The Imperial Corridor Fleet

[rancke]

Unfortunately I'm distantly separated from my Traveller materials, so someone else will have to help out, but IIRC where they discuss fleet deployment, they indicate that every subsector has a numbered Imperial fleet and a numbered Reserve fleet. I think it's on the same pages as the map that shows each subsector and its corresponding fleets.

That's also the same section that gives a total number of Imperial fleets, including the so-called Fast Reaction fleets at Capitol.

That sounds like the same information that was in RbS.

As far as CT v MT, so long as MT is still canon it overrides CT where they conflict, since it has a later publication date.

I'm not arguing that the intentions of the MT writers weren't to replace the subsector navies with the reserve fleets. I'm arguing that, intentions aside, both reserve fleets and duchy navies could coexist without violating either CT or MT material. (Well, actually, I was arguing that reintroducing duchy navies would be a Good Thing, but now I'll go that step further and claim that it could be done without violating MT canon (just twisting it a teeny weeny bit )).

In the OTU, as I understand it, the Imperial Navy basically has two separate, though inter-related skeletal structures. One based around front line "Imperial" fleets, and another on "Reserve" fleets.

I don't think they are. The regular and the reserve fleets are both part of the same navy. The fleet admiral in command of the local regular fleet would be senior to the fleet admiral commanding the local reserve fleet and the reserve fleet would be part of his command.

Alongside that system is a Colonial or Provisional defense force distinct from (subject to? Not sure the sources really discuss that) the Imperial Navy.

The CT setup was:

1 Imperial Navy
2 Subsector navies
3 Planetary navies​

The MT setup was:

1 Imperial navy regular fleets
2 Imperial navy reserve fleets
3 Planetary navies​

Obviously the reserve fleets were meant to replace the subsector navies, but both could be reconciled like this:

1 Imperial Navy

1.1 Regular fleets
1.2 Reserve fleets​

2 Duchy navies
3 Planetary navies​

Hans

 

[LeperColony]

I'm not arguing that the intentions of the MT writers weren't to replace the subsector navies with the reserve fleets. I'm arguing that, intentions aside, both reserve fleets and duchy navies could coexist without violating either CT or MT material. (Well, actually, I was arguing that reintroducing duchy navies would be a Good Thing, but now I'll go that step further and claim that it could be done without violating MT canon (just twisting it a teeny weeny bit )).

I'd agree with you that there's no reason why they can't both exist, and in fact it helps break up some of the uniformity of the Imperium. Maybe some subsectors have subsector fleets, perhaps some have mere ceremonial units, and then others have done away with them entirely.

I'm not so sure why it is that you feel it would be objectively a Good Thing, but it's not a concept I have any problems with.

I don't think they are. The regular and the reserve fleets are both part of the same navy. The fleet admiral in command of the local regular fleet would be senior to the fleet admiral commanding the local reserve fleet and the reserve fleet would be part of his command.

Although I don't doubt that the commander of the Imperial fleet is senior to the commander of the Reserve fleet, I don't know that I'd agree with your contention that the Reserve fleet is subordinate to the Imperial fleet. The commander of a Regular Army division isn't necessarily in command of a federalized National Guard division.

To me, the Imperial and Reserve fleets have different missions and different capabilities which makes it problematic to think that they would be in a direct chain of command such as you postulate.

I see it more as you have a Subsector Commander, who may be responsible for all Imperial Navy assets in the subsector, who is senior to, and in command of both the Imperial and the Reserve fleets. Then, you have an Imperial Fleet Commander and a Reserve Fleet Commander who are each independent of the other, but subject to the Subsector Commander.

And in fact, if you look at the Rebellion Sourcebook, page 28, they have a Naval Command flow chart, and it shows the Numbered and Numbered Reserve fleets as being independent of each other, but both subject to the command of the Named Fleet. I am actually a bit surprised that there isn't a subsector level bureaucracy.

The CT setup was:

1 Imperial Navy
2 Subsector navies
3 Planetary navies​

The MT setup was:

1 Imperial navy regular fleets
2 Imperial navy reserve fleets
3 Planetary navies​

Obviously the reserve fleets were meant to replace the subsector navies, but both could be reconciled like this:

1 Imperial Navy

1.1 Regular fleets
1.2 Reserve fleets​

2 Duchy navies
3 Planetary navies​

Hans

Where it's possible to harmonize canon, I think it makes a lot of sense to do so. The question, though, becomes to whom are the Duchy Navies beholden?

It may be rhetorical, as the Duchy Navy might be subject solely to the Duke. But that does mean putting a lot of firepower within the personal gift of the nobility.

 

[LeperColony]

Also, I found some of my Traveller CDs, so I can provide some info.

"The Imperium maintains one numbered fleet for each of its subsectors...the Imperium also maintains one numbered reserve fleet for each of its subsectors. Equipped with older ships, the reserve fleet provides training and reinforcements to the navy." (FSotSI pg 7, emphasis original)

Interestingly, according to the same page, Colonial squadrons (jump capable units raised by local worlds) are part of the reserve fleet, which seems to indicate that they are part, or at least subject to the jurisdiction and command of the navy.

Also, the Sector fleet is only made up of the numbered (or, Imperial/Regular) fleets, not the reserve fleet.

In the Rebellion Sourcebook, on page 27, there's a heading "Numbered Reserve Fleets" that states the Imperium maintains about 320 numbered Reserve fleets with older but still useful ships, staffed by "personnel serving in the Reserves (technically in the service of the Imperium, but without the status of strict Imperial Navy duty)."

That same section states that Reserve fleets technically are part of the named fleet, but rarely see action outside of their subsector. This is slightly different than the details provided by FSotSI, but not hugely so. And, as RbS seems to post-date FSotSI, it can simply me elaborating on the system.

 

[rancke]

I'd agree with you that there's no reason why they can't both exist, and in fact it helps break up some of the uniformity of the Imperium. Maybe some subsectors have subsector fleets, perhaps some have mere ceremonial units, and then others have done away with them entirely.

I'm not so sure why it is that you feel it would be objectively a Good Thing, but it's not a concept I have any problems with.

It helps break up some of the uniformity of the Imperium and allows for greater customization of individual duchies. I think that's a good thing from a gaming POW.

Although I don't doubt that the commander of the Imperial fleet is senior to the commander of the Reserve fleet, I don't know that I'd agree with your contention that the Reserve fleet is subordinate to the Imperial fleet. The commander of a Regular Army division isn't necessarily in command of a federalized National Guard division.

I thought the highest-ranking officer in a theater (or whatever the proper term is) was in command of all units in that theater.

To me, the Imperial and Reserve fleets have different missions and different capabilities which makes it problematic to think that they would be in a direct chain of command such as you postulate.

Obviously, if there is no duchy navy, the reserve fleet will have to perform the tasks that HG described for subsector navies. But I've always felt that the reserve fleet ought to be more akin to reserve fleets. Not fully decommisioned, but engaged in training and maintenance more than active tasks.

If there is a duchy navy to fill in the cracks between the regular Imperial Navy and the planetary navies, the reserve fleets are relieved of that responsibility and can be reserve fleets instead.

I see it more as you have a Subsector Commander, who may be responsible for all Imperial Navy assets in the subsector, who is senior to, and in command of both the Imperial and the Reserve fleets. Then, you have an Imperial Fleet Commander and a Reserve Fleet Commander who are each independent of the other, but subject to the Subsector Commander.

No such individual has ever been hinted at. I think it would be simpler if the commander of the regular fleet was the senior officer of the subsector.

And in fact, if you look at the Rebellion Sourcebook, page 28, they have a Naval Command flow chart, and it shows the Numbered and Numbered Reserve fleets as being independent of each other, but both subject to the command of the Named Fleet. I am actually a bit surprised that there isn't a subsector level bureaucracy.

You have a point there.

Where it's possible to harmonize canon, I think it makes a lot of sense to do so. The question, though, becomes to whom are the Duchy Navies beholden?

It may be rhetorical, as the Duchy Navy might be subject solely to the Duke. But that does mean putting a lot of firepower within the personal gift of the nobility.

I see the duchy navies as being raised and maintained out of the subsector duke's funds and subject to him in a manner similar to how the National Guard units are subject to the state governors. I.e. they're subject to the duke until and unless they become imperialized.


Hans

 

[tjoneslo]

It would be nine subsector fleets. There are nine subsectors deemed worthy of having Imperial fleets stationed; two of the subsectors have (has?) only one regular fleet each.

We can't say for sure that Corridor can't support 16 reserve fleets because we don't know anything about their strengths.

I would strongly argue the 213th fleet should be situated in Strand subsector, rather than The Empty Void subsector. The latter has, as the name implies, exactly 0 stars. The reason for moving the fleet position on the map is because putting the number in the Strand subsector would cover the sector name.

The assumptions I would like to suggest for discussing this subject is that the reserve fleets ARE fairly insignificant (except to provide jobs and training for spare IN officers), but that the duchy navies are still there even though MT doesn't mention them at all.

And, after all, the MT material doesn't explicitly say that there are no duchy fleets, right?

Based upon the later conversation, I'll accept that. My question becomes, upon the start of the Rebellion and Lucan orders all of the Imperial fleets to the Core, do the Imperial navy commanders in Corridor send along the Imperial Reserve fleets, even as insignificant as they are. Lucan's increasing desperation through 1117 and 1118 would have mobilized the reserve fleets, even if they were not included in the initial mobilization. Leaving whatever locally build forces (i.e. the duchy fleets) were in existence to repel the Vargr invaders.

Depending upon how much you think the dukes in Corridor have built their local forces, given the immense amount of Imperial fleet funding in the area, gives a better answer to how well the Vargr invasion would take place.

 

[Drakon]

As a player I wouldn't just accept such a situation but expect some sort of in-game explanation.

But as I said before, YMMV. It's your TU and your decision.

The in game idea I have been working on is that Lemish is a "Neo Functionalist Colony", settled about 970 by Solimani who migrated away from the Rim wars, much like Tories left for canada after the revolution. The Neo Functionalists supported the Imperial ideal of "Men, not Laws", that morals precede ethics, as well as the inclusiveness of other species. Neo Functionalism insists that individuals be as self sufficient as possible, to "earn their air", and, government's proper role, to a Lemishi, is a limited one.

The planetary governor is responsible for the defense and protection of the planet, and to see the laws faithfully applied, laws derived from Imperial sources. The baron's job, as I understand it, is to act as Imperial representative for the system in the Moot, protect and defend his fiefdoms, see imperial and local laws are faithfully executed on his fiefdoms. Lemishi combine the offices, to avoid the duplication and waste. Also, possibly as a sign of allegience to the Irridium Throne.

Behind this is a need to explain why a Tech level 12 farming planet allows its civil service bureaucracy (Gov=8) unlimited invasion of privacy (Law=C) without turning into a bad place to live. I do not think Lemish is a bad place to live because it has a high acceptance [8] of outsiders and positive economic numbers. There has to be some cultural factors that prevent the members of the bureaucracy from abusing the trust and power given them.

Its still a work in progress, but it has been interesting contemplating the subject.

 

[savage]

Sorry, it was about the site, but I am interested in the information and I did misunderstand, my apologies

Kind Regards

David

No problem. I understand. Those early free websites are a bit of a pain. Many people have moved from them but a few are still out there.

 

[savage]

Reserve Fleets

If you read about Corridor Fleet in T20:Grand Fleet and MgT Sector Fleet it clearly states that Corridor is not large enough to support a complete reserve fleet and many of those ships are maintained in mothballs.

That being understood. I believe that wealthy Archduke of Viland would have provided some resources to Corridor. Also the Spinward Marches has retired ships to Corridor reserves (plankwell in CT) since the early days of Traveller.

 

[LeperColony]

I see the duchy navies as being raised and maintained out of the subsector duke's funds and subject to him in a manner similar to how the National Guard units are subject to the state governors. I.e. they're subject to the duke until and unless they become imperialized.

Does the "subsector duke's funds" come from the 30% Imperial tax, or is it separate?

And if the forces are not directly Imperial, do you see the Duke as having a constitutional obligation to provide forces for the Emperor, one reason perhaps subsector navies persist.

Although I've typically seen the Imperium as having a directly central feudalism, where each noble owes direct fealty to the Emperor, it is also possible that the 3I is organized by subinfeudation, where nobles hold primary allegiance to their direct superior, and so on up to the Emperor.

In such a model, the "subsector navy" might consist of the Duke's navy funded from his patrimonial lands, along with the collected forces of his various feudal inferiors, who in turn have their own, along with their feudal inferiors, etc, until you get to the lowely PC and his Broadsword with a personal obligation to the Baron of so-and-so.

 

[rancke]

Does the "subsector duke's funds" come from the 30% Imperial tax, or is it separate?

I've always imagined that the duke collects the Imperial taxes, keeps a specific percentage of that for his own forces, and turns over the rest to the Emperor for maintaining the Imperial Navy (and Army and Marines).

And if the forces are not directly Imperial, do you see the Duke as having a constitutional obligation to provide forces for the Emperor, one reason perhaps subsector navies persist.

All ducal organizations are Imperial. They're just not the same Imperial organizations. Just as in the Age of Sail royal governors were able to raise extra forces on their own initiative but also commanded the royal forces stationed in their provinces. Or like the difference between John Company's regiments and the King's regiments in India. And the dukes work for the Emperor. They are his direct representatives. They are definitely obliged to use their forces on behalf of the Emperor.

Although I've typically seen the Imperium as having a directly central feudalism, where each noble owes direct fealty to the Emperor, it is also possible that the 3I is organized by subinfeudation, where nobles hold primary allegiance to their direct superior, and so on up to the Emperor.

Although the Imperium is referred to as a feudal structure, the description of how it actually works is like an autocracy with pseudo-feudal trappings. There are no feudal relationships and no subinfeudation. A high duke does not appear to be any more a vassal of the Emperor than the Duke of Norfolk is a vassal of Queen Elizabeth II. The Imperial nobility seems much more like the British nobility of the 19th Century than like the nobility of the Middle Ages.


Hans

 

[LeperColony]

I've always imagined that the duke collects the Imperial taxes, keeps a specific percentage of that for his own forces, and turns over the rest to the Emperor for maintaining the Imperial Navy (and Army and Marines).

So then the duke's cut comes from the 30%.

All ducal organizations are Imperial. They're just not the same Imperial organizations. Just as in the Age of Sail royal governors were able to raise extra forces on their own initiative but also commanded the royal forces stationed in their provinces. Or like the difference between John Company's regiments and the King's regiments in India. And the dukes work for the Emperor. They are his direct representatives. They are definitely obliged to use their forces on behalf of the Emperor.

By Imperial I meant part of the Imperial Navy. Both the Numbered and the Numbered Reserve fleets are Imperial Navy fleets. They're crewed by IN personnel, follow IN rules, have IN ranks and obey the IN chain of command.

Provisional forces are part of that system's military. They're crewed by planet X Personnel, follow X Navy rules, have XN ranks and obey the XN chain of command.

Ducal forces are more like another level of IN, or are they "Ducal Navy" with Ducal Navy personnel, DN rules, DN ranks and DN chain of command?

Although the Imperium is referred to as a feudal structure, the description of how it actually works is like an autocracy with pseudo-feudal trappings. There are no feudal relationships and no subinfeudation. A high duke does not appear to be any more a vassal of the Emperor than the Duke of Norfolk is a vassal of Queen Elizabeth II. The Imperial nobility seems much more like the British nobility of the 19th Century than like the nobility of the Middle Ages.

I've always seen the 3I as a bit more feudalized in nature, perhaps closer to 17th Century England, where the nobles are still vassals, but it's largely a service aristocracy, with most power having become centralized in the crown.

 

[savage]

The Imperial nobility seems much more like the British nobility of the 19th Century than like the nobility of the Middle Ages.


Hans

Traveller's 3I is based on a significant amount of Russian dynasty comparisons. Marc does know some Russian. The Russian Emperor had extensive direct control which was one of the problems with the Regime.

 

[rancke]

So then the duke's cut comes from the 30%.

Yes.

Ducal forces are more like another level of IN, or are they "Ducal Navy" with Ducal Navy personnel, DN rules, DN ranks and DN chain of command?

They're separate organizations, but there will be rules for how to cooperate with regular Imperial forces, just as there are rules for cooperation between the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Army and the Imperial Scouts and the Imperial Marines. And just like there are rules for cooperation between units belonging to different NATO partners. It's not really going to be a problem. Or maybe all officers of Ducal services automatically receive Imperial reserve commissions.

I've always seen the 3I as a bit more feudalized in nature, perhaps closer to 17th Century England, where the nobles are still vassals, but it's largely a service aristocracy, with most power having become centralized in the crown.

The last vestiges of feudalism in England were abolished in 1660, but it had been in decline since the 15th Century.

The chief reason why the Imperium isn't a feudal structure is that the member worlds don't belong to the Emperor and isn't his to hand out feudal control over. (This is also why I believe that Imperial high nobles don't usually control the worlds they're associated with). Norris, the Marquis of Regina, has no say in the government of Regina.


Hans

 

[LeperColony]

They're separate organizations, but there will be rules for how to cooperate with regular Imperial forces, just as there are rules for cooperation between the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Army and the Imperial Scouts and the Imperial Marines. And just like there are rules for cooperation between units belonging to different NATO partners. It's not really going to be a problem. Or maybe all officers of Ducal services automatically receive Imperial reserve commissions.

I don't really think it's a "problem," but if the organization is entirely separate (for instance, the DN is the duke's "household" navy) and subject to the duke, that is actually a model much closer to 14-15th Century England, with baronial armies and the powerful nobles of the Wars of the Roses.

What it does is make the dukes far less like Imperial governors and more like patrimonial landholders (if we may use the term) with administrative responsibilities.

The last vestiges of feudalism in England were abolished in 1660, but it had been in decline since the 15th Century.

By feudalism I don't mean the kind of independent, powerful landholders of the middle medieval period, but rather that the nobility see themselves in a highly structured order with reciprocal rights and relationships. Even if the lords were no longer militarily powerful, they continued to think of themselves as the king's servants, in a very real way. I doubt the modern peerage thinks of themselves much as QE2's servants.

Power had shifted to the crown, which makes the previously militarily powerful nobility more of a service aristocracy, who derive most of their power and influence from court favor and holding crown offices and appointments. That was the situation in 16th and 17th Century England, and I suppose it's the way I had more or less seen the Imperium.

However, I am conflicted because I like the idea of subsector navies, and that contemplates a more powerful nobility less dependent on the crown.

The chief reason why the Imperium isn't a feudal structure is that the member worlds don't belong to the Emperor and isn't his to hand out feudal control over. (This is also why I believe that Imperial high nobles don't usually control the worlds they're associated with). Norris, the Marquis of Regina, has no say in the government of Regina.

Even if the Imperium doesn't own the world, there are still territories and resources to divvy out, if the 3I wanted to be structed in a traditionally feudalistic manner.

Personally, I've tended to see the nobility as more a kin to Byzantine Pronoiars than medieval European lords, but even that analogy is troublesome.

 

[Dagrill]

If you read about Corridor Fleet in T20:Grand Fleet and MgT Sector Fleet it clearly states that Corridor is not large enough to support a complete reserve fleet and many of those ships are maintained in mothballs.
That being understood. I believe that wealthy Archduke of Viland would have provided some resources to Corridor. Also the Spinward Marches has retired ships to Corridor reserves (plankwell in CT) since the early days of Traveller.

Hi,

I have been perusing the MT books on the T5 CD Marc sent and it seems Dulinor walks into the Throne room kills the entire Imperial family, sits on the throne & declares himself emperor and walks out goes back to Ilesh and starts a rebellion, later it seems Strephon is elsewhere which explains the absence of the imperial guard, but he displays a churlish lack of regard for his family.

Assuming it could happen this way, the Sector Admiral of Corridor would ignore any request from Norris (he is also rebelling) and would probably concentrate his forces towards Deneb, Khouth and Ian sub-sectors and rely on the massive planetary navies of Kaasu & Khukish to take up the slack on the border. At this point it would be a good idea for them to go on a war footing & in any event I'm presuming he would request additional funds to re-activate
ships from Depot.

Also I would think a significant % of Officers in the area would be of Vilani or mixed Vilani descent and would not want to leave the border unguarded,
especially if the person requesting their units didn't have clear title to thethrone. Indeed it is hard to see Dulinor leaving Reavers Deep and Daibei
unguarded especially as he's just shot the Aslan ambassador and is presumably at war with it least one Tlaukhu clan and it's allies

Regards

David

 

[Dagrill]

No problem. I understand. Those early free websites are a bit of a pain. Many people have moved from them but a few are still out there.

I have spent more time perusing your stuff and I love the Battlestars!

I bought the BSG RPG on Drivethru, but it's all d4 - d12, reminds my why I love traveller though ;-)

Regards

David

 

[LeperColony]

Hi,

I have been perusing the MT books on the T5 CD Marc sent and it seems Dulinor walks into the Throne room kills the entire Imperial family, sits on the throne & declares himself emperor and walks out goes back to Ilesh and starts a rebellion, later it seems Strephon is elsewhere which explains the absence of the imperial guard, but he displays a churlish lack of regard for his family.

Assuming it could happen this way, the Sector Admiral of Corridor would ignore any request from Norris (he is also rebelling) and would probably concentrate his forces towards Deneb, Khouth and Ian sub-sectors and rely on the massive planetary navies of Kaasu & Khukish to take up the slack on the border. At this point it would be a good idea for them to go on a war footing & in any event I'm presuming he would request additional funds to re-activate
ships from Depot.

Also I would think a significant % of Officers in the area would be of Vilani or mixed Vilani descent and would not want to leave the border unguarded,
especially if the person requesting their units didn't have clear title to thethrone. Indeed it is hard to see Dulinor leaving Reavers Deep and Daibei
unguarded especially as he's just shot the Aslan ambassador and is presumably at war with it least one Tlaukhu clan and it's allies

If you're interested in the broad strokes of the Rebellion, you may want to invest in a copy of Survival Margin (or the TNE CD). It's actually my second favorite Traveller book (behind Hard Times), and it describes the Corridor Fleet as having been deployed against Dulinor fairly early in the Final War.

Also, it goes into some detail regarding Strephon's thoughts. He definitely feels the loss of his family.

 

[savage]

Hi,

I have been perusing the MT books on the T5 CD Marc sent and it seems Dulinor walks into the Throne room kills the entire Imperial family, sits on the throne & declares himself emperor and walks out goes back to Ilesh and starts a rebellion, later it seems Strephon is elsewhere which explains the absence of the imperial guard, but he displays a churlish lack of regard for his family.

Assuming it could happen this way, the Sector Admiral of Corridor would ignore any request from Norris (he is also rebelling) and would probably concentrate his forces towards Deneb, Khouth and Ian sub-sectors and rely on the massive planetary navies of Kaasu & Khukish to take up the slack on the border. At this point it would be a good idea for them to go on a war footing & in any event I'm presuming he would request additional funds to re-activate
ships from Depot.





Also I would think a significant % of Officers in the area would be of Vilani or mixed Vilani descent and would not want to leave the border unguarded,
especially if the person requesting their units didn't have clear title to thethrone. Indeed it is hard to see Dulinor leaving Reavers Deep and Daibei
unguarded especially as he's just shot the Aslan ambassador and is presumably at war with it least one Tlaukhu clan and it's allies

Regards

David

Norris took a time out hoping everyone would regain there senses. Of course, Stephon being at his vacation spot and not at Core was my favorite outcome.

I agree the Corridor Fleet probably would have been torn by whatever Vland wanted. They may have sent for an orders confirmation. However, rushing into help SM was a multi-war tradition. The Vargr war was 500 years earlier. I am not shocked by an inflated sense of security. I like the DG betrayal scenario. Someone plotting to overthrow Corridor sector and the Vilani Archduke within the chaos.

I am glad you like the Media Ships on the old website like the original BSG. Those were fun to create. It is considered on the smaller side of the design range but i wanted it to fit nicely into OTU/MTU.
On another note now that I have my noble status I may just do a new website. Saarrii of Depot (of the 50 KB).

I went with T20 to support Hunter and Marc. I'd like to do T5 but I'm a big ship universe type of guy.

 

[Garyius2003]

Yes.


They're separate organizations, but there will be rules for how to cooperate with regular Imperial forces, just as there are rules for cooperation between the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Army and the Imperial Scouts and the Imperial Marines. And just like there are rules for cooperation between units belonging to different NATO partners. It's not really going to be a problem. Or maybe all officers of Ducal services automatically receive Imperial reserve commissions.


Hans

And this makes sense if you want Ducal/Colonial fleets. Sort of like the US National Guard. Enlisted take an oath to both, Officers get commissions in both systems.

Training and equipment is standard, if usually slightly behind the federal regular military for major equipment.

I finished my time up in a Guard unit, training was on training orders, and when the call-up came Title 10 orders were issued and we waved goodbye to our state and the governor until we were released way down the road.

There were a few special laws, such as that units could not be broken up. Even so, there were issues with the active army officers trying to break down the units to the smaller pieces so they would have a designated set of troops to give the dirtier jobs to. That would be less of an issue with starships, but could be an issue with lift troops.

 

[Drakon]

Somewhere, (GT:Nobles?) it says that Huscalers are "consider part of the Unified Armies of the Imperium, even though they are commanded and maintained by individual nobles.

It seems logical to me that if Huscalers are considered part of the imperial combined armies, they would be trained, regulated and equipped in the same manner as regular troops. It also makes sense that Ducal and colonial navies would be organized along Imperial Naval lines to improve integrations in times of crisis.

And it means that the nobles do not have to reinvent the wheel when they assemble their troops.