I still say Trader Defense Network.
Everyone who's for Navy assumes it's just one branch.
What if TDN stands for one unified defense NETWORK that includes everything? Ships, Artillery, Infantry, Special Ops types, all of it... combined into one vast military NETWORK... as opposed to a branched military? If you think of it from a corporate mindset, having your military consist of various departments linked together as a single network with a unified chain of command - it just makes more sense.
Plus, the TEC haven't had time for their military to develope their own histories. History is an important part of what makes a military branch distinct from the rest, just ask any marine about the history of the United States Marine Corps, and get ready for an earful. Maybe over time the network could branch out and become separate entities, but at the start? Eh...
Also, I've always seen the TEC as more of a confederation, with their military being composed of what are basically extremely well armed/funded militias controlled by the varied members of the TEC, and networked together (Tondam Corp, et al), under the guidance of some sort of council (but still ultimately controlled by the sovereignty that created them).
Anyhoo, I feel like I'm repeating myself, but I'm too tired/sick/lazy to read back and see if I am.
I think I'm exiting this thread now... good luck, all.
Carry on the good fight, C.I.!
-Itharus