As Copied/Quoted From:  Lyran Alliance Battletech Field Manual, Copyright  2000, FASA Corporation, pp. 40-41.

History (c. 3061)

"Once regarded as a problem for the DME, the Royal New Capetown Military Academy has become a shining example of reform in the Lyran State.  Once the home to deeply rooted racism, Katrina Steiner's efforts to curb the influence of the planet's hate philosophy on the academy have led to a wide-spread reform movement.  The movement in turn led to a brief civil war in the early 3030s that toppled the extremist government.  Pockets of racism still exist on New Capetown, but today cadets of all creeds and colors are accepted at the RNCMA.

The school teaches all aspects of ground-based warfare, ranging from small arms skills to BattleMech tactics.  The RNCMA also teaches an aerospace curriculum, however it is the smallest and least prestigious element of the school and places considerable emphasis on ground support operations.  Though its Mechwarrior training program is well-regarded, the academy is best known for its combat engineers and artillery crews, whose skills are much sought-after.

Atmosphere

Though much has been done to eliminate the racism once so pervasive to New Capetown,  some pockets remain.  Occasionally, cadets still find themselves subjected to unpleasant aspects of the planet's history.  Despite these rare occurrences, the academy has prospered in the new era, charged with a newfound sense of reconciliation and cooperation.  Regrettably, the events of (the) last few years have eroded much of this good will, with political divisiveness between the supporters of Archon Katherine and Prince Victor replacing racism.

The recent appointment of a pro-Katherine Kommandant has brought the academy solidly into the Archon's camp, but an active 'underground' continues to agitate in favor of the deposed prince.  Tempers have flared on several  occasions over the last year, notably in the months since the clashes on Solaris.  Arrests have been widespread, as have expulsions among the student body.

The highly charged atmosphere has seriously affected the training program, and classes are running several weeks behind schedule.  Worst affected is the first-year BattleMech program. which has been forced to increase theoretical aspects of the course following numerous acts of sabotage to the college's simulator pods.  Fewer senior classes have been affected by the sabotage as rotation through the academy's training battalion has been accelerated.

The RNCMA school rag is gold with a tasseled fringe.

Special Notes

After the Nagelring, the RNCMA has the tightest official screening process in the Alliance.  Great care is taken to ensure a balance of cadets at the academy to avoid claims of discrimination, as well as ensuring that the cadets can handle the potential emotional and psychological strains of studying on a world still coming to grips with equality.

Royal New Capetown Training Battalion

Once more renowned for racial bigotry than the skill of its graduates, Royal New Capetown has struggled to reform.  As a result, it has become one of the Alliance's most important war colleges and the training battalion plays a vital role.  While junior cadets are confined to simulators, upperclassmen usually spend two three-month terms with the battalion, separated by theoretical and simulator work.  Unfortunately, political divisiveness has replaced racism, leading to a number of demonstrations and acts of sabotage.  The academy's simulator pods have been a prime target, leading to an accelerated battalion rotation, with cadets spending alternate months in the field and in the classroom.

...The RNCT Battalion field two companies of 'Mechs and one each of armor and infantry.  An artillery company and a squadron of aerospace fighters provide support, the latter placing considerable emphasis on bombing and ground support operations."