House Steiner Uniforms

	Archon - (Archon-Prince): The Archon is the supreme commander of the LCAF and plays a major role in its operations. Most have military experience and are thus qualified to head the military, but the Archon may also nominate a Commander Pro-Tem to act in his stead. This is usually the General of the Armies, but it can be anyone of the Archon's choosing. However, not all Archers exercise this option. Many of the Lyran military's worst disasters can be traced to poor decisions by the Archon, The Archon wears the Final Steiner Cross. Like the Fourth Cross, this has four silver diamonds around a black pearl, with a silver orbit and an obsidian orbit. However, to distinguish it from the Fourth Cross, the diamonds of the Final Cross are split in half and the gaps filled with gold.
	General of the Armies - (Marshall of the Armies): General of the Armies is the highest rank in the LCAF, excepting the Archon. Unless overruled by the Archon, the General of the Armies has full command of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces and is responsible for guiding and shaping its strategy. The current General of the Armies, North Steiner, also serves as Commander Pro-Tem of the LCAF and regent in the Lyran Alliance. Fleet admiral is the highest naval rank and, though under the command of the General of the Armies, is in command of all LCAF naval forces. The General of the Armies wears the Fourth Sterner Cross, adding a second orbit of obsidian to the Third Cross.
	General - (Field Marshall): LCAF generals wield immense power. They command the front-line military theaters and serve as the heads of the most important military branches. To allow them to react to enemy operations, the theater commanders are the only LCAF commanders allowed to instigate military operations without prior reference to the High Command, though they are subject to an after-action review. Furthermore, holding the temporary noble rank of Margrave, the theater commanders are de facto military governors for all the worlds in their command. As such, they wield immense political power, but both the JAG Corps and the LIC maintain a close watch on their activities to limit any abuses. The naval equivalent is admiral. Generals wear the Third Sterner Cross, which adds an orbit--a silver disc--beneath the center of the cross.
	Kommandant-General - (Marshall): Kommandant-generals serve as aides to the commanders of a combat theater, overseeing many of the operations within the region. Indeed, with the general commanding the theater as much a military governor as a LCAF commander, many of the day-to-day responsibilities fall to the kommandant-general. Most notably among these is ensuring that the units remain in fighting trim. The naval equivalent is hauptmann-kommodore. Kommandant-generals wear the Second Steiner Cross, similar to the First Sterner Cross but with a black pearl in the center.
	Hauptmann-General: Hauptmann-generals command the five Kerngebiete and are responsible for protecting the civil and military infrastructure on the worlds in their charge. They must juggle the needs of dozens of units and liaison with planetary governments to ensure operations continue smoothly. With military actions in their area of responsibility rare, hauptmann-generals must be as much diplomats as military commanders. The naval equivalent is kommodore. They wear four silver diamonds arranged in a cross pattern. known as the First Steiner Crass.
	Leutnant-General - (Hauptmann-General): Leutnant-generals serve in a wide range of posts. They can command Regimental Combat Teams, act as deputy commanders for interior regions or take command of a service branch (usually a noncombatant arm). The naval equivalent is leutnant-kommodore. Leutnant-generals wear three diamonds, arranged m a "T" pattern on the collar.
	Colonel - (Leftenant General): Colonels are regimental commanders, responsible for overseeing their units' operations on the battlefield and off. Some colonels may also find themselves commanding a planetary garrison, a provincial militia or a sub element of an RCT. Thus, they are expected to be master tacticians and consummate diplomats. For many LCAF officers, the rank of colonel is the peak of their career. Higher ranks are political as much as military postings, and many officers choose not to move into such areas. The naval equivalent is kaptain. Colonels wear two silver diamonds.
	Leutnant-Colonel - The lowest senior officer rank, leutnant-colonels are the second-in-command of a regiment, in charge of information gathering and logistics. They may also serve as the commanders of key units in a battle, freeing the colonel to oversee the entire engagement The naval equivalent is leutnant-kaptain. A silver diamond worn on the collar denotes the rank of leutnant-colonel.
	Hauptmann-Kommandant: The rank of hauptmann-kommandant has no equivalent in other militaries, representing the senior battalion commander within a regiment. In addition to their normal duties, a hauptmann-kommandant is charged with ensuing the colonel's orders are passed an and understood. Furthermore, they serve as an information conduit between junior officers and the colonel, ensuring that the regimental commander has the information needed to make decisions. The insignia of a hauptmann-kommandant is an all-black spear point.
	Kommandant - (Kommandant): Kommandants serve as battalion commanders and are among the best field commanders in the LCAF. They are accomplished tacticians and administrators, often with at least a decade of service in the military. Their insignia is the hauptmann's black and blue spear point with a blue bar above it.
	Hauptmann - (Hauptmann): Hauptmanns are accomplished officers, usually charged with command of a company or a significant noncombatant element They are the highest rank to routinely see combat and are thus afforded a degree of respect by enlisted troops and NCOs that is lacking at higher ranks. Hauptmanns wear a spear point that has both interior "V"s blacked out.
	First Leutnant - (Leftenant): Leutnants who demonstrate their leadership and tactical skills receive a promotion to first leutnant and a full commission in the LCAF. Such officers command lances and platoons. They are distinguished from leutnants by the addition of a blue bar to their blue and black spear point.
	Leutnant: Leutnants are the most junior field officers. Unlike in other militaries, the LCAF does not recognize them as officers nor does it grant them a commission until they nave proved then leadership skills, Many leutnants serve as MechWarriors or pilots, though some are placed in command of a lance or platoon. Leutnants wear a spear-plant insignia with the innermost V" shaded black.
	Cadet - (Cadet/Subaltern): All troops undergoing officer training at an LCAF military academy receive the rank of Cadet. They wear leutnant's bars surrounded by red piping.
	Chief Warrant Officer: Chief Warrant Officers are the most senior technical officers, often responsible for a major technical facility. Administrative tasks dominate their routine, though they are expected to remain current in their fields. Chief warrant officers wear four Fletching bars
	Senior Warrant Officer: Senior warrant officers often command the technical detachments of a unit or a major noncombatant technical pest. They are regarded as masters In their field, though much of their time is spent on administrative duties. A sealer warrant officer wears three Fletching bars.
	Warrant Officer First Class: The rank of warrant officer first class denotes a high degree of competence and seniority Personnel with this rank often coat Tend work details. Their insignia is two Fletching bars.
	Warrant Officer: Warrant officer is the lowest technical grade in the LCAF. comprising the technicians. engineers and computer operators found in every unit Then insignia is a blue and black Fletching bar.
	Senior Sergeant Major: Only the most dedicated career soldiers attain the rank of senior sergeant major, serving as the senior NCO of a regiment or a major noncombat command. Most have at least 20 years of service with the military and are entitled to wear service braids on then dress uniform. The insignia of a senior sergeant major is a blue spear-point with two bars. The third V" of the spear point and the first bar are linked with a golden triangle, known as the Tharkan Spear Point
	Staff Sergeant Major: Staff sergeant majors are battalion NCOs and usually have administrative rather than combatant duties. They are charged with ensuring the smooth running of the battalion, maintaining bath order and morale. They also serve as a conduit between the officers and enlisted troops, being respected by both groups for their experience. Staff sergeant majors wear a spear point with two bars.
	Sergeant Major - (Sergeant Major): Sergeant major is the highest NCO rank normally found on the battlefield Individuals bearing this rank are usually found supporting company commanders, or even occasionally commanding 'Mach lances. Sergeant majors form the bulk of instructors in the LCAF's boot camps and oversee the first few weeks of training in many academies. The insignia of sergeant major adds a blue bar to the spear point of a staff sergeant.
	Staff Sergeant - (Staff Sergeant): Staff sergeants have at least five years' experience in the military and often command infantry platoons or vehicle lances A blue spear point insignia comprised of three stripes denotes then seniority. It is worn on the upper arms of their uniforms.
	Sergeant - (Sergeant): The various forms of sergeants play a vital role in the LCAF, bridging the gap between enlisted troops and officers. They manage the LCAF's day-to-day affairs, using their mix of leader ship skills and experience. In the field. sergeants command squads and vehicles. Academy-trained MechWarriors often start their career as sergeants. The insignia of a sergeant is a Hunter's Point containing a black circle.
	Senior Corporal: Senior corporals have more experience and responsibility than regular corporals and often undergo a period of leadership training under a sergeant Senior corporals often command squads or lead vehicle crews. A black triangle in their Hunter's Point denotes their seniority
	Corporal - (Corporal): The rank of corporal is the first with leadership responsibilities. usually involving command of a heavy weapon element or an infantry squad The insignia of corporal is the Hunters Point.
	Private, First Class - (Private, First Class): After six months' service, a private is promoted to private, first class (PFC). This signifies a degree of practical experience as well as the completion of any advanced training. The rank insignia of PFC is the Half Hunter s Point, similar to the Narrow Arrow but with a broad "fletching" on one side of the arrow.
	Private - (Private): Upon completion of their basic training, recruits are promoted to the rank of private. Privates also wear the Narrow Arrow but are also allowed to wear the Commonwealth Fist emblem
	Recruit: While undergoing their basic training, LCAF troops are known as recruits. The rank insignia is the "Narrow Arrow," a blue arrow bisected by a black line. They do not wear the Commonwealth insignia.

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		Archon's Unit Citation - This award is a unit commendation for any regiment that has performed above the normal call of duty (not war related) in the service of the Lyran Commonwealth.
		Valorous Unit Award - This award is a unit commendation for any regiment that has shown valor above and beyond the normal call of duty in the service of the Lyran Commonwealth.
		Dragon Slayer's Ribbon - This is a unit commendation for a regiment that has performed with exceptional skill against House Kurita
		Eagle's Feather - The Eagle's Feather is an actual black tail feather from the rare Atreus Fighting Eagle, awarded to a regiment that has performed with exceptional skill against House Marik.
		Hesperus II Baron's Unit Citation - This award is presented by the Baron of Hesperus II to friendly units fighting on and around his planet.
		Archon's Cross for Gallantry with Palm - This award is a unit commendation for any regiment that has shown exceptional bravery and valor above and beyond the normal call of duty in the service of the Lyran Commonwealth.
		Archon's Unit Citation of Merit - This award is a unit commendation for any regiment under the direct command of the Archon that has bravely fought and triumphed against enemy numbers.
		Archon's Unit Citation of Valor - This award is a unit commendation for any regiment under the direct command of the Archon that has bravely fought and triumphed against superior enemy numbers.

				Commonwealth Medal of Honor - The highest award the Commonwealth government can give an individual. It honors any soldier in the LCAF who, by his or her actions, snatches victory from the jaws of defeat. The medal is a large silver disk with a single gold star upon it. It hangs from a gold bar made of three pieces, each symbolizing one of the three allied domains comprising the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Medal of Honor has three grades; diamond clusters, gold oak leaf clusters, and silver bars.
				McKennsy Ground Pounders Medal - Originally conceived as an award only for non-Mech ground force members, over the years, it has been awarded so often to ground force senior officers, and even 'Mech officers, that it has lost its value for officers. However, for enlisted men and non-commissioned officers, receiving the Ground-Pounder's Medal for valorous action on the battlefield still means a great deal. The medal is a representation of McKennsy's Hammer and is worn about the neck on a blue ribbon.

				The Honor of Skye - The Duke of Skye awards this medal to any soldier serving in or with the Skye Rangers who has shown exceptional bravery while defending a planet within the Federation of Skye. The medal depicts an ancient Scottish warrior brandishing a claymore. It is made from gold and is worn on an emerald green ribbon.
				Order of Tamar Tigers - This medal differs from most in that it bestows membership in an order of honored heroes. The badge is silver, engraved with the regimental patch of the famed Tamar Tigers set within a sunburst. It is usually worn separate from the other medals. Some recipients wear the badge on their civilian clothes for formal occasions. The Archon or General of the Armies of the Lyran Commonwealth is typically the Grand Officer of the Order of the Tamar Tigers.
				Knight's Order of the Guard - Soldier's of the Lyran Guard, who perform acts of outstanding heroism are awarded the Knight's order of the Guard. It is generally accompanied by a land grant, and the recipient may be addressed with the title "Sir" at formal events.
				Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Bravery Gold Medal) - This award is given to a soldier which has shown exceptional bravery in the face of enemy fire.
				McKennsy Hammer - This award is given to officers who have shown particularly effective skills in tactics or strategy. The award is an actual silver block hammer weighting about nine kilograms.
				Order of Katherine Steiner - This medal is for individual members of the LCAF and is reserved for AeroSpace Fighter, DropShip and JumpShip pilots who have distinguished themselves in combat. The medal is a gold Steiner Fist set against a silver propeller and worn on a blue ribbon.

				Steiner Cross - Awarded to MechWarriors who have, in a single campaign, shown a 3:1 kill to loss ratio on the battlefield.
				Defense Meritorious Service Medal - The medal is awarded to Commonwealth servicemen for duty in the defense of Commonwealth planets or holdings. An individual must be in area of operations to be eligible to receive this award.
				Commonwealth Commendation Medal - This medal is awarded to servicemen who have shown character above and beyond the normal call of duty. Note: This does not have to be a combat only award, it may be give for non-combat action.
				Commonwealth Achievement Medal - This award is for servicemen who sought and accepted responsibilities above the call of duty. Note: this is a non-combat achievement award.
				Good Conduct Medal - This is awarded for each full year of service in the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces. It is awarded annually on the service members' anniversary date of enlistment into the LCAF. Note: The award is only give once, however for each additional year of service a appurtenance may be affixed to the service medal.
				Lyran Commonwealth Recruiting Medal - This medal is awarded to servicemen who have shown exceptional ability in recruiting new troops for the LCAF.
				Knight's Cross to the Order of Tharkad - The Knight's Cross to the Order of Tharkad, is traditionally awarded to senior command staff officers only, but has been awarded on rare occasion to valiant warriors who come to the aid of the Archon in a great hour of need. The Knight's Cross is accompanied by a land grant from the Archon's own personal holdings neighboring the Palace on Tharkad. This is a great symbol of the Archon's deepest gratitude for loyal and exemplary service.

Ranks and Uniforms of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces

Unit Awards of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces

Individual Awards of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces