Isselmere
23-08-2004, 17:50
“Good morning, gentlemen,” announced Admiral Bertrand Hogarth from the Chief of Defence Staff rostrum. “Today we will begin the first of a series of live- and simulated-fire exercises. This first set is codenamed Seraphim,” he noted depressing a button to begin the audio-visual presentation, “as it requires the coordination of all four of the services. The spaceborne portion of this exercise will be Spyglass, the naval component will be Shark, the air force contingent will be Shrike, and the land force assault will be Sabre. This set of exercises will examine how the United Kingdom will react to the threat posed by foreign powers equipped with super dreadnoughts and other high technology weapons.” Grumbling filled the auditorium as senior officers shifted uncomfortably in their seats. “Considering some of the enemies we have faced in recent times, this is the best means short of war to examine the failures in the systems currently operated by the services and how they may be improved.” The grumbled died quickly with that comment. Many flag rank officers had been cashiered after the most recent debacle. “The island of Staberinde will be the target.”
“Due to international agreements against leaving a welter of debris in Earth orbit and not wanting to aggravate other spaceborne powers, the Spyglass portion will be predominantly simulated-fire exercises. RINSN [Royal Isselmere-Nieland Space Navy] ships, satellites, and bases will engage ‘enemy’ eyes and ears above the war zone. Remember to tell your officers, Admiral Turnbull, use of the fission reactors in Earth orbit is strictly not permitted,” he intoned glaring at the Commander, RINSN, “though I’m certain you’ve already drilled that into their skulls anyway.” The officers chuckled at the petty attempt at humour. “Next, Admiral Graves will engage a mixed simulated and live fleet to clear the path for the invasion force. Admiral Turnbull will assist Admiral Graves in taking out the simulated super dreadnoughts. As a former sub captain, I expect you to make good use of your boats, Admiral Graves.” Graves nodded severely.
“Meanwhile, Air Marshal Felsham will do his job by destroying the enemy’s ability to mount an adequate aerial response to our endeavour. This will again be a mixed-fire exercise. I expect to see a lot of smoking airfields, Air Marshal.”
“And SAM sites!” Felsham added to the amusement of his fellow service chiefs.
“I hope so!” answered Hogarth. “Supported by continuous air and sea support, the Marines will create a beachhead for the Army. The landing will be a live-fire exercise—make sure the troops remember that and don’t start play-acting. The ground forces will then move to the interior and strike at urban centres, notably the FIBUA [fighting in built-up areas] training centre in St. Hubbin’s Vestry-on-the-Ebling. The FIBUA portion will, for now, be simulated-fire using MILES, but remind your troops to take this seriously: last time there were far too many serious injuries due to dumb mistakes. They need to know that just because it’s a training exercise doesn’t mean they can’t get hurt.
“Very well, gentlemen, brief your services.”
“Due to international agreements against leaving a welter of debris in Earth orbit and not wanting to aggravate other spaceborne powers, the Spyglass portion will be predominantly simulated-fire exercises. RINSN [Royal Isselmere-Nieland Space Navy] ships, satellites, and bases will engage ‘enemy’ eyes and ears above the war zone. Remember to tell your officers, Admiral Turnbull, use of the fission reactors in Earth orbit is strictly not permitted,” he intoned glaring at the Commander, RINSN, “though I’m certain you’ve already drilled that into their skulls anyway.” The officers chuckled at the petty attempt at humour. “Next, Admiral Graves will engage a mixed simulated and live fleet to clear the path for the invasion force. Admiral Turnbull will assist Admiral Graves in taking out the simulated super dreadnoughts. As a former sub captain, I expect you to make good use of your boats, Admiral Graves.” Graves nodded severely.
“Meanwhile, Air Marshal Felsham will do his job by destroying the enemy’s ability to mount an adequate aerial response to our endeavour. This will again be a mixed-fire exercise. I expect to see a lot of smoking airfields, Air Marshal.”
“And SAM sites!” Felsham added to the amusement of his fellow service chiefs.
“I hope so!” answered Hogarth. “Supported by continuous air and sea support, the Marines will create a beachhead for the Army. The landing will be a live-fire exercise—make sure the troops remember that and don’t start play-acting. The ground forces will then move to the interior and strike at urban centres, notably the FIBUA [fighting in built-up areas] training centre in St. Hubbin’s Vestry-on-the-Ebling. The FIBUA portion will, for now, be simulated-fire using MILES, but remind your troops to take this seriously: last time there were far too many serious injuries due to dumb mistakes. They need to know that just because it’s a training exercise doesn’t mean they can’t get hurt.
“Very well, gentlemen, brief your services.”