Santiago International Defense University [CLOSED]

[Riysa]

OOC: Work in progress, I'll jump back to this in a bit!

المشاة المتحركة والمشاة المدرعة
Riysian Mobile and Armoured Infantry - Basic Primer
(Unclassified, translated, publicly available excerpt from field manual K-3)

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Introduction

Infantry, since time immemorial, are the core of any army. A man with a weapon can do things that no jet, drone, or tank can do, and can be equipped to take one of the above on and even defeat it. In modern 4th generation warfare, the infantryman is even more important than in previous wars, where your enemy will oftentimes be hiding in plain sight and fighting in streets and close terrain, where most other weapon systems are of limited to no effectiveness. Examples of this can be seen all around; Israeli experiences with Syrian and Egyptian tank-hunters in 1973 and 1982, Coalition experiences in Iraq, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Vietnam, etc.

And, just like any modern army, and particularly in light of recent wars, infantry pay a crucial role in the Riysian Joint Ground Forces. Here, we will cover the two main divisions of infantry - Mobile Infantry, and Armoured Infantry.

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Definitions

As previously mentioned, most infantry in the Riysian Joint Ground Forces are divided into two categories, both of which fall under the term "mechanized infantry":

Mobile Infantry, which refers to lighter infantry mounted in APCs, such as Riysa's trademark NJM Salamah.

Armoured Infantry, which refers to heavier infantry mounted in IFVs, such as the powerful NJM Salah ad-Din.

Note though that the main difference between the two classifications line primarily in doctrine & tactical usage, while the infantry squad itself is virtually the same for both mobile and armoured infantry, baring the transport used. This will be covered shortly.

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Equipment

The standard-issue rifle of the Riysian Joint Ground Forces is the B.854 battle rifle. It fires a 8.54 x 60 mm round, with a rate of fire of up to 700 rounds per minute, and an effective range of up to 800 meters with ironsights adjusted to the long-range setting. This rifle, with the correct ammunition, is capable of piercing even the heaviest of modern body armor. The rifle uses a balanced recoil mechanism similar to that used on the AK-107, allowing for reduced recoil and better control than many battle rifles. With rails, it can be heavily accessorized, with optics, laser sights, vertical grips, and grenade launchers.

The B.854RA is a squad automatic weapon based on the B.854, sharing many of the same characteristics and parts and firing the same ammunition. One of the main differences is the use of a heavier barrel to allow it to fire for long periods of time, and a reworked receiver that allows it to fire at up to 800 rounds per minute.

For anti-tank firepower, the weapon of choice for Riysian infantry squads is the SMD-18 "Zilzal". It is a 18 kilogram (loaded) anti-tank missile system, with the missile guided by "SACLOS" laser-beam riding. It can attack targets as far as a kilometer away and as close as 17 meters, and can penetrate up to a meter of solid steel, making it a potent infantry weapon.

NOTE: If you are a squad anti-tank specialist, work with your squad to find cover and ensure a clear shot before engaging enemy vehicles. Firing the SMD-18 will leave you most likely unable to relocate until after the missile has impacted or has been defeated, due to its guidance method.

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Structure (Company)

Rifle Squad:
10 - 1 Sq Ldr (Sgt), 1 Tm Ldr (Cpl), 2 RFL, 2 Grndr, 2 SAR, 2 AT

Machinegun Squad:

7 - 1 Sd Ldr (Sgt), 3 MG Tm (1 GPMG 1 AG/AB)

Rifle Platoon HQ:

5 - 1 Plt Ldr (Lt), 1 Plt Sgt, 1 RATELO (Cpl), 1 Plt Med (Cpl), 1 FO (Sgt)

Mech Rifle Platoon (57):

3 x Rifle Squad (30)
1 x Machinegun Squad (7)
1 x Rifle Platoon HQ (5)
5 x IFV or APC (15)

Medical Evac Team:

3 - Sr TRAUMA SPC, TRAUMA SPC, DVR
1 Field Ambulance

Sniper Team:

3 - 1 SNIPER (AM), 1 SNIPER (AP), 1 Grndr
1 Light Vehicle

Fire Support Team:

3 - 1 FSO, 1 FS NCO, 1 FS SPC
1 Observer Vehicle

Weapons Platoon (19):

1 Platoon Leader
3 x AT Team (1 ATGM 1 AG/AB)
3 x HMG Team (1 HMG 1 AG/AB)
2 x APC or IFV (3x2)

Company HQ (11):

5 - CO, XO, 1Sgt, RATELO x 2
2 x APC or IFV (3x2)

Mech Rifle Company (210):

3 x Mech Rifle Platoon (57)
1 x Weapons Platoon (19)
1 x Fire Support Team (3)
1 x Sniper Team (3)
1 x Medical Evac Team (3)
1 x Company HQ (11)

Raw numbers:

Enlisted & NCOs: 147
Officers: 6
Dedicated vehicle crew: 57
IFVs or APCs: 19
Other vehicles: 3

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Doctrine

[El Cuscatlan]

PSYOP BASICS
Part of 1st Anti-Communist Military Conference

"Since we are all here" spoke Admiral Radder "I am giving voice to Commodore Joao Teixeira! Welcome!"

Commodore Joao Teixeira walked into podium, slowly smiling as he took more and more steps into the place. He smiled then again towards the whole publicity, and spoke with his characteristic Portuguese accent:

“Senhores and Senhoritas, let the conference begin. Thank you for coming here and visiting Naval Warfare School in San Alberto. My lecture will be about countering communist propaganda. We all know that we live in the age of information, and information today – including those spread by commies – are easily accessible via many sources, including, but not limited to, Internet, TV and radio… in the modern world, you are surrounded by information, and many enemies like to take advantage of that fact to manipulate public opinion for their own gain. Now, what is propaganda?”

Here Commodore Teixeria took a glass of water and continued:

“Propaganda is defined as form of communication that is aimed for influence of attitude of the communication target (We call it Target Audience – TA in PSYOP units). Generally, we distinguish three types of propaganda;

1) White propaganda – with visible, real source.
2) Grey propaganda – source may or may not be real, and accuracy of information is not confirmed.
3) Black propaganda – with false sources and used to spread lies”.

Here Commodore Joao switched slides:

“Example of “black” propaganda is disinformation. DISINFORMATION is powerful weapon in the war, often is aimed at key enemy personnel (eg. Commanders) to disturb their ability to fulfil their tasks. Another of such examples is MISINFORMATION – which is spreading false information unknowingly. The best counter on misinformation is simply to ignore it or provide the truth. And then we have classic PROPAGANDA with aim to influencing the adversary’s potential through information. There is also OPPOSING INFORMATION – intentional or unintentional truth used to target enemy, for example capitalizing on collateral damage.”

Commodore Joao switched slides and cleared his throat.

“When we are launching counter-propaganda process, we must first plan our operation – how will we deliver information to TA (Target Audience), how will it affect it…. During the planning process, indicators are to be identified and analyzed. PSYOP planners should – based on their observation – create “Presumed opponent’s plan” and find flaws in it, to exploit them. It would be good also to launch a war game, testing potential outcomes of the operation.”

Another slide was switched.

“During the operation information about the enemy propaganda must be collected and processed. Major sources of the information about propaganda are:

1. Intelligence organizations
2. Public affairs
3. News (both enemy and neutral)
4. NGOs
5. State and public affairs
6. Internet

When we acquired all the needed information, we should proceed to formulate a counter – propaganda plan. In order to accomplish it, we need to analyses the propaganda. We use SCAME technique to do this.

1) Source: a) check the actor taking part in the propaganda b) check Author of the propaganda (as much as you can gather from information) c) Check the Authority of propaganda (how impotant it is? What symbols, themes and individuals it uses? d) check the type of propaganda (black, white, grey ) and verticality/horizontality
2) Content: a) check the presumed objectives of the propaganda b) check the morale c) Voluntary and involuntary information used d) economic data e) Possible enemy’s mistakes f) Intentions g) Geopolitical information.
3) Target Audience: the team must determine for whom was the propaganda prepared. Major types of audience are: a) Possible (for this TA, but not confirmed) b) Transitional (opponent uses this TA to transmit it’s message to final TA) c) Non – Target (Propaganda was not intended for this TA) and d) Final (the major targets of the opponent).
4) Media: a) check Frequency of propaganda spreading b) check placement of the propaganda (where it is placed) c) check the production source d) check the technical characteristics of propaganda
5) Effects: Check intended and achieved effects of the propaganda.”

After Commodore Joao finished, he switched slides and continued;

“Before we move towards the counter-propaganda technique, we must focus on techniques that enemy uses. Some major ones include:

a) Direct propaganda at population back home in face of intervention on foreign Soil. USSR used this technique during Vietnam war, and de facto hippies won the war for Vietcong.
b) Seeking to divide the enemy along national, religious or ethnic lines.
c) Use questions to soldiers regarding their mission (Why are you here? Are you obeying your masters well?)
d) Use themes uniting population against monolithic threat (WA’s quest for world domination, USA as great Satan which wants to destroy Islam etc).
e) Increase threat of being killed on the battlefield
f) Deter local population from cooperation
g) Use misinformation and disinformation to keep our forces from important issues
h) Capitalize on mistakes and collateral damage.
Themes that opponent often uses, but are not limited, include:
1) Differences in friendly forces
2) Fear of extreme physical damage (painful death, tortures)
3) Family at home
4) Using fallen comrades and illegitimate leadership claims.
5) Emotional appeal.”



“How we will combat the enemy propaganda then? Our techniques are multum. Major of them are:

1) Direct Refutation; is when we direct point after point rebuttal of the enemy propaganda. We should use this technique when we have complete set of information about the enemy. However, we must be aware NOT to add strength to opponent’s message or capture unintentionally friendly attention on unknown issue.
2) Indirect Refutation: is when we are attacking some aspects of opponent’s message, thus challenging it in general. This technique does not bring any attention towards the propaganda by repeating certain aspect. We must ensure that the facts used to damage the message are accurate and important to the TA, and avoid name calling not to damage our perception ”
3) Diversion: is when we attempt to diver the attention of TA into more important for them themes. We should focus on really important topic, to capture attention. Critical factors are media used and themes used.
4) Silence: is when we state that enemy’s message is “unworthy to comment on”. The problem with this one however is that sometimes it may allow enemy to simply spread and expand. It’s pros are that it is pretty safe.
5) Denial: is when we are attempting to deny the TA access to enemy message. Jam the radio, ban the newspapers. However, such measures must ensure that TA will not receive negative feedback and enemy will not capitalize on it.
6) Altering: is when we are attempting to alter the opponent’s message. This process must be hidden that it appears that enemy’s message was not changed, but in reality it was. However this technique is dangerous if message is compromised.
7) Conditioning: is when we are preparing the TA to receive the Enemy’s message by providing it with data which will point on our side before the enemy will receive them. Again, the process must be subtle. We must foresee the themes enemy will use, and then prepare the population to receive them. Process must be subtle.
Minimalizing: is when we counter enemy’s propaganda by minimalizing the importance of it to TA.”

[Aeyariss]

How To Work On Your NationStates National Defense Policy:
A Beginner's Guide

by

Second Lieutenant John Curazo Adams,
B.Soc.Sc in International Relations

Abstract: A national defense policy is an important paradigm that holds and shape how a country modelled and shape its fighting force in order to meet its mission and goals. This article basically looks into the several key factors in what usually determines a national defense doctrine, namely "national interests", "threat environment", "balance of power", "geography and terrain feature", and last but not least, "foreign policy". Using Aeyariss as a case study, this paper also provide guideline for fellow SACTO members to compare and align their values in meeting SACTO purpose and mission to combat communism.

INTRODUCTION

• warfare is basically one of the most prevailing and most popular theme in NS
• unfortunately, lots of players simply began jumping randomly
• need to enhance the quality and realism of any thread in order to make a good roleplay
• SACTO as a roleplayer community is one of the community striving to make that vision a reality - we want good roleplayers
• what other way than to teach fellow players in NS the key factors that influence RL warfare to that
• in order to be able to write a good warfare, and to create a good solid background for a nation, we'll look into one key theme: national defense policy
• and this writing will explain what the key factors that influences decision making in creating a 'defense policy

'

DEFINITION

• insert the bloody academic, long scholastic definition here

GEOGRAPHY AND TERRAIN FACTOR
- how terrain effects defense policies

THREAT ENVIRONMENT
Threat Environment (real threat, perceived threat, projected threat)
- Domestic level
- Regional level
- International level

BALANCE OF POWER
- what is BoP?
- how does BoP affects a nation's threat environment?

DOMESTIC FACTORS
- culture, historical values
- social, economic and political climate
- concept of security; paradigm accepted by the decisions maker (total security, traditional security, comprehensive security)?

FOREIGN POLICIES GOAL
- interventionist? pacifist?

[El Cuscatlan]

SITREP

SITREP - Situation Report - is type of report given from sub-ordinate unit to command given through communications device. The goal of SITREP is to provide the command with needed data about situation of the unit. SACTO forces use 8 line SITREP, which allows them to successfully father all needed data in short time.

LINE 1: Unit Call Sign
LINE 2: Current Position
LINE 3: Recent Activity
LINE 4: Causalities
LINE 5: Ammunition & Equipment status
LINE 6: Enemy KIA
LINE 7: Intel
LINE 8: Your intention

EXAMPLE;


Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo this is Minotauro Alfa, standby for SITREP, over!
Minotauro Caudillo: Minotauro Alfa this is Minotauro Caudillo, send, over!

1. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, Minotauro Alfa
2. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, current position GR zero four five nine, BREAK
3. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, just captured objective delta, BREAK
4. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, no causalities, 2 injured, BREAK
5. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, ammo enough to continue mission, equipment working, BREAK
6. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, five tangos KIA, BREAK
7. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, enemy squad retreating SOUTHEAST, BREAK
8. Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, intent to pursue them, HOW COPY, OVER!

Minotauro Caudillo: Minotauro Alfa, SOLID COPY, OVER!
Minotauro Alfa: Minotauro Caudillo, END of SITREP, out!

[Riysa]

مكافحة الشبح
Stealth Countermeasures
(Unclassified, translated, publicly available excerpt from field manual KJ-5)

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Introduction

On the modern battlefield, there is a growing number of "stealth" aircraft and their usage is increasing. Stealth aircraft purport to be silent, deadly, and near-unstoppable; however, this can not be farther from the truth. This section of the air force training manual is designed to explain methods a smart commander or soldier can use to negate a so-called "advantage" from the enemy side, and force combat on his own terms.

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Overview

Stealth aircraft are designed to minimize their infrared and radar signature, allowing them to slip by enemy air defenses and launch surprise attacks on enemy aircraft and positions. They have been marketed as true "killers of the sky", the next generation of aerial combat. However, with this power comes a giant price tag on such vehicles; a B-2A is nearly a billion dollars a piece, and a F-22 is over 150 million - double that of the latest TaH-29s and equivalent aircraft. Even the F-35, which is less stealthy than the others mentioned, costs around 130-140 million. Thus, scoring even a single kill on one of these types of aircraft will make a noticeable difference in the enemy ranks, let alone several.

While it is entirely possible that, with the most modern technology, one can shoot down stealth aircraft without taking advantage of their weaknesses, it goes without saying that a smart commander will attempt to use everything at his disposal to minimize his own losses and maximize enemy losses. These concepts note weaknesses in stealth designs, and thus, utilizing them will give the commander a great advantage.

L-band radar: Stealth aircraft are designed to minimize radar returns operating in the X band of frequencies - as well as any other high-frequency radar. However, they are much less effective in minimizing low-frequency radar returns, such as the L band of frequencies. Stealth aircraft are about 10 times more visible in the L-band than in the X-band; while this many not seem like much, it can be a vital difference. For example, a 92N6E can spot a F-22 at around 90 kilometers, while a QANAS supplemental L-band search radar would theoretically be able to spot it at around 160 kilometers.

The primary downside to using radars operating in the L-band is that they have a lower resolution than X-band radars, and thus will not be as accurate. Also, L-band radars are no better than X-band radars at detecting non-stealth aircraft, even including designs with reduced signatures such as the Eurofighter Typhoon. Therefore, L-band radars should always be paired with X-band radars whenever possible, such as on the R-19 system used with TaH-29T fighters, or the Type 045 destroyer's sensor package.

ESM: All aircraft give off emissions, whether it is radio waves, datalinks, or radar and jammer emissions. Using a series of ESM/ELINT arrays, such as a Kolchuga package, one can identify the enemy plane and get a rough idea of where it is located. While it may not be sufficiently accurate for fire control, it will allow an early warning of the incoming aircraft.

The main downside of this is that, of course, it is dependent on the enemy emitting signals; a force wishing to achieve maximum surprise may enforce emission silence, preventing the use of this method. On that same note, however, zero emissions would make the enemy's job much more difficult and would probably even make the aircraft more vulnerable to the other listed methods, as they would not be able to rely on their radar for easy search and detection of your assets, and their jammers for jamming your missiles or radar systems.

More often, you'll find aircraft using LPI or AESA radar systems, which will make detection more difficult. Usage of the most modern ESM systems is key in this case, as you'll still be able to retain your range advantage, although it is not impossible to still detect these systems with somewhat older ESM units.

Infrared and optical sensors: Stealth aircraft attempt to reduce their overall signature; however, they still remain highly vulnerable to infrared and optical sensors and seekers. Stealth aircraft have a lower frontal infrared signature, but their infrared signatures to the side and rear are much greater, almost or as equal as conventional aircraft such as the Su-27 or F-15. Some aircraft have taken measures to reduce their rear signature, including non-stealth jets such as the TaH-29, although they still remain highly vulnerable to the more modern infrared seeker systems. As for pure electro-optical systems such as the Python 5's seeker or the Pantsir-S1's supplemental package, there is little difference between stealth and non-stealth aircraft, giving it a definite advantage in combat.

The primary downside to this method is that they are much shorter ranged, can generally track less targets than radar (and thus are better at single targets), and in particular for electro-optical sensors, tend to be somewhat expensive.

Open Doors: Stealth aircraft have to equip their armaments in internal weapons bays if they wish to retain their stealth characteristics, as mounting them on external hardpoints negates their signature reduction techniques. However, they must open the bay doors to release ordnance at an enemy, which for a a short period of time (until the doors close again) will make the aircraft fully visible on radar. The F-117 downed in Yugoslavia was caught using this knowledge.

The main downside of trying to wait for the aircraft to open its doors for an attack is that, of course, its preparing to attack, at which point there's a very real risk of you or your friends being its target and thus any chance at successfully targeting and shooting down the enemy aircraft before it strikes is very, very low.

Overall, a field commander should try to mix these methods to create a viable anti-stealth defense. Having a decent number of MANPADS systems will cover short-ranged tactical incursions, while ESM and L-band systems will provide a strategic cover for your operations. If it all goes for the worst, having backup systems will allow you to take advantage of the aircraft being very visible during its attack phase. Note that all of the above are usable for both air defense commanders and fighter pilots; all modern fighters have ESM/RWR systems of varying capabilities, and most have IRST. The TaH-29T, TaH-29Th, and TaH-26 m.2007A also use the R-19 radar system, which has both X-band and L-band portions for maximum stealth detection capabilities.

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The Stealth Triad

In general, most stealth aircraft can be classified into three general categories - B-2 analogues, F-22 analogues, and F-35 analogues.

B-2 analogues are stealth strategic bombers, designed to penetrate enemy air defenses and completely wreck their targets. These will generally be the most expensive and logistics-intensive of all stealth aircraft, and also the least visible, although of course this depends on the nation. Aircraft such as these are definitely the most dangerous for ground forces, but at the same time, the most vulnerable of all stealth aircraft if caught before it can attack. Shooting down just a single one of these can force an enemy on the defensive and give you some breathing room.

F-22 analogues are pure stealth fighters, designed to wrestle control of enemy skies from enemy fighter craft and undertake certain interdiction and strike missions that don't necessitate or are too risky for such an advanced aircraft as a B-2 or similar bomber. These are much cheaper than stealth bombers, and tend to have excellent signature reduction, even if it is less than a B-2's. These are less vulnerable, of course, than stealth bombers, but are more visible. These should be treated with caution, although of course standard techniques apply.

F-35 analogues are stealth multiroles, cheaper than their fighter counterparts, and designed for a wider range of missions. Although arguably the most popular type of stealth craft, they have a much greater signature than their stealth counterparts as well. By in large, these types of stealth aircraft - and particularly the F-35 itself - are considered to be some of the biggest mistakes in aviation in an overall picture, although the appeal of having a "baby stealth" fighter that presumably is not much more expensive than conventional aircraft - which is mostly untrue - overcomes any supposed shortcomings for many nations. Aircraft of this class neither have the same capabilities as F-22-class aircraft in regards to their signature, nor are they cheap enough to be usable in forming a large air force unless the nation is willing to run into debt, making them essentially large money sinks. Caution of course should still be taken with them, but they are quite easy to shoot down, and thus do not pose anywhere near the same level of threat as a F-22 analogue.

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Example Fire Mission

Listed here is an example of a fire mission taken up against a stealth aircraft, specifically a B-2A, incorporating both anti-stealth techniques and some tricks useful for pretty much any occasion. This is not a boilerplate algorithm; your response to an incursion will differ depending on the situation, such as ECM and weather conditions, but these can provide you with a guide on how to effectively implement anti-stealth techniques.

Scenario start 18:30 (B-2A 800 km away, cruising ~550 km/h, assume RCS = .0001m2)

Regimental ESM arrays and/or AEW ELINT detect unknown aircraft 18:52 (B-2A ~600 km away), B-2A's LPI mode makes it difficult to identify at this point

Confirm no friendly aircraft in general direction 19:00 (B-2A ~527 km away)

IFF interrogation negative for allied aircraft. ESM arrays confirm emission identify as AN/APQ-181 (B-2A radar). Has not appeared on radar systems. 19:13 (B-2A ~405 km away)

Two options available from here:

OPTION 1 (Preferred):
Relay information to nearest fighter squadron for GCI, presume 2 minute form-up time. 19:15 (B-2A ~390 km away)

Squadron heads out, guided to general location by ESM. Presume Mach 2 cruising speed. B-2A intercepted at close range and shot down. Scenario ends. 19:30

OPTION 2 (Fighters unavailable):

Organize and prepare QANAS or analogous strategic SAM batteries (ex. S-400, HQ-9). Move radar systems to advantageous location. Time N/A

IF Riysian L-band strategic radar is present, B-2A will be spotted at ~107 km and FCS will shortly follow, allowing an earlier shootdown. 19:45 (B-2A ~100 km away)

IF standard or low-range L-band radar present, such as 92N6E (S-400 search radar), B-2A will be spotted at ~60 km dependent on system capabilities. 19:50 (B-2A ~ 60 km away)

FCS radar will now spot it (S-400's 92N6 will see it at around 20-40 kilometers, Riysian QANAS' FCS will spot it at around 60 kilometers). Supplement radar with ESM for maximum accuracy. Engage and destroy target. Scenario ends 20:00.

Although the B-2A primarily carries guided bombs, which are well within the engagement envelope, sometimes stealth bombers such as the B-2A will carry cruise missiles, making the long-range intercept option preferable whenever possible.

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Conclusion

Stealth aircraft have their uses, but they are more of a proverbial knife, useful for strategic strikes. Their cost especially limits their tactical usage as they tend to be some of the most expensive aircraft serviceable, yet they still remain vulnerable to several exploits seen on the battlefield. If an enemy relies heavily on these techniques, it is quite possible to win a war not by simple conquest, but also by economic ruin as the enemy nation starts to be unable to procure more stealth aircraft.

Current Riysian doctrine with the famous TaH-29 emphasizes reduced signature techniques, but not full out stealth; similar tactics can be seen on the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, for example. This gives it a measurable advantage, but does not make it prohibitively expensive, allowing the Riysian Air Force to be composed of a lot of "good" aircraft rather than a small number of "great" ones.

[El Cuscatlan]

MARTINEZIST THEORY OF WARFARE

1.

When analyzing the event that is modern war, one must ask himself a question before – what exactly is a modern war? What purposes does it serve? How is it related to the politics? The only correct solution to this problem is by extensive research, researching the very nature of the event and it’s characteristics. The scientific basis of war is important because it serves to develop correct meaning of understanding of the warfare. First, and essential question – what is the meaning of war – can not be found on the battlefield. The major goal here is to define the basis for future thinking. Looking before we see that ideological clash between communism and free nations is taking speed, and unveiling in major force as communist horde conquers and attacks nation after nation. The problem is that war is social phenomena which can be resolved using empiric method used to research world around us. Observing the events accompanying each war, we can easily assume that wars do not begin on their own; very often wars begin because on extra-military power’s orders. Observing it, we can safely assume that war is continuation of politics, a natural counter-reaction on revolutionary and unnatural changes attempting to be introduced by socialism. War is always continuation of politics and various interests between them – most often in the modern world, as we observe rise of the communism, war becomes culmination of conspiracy directed at free nations by the communist cabal. Continuing, war is VIOLENT clash between the parties. Most crucial to development of a war is ideology. From two ideologically different viewpoints arise the conflict, which after spark turns into war. Even so called ethnic conflicts or religious conflicts are conflicts between two versions of ethnic nationalisms and two versions of religious fundamentalisms. The crucial part however is that war between free nations and Communists is crucial here, because of very nature of communism itself. Communism is revolutionary and subversive ideology in every form, and those forms always take shape of overthrowing the current order and installing new one, while the free nations, the counter-revolutionaries, support the old order. In the essence, communism is revolution or new order; while the freedom is tradition or old order. The goal of communism is to destroy the old order, to kill everything that free nations hold dear. Now, we must understand that communism will never stop. There simply can not be peace between communism and free nations, as in the very core of communism is written desire to overthrow old order. As we all know, communists are moral-less thanks to their atheism and rejection of tradition – and this means that they feel nothing evil in killing people they consider class enemies. Thus, because of very nature of communism, there can be no peace with it. Since it always threatens us, it must be destroyed, rooted out with every root so it can not return. The war can be defined by organized violence between two or more organizations; be them states of non-state actors. War always has special character compared to other political means; each side seeks to actively destroy the enemy’s capability to fight while saving own capability and control the terrain to push their political agenda. The conduct of war itself has always been form of activity aimed at those goals. Modern war, thanks to creation of information networks and growth of economical capability of states became something more than just fighting enemy’s armed forces; in each modern war, both sides seeks to undermine enemy’s economy and demoralize his population. Thanks to this, enormous masses are drawn into military activity, which is supported by easy access to military equipment and growth of industrial capability. Due to need for strong logistics, modern war created need for strong economy to provide them, which can not exist without defense industry and large material and technological base. During each war, the major goal is maximal mobilization of the county’s economic and human potential to defeat the enemy. All other activities are to support this motion. Looking at the war itself, the nature of war is the armed combat itself. Thanks to rise of weapons of great power, many non-military solutions to the conflict arose. They include economic sanctions, proxy warfare and diplomacy.

to be continued....

[Quirina]

"On Territorial and International Waters and Airspace"
The Importance of Oceanic and Airspace Divisions and its Significance to Logistical Deployment
Written by Navy Admiral Victorio del Val (1987)


"We're sailing!" "You have that gas money?"

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Main article: International waters

Nothing beats the feeling of waging war upon any enemy out of your reach, with less or no consequences on defending your homeland from any invasion, not unless you are dealing with a stronger enemy nation with capabilities far from your arsenal. Perhaps you might be thinking if there are governing laws or ethics in waging wars in other regions, continents or separate 'canons', and this really poses a good question. What if you have a tract of land with a similar geography, topography and oceanography as your enemy has? It may seem impossible, but "NationStates Realism" speaks and claims otherwise. According to the NS Realists, the NS World is a large multiverse, and until now, there stands no governing and common understanding between two Italies, two Europes or even two Earths. Wonder not, for my self-theorized and widely-accepted universe-combining thought will solve this dilemma you'll need not to worry again.

I call this "law" the "International Aquaspace Rule or IAR". In this rule, every single nation/region/continent/cluser of nations closed to other parts of the multiverse as their own are separated by a large oceanic division called "International waters". At the "international waters", everything happens--diplomatic travels, amphibious warfare opeations underway to another nation, piracy, smuggling, transoceanic trade with barges and cargo ships setting courses to large waves, even fishing. In this body of water, no island or territory exist, and no one owns this oceanic division. It is the only place not bounded by any laws or regulations, not even the World Assembly's most strictest of policies, because really, nobody will rule a landless place (well, fishes can if they can speak human, but we're realists here so quit the fantasy). If there are any conflicts arising therein, the waters will be the "no man's land" and nobody and anybody can give a damn in joining for and against you, since it is a lawless place.

One wonders what is the purpose of the existence of this oceanic division. Let me give an example:

There are two nations who declared war with each other, the "Social Republic of Italia Aeterna" and the "Italian Empire of Noobz00". Both of them claim to be the same real-life analog nation, which is Italy, and had a bad discourse in-character (by the way, I personally hate people using out-of-character channels to pursue in-character goals) and went to war. The Social Republic strikes first by sending a fleet to the Italian Empire. From an outsider's perspective, it looks like Italy is copulating itself too hard, but this will never be the case when the IAR is applied. From home base in Rome, his fleet sails out of Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar and tadah, "International Waters" (unless Social Republic recognizes the existence of the New World, but in this RP he must treat the New World as a separate region, or if it is included in his universe, the IAR can be applied once his forces left home simply). The same applies to Italian Empire. After knowing of an invasion force coming in, he sends a fleet as well to counter the invaders. Now let's go logistic here and examine carefully.

Considering that the international waters is an unfriendly place, expect lots of hazards, natural tragedies and potential attacks from nowhere, and that's why you need to emphasize your fleet protected by whatever means to avoid being hit by an unknown origin of attack, and example of which are players who saw the RP open and decided to call submarines lurking in the lawless waters to sink your fleet by surprise (if I spoiled something, it's your fault for not being alert lol), but don't worry as much of people only are concerned when the fleet lands and it is pretty foolish to attack a well-protected fleet, and such is costly. Remember that rules of engagement depends on the military doctrine of one's nation once they enter an RP and decide if they will follow it or not. One primary point here is be vigilant on your way to your operation's destination. Also take note that military expeditions are dangerous and costly, and that's why some of your politicians IRL are debating against their governments for sending troops without prior approval and notice because it is a waste of money. War is expensive, and waging it means you are either capable of recovering from economic loss, or plain stupid bcoz him insult me and called me wek, and I wuna kek his *ss!!!Shift+1

The only loophole I can see here is the plain stupidity by people who assume too much, like they are living in a life of possibles, and not of "what has happened and can be done again". Common understanding and cooperation is key in sustaining an RP's flow, but if one dares to cross the line and went mad for some illogical reason, then leaving them is a great choice. This is a play-to-post, and respecting yourself is one key for respecting others. Am I too much of a father? Well, it is fundamental to be cooperative and it is divine to be calm, and this rule pretty much gives you time to think about how to defend yourself when you know the enemy is coming. The most common loophole back then, before this rule was suggested to RPers by yours truly, people are creating a universe of combined universes. When OOC shitting came in, everyone in that specific formed universe just left the World they formed and went their own ways. I came up with this rules not to reunify them, but to say that the NS World is a place of everything and one big ocean separates them geographically. This is not an assumption as I had seen other players roleplayed or made stories in "international waters", thus helping me fortify this concept.

Another note worthy of mentioning that above the international waters (physically) is the international airspace, which prettily goes much likely of that in waters, only that it's the air. Many things also happen in that space of nothingness, like endless international flights, dogfights, storm buildups, climate change, and so much more of what happened and happens when an aircraft flies over above a vast waterspace. As the rule says on ships, goes also for planes. There are also potential dangers there that are quite common, like plane crashes from various reasons and "what happens when you cross Bermuda Triangle" thing. With that, vigilance is key. In such vast space of air, there are certain limitations to its use, and one of which is being an avenue for a dogfight. WW2 is over, buddy, and get over it. This large body of water may seem to be as large as the Pacific Ocean (as I what I implement it is) but you also must understand the risk of launching aircraft to a lawless airspace. That alone separates you from intellects who makes laws for their nations' bound and those who can't give a damn about this rule. Realistically, both the international airspace and aquaspace rules (this article) are ways to connect your world to others, regardless of the distance you want to measure and sophisticate yourself with.

[Aeyariss]

Some pretty decent sites for learning international relations and military related issues in RL. [#1] [#2], [#3], [#4]

And my personal favorite and my mentor.