Overview
The Australian Foreign Legion (AFL) is a military organization composed of volunteers from countries not under the control of the Empire of Australia. Highly regimented, organized and disciplined, the AFL reports directly to the Empress of Australia under the command of a member of her family, typically an aunt, cousin, or niece. Its ranks are roughly 70% female and 30% male, with the majority of highly-ranked positions being occupied by women. In 2021, in Decrét 3471, Empress Eleanor the Thirty-Third ordered the AFL to begin operations around the world to protect wildlife. It was announced the divisions of the AFL would be distributed around the world to assist with the protection of the Mountain Gorilla in the Kingdom of Kongo, Rhinos in the Empire of Kitara and the Ndebele Kingdom, and Polar Bears in Canada.
In Depth
The Australian Foreign Legion (AFL) was established in 1873 through Décret 2781 by Eleanor XXVII as a means to incorporate foreign volunteers into the Empire’s military structure while maintaining strict loyalty to the Australian crown. The organization was modeled partially on the ancient Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire, with the crucial difference being its openness to all genders and nationalities.
The AFL maintains strict neutrality in international conflicts unless directly ordered otherwise by the Empress. This has allowed it to operate effectively in both allied and neutral territories. The organization’s focus on wildlife protection has helped improve the Empire’s global image, particularly in regions historically skeptical of Australian influence.
Organizational Structure:
The AFL is divided into specialized divisions:
- Protection Division
- Wildlife Protection Division (established 2021)
- Maritime Operations Division
- Desert Warfare Division
- Mountain Combat Division
- Urban Operations Division
- Arctic Warfare Division
Current Leadership:
Duchess Alexandra of Tasmania, cousin to Empress Eleanor XXXIII, serves as the current Commander-in-Chief. The AFL maintains its own training facilities on Madagascar, with specialized training centers in Cyprus and Iceland.
Recruitment and Training:
Recruits must pass rigorous physical and psychological evaluations. Initial training lasts 18 months, including:
- Advanced combat techniques
- Language instruction (English, Māori, and one other language not spoken in the Empire are mandatory)
- Cultural integration
- Environmental conservation
- Diplomatic protocols
The high percentage of female personnel (70%) reflects the Empire’s matriarchal traditions dating back to Eleanor of Aquitaine. This gender distribution has proven particularly effective in wildlife protection operations, where female leaders have shown superior results in community engagement and long-term conservation efforts.
Equipment and Technology:
The AFL utilizes advanced Australian military technology, including:
- Eco-friendly vehicles and vessels
- Non-lethal crowd control devices
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Sustainable field bases
Wildlife Protection Division
Wildlife Protection Operations began with the declaration of Décret 3471 by Empress Eleanor the Thirty-Third in 2021. The three major operations to date are:
1. Mountain Gorilla Protection Unit (Kingdom of Kongo)
– 2,000 personnel
– Advanced anti-poaching technology
– Community education programs
– Veterinary support services
2. Rhino Defense Force (Empire of Kitara and Ndebele Kingdom)
– 3,500 personnel
– Drone surveillance networks
– Forensic tracking systems
– Local ranger training programs
3. Polar Bear Conservation Corps (Canada)
– 1,500 personnel
– Climate change monitoring
– Indigenous community partnerships
– Arctic habitat preservation
The Legion’s success in wildlife protection has led to requests from other nations for similar programs, including the Sioux Nation (buffalo protection) and the Kingdom of Hawaii (marine life conservation). These requests are currently under review by the Imperial Council.