Torus criticises lack of opponent for Sea Urchin

Torus has criticised the likely no-contest in the first election for NS President to take place in November. So far Sea Urchin is the only likely candidate (nominations will take place in early October), no on else from the higher ranks of New Sparta looks set to stand. There are rumours of a couple of middle ranking officers considering a run but they would have almost zero chance of success.

"If Sea Urchin is elected unopposed, or against a joke candidate, then i feel it will tarnish his authority." the former Deputy Commander said at a media briefing at her office. "We need a proper contest so the future of New Sparta can be debated. Sea Urchin has outlined some good ideas and he probably has my vote but i'd like him to face a proper challenge."

Three more planets devolve CDF forces

Three more planets in the Clone Star Empire have successfully "devolved" CDF Army and Air Force units into new National armies and air forces. Taragargi, Petric and Miliaris have completed the process joining Daggaddon which was completed last year as a trial. There were problems in transferring personnel to the new National forces though the process has been a success the CDF has claimed. Critics point out, however, that only minor planets in the empire with relatively small garrison forces have been converted so far.

Admiral Anderson said that a next tranche of conversions would be made over the next 12 months and would include major planets in the empire though did not specify which. One major obstacle was CDF personnel who did not want to remain on planets as "settlers" though the CDF was building a database of personnel who would wish to transfer to help fill gaps.

Anderson announced the new formation of forces on Taragargi as an example of the devolution process:

Clone Army - Taragargi Division
190 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
8719 Panzer Company (T-55Z)
6125 Artillery Battery
340 Red Lizard Squadron

Clone Air Force - Taragargi Command
807 Air Defence Regiment (K40)
1209 Combat Support Regiment (K85 + K44)
7782 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)

Taragargi Army
34(A) Panzer Regiment (T-89)
79(B) Panzer Regiment (T-55Z)
110 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
111 Mechanised Infantry Regiment
458 Infantry Regiment
507 Infantry Regiment
606 Infantry Regiment
769 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
801 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
955 Infantry Regiment (Reserve)
1210 Transport Regiment
1309 Transport Regiment
1350 Transport Regiment (Reserve)
5117 Artillery Regiment
450 Engineering Regiment

Taragargi Air Force
503 Air Defence Regiment (K47)
679 Air Defence Regiment (K40)
411 Ground Attack Regiment (K84)
126 COIN Regiment (K85)
144 COIN Regiment (K85)
153 COIN Regiment - Reserve (K85)
172 COIN Regiment - Reserve (K85)
278 Observation Regiment (K85+K85O)
557 Electronic Warfare Regiment (K72+K85O)
912 Transport Regiment (K44+K48)
967 Transport Regiment (K39)
998 Transport Regiment - Reserve (K48+K39)
1209 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)
1560 Army Co-operation Regiment (Z26)
1787 Army Co-operation Regiment - Reserve (Z26)

NS looking into "common core" for future warships

New Sparta has begun early development work on the future generation of warships for the NS Space Fleet - though any entry into service is still decades away. Dr Forbidden gave a briefing yesterday where he discussed the latest NS ideas including the "common core". This is the base spine of a spaceship - power and control systems - with mission dependent modules and facilities added depending on the ship's role.

For example future Fleet Combat Ships and Medium Combat Ships could have the same common core but have different modules added. This, it is thought, would reduce costs and increase reliability. While no new NS types are planned in these areas for some time the common core ideas may be used in future export orientated types.

Sea Urchin will not be the "continuity candidate"

Sea Urchin, who looks increasingly likely to be the only candidate in the first election for New Sparta President, has said he will not be the continuity candidate some expect. Sea Urchin said he will not continue along the same general trajectory as Knobhead but will instead instigate some major changes.

It is thought NS Terrestrial Forces could be the early focus of his attention with Sea Urchin questioning whether NS' land force component is what NS needs in this sphere. Sea Urchin is thought to also want to reorganise the space fleet.

Uniforms to be updated to Combat Wear 5.0

Service clothing and personal protection for NS personnel is to be updated to Combat Wear 5.0 standard over the next 2 years. The biggest change will be the merging of Integrated Force Goggles - the eyewear worn for protection in combat situations with augmented reality features including targeting with the Darli laser rifle - with the standard NS headwear. NS personnel won't need to carry IFGs with them, the new goggles will pop down from the headwear automatically.

Prowler troops will also have a chameleon layer on their uniforms with active visual stealth. Blast protection and bio-monitoring systems will also be improved.

Second generation Darli enters service

The "Darli" laser rifle now in use by NS special forces and a growing number of Terrestrial Force personnel has received its first major update. The rifle is officially the DAR-L2 though will retain the "Darli" (derived from DAR-L1) nickname. Interestingly NS have chosen not to change the official name to NAR as the D in DAR stands for DDS!

DAR-L2 has an improved battery pack with better charge retention, faster charging and higher output. The Augmented Reality targeting system has also been enhanced following feedback from experience in the field.