As Copied/Quoted From: Lyran Alliance Battletech Field Manual, Copyright 2000, FASA Corporation, pp. 39-40.
History (c. 3061)
"The oldest and most prestigious academy in the Alliance, the Nagelring is the only Alliance training facility to graduate troops for all arms of the LAAF (Lyran Alliance Armed Forces). Once a SDLF (Star League Defense Force) training facility, House Steiner inherited the facility and its instructors after Kerensky's Exodus. Over the centuries, the Academy has grown to include massive exercise areas and live-fire ranges, sprawling across the Bremen continent on Tharkad. The central campus houses the accommodation and education facilities, including research labs and a massive simulator complex. These sit within a beautiful park that belies the Academy's martial role. Over the centuries, the Nagelring has grown to encompass conventional learning as well, teaching physics and chemistry in addition to martial skills. Accordingly the Nagelring has built a strong link with Tharkad University, allowing Cadets to take elective history as well as science courses at the famed Institute. As a result , the Nagelring has developed a reputation as a first-class institute of learning and research in addition to its military role.
Atmosphere
The Nagelring is a school of immense history and prestige, with places much sought-after. Many regard the academy as a finishing school for the nobility of the Alliance, and there certainly are major social elements in the curriculum. The best known events are the Ice Balls, a succession of social soirees and dances held around mid-winter which have a prominent role in the Lyran social calendar. Attended by the academy's final year officer cadets, the balls serve as an 'exam' for the etiquette skills that play a prominent role in officer training. More than one officer has found his future career blighted by a poor performance at the balls.
There are clear divisions between the noble and non-noble students at the academy. As an example, the noble students are given greater leeway and liberties than their non-noble counterparts, thanks to their status and 'gifts' given to the school. Nobles also often avoid the hazing that is endemic to the institution, particularly for new entrants by the senior students. This practice, though officially discouraged, is deemed to 'build character' among the new students and is tolerated by the instructors.
The 'us and them' mentality in the school had been suppressed under Archon Melissa and Archon Victor, but has seen a resurgence in recent years. As a consequence, duels within the student body are increasingly common. Instructors have sought, however, to promote competitive sports such as boxing or judo as a less dangerous alternative.
The Nagelring is unusual in that its cadets wear a distinct uniform: gray, with sky-blue trim. The academy's school rag is blue.
Special Notes
Because of its location on the capital world and its position in the military education hierarchy, the Nagelring is singled out for detailed scrutiny by the LIC (Lyran Intelligence Corps). Each member of the staff undergoes a thorough background check before being offered employment, as well as being observed throughout their careers. Potential students are also subject to investigation before being offered a place, though such considerations may be waived in the case of the Alliance's noble families. It is not uncommon for the Archon to award places to Nagelring as rewards to the families of loyal supporters."
