Commonwealth of Susquehanna Defense Force (1983: Doomsday)

The Commonwealth of Susquehanna maintains a small armed force. Most of the military units were formed post-Doomsday, with a few pre-Doomsday units training troops after the apocalypse. Military service is by volunteer only, although in times of need the government can draft from ages 18 to 45 years of age, in a selective service style recruitment.

Much of the equipment operated by the Commonwealth are pre-1960's equipment that is being replaced with newer models as funding becomes available. It lacks manpower and modern equipment. Most of the equipment has been purchased from foreign nations or converted civilian equipment.

The total military strength as of 2014 stands at approximately 987 soldiers and personnel. This makes it the smallest standing military in former Pennsylvania. The State Police and local police can be activated in an emergency to support the military.

Susquehanna currently only has troops deployed within the nation, but occasionally personnel will train with the militaries of Reading and Gettysburg.

All personnel are trained in rescue and emergency operations. They can support the police and emergency organizations in time of need.

Currently it is primarily a ground force with minor air support and water support. There are also police, and special forces as well as logistics.

History
Immediately after Doomsday, local police and small National Guard units in various communities formed small military groups for defense. Some towns organized small civilian militias to back up defense against gangs and raiders who were prowling around the area. After the area unified, the military commanders integrated all the ragtag groups into a more organized militia. They lacked artillery or explosives and only had a handful of scavenged M2 Browning machine guns and M1919 machine guns.

Most infantry were armed with a hodgepodge of weapons, from M16's to M14's to hunting rifles. They were organized into several platoons and operated independently of one another.

The main issue the nation faced was the lack of any major military instillation in or near Susquehanna's territory that had not been leveled by a nuke. There was a small logistical and cargo Army Reserve unit in Bloomsburg as well as an Army National Guard clerical unit in Berwick. Neither was officially infantry but both had training in the field and began to patrol regularly. The men operated along side local college security and police units.

After several months, the area needed additional manpower and the civilian militias were formed. The soldiers and police began to train them alongside ROTC and JROTC units from Bloomsburg University and local high schools.

Once the training was complete, the area had a manpower of 200 militia members, 250 National Guard members, 180 ROTC members, 75 JROTC members and 60 police, SWAT, and security members. Overall there were 765 available personnel.

Once they were trained, the commander of the Provisional Pennsylvania Militia requisitioned 20 local trucks and converted them into technicals armed with M2 Brownings.

Between 1983 and 2005 the militia operated a small air arm and waterway arm. They were equipped with scavenged aircraft (which rarely flew), and rowboats armed with rifles.

After the official formation of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna, the militia disbanded and re-formed as the Commonwealth of Susquehanna National Guard. They formed a separate air arm and turned some of the best soldiers into a special forces unit called the Susquehanna Guard.

When raiders became a problem, the government launched Operation Retribution to destroy them. The military was weak and struggled to do more than keep them out. To add support, the government purchased twenty Jeep Raiders (eight have been destroyed), four artillery pieces and a variety of other equipment. There was also standardization to the M14 in 2006 after recovering a large stockpile.

To portray a more neutral tone, in mid 2012 the National Guard was renamed the Defense Force, although individual service branches suffered no name changes.

Commonwealth of Susquehanna Army National Guard
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna Army National Guard is the largest branch of the armed forces.

It is the oldest branch of the armed forces, having been in existence in some form since the foundation of the nation. There are 602 soldiers in the Army National Guard. The military allows females to serve in any branch of the Defense Forces. The Jeep battalion, as well as the engineering and logistics company are commanded by females.

Both men and women earn the same pay and rank advancement in the armed forces.

Training
All soldiers regardless of gender or job are sent through the same training.

First they are sent to four weeks of physical training. To pass basic training, they must be able to run a mile with a full combat load (73 pounds of gear, plus weapons and ammunition) in under fifteen minutes, then ten miles with a training load (40 pounds of gear, plus weapons and ammunition) in under two hours, do 60 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 20 pull-ups, and do ten chin-ups.

If they pass that, they go to weapons training. At weapons training, they spend one week training on handguns, two weeks on their personal assault rifles, and five days on improvised explosives. To pass weapons training they must shoot seven rounds and hit at least five targets with a one-inch spread; fire ten rounds from their rifles, hit at least seven targets (nine for scout or sniper), and have a one-inch spread.

Infantry
The largest branch of the Army National Guard is the infantry branch. The main role is to provide defense from foreign powers, and raiders, offensive against hostile nations and groups, as well as security and aid police during a natural disaster.

History
The infantry can trace back to immediately after Doomsday. It is the successor to local militias that formed to defend the towns and communities from raiders, and rogue army groups.

In 2005 the military was officially formed as part of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna National Guard (Since renamed the Defense Force).

Manpower
The nation maintains three companies of infantry of 104 men, for a total of 312 available soldiers. All infantry regardless of role are issued M1911 pistols and almost always given some sort of explosive (Molotov Cocktails, homemade grenades, or nail-bombs).

Each company has four platoons, divided into four infantry fire teams, and three heavy weapons fire teams (Machine Gun Team, Rocket Team, and Mortar Team).

Two companies are active units, with full time soldiers, while the third is a reserve company, which only activates if needed.

Non-Standard Equipment
Soldiers may be issued other weapons to support missions outside of the capability of their standard issue weapons.

Fire-team

 * Team Leader- Leader of the unit. Armed with a select fire M14 rifle, six twenty-round magazines, and fifty extra rounds of ammunition, as well as the unit radio if issued one. Provides direct leadership in situations as well as information on the mission.
 * Rifleman- Baseline infantryman. Equip with an M14 select fire, seven twenty-round magazines, and fifty extra rounds of ammunition. Second-in-Command.
 * Designated Marksman- Acting scout and marksman of the fire team. Equip with select fire M14, bipod, and a scope as well as five twenty-round magazines, and thirty rounds of loose ammunition.
 * Heavy Rifleman- Heavy infantryman. Equip with a select fire M14 with a heavy barrel, ten twenty round magazines, and 60 extra rounds of ammunition. Acts as a baseline infantryman, but may provide suppressing automatic fire in certain situations.

M1919 Machine Gun Team

 * Team Leader/Gunner- Leader of the team. Equip with the M1919, and standard issue weapons. Provides support fire for fire teams and bazooka team. Carries one belt of ammunition (250 rounds).
 * Loader/Ammunition Bearer- Carries the machine gun's tripod, and two belts of extra ammunition (500 rounds). Loads gun as needed. Issued standard issue pistol and grenades.
 * Spotter- Spots for the crew. Carries one belt of ammunition (250 rounds). Issued an M2012 bolt action rifle, and eight ten-round magazines.
 * Infantryman- Equipped with an M2012 bolt action rifle, ten ten-round magazines. He also carries one belt of ammunition (250 rounds).

M20 Super Bazooka Rocket Team

 * Team Leader/Gunner- Leader of the team. Issued Super Bazooka as well as the standard issue sidearm. Carries one rocket.
 * Ammunition Bearer- Carries four extra rockets. Issued standard sidearm as well as a Model 870 shotgun for close combat.
 * Spotter/Infantryman- Issued M2012 bolt action rifle with eight ten-round magazines. Also carries one extra rocket as well as the sidearm.

Mortar Team

 * Team Leader/Gunner- Leader of the team. Equip with the M01 Cannon, and standard issue weapons. Provides indirect fire support the other units. Carries two mortar shells.
 * Loader/Ammunition Bearer- Carries the M11 bipod and the M21 sight, and three mortar shells. Loads mortar as needed. Issued standard issue pistol and grenades.
 * Spotter- Carries M31 baseplate and spots for the crew. Carries two mortar shells. Issued M2012 and eight ten-round magazines.

Units

 * 55th Infantry Company
 * 109th Infantry Company
 * 223rd Infantry Company (Reserve)

Artillery
Artillery is a newer branch of the Army National Guard. It was formed on April 3rd, 2013 when the nation received four M101 artillery pieces from the Canadian government as well as trucks to tow them and carry ammunition and supplies. There is one battery of four guns, with four trucks towing and supporting.

Ammunition for the guns is sparse, with around 100 shells available for current use. Most of these are locally manufactured, although a few have been purchase from other nations.

Due to low fuel supplies, horses are also commonly used to pull the guns. There are 20 Canadian draft horses provided to the artillery branch for towing purposes. They also have 30 American Saddle-bred horses for riding.

Manpower

There are six men assigned per howitzer, three for firing, two as spotters, and one to relieve any soldier who becomes less effective. Overall, there are 24 soldiers in the artillery branch, although that may change as Susquehanna faces better armed opposition.


 * Artillery Battery (four guns, 24 men)
 * Two Artillery Platoons (two howitzers, 12 men)
 * Two Artillery Sections (one howitzer, six men)

Howitzers
 * One Team Leader- Directs firing of gun, as well as ordering movements of the unit. Armed with standard issued weapons.
 * One Ammunition Bearer/Loader- Carries fresh shells to the gun, loads guns and piles spent shells. Carries a Model 870 shotgun for close range defense, as well as standard load.
 * One Artillery Gunner- Armed with standard equipment as well as Model 870 shotgun. Fires the gun.
 * Two Artillery Spotters- Armed with M2012 bolt action rifle. Act as forward observers to direct artillery rounds as well as provide defense for the gun. Also carry standard issue weapons.
 * One Reliever Soldier- Armed with M2012 bolt action rifle, and standard equipment. Relieves any tired or wounded soldiers on the gun, may replace one of the soldier is killed or unable to continue fighting.

Units
 * 107th Field Artillery Battery

Motorized/Mounted Infantry
Susquehanna has a single jeep force that utilizes twelve Jeep Raiders purchased from North Pennsylvania. Originally twenty Jeeps were operated, but eight have been destroyed by enemy action. Eight new Jeeps were procured from North Pennsylvania and have been delivered. They will be used in current combat operations to capture the rest of Sullivan County and a larger portion of Schuylkill County.

Due to the lack of fuel, the government also has horses available for the troops to use. Normally the horses are use for everyday patrols, or standard movement. The jeeps are only utilized in a conflict, or emergency when speed is of the essence. The unit has access to 60 American Saddlebred horses.

There are talks within the Army National Guard of bringing eight Military Police trucks back into service, and increase the motorized unit up to full complement. Since a majority of the time the soldiers are on their vehicles fighting, they are issued the M2012 bolt action rifle. This is due to their primary role as support to the infantry units, so they are not suppose to fight outside of their vehicles.

Manpower
 * One Company of Twenty Jeep Raiders
 * Five Platoons of Four Jeep Raiders Each
 * Two Squads of Two Jeep Raiders
 * Four soldiers per Jeep
 * One Platoon of Twenty mechanics

Units
 * 103rd Motorized Infantry Company

Military Police
There are 50 members of the Military Police. They are the former personnel of the Hazleton Security forces. Many are assigned as law enforcement on military bases and in military secured regions as well as unorganized territories.

They are qualified to aid local police and security as well as the State Police in criminal investigations and securing crime scenes.

All are trained in counterinsurgency, hand-to-hand combat, firearms and nonlethal tactics.

They also are responsible for prosecuting any criminal cases within the armed forces. There are several lawyers and aides. The civil court prosecutes crimes, but with military advisors.

They are equipped with six motorcycles and each officer is issued an M-16, an M1911, handcuffs, and pepper spray. Each squad has ten officers, although they may all change positions as needed. They are broken up into five units.


 * A Squad: Ten officers, assigned to Army National Guard West (Columbia, Montour, and Sullivan Counties)
 * B Squad: Ten officers, assigned to Army National Guard East (Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Wyoming Counties)
 * C Squad: Ten officers, assigned to Bloomsburg Garrison
 * D Squad: Ten officers, assigned to Bloomsburg Garrison, Military Prosecution
 * E Squad: Ten officers, assigned to Butler Territory, Carbon Territory, and Mahanoy Territory. Law enforcement and security.

Waterway Patrol
The Commonwealth does not have an independent military branch for maritime defense, simply because there was not a need for a large naval force. Instead it was formed as a component of the Army National Guard, similar to the pre-Doomsday Swiss Lakes Flotilla. There are sixteen soldiers assigned to the Waterways Patrol.

Soldiers assigned to the Waterway Guard are given bolt action M2012 rifles as a support weapon. They are not suppose to use it from the boat unless they are sniping with it.

Recently, the Commonwealth commissioned two Susquehanna-class patrol boats. Each is similar to the Vietnam era PBR boats. Both were former pleasure craft that were recommissioned as patrol boats. There is consideration to purchase several dedicated patrol boats from another nation.

Units
 * 1st Bloomsburg Detachment

Engineering and Logistics
There is a small 100 man engineering and logistic company. They operate the earth moving equipment as well as supply trucks to support the army in operations against the enemy. There are also 150 mules available to carry supplies due to fuel shortages.

There are 40 soldiers in the Engineering platoon, with their role as providing support for the army. An additional 40 are in the logistics, providing planning for meals, and bringing supplies and fuel to the front lines in wartime. They coordinate with the Air National Guard to ensure a constant flow of supplies makes it to the men.

The last twenty personnel are the finance and office duty personnel. They keep up with the paperwork, payroll and standard clerical duties. The majority of soldiers here are female, but all soldiers are still trained for combat roles and are capable of acting as infantry in an emergency.

Equipment
Most of Susquehanna's equipment has been salvaged over the years from the National Guard facilities, captured raiders, or purchased from Canada, and other foreign nations. There are still bolt action rifles issues to reserve forces. The M14 assault rifle has only been recently standard issue. There was a small quantity discovered in Tobyhanna Army Depot, as well as the various National Guard facilities.

There were several M2 Browning machine guns as well as M1919 machine guns around the various communities. They were given to different units and improvised mortars were constructed.

After contact was made with Canada, the government began to purchase some more machine guns from old stockpiles. When North Pennsylvania began manufacturing the Jeep alongside Toledo, the meager military budget managed to stretch and purchase 20 for additional fire support.

The M1911 has been obtained from a variety of sources, such as various military facilities, North Pennsylvania, State College, Reading, Virginia, Niagara Falls, and Superior. It is the standard issue sidearm of the army.

County Militias
Several counties in Susquehanna operate small civilian militias. This is so in time of war, the area is not left defenseless against raiders or other threats. Montour, Columbia, and Wyoming counties all have civilian militias.

The federal government can call them to national service in time of war, but the counties are responsible for equipment and other costs. If called the national service, the militia soldiers may only be deployed to combat roles if the county agrees.

Between the three counties, there are 290 militia members who have been called to serve.

History
The local militias were the first units formed by the communities after Doomsday, and until 2005, served as the primary military unit for the area.

Recruitment
Each citizen of a community within their jurisdiction must serve two years in the militia from their 18th birthday. An exception is if they are serving in the National Guard, Military Police, the local police, or attending college (Which in this case, it is postponed until graduation).

Not all serve at once, instead the troops are rotated between training, active duty, and off duty. Also, personnel may not be called to serve, but may instead be put on a list to serve if needed. Troop levels are kept at a constant rate, so if a militia member is ill, or dies, an uncalled member may be recruited.

Training
Typically, the soldiers receive their basic training during the two week training course required by the Defense Force. Then those that do not join the active military are sent home.

Militia members are only required to train for one day a month, and five days in the summer. They are reimbursed for travel expenses, but are not paid. Equipment and arms are provided by the county.

The militias are relatively untrained and poorly equip. They are disciplined for the most part, but do need better equipment and more training to be an effective fighting force.

Role
The role militias play is to support county governments in a local emergency and the federal government in a national crisis.

They can be deployed as peacekeepers, law enforcement, logistics and support, communication, disaster responders, and in combat roles.

The units are designed to act as a reserve force for the army as well. They have not been used in that capacity as far as most know. This is because they are expected to take heavy casualties in any conflict.

During Operation Retribution, the militias were deployed in support roles of the Army National Guard.

Units
Although soldiers are assigned to a unit, they may not live in that community. But if they are deployed, they may be sent to that area. This is due to population concentration. For example, most of Washingtonville's company militia members live in Danville or a township around it.

Also, due to low populations in Luzerne County, Sullivan County, and Schuylkill County, Wyoming County provides defense for them in exchange for a yearly payment to cover expenses incurred during the year.

Each day only one or two members are on duty, and it rotates every two or three days. This is to prevent some individuals from being on duty for extended periods of time unless it is an emergency.

The rest are in their everyday jobs, but may be activated if needed. On average, militia members are only activated seventeen days a year.


 * Militia (Amount)
 * Columbia County Guard (100 militia members)
 * Berwick Platoon (30 militia members)
 * Bloomsburg Squad Platoon (50 militia members)
 * Benton Squad (10 militia members)
 * Millville Squad (10 militia members)
 * Montour Militia (50 militia members)
 * Danville Platoon (30 militia members)
 * Washingtonville Platoon (20 militia members)
 * Wyoming County Security Force (140 militia members)
 * Conyngham Platoon (20 militia members)
 * Hazleton Platoon (50 militia members)
 * Hazleton University Squad (10 militia members)
 * Luzerne County Platoon (20 militia members)
 * Schuylkill County Platoon (20 militia members)
 * Sullivan County Squad (10 militia members)
 * West Hazleton Squad (10 militia members)

Equipment
The M2012 rifle is the current standard issue rifle for the County Militias, having replaced the Winchester Model 70 at the end of February, 2016. The M45 revolver has been issued as the primary sidearm, replacing the Smith and Wesson revolver given to the commanding officers, as well as an backup weapon for the County Militias.

Uniforms are not widely available. Mostly commanders receive a uniform, and the rest are given colored armbands. Montour County uses sky blue, Columbia County uses bright yellow, and Wyoming County uses red. Those with uniforms wear the county flag instead of the national flag. If they are federalized, they are given another armband with the national flag on it.

There are no motorized vehicles in use as of the current date in use by the militias. Most walk or use horses to get around. They also lack heavy weapons, such as machine guns, mortars, and artillery. This is primarily due to their lack in the Defense Forces.

Typically a militia man will be equip with a rifle with 40 rounds of ammunition, a knife, a canteen filled with water, a blanket, and some rations. If federalized, they may be issued some equipment from the Army National Guard. There is no air branch of the militia, due to the small size of the Air National Guard.

Susquehanna Guard
The Susquehanna Guard has duties as both the bodyguard to the Governor and dignitaries, as well as the Special Forces of Susquehanna. It is made up of one platoon of 20 soldiers, and broken up into two squads of 10 soldiers each. They are all trained in special operations, hand to hand combat, crowd control, as well as other specialized information.

History
The Susquehanna Guard was formed from the militias prior to the formation of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna. At the time they had the title: Provisional Pennsylvania Capital Security, or PPCS for short. They had the role of defending the governor of the provisional commonwealth, providing security for the various government facilities, and acted as a counter raider unit.

Training
All soldiers in the Susquehanna Guard are selected from the Army National Guard, Military Police, or Air National Guard. They must be between the age of 21 and 38 to enter into the program. Approximately 70 soldiers are selected each year, but only about four make it through.

Since all the soldiers have basic training, and most have some combat experience, they are sent straight to training in Special Operations and security.

Troops are trained in knife combat, hand to hand combat, and are drilled for shooting under extreme conditions.

Typically training runs from late September until late December for extreme conditions. They train in Hazleton, Bloomsburg, the woods, and any other areas where they may face a situation.

Roles
The soldiers primary job is to defend the governor, lieutenant governor, and other important dignitaries as needed. They are bodyguards and are supposed to defend them with their life.

Another, secondary role is to act as special forces for the Army National Guard, but they rarely act in this capacity.

Units
There are two squads of the Susquehanna Guard each with ten soldiers in it. The two squads are equip the same to be able to deal with situations on equal footing.


 * '''1st Squad Susquehanna Guard
 * Platoon A
 * Soldier 1 (Platoon Commander/Squad Commander)
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 2
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 3
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 4
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 5
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M203 Under slung Grenade Launcher
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 6
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 7
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 8
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 9
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 10
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Platoon B
 * Soldier 1 (Platoon Commander)
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 2
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 3
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 4
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 5
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M203 Under slung Grenade Launcher
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 6
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 7
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 8
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 9
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 10
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * '''2nd Squad Susquehanna Guard
 * Platoon C
 * Soldier 1 (Platoon Commander/Squad Commander)
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 2
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 3
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 4
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 5
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M203 Under slung Grenade Launcher
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 6
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 7
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 8
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 9
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 10
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Platoon D
 * Soldier 1 (Platoon Commander)
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 2
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 3
 * C1 Submachine Gun
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 4
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 5
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M203 Under slung Grenade Launcher
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 6
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 7
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M72 LAW AT/AE
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 8
 * M16A1 Assault Rifle
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 9
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun
 * Soldier 10
 * M2012 Sniper Rifle
 * Scope
 * M1911 Handgun

Equipment
The Susquehanna Guard of Susquehanna has a variety of weapons, that are typically newer and better quality than that in the Army National Guard. This has led to some complaints that the Susquehanna Guard is given preferential treatment over the main body of the Defense Forces.

Currently the main weapon used by the Susquehanna Guard is the M16A1 assault rifle, for special forces operations; and the C1 Submachine Gun for VIP protection. They also use the M2012 as the primary sniper rifle, and ceremonial rifle. All special forces operatives are issued the M1911 as a sidearm. Some also are given permission to carry personal side arms as a backup to the M1911, provided it falls under military regulations. If operatives elect not to carry a personal backup, they are issued the Smith and Wesson.

Commonwealth of Susquehanna Air National Guard
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna Air National Guard operates several aircraft from pre-Doomsday. Several light aircraft were salvaged from the Bloomsburg Area Airport, and Riverside Airport, while four were purchased from Canada.

The Air National Guard has only been recently formed, created in 2010 as an independent branch of the Defense Forces. Most of the aircraft have been refurbished, or purchased from Canada. They have gained extensive support from the remaining members of the Hazleton Composite of the Civil Air Patrol. The group had disbanded themselves after Doomsday due to the loss of all their aircraft. Most though, joined the militia for the city and passed on their legacy to the younger generation who had been born just before or after Doomsday.

The mission of the Air National Guard is to monitor the nation for foreign incursions, provide logistics and support, as well as air defense, and light attack/defense role.

There are six fixed wing aircraft operated by the Air National Guard, and 133 personnel on duty. Most of the aircraft are modified civilian aircraft, and the rest are old military aircraft, being used as an interim until new aircraft can be acquired. Susquehanna is looking to modernize its forces to defend against outside aggression.

Due to age, lack of parts, and fuel shortages, most aircraft see relatively few flight hours a year. On average, pilots fly 20 hours a year, and get 100 hours on the ground. There is an order in for two ground trainers from Canada due in mid to late 2015.

Fuel and Maintenance
There are talks of converting the aircraft over to natural gas, this reducing the need for avgas, although this is expected to be costly. As of now, there are no plans, and some propose just purchasing all new aircraft already designed for that purpose.

The aircraft are all kept up to date, but most of the aircraft are grounded due to the lack of fuel. There is enough fuel in the nation for a handful of flights, but they are limited. Most are for VIP trips, quick scout missions, and ground attack missions.

Although there are several aircraft operated, they see flight rarely due to fuel constraints and aging equipment. Typically the attack and the cargo aircraft are grounded, while the trainer and executive aircraft only see flight time every few months. Several of the aircraft are aging, leading to unreliability.

201st Training Wing
The training wing is the Air National Guard's smallest section. It operates one Cessna 172 bush planes as a basic trainer, and active military aircraft on occasion as advanced trainers, under guidance by an experienced pilot. Most people in the wing are cadets training on aircraft maintenance, or flight, but there are three flight instructors, and six maintenance personnel.

171st Tactical Airlift Wing
The transport wing is the largest in the Air National Guard. It operates two Douglas C-47 Skytrain cargo planes. There are six pilots, six flight crew, and fifteen maintenance crew assigned to this wing.

111th Aerial Patrol and Combat Wing
The aerial combat wing operates two Piper PA-24 Comanche single engine aircraft as COIN aircraft, armed with two gun pods each carrying two M2 Browning machine guns, and wing mounts for either one 500 pound bomb, or a rack for six unguided rockets per wing. They are used for scouting missions and air support.

There are four pilots and six mechanics for the Aerial Patrol and Combat Wing.

193rd VIP Wing
The VIP wing operates one long range aircraft, a Cessna 404 Titan. Their job is to transport the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other governmental personnel around the nation and to visit other countries as well. There are five pilots and ten maintenance personnel assigned to the VIP Wing.

271st Air Support Wing
The air support wing are the support units for the rest of the Air National Guard. There are ten air traffic controllers, ten communication specialists, twelve refueling operatives, and twenty firefighters.

Air Defense Wing
The air defense wing is responsible for the security and protection of airbases in both wartime and peacetime. They operate in conjunction with the Military Police and have the power to arrest individuals, though prosecution is undertaken by the Military Police. There are twenty security officers.

Active Units
Currently although the government has personnel assigned to all the aircraft, only the 193 Wing, the 201 Wing, and the 271 Wing are active full time.

The other aircraft are kept ready for flight in a few hours, but without fuel or ammunition onboard. Any personnel are used to assist the other units and rotate between aircraft.

Air bases
There are two military air bases in Susquehanna, both based out of civilian airports. A small landing strip in Berwick can be used in time of war or emergency, but is unlit, and only 3000 feet long.

Each airport has a military hanger section and fuel tanks reserved for emergency military usage. All the personnel that handle vital operations such as radar firefighting, and refueling are handled by the military.


 * Hazleton Regional Airport


 * Bloomsburg Municipal Airport

Training
Trainees are required to have attended Columbia County Community College or another institution to obtain the two year Aviation Professional Pilot's Associates Degree.

Once obtaining their degree, they are transferred to the 201st Training Wing. New inductees are first sent to six weeks of wilderness survival courses. Once completing that, they receive one month of firearms training, and hand-to-hand combat training.

Once completing basic training, the personnel are given one week of flight training, showing them around the aircraft and basic controls. They are then given a month training in the Cessna 172 basic trainers, and on emergency field repairs that can be done to the aircraft.

After basic flight introduction, they train on their respective aircraft for up to one month, although more recently it has only been for two weeks.

Uniforms
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna has three main uniforms for the Army National Guard and Susquehanna Guard, one additional one for the Waterway Guard, one for the Military Police, and one for the Air National Guard.

The Army National Guard and Susquehanna Guard use the Battle Dress Uniform for combat, training and emergency situations. The uniform is directly planned from the former United States Battle Dress Uniform. Badges are attached using buttons. The left arm has the rank badge and the National Guard arm patch. The right sleeve has the flag of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna as well as the unit patch below it.

The second is for soldiers to wear on base while off duty and for physical training. It is a tan color, with Susquehanna's flag and the National Guard arm patch on the right sleeve and the rank insignia on the left sleeve.

The last combines the Mess Uniform and the Service Uniform into one uniform. It is a blue uniform, based on the Army Service Uniform, and is named the Army Formal Service Uniform. Soldiers are to wear it during formal dinners, services, or other activities.

The Waterways Guard uses the same uniforms as the Army National Guard for base wear and formal occasions. The combat uniform is the same design as the Battle Dress Uniform, except it's naval camouflage, and has the naval insignia instead of the National Guard arm patch.

The Military Police share the same uniforms for duty with the Army National Guard, but utilize one special one while acting in a law enforcement role. It is olive green with no insignia on the right arm, and a simple armband on the left saying: Military Police.

The Air National Guard has its own uniforms for flight personnel. When soldiers or airmen are off duty, they use both the base and exercise wear, and the Army Formal Service Uniform with a Susquehanna Air National Guard pin for formal occasions. All personnel not assigned to fly in an aircraft use the Battle Dress Uniform for combat jobs. The flight uniform is called the Flight Personnel Active Uniform.

Defense Industry
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna does not have a large defense industry. The two major domestic suppliers to the armed forces are the Danville Steel Mills, and Appalachian Firearms Corporation.

Danville Steel Mills provides stamped armor for the military, knives and bayonets for the military. Currently they manufacture the M5 bayonet for the M14 assault rifle and the M2012 bolt action rifle.

Appalachian Firearms Corporation mainly manufactures ammunition for the armed forces. Another smaller section is manufacturing both the M2012 bolt action rifle and the M45. The rifle is the standard secondary and reserve rifle, being heavily based off of the M1917 Enfield rifle, except with a detachable ten round magazine, and an updated bayonet lug. The M45 is a new revolver that went into production on May 1, 2015. It will supplement the M1911 currently in service, with planned issuing to reserve, support, and the civilian militia. It is a .45 caliber revolver, and will share ammunition type with the current service pistol.

They also manufacture the M26 hand grenade, mortar bombs, and rockets for the Bazookas. The company also modified and refurbishes used and damaged weapons.

There are current designs underway for a new assault rifle to replace the aging M14 arsenal. It is currently designated the XM15, and will have two variants. A rifle version and a carbine version, with the rifle being planned for usage in the Army National Guard, and the carbine being used for the Military Police, motorized units, and base security.

It is unknown if it will enter service due to Susquehanna's lack of any major manufacturing of firearms. A prototype is planned for 2020, but the date has been pushed back several times. It is possible the military will simply restock the armed forces with M14's from Virginia.

The newly formed Columbia Ordnance Facility opened in Berwick, in February of 2014. It manufactures unguided bombs and rockets, as well as incendiary bombs.

Much of the Defense Force's equipment is imported or scavenged. Susquehanna has begun exporting a limited number of the M2012 rifle to Niagara Falls, Reading, and State College as a drill rifle and sniper rifle due to its durability, low maintenance, and low cost.

Facilities
Susquehanna operates seven facilities and bases around the nation.

The overall headquarters of the Defense Force is in Bloomsburg, with Army National Guard bases in Bloomsburg, Berwick, Daville, and Hazleton. Each facility is surrounded by a barbwire fence and has a gate guard with a manual pullback fence.

The Air National Guard operates two air bases out of Hazleton International Airport and Bloomsburg Regional Airport. The primary air field is Bloomsburg Regional Airport, with a few aircraft in Hazleton.

The Waterway Guard has a small base on the Susquehanna River where they do repairs and launch the boats from a small boat dock. It was expanded a bit with tie ups available and refurbishing facilities. There is also a munitions facility in Berwick and steel production in Danville.

The military operates a single training facility near Millville. It has facilities for urban training, wilderness survival courses, climbing walls, and an assortment of other buildings and equipment for training. It is under the Army National Guard's command.

Army National Guard Facilities
 * Berwick Armory (Berwick)
 * Bloomsburg Military Post (Bloomsburg)
 * Camp Wyoming (Hazleton)
 * Fort Bald Top (Danville)
 * Millville Training Post (Millville)

Waterway Guard Facilities
 * Port Bloomsburg

Air National Guard Facilities
 * Bloomsburg Air Station
 * Hazleton International Airport Air Station

Weapons of Mass Destruction
Susquehanna has no stockpile of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. There is an abandoned nuclear power plant under their control, and the military is responsible for its security. The nation lacks any ability to produce nuclear devices beyond a few dirty bombs.

There has been investigation into starting a chemical and biological weapons program but no advances have been made due to public opposition.

Miscellaneous
Susquehanna has non-aggression pacts and military training deals with the Pennsylvanian survivor states as well as Canada. They purchase military hardware from Toledo and Superior as well, although Canada has pushed for Susquehanna to stop buying from Superior.

To support the small military, in times of war the State Police and local police are able to be conscripted as a reservist force. Their job would be to secure borders and captured territory as well as defend the territorial integrity of Susquehanna.

After discovering Canada and the Atlantic Defense Community, some wanted to request to join. The government knew it would be impossible to modernize the forces enough in order to allot troops to the ADC military structure.

Gettysburg approached Susquehanna in 2013 about requesting Virginia to join the Dixie Alliance, but Susquehanna declined that as well. They did not have the logistical capability to send units down that far south. Many were against it due to Virginia's government system and militaristic tendencies.

For now, they remain independent of any military alliance. That may change in the future as the military expands.

Due to the small size of the military, the armed forces have kept stockpiled old firearms, shotguns, revolvers, bow and arrows, and crossbows. These have been kept by individuals used in hunting since Doomsday and the military may force induviduals armed with these weapons to serve in times of distress. This has only been planned to use as a last resort to hold off an enemy for the government to evacuate and move civilians to safer areas.

Issues
There is some criticism of the Defense Forces, mainly pointed at gender discrimination and bias, as well as the state of the equipment.

Gender Bias
Females are exempt from the draft, but may volunteer. Most are allowed in any role, but are gender segregated on base and in the field. Top commanders in the Defense Forces are reluctant to allow the few female infantry squads into the field. The primary concern is that the male members of the military will put a mission in danger to defend the female soldiers.

Females are present in three squads, as well as being prominent in the logistics portion of the engineering and logistics company. There are two companies commanded by females, the motorized unit as well as the engineering and logistics unit.

Equipment
Most of the equipment operated by the military are relics of the Cold War or even World War Two. The newest equipment utilized by the military are the M2012, the M45, and the Jeep Raider. Some are concerned that the age of the equipment could lead to future reliability issues and a breakdown in military operational readiness.

The armed forces have denied this, but are looking to modernize as quickly as possible, with planned purchases of new infantry weapons, newer aircraft, dedicated river patrol boats, and an assortment of other alterations.

Future
There are several plans for the Defense Forces in the future. Many of them are unlikely to occur in the near future, but a few have been accomplished and met. The goal of the armed forces is to be able to secure the borders by 2020 and secure the rest of Luzerne and Sullivan County by the 2030's or 2040's.

Within the military, due to the aging M14 battle rifles, the government is looking at replacing it with a new rifle by 2020. There is a consideration to rearm the soldiers with the M2012 bolt action rifles, due to the accuracy, and the lack of rapid fire being an absolute necessity in the area. The government supports it, as it will give more jobs to the area, but the military is opposed to it. Most opposition wants to purchase the C7 assault rifle from Canada, or upgraded M14 rifles from Virginia, although many oppose purchasing equipment from Virginia.

The military is also looking at manufacturing the new rifle design, designated the M15 rifle.

Army National Guard
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna has been working on keeping a relatively well trained, strong military force. On paper there should be five active infantry companies, three reserve infantry companies, one artillery company, one motorized infantry company, one armor company, one air defense company, one engineering company, and one logistics company.

In reality the Army National Guard is only at approximately half strength or less. There are only two active infantry units, one reserve infantry company, an undersized artillery company, one motorized infantry company, and a combined engineering and logistics company.

Much of the equipment has been scavenged from military bases or acquired from other survivor states. Some of the explosives and almost all of the ammunition is being produced in a factory in Berwick. Some foreign suppliers include North Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada.

Long term goals are to add an armored force, and increase the strength of the infantry force. The military has looked into purchasing four Centurion tanks from Canada that have been decommissioned. Military officials support this, but the government doubts Susquehanna's ability to support these tanks with the current budget and facilities. Another proposal would be acquiring a multiple rocket launch system, or tactical ballistic missile launcher for a tactical advantage.

Another proposal is to purchase three M60 Patton tanks from Virginia instead due to Susquehanna using primarily American military equipment, and this would continue this tradition. It would ease logistics, and provide Susquehannian soldiers with experience on equipment that would possibly be used by a unified Pennsylvania.

Some officials are looking into purchasing more air defense systems, including 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and possibly one anti-aircraft missile platform. Most military experts outside of the nation believe that this is necessary as there is little threat of attacking aircraft from other nations.

Eight new Jeeps have been purchased and were delivered on March 31st, 2016 after one month of trials in North Pennsylvania. An additional fifty two personnel were hired by the military, thirty-two for operational procedures, and another twenty mechanics to operate on the vehicles.

Waterway Guard
The Commonwealth of Susquehanna Army National Guard has orders in for three light patrol boats from Canada. They will supplement the current modified fishing boats in usage, and are to be armed with a 20mm automatic cannon, a port and starboard M2 Browning, two roof mounted M60 machine guns in an antiaircraft role, and below deck there will be two Carl Gustav recoilless rifles for usage against hardened targets.

The boats will support a crew of fifteen for three days.

Air National Guard
The Air National Guard is underdeveloped and lacks proper training. At the time of its founding, there were five Cessna 172 basic trainers and three Piper PA-28 Cherokee light attack planes. Due to age, three Cessna's were retired as well as one of the Piper aircraft were. Two cargo planes were purchased from Canada as well as a VIP aircraft. There is also talks of repairing the three Bell 47 light helicopters which had been within Susquehanna's borders prior to Doomsday. They had been used as crop dusters before, but were damaged from the EMP blast and were never repaired due to costs and operating costs. Today, one sits at the Hazleton International Airport and two are stored at the Bloomsburg Regional Airport.

On paper the Air National Guard should operate one fighter flight, one ground attack flight, one training flight, a logistics flight, a helicopter utility flight,and a VIP transport flight. The goal would be to operate 18 fixed wing aircraft, and three rotary wing aircraft. It is highly unlikely this goal will ever be attained.

Currently there are six aircraft in operation. One is a basic trainer, two are ground attack, two are cargo, and one is the gubernatorial aircraft. There are talks of purchasing one additional trainer to replace the one shot down during Operation Retribution, and two dedicated attack aircraft to replace the two modified civilian aircraft.

The Susquehanna Air National Guard currently sent the two Bell 47 helicopters to Canada for refurbishment, and the third to be used for parts. They are to be used for light observation and direction of artillery.

Modernization
Susquehanna's armed forces are the weakest in the former state. The only reason it is able to defeat the raiders is because it has more organization and air support. If a foreign power were to attack, the military would not stand a chance.

Susquehanna has a goal to modernize the forces by 2050 to full strength and update equipment. In some cases the State Police are better equip than the military is. There are talks of dissolving the armed forces into the Susquehanna Guard as VIP protection and special forces, and a heavily armed State Police as a military force.

They are looking to purchase a few snow plow trucks and heavy vehicles for emergencies and humanitarian purposes.

Since the end of the raider war, Susquehanna has captured equipment and materiel. The government is currently inventorying, storing and transferring equipment. Some will be sent to active units, some reserve and the rest either put in storage or destroyed.

Military Alliances
Susquehanna has strong ties with the rest of former Pennsylvania and Canada. It is believed that at a certain point, the military may form an alliance with State College, Reading and North Pennsylvania. Gettysburg could be admitted as well.

There is some interest in joining the ADC in some capacity.

Missions

 * Operation Comfort
 * Operation Retribution: (Security)
 * Operation Laporte
 * Operation Tamaqua