An Act to establish the Markonian Armed Forces, define their structure, regulate their administration, and provide for matters connected therewith.

Be it enacted by His Highness the Prince of Markonia, by and with the advice of the Cabinet duly assembled, and in the exercise of the sovereign authority of Principality, as follows:—

Section 1 — Short Title
 

This Act may be cited as the Markonian Defence Act.

Section 2 — Interpretation
 

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

• “Armed Forces” means the unified military service of Markonia established under this Act.
• “Minister” means the Minister of Defence.
• “Chief of Defence Staff” (CDS) means the professional head of the Armed Forces appointed under Section 10.
• “Prince” means the Sovereign of Markonia.
• “Member” means any person serving in the Armed Forces.
• “Regulations” means regulations made by the Minister under this Act.

Section 3 — Establishment of the Armed Forces

1. There shall be established a single, unified military service known as the Markonian Armed Forces.

2. The Armed Forces shall be under the supreme authority of the Prince.

Section 4 — Purpose of the Armed Forces
 

The Armed Forces shall:

a. defend the Principality of Markonia;
b. safeguard its territorial integrity;
c. support civil authorities when lawfully requested;
d. participate in international peacekeeping or humanitarian operations as authorised by the Prince;
e. perform such other duties as may be assigned by law.

Section 5 — Minister of Defence
 

1. The Minister shall be responsible for the administration, policy direction, and oversight of the Armed Forces.

2. The Minister shall not exercise operational command except as expressly authorised by the Prince.

3. The Minister may issue regulations for the governance, discipline, and administration of the Armed Forces.

Section 6 — The Prince
 

1. The Prince is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces.

2. The Prince may delegate any military authority to the Minister or the Chief of Defence Staff.

Section 7 — Cabinet Oversight
 

The Minister shall report to the Cabinet on matters of defence, readiness, procurement, and international military cooperation.

Section 8 — Appointment

1. The Prince shall appoint a Chief of Defence Staff on the advice of the Minister.

2. The CDS shall hold office at the pleasure of the Prince.

Section 9 — Functions of the CDS
 

The CDS shall:

a. serve as the professional head of the Armed Forces;

b. exercise operational command of all military forces;

c. advise the Prince and the Minister on military matters;

d. ensure readiness, training, and discipline;

e. implement defence policy as directed by the Minister.

Section 10 — Relationship Between Minister and CDS
 

1. The Minister is responsible for policy; the CDS is responsible for operations.

2. In the event of conflict between policy and operational necessity, the matter shall be referred to the Prince.

Section 11 — Unified Rank Structure
 

1. The Armed Forces shall use a single, unified rank system.

2. Ranks shall be as follows, in order of seniority:

Commissioned Officers:

• Grand Marshal of Markonia (ceremonial)
• Marshal
• Lieutenant Marshal
• Major General
• Brigadier General
• Colonel
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Major
• Captain
• Lieutenant

Warrant Officers:

• Chief Warrant Officer
• Senior Warrant Officer
• Warrant Officer

Non‑Commissioned Officers:

• Sergeant Major
• Staff Sergeant
• Sergeant
• Corporal

Enlisted:

• Senior Trooper
• Trooper

Section 12 — Commissions and Enlistment
 

1. Commissions for officers shall be granted by the Prince.

2. Enlistment of other members shall be conducted in accordance with regulations.

3. No person may serve in the Armed Forces except under lawful commission or enlistment.

Section 13 — International Equivalence
 

For the purposes of interoperability, the unified rank structure shall correspond to NATO rank codes OF‑1 to OF‑10 and OR‑1 to OR‑9.

Section 14 — Terms of Service
 

1. Members shall serve for such terms as may be prescribed by regulations.

2. Members may be discharged, retired, or transferred in accordance with regulations.

Section 15 — Discipline
 

1. Members of the Armed Forces shall be subject to military discipline as prescribed by regulations.

2. The Minister may establish courts‑martial and disciplinary procedures.

Section 16 — Training and Readiness
 

The CDS shall ensure that the Armed Forces maintain appropriate levels of training, readiness, and capability.

Section 17 — Deployment of Forces
 

1. The Prince may authorise the deployment of the Armed Forces within or outside Markonia.

2. The Minister may authorise limited domestic deployments for civil assistance.

Section 18 — State of Emergency
 

1. In a state of emergency declared by the Prince, the CDS may exercise such additional powers as may be prescribed.

2. All emergency actions shall be reported to the Minister and the Cabinet.

Section 19 — Procurement and Property
 

The Minister shall oversee procurement, logistics, and the management of military property, in consultation with Crown Holdings Inc. where appropriate.

Section 20 — Regulations
 

The Minister may make regulations for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Section 21 — Commencement
 

This Act shall come into force on the date proclaimed by the Prince.