These are the heroes of Arixo, the pilots of the Arixo Air Defense Force. They might not be as good as some other country's militia groups, but they try harder, fighting to protect their homes and families. Yes, some are outsiders, and some are just hotshots trying to make a name for themselves, but they are all fighting for the continued freedom and survival of Arixo.

     The Arixo Air Defense Force, or the AADF, was formed in 1933 out of what local militia groups had been formed since the collapse of the United States. These first groups, which really only existed in the larger cities, were very weak, relying largely on cargo and crop duster planes fitted with under-sized guns. While the pilots were often good, the planes could not support their skills, especially against the increasingly more powerful pirate bands that were moving into the region. President Theodore Davis decided one of his primary tasks was to provide a better defense for his people. He convinced the rest of the government to focus on purchasing modern planes to give the pirates some real competition, and formed the AADF as a centralized agency to regulate the division of these stronger planes around the militias, and to aid in creating new militias. A call also went out for experienced pilots, preferably ones with their own planes, both to expand the ranks, and to train newer pilots. With Arixo Airworks providing full support once that factory started up, the AADF is getting more powerful, and pirates are beginning to take it much more seriously than at first.
     Last year, President Davis changed the name of the AADF to the Arixo Air Militia (AAM). This is a less specific title, and may be an quiet attempt by Davis' to make the group sound less passive. While this is now the name the Arixan air forces are referred to officially, most of the population still call it the AADF (as it is referred to in these pages).
     A few ranchers and mining operations also field privately funded squadrons, usually quite small; these have so far avoided the regulation of the AADF. 
     As of 1937, the AADF is comprised of 14 militias, ranging from 2 to 20 planes per squadron. The first official squadrons were the Phoenix Reborn, the Duke City Diablos, and the Tucson Broncos; these three also boast the most aircraft, with the Reborn being the only group to use the single military zeppelin in the Arixo fleet. Just about  every major model of airplane is seen in the ranks of the AADF, but the most common are Peacemakers, Valiants, Warhawks, and several Devestators. The locally produced Cougars, Hawk-Wasps, and Rattlesnakes are allowing the many willing and able, but plane-less, pilots, to finally take flight. 
     The average AADF pilot has less connection to their planes than in other nations, since most aircraft are state owned. The planes often gain a special name, but nose art is discouraged. Each squadron can choose their own color scheme, though, as long as the symbol of Arixo is prominently displayed. 
     Aside from protecting their home towns, the AADF often are called upon to patrol shipping lanes, both for protection and for enforcement of transport tolls.
     Unlike virtually all other organized militaries, the AADF does not have a set ranking system for its pilots, a remnant of the early militia days. Each squadron is led by a "Captain," assigned by the AADF, and usually determined by experience and/or number of kills (the Broncos being the only exception, with a rotating command system). The "Captain's" wingman is the second-in-command; beyond that, pecking order is determined by the squadron itself. This sometimes causes internal struggles, and can make the AADF much like the pirates they often fight against. With increasing numbers of pilots signing on every day, AADF Command is seriously considering implementing a true ranking system, but hasn't worked one out yet. 

     Since most planes in the AADF are state owned, abandoning one unnecessarily is severely discouraged. AADF pilots lose 30 experience points if they perform a non-combat bail-out (as opposed to the normal -20). However, they only lose 10 points for retreating from a losing engagement and saving the plane (rather than the usual -20). These rules apply even if the plane is privately owned, since the government doesn't want to pay for anyone's mistakes.

1st Squadron, The Phoenix Reborn: The first militia formed, and the first in the AADF, it fields the most planes and the only military zeppelin in Arixo. 

2nd Squadron, The Duke City Diablos: While its pilots and planes are not as numerous as the Reborn, the Diablos and their exploits are more often in the public eye, dealing with numerous types of enemies.

3rd Squadron, The Tucson Broncos: A rough and tumble lot, these pilots see much action against Mexican smugglers.

12th Squadron, The Taos Artistes: Considering themselves artists in the field of aerial combat, their skills are often proven against pirates and smugglers from Free Colorado.
 

Other Notable Arixo Militias

Los Guerreros de la Familia Baca (The Baca Family Warriors): Guardians of the Baca Aviation Concern, the family run autogyro business in Los Alamos.