Crystal-Imperial Legionary Organization · 4:09am Jul 15th, 2016
The basic unit is the Element (2 Ponies), commanded by an Able Legionary (PFC equivlent). 2 Elements make a Lance (4 Ponies), commanded by a Lancer (corporal equivalent). 2 Lances plus a command Element make an Optio (10 Ponies), the smallest normal tactical maneuver unit, commanded by an Option (sergeant equivalent).
2 Options plus a command Element and support Element make a Section (24 Ponies), commanded by a Junior Centurion (staff sergeant equivalent). 4 Sections plus a command Element and support Element make a Century (100 Ponies), commanded by a Centurion (master sergeant or captain equivalent) the smallest normal grand tactical maneuver element.
3 Centuries plus a Command Century and Support Century make a Cohort (500 Ponies), commanded by a Senior Centurion (master sergeant or major equivalent). 3 Cohorts plus a Command Cohort and Support Cohort make a Taxon (2500 Ponies) commanded by a Junior Tribune (Lt. Colonel equivalent).
3 Taxons plus a Command Tazon and Support Taxons make a Legion (12,500 Ponies) commanded by a Tribune (Colonel or Brigadier equivalent). A Legion is the smallest independent operational manuever unit, and the biggest permanent established unit.
Some number of Legions and smaller units constitute an Exercitus or Army. An Exercitus is commanded by a Strategos (General). The entire armed forces of the Empire are commanded by the Imperator (Emperor) in his military role; in civilian roles he is often termed Autokrator (self- or supreme ruler).
This is the theoretical maximum establishment at each level. In practice, and especially on campaign, numbers often dropped far below this level. In the Late Empire, lack of manpower often meant that legionary organizations were skeletal. In peacetime, the whole of many legions was not mustered, with numbers to be made up from reserves before deployment on campaign.
Translation probably helped, but it still seemed like there could be some confusion given this terminology and a certain set of magical artifacts.
"The southern barbarian nation of Equestria is a military dictatorship led by the Element of Harmony, Celestia and Luna."
4092982
That's a good point!
4092982
I think I'll go with "opteo" for the NCO leading an "optio" to avoid confusion with "option" meaning "choice."
Is there any set terms for all Pegasus units, kinda like the Air force has different units? And did the Pegasus tribes back in the day set up the same way? Was Commander Hurricane and Private Pansy a scout Element?
Interesting facts.
4095359
I've thought of that. "Element" for two-person team is an Air Force term; I could use "flight" instead of "lance" for two elements, and "squadron" instead of "optio" for a 8-12 person unit, for instance. The terms I've used are bastardized Latin-Greek-English.