PERSONNEL
The Imperial Jade Navy is an entirely volunteer force. Crewed by well-trained professional sailors and officers, it numbers roughly 11,000,000 personnel across shipyards, space stations, orbital facilities, support systems and more than 100 combat fleets. Its personnel are easily distinguished by their striking red, white and gold uniforms and their cool, disaffected demeanor. The development of the modern IJN was greatly influenced by Admirals Antonio Botas and George Chase, who wrote the General Sailing Instructions and helped to create naval doctrine, as well as serving as the model for Imperial officers. Chase's influence has led to the proliferation of Suedian terminology in the Imperial Jade Navy.
OFFICERSOfficers of the IJN are recruited through two primary tracks. The first is to rise from rating ranks. Any Rating with the E4 rank of Coxswain or higher may apply to take the Officer Training Regimen final exams and be confirmed as an O1 Ensign. This is difficult, however, as it requires extensive study on top of the naval competencies gained through service and training.
Officers can also pass through the Naval Academies at Kitai, Shencheng, Whitebay and Bamboo Bay for the forty week OTR. The first 15 weeks are composed of Militarization Training, which focuses on physical fitness, leadership, weapon training, basic first aid, ceremonial training, personal discipline, chemical and biological warfare training, cyberwarfare training and logistical theory. The second 15 weeks, Marinisation Training, focuses on naval theory. It includes further leadership training and advanced naval strategic and tactical education, tuition on subjects such as navigation, maritime operations, boat handling, Naval Acquaint aboard training vessels, critical thinking and a final five-day leadership and command exercise. Once an officer has passed the first 30 weeks of the OTR they are awarded the O1 rank of Ensign and will then pursue a further 10-week training specialization course. These courses prepare officers for specialist roles such as navigation, gunnery, engineering, surgical, quartermastery and various other positions. |
IJN officers wear a red kimono uniform with gold fabric trim and a black folded gat, first made fashionable by the sailors of Dong Wu. A feather signifies that the officer has post, or command of a full capital class warship. Ceremonial uniform includes a cape and dress hikatana, whilst many officers also choose to wear a flak brigandine during combat situations.
Recruits then progress to advanced mariner training, navigational theory, naval combat drill and more. Upon completion of Basic Rating, recruits receive the E1 rank of Mariner and begin their specialization course which, much like the officers, prepares them for a range of roles such as weapons crew, maintenance, medical, armoury, piloting and other roles. Ratings who achieve the E4 rank of Coxswain or higher may study for, and sit, the OTR examinations to gain the O1 rank of Ensign, at which point they may enlist in officer specialization training. The most senior rank of Rating, Bosun, is senior to Ensign whilst aboard ship.
The uniform for Ratings consists of a red gi shirt with gold and white trim, brown boots, white breeches and a black field cap, as well as a honokatana sidearm, typically a shortsword.
The uniform for Ratings consists of a red gi shirt with gold and white trim, brown boots, white breeches and a black field cap, as well as a honokatana sidearm, typically a shortsword.
POSITIONS
The senior crew of a ship are divided into bridge and deck officers. Bridge officers fight the ship from the bridge itself, whilst deck officers are in command of auxiliary systems throughout the vessel. These positions are filled by different ranks depending on the size of the vessel and the number of crew reporting to them.
BRIDGE OFFICERS
COMMANDING OFFICER
EXECUTIVE OFFICER SAILING MASTER SIGNALLER GUNNER |
Usually a captain or commodore for capital ships, the officer in command of a vessel
Second-in-command, in charge of administrative and personnel issues and in charge of all marines and small craft during combat Responsible for navigation and helm Responsible for signals, sensors and communications, reports to the sailing master Responsible for all weapons systems mounted on a ship, and the gunnery crews |
DECK OFFICERS
QUARTERMASTER
SHIPWRIGHT DECK CHIEF SURGEON MARINE COMMANDER |
Responsible for all stores and supplies
Responsible for repairs and maintenance Responsible for the organization and maintenance of the flight deck and all craft that use it Responsible for the medical well-being of the crew In command of the marine complement of the ship |