You have to understand the code of duty and honor that rules those who
pilot these engines of destruction. Placing such an awesome weapon in the hands
of an individual implies a similar gesture of trust.
- Anastasius
Focht
During a meeting
with the First Circuit in 2933 Primus York proposed the formation of a standing
military for ComStar. This military, to be called the ComStar Guards and
Militia, would be a rapid-deployment, light infantry force constantly on call
for emergencies such as the abduction of prominent ComStar personnel. ComStar
would have the ability to repond quickly with some degree of military force in
times of need. Fifty years later, building from this foundation, the reigning
Primus and First Circuit began an ambitious MechWarrior training program.
The original
proposal called for the creation of eight regiments of full-time troops, but the
Primus settled for five regiments as a compromise with a liberal faction of the
First Circuit. The ComStar Guards and Militia would be based in the Sol system
and would remain under the combined control of the Primus and the First Circuit.
To fund the creation of a standing military, Primus York tapped the vast
resources of ROM, arguing that ROM would have less need for the money now that
ComStar would have a military force.
The core of the
Guards and Militia was the former mercenary Bandersnatches. Their contract was
dissolved and they accepted full-time permanent employment with ComStar. The
Guards and Militia would have the best equipment possible, vintage Star League
Defense Forces gear left behind after the Exodus.
Perhaps one of
the most interesting aspects of the formation of the ComStar Guards and Militia
was the revitalization of the Sandhurst Royal Military College in Berkshire,
England. The site had originally served as a training school for ROM. York
convinced the First Circuit to relocate the ROM training center and to approve
millions of C-bills for Sandhurst's renovation. The old military academy was
converted into a modern military complex, complete with BattleMech and aerospace
fighter facilities and training grounds.
Primus York knew
that the creation of a military force by the neutral ComStar would stun the
leaders of the Inner Sphere. In his messages announcing the formation of the
ComStar Guards and Militia, he told the leaders that these troops were strictly
for the defense of Terra and would train only in defensive operations.