"There's only one way to ensure a tyranny-free Sunrise, and it is clear that's under the Midwestern banner."
John Millard of the 1st Sunrise Volunteers, when asked why he volunteered.
The Regimental Flag of the 1st, designed by a local volunteer with origins from Brissette.
"Answering the Call"
Service History: Sunrise Isles Theater (2165 - PRESENT)
Activated: February 2165
Leadership: 25th Naval Infantry Command Subsidiary
“It has become evident that the people of Sunrise hold a deep hatred for the Coalition in their hearts. As such, they are welcomed with open arms.”
Captain Brown, 2165
With the formation of a formal army and the complete extinction of volunteer militias within the borders of the Midwestern Union, the New Model Army had to find a new way to keep up their professional appearance while accepting help from those not properly enlisted or not from within the Union itself. This led to Army Command authorizing the "Call to Arms" directive to all frontline units, allowing commanding officers to deputize wasters, citizens, and even contractors under a Volunteer Regiment. The formation of these Volunteer Regiments allow for the New Model Army to either buy time while waiting for proper reinforcements, or simply gain additional manpower without pulling units off other fronts.
From the onset of the 25th’s initial landing on the Sunrise Isles, fostering a positive relationship with the local population has been a principal goal in the effort to uproot the Coalition. Building these ties has been a difficult process considering the NMA’s closed-off nature, thus it has been decided that the 25th will offer the Sunrise populace a path into the fold.
As a way to introduce the locals of Sunrise to the Midwestern Union, the 25th Naval Infantry Regiment have activated an open unit for the locals of Sunrise declared as the 1st Sunrise Volunteers. Being entirely open to the wasteland populace, the unit follows a rather loose screening process including a simple contract, and a brief overview of the history of the Midwestern Union. This leads to the volunteers being rather diverse in all aspects, however many join for similar reasons. Either from a deep rooted hatred for the Coalition, a genuine belief in the Midwestern Union's ideals, or simply trying to get a warm meal. Surprisingly, unlike the 25th currently on Sunrise, Volunteers in the 1st actually receive a miniscule paycheck on the isles. The paycheck is usually a portion of what is collected from toll fees, meaning that their pay is based on their effectiveness. As a final bonus for their service, volunteers with an exceptional service record may be offered full MWU citizenship along with a plot of land back in the Union if they so choose.
THE VOLUNTEERS
Can be Roleplayed by Anyone
Volunteers are individuals with a variety of backgrounds who have their own reasons for wanting to take up the fight against the enemies of the MWU. Volunteers are considered to be a part-time fighting force; being allowed to go off-duty as a regular wastelander, however they cannot go “on-duty” while not in a patrol or outpost with at least one member of the 25th Naval Infantry. The 25th Naval Infantry embraces the fact that there are no official roles for the Volunteer Regiments, meaning that not all volunteers directly fight for the NMA, and may serve as support in non-combative roles. Due to this, Volunteers may come from a plethora of occupations that are just as useful if not more-so than the average contract fighter. These roles could range from wasters with medical knowledge working alongside NMA physicians to salesmen helping with logistics. Although not officially confirmed by the 25th Naval Infantry's Command, paid mercenaries are also not an uncommon sight in the 1st Sunrise Volunteers. Droids may also be rarely seen within the 1st, though are not afforded the same privileges as human volunteers.
Volunteers are required to wear a yellow scarf or neckerchief serving with the 25th Naval Infantry. Volunteers who reach the rank of Veteran Volunteer are to wear a dark blue neckwear.
General Rules
Volunteers are expected to adhere to all New Model Army server and Flashstorm rules, both IC and OOC. There are no exceptions.
Volunteers can only be unaffiliated characters. No UFF, SUFF, OFF, or LF faction characters are allowed UNLESS they first served as a Penitent (Exceptions made by HR+ decision)
While Volunteers are considered active members of the NMA, they are permitted to go fully off duty as an unaffiliate. Keep in mind that, once you are off duty, you do not have the resources of the New Model Army, and as such may not use them as a shield.
Aesthetic Rules
Volunteers are expected to uphold a proper wasteland aesthetic, and may not dress extremely formal, techy, tactical, etc. Further, Volunteers are not permitted to have excessive 3D rigging or 3D clothing aspects so that their appearance remains in line with members of the NMA. It is not a requirement but it is recommended that blue clothing is visible on your character, as well as any New Model Army headwear. Volunteers can only wear one piece of SPL1 armor which cannot be overly tactical. You may freely contact MR+ to ensure your OC doesn't violate any rules before joining the Volunteer program. NMA Staff may remove you from the Volunteers if you fail to follow these guidelines..
Volunteers cannot use overly powerful weapons, unless purchased from the Quartermaster. Volunteers are expected to use more scrap, hunting, or civilian style firearms. Generally, it is recommended to stick to weapons in the NMA equipment guide, along with some scrappy lasers.
Rewards & Rank up Rules
To give something to work towards, Volunteers are able to be awarded Quartermaster slips which can be spent to buy select items from the 25th’s Quartermaster System. Volunteers may also rank up to Veteran Volunteer, which puts them on the track of transferring that character into the 25th Naval Infantry if agreed upon by New Model Army HR+ and the Volunteer.
Only humans and droids are eligible to become Volunteers, with only the former being able to formally join the 25th as an Infantryman.
Droids must get CR+ approval to be Volunteer.
Examples of what members of the 1st Sunrise Volunteers may look like.
THE PENITENTS
Free to play by LR+, XR must have/be given reason by MR+
While technically falling under the umbrella of the 1st Sunrise Volunteers, there are some who have been pressed into service in order to “redeem” themselves in the eyes of the Union. Penitents are those who have wronged the Midwestern Union in some way and are thus forced into military service to “pay off their debts.” Composed mostly of criminals, Penitents are forced to endure any and all hardships the 25th Naval Infantry throw at them, whether it be something as menial as digging trenches, or as suicidal as facing down the Biomass. Penitents who diligently serve their time are offered a wealth of opportunities, including the chance to join the regular Volunteer program or gain citizenship in the MWU. Of course, these possibilities do not extend to mutants or half-breeds, who may only earn their freedom. Another purpose of the penitents is to test deserters of other factions, making sure they are loyal to their choice of joining the MWU and abandoning their former ties.
Penitents must wear a red bandana at all times.
Penitents are the only group in the New Model Army that Mutants and Halfbreeds may join.
Deserters/captured members from other factions must get HR+ Approval from both the NMA and faction they deserted from to become a Penitent. As willing members, deserters may be subject to lessened sentences than those taken prisoner.
Penitents do not have a set duration to their service, and it is fully up to the player on if they want to naturally earn their freedom or arrange a set sentence with an HR+. However, by becoming a penitent you must stay as one for at least one OOC week before asking an HR+ if you may be released or attempt to escape.
Penitents follow the same aesthetic rules as Volunteers, and are recommended to wear worse clothing items to show off their impoverished and undersupplied state.
Penitents are only issued firearms in specific circumstances, and are otherwise allowed to carry a melee weapon.
HR+ are granted APTK on Penitents for extreme disobedience or munity, while MRs may be granted it by HR+s. This is only reserved for the most extreme cases.
Members of the volunteers advance down a city street.