The Imperial Bernard Army (IBA)
"Steel, Fire, and Dominion—The Emperor's Will Made Manifest."
The Imperial Bernard Army operates under a strict hierarchical structure, ensuring clear command and control across its vast forces.
"Glory Through Order, Victory Through Unity."
The hierarchy is divided into strategic, operational, and tactical levels, with each level serving a specific role in the empire's military operations.
1. Strategic Level
- Supreme Commander:
The Emperor himself, Alberto Bernard, holds the title of Supreme Commander. While he delegates day-to-day operations to his generals, he retains ultimate authority over all military decisions. His role is symbolic as well as practical, embodying the unity and strength of the empire.
- Imperial General Staff:
A council of generals and advisors who oversee the empire's military strategy, resource allocation, and long-term planning. The General Staff ensures that the army's objectives align with the empire's political and economic goals. It is composed of:
- Chief of the General Staff: The highest-ranking military officer, responsible for overall strategy.
- Deputy Chiefs: Oversee specific branches (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Logistics Command: Manages supply chains, production, and distribution of resources.
- Intelligence Directorate: Gathers and analyzes intelligence to inform strategic decisions.
2. Operational Level
- Field Marshal:
Senior commanders responsible for entire theaters of war. They coordinate multiple army groups and ensure logistical support for large-scale operations. Field Marshal are appointed based on merit and loyalty to the empire.
- Army Groups:
Composed of several corps, army groups are deployed in major campaigns. Each army group is tailored to its mission, with a mix of infantry, armor, artillery, and specialized units. A typical army group consists of:
- 2-4 Corps: Each corps has 20,000-40,000 soldiers.
- Logistical Support Units: Ensure supplies reach the front lines.
- Air Support Units: Coordinate with the Air Force for close air support.
3. Tactical Level
- Corps:
Each corps consists of 2-4 divisions and is commanded by a Lieutenant General. Corps are the primary operational units, capable of conducting independent campaigns.
A corps typically includes:
- Armored Division: Heavy on tanks and mechanized infantry.
- Infantry Division: Focused on foot soldiers with light vehicle support.
- Artillery Division: Provides long-range fire support.
- Support Division: Includes engineers, medics, and logistical units.
- Divisions:
The backbone of the army, divisions are self-sufficient units with their own infantry, armor, artillery, and support elements.
Divisions are categorized by type:
- Armored Divisions: 10,000-15,000 soldiers, 200-300 tanks, and mechanized infantry.
- Infantry Divisions: 12,000-18,000 soldiers, light vehicles, and mortars.
- Airborne Divisions: 8,000-10,000 soldiers, specialized in rapid deployment and air assault.
- Artillery Divisions: 5,000-7,000 soldiers, equipped with howitzers and rocket launchers.
- Brigades/Regiments:
Smaller, specialized units within divisions. Brigades often operate independently in smaller-scale operations. A brigade typically consists of 3,000-5,000 soldiers.
- Battalions/Companies:
The basic tactical units, responsible for executing missions on the ground. A battalion has 500-800 soldiers, while a company has 100-150 soldiers.
Weapons and Equipment
"A soldier without a weapon is a body without a soul."
The Imperial Bernard Army is equipped with a mix of weaponry.
1. Infantry Weapons
- Standard Rifle: AKM (7.62x39mm)
The Imperial army uses these rifles because of its Reliable, easy to maintain, and effective in diverse environments.
- Ammunition: 7.62x39mm rounds, known for their stopping power and penetration.
- Squad Automatic Weapon: RPK-74 (5.45x39mm)
- Ammunition: 5.45x39mm rounds, lighter than 7.62mm but highly accurate.
- Designated Marksman Rifle: SVD Dragunov (7.62x54mmR)
It offers precision fire at medium to long ranges.
- Ammunition: 7.62x54mmR rounds, optimized for accuracy and range.
- Anti-Tank Weapons: RPG-7 and AT-4 Spigot
- Ammunition: HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) warheads for RPG-7; wire-guided missiles for AT-4.
Sidearms: Makarov PM (9x18mm), Tokarev TT-33 (7.62x25mm) – Standard officer and NCO sidearms.
Submachine Guns: PP-19 Bizon (9x18mm), Uzi (9x19mm) – Used for close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry.
2. Armored Vehicles
- Main Battle Tank: T-72M
- Armament: 125mm smoothbore cannon, coaxial PKT 7.62mm machine gun, 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun.
- Ammunition: APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) rounds for tanks; HE-Frag for infantry.
- Infantry Fighting Vehicle: BMP-1
- Armament: 73mm Grom low-pressure gun, AT-3 Sagger missile launcher, 7.62mm PKT machine gun.
- Ammunition: HEAT rounds for the Grom; guided missiles for the Sagger.
- Armored Personnel Carrier: BTR-60PB
- Armament: 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun, 7.62mm PKT coaxial MG.
3. Artillery
- Self-Propelled Howitzer: 2S1 Gvozdika (122mm)
- Ammunition: HE and fragmentation shells for area suppression.
- Multiple Launch Rocket System: BM-21 Grad
- Ammunition: 122mm rockets with HE or incendiary warheads.
- Anti-Aircraft Gun: ZSU-23-4 Shilka
- Ammunition: 23mm explosive rounds.
4. Specialized Units
- Arcane Response Team (ART):
- Weapons: Magically enhanced rifles, swords, and shields.
- Ammunition: Enchanted rounds that disrupt magical entities.
- Airborne Forces:
- Weapons: Lightweight rifles, mortars, and anti-tank missiles.
Arcane Response Team (ART)
"Death is No Escape for the Enemies of the Empire."
The ART is a unique and elite unit within the Imperial Bernard Army, specifically trained and equipped to handle supernatural threats. These soldiers are selected from the best of the army and undergo rigorous training in both conventional and magical warfare.
- Hierarchy:
- ART Commander: A high-ranking officer who reports directly to the Chief of the General Staff and Emperor
- ART Captains: Lead individual squads of 10-15 soldiers.
- ART Soldiers: Highly trained operatives with expertise in both combat and magic.
- Equipment:
- Magical Rifles: Fire enchanted rounds that disrupt magical entities.
- Enchanted Swords: Capable of cutting through supernatural defenses.
- Phase Disruptors – Devices that neutralize enemy spellcasting.
- Runebound Armor – Provides resistance against arcane forces.
Logistics and Support
- Supply Chains:
The empire maintains a network of depots and factories to produce and distribute ammunition, spare parts, and rations.
- Transport:
A fleet of trucks, trains, and aircraft ensures that supplies reach the front lines quickly.
- Medical Support:
Field hospitals and medical units are integrated into every division, ensuring that wounded soldiers receive timely care.
Training and Recruitment
- Basic Training:
Recruits undergo 6 months of intensive training, focusing on marksmanship, tactics, and physical fitness.
- Specialized Training:
Soldiers selected for elite units (e.g., ART, airborne forces) receive additional training in advanced tactics and equipment.
- Indoctrination:
Soldiers are taught to uphold the empire's values and remain loyal to the emperor.