At the time of The War of the Ring the Mark was divided into three military sectors, each of which fell under the command of a Marshal who was responsible for the training, equipping and mustering of his men.

The Marshal and éoreds of the western and eastern sectors (Westmark and Eastmark) were tasked with patrolling the country's borders and repelling any enemy incursions. 

The wigends (warriors) of the Westmark were considered to be amongst the most bold and battle-hardened in the Mark, for ever they were called upon to resist the attacks of the Mark's most bitter foes, The Wildmen of Dunland.

The men of the Eastmark, led by Éomer, were also doubty men and bold, and saw action in countless skirmishes with raiding parties out of Mordor during the latter part of King Théoden's reign.
The third military division of the Mark was that of The King's Lands (Edoras) contingent. This sector was home to the Royal Guard, chosen knights of the King's household, as well as many trained and blooded Riders.  


The title of Marshal was normally adhered to in a strict hierachy of seniority: 

1st Marshal > 2nd Marshal > 3rd Marshal. 

(This system was changed when Éomer ascended to the throne. The rank of 2nd Marshal and 3rd Marshal were disbanded and the ranks of Marshal of the Eastmark and Westmark, both of equal seniority, were introduced.)

At the time of the War of the Ring the Mark's Marshals were listed as follows:-

First Marshal - Edoras:  

During Théoden's reign no First Marshal was elected as the King led the Riders of Edoras.

Second Marshal - Westmark:  

Théodred, Théoden's son and heir, until his death at the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Elfhelm then assumed leadership of the Westmark, although in truth he was never named Second Marshal. 

(Elfhelm was named Marshal of the East-Mark when King Éomer revised the military structure of the Mark.)

Third Marshal - Eastmark:  Éomer, nephew of the King.

A full muster (éoherë) of The Mark’s trained regiments of Riders (éoreds) would bring a total of twelve thousand spears to the King’s banner (one hundred éoreds each of which comprised of one hundred and twenty Riders.)

A full muster could take many days (as evidenced by the lack of numbers who were on hand to man the Hornburg during the battle of Helm's Deep or immediately available to Théoden before he rode out to Gondor's aid), for although the Mark could boast of an army of twelve thousand trained warriors, most did not serve in a permanent capacity or standing army. 

For the most part each military sector kept a small number of éoreds at the ready, whilst the majority of the trained men went about their normal civilian duties. These men would be summonsed to Edoras in time of need and would have to journey for many days across the length and breadth of the Mark. In the case of the Great Ride to Gondor, the muster was held at Dunharrow to thwart the ever probing eyes of the Enemy's spies.

The Fyrd (militia) also existed to bolster the éoherë, and consisted primarily of men passed their prime or young lands barely trained in the arts of war. No true records exist, but it is assumed that in direst need another six thousand swords could be gathered to the Mark's cause if the full strength of the Fyrd was called upon.