Before the rise of the Aegis Ascendancy, Wakova did not have a formal military. In times of war, militias were created when needed. However, with the Ascendancy came the formation of a true military structure. In present day, the Army of the Silvershield is divided into three distinct groups: Shield-bearers, Shields-at-arms, and Levies.
First are the Shield-bearers, a knightly caste that typically serve as the face of the military, representing martial and religious authority among political and civilian interactions. In times of war, they act as overseers rather than commanders, able to issue orders to shields-at-arms and levies without holding official rank.
Second are the Shields-at-arms, the core force of the military that is well-trained, well-equipped, and well-disciplined. They are the backbone in times of war; seen as the standard troops you would most commonly see on the battlefield. Outside of war, shields-at-arms are seen patrolling, maintaining order, and assisting Shield-bearers who are upholding the law.
Third are the Levies, conscripted or tributary soldiers that hail from the cities under the Ascendancy's rule. The quality of these soldiers varies from region to region, with most cities sending inexperienced youth to fulfill quotas. Cities where the Ascendancy holds more power and influence may send better troops, even at the expense of a city's own defensive capabilities. Rarely, however, are levies seen outside of war times, being deployed almost exclusively during large-scale warfare. When levies begin to mobilize, it is a sign that war is just over the horizon.
In addition to the formal military of Wakova, there are the informal units of the loyal dragonborn. Specialists, commanders, & elites, these forces help train recruits alongside Shield-bearers. While not a formal branch of the military, the dragonborn have a strong presence among it. They are culturally separated from the standard citizens of Wakova, making them both feared and respected. During times of war, they operate independently as commanders and advisors within the ranks of the military. These Dragonborn bring unique tactics, traditions, and weapons to an often-close-minded military. Some cities even host dragonborn to train troops within their walls.
Within the Shields-at-arms, dragonborn are scattered throughout the ranks as squad leaders, drillmasters, and field commanders. While this is rare, it is common enough to be noticed, while not being seen as standard practice. Their presence often increases discipline and lethality among the units they attach themselves to too.
Within the Shield-bearers, dragonborn are even more rare due to the religious and cultural differences they bring. A few have adopted the Order of Teno as their faith, rising through the ranks as any other citizen would, however, these cases are exceptional, seen as living symbols or divine champions of the Precursor Dragons by some, or heretics by others. These units often serve in specialized roles such as elite enforcers, inquisitors, or ceremonial guardians.
The influence of dragonborn in Wakova is rarely seen, but often felt. It is not common for large units of dragonborn to form within the military, but they leave their mark by providing training, tactics, and victories to the Ascendancy. Respected by many, but not fully trusted, they are admired for their skill, but closely watched with suspicion, even by the those who fight and serve under them.
Dragonborn tend to operate under agreements, honor-bound services, or personal oaths rather than strict chains of command. It is a widely held belief that the existence of these dragonborn within the ranks of the Aegis Ascendancy have contributed massively to the victories of the young theocracy.