Martian Congressional Republic Navy

The MCRN is the exploratory and military arms of Mars, and is the most important branch of its military. They have the finest ships in the system, barring the exotic UN flagships funded by the ultra-wealthy of Earth. Pound for pound, any Martian ship can defeat an equivalent Earther or Belter craft. The MCRN consists of two fleets: the Home Fleet, stationed at Mars; and the Jupiter Fleet, cruising between Ceres and Ganymede. Both fleets see action from pirates and raiders, and both engage in exploratory cruises, classified weapons testing, and diplomatic transport missions. The Martian Congressional Republic is often in direct competition with the UN. This competitive spirit extends to the Martian Navy and the UNN, the Martian Marines and the UNMC, and virtually every parallel organization. In contrast to the bloated bureaucracy and centuries old grudges of the UN, however, the MCR is driven by a united political will. Despite the smaller population, this unity and drive makes Mars a worthy rival to Earth. The Martian Congressional Republic Navy, although smaller, is acknowledged by all to be more advanced. Whether or not their superiority can overcome Earth’s far greater numbers is a question that has been asked for generations, but that neither side has dared to truly try to answer. Mars’s disproportionate expenditures on military research and development mean their ships are on the cutting edge. Mars makes technological breakthroughs with startling frequency, despite—or perhaps because of—their relative lack of infrastructure compared to Earth. Many companies retain concerns on Mars, and corporate citizens are a common sight on the planet. Yet of all the areas of competition both subtle and gross between Mars and Earth, research and commerce aren’t among them. Both planets coordinate in maintaining research stations on various moons and parts of the system, and cooperate in joint projects such as research into space elevators for both planets. Both superpowers jointly control and exploit the bountiful resources of The Belt.