Federal Armed Forces of Wingarde

The armed forces of the Democratic States of Wingarde are known as the Federal Armed Forces (German: Bundeswehr). Their Commander-in-Chief is the President in wartime, but the Minister of Defense commands all the branches in peacetime.

These are the:

• Federal Army
• Federal Navy
• Federal Air Force

Introduction

An estimated 20,664,000 personnel currently serve in the military, though the active/reserve proportion depends on the current VERZUS (German: VERteidigungZUStand, Defense Condition in English) level. Due to the recent stability of Wingarde's defense situation, VERZUS has hardly escalated above 5, its lowest setting. That implies only 4,136,272 personnel are actually on active duty throughout the three main branches at the moment, while the other 16,527,728 remain in reserve.

Since their creation in 1947, the Federal Armed Forces have maintained a sensible policy of voluntary service for all citizens aged 18 to 49. Nevertheless, patriotism is strong in Wingarde, and the branches employ 0.7% of the total population.

Despite being comparatively smaller than other armed forces around the world, the Wingardian military receives generous amounts of funding and prides itself in high standards of education, professionalism and discipline. The 8.3 trillion talons (Jan. 2007 figure) reserved for the Federal Armed Forces ensure its members are procured with the best equipment and training available, the vast majority being indigenous materiel.

Wingarde has never taken part in any major conflict, so the military's experience comes from numerous minor operations carried out throughout its 60 years of existence as the nation's defensive institution.

Mission

According to the Federal Constitution, the task of the Federal Armed Forces is to protect Wingarde, its territory, citizens and interests from both foreign and domestic threats in defensive and/or offensive operations, whichever is necessary, either on Wingardian soil or around the globe.

Organization

The Ministry of Defense controls the Federal Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense being its Commander-in-Chief during peacetime. However, the President of Wingarde takes charge of the military in wartime. In spite of this, the heads of each branch, along with the Minister of Defense, act as the commander's advisors in such situations.

Branch Heads

Personnel

There are currently approximately 20.7 million men and women in service in the Federal Armed Forces. Given the current VERZUS level, only 4,136,272 personnel are on active duty. The majority (estimated 16,527,728) remains in reserve. The proportions of personnel in each branch is tailored to Wingarde's defense needs, taking geography into consideration more than anything else.

Personnel in each service

January 2007 figures

Federal Army

Federal Navy

Federal Air Force

Federal Armed Forces of Wingarde
[ Federal Army | Federal Navy | Federal Air Force | Sapphire Guard ]