Perrenland's Military

Military Ranks

Rank in Perrenland's fighting forces is thoroughly earnt. All troops start at the same level and advance through the hierarchy until they reach the highest level that their ability allows. This means that there are very few young officers, and young officers are exceptionally good! This quality of experience allows the forces of Perrenland to rely on the quality of each level of leadership, and provides much more flexibility than troops from other nations, where high birth and wealth plays a part in starting rank. Again there is a consistency in rank structure among all Perrenland forces.

Badges of ranks are worn at the top of the right shoulder. All insignia of rank is worn in this location - no other badges may be worn there. The top 15cm of the shoulder, called the rank patch, has a simple plain background depending on specialisation. Rank badges for non-officers consist of a piece of two ply satin rope, generally coloured red and white and about 8cm long. This badge is worn vertically on the rank patch. Officers wear knots in red, silver and gold in the same location.

For further information (including images) of rank badges, see the Auszug Rank Insignia document.

Nuer - the rank given to a 17 year old on entry to the Auszug. They spend 12 months in training before beginning field duties with their Auszegan. All Nuer wear a simple white rank bar, horizontally on the rank patch. On successful graduation from the academy there is a "removal" ceremony - the Rippenorf. At this ceremony the white rank bars are ceremoniously removed by the training cadre. At the celebrations which follow, trainers and trainees mix as equals - formal military life has begun.

Rotter - the basic military rank - a member of a Rotte. While higher rank is considered an honour, not all seek it, and there are many excellent soldiers who never exceed this rank. The rank patch is a plain black.

Auchrotter - the lowest level of non-commissioned officers (Braunstrefen rank in the Pax Mercuri), an Auchrotter is the second in charge of a Rotte. Their role is generally a supply one, ensuring the Rotte has sufficient ammunition and equipment and liaising with others for food. The Auchrotter wears one red and white rope vertically on the rank patch.

Uberrotter - the Uberrotter commands a Rotte. They are responsible for conduct in the field, performance during training, and liaising with higher command, making them a vital link in the chain of command. The Uberrotter wears two ropes vertically on the rank patch.

Auchdritte - the highest non-commissioned oficer, an Auchdritte is second in charge of a DritteRotte. Soldiers with this rank can also be appointed as a provost marshall (Weibel) or a standard-bearer (Venner), though these roles are titles, not ranks. The Auchdritte wears three vertical ropes. A Weibel will have a red rope horizontally over all three vertical ropes, and a Venner will have a rectangle representing a banner or flag attached to the third vertical rope. Despite the additional title, all three roles are at the same level.

Uberdritte - the first of the low echelon officer ranks (Pro-Auszegan rank in the Auszug, Argenstrefen rank in the Pax Mercuri). The Uberdritte commands a Dritterotte, and may be aspiring for promotion to higher ranks in due course. The Uberdritte wears a single red knot on the rank patch.

Auchfahnlein - the Auchfahnlein is the second in command of a Fahnlein. Filling administration and logistical roles within the fahnlein, this officer is another vital link in the chain of command. In a unit of mixed troop types there would be an Auchfahnlein for each type of troop (that is, there could be as many as three of them). The auchfahnlein wears two red knots on the rank patch.

Uberfahnlein - the highest low echelon officer, in command of a Fahnlein. The commander of a Fahnlein has a massive responsibility, as they must train, discipline, manage and encourage their troops. Acknowledged as the busiest rank in Perrenland, the Uberfahnlein wears 3 silver knots in a triangular pattern on their rank patch. They are the only rank with silver rank badges.

Auchgrosse - the first of the high echelon officer ranks (Geld-Auszegan rank in the Auszug, Aurenstrefen rank in the Pax Mercuri), officers of this level form the command group for their Ubergrosse. One will be second in command of their GrosseFahnlein - more commonly known as a full Auszugen - and depending on the number of Auchgrossen in the Auszegan, the others will have responsibility for some or all of the following: administration, support, discipline, logistic and liaison duties. Whatever their duties, an Auchgrosse builds on the skills acquired in their previous role as Uberfahnlein. These officers wear one gold knot on the rank patch.

Ubergrosse - these are the Auszegan commanders, responsible for the function of the Auszegen in the field. They wear two gold knots on their rank patch.

Auchauszegan - Officers of this level form the command group for the Uberauszegan - the supreme commander of Perrenland's military. There are usually eight Auchauszegan, one each for the auszug specialisations (Aid, Art, Fuss, Hors, Speziallerie), one representing the Auszegens, and two representing the Landwehr. These officers serve as an advisory council to both the Uber-Auszegan and the political leadership of Perrenland. These officers wear three gold knots in a triangular pattern on their rank patch.

Uberauszegan - The supreme commander of Perrenland's military, currently Uberauszegan Spayen Jahr. Reporting directly to the Voormann, the UberAuszegan is responsible for all military matters, and wears 4 gold knots in a square pattern on the rank patch.

For further information, review the information on membership of Perrenland's fighting forces as a metaorganisation.