Rathlin Royal Militia
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The Rathlin Royal Militia also known as just the Rathlin Militia is a civilian armed group on Rathlin Island set out to defend and garrison the island. Rathlin currently has no military presence, except for coast guard and border guard units. Its defence is entirely up to the militia on Rathlin.
As Rathlin itself is an island isolated from the mainland conflict isn't as prevalent but armed terrorist groups such as the PROVOs and INLA pose significant threats to the island.
History
The militia unit was raised on the 6th February 2024 too ensure the security of Rathlin island whilst ensuring military units would not be deployed there and ensuring Rathlin would not become a military garrison island.
The militia for the most part is also ceremonial, with occasional parades, garrison and events.
Purpose
The militia's job is too ensure the general security of the island, of which they do patrols, trainings, drill, counter-terrorism operations, they work heavily with the Rathlin Constabulary with many of them also being members of it.
The militia is permitted to open fire on suspected insurgents. As Rathlin is used as a logistics hub for the Provos, INLA, IRA, CNLA, SNLA and NLA it is a regular hotspot for both insurgent vs insurgent tensions and insurgent vs militia tensions.
The militia in which are supplied with armoured transport vehicles to help with riot control, armed support and are known to operate one EC 135 helicopter for recon.
Organisation
The Rathlin Royal Militia consists of 1 active platoon and 3 reserve and 1 independent support squad.
- 1st platoon, HQ Rathlin Barracks
- 2nd (reserve) platoon, HQ Rathlin Barracks
- 4th (reserve) platoon, HQ Rathlin Barracks
- 5th (reserve) platoon, HQ Rathlin Barracks
- 1st independent support squad, HQ Rathlin Barracks
1st Independent support squad
The 1st Independent support squad operates the only tracked vehicle within the Rathlin Royal Militia, the Chieftain Mk.5 which is a Corkonian variant of the Chieftan tank with its main gun removed, the independent support squad (1ISS) offered armoured transport and reconnaissance for militiamen.
Installations
The militia has 2 posts on Rathlin and a recruitment centre in Danstown. Its headquarters is set in Rathlin Barracks near the airstrip with a training facility. The militia is known to also house a EC135 helicopter on the Rathlin island airstrip.
Uniforms
Uniform
The uniform of the militia on Rathlin involves a British Army No.2 top with a kilt, this is as No.2 were in abundance after the collapse of Northern Ireland. Cork was able to snatch up large stockpile of No.2 gear in its conquest of Cornwall and with large amount of uniforms with nothing to use them, they were distributed to militias. At first militias protested this however county governments warned them it was that or they had to raise funds for their own uniforms, and at the time the Corkonian punt was not in its best economic state. So militias took the No.2 dress. As Rathlin island is north of Hibernia and is relatively more Scottish, they feature the kilt.
Headwear
The militia wear the pith, specifically a khaki infantry variant. This is distinctive to garrison troops in Cork. So why not a beret or cap? Well the pith is more ceremonial, some militia men will be equipped with berets but for the most part, all wear piths to symbolise Corkonian imperial expansion. Additionally, it is used to make militiamen appear bigger and more structured.
Belt
The Rathlin island militia has its own stable belt. It goes white, red, black, red, white. This follows the colours of Rathlin's flag.
Cap badge
The cap badge features a puffin wearing the Corkonian crown. The puffin is the official bird of Rathlin. Rathlin island is abundant in puffins and the flag even features them.
Additional gear
Some militiamen are equipped with webbing for carrying ammo/grenades/ect, however not all militiamen are granted webbing. Some are seen with vests however that is when there are tense situations where body armour is needed.
The militia itself has adopted the old I1 (iteration one) camo patterns from 2022, as the Corkonian army has abandoned these uniforms some county governments have begun issuing them to militias, Donegal included.
Equipment
Guns
The Rathlin Royal Militia has a rather small arsenal of weaponry. These are:
- L85A1M1 (L85A2 without full auto fire)
- FN FAL
- Webley Revolver
- Bren Mk.4
Vehicles
The Rathlin Royal Militia is known to operate around 5 Tommoney apc, for the most part they operate civilian vehicles.
They are issued disarmed military vehicles, such notable one is their gunless chieftan tank.
They do operate one EC 135 helicopter for transport + reconnaissance.
Operations
Battle of Belgrade
The Rathlin Militia was present in the Battle of Belgrade in which 43 of its volunteers perished in the battle. They were able to support the Celtic Union and score a victory, however at big costs. With this the Rathlin Royal Militia was given "Belgrade" as their battle honours and it can be seen on their colours.
Warcrimes in Belgrade
Some people have warned of Militiamen committing war crimes, such as the killing of up too 23 civilians, this has not been confirmed nor denied and no Militiaman has faced trial.