Parthian Army

[Kaiser Kirk]

Parthia has a large standing army backed by a large reserve force.
I may not elaborate much further, but I suspect I will.

[Kaiser Kirk]

The Parthian Army

The Ancient Parthian military was a fairly feudal force, with professional noble cavalry and conscripted infantry. The Throne maintained an elite force of Foot Soldiers, who's composition changed over the centuries.

Dating to the Reconquest in the 650-700 realm, the idea of Commanding officers as orchestrating troop movements, rather than leading the charge, came into vogue. This was largely due to rise of Queens with limited hand-to-hand skills, a lack of valid heirs (after Kavadah II secured his claim via murder of his 18 brothers), and the need to avoid the loss of the Monarch in battle or a further succession crisis (as Kavadah II's death from plague caused...since there were few male heirs).  This lead to by the Succession Proclamations. The result has been that the Spahbed (Generals) of the Parthian army are expected to command first, charge later.

The Parthian army introduced professional technical soldiers as Engineers and Artillerists in the 1300s.
The problems of Cavalry-trained officers commanding infantry, Engineers and Artillery became evident and by the 1400s junior officerships were awarded to commoners of merit.

In 1598, a 'New Model' Parthian army was instituted. A Military academy for the formal training of Engineers and Artillery was established, followed by a school for officers.
The army was established as an officer led, professional force.  Officers had to stand before an interview panel before they could be promoted, and stood 4 year reviews.

For the Infantry, Engineers and Artillery, the professionals in times of war would become NCOs who served as the cadre to whom conscripts would be assigned.
Older soldiers were transitioned away from simple infantry to artillery, quartermaster and fortress assignments.
For the Cavalry, Nobles were responsible for providing "Lance, Squadron, or Troops" depending on the size of the fief. Those were organized in mixed "Battles" determined in peacetime.

After the Noble's revolt of 1848, the Cavalry was turned into a regular military force. Further, the Nobles no longer were awarded or could purchase officer ranks. Unless a graduate of a Military School, they had to start as no better than a Lance Corporal, and could apply as an officer candidate after that. The result as a sudden trend towards Nobles enrolling in Military Schools.

Between 1850 and 1870, the equipage of the military stagnated as the focus was in producing an integrated professional force reflective of the nation. This led to percussion cap rifles and bronze smoothbores cannon facing needle guns and breechloaders in the next war.

The Parthian Army was further reformed in the 1880s, with equipment being substantially modernized. Universal service was introduced, boosting the manpower basis of the military beyond what was needed. A large number of conscripts, after attending basic training, are shifted to civic service projects. Two years' service in the army is considered equal to Three years in civic service. 

Military Uniform Colors
Infantry : Forest Green with Charcoal Grey Trim
Artillery : Forest Green with Bronze Trim
Cavalry : Persian Blue coats and cream pants, silver trim, with thigh boots.
Quartermaster : Charcoal Grey tunic, brown pants

Medical : Burgundy Overtunic & chaps over Charcoal grey tunic and brown pants.