The cost of raising and maintaining the Army was generally borne by the Grand-Ducal government. However, the cost of the Household Troops was borne by the Grand-Ducal family itself, and the members of all cavalry units (and some dragoon units) were required to provide their own horses and uniforms. During the crises which beset Europe during the mid-1800's, the Grand Duchy significantly increased the size of its army by expanding each of the companies of the GDF into batallions of four companies each. (The regiment's elite "Jäger" platoon was expanded into a company at the same time.) This expansion was made possible because of the nation's more prosperous economy (due in large part to the then-still clandestinely operated Siebenzwerge Mine) and its increased population. This expansion also reflected, and responded to the increasing democratisation of Wotanberger society. After the Grand Duchy acquired the Seiber Islands as a colony in 1881, an additional regiment was created to serve there--the Seiber Rifles--as well a small naval force and a "Colonial Constabulary". Gradually, these force's rolls were filled out almost entirely by inhabitants of the archipelago, and, when independence was granted in 1950, the units were transferred to the new country. (To this day, one platoon from the Seiber Rifles is attached on a rotating basis to the Foreign Coy of Foot, Sir Trevor's Own Foot and one platoon from that coy is attached to the Seiber Rifles.) In 1890, when Germany and Britain transferred their respective holdings in the Mustela Islands to the Grand Duchy, yet another regiment was created--The Grand Duke's African Rifles--as well as a small naval force and a Colonial Constabulary. Gradually, these force's rolls were filled out almost entirely by inhabitants of the archipelago, and, when independence was granted in 1950, the units were transferred to the new country. (To this day, one platoon from the Kikundi cha Nyani ("Baboon Battalion") is attached on a rotating basis to the Foreign Coy of Foot, Sir Trevor's Own Foot and one platoon from that coy is attached to the Seiber Rifles.) The need to keep pace with technological and other developments also led to other changes in the nation's armed forces. After acquiring a dirigible in 1919, the Air Force was established. In mid-1939, when war in Europe loomed, the number of platoons and soldiers in infantry (but not dragoon) companies was doubled. In order to meet this increased need for soldiers, women were, later that year, allowed to enlist for service. The Support Regiment was established in 1945 in order to rationalize and enhance logistic support of combat units. In 1982, the Grand-Ducal Aero-Cavalry was established, bringing the number of Army regiments to eight. (Earlier the Household Horse Jägers HT had been converted into the Household Aero-Cavalry HT.) Historically, even units not designated as "militia" have relied on reservists to fill out their ranks in time of war or emergency. This tradition continues today although the increased speed and lethality of modern weapons--and the Grand Duchy's commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world--have required that a larger number of personnel be maintained on full-time status than in the past. In addition to the Army and Air Force, the nation's law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical, customs, and border control personnel are organized as the Constabulary, while the state-owned airline--Air Wotanberg--provides air transport support to both the Army and Air Force. Although normally separate from the armed forces, both the Constabulary and Air Wotanberg work closely with them during peacetime, and can be integrated into the armed forces in time of war or emergency. The Grand Duchy is a member of the Wotanberger Commonwealth and a key feature of the Commonwealth is the cooperation of the three nation's in joint defense and peacekeeping operations. To this end, a permanent headquarters has been established in the Mustela Islands for the Wotanberger Commonwealth Command (WOCOCO). For detailed information regarding the current organization and equipment of the various parts of the armed forces, click here. To visit Wotanberg's military museum, the Sergeant Joseph ("Joe") Gunn Museum, click here. |