Uniforms and Insignia of the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort

Every fighting force on Jornath maintains it's own distinct uniforms and insignia. The significance of any particular element varies greatly between these units but all take pride in them, none more so than the Fusiliers of Usamlijan. The uniforms worn by the Fusiliers has changed with time, and the meaning behind some of the older traditions have been lost to the inexorable march of ages.

The current uniform for the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort consists of simple ocher fatigues, a tunic and trousers, as well as a beret for most field duty and daily duties, although there are instances of other headgear for ceremonial duties and specialist roles within the Cohort. The significance of ocher for Fusilier Cohorts from Usamlijan is disputed by historians, some cite that the color appears in a number of ancient tapestries that date from the time of the early founding of Usamlijan's early fighting forces; also quite likely is the use of the color by many Munitorium supplied fighting units early in Jornath's history following Reunification. This uniform is supplemented with a heavy all-weather coat with a large collar, Fusilier storm-coats are uniformly a dark grey meant to conceal and wear well under extended use. Also standard issue are the heavy plasteel capped boots complimented with puttees, able to keep out moisture and support the long marches common for Fusiliers.

The beret is a traditional hat of the Northern settlements of Jornath, a rugged and practical garment meant to keep the wearer warm and not blow off in the gusting winds common in the higher elevations of the Northern mountains; so its use as the primary hat for Fusiliers is a practical extension of Usamlijan's culture. For the freshly inducted Fusilier the beret is worn unadorned although a number of hat badges are used for a variety of distinctions.

The most common hat badge is the Caput Mortem, it is awarded after a Fusilier has participated in multiple combat operations. Its use has nothing to do with rank, many freshly minted officers do not have the Caput Mortem, while a particularly veteran Fusilier may even be awarded the Caput Mortem Optima, a decoration most often given before a pensioned retirement. Also common among Fusiliers is the tradition of pierced ears. While not officially a sanctioned practice of the Fusilier Cohorts, it is a ancient practice of the nomadic Northern peoples to denote marital status.

Also extremely prevalent in the current environment of war against the Ork invaders is the Insigne Honoris. The cerulean gem centered in a silver ring is awarded to Fusiliers who have acted in a manner beyond that expected of their station, extreme acts of heroism or fearless bravery against a particularly tenacious foe. Often given as a posthumous decoration the, Insigne Honoris is worn with pride by those who have earned it and still live.

Specialists within the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort often were berets of different colors than their fellow Fusiliers. All manner of medical ranks wear white berets to denote their status as protectors of life as well as fighting men. Other colors include black for Funerary Detachments and dark crimson for Lay-adepts of the Mechanicus who serve within the Fusiliers, the latter is most commonly spotted among vehicle crews in the role of Driver or Engine Soother.

Reserved for members of the Ministorum in service to the Fusilier Cohorts is the Aquilla. This most holly badge is a sign to all those in the bearer's presence that their souls are in the able hands of a zealous and pious warden of the faithful. While personal use of the Aquilla in the form of a pendant or pilgrim's charm is officially encouraged, its use as an adornment on any piece of uniform is strictly forbidden among the Fusiliers by any outside of the Ministorum and punishable by flogging. Another restricted adornment is the spaulders worn by officers, while often simple in appearance their presence helps enlisted men to recognize their superiors quickly in the heat of battle.

Uniform code allows for Fusiliers of all ranks to wear a variety of facial hair at their discretion, although somewhat idiosyncratically it also requires all members to shave their heads completely. Popular styles for facial hair are usually centered around mustaches though small beards are common. Many Fusiliers choose to shave their faces smooth as it interferes far less with re-breathers and other close fitting equipment.

Although not standard issue many Fusiliers have acquired the tight-fitting face shields worn more commonly by Grenadiers. While the provenance of these devices may lead to disciplinary action, the Fusiliers who wear such items swear by their benefits. Possessing both limited air filtering capability and low light amplification, it is unsurprising that these face shields are so popular.

Like all banners carried by Cohorts from Usamlijan those of the First Usamlijan Fusilier Cohort feature ocher, heather grey, crimson and black. Also prominent is the slogan of "Prima" and the numeral "I" both of these are honors as well as denoting the the Cohort's number. Unsurprisingly the Cohorts listing as the First has led to a number of official and unofficial slogans, "First Among Equals" for example or the commonly used "Usamlijan's Vanguard". A notable honor present on the banners of the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort is the golden Aquilla, a specific award given by the Ministorum celebrating the defense of the Shrine of St. Bascilius during the early days of the War Against the Orks.