The Star Service is a combined-service military organization funded and controlled by the Byler Republic.  The charter of the Star Service is to protect the interests of the citizens of the Republic, be it in deep space, in orbit, or on the planetary surface.   The Star Service is composed of four major branches of service, described below.

The High Guard

High Guard is responsible for ensuring the safety of interstellar travellersmil, including the X-Boat communcations system, merchant trade guild and shipping traffic, and corporate and private concerns.  In addition to patrolling and defending major travel routes, the High Guard is chartered with the defense of the Republic from external threats and enemies of the Republic.  Lastly, High Guard acts as a reserve force to the System Defense Navy in defending planetary systems from internal and external threats.  High Guard controls most of the large Capital ships in the Star Service fleet, including several new Super-Destroyers recently delivered to the Republic by general contract with MS/Interstar.  The Guard also maintains a large number of close fighter units, deployed from system-located bases for from Tender Ships that are part of a battle group.  The High Guard is based at former Imperial Naval Installations, and several new facilities throughout the Republic.

The System Defense Navy

Also referred to as simply "The Navy", the System Defense Navy is chartered with the protection of worlds from attack from space.  The Navy operates a large fleet of non-jump-capable boats, (System Defense Boats, or SDB's), as well as an interstellar fleet consisting of large Tender Ships, Hospital Ships, Fuel Tankers, Military Cargo ships, fighter escort units,
and the like.  The Navy works closely with the Republican Security Force (RSF), and with the High Guard, especially in areas of conflict where the combined assets of these groups are needed.  The System Defense Navy operates out of former Imperial Naval and Scout bases, as well as newly constructed facilities on several worlds.

The Republic Security Force

The RSF, (sometimes informally called "Ground Hogs") is responsible for the dual role of police force, and military ground force.  The founding laws of the Byler Republic guarantee planetary sovereignty, but in many cases outside help is requested in maintaining stability or peace within a world.  International and Civil wars may also end up requiring the involvement of the RSF, but the rules for engagement in these situations are not well defined, and have in the past resulted in an escalation of hostilities on the worlds in question, often requiring further Star Service involvement.  As a result of these past engagements, the RSF has adopted a much stricter policy regarding new engagements, opting to train and support local military forces in lieu of direct engagement.  The RSF also has adopted a more heavy-handed approach in dealing with direct action, in many cases using extreme and overwhelming force to accomplish their objectives.  This use of force, coupled with their role as an external police presence on many worlds has earned them the wrath of many planetary and interstellar groups and organizations, notably the Federalists.  The RSF is often the target of terrorist attacks, and has established large counter-terrorism units on many worlds.

The Republic Reconnaissance Office

Known as RRO, or just "Recon", this branch of the Star Service is chartered with exploration and contact with former Empire worlds, establishing relations with neighboring empires and systems, and providing updated and detailed system and mainworld data to the Star Service, and the Republic.  RRO operates the X-Boat system of message ships, which maintains communications between worlds within the Republic.  RRO is often considered to be the logical descendant of the Imperial Scout Service, and in fact does operate from former Scout bases and waystations.  Although there are many similarities between the Scouts and the RRO, (such as ownership of the X-Boat system), the RRO is but a shadow of the former Scout service.  RRO has an extremely small fleet, consisting mainly of 100 to 200 ton vessels with only 1 or 2 functioning Capital ships.  The RRO typically receives funding well under the requested amount, and thus operates with severe financial restrictions that limit the scope of what the RRO can do.  In many cases, RRO facilities are the original Scout base facilities, dating back over 100 years, with little or no renovations.   Despite these limitations, the RRO has a very good track record of accomplishing it's missions successfully.