational standards. Karoise soldiers are strongly represented in the Nouvelle Provençal contingent in the ranks of the Troupes de Marines.

 

Le Cou Plat

 

7e RBT, 17e RBT, 27e RBT

7e RCNP

I/5e RIT, II/5e RIT, I/17e RIT, II/17e RIT, I/4e RCT

1e RILNP, 2e RILNP, 3e RILNP, 4e RILNP, 5e RILNP, 6e RILNP

 

The Cou Plat region lies in the south in Nouvelle Provence and is dominated by the river Limite and the close proximity of the former Bavarian colony of Freihafen on the other side of the river. The economy of the region is dominated by the cross border trade amd several major cities which each have a Freihafen counterpart.

 

7e RBT and 17e RIT are recruited from Ouagadougou Nouveau, 17e RBT and 5e RIT from Kalemie and 27e RBT from Bartica. The crack 4e RCT is recruited from the bushmen of the region’s hinterland. In general the Cou Plat regiments are seen as professional and serious regiments. Most soldiers from this region are at least bilingual, being able to speak conversational German. 7e RBT and 17e RIT are predominantly manned by soldiers of West African extraction and are both strongly Muslim in character.  

 

Vars

 

8e RBT, 32e RBT

9e RCNP

I/4e RIT, II/4e RIT, I/7e RCT

1e RGMNP, 2e RGMNP, 3e RGMNP, 4e RGMNP, 5e RGMNP, 6e RGMNP

 

The Vars region is a lightly populated area that reaches east from the Ile de Tirane along between the coast line and the mountainous border with Freihafen. The region is predominantly agricultural with large urban centres at Porto Novo, Petit Bessam and Bordella. The region’s econcomy relies on large scale agriculture, fisheries, viniculture and upland ranches hill farming forms of Dranta and sheep.

 

Most military recruitment comes from the main cities of Porto Novo and Petit Pessam and their rural hinterlands. 7e RCT is recruited from Bordella and its nearby mountains of the Haut Var. In general the Varois soliders are regarded as being amongst the most relaxed in the army, with a love of wine and the good things in life but also with a demonstrated excellence in fieldcraft. 7e RCT is somewhat different having elements of the Italian character of Bordella mixed with a strong contingent of tough mountain hunters of the area.

 

Vars has a strong regional force with the Goums being very highly regarded by higher command, although very few go on to serve with the main AMNP.

 

Pays du Lac

 

9e RBT

4e RCNP

I/8e RIT, II/8e RIT, II/5e RCT

1e RGCNP, 2e RGCNP, 3e RGCNP, 4e RGCNP, 5e RGCNP

 

The Pays du Lac is the region around the mighty Lac d’œil. It is a large but relatively lightly populated area. Its regiments for the most part have trouble recruiting their full quotient and so are often backfilled with recruits from the Karoise, Ile de Tirane or La Croix. The regional regiments are almost entirely recruited by ballot as there are insufficient volunteers.

 

La Croix

 

10e RBT, 28e RBT, 33e RBT

3e RCNP

I/9e RIT, II/9e RIT, I/13e RIT, II/13e RIT, I/10e RCT

1e RFNP, 2e RFNP, 3e RFNP, 4e RFNP, 5e RFNP, 6e RFNP

 

The central region of La Croix is a populous and geographically diverse area with several large urban areas. It is dominated by the upper Esa river and the mountains of the Alpes Orientales.

 

10e RBT and 13e RIT are recruited from the cosmopolitain city of Aix-en-Nouvelle Provence. I/13e RIT served on Earth in the Central Asian War and produced several well known war poets which has served to raise the regiment’s profile. 33e RBT and 9e RIT are raised from the region around the city of Ouidah, and both regiments adopted much of that towns Carthaginois imagery.

 

10 RCT were raised from the mountainous city of Bamenda and has a second to none reputation in the army for the quality of its winter sports team. 28e RBT hails from the town of Tlemcen and is almost exclusively recruited from soldiers of Algerian and Berber extraction and is very proud of its Spahi title.

 

Bijagos

 

11e RBT

5e RCNP

I/6e RIT, II/6e RIT, I/3e RCT

1e RADNP, 2e RADNP, 3e RADNP, 4e RADNP

 

The northern island region of Bijagos is the least populous region in Nouvelle Provence yet still provides the manning for no fewer than nine battalion sized units. The regional units have to be maintained largely by ballot, although many then go on to transfer to regular service. The bulk of recruits into Bijagois regiments are young people hoping to escape the service based economy of the region. Sometimes the regiments do not receive enough recruits and are reinforced by others from the Calanques and Karoise region.

 

This is especially true of I/6e RIT which took heavy casualties on Kimanjano during the Liberation and now has very few Bijagois in its ranks. This is largely due to the concurrent deployment of II/6e RIT to the French Arm.

 

Tasili

 

16e RBT, 20e RBT, 29e RBT

8e RCNP

I/10e RIT, II/10e RIT, I/19e RIT, II/19e RIT, 1/9e RCT

1e RSPNP, 2e RSPNP, 3e RSPNP, 4e RSPNP

 

Tasili is the southern-most and most remote part of Nouvelle Provence and is lightly populated with just under 8 million people. It consists both of the lower reaches of the Limite River and the rugged uplands of Tasili proper. In general Tasili has a very singular outlook and highly developed local cultural outlook and can be very dismissive of central control from Mirambeau never mind Earth. Tasilien units are well known for their self-reliance which is often taken for arrogance. 

 

16e RBT, 20e RBT and 10e RIT are recruited from the Limite River country and the city of Durance. 29e RBT and 19e RIT are recruited from Tamanrasset close to the Tundukubwan border and the other towns of the coast and hinterland. The 9e RCT recruits from across the region but finds most of its recruits from the hill country. 

 

Nouvelle Provence

 

With the exception of the CIT and CCT the remaining corps and services of the ANMP are recruited from across the Département, although most elements and regiments have some sort of regional affiliation. The exception is 10e RCP and the CCT who are recruited from across the CIT and the whole AMNP respectively.

 

INDEX

 

Training

 

The ANMP has a wide range of training facilities with basic training facilities located in each of the regions which are shared by both the regular and regional soldiers. These facilities range dramatically in size depending on the intakes of soldiers they are required to support. Every soldier in the ANMP is required to complete three months of common military training based on infantry models. This is a hold over from the Central Asian War when over specialised support units often disintegrated in the face of Manchurian penetrations or insurgent ambushes. On the conclusion of this course they are dispatched to special to arm training at a range of institutions across Nouvelle Provence.

 

Each of the corps and services has its own school. The Centre d’Entraînement de Corps d’Infanterie Tiranais is located to the west of Setta Cama in the foothills of the Mandara. The armoured cavalry centre (CEABCT) is located to the north of Djibouti-el-Jedid in the massive training areas of Tatouine and so on.

 

Officer training is largely conducted at the Académie Militaire Coloniale which is the largest officer training facility in the French Army. The AMC runs both long and short commissioning courses, the former including degree study. It produces the bulk of the ANMP’s officers as well as many who chose to serve in the other establishments of the Métropolitaine, Coloniale, Légion and Troupes de Marine. NCO training is conducted either at corps schools or at the NCO wing of the AMC.

 

The AMNP has a full range of specialist and technical courses required to support a sophisticated modern military as well as the usual commando and parachute courses. The AMNP also has a renowned mountain warfare school run by personnel seconded from the RCTs.

 

Cross training with foreign forces takes place on a frequent basis, most notably with the Freiwehr. Permenant training teams drawn from the AMNP are based in Freihafen and bilateral exercises are commonplace. Links are also fostered with other colonies, including Wellon and US Marine contingents based in Tirania.

 

One major establishment belonging to the AMNP is the Centre d’Entraînement de Combat de Manœuvre (CECM) collocated with the CEABCT in Tatouine. This facility is responsible for a training area the size of European France over which high grade manoeuvre warfare training is conducted. Each AMNP division trains there at least once every two years and troops from Earth are often trained there. The CECM has its own multi-divisional equipment sets and is a valuable reserve for the ANMP. Analysts note that although much of this equipment has seen hard use it could be used to equip several divisions of Terran soldiers should a major reinforcement of Nouvelle Provence have to made.

 

INDEX

 

Culture

 

The AMNP first and foremost sees itself as an integral part of the wider Armée Métropolitain and is intensely proud of its role in the defence of the French Empire. At a lower level however the AMNP has an array of competing loyalties and identities.

 

Primary amongst these are the split between the regular and the regional forces. The regulars have always been an all volunteer long service force based on their Coloniale origins and are proud of this fact, holding it over the AMH who have been predominantly a conscript based service. The regionals have been either militia or part time reservists and have only recently gained their new role with its conscript element. As a result links between the regionals and the reservists are not close, or particularly friendly.

 

The regulars have a very well defined and traditional regimental system rooted firmly in regional recruitment and reaching back to over 100 years from its Coloniale beginnings. Their regional routes are a source of great strength and pride to the AMNP and indeed many regiments feel they have more in common with regiments raised on Earth than units recruited from a neighbouring area in Nouvelle Provence. Many cognoscenti of the AMNP can stereotype units fairly effectively just by knowing which area they recruit from.

 

The ANMP has a strong sense of its own value based on its contribution to first the Central Asian War, War of German Reunification and now the Kafer War. Whilst often far from the eyes of the military and political hierarchy in Paris the AMNP knows that it is a vast a powerful resource for France to draw upon. As a result it has something of a chip on its collective shoulder that it is not called upon sooner, but with the reassurance that it will be there when needed.

 

Military-Civilian relations are still somewhat shaky as a result of the aftermath of the period of military rule of France which also had its effects in Nouvelle Provence. The willingness of soldiers to deploy on the streets is still a matter of tension with many politically aware Néo-Provençals citizens in spite of recent legislative changes. 

 

One last element of the ANMP that requires clarification is the existence of the Organisation de l'Armée Républicaine Secrete (OARS) which is the bitter aftertaste of the Junta era on Tirane. The fall of the junta and election of Nicolas Ruffin brought about the formation of this body by General Perez who subsequently fled into hiding in the south of the colony. The OARS has subsequently been implicated in numerous terrorist acts against Imperial governance. Most observers believe its membership to be very small but fears persist about its penetration of the higher echelons and certain units, including the CCT which in spite of a stellar record against most terrorists has yet to located Perez and his holdouts in the remote reaches of the Pays Verdoyent.

 

INDEX

 

Uniform and Equipment

 

The AMNP is equipped with standard French equipment similar to the rest of the Métropolitaine. If it is sometimes behind the Armée de Manœuvre in receiving the latest equipment it is never too far behind.  

 

The AMNP are equipped with the standard ‘combat blues’ the  Tenue de Combat Mle 2298 with the new pattern Mle 2298 helmet in most units. Some units in 16e Corps and also in the DAMs continue to use the Mle 2245 helmet which is handier moving in and out of aircraft or when in very difficult terrain.

 

The symbol of the AMNP is a twin sun emblem which is commonly repeated in many unit insignia and is worn on the left shoulder as an écusson. The corps insignia are those of the wider Métropolitaine with a few exceptions. This is also true of headgear which largely follows Terran usage with some idiosyncratic exceptions such as the eagle feather of 7e RCT from Vars.

 

The AMNP continue to wear a ceinture of coloniale grise regardless of arm of service and is a link back to its roots. As is normal the individual regiments wear the fourragère applicable to the decorations their units have received. The AMNP wear the standard Tenue de Parade Mle.2289 as its parade dress uniform. There are the usual two main walking out dress orders, one for cold seasons and one for warm similar to those worn by the Légion.

 

INDEX

 

Personalities

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Etienne Francoeur

 

Etienne Francoeur is the commander of the famous 1e RBT who has seen almost three years of constant combat on Aurore, initially as a squadron commander and then as regimental commander. A native of Dakar he served as a volunteer Aspirant during the last year of the Central Asian War with 18e RBT and was badly wounded. He made a complete recovery and progressed through the ranks of the AMNP, earning a squadron command in the I/1e RCC on Aurore just prior to the Kafer invasion. 

 

Francoeur has gained a fine fighting reputation, his easy charm and swashbuckling Karoise personality combined nicely with an excellent tactical brain. Francoeur has been decorated several times and received several minor wounds. His marriage to a Mirambeau stockbroker has collapsed in his time at the front and he has gained a reputation as an incorrigible ladies man in the colony. He is due to be withdrawn from the front, but his time has been extended due to the accidental death of his replacement.

 

Caporal-Chef Hussein Tortochot

 

Hussein Tortochot is a squad commander in the I/6e RIT stationed on Kimanjano. Tortochot was one of the replacements brought forward to make good the battalion’s loses in the Liberation. Tortochot grew up in teaming Mirambeau and joined the regulars after a stint as a short service volunteer in 2e RGNP. He volunteered to go to the French Arm with a replacement draft and found himself in the I/6e RIT.

 

Tortochot is finding settling into the battalion something of a challenge due to the divide that has grown up between the veteran I/6e RIT originals and the later replacements. Although he has taken part in numerous small scale battles he still feels uncomfortably like an outsider. Tortochot is a dedicated and effective soldier but is increasingly missing his family back on Tirane and tires of the endless patrolling on Kimanjano.

 

 

Général de Corps d’Armée Louis Perez (Ret)

 

General Louis Perez is popularly known as the Bête du Gabon, the Beast of Gabon, for his bloodthirsty suppression of the revolt in that African Département in 2289. A leading member of the junta he was appointed as commander of the ATT in 2290 and was responsible for arresting and imprisoning the Governor. The fall of the junta saw the issuing of a warrant for the arrest Perez and his dramatic escape from a team from the elite GIGD. Perez is believed to be in hiding and is the leading figure in the OARS, which launches periodic terrorist attacks against Imperial offices and is rumoured to include many significant AMNP figures in its ranks.

 

Perez was born in one of the poorest suburbs of Marseilles, enjoying a ‘colourful’ upbringing before being conscripted into the army. Serving initially in the infantry he found his calling in life and was commissioned into the Chasseurs d’Afrique following officer training. Energetic, charismatic, audacious and sometimes brutal he gained a reputation as am exceptionally able officer. In the Central Asian War he rocketed through the ranks, commanding hovertank formations with exceptional success and eye for the ground. Admiring American journalists described him as the ‘French Patton’. Perez had a dark side and rumours of several incidents involving Manchurian and insurgent prisoners attached themselves to him.

 

Perez was one of the few Generals to emerge with some credit out of the ruinous retreat of 2287, leading his Corps to relative safety before taking an important role in the counter-attack. Perez was a leading member of the ‘colonels’ and was deeply implicated in the coup that overthrew the 12th Republic. Leaving the politics to the firebrand orators he was dispatched to quell a republican uprising in Gabon, a task he performed swiftly and effectively but earning near global opprobrium. Perez was soon dispatched to Tirane to head up the army and ensure the loyalties of its senior officers to the junta.

 

Perez is currently in hiding, some say in the PaysVerdoyent, some in the mountains, some across the border in Tundunkubwa, whilst yet another rumour says he has secretly enlisted in the Légion and is serving on the French Arm. The spectre of Perez looms unspoken across large parts of the army, and he has become a Conradian figure of great mystery.        

 

INDEX

 

Role Playing

 

AMNP characters must be from the core and French, or be French and have travelled to the core to sign up, which could be role-played.

 

Initial Skills: Combat Rifleman – 3, Heavy Weapons – 2, Melee – 2, Hover Vehicle – 1, Ground Vehicle – 1, Survival – 2 and First Aid – 1.

Primary Skills: Combat Skills, Ground Vehicle, Hover Vehicle, Stealth, General Skills (except Prospecting).
 

Quality

 

The average ANMP regular unit has a skill breakdown of 20% Green, 30% Experienced, 30% Veteran and 20% Elite. Many units who have seen action on the French Arm or are more highly trained will have a higher proportion of Veteran and Elite types. The AMNP regional units have a breakdown of 30% Green, 40% Experienced, 25% Veteran and 5% Elite. 

 

INDEX

 

Design Notes

The only canon reference to the military of ‘Provence Nouveau’ (sic) is in the Aurore Sourcebook which notes that citizens from this area are recruited into the Metropolitan forces – described as the ‘regular French Imperial Army’. Unfortunately it then contradicts itself two pages later by noting that the 1e Regiment Cavalerie Coloniale (1e RCC) is recruited from ‘Provence Nouveau’.

 

As Nouvelle Provence has been described in numerous places as a Département of Metropolitan France I have gone with its force as being part of the Métropolitaine. I have decided to have it organised as a different ‘establishment’ to account for its transfer from the Coloniale and maintaining some of its organisational peculiarities.

 

The 1e RCC I have accounted for by having it as a Metropolitain unit, but as the original Néo-Provençal cavalry unit it has retained the ‘Coloniale’ title as an honorific. This is not unknown as the modern French Army includes units named after the Spahis and Tirailleurs of the Armee d’Afrique many decades after the departure of France from the colonies it recruited these North African soldiers from.  

 

Finally the Aurore Sourcebook states that the Métropolitaine is never deloyed outside of France except in a state of war. This was the case at the time of the Indochinese War, which the Bernard Fall flavoured military section is clearly inspired by, when French conscripts were only able to serve in the Far East if they volunteered. However I find it very difficult to imagine that this would be the case in an army that has managed to maintain the French Peace for  nearly 300 years. Indeed the Player’s Guide has French forces, the bulk of which must be Métropolitaine, deployed in the Central Asian Republic as peacekeepers.

 

As a compromise I have some Métropolitaine units deployed in the colonies and elsewhere, however the Coloniale, Légion and Marines are the preferred first choice for these deployments.   

 

INDEX

 

Acknowledgments 

 

The structure of the eleven regions of Nouvelle Provence, its geography, politics and demographics are drawn from work by Christopher Lee. General Perez is also by Christopher Lee.

 

Thanks as always to Laurent Esmiol for French corrections.

 


 

1 June 2008

 

Copyright D Hebditch, 2008