Irregular Federation Forces
The Federation Irregular Forces is a specialized militia that consisted of privateers and mercenaries hired to augment the Federation Starfleet and the Marine Corps. They are required to wear an identification patch on their right arm; their motto is “Auxiliary Power Redefined”.
The history of militia forces are long and detailed. The I.F.F. was established during the Cardassian - Federation War to supplement the forces of the fleet operating in the regions immediately surrounding and within the Cardassian Union.
The initial purpose of the force was to raid and harass enemy shipping, fleet and patrol units and to conduct authorized raids against enemy troop convoys and transports as well as supply vessels and facilities.
In the ancient tradition of privateering, the I.F.F. were issued official Letters of Marques, which authorized them to conduct limited Guerilla-style warfare against Cardassian vessels and resources. In most instances, these attacks were conducted according to the customary accepted rules of engagement. In a few instances they were not.
The activities of the I.F.F were critical in freeing up needed Starfleet resources to allow them to focus upon larger, more critical aspects of conducting operations against the Cardassian Union. The I.F.F. managed to operationally tie up several Cardassian starships, which would have otherwise been available to oppose more regular starfleet forces, as well as threaten supply lines and hinder invasion actions. In addition, the militia forces were critical in rescuing captured Federation personnel being detained in Cardassian space.
Within a week after the Cardassian-Federation War was officially declared at an end, all Letters-of-Marques were made null and void. Any privateer and mercenary that had served in the I.F.F. who decided to join Starfleet or the Starfleet Marines Corps was welcome to do so and “In appreciation of meritorious wartime service” was allowed to continue wearing the patch of the Irregular Federation Forces on their uniform.
The militia remained disbanded until the Doenitz regieme seized power of the United Federation of Planets, initiating the Federation Civil War between Doenitz Loyalists and elements of the 52nd Fleet.
It was that regieme that began using the I.F.F. as privateers once again, this time with letters of marques against ships and resources known to belong to the 52nd Fleet.
This newer version of the militia was not as restrained or scrupulous as their previous incarnation had been. They were encouraged to perform despicable acts of violence and breaches of military and moral protocol against their declared enemies. Some members of the I.F.F. openly embraced these opportunities, while others did not.
There were several officers of the I.F.F that defected to the 52nd Fleet as a result of the official policies that were placed upon them by the Doenitz regieme.
The 52nd Fleet, in response to the activities of the Irregular Federation Forces, revived the elite Starfleet Rangers and tasked them with located and neutralizing facilities, supply points and vessels and personnel associated with the I.F.F. and later the more standardized elements of the UFP forces loyal to Admiral Doenitz.
Lieutenant Chance Raschen served with distinction in the I.F.F. during both the Cardassian- Federation War and the Federation Civil War.
