The White Oak Division was Silur's first fully professional and decentralized military unit, and one of the first to make use of firearms.

Structure

Whereas Federal Army units were historically local forces under strong local influence, Hunt Master Tyfen in his reform instead wanted to create a more professional military, independent from local politics. White Oak was his very first federal unit.

The division was stationed in White Oak Federal Base, initially a medium-sized military barracks, training ground, and logistics center in central Silur which was considerably expanded to accommodate the division.

As a peacetime unit, the White Oak Division was constituted out of regiments. Initially, it was built out of three Musketeer Regiments, a new unit type introduced during the reform. Over time, as the elves grew more accustomed to firearm warfare and Musketeer Regiments were renamed into simply Regiments, the division also grew in size and diversity. In addition to its musketeer infantry, the division featured two regiments of musketeer Ranger Regiments, and an entire Field Artillery Regiment.

Operational Purpose

Though White Oak was the Federal Army's jewel - its first firearm-wielding professional force - it was not destined for armed service. Not once in its history did the division mount a brigade and go to war. Instead, White Oak's initial purpose was to try out central control and musket technology, and to serve as a model for further professional units, which were formed in the following years. The division was also a powerful political tool: its regiments regularly marched around Silur, demonstrating the valor and strength of the Federal Army and satisfying houses to accept losing control over the armed forces. Since White Oak was the first division where the houses' control over soldiers was taken, Tyfen took care not to send the soldiers to war and make sure they stayed perfectly safe; he didn't want to infringe too much on the houses, and avoid outrage at all costs.

Officially, White Oak was deployed for territorial defense within the 2nd Corps.

Organizational History

• 93 OW. The White Oak Division was founded. It consisted of three brand-new Musketeer Regiments: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
• 99 OW. The division had grown to five regiments, two of which were regularly on tour. The Royal Hunt Master decided to create a new military unit, the Ranger Regiments, as a stronger military force to back up Royal Rangers in case they failed in their duties as wilderness patrol and defense. The 3rd Regiment became a Ranger Regiment, and was trained by Royal Rangers. Its soldiers were equipped with slightly lighter gear, better firearms, and trained in ranger skills such as survival, navigation, fighting in small groups, and using animals, especially war wolves. Ten years later, the 7th Ranger Regiment would be created, to serve as the training unit for recruits before they were shifted into the 3rd Ranger Regiment, which was regularly on active duty.
• 133 OW. The White Oak Division had grown far too large. It consisted out of 15 regiments and was larger than some Operational Corps; the divisional commander singlehandedly controlled around half the 2nd Corps. There were also major logistical issues, and the divisional headquarters were incapable of coordinating such a large unit spread over several bases all across central Silur. Besides, the division had served its purpose: firearms were now standard across the Federal Army, and 70% of regiments were now professional rather than local. In order to alleviate the strains of command, the White Oak Division was split into the 1st and 2nd White Orchard Divisions, each with six regiments to their name, and the elite White Oak Ranger Brigade was formed out of the two Ranger Regiments.