Terranovan Defense Forces

The **Terranovan Department of Defense Forces** (**DF**, **TDF**, or **DOD**), or simply **Terranovan Defense Forces**, is an executive branch department of the federal government of Terranova charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the Terranovan government directly related to national security, the Terranovan Armed Forces, and the Terranovan Aerospace Defense Forces. As of October 2026, the Terranovan Department of Defense has over 98,601 thousand active-duty service members, including soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, space force personnel, and guardians. TDF also maintains over 375, 000 civilian personnel, bringing the total to over 474, 601 individuals working under the Department of Defense. This extensive workforce ensures the effective protection and defense of Terranova's borders, both on land and in space, while also contributing to various humanitarian and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Headquartered at the Dominick Clayton Memorial Hall in Lawrenceville, D.T., just outside of the national capital, Fortcester, D.T., TDF's stated mission is to provide a strong and capable defense force to safeguard Terranova's sovereignty and promote global stability.

The Terranovan Defense Forces is headed by both the commander of defense and secretary of defense, a high-level head who reports directly to both the president of Terranova and the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board. Under the Terranovan Defense Forces are four subordinate military departments: the Department of the Army Corps, the Department of the Navy Fleet, the Department of the Air Force, and the Department of Special Forces. In addition, six national intelligence services are subordinate to the Department of Defense: the Terranovan Intelligence Agency (TIA), the Naval Intelligence Service (NIS), the Air Force Intelligence Agency (AFIA), the Army Intelligence Corps (AIC), the Special Forces Intelligence Unit (SFIU), and the Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Division (CIAD). Other Defense agencies include the Defense Strategic Research Agency (DSRA), the Nuclear Defense Agency (MDA), the Defense Health Agency (DHA), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the Space Innovation and Development Bureau (SIDB), and the Clayton Force Security Service (CFSS), all of which are involved in various aspects of defense and security. The Terranovan Defense Forces also operate several joint service schools, including the Terranovan Defense Academy (TDA), the Joint Warfare Center (JWC), the Terranovan Cybersecurity Institute (TCI), and the Special Operations Training Center (SOTC). These institutions provide comprehensive training and education to military personnel across different domains of warfare, ensuring a well-rounded and skilled defense force.

The current Deputy Commander of Defense is Jake Dalziel, who assumed office on March 8, 2013, succeeding Norman Book. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Commander, Dalziel served as a high-ranking officer in the Terranovan Navy, where he played a crucial role in several successful military campaigns. Known for his strategic thinking and exceptional leadership skills, Dalziel has earned the trust and admiration of both his superiors and subordinates. With his extensive experience and dedication to the defense of Terranova, he is expected to continue making significant contributions to the TDF's mission.

The current Commander of Defense is Zachery Millton, who assumed office on May 1, 2029, succeeding Donald Quijano after serving as the Colonel of the Terranovan Special Forces for over a decade. As commander, Milton is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the TDF's operations, from training and recruitment to tactical planning and execution. He is widely respected by his peers and subordinates alike and is considered to be one of the most effective military leaders in Terranova's history.

### Military departments and services

There are four military departments within the Department of Defense:

* the **Department of the Army**, within the Terranovan Army Corps, which is the largest branch of the TDF, and is responsible for ground-based operations. Its soldiers are highly trained and equipped with the latest in military technology, including advanced weapons and armor. The Army is also responsible for maintaining the TDF's network of bases and outposts across the planet.
* the **Department of the Navy**, within the Terranovan Naval Fleet, which is responsible for sea-based military activities. It comprises ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, equipped with advanced weaponry and technology. TNF safeguards Terranova's maritime interests, ensures trade route security, and conducts joint operations with allied nations.
* the **Department of the Air Force**, within the Terranovan Air Force, which advanced aircraft for air-based military operations. The TAF defends Terranova's airspace, conducts aerial surveillance, and supports ground forces during military operations.
* the **Department of the Special Forces**, within which the Terranovan Special Forces, which focuses on counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and intelligence gathering. With advanced weaponry and equipment, they ensure Terranova's military operations' security and success in various environments.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the TDF is not without its challenges. The ongoing threat of piracy and terrorism on Terranova's borders has required the TDF to maintain a constant state of readiness. Additionally, the TDF's operations are often complicated by political and diplomatic considerations, as Terranova seeks to maintain good relations with its neighbors and allies while also protecting its own interests.

## Commander Clayton

Dominick Clayton was one of the founders of Terranova, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Terranovan Department of Defense Forces. As the first commander of the TDF, Clayton was responsible for overseeing the development of the TDF's various branches and ensuring that they were properly equipped and trained. Under Clayton's leadership, the TDF grew into a formidable force capable of defending Terranova against any potential threats. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for the department's continued success.

The TDF quickly became one of the most capable and effective military forces. Clayton was known for his strategic acumen and his ability to inspire his troops, and he led the TDF through some of its most challenging operations. His leadership and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his soldiers, who were willing to go to great lengths to fulfill their mission under his command. Clayton's emphasis on continuous training and improvement ensured that the TDF remained at the forefront of military tactics and technology, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.