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{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Military infobox
{{Military infobox
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The '''Colonial Military Administration''' ('''CMA'''), occasionally known as the '''Colonial Military''',<ref name="Dirt">'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Dirt]]", ''page 109''</ref> was a military organization created by the [[Unified Earth Government]] in [[2310]].<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 228''</ref> Its original mission was to serve as the controlling body for UNSC ships and ground forces reassigned to [[Human colonies|colonial]] protective operations. However, over the years its role gradually became usurped by the [[United Nations Space Command]].<ref name="ENC68">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 68-69'' (2011 edition)</ref>
The '''Colonial Military Authority''' ('''CMA'''),{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22CMA|Enc22|Page=54-55}}<ref>'''[[Halo: Last Light]]''', ''pages 160, 165'' (Google Play edition)</ref> occasionally known as the '''Colonial Military Administration''' or the '''Colonial Military''',{{Ref/Anthology|Id=Dirt|Evo|Dirt}} was a military organization created by the [[Unified Earth Government]] in [[2310]].{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=228}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22CMA}} Its original mission was to serve as the controlling body for UNSC ships and ground forces reassigned to [[Human colonies|colonial]] protective operations. However, over the years its role gradually became usurped by the [[United Nations Space Command]].<ref name="ENC68">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''pages 68-69'' (2011 edition)</ref>
 
==Mission==
The Colonial Military Administration was originally responsible for patrolling and protecting the [[Outer Colonies]], while the [[United Nations Space Command]] defended [[Earth]] and the [[Inner Colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC80}} Due to widespread corruption and many officers sympathetic to the [[Insurrectionist]]s within its ranks, the CMA's role and powers were largely taken over by the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} The CMA became responsible for minor operations in the colonies after its takeover by the UNSC, such as guarding [[military base|military installations]] and riot patrol.<ref name="Dirt146">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''page 146''</ref>
 
==Military departments==
The CMA is divided into numerous service branches, responsible for operations throughout the colonies.
===Navy===
{{Main|CMA Navy}}
The CMA Navy traditionally only held a limited military role for the majority of the organisation's history - with the Navy instead tasked more towards search-and-rescue, anti-smuggling, and trade restriction enforcement. Unlike their counterparts in the [[UNSC Navy]], they rarely had a close integration with their respective Marine Corps, and thus found their [[warship]]s ill-suited to conducting joint-operations. Following the CMA's dissolution, the CMA Navy are now primarily used to oversee [[navigation beacon]]s and remote fuel depots - though maintain a sizeable force of system defence [[corvette]]s and [[UNSC destroyer|destroyers]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22CMA}}
 
===Marine Corps===
{{Main|CMA Marine Corps}}
The CMA Marines were, in their heyday, considered the primary peacekeeping force for the colonial frontier, though have since mostly been absorbed into the [[UNSC Marine Corps]]. They were used for both military and [[law enforcement]] operations, coordinating militias, and safeguarding critical infrastructure such as [[space elevator]]s and power plants.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22CMA}}


==History==
==History==
[[File:HINF - Falcon Predecessor.png|thumb|250px|A CMA tilt-rotor craft in the middle of search and rescue operations.{{Ref/Marketing|HINF|Ad=Forever We Fight}}{{Ref/Site|Id=cflegendend|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-legendary-endings|SiteName=Halo Waypoint|PageName=Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings|D=13|M=12|Y=2021}}]]
===Origins===
===Origins===
The Colonial Military Administration was formed alongside the [[Colonial Administration Authority]] in [[2310]],<ref name="H4EVG"/> by the [[Unified Earth Government]]. Originally, the CMA was charged with taking control of all [[United Nations Space Command]] vessels and ground forces that were reassigned to defend [[human]]ity's [[human colonies|colonies]]. Colonial protection was seen as a ceremonial function that was largely intended to appease the colonists' fears of [[Piracy|pirates]] and marauders in human space. The UNSC determined that a separate command to administer these activities and operations of little significance would suffice. As such, the UEG assigned the CMA to uphold these tasks.<ref name="ENC68"/> On [[2321|April 13, 2321]], the original supersoldier program was established with the Colonial Military Administration.<ref name="ENC80">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''pages 80-81''</ref> However, poor results led to the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] putting the project on hold.<ref name="wp spartans">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Spartans'']</ref>
The Colonial Military Administration was formed alongside the [[Colonial Administration Authority]] in [[2310]],{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} by the [[Unified Earth Government]]. Originally, the CMA was charged with taking control of all [[United Nations Space Command]] vessels and ground forces that were reassigned to defend [[human]]ity's [[human colonies|colonies]]. Colonial protection was seen as a ceremonial function that was largely intended to appease the colonists' fears of [[Piracy|pirates]] and marauders in human space. The UNSC determined that a separate command to administer these activities and operations of little significance would suffice. As such, the UEG assigned the CMA to uphold these tasks.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} On [[2321|April 13, 2321]], the original supersoldier program was established with the Colonial Military Administration.<ref name="ENC80">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''pages 80-81''</ref> However, poor results led to the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] putting the project on hold.<ref name="wp spartans">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Spartans'']</ref>


At the time of the CMA's formation, the UNSC's [[UNSC Naval Command|Naval Command]] and [[Unified Ground Command]] were convinced that their own resources were better spent on operations within the [[Sol system]], and left the interstellar colonies to be protected by the CMA. However, as humanity's colonies began to expand and started to take on vital roles, NAVCOM and UNICOM attempted to disband the CMA and usurp its role on several occasions. Despite this, the colonial command was uncompromising and insistent on protecting their territory. The CMA's founding charter—approved by the UNSC—gave the organization little room for external maneuvering. In spite of the many efforts taken by both sides to take sole military command of the colonies, by 2400, NAVCOM and UNICOM were both operating within the [[Inner Colonies]] alongside the CMA.<ref name="ENC68"/>
At the time of the CMA's formation, the UNSC's [[UNSC Naval Command|Naval Command]] and [[Unified Ground Command]] were convinced that their own resources were better spent on operations within the [[Sol system]], and left the interstellar colonies to be protected by the CMA. However, as humanity's colonies began to expand and started to take on vital roles, NAVCOM and UNICOM attempted to disband the CMA and usurp its role on several occasions. Despite this, the colonial command was uncompromising and insistent on protecting their territory. The CMA's founding charter—approved by the UNSC—gave the organization little room for external maneuvering. In spite of the many efforts taken by both sides to take sole military command of the colonies, by 2400, NAVCOM and UNICOM were both operating within the [[Inner Colonies]] alongside the CMA.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}}


===Expansion to the Outer Colonies===
===Expansion to the Outer Colonies===
As NAVCOM and UNICOM continued to encroach on the Colonial Military Administration's control, the CMA began to move to the recently established [[Outer Colonies]]. Making the Outer Colonies their province, the CMA began assigning a majority of its military forces on frontier worlds. Most of the CMA's personnel were recruited from the Outer Colonies, and the organization's soldiers believed themselves to be humanity's "frontiersmen" and considered themselves to be exceptionally bold and adventurous compared to their UNSC counterparts. The Unified Earth Government's colonies continued to expand and, with the CMA at the forefront of this expansion, the colonists were aided with "taming" their worlds. In sparsely populated areas, the CMA protected citizens from lawlessness.<ref name="ENC68"/> However, tensions began to rise throughout the Outer Colonies as the CMA increased trade restrictions and taxes.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]", ''page 470''</ref>
As NAVCOM and UNICOM continued to encroach on the Colonial Military Administration's control, the CMA began to move to the recently established [[Outer Colonies]]. Making the Outer Colonies their province, the CMA began assigning a majority of its military forces on frontier worlds. Most of the CMA's personnel were recruited from the Outer Colonies, and the organization's soldiers believed themselves to be humanity's "frontiersmen" and considered themselves to be exceptionally bold and adventurous compared to their UNSC counterparts. The Unified Earth Government's colonies continued to expand and, with the CMA at the forefront of this expansion, the colonists were aided with "taming" their worlds. In sparsely populated areas, the CMA protected citizens from lawlessness.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} However, tensions began to rise throughout the Outer Colonies as the CMA increased trade restrictions and taxes.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]", ''page 470''</ref>


In the late 2400s, as the [[Insurrection]] began across the various colonies, tensions developed within the UEG's hierarchy. The CMA's control over the Outer Colonies and already strained relationship with the rest of the UEG led to several of the organization's soldiers sympathizing with the [[Insurrectionist]]s and the plight of the colonists. However, the soldiers of UNICOM and NAVCOM continued to hold more allegiance to [[Earth]] and the Inner Colonies.<ref name="ENC68"/> On [[2491|January 29, 2491]], ONI and the Colonial Military Administration secretly relaunched the [[ORION Project]] in order to quell increasingly violent insurrections. Although the initial results were costly, ONI deemed the project "adequate".<ref name="wp spartans"/><ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 17''</ref>
In the late 2400s, as the [[Insurrection]] began across the various colonies, tensions developed within the UEG's hierarchy. The CMA's control over the Outer Colonies and already strained relationship with the rest of the UEG led to several of the organization's soldiers sympathizing with the [[Insurrectionist]]s and the plight of the colonists. However, the soldiers of UNICOM and NAVCOM continued to hold more allegiance to [[Earth]] and the Inner Colonies.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} On [[2491|January 29, 2491]], ONI and the Colonial Military Administration secretly relaunched the [[ORION Project]] in order to quell increasingly violent insurrections. Although the initial results were costly, ONI deemed the project "adequate".{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}}<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 17''</ref>


===Demise===
===Demise===
In [[2494|June of 2494]], secessionists within the [[Eridanus system]] began a campaign of violence against the Unified Earth Government, using equipment supplied by traitors within the Colonial Military Administration. The CMA-equipped rebels performed a violent, well-planned, and efficiently executed campaign against [[Eridanus II]] that heavily impacted the planet's shipping industry, and ultimately taking control of the world.<ref name="ENC44">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 44'' (2011 edition)</ref> The [[Eridanus Government]] petitioned the UNSC for aid, and [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] dispatched a [[battle group]] in [[2496|January of 2496]] that [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE|crushed the rebellion]], though not so conclusively as to avoid continued dissent.<ref name="ENC68"/><ref name="HE34">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 34''</ref>
In [[2494|June of 2494]], secessionists within the [[Eridanus system]] began a campaign of violence against the Unified Earth Government, using equipment supplied by [[Treason|traitors]] within the Colonial Military Administration. The CMA-equipped rebels performed a violent, well-planned, and efficiently executed campaign against [[Eridanus II]] that heavily impacted the planet's shipping industry, and ultimately taking control of the world.<ref name="ENC44">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 44'' (2011 edition)</ref> The [[Eridanus Government]] petitioned the UNSC for aid, and [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] dispatched a [[battle group]] in [[2496|January of 2496]] that [[Operation: CHARLEMAGNE|crushed the rebellion]], though not so conclusively as to avoid continued dissent.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}}<ref name="HE34">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 34''</ref> By this time, the aging [[HMG-38 heavy machine gun]]s in CMA service began to be replaced throughout the frontier, with the [[VK78 Commando]] rifle introduced into CMA service in [[2495]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=16|M=6|Y=2021}}


In [[2496]] during [[Operation: VERITAS]], [[Project ORION]] operators obtained the [[Wikipedia:Non-official cover|non-official cover]] list of undercover [[Secessionist Union]] operatives working in high-level office positions within the CMA. This prompted the UNSC to take action against the CMA, moving for the organization's shut down.<ref name="wp spartans"/> In [[2497]], the Colonial Military Administration's involvement with the rebels went public.<ref name="HE34"/> This was considered the beginning of the end for the colonial military. Citing security concerns, the UNSC gradually shifted the resources of the CMA to NAVCOM or UNICOM control over the following decades.  The CMA was relegated to patrolling the UEG's most distant colonies and with providing logistical support to remote stations.<ref name="ENC68"/> The funding of the ORION Project was reallocated from the CMA, leading to the program's shut down.<ref name="wp spartans"/> Although ONI's [[Beta-5 Division]] attempted to resurrect the program from the remnants of the CMA's ORION Project, the mission was abandoned when the program proved to be too expensive to continue.<ref name="ENC68"/> The remaining ORION soldiers were reassigned to various [[UNSC Special Forces]] units.<ref name="HWtimeline">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref>
In [[2496]] during [[Operation: VERITAS]], [[Project ORION]] operators obtained the [[Wikipedia:Non-official cover|non-official cover]] list of undercover [[Secessionist Union]] operatives working in high-level office positions within the CMA. This prompted the UNSC to take action against the CMA, moving for the organization's shut down.{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}} In [[2497]], the Colonial Military Administration's involvement with the rebels went public.{{Ref/Reuse|HE34}} This was considered the beginning of the end for the colonial military. Citing security concerns, the UNSC gradually shifted the resources of the CMA to NAVCOM or UNICOM control over the following decades.  The CMA was relegated to patrolling the UEG's most distant colonies and with providing logistical support to remote stations.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} The funding of the ORION Project was reallocated from the CMA, leading to the program's shut down.{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}} Although ONI's [[Beta-5 Division]] attempted to resurrect the program from the remnants of the CMA's ORION Project, the mission was abandoned when the program proved to be too expensive to continue.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}} The remaining ORION soldiers were reassigned to various [[UNSC Special Forces]] units.<ref name="HWtimeline">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref>


===Under UNSC control===
===Under UNSC control===
After contact was lost with [[agriculture world]] [[Harvest]], the CMA sent the scout ship ''[[CMA Argo|Argo]]'' to investigate. When the scout ship failed to report for six months, the CMA-controlled [[Battlegroup 4]]—under the command of Captain [[Maribeau Veredi]]—then followed the ''Argo''. The battle group discovered that the planet was [[glassing|glassed]] by the [[Covenant]] and they were attacked by a Covenant ship upon exiting [[slipspace]] in [[Epsilon Eridani system|the system]]. Only Veredi's heavily damaged [[CMA Heracles|vessel]] survived by limping back to [[Reach]].<ref name="FOR96">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 96-98''</ref> Once the existence of the Covenant was made known, all CMA combat forces were placed under NAVCOM or UNICOM control "for the duration of the crisis" and the organization was fully absorbed by the UNSC.<ref name="HWtimeline"/> This reorganization essentially became permanent as the [[Human-Covenant War]] dragged on, and by [[2552]], the Colonial Military Administration was essentially a small fleet of navigational buoy tenders and remote fuel depots manned by wounded veterans and personnel considered unfit for combat service.<ref name="ENC68"/>
After contact was lost with [[agriculture world]] [[Harvest]], the CMA sent the scout ship ''[[CMA Argo|Argo]]'' to investigate. When the scout ship failed to report for six months, the CMA-controlled [[Battle Group 4]]—under the command of Captain [[Maribeau Veredi]]—then followed the ''Argo''. The battle group discovered that the planet was [[glassing|glassed]] by the [[Covenant]] and they were attacked by a Covenant ship upon exiting [[slipspace]] in [[Epsilon Eridani system|the system]]. Only Veredi's heavily damaged [[CMA Heracles|vessel]] survived by limping back to [[Reach]].<ref name="FOR96">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 96-98''</ref>  
 
By [[2525]], the CMA had been sidelined to the point of redundancy. Its budgets had been slashed and as such it was reduced to using obsolete and worn-out vehicles, equipment, and uniforms. Unlike the UNSC, CMA boot camp lasted just two weeks, which in the words of CMA veteran [[Gage Yevgenny]] was "''enough to teach you how to use your weapon, salute, march, and drive a Warthog before they booted you right on out there.''"{{Ref/Reuse|Dirt}} The CMA became responsible for minor operations in the colonies after its takeover by the UNSC, such as guarding [[military base|military installations]] and riot patrol.<ref name="Dirt146">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''page 146''</ref>
 
On November 1, [[2525]], all CMA combat forces were placed under NAVCOM or UNICOM control "for the duration of the crisis" and the organization was fully absorbed by the UNSC.{{Ref/Reuse|HWtimeline}} This reorganization essentially became permanent as the [[Human-Covenant War]] dragged on, and by [[2552]], the Colonial Military Administration was essentially a small fleet of navigational buoy tenders and remote fuel depots manned by wounded veterans and personnel considered unfit for combat service.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC68}}


After the Human-Covenant War, many outdated rifles and armor formerly in service with the CMA was found in the hands of the [[Venezian militia]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 103''</ref>
After the Human-Covenant War, many outdated rifles and armor formerly in service with the CMA was found in the hands of the [[Venezian militia]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 103''</ref>


==Organization==
==Military assets==
The Colonial Military Administration was originally responsible for patrolling and protecting the [[Outer Colonies]], while the [[United Nations Space Command]] defended [[Earth]] and the [[Inner Colonies]].<ref name="ENC80"/> Due to widespread corruption and many officers sympathetic to the [[Insurrectionist]]s within its ranks, the CMA's role and powers were largely taken over by the UNSC.<ref name="ENC68"/> By [[2525]], the CMA had been sidelined to the point of redundancy. Its budgets had been slashed and as such it was reduced to using obsolete and worn-out vehicles, equipment, and uniforms. Unlike the UNSC, CMA boot camp lasted just two weeks, which in the words of CMA veteran [[Gage Yevgenny]] was "''enough to teach you how to use your weapon, salute, march, and drive a Warthog before they booted you right on out there.''"<ref name="Dirt"/> The CMA became responsible for minor operations in the colonies after its takeover by the UNSC, such as guarding [[military base|military installations]] and riot patrol.<ref name="Dirt146">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''page 146''</ref>
The CMA was the first military organization to incorporate [[AMG Transport Dynamics]]' [[M12 Warthog]] in [[2321]] to meet most of its land-based transportation needs.<ref name="wp warthog">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/warthog '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Warthog'']</ref>
 
The CMA issued its operatives with [[UA/CMA SN5 Type 11]] armor for combat missions against pirates, marauders and insurgents. Developed in the 24th century, this shoulder armor would eventually find its way into the hands of the [[Venezian Militia]] by the mid-26th century.{{Ref/Twitter|Id=TwitterHaloFieldnotesCMA|Halo|1548291697271922692|Halo|Quote=Spartan Eklund's field notes contain some historic details about the UA/CMA SN5 TYPE II shoulders, which you can get for free in Alpha Pack. Take a look at her notes to learn more...|D=17|M=07|Y=2022}}
 
The CMA lost most of its vessels during the organization's fall from power.<ref name="Dirt140">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''page 140''</ref> However, the CMA continued to maintain a fleet of its own by 2525, composed of UNSC {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}s, {{Class|Hillsborough|destroyer}}s, and scout ships.{{Ref/Reuse|FOR96}} Due to a lack of vessels, the CMA had to purchase its personnel tickets on [[civilian]] flights to transport them between worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|Dirt140}} The CMA once owned many colonial ships that aided in the establishment of new colonies and settlements, such as {{CMAShip|Season of Plenty}}.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", ''page 421''</ref> Other ship classes used by the CMA included the {{Class|Lancer|fast-attack corvette}} and the {{Class|Scholte|missile corvette}}.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|D=12|M=01|Y=2022}}


The CMA lost most of its vessels during the organization's fall from power.<ref name="Dirt140">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''page 140''</ref> However, the CMA continued to maintain a fleet of its own by 2525, composed of UNSC {{Class|Charon|light frigate}}s, {{Class|Hillsborough|destroyer}}s, and scout ships.<ref name="FOR96"/> Due to a lack of vessels, the CMA had to purchase its personnel tickets on [[civilian]] flights to transport them between worlds.<ref name="Dirt140"/> The CMA once owned many colonial ships that aided in the establishment of new colonies and settlements, such as {{CMA ship|Season of Plenty}}.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", ''page 421''</ref> The CMA was also the first military organization to incorporate [[AMG Transport Dynamics]]' [[M12 Warthog]] in [[2321]] to meet most of its land-based transportation needs.<ref name="wp warthog">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/warthog '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Warthog'']</ref>
{{Clear}}


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 56: Line 79:
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]'' {{Mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Colonial Authority}}
[[Category:Unified Earth Government]]
[[Category:Unified Earth Government]]
[[Category:Colonial Military Administration personnel| ]]
[[Category:Colonial Military Authority| ]]

Latest revision as of 02:03, December 22, 2023

Colonial Military Authority

Formed:

2310

Affiliation:

Unified Earth Government

Branch:

Colonial Administration Authority
United Nations Space Command

Type:

Armed forces

Role:

Colonial protection

Engagements:

 

The Colonial Military Authority (CMA),[1][2] occasionally known as the Colonial Military Administration or the Colonial Military,[3] was a military organization created by the Unified Earth Government in 2310.[4][1] Its original mission was to serve as the controlling body for UNSC ships and ground forces reassigned to colonial protective operations. However, over the years its role gradually became usurped by the United Nations Space Command.[5]

Mission[edit]

The Colonial Military Administration was originally responsible for patrolling and protecting the Outer Colonies, while the United Nations Space Command defended Earth and the Inner Colonies.[6] Due to widespread corruption and many officers sympathetic to the Insurrectionists within its ranks, the CMA's role and powers were largely taken over by the UNSC.[5] The CMA became responsible for minor operations in the colonies after its takeover by the UNSC, such as guarding military installations and riot patrol.[7]

Military departments[edit]

The CMA is divided into numerous service branches, responsible for operations throughout the colonies.

Navy[edit]

Main article: CMA Navy

The CMA Navy traditionally only held a limited military role for the majority of the organisation's history - with the Navy instead tasked more towards search-and-rescue, anti-smuggling, and trade restriction enforcement. Unlike their counterparts in the UNSC Navy, they rarely had a close integration with their respective Marine Corps, and thus found their warships ill-suited to conducting joint-operations. Following the CMA's dissolution, the CMA Navy are now primarily used to oversee navigation beacons and remote fuel depots - though maintain a sizeable force of system defence corvettes and destroyers.[1]

Marine Corps[edit]

Main article: CMA Marine Corps

The CMA Marines were, in their heyday, considered the primary peacekeeping force for the colonial frontier, though have since mostly been absorbed into the UNSC Marine Corps. They were used for both military and law enforcement operations, coordinating militias, and safeguarding critical infrastructure such as space elevators and power plants.[1]

History[edit]

From the Forever We Fight trailer.
A CMA tilt-rotor craft in the middle of search and rescue operations.[8][9]

Origins[edit]

The Colonial Military Administration was formed alongside the Colonial Administration Authority in 2310,[4] by the Unified Earth Government. Originally, the CMA was charged with taking control of all United Nations Space Command vessels and ground forces that were reassigned to defend humanity's colonies. Colonial protection was seen as a ceremonial function that was largely intended to appease the colonists' fears of pirates and marauders in human space. The UNSC determined that a separate command to administer these activities and operations of little significance would suffice. As such, the UEG assigned the CMA to uphold these tasks.[5] On April 13, 2321, the original supersoldier program was established with the Colonial Military Administration.[6] However, poor results led to the Office of Naval Intelligence putting the project on hold.[10]

At the time of the CMA's formation, the UNSC's Naval Command and Unified Ground Command were convinced that their own resources were better spent on operations within the Sol system, and left the interstellar colonies to be protected by the CMA. However, as humanity's colonies began to expand and started to take on vital roles, NAVCOM and UNICOM attempted to disband the CMA and usurp its role on several occasions. Despite this, the colonial command was uncompromising and insistent on protecting their territory. The CMA's founding charter—approved by the UNSC—gave the organization little room for external maneuvering. In spite of the many efforts taken by both sides to take sole military command of the colonies, by 2400, NAVCOM and UNICOM were both operating within the Inner Colonies alongside the CMA.[5]

Expansion to the Outer Colonies[edit]

As NAVCOM and UNICOM continued to encroach on the Colonial Military Administration's control, the CMA began to move to the recently established Outer Colonies. Making the Outer Colonies their province, the CMA began assigning a majority of its military forces on frontier worlds. Most of the CMA's personnel were recruited from the Outer Colonies, and the organization's soldiers believed themselves to be humanity's "frontiersmen" and considered themselves to be exceptionally bold and adventurous compared to their UNSC counterparts. The Unified Earth Government's colonies continued to expand and, with the CMA at the forefront of this expansion, the colonists were aided with "taming" their worlds. In sparsely populated areas, the CMA protected citizens from lawlessness.[5] However, tensions began to rise throughout the Outer Colonies as the CMA increased trade restrictions and taxes.[11]

In the late 2400s, as the Insurrection began across the various colonies, tensions developed within the UEG's hierarchy. The CMA's control over the Outer Colonies and already strained relationship with the rest of the UEG led to several of the organization's soldiers sympathizing with the Insurrectionists and the plight of the colonists. However, the soldiers of UNICOM and NAVCOM continued to hold more allegiance to Earth and the Inner Colonies.[5] On January 29, 2491, ONI and the Colonial Military Administration secretly relaunched the ORION Project in order to quell increasingly violent insurrections. Although the initial results were costly, ONI deemed the project "adequate".[10][12]

Demise[edit]

In June of 2494, secessionists within the Eridanus system began a campaign of violence against the Unified Earth Government, using equipment supplied by traitors within the Colonial Military Administration. The CMA-equipped rebels performed a violent, well-planned, and efficiently executed campaign against Eridanus II that heavily impacted the planet's shipping industry, and ultimately taking control of the world.[13] The Eridanus Government petitioned the UNSC for aid, and HIGHCOM dispatched a battle group in January of 2496 that crushed the rebellion, though not so conclusively as to avoid continued dissent.[5][14] By this time, the aging HMG-38 heavy machine guns in CMA service began to be replaced throughout the frontier, with the VK78 Commando rifle introduced into CMA service in 2495.[15]

In 2496 during Operation: VERITAS, Project ORION operators obtained the non-official cover list of undercover Secessionist Union operatives working in high-level office positions within the CMA. This prompted the UNSC to take action against the CMA, moving for the organization's shut down.[10] In 2497, the Colonial Military Administration's involvement with the rebels went public.[14] This was considered the beginning of the end for the colonial military. Citing security concerns, the UNSC gradually shifted the resources of the CMA to NAVCOM or UNICOM control over the following decades. The CMA was relegated to patrolling the UEG's most distant colonies and with providing logistical support to remote stations.[5] The funding of the ORION Project was reallocated from the CMA, leading to the program's shut down.[10] Although ONI's Beta-5 Division attempted to resurrect the program from the remnants of the CMA's ORION Project, the mission was abandoned when the program proved to be too expensive to continue.[5] The remaining ORION soldiers were reassigned to various UNSC Special Forces units.[16]

Under UNSC control[edit]

After contact was lost with agriculture world Harvest, the CMA sent the scout ship Argo to investigate. When the scout ship failed to report for six months, the CMA-controlled Battle Group 4—under the command of Captain Maribeau Veredi—then followed the Argo. The battle group discovered that the planet was glassed by the Covenant and they were attacked by a Covenant ship upon exiting slipspace in the system. Only Veredi's heavily damaged vessel survived by limping back to Reach.[17]

By 2525, the CMA had been sidelined to the point of redundancy. Its budgets had been slashed and as such it was reduced to using obsolete and worn-out vehicles, equipment, and uniforms. Unlike the UNSC, CMA boot camp lasted just two weeks, which in the words of CMA veteran Gage Yevgenny was "enough to teach you how to use your weapon, salute, march, and drive a Warthog before they booted you right on out there."[3] The CMA became responsible for minor operations in the colonies after its takeover by the UNSC, such as guarding military installations and riot patrol.[7]

On November 1, 2525, all CMA combat forces were placed under NAVCOM or UNICOM control "for the duration of the crisis" and the organization was fully absorbed by the UNSC.[16] This reorganization essentially became permanent as the Human-Covenant War dragged on, and by 2552, the Colonial Military Administration was essentially a small fleet of navigational buoy tenders and remote fuel depots manned by wounded veterans and personnel considered unfit for combat service.[5]

After the Human-Covenant War, many outdated rifles and armor formerly in service with the CMA was found in the hands of the Venezian militia.[18]

Military assets[edit]

The CMA was the first military organization to incorporate AMG Transport Dynamics' M12 Warthog in 2321 to meet most of its land-based transportation needs.[19]

The CMA issued its operatives with UA/CMA SN5 Type 11 armor for combat missions against pirates, marauders and insurgents. Developed in the 24th century, this shoulder armor would eventually find its way into the hands of the Venezian Militia by the mid-26th century.[20]

The CMA lost most of its vessels during the organization's fall from power.[21] However, the CMA continued to maintain a fleet of its own by 2525, composed of UNSC Charon-class light frigates, Hillsborough-class destroyers, and scout ships.[17] Due to a lack of vessels, the CMA had to purchase its personnel tickets on civilian flights to transport them between worlds.[21] The CMA once owned many colonial ships that aided in the establishment of new colonies and settlements, such as CMA Season of Plenty.[22] Other ship classes used by the CMA included the Lancer-class fast-attack corvette and the Scholte-class missile corvette.[23]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 54-55
  2. ^ Halo: Last Light, pages 160, 165 (Google Play edition)
  3. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions - Dirt
  4. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 228
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), pages 68-69 (2011 edition)
  6. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, pages 80-81
  7. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions, "Dirt", page 146
  8. ^ Halo Infinite marketing, Forever We Fight
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings (Retrieved on Dec 13, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint: Spartans
  11. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 470
  12. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 17
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 44 (2011 edition)
  14. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 34
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive (Retrieved on Jun 16, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ a b Halo Wars, Timeline
  17. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, pages 96-98
  18. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 103
  19. ^ Halo Waypoint: Warthog
  20. ^ Twitter, Halo (@Halo): "Spartan Eklund's field notes contain some historic details about the UA/CMA SN5 TYPE II shoulders, which you can get for free in Alpha Pack. Take a look at her notes to learn more..." (Retrieved on Jul 17, 2022) [archive]
  21. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions, "Dirt", page 140
  22. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole", page 421
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Foundations (Retrieved on Jan 12, 2022) [archive]

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Colonial Authority
Military forces
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