Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Philosophers believed to have Achieved Critical National Mass
63-year old Secret Society emerges into light of respectability wit construction of new National Cathedral
Kaliburg, Ananto
September 10, 5213


New Philosophers' Agora in Chancellory Garden permits holding of National Conventions

A secret society which was formed in 5150 has achieved a national following and are celebrating with the grand opening of a National work of architectural art. The Eternal Order of Philosophers, a society that officially denies its own existence, is estimated to have something close to 75,000 members nation wide, and has large presences in most Kalistani cities. The largest chapter, known as the Capitol Academy, reportedly has more than 10,000 members alone, though exact counts are not possible. It is believed that the Eternal Order of Philosophers is an auxiliary of the Order of Grey Smoke, the official secret society associated with the Monarchy, and which is sometimes referred to as the Peerage, though about which almost nothing is known at all. The relationship is loose, but according to sources speaking on anonymity, is formalized internally.

But the most solid evidence of the group's existence and prominence lies in the construction and grand opening of the cathedral known as Chancellory Agora, which is a rather large complex adjacent to Chancellory Gardens, just north of the Imperial Seat and the Kalistani Yearly Meeting house. It is believed that this Cathedral can host conferences, and has an ornate auditorium that can seat more than 3000 comfortably. There is an adjacent ballroom, which can host functions for 1500 guests, a full kitchen staff which also operates a cafe for visitors, dozens of other rooms of unknown usage, as well as an office complex. The building is open to the public during weekdays, and since opening has already been toured by more than 10,000 individuals who are curious about the Order and its practices.

The existence of the Eternal Order may be one of the worst kept secrets. If a person is asked whether this Order exists, members respond with "The Order does not exist." If anyone claims that it does, this is a sure sign that they are not a member. Because of this, it is impossible to tell who is a member, and who is not a member, or to estimate how many members there are, or what role the members of the Order play in society. While the existence of the society may not be a huge secret, the things the Order does, or what their ceremonies consist of is almost unknown. To join, it is believed that a person must be sponsored by another member, but this is difficult to do since members deny the existence of the organization. Criteria for membership is utterly unknown, but the people who are believed to be members are often academics, small business owners, and members of the fine and performing arts community. Membership appears to be almost entirely confined to Kalistani Citizens from all classes.

In all, though the existence of the secret society known as the Eternal Order of Philosophers cannot be directly demonstrated, this organization has achieved national prominence. Its prestige is evidenced by the number of copy-cat, but far less secret fraternal Organizations which are being chartered in Kalistani cities: Groups like the Ancient and Absurdist Order of the Floob (named after Kalistan's long extinct native big cat) and the Kalistani Bear Lodge are orders which claim to be descendants from the Philosophers, though their ceremonies, initiation rites, and meetings are open to the public and are often documented and publicized.

Whatever the organization's secrets, it is clear that the Eternal Order of the Philosophers has achieved a national membership and an importance in the lives of a significant number of Kalistan's people. And for those who are not members, the secret aspect which exists in plain sight adds to the mysticism that surrounds the group. Public building efforts, "anonymous" civic activism aimed at city beautification and maintenance, as well as charity efforts from anonymous donors and overseas relief efforts.

Kaliburg-Port Davon's Grand Mayor Brendon Sexton noted, "The People of Kaliburg have a very high opinion of the Philosophers, who make it a point to contributing to the beautification of the City. We already owe several fountains to the 'anonymous' donations of several members and the Academy here, as well as the planting of trees. The capital's public works department receives multiple beautification requests annually, nominally from various local construction companies who are working with 'unnamed artist' or 'anonymous architect' to build statues on our street corners, beautiful friezes on our buildings, and mosaics into whole blocks of sidewalk. We benefit from free public music through most of our warm months, with classical musicians paid by 'anonymous foundation'. We don't tend to look gift horses in the mouth." This experience is echoed across much of the Empire, with the arts, museums, greenhouses, and public sporting events often patronized by "unnamed patron".

A group who is believed to be associated with the Philosophers, The Fox Society, named after the founder of Brethrenism, exists primarily to send students to visit foreign nations, in the interest of promoting a "universal comity and cosmopolitanism" among Kalistan's Youth. The group awards more than 650 four-year scholarships every year, which includes a generous per diem, as well as language and cultural training, so by the end of the experience, the student can fully immerse themselves in their host country's culture. The Group also funds high school trips to friendly nations across Terra, as a form of introductory experience. Kalistan's diplomatic corps often draws from Fox Scholarship recipients, and four current ambassadors are former Fox Scholars. The Fox Society has publicly expressed interest in exchange programs, and has supported them along with their other activities.

All Agoras associated with the Eternal Order of the Philosophers across the Empire, including the new Chancellory Agora welcome all visitors, and permit tours, both guided and self-guided. Guided tours can be scheduled up to 3 days in advance by calling the public phone number of the Agora, and are free of charge.

[Doc]

KME Pop artist Vicky scores a Number 1 on the Radio 5 Poll
Fresh off collaboration with Istalian Electronica trio Deepwaves, New LP represents new direction for LTD
Sulari, Suldanor
January 8, 5215


Vicky's new KME LP "Mis Mujeres y Yo" is first KME album to top Pop charts in more than 8 years

While it languishes at number 7 on the flagship Radio 1 Hot 100 Albums chart, KME pop singer Vicky's new LP has busted through to number 1 on the Radio 5 Pop/Dance Charts, and represents a new push by LTD to appeal to international audiences. Three years ago, Vicky, born Victoria Santos, from Yoshimi, was a featured vocalist on Istalian electronica trio DeepWave's smash hit "I Need Your Love", and since then, she has been hard at work, touring Kalistan's clubs and music venues, bringing her mix of KME and RF to all night partiers from Kaliburg to Sulari. Now her new album, which is a collection of more pop oriented KME and short instrumental pieces, called "Mis Mujeres y Yo" has become one of the best selling KME albums in decades.

Santos, who is 21 this year, remained humble in her success, "Naturally," she said in Vrassan, "We wanted to make a record which brings in that Guaduri flavor. My family is from there, of course, and we all feel there is not enough KME on the radio." She counts as her major influences KME artists like La Sol and La Mas Mala, but also Vrassan language pop singers like Jennifer Stepanov, Madysin Shakespeare, and Monica K. McPhearson. "In Kalistan, we don't hear a lot of the pop music on most of our radio and music television stations," said Vicky. "For some reason, in Kalistan, Pop music is not always the most popular music, which seems kind of strange to me."

Lyrically, Vicky's album falls squarely into the pop and RF columns. She sings primarily about relationships, romance, and having a good time at the club. "Mostly normal 20 something stuff," Vicky summarizes. But there are also songs that describe deep friendship, especially on the title track of the album, which talks about people the narrator can relay on to get them out of scraps, when things happen.

"On the surface, you would think it was all about partying and having fun," Vicky notes, "But beneath it all is a bit of a subtext: the club scene isn't always the safest place for young men and women. It seems that people who can get involved in a lot of dangerous things, and at the end of the day, the people you have to rely on are your friends, and yes even to some degree your family, to keep you out of some of those pitfalls. I wanted to make sure we were thinking about all that: We can still have a good time, but we have to take care of ourselves too."

As far as what Vicky would like to do now that her album is a success in Kalistan, she indicates that she is thinking big. "We made some good friends with Deep Wave and I think the Label (LTD Records) would like to try to work out a tour with dates in both Kalistan and Istalia, and possibly some other countries too. It seems our country gets along pretty well with them and I would like the opportunity to see the world. Egelian is a similar language in some ways to Istalian, and I think we'd do well there." For the meanwhile, she just plans to bask in her victory on the charts. "We put a lot of work and time into that album. Sure its pop and not like art rock, but I'm ready to just take a few days off. Then its back to the Grind!"

Vicky's Radio 5 Number 1 Album "Mis Mujeres y Yo" on LTD Records is currently at all record stores in the Empire, and sells online to international audiences.

[Doc]

Vicky Santos to Expatriate to Istalia
Recent tour impresses pop star
Sulari, Suldanor
September 8, 5217


Vicky Santos, who performs under the Stage name Vicky, prepares to relocate to Istalia from her home in Sulari

Following a successful tour of Istalia, Solentia, Zardugal, and Kanjor, International pop star Victoria Santos, who performs as Vicky, has decided that it is time to leave Kalistan. "I just fell in love with Istalia when I was there," said Vicky. "It's beautiful weather, its wonderful people, its delicious food. Its so different from Kalistan, and I just want to take the time to experience it all first hand."

Santos said she is taking the extraordinary step of declaring her intention to live and work in Istalia. "I intend to keep dual citizenship, if the government of Istalia allows it, but if not, I will surrender Kalistani Citizenship and become a naturalized Istalian. I am also in talks to begin working in Istalia, and have already acquired a condo in Romula."

Vicky intends to keep singing. "I want to learn Istalian. Speaking Egelian fluently gives me a head start. But I've taken a couple years in Istalian at the Yoshimi District College, and had no trouble talking with people when I was on tour. Writing songs in Istalian will be a challenge," Santos said with a laugh.

Vicky said she intends to return to Istalia by December to take up permanent residence. "Just when summer is beginning there!: she exclaimed. Her fans in Kalistan said they still intend to buy her music, and KME has already begun negotiating with Vicky's Istalian agent to import Vicky's records and market them in Kalistan. "I want to make sure that my fans know I have not deserted them," said Vicky. "But we all need changes of scenery every once in a while, and I look forward to starting my new life abroad!"

KRM wishes Vicky best of luck in her new life, and as she makes music news, we will continue to cover her.

[Doc]

New Trading Block for Northern Seleya
October 5220

Background

Four countries have come together in northern Seleya to further develop regional ties through signing up to the Comprehensive North Seleyan Trade and Diplomatic Agreement (CoNSTraDA). The Treaty has nine clauses that commit signatory members to removing barriers to trade, investment, immigration and tourism. Provisions also include diplomatic protocols and commitment to regional security.

The initial signatory member states are listed below, all ratifying the agreement in 5219;
• The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan
• The Republic of Likatonia
• The Commonwealth of Lodamun
• The Republic of Tukarali

The four members states all have key roles in the global economy, with Kalistan having strong investment, agriculture, information technology and petroleum sectors, Likatonia providing financial services, Lodamun shipping, forestry and agriculture and Terra’s strongest currency and Tukarali with its manufacturing and agriculture.

Foreign and Trade Minister meeting at the first conference of CoNSTraDA members, held in Lodamun

Inaugural Meeting

The inaugural meeting took place in the capital of Lodamun, the Golavian Metropolitan District. Lodamun has been one of the key driving forces behind the new agreement. The intent is for the signatory members to meet at a conference annually to discuss policies beneficial to member states and to the region more broadly.

Future Expansion?

The United States of Baltusia is likely to join the agreement in the near future with a proposal being debated in the House of Representatives. It is known that Valruzia and Gaduridos are potential future candidates, but are currently excluded by domestic legislation. Gaduridos currently forbids foreign investment and Valruzia does not grant diplomatic immunity to diplomats. Additionally the non-Seleyan Kingdom of Dolgava has been invited as the nearest neighbour of the northern Seleyan nations, however at this time no steps have been taken in the Kingdom to join the agreement.

[Doc]

Institutionalist Gun Clubs Ready to organize Militia
"Kalistan needs a robust defense," says local activist
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 12, 5239


Activists from Vintalli Originales GC, out of Sulari, hold Gun safety Informational Session in Downtown Kaliburg Ananto during recent Gun convention

Local gun enthusiasts have called on the Institutionalist Party of Kalistan to activate the Institutionalist Militia, in line with the ancient Party Militias Act, which has remained in effect for more than 2000 years. "It is time that Kalistan had a robest home defense force once again," said Edward Furstburg, the commander of the local Kaliburg Gun Club known as The Cadre GC- Capitol Chapter. "The Cadre has clubs all over the Empire, and we join with the other three major Kalistani gun clubs- The National GC, Vintalli Originales GC, and The Vrassan Generals GC and our affiliates- in calling for Party action to form us into a militia.

The All-Kalistan Firearm Convention, held last week in Ananto, brough gun enthusiasts from across the Empire to Kaliburg for three days of preliminary discussions on their passion for firearms. Also on the agenda was a resolution to call upon the Governing Party to begin organizing a new militia, with the Gun Clubs at the core of the effort. "Kalistan's militia system is still in place, though it has not been used in centuries," said Furstburg. "The Kalistani Gun Clubs have deliberately patterned our organization after the old Revolutionary Socialist Militia, into Duchy units, and we train and conduct war games on private land in Kalistan." The gun clubs also held gun safety and information seminars in the public square, and encouraged non-affiliated citizens to consider joining.

"In the gun clubs in Kalistan, we have more than 125,000 members," said Furstburg. "We are already working as a militia; why not just allow us to simply form one?" The resolution to request acknowledgement as the new Institutionalist Militia passed in convention with more than 90% approval. Some of the objections were to the wording, and some were to the removing ties to particular duchies. Most however were in agreement that the organizations they represented would be willing to constitute a new Institutionalist Party Militia. The matter was forwarded to Institutionalist Party Deputies, some of whom were observing the proceedings, as members of the gun clubs. The measure's fate from here is uncertain. But if the Institutionalists agree to action on the resolution, the new Militia could take the field within a year.

[Doc]

Preparations made for Emperor and Empress to retire
Grandson of David and Katherine to be named Crown Prince
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 9, 5239


William Ananto-Flores, sone of Prince David Ananto, to be named Crown Prince of Kalistan

Emperor David I Ananto, who has ruled Kalistan for more than 30 years, has finally announced his intention to retire from the Throne of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, and shall pass his imperial duties onto his grandson, the Kaliburg-based filmstar William Ananto-Flores, 19. Ananto-Flores currently does not have any official titles in the Empire, except the honorary "Prince", by way of his father, David II Ananto. Crown watchers were not surprised by the naming of William to the succession: David II has widely made it known that he does not wish to follow his father in affairs of state, and would immediately abdicate if he was chosen. William, on the other hand has agreed to serve as Monarch of the Empire upon his Grandfather's request.

To begin preparing himself for Imperial Administration, he has enrolled in Kaliburg National University in Kaliburg. He intends to take a course of study in History and Politics, during the day and splitting his time off classes between his social life and learning Government from his Grandfather. Royal ministers have reportedly seen this as an opportunity to craft a synchronicity between policy execution and public administration, and they will be part of the young Prince's education.

Ananto, who starred in two independent films last year, has said he enjoyed acting, and hopes to use the lessons he learned in film craft when he becomes Emperor. During a short speech announcing his accession to the office of Crown Prince, he stated, "The Emperor and the People of this country should be friendly with one another. I know our Emperor often serves functionary roles, like visiting foreign weddings and so forth, but I have learned in my career as an actor, that sometimes, you do what is right, and sometimes you do what is popular, and a wise person knows when to do one or the other. I may be a kid still, but I have controlled my own career for years now, and some of these lessons can translate into my new role. I look forward to getting to better know you, and I certainly look forward to having you be comfortable knowing me."

The Emperor will, as his mother did before him, remain in office for a few more years before officially handing the crown to William, while William is trained in office. Then both David I and the Empress Katherine I will retire, and will serve as ambassadors for the Empire.

[Doc]

William Ananto-Flores named Grand Duke of Ananto
Begins official duties while still Undergraduate
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 2, 5240


College Freshman and Future Emperor William Ananto-Flores named Grand Duke of Ananto as he begins his second semester

Taking a full load of political science courses, as well a political philosophy course this spring, William Ananto-Flores is a normal college student. But he is also now the Grand Duke of Ananto, and will begin his reign as Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan within the next few years.

Ananto-Flores, who goes by the name "Bill" was already fairly well known throughout Kalistan for a string of well received movies he either starred in or supported in his teenage years. Ananto-Flores got his start on KRTVN in a science fiction sitcom where he played an alien commander trapped in the body of a small boy. He then went on to do several reasonably successful teen comedies where he played the awkward newcomer to a school and fell in love with a wealthy girl in his class, even pretending to know Canrillaise to impress her.

Ananto-Flores is determined not to let his fame distract him or others. "I am just trying to not be too disruptive he,' said the newly minted Grand Duke of Ananto. "These kids signed up to learn and to have social lives. I am trying not to get in their way." Most students at Kaliburg National University, where Ananto-Flores is enrolled as a freshman, have been positive about his participation at the school. "I think its more impressive that he is a famous movie star," said classmate Renee de Chateau, of Dulnerstaad. "I mean, its cool that I get to hang out with the future Emperor, but when I first mentioned at home that I was in classes with him, my older sister wanted me to try to get his autograph, because she thinks he's adorable." Asked whether the Crown Prince is how she thought he would be, Nicollette Greene of Sulari said "Yes, he's very humble, and I think he's genuinely nice. I know some of these people here are trying to get to know him because their parents want them to make connections, but he also throws great parties, and works in the cafeteria. I think he's a really nice guy."

The addition of the Grand Duke title to Ananto-Flores' already sizeable class load does not deter him. "They are letting me keep it more or less proforma for the time being," said Ananto-Flores. "It's good that my great grandfather established a tradition of using the Grand Duke's title as a sort of apprenticeship. I have enough authority to convene legislative bodies, but I am not left alone to try to figure things out by myself. I get to learn by doing and making some mistakes, and otherwise, I hang out with my friends here at school and am learning a lot of great new things that I never really even had to think about before."

The Crown Prince says he wants to write a term paper on Edward Bennots: "I think his philosophy which was so important to Kalistan, is something I would like to study a bit. I'm probably not going to learn everything there is to know about him, but it will be very interesting to explore his thoughts."

[Doc]

10 Questions with... William Ananto-Flores
Future Emperor a "natural" in front of comedy audience
Sulari, Suldanor
October 8, 5240


William Ananto-Flores charms audience and answers sometimes very personal questions

Comedy talk show "The Real News" with host Philomena Dogaughnuk hosted the Crown Prince, Grand Duke William Ananto-Flores last night and the show was both highly rated and highly praised across the Empire. The future monarch, who is rather animated and feels comfortable in front of television cameras, has charmed the nation over the last year, and his personal popularity is already high.

"You're a natural, Sire," said Dogaughnuk, who fought with royal custom and courtesy while the Prince simply waved it off. "Please, dear. don't be so formal. "Your royal highness, Crown Prince Bill will do." a remark obviously played for laughs, was his response. "No seriously, Bill is fine. I am not a museum piece, yet."

While on set, Ananto-Flores, now 20, played a game that is a regular segment on the show, called "10 Questions with..." In the segment, the host will ask rather bizarre questions, mixed in with some general interest questions. Ananto-Flores was asked about his favorite subjects in school, (International relations theory), whether he had a girlfriend ("I see lots of women actually," said Ananto-Flores. "Mostly in the cafeteria, when I am serving them food, but there are a lot of women in my classes too. Oh you mean socially? Why are you interested?") and who his favorite band is ("Its this really great hiphop act who came up from Baltusia a few years back called Tap Roots. They are primarily in Yoshimi and Sulari right now, but they I think just signed a deal with probably ARC I think and are putting out a record in the spring. Cool guys..."). But he was also asked the typically bizarre questions that the segment is known for.

P(hilomena) D(oganghnuk): How many times have you rage quit while playing the game Dungeons and Dragons?
A(nanto-Flores): I'm sorry... what game is that?
PD: Dungeons and Dragons... Have you ever played it?
A: No, I don't think I ever... uh...
PD: Well, take my word for it, it is a cool game. So. If you could be any class in Dungeons and Dragons, why would you be a vampiric Bard?
A: A what?

PD: Alright, here's an easy one.
A: Good. I am ready for an easy one.
PD: What is the terminal velocity of an object 24 inches across, 12 inches wide, and weighing 295 pounds?
A: Hmmm... You do know I study political science right?
PD: I suppose you had better answer, Your... uh... royal... um studiousness. You are a college student
A: Well... What is my drag coefficient?
PD: uhhh... Standard?
A: OK... Well, carry the 2...
PD: of course...
A: I'd say roughly 1592 feet per second.
PD: Did you just come up with a number or something?
A: I could show you my work, but I would have to kill you then... so...
PD: Naturally...

PD: Have you ever dressed in women's clothing?
A: What kind of a question is this?
PD: One you agreed to answer...
A: You mean not for a movie?

and

PD: Are you aware that when you clean out a vacuum cleaner you become a vacuum cleaner?
A: Did you know that there are cookies and bacon, and you cook bacon and bake cookies?
PD: I was aware of that yes...

The Crown Prince also was asked semi-normal questions about his life. He mentioned that he was doing well in school, maintaining a solid B average, "Which," he added, "was not too bad, but I feel sorry for teachers who were told to give me better grades..." as he dragged an outstretched finger across his neck. He also recently joined the Drama Club, where he will be acting in a small role in the fall play to be put on this December. "It's about a man who has three daughters, each of which are plotting to kill him for his inheritance, but each of which plan to cut the others completely out of the will... I play the mailman..." to which the crowd laughed. "I know. I was in 5 movies before I was 18 and a television show that ran for 4 years, and they gave me 5 lines..." but then later admitted that he asked for a small role because he wanted to be part of the production, but didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to a larger part.

Most importantly, Ananto-Flores stated that he had recently begun attending Brethrenist meetings in Kaliburg. "I grew up in a Meeting, but got away from it when I started acting," said Ananto-Flores. "I was like, 'Oh, this is the family's thing... these people never talk so I sort of feel like I'm not getting much at the meetings..." so I stopped going for a long time. But my Friend Jana invited me to come back to the meeting and I find it is a great experience where I can just quiet my mind... And the Brethren don't do titles or any of that. At the meetings I am 'Friend' or 'Bill'. It's good to get away from all the extra stuff."

Overall, the episode was a hit, primarily among the 16-22 demographic. The weekly program originally aired on KRTVN 3, the nation's tv channel which specializes in comic television and movies, last Tuesday night, and has re-run twice since then. The Prince's constant public presence and easygoing manner is winning most Kalistanis to him, and ensuring that William will be the most popular monarch coming into office since the restoration of the Crown half a century ago. His participation in public activities is highly encouraged by the current Emperor, David I Ananto, and is seen as valuable training on the level of meeting dignitaries of foreign nations. "The new incoming Prime Minister is passing my grandfather's advice along to me, but much of it is kind of weird..." said Ananto-Flores. "... Stuff like always make sure that the second duke of whatever is not seated closer to you than this other duke... Like it doesn't make any sense out of context, but I'll be sure next time I am getting a cheeseburger at 'La Vaca Loca' I'll make sure that some old duke gets to sit closer to me, or whatever. But other than that, The Emperor, I think wishes he had spent more time visiting with the People, but he just never did, so I am trying to be a different kind of person than him, not trashing him or anything, just saying, he has good qualities that I will learn, and others... which I will avoid..."

The Crown Prince finished the interview, which stretched into two segments of the show, and bid the cheering and standing audience a fond goodbye. The host wished him farewell and said "Don't be a stranger, you are welcome here any time." to which he smiled and said he would love to come back.

[Doc]

Crown Prince prepares to Graduate
Indicates intention to do National Service
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 8, 5243


Crown Prince William begins final semester at Kaliburg National University this Spring

The presumptive successor to the Throne of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan is beginning his final semester at Kaliburg National University this month. It is widely expected that William Ananto-Flores will graduate in the Spring, after which point he has expressed interest in fulfilling his National Service obligation in the NSP.

"They tried to tell me that I didn't have to go in if I would prefer not to, because serving as the Monarch is in theory service to Kalistan," said Ananto. "But my friends will be joining the NSP as well, and I feel a strong civic obligation to do National Service, like every other young Kalistani."

The future monarch said he hoped to be assigned to either a bridge crew, or to work in one of the National Industries. "My grandfather strongly encouraged me to enter the foreign service corps, and while that would be an option, I feel like it would be viewed, correctly so, as me pulling strings given who my family is, to get out of normal service. I want to be treated as any other conscript my age: it won't be long before that is not even an option anymore."

The Crown Prince is finishing his university education with a host of electives. "I'm taking diplomatic history of the Nation, Republican Theory and Philosophy, History and Structure of the Luthori Language, and the History and Evolution of Kalistani Music. I think I have a high enough GPA to graduate with honors, and that's pretty good I think."

The Crown Prince was interviewed as he was visiting Institutionalist shooters in Kalistan. "These men and women will be redesignated the Institutionalist Party Militia at the end of March," said Ananto. "They will be the avant garde of our irregular force. It is nice that they were available to show me around, and introduce themselves to me. I am sure we will work closely in the coming years."

Emperor David I Ananto expressed typical regal stoicism about William's decision to put off coronation for a few more years, thanked William for carrying through his plan to get educated and for his dedication to National Service. "Though my retirement has been delayed by the wishes of my successor, young William is making himself into a more well rounded individual and I think this will serve as a credit to our Nation."

[Doc]

Registration of Militia aims to standardize Partisan training and operations
Independent Gun Clubs begin coalescing
Gendaris, Odufaray
February 15, 5243


Members of the 2/1 Odufaray Duchy Division of the MKI begin training in countryside

The historical difficulty that Kalistan has long had in its attempts to re-arm are finally being sidestepped once again by the re-activation of a Party's Militia. The Institutionalist Party of Kalistan recently filed its articles to establish its militia and begin working with the Regular Forces to conduct training exercises. Dubbed the "Militia of Kalistani Institutionalism" the militia formed, largely as a highly mobile, light armored unit aimed at perfecting irregular combat on Kalistani soil. The Institutionalist militia was formed largely along the same lines as another dominant partisan group in Kalistan's History, the RSMoK, which belonged to the Socialist Party of Kalistan and saw action in several conflicts in its history, including the Ananto War. However, there are some key differences.

"We wanted to build our units playing to the strengths that our partisans possess," said Staff Sergeant Vernon Samuelson, of the Second Battalion, 1st Regiment of the Odufaray Division of the MKI. "We've focused on getting shooting clubs organized into a militia, which naturally suggests infantry formations. Small arms and crew served weapons are easy to obtain, they are produced relatively inexpensively, and they allow a bit more mobility than the artillery batteries of old. Focusing on foot soldiers increases the mobility of the Partisan forces, allowing us to carry out our strategic mission more effectively."

The Militia, which will eventually consist of about 29,000 Partisans when it is at full strength, now sits at about 10% of that number, with companies forming in each of Kalistan's 5 duchies. Each unit will eventually do a form of basic training, based largely on the Regular Force's manual for recruit training, and will be mustered into a unit which is nearby his or her home. Men and women over the age of 18 are permitted to join the militia, and each must swear or affirm that they will support Kalistan's institutions and traditions. "We also do take an oath to the nation," said SSgt Samuelson, "but do not swear any sort of personal loyalty. Our mission is to protect our homes, our families, our Duchy and our Nation against those who would threaten any of those thing, enemies foreign and domestic. And that's it."

The full recruitment for the Militia is expected to take more and 14 months, and training will be constant that entire time. "After that, we won't accept more than we can use in the organizational structure," said Samuelson. "So we will utilize waiting lists and civil brigades, until a spot opens up. At this point, service with the militia will be an position of high honor and distinction. We expect that it should encourage even more people to seek to be part of the organization." Operations with the Regular Forces are also already beginning for some of the longer standing groups which started forming into Partisan units last summer, and have more training and experience. Soon that cooperation and use of Regular Force facilities will be open to all units.