4 replies to this topic

[Joesefus Quick]

Basic discussions about issues and meetings for the Senate Defense Oversight Committee are to be discussed here. For specific proposals or topics a new topic may be opened for the whole senate to discuss when it comes to a vote, and is usually proposed to the Senate by the committee chair on behalf of the committee.

Committee Members include
Senator F'lar Zenifal (Ieyena Cohean) as the Committee Chair
Senator Aisha Melantha (Zechs Kel Isen) as a Committee Member
Senator Hober Mallow (OVERMIND) as a Committee Member

Edited by Josefus Quick, 03 May 2009 - 02:04 AM.

[Joesefus Quick]

Your first assignment is to review the military order section of the Charter that is in progress. The High Council has asked for the Senate's help in this matter. Below is the current work in progress and we ask the Defense Oversight Committee to review it, suggest changes/improvements, additions, etc.

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Section 5-Military Order - (Rename Armed Forces or Ministry of Defense)


Article 5.1-Commander-in-Chief/Minister of Defense

The Minister of Defense shall be appointed by the Supreme Ruler, and will be the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces. He/She will still answer to the Supreme Ruler, as will the rest of the Armed Forces. The Minister of Defense will report to the Supreme Ruler on a regular basis. The Minister of Defense, as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces has the power to declare war at any time, that can will be in effect for one month, provided it does not entail a full-scale war involving the whole Galaxy. Then he/she will report to the senate on his/her reasons for declaring war, and the Armed Forces' progress. The Senate will make their recommendation to a member of the Throne in which the Supreme Chancellor, two senators selected by the Senate from the defense committee, and the commander-in-chief will be present and will also submit reports to the High Council. In the case in which the Minister of Defense shall deploy rewrite troops in a battle or conflict situation, and is within the one-month period, yet war escalates to a point where it will involve the whole Galaxy, then the Senate must approve the continuation of the war. If the need arises, the Minister of Defense, may in the absence of the Supreme Ruler, Executor, Supreme Chancellor, and Grand Minister of COMPNOR, can declare Martial Law in any sector but Coruscant. An individual who is the Minister of Defense in an Interim or Acting capacity, shall not have the aforementioned authority, unless granted by the Supreme Ruler.

Article 5.2-Military Division Leaders

The definition of a division leader is one that commands a division. Military Divisions being the Navy, the Army, and Research and Development. The affairs and operations of the Navy and Army will be supervised each by a Chief of Division Operations (the word division being replaced by the division's name). The Research and Development Department will be directed by the Director of Research and Development. Each of these division leaders will be appointed by the Supreme Ruler or the Minister of Defense, with approval from the Supreme Ruler.

Article 5.3-Commanding Officers

A commanding officer (CO) is defined as anyone in the Military who has at least one person under his/her command. Commanding Officers have the power to transfer anyone under their command to someone else if they become troublesome, or for any reason. A commanding officer may issue a direct order that he/she signs with a witness. This order may go against Military Procedure, only to be used in an emergency situation. The direct order is to be immediately forwarded to the commanding officer of the commanding officer that issued the direct order (D.O.). If the commanding officer of the commanding officer who issued to direct order rewrite, not distinctly clear believes it to be an abuse of authority or unnecessary, the issuer of the direct order can be scheduled for a court-martial. A commanding officer has the power to relieve other CO's of command if they are under his/her command. A commanding officer can also relieve another officer under his/her command of duty. A commanding officer can arrest anyone under their command if they believe they have broken a law. The commanding officer of the order-of-arrest's issuer will review the order-of-arrest. If he/she believes it is unnecessary, an abuse of authority, etc., then he/she can take action that is allowed of a commanding officer. If a commanding officer is relieved of command, the executive officer will act as Interim-CO in the commanding officer's place until their return, or a new one is appointed. If the majority of those under the commanding officer's command believe he/she is abusing authority or giving unnecessary orders, they will all go to the executive officer and take a vote. If the majority votes to have the CO investigated, the executive officer is authorized to arrest the commanding officer and take temporary command. Then all of the voters will send in a report to the former CO's CO and it will be forwarded to the proper authorities. A decision will be made to either restore the former CO-in position in which, all opposed may be transferred out of his/her command, or make a decision to give full command to the Interim-CO (executive officer) and the executive officer becomes the commanding officer. A commanding officer may choose an executive officer to do all stated in Article 5.4. For minor violations of Military protocol, the CO can issue the administrative punishment that he sees fit.

Article 5.4-Executive Officers

The Executive Officer (XO) is defined as the one chosen by a commanding officer to be his/her second-in-command. His/her responsibility will be to keep track of all events occurring in their department/section/etc. and keep records of all those under his/her command. Should the CO ever come ill, or take a leave of absence, then the executive officer becomes the Interim-CO and may appoint an Interim-XO for the time being.

Article 5.5-Procedures

The Imperial Republic Armed Force, aka, Military, will be bound to the Imperial Republic Charter and to the external document entitled, "Military Operations and Procedures of the Ministry of Defense", to be written by the Ministry of Defense, and submitted for approval by the Minister of Defense to the Supreme Ruler.

Article 5.6-Reports

All members in the Imperial Republic Armed Force are to report weekly to their immediate commanding officers, (CO's directly above them, not their CO's CO) including the reports of those under their command. They will also send a copy of their report to the executive officer. The weekly due date is to be determined by their commanding officer. The Minister of Defense is to constantly keep the Supreme Ruler appraised of all major and important military activities, and shall report to the High Council, if active, once a month.

Article 5.7-The Grand Admiralty - Rename Section and some rewrite, possibly exceptions to the being in the same sector

Their will be a council of 12 Grand Admirals of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces. They shall meet bi-monthly and discuss issues, share ideas, discuss strategy, etc. They shall be chaired by one of the following (Throne's choice and can change at any time): one who holds the rank of Lord Admiral, or the Minister of Defense. Grand Admirals, when in any sector, shall have power over all military forces assigned to them, and assigned to the sector and take over in any war situation unless delegated otherwise by the Minister of Defense or High Council. The position of Grand Admiral will oversee a battalion of mobile army ground forces and a fleet or multiple fleets as assigned by the Minister of Defense, all of which will be mobile. Grand Admirals cannot overstep any other Grand Admiral or enter a sector with a Grand Admiral already present. In time of conflict, the Minister of Defense will make the decisions, or the chairman of the council. The Minister of Defense will recommend applicants to hold the rank and position of Grand Admiral, which must be approved by the Supreme Ruler only.

Article 5.8 - Military Police

We need to clearly establish the standard operating procedures, jursidiction and chain of command for the military police units. For example, who do they answer to? (Also the military courts for court-martials and such). Under which circumstances are they required to report a case to the IRSB or IRIS (high crimes such as treason, etc., are to be tried and investigated in high courts and with cooperative effort from the IRSB). A unit CO should be able to issue orders to the MP's within his unit, as long as those orders do not contradict orders they have recieved from their chain of command. The CO/XO of the unit can place their men under arrest and instruct the MPs to take them into custody when situations warrant, and the CO would be immune to actions taken by the MP's assigned to him unless special orders from their chain of command to carry out such actions are issued and sanctioned by proper military authorities. The IRSB CO shall have the authority to order the MPs to open an investigation if information recieved regarding military personnel warrants such. These are all things we need to sort out.


Article unknown - Imperial Republic Defense/Security Directives

[Would like to add this into the charter - In case of emergency do this]

[James Stratus]

The Senate Defense Oversight Committee, as well as the Senate as a whole, shall have the power to promote officers of the Imperial Republic Military, including those of command ranks, up to C-4, and may recommend promotions or demotions pertaining to higher ranks. The Minister of Defense may approve or reject these actions by the committee, though not by the Senate as a whole. An appeal can be made to the entire Senate or to the High Council or Royal Imperial Throne. The Supreme Ruler OR the High Council must approve HC ranks.

Decreed and Signed,

High Prince James Stratus

Edited by James Stratus, 12 September 2009 - 01:59 AM.
Revised

[James Stratus]

A clarification: We are not taking away powers from the military, they still have their independent authority to promote, demote, etc, as it is part of a CO's authority. The Senate simply takes notice of people who have served extremely well or who has performed Special Services to the Government and awards them publicly and accordingly. Demotions are done on authority of the commanding officer or Court-Martial, or Military High Command.

(OOC: A reminder to all players, you ARE the senate, so if we give you more power, be glad, or we can take it away. This power is yours. Post your issues or concerns or ideas about policies as your senator, don't complain as military officers, because the military takes orders and obeys them, no debating, its the politicians that debate stuff, so feel free to debate stuff or question stuff all you want as Senators, this will -make for better character development.)

[Joesefus Quick]

Below I have included the latest version from the Grand Revision by the grace of His Majesty and Her Excellency.

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Section 6 - The Imperial Republic Armed Forces

The mandate of the Armed Forces of the Imperial Republic shall serve to protect the Imperial Republic, its citizens, leaders, and property; to defend the Charter; to obey the will of the Throne, the High Council, and the Senate united; to protect and serve the Supreme Ruler and his Royal Family; to eliminate and remove enemies of the State, to help the helpless and protect the innocent; and to secure the borders of the Imperial Republic.

Article 6.1-Minister of Defense

The Minister of Defense shall be appointed by the Supreme Ruler, and will serve as Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces. The Minister of Defense will answer to the Supreme Ruler, as will the entirety of the Armed Forces. The Minister of Defense will report to the Supreme Ruler and High Council, if active, on a regular basis. The Minister of Defense, as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces has the power to independently deploy and put into action the Armed Forces, that can be in effect for one month, provided it does not entail a full-scale war involving the whole Galaxy. Should this prove to be the case, the Minister of Defense will then report to the senate on his/her reasons for taking such action, and the Armed Forces’ progress. The Senate will make their recommendation to a member of the Throne in which the Supreme Chancellor, two members of the High Council, and the Minister of Defense will be present. Reports will also be submitted to the High Council to this effect. The Minister of Defense is authorized to direct and engage in these less then 30 day localized military operations, which are known as Policing Actions. For Policing Actions that last longer then thirty days, or spread through multiple localities, require Senate approval to continue. The Senate can vote to extended these prolonged and widespread policing actions in two ways. The first option at the disposal of the Senate is to authorize continued military engagement, in which the policing action would be elevated to a Congressionally Authorized Military Engagement. The second option at the disposal of the Senate is to issue a formal Declaration of War. If no Senate, High Council, or Throne approval is granted to extend the military action or a specific direction is made to cease actions immediately, the Minister of Defense must comply and withdraw troops. The Minister of Defense is required to report in writing to the Senate, High Council, and Throne, within 48 hours after he/she introduces troops into service in the specified region or area.


Article 6.2 - Standard Operating Procedures of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces

The Minister of Defense shall maintain and distribute the Standard Operating Procedures of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces, as approved by the Supreme Ruler of the Imperial Republic. This document shall serve as a code of conduct and standard for operations, by which the Armed Forces shall be bound, second to the Charter itself. Any modifications made to this document must be authorized and approved by the Senate Defense Committee and High Council, or the Supreme Ruler of the Imperial Republic.

6.2.a - Rules of Engagement

The Minister of Defense shall maintain and distribute the Rules of Engagement in the event that a threat should arise against the Armed Forces or the citizens, property, or government of the Imperial Republic. The Rules of Engagement and any changes made to it must be approved by the Senate Defense Committee and High Council or the Supreme Ruler before they take effect.

Article 6.3 - Policing Actions

When trouble brews around the galaxy and the freedoms and liberties of sentient beings are at risk, the Imperial Republic Armed Forces, per their mandate, are tasked with responding to these acts of barbarity and tyranny to restore Order and bring the heinous individuals to justice. The Imperial Republic Armed Forces can deploy for up to thirty-days to a locality to respond to the secluded circumstances and events taking place in an effort to restore law and order. Policing Actions are limited to individual localities and for no-more than thirty days. Any Policing Actions that the Minister of Defense predicts will last longer than thirty day, should be submitted for review to the Senate to be elevated to a Congressionally Authorized Military Engagement or a formal Declaration of War.


Article 6.4 - Authorized Military Engagements

The elevation of a Policing Action to an Congressionally/Sovereignly Authorized Military Engagement by the Senate, High Council, or Throne, establishes the existence of a State of War, but doesn't carry the full weight of a formal Declaration of War. A State of War allows the Minister of Defense to invoke emergency powers which include the following:

1) calling to active duty those reserve forces needed to safely execute all authorized military operations;
2) Allow the Imperial Republic Government direct priority use of communication carriers;
3) Criminizalize the obstruction of interstate or foreign communications and allows the use of the armed forces to prevent such obstruction;
4) Allow the seizure and use of duracrete-related property and others used for the purpose of starship construction;
5) Provide the Imperial Republic Government with priority in the purchase of any materials needed for the efforts of said military engagement;
6) Provide extensive authority to the Ministry of State to regulate economic transactions with foreign states and nationals, including the freezing and vesting of enemy property within Imperial Republic jurisdiction;
7) Allow the sale of war supplies, land or other property to allies of the Imperial Republic;
8) Make desertion from an armed force a permanent bar to naturalization;
9) Direct that a naturalized citizen shall lose their citizenship and nationality if they serve in the armed forces of a hostile state;
10) Make provision of defense-related information to enemy governments punishible by death or life imprisonment;
11) Criminalize interference with the operation of Imperial Republic Armed Forces and with recruitment;
12) Authorize the Ministry of State to direct the disbursement of, and authorize the Imperial Republic Trustees to release funds from the Democracy Fund to cover the costs of the military engagement;
13) Authorize the Executor to direct the Imperial Republic Trustees to release funds from the Emergency Savings Fund and reserves from the General Treasury to cover National Security operating costs and strategic acquisitions costs;
14) Allow the Imperial Republic to take control of transportation systems for military purposes; and
15) Allow precedence to the transportation of troops and raw material of war over all other traffic.

Article 6.5 - War

A Formal Declaration of War requires a 75% vote in favor and must be worded as such, " The Imperial Republic Armed Forces, under the supervision of the Minister of Defense, is authorized and directed to employ the entire naval and military forces of the Imperial Republic and the resources of the Federal, Regional, Local, and affiliated member Governments to carry on war against [the ‘Government’ of the particular nation or the terrorist group/organization, 'Name']; and to bring the conflict to a successful termination, all of the resources of the Imperial Republic are hereby pledged by the Senate/High Council/Throne of the Imperial Repulic.” A Formal Declaration of War, signifies the severity of a military conflict that is threatening the very core of the Imperial Republic, and authorizes the Minister of Defense to invoke the following Special War Powers, in addition to those in Article 6.4, to ensure the successful resolution of said military conflict:

1) The release of COMPNOR's Strategic Reserves of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Epidemic diseases, to be used against the Imperial Republic's foreign enemies;
2) Allow the Imperial Republic to seize property of the Seinar Fleet Systems and other similar organizations including shipyards, munitions and droid factories, and other industrial sites, for the purpose of manufacturing Superweapons and other military paraphernalia for war purposes;
3) Authorize the Minister of Defense to "apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove" foreign enemies and powers;
4) Allow surveillance of any kind by the military, Intelligence Service, Royal Guard, Security Bureau, and other security agencies, to obtain foreign intelligence information without a court order for fifteen days after a formal declaration of war;
5) Allow COMPNOR to: release emergency reserves and stockpiles for military and humanitarian use; freeze anyone's financial assets; nationalize public utilities or other entities or properties deemed vital to the National Security of the Imperial Republic; restrict the trading of stocks and commodities; authorize the Ministry of Finance to borrow or raise funds to cover the cost of war; and conduct advanced network warfare against the foreign enemy.

Article 6.6 - Martial Law

In times of unrest and instability in a legally established sector of the Imperial Republic, the Minister of Defense, may, in the absence of the Supreme Ruler, Executor, Supreme Chancellor, and Grand Minister of COMPNOR, declare Martial Law in any class A sector but Coruscant. A Martial Law decree in a class B sector requires declaration by the local governance or the Supreme Ruler of the Imperial Republic. An individual who is the Minister of Defense in an Interim or Acting capacity, shall not have the aforementioned authority, unless specifically granted by the Supreme Ruler. The authority to declare martial law on Coruscant shall lie solely with the Supreme Ruler and the Supreme Chancellor only and none other regardless of position. The Moff of Coruscant sector, if one exists, shall not have this authority over Coruscant. In absence of both of these parties the Throne Regent shall have this authority. Martial Law may also be put in place by command of any member of the Throne, or decree of the local Moff or Grand Admiral in the territory of a non-established Imperial Republic territory. Martial law may be rescinded by the same, or higher authority. The Senate or High Council also shall have the power to declare and rescind Martial Law in any class A sector or system. When martial law is in effect, the military shall have full executive authority over said system or sector, and all local laws and policies may be temporarily suspended. The sector and planetary governors, Senators, and COMPNOR leaders in that system shall be granted diplomatic immunity from martial law.

Article 6.7-The Grand Admiralty

The position (by virtue of rank) of Grand Admiral shall be by sole appointment or promotion performed by the Supreme Ruler. Each Grand Admiral shall command a mobile battle group or task force as assigned by the Minister of Defense. During times of peace, these mobile battle groups will be stationed outside of legally established sectors of the Imperial Republic, patrolling and policing problem areas assigned by the Minister of Defense or the Supreme Ruler. A Grand Admiral shall act as a territorial administrator over the sector or territory in which the Grand Admiral is present. A Grand Admiral may enter a legally established sector only on one of the following conditions: when authorized by the Minister of Defense; when authorized by a member of the Throne; in times of war; or during authorized military engagements. Upon authorized arrival of a Grand Admiral into an legally established sector, both military command and territorial governance shall immediately transfer to the Grand Admiral with the exception of the Coruscant and Kuat sectors, as well as the Hapes Cluster. Grand Admirals cannot overstep any other Grand Admiral or enter a sector with a Grand Admiral already present, with the exception of Corusant, or as authorized by the a member of the Throne or the Minister of Defense. If multiple Grand Admirals are in the same system at once, no Grand Admiral shall have authority outside of their assigned task force or battle group.The Minister of Defense may recommend applicants to hold the rank and position of Grand Admiral. The maximum number of Grand Admirals which may exist at any given time shall be twelve

Article 6.8 - Military Police

The Military Police shall be established and governed under the Standard Operating Procedures of the Imperial Republic Armed Forces. Their jurisdiction shall be restricted to within the confines of military property, personnel, and systems where a legally established sector government is not present but is within Imperial Republic territory.