The Shepherd’s Path, Part 18: Military Organization
The Shepherd’s primary combat arm is the Order of Saint Michael (OSM). The fundamental building block of the OSM is the regiment. Above a regiment is the division, which is less of a combat unit more of an administrative element that oversees operation within a certain region of New Jerusalem. Each division contains a core of support assets like artillery and air support, as well as at least one regiment. The regiments themselves are composed of four “line battalions'', which are the combat arm, and two support battalions. A full-size regiment has nearly 4,000 personnel. Regiments are numbered based on the order in which they were activated, and each one is also named after a biblical angel.
A line battalion is composed of four companies and a command element. Three of the companies are angel companies, and the fourth is a mechanized infantry company. Angel companies are divided into four teams with a command element. An angel team is composed of up to 9 members, each in their own angel. Angel teams are not composed uniformly of the same type of machine. Mixed teams are the default, although they tend to focus on either cherubim, seraphim or ophanim class angels. The mechanized infantry company is made of four platoons, each of which consists of four squads plus a command element at company and platoon level. Each squad and command element has an assigned APC.
The last two battalions are the technical support battalion and field support battalion. The technical support battalion is the largest battalion by far and is responsible for maintenance and all the other “background” functions needed to keep the regiment running. The field support battalion contains the regimental artillery, combat engineers, recon, and air support. These units are distributed to companies or battalions that are set to go into combat. Prior to the arrival of the CEF, most operations were at the company level or smaller.
The line battalions have gained a reputation and history that follows them as they transfer to different regiments. Exactly which line battalions are in a regiment is not fixed, and units are frequently moved around to ensure maximum combat capability. Battalions are numbered based on the order in which they were activated, with numbers not reused as units are destroyed or folded over into other units. Each battalion adopts a name, as well as unique insignia, and colors. Battalions take center stage in the culture of the Shepherds instead of regiments like in many other militaries.
Lisara walked in step with the other cadets—no, they were pilots now, back away from the muster hall. They had just completed their final graduation and officially became angel pilots. As per tradition, their first official orders and unit assignments would be waiting for them when they got back to the barracks. Lisara and the other pilots sped up then broke into a fast jog once they cleared the muster hall. A matter of moments saw them arrive at the barracks. Their instructors, a pair of aged pilots long since rotated out of active service, opened the doors for them and they filed in. The room was full of celebratory banners and other decorations. A long table with hot food and drinks waited on one side, and on the other were several rows of envelopes.
The graduates made a beeline for the envelopes. Each one had their name, rank, and serial number typed on it, alongside the seal of the Order of Saint Christopher. The pilots took the envelopes with their names and began to open them. As Lisara finally got hers, she undid the thin metal pin holding it closed and opened it. Several of her former classmates were a few seconds ahead of her and she heard some exclamations of joy as they read their first assignments. A young man, one of the class’ best, exclaimed “I got the 1st!”. The other pilots and instructors stopped what they were doing and cheered for the young man. The 1st Battalion was the premier unit of the Shepherds and got the pick of the litter of new pilots. Several graduating classes could go by without a single cadet getting into the 1st.
Others began to name their own units, most of which were standard line units. Some were frustrated with their assignments, either believing they deserved better or not wanting that particular unit. “What did you get, Lis?” another pilot cadet asked.
“I don’t know yet” replied Lisara as she unfolded the paper and began to read. “The 13th” she finally said when she got to that line. While the pilot who got the 1st got a round of cheers, those around Lisara got a little quiet.
“Damn, Lis! Never had you pegged for a psycho!” one of the other pilots finally said in a joking tone. The 13th had a bit of a reputation for psychological warfare. They were known for aggressive combat drops while blasting music, sermons, and even screams over their angel’s speakers to demoralize their enemies. Outside of the Shepherds, it was said they were considered bloodthirsty psychopaths.
Lisara laughed, more than happy with her assignment. The pilot that had asked her what unit she had got in punched Lisara lightly in the shoulder. “I bet you’ll look great in purple!” he said, referencing the 13th’s deep royal purple colors. Lisara smiled again, already planning what kind of music she wanted to blast from her angel’s speakers. This was going to be fun.
