1. Overall
Situation
It is the year 200X. You are a Company Commander in the 10th
Mountain Division (Light Infantry). The Division has deployed to the
fledging Republic of Paldora in South America. Its mission is to conduct
Nation Building Operations and to assist the Paldorans in the maintenance
and development of their democratic institutions.
Paldora is a new country. It was founded in 200Y after economic and
political turmoil resulted in the disintegration of Brazil. The country is
approximately the size of America’s Northeast. Although large in area , it
has a small population. Much of the land is part of the Amazon rain
forest. Economically the nation is struggling. The Brazilian Civil War
destroyed most buisnesses and industry.
2. Extract - Your mission briefing from COL Highpower.
"This is a nation building mission. We are here to assist the
Paldorans in building and modernizing their country. In order to succeed,
we have to increase the standard of living for the common Paldoran. This
means everything from building schools to giving inoculations. Work
through the local government officials in your area. We need to show that
they are in charge and that we working with them. I don’t want to give the
people the impression that we are down here for any other reason than to
help their own government.
One of the things you have to be particularly aware of is the fact that
the Paldorans are a very mixed bunch. Parts of the population consists of
well-to-do middle class that would fit into our culture with ease. Other
parts of the country are less advanced. The highlands have a large
population of people we might call superstitious peasants. The population
of the rain forest consists of tribes who are not all that far removed
from the primitive hunter-gatherer society. Whatever your sector is, it is
important for you to get a feel for the customs and beliefs of the locals.
You have to be the expert in your sector. Because of the size of the area
and the differences in people and culture, you will have to use your best
judgment in making decisions that will affect the overall success of the
mission. I have the utmost confidence in your abilities."
3. BDE S-2 Intellingence Report
Your company has been assigned to one of the rain forest sectors.
The tribe that populates your area of operations is the Tiní. We have
limited intelligence on them.
History: Little is known about the Tiní prior to 1998. It is only in
the past ten years that they have been exposed to the outside world. Prior
to that they lived deep in the rain forest. In 1998, Brazil launched
massive lumber projects in the heart of the Tiní lands. Because of the
lumber operations, we discovered the Tiní people.
General Information: The tribe consists of about 40,000 (est.) men,
women, and children. For the most part they are a peaceful society that
has adapted quickly to the outside world. Although generally peaceful
,they have a reputation for being implacable enemies when wronged.
Neighboring tribes call their warriors the "ghosts that seek vengeance"
due to their ability to move through the forest unnoticed.
Culture - The Tiní are a deeply religious people who place great value
on ritual and tradition. Both their religion and society place an emphasis
on promoting the welfare of the society over the individual. Many
considerTiní society a theocracy because the tribal chiefs function as
civil, military, and spiritual leaders. Their power derives from their
special relationship with the Gods.
4. Tiní Religious Beliefs
a. The world of the Tiní is in perpetual danger of destruction from
the forces of Evil, led by the serpent god, Balzaar.
b. The constant efforts and sacrifices of Leal (the great, good god)
prevents final destruction of the world.
c. Only those who follow in Leal’s footsteps and sacrifice for the
common good of society will be rewarded. The reward will be reincarnation
in a higher life form or eternal life with Leal in "Parva" — the Tiní
version of paradise.
5. The First Story of Leal, Tiní Legend
(Balzaar is attempting to destroy the world by drying up the
earth’s water. Having just finished his second battle against Balzaar,
Leal has found a place to rest.)
"As the great god Leal lay hurt and bleeding from his battle with
Balzaar, an old woman appeared with cool water and herbs to treat his
wounds. As she finished, the Tochis (demon warriors) of Balzaar appeared
and attacked. Although Leal ultimately defeated the demons, one of the
Tochis chopped off the leg of the old woman. After the fight, Leal cared
for the woman. As he was doing this, the serpent god himself appeared and
attacked Leal. Weakened by his wounds, the great god was unable to defend
himself and suffered wound after wound from Balzaar’s fierce fangs and
mighty opé (war axe). In one terrific blow the serpent king severed Leal’s
sword hand, leaving him defenseless. As the Evil one coiled for the strike
that would destroy Leal, a young girl appeared. Without hesitation she
threw herself at Balzaar in an attempt to protect Leal. Infuriated,
Balzaar sank his fangs into her throat and then cut her apart with his
opé. While the serpent king was distracted, Leal regained his sword and
with a mighty swing cut off one of Balzaar’s heads. Howling with rage and
pain, the serpent king fled.
Leal then went to the hurt old woman and the body of the young girl. He
touched some of his blood to the woman’s leg and healed it, saying, "In
helping me you have helped all of mankind. You shall be reborn a great and
wise queen." He then approached the young girl’s body and said, "You who
have sacrificed all for mankind shall receive eternal bliss." He then
raised her spirit up to paradise.
6. Situation to Date
After three weeks in sector you are making excellent progress. Your
troops have already built a small clinic that is providing needed medical
aid. You also have begun building a new school and a levee to protect
crops from flood damage.
Relations with the Tiní are good. They are a friendly, generous people
who appreciate your efforts to help them. They have been assisting your
soldiers on all the projects. Many of the tribes have unofficially adopted
members of your company and provide them with food.
As your first month draws to a close you receive an invitation to the
"Moon Ceremony." This ceremony signifies the triumph of Leal over Balzaar
in their continual struggle. You and many of your men attend. Tribesmen
pour into the area for the semi-annual ceremony. After a dinner feast, the
actual ceremony occurs. Several warriors lead an elderly woman and young
girl to an open area. Amid great ceremony, they reenact the fight of Leal
and Balzaar. As the ceremony concludes two of the tribal leaders suddenly
step out carrying opés. With practiced blows they kill and dismember the
woman and child. Their act brings forth a wave of cheering and chanting
from the assembled tribesmen.
Stunned by the sudden change of events, you ask the tribe’s chief for
an explanation. He tells you, "These two have gone to help Leal fight
Balzaar. By their willing sacrifice they ensure the continuation of the
circle of life. Great honor and rewards shall they receive in their next
life with Leal in eternal paradise."
As you leave the ceremony, you can see the incidents have horrified and
angered your soldiers. One of your troops gets into a scuffle with the
executioners. Only quick intervention by your First Sergeant prevents it
from getting out of hand.
During the night, your First Sergeant comes to see you and tells you
the soldiers are in an ugly mood. The ceremony horrified them. The elderly
woman was a friend of your troops. Rumors are flying that the "Moon
Ceremony" runs for three days, repeating the ritual of sacrifice each day;
so more people will die tomorrow. Your soldiers are talking about what
they can do to stop it.
The next morning you confirm that the ceremony does run for three days
More executions are scheduled. On your rounds, you feel the tension in the
air. Several times you have heard your men talking. They are saying things
like "This is plain wrong," and "We have to stop it." Concerned, you radio
higher for guidance, but none comes. You are the leader on the ground;
make a decision.
7. Task Force Rules of Engagement (ROE)
1. American troops have the right of self-defense at all times. The use
of deadly force is authorized to protect the lives of our soldiers.
2. Deadly force is authorized to protect the lives of Paldoran
Nationals.
3. Riot control agents and weapons can be used at the discretion of
company commanders.
4. The use of force should be a last resort. When faced with hostile
situations, soldiers and units should first issue verbal warnings, then
use warning shots and physical force prior to using deadly force.