Perrenland's Military

Military Units

There is a remarkable similarity in the structure of all units. Despite the origins and function of different forces, they are arranged in a similar manner, typically using a "rule of 3's" principle.

Rotte (generally 10 troops): This is the basic unit in all forces, usually commanded by a non-commissioned officer (Braunstrefen rank in the Pax Mercuri). These small command groups allow a lot of flexibility in movement and management, can function as an effective fighting or support group and can easily be amalgamated into larger forces. In the Zee-Auszugen a Rotte might only contain 3 sailors in control of a small boat.

DritteRotte (generally 3 Rotte): The first independent level and the smallest controlled by low echelon officer (Pro-Auszegan rank in the Auszug, Argenstrefen rank in the Pax Mercuri). A DritteRotte can form an effective strike force on its own: 3 wagons, 3 boats, 3 squads of troops – an easily managed, efficient group. This group is supported by a command group, usually of 3 or 4 made up of a low echelon officer and three non-commissioned officers (often including one from the Aid-Auszug and one from the Art-Auszug).

Fahnlein (generally 3 DritteRotte): This unit is an effective fighting force, but not designed to act as a defensive unit. A Fahnlein makes an effective strike force and can be very mobile. A Fahnlein is usually made up of one type of Auszug (such as Fuss-Auszug), but blends easily into a DritteFahnlein to form a larger unit of mixed troops.

DritteFahnlein (generally 3 Fahnlein): This unit forms an essential part of an Auszegan, numbering about 300 troops. The command structure relies heavily on quality leadership at the lower levels. Each DritteFahnlein also has a scribe, surgeon, armourer, staff cook, executioner, provost marshall (Weibel) in charge of discipline, and standard-bearer (Venner). There is no reason why the DritteFahnlein has to be made up of troops of the same type: many are composed of 100 pikes, 100 archers and 100 lancers.

GrosseFahnlein (generally 3 Fahnlein): The internal name for the entire Auszegan, numbering about 1000 troops including support structures and aid detachments. While this name is rarely used outside the military, it continues the “rule of 3’s” principle routinely used by military planners.