United Elias
23-03-2005, 01:52
(Two years ago today exactly, I founded United Elias. In all that time this is the first time I have posted a more or less comprehensive description of my military, however this I must stress is just a summary of it. During a scarily obsessive period last summer I worked out the organisation of more or less every last platoon in the Army, and since I joined the Modern World I have been trying to scale my forces appropriately. Eventually I have found the time to finish this task, more or less, as you will see there are a few areas that will be added to in the coming days. Alll comments are welcome, and I will be happy to answer any queries you may have)
Ministry of Defence
Minister of Defence: Ibrahim Zibari
Commander in Chief of the Elias Armed Forces: General Khadir Al Tikiriti
Senior Commodore of the Air Force: General Avrahim Poraz
Supreme Admiral of the Fleet: Admiral Benjamin Kerman
Field Marshall of the Army: General Ahmed Abbas
Doctrine
The Elias military is a large, well equipped and well trained force with an emphasis on force projection as well as homeland defence. There is a high proportion of support units to combat units resulting in greater flexibility and the ability to react quickly to a crisis anywhere in the world.
Currently the Elias Military has a program of conscription for all males once they reach the age of 20 and serve a standard tour of two years in the Elias Army, however they maybe retained if necessary for a further year, unless of course they choose to serve additional tour of duties voluntarily. If the individual wishes to join the Air Force or Navy instead they must first pass a suitability test and commit to a three year tour rather than two years. Due to the fact that there would be too large a number of conscripts if all were forced to serve, national service can be waived if the individual can pay the equivalent sum of $85,000 to the Ministry of Defence. If a prospective draftee is at a college or university or have a confirmed place at one, they may defer service until they have graduated or if they do not wish to they can, only after receiving a degree waive it for the reduced sum of $25,000 thus acting as an incentive to receive further education. After receiving a degree, the individual may, if he cannot or does not want to waive service, choose to enter at the officer level providing he commits to a three year commission in the Army, or four years in the Air Force or Marines.
Elias Army
Nowadays the Elias Army, is a large force of 899,575 personnel of which 594,752 compose the Active force whilst 304,823 makeup the considerable reserve element. The Army organisation system is neither based on the US or Soviet one, but a hybrid combination of these two and a unique organisation that suits the Army’s operating conditions and mission.
Over the past few years, the Army has changed in its composition, and has actually downsized, eliminating one Armoured division and placing two infantry divisions in reserve, while the remaining three active motor infantry divisions have been transformed into Expeditionary Infantry Divisions, which provides some light armour to an otherwise all motorised force. Furthermore three active mechanised divisions have been converted to Light Mechanised Divisions, which are more mobile and can be deployed more rapidly. While several separate Tank and Mechanised Brigades have been disbanded, one additional Airborne Brigade, while another heavy brigade has been added to each of the four Advanced Mobile Combat Divisions. These organisational changes have been complimented with changes to training and progressive programs to upgrade and replace equipment. Overall therefore the result of these reforms is a much more professional and efficient force, which has more flexibility than ever before, and although the size of the force has decreased, its funding has remained more or less constant.
The Reservist element is composed of what are effectively cadre units, which have a very small fulltime staff, mostly of civilians to maintain equipment, and become fully active when the unit is mobilised. Reservists are always assigned to a particular position within a unit, and the unit trains together, in the same way as a frontline unit, just less often. The Army is careful however to spread around carefully the personnel who have previously in the frontline army so their experience can affect the largest number around them. An Army reserve unit trains together one weekend a month and two separate two week training exercises a year, which can take place overseas.
The current army has 13 Armoured Divisions (5 Reserve), 19 Mechanised Divisions (3 Light, 5 Reserve) and 10 Infantry Divisions (3 Expeditionary, 7 Reserve) with some separate combat brigades, and many separate artillery and support units, some active and some reserve.
Divisions:
3 Advanced Mobile Combat Divisions
10 Armoured Divisions (4 Reserve)
13 Mechanised Divisions (2 Light, 3 Reserve)
10 Infantry Divisions (3 Expeditionary, 6 Reserve)
Combat Brigades:
38+2 Mechanised Brigades (11 Reserve)
41+2 Tank Brigades (16 Reserve)
24+3 Infantry Brigades (21 Reserve)
5 Light Infantry Brigades (4 Airmobile)
4 Airborne Brigades
12 SAM Brigades
18 SSM Brigades
+support brigades
Major Equipments Summary:
2,816 T-80 variants
1,824 T-72/T-90s
1,521 Merkavas
9,040 BMP-3s IFVs
4,937 BMP-2 IFVs
2,616 Nemerah Heavy APCs
5,434 Faaris LAVs
144 BTR-80s
1,922 120mm VENA SHPs
2,718 152mm MSTA-S SHPs
981 SMERCH MLRS
504 D-30 122m Howitzers
528 ELS-119 105mm Howitzers
864 2A45 125mm AT Guns
420 Truck Mounted Nimrod PGM Launchers
216 Zu-23 AAA systems
498 Shilka AAA systems
72 Tunguska Air Defence Systems
432 SA-11 SAM Launchers
576 S-300 SAM Launchers
288 Fire Arrow SAM Launchers
264 Thaquib I SRBM
126 Thaquib II IRBM
Elias Air Force
The United Elias Air Force is the most heavily funded branch of the Elias Military and in many respects is considered the most important. It is tasked with providing air support for ground troops, providing air defence for the homeland and foreign interests as well as the bulk of UE's nuclear deterrent, in the form of both nuclear cruise missiles and bombs.
Equipment wise the Air Force still has a considerable range of types in service, with rationalisation not necessarily to the force's advantage. Overall new procurements do not replace older types one for one, so the force is constantly growing. The Air Force has also refused to retire older types of aircraft, which may seem strange given that there is no shortage of new types available, but it firmly believes that some older aircraft offer capabilities not found in newer generation aircraft.
Strategic/Tactical Bombers
-58 Tu-160M Strategic Bombers
-56 Tu-22M Strategic Bombers
-102 Tu-22M3-UE1 Strategic Bombers
-59 Su-24MK Long Range Tactical Bombers
-143 EA-220A Low Observable Joint Tactical Bombers
-81 F-111F long Range Strike Fighters
-98 F-111G long Range Strike Fighters
-42 Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
-36 Tu-142 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
-13 Il-86 Airliners configured as cruise missile platforms
-39 Tu-95MS cruise missile platforms
Fighter-Bombers/ Ground Attack Fighters
-592 EA-160B/E Multirole Fighters
-272 EA-160C/F Tactical Strike Fighters
-112 EA-160D/G SEAD Fighters
-256 Su-30MUE Multirole Fighters (based on Su-30MK3)
-368 Su-35MK Multirole Fighters
-224 Mig-33M-UE Multirole Fighters
-32 Mig-33UB Conversion Trainers
-98 Su-39 Close Air Support Fighters
-24 Su-25UBK Conversion Trainers
-36 EA-50B Turboprop Attack/FAC/COIN Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-314)
-33 EA-80C Gunship Aircraft
Training Aircraft
-96 L-39 Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets
-144 EA-148A Advanced Trainers
-64 EA-148B Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets
-288 EA-50A Basic Trainers/Turboprop Attack Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-312)
Reconnaissance Aircraft/Electronic warfare
-44 RF-111 Photographic Reconnaissance Aircraft
-43 EF-111 Tactical Jamming Aircraft
-22 Tu-22P Standoff Jamming Aircraft
-23 EA-80E Standoff Jamming Aircraft
-13 RC-135UE Signals Intelligence Aircraft
-24 EA-06 Signals Intelligence Aircraft
-33 EA-70 (G-V) Battlefield Reconnaissance Aircraft
Command and Control Aircraft
-21 A-50 AWACS
-24 E-3A AWACS
-11 Il-86 Airborne command posts
Transport Aircraft
-192 EA-80A Tactical Transport Aircraft
-56 EA-80B Convertible Tanker/Transport Aircraft
-59 EA-75A STOVL Transport Aircraft
-28 Il-76M-UE Transport Aircraft
-46 Il-76MD Transport Aircraft
-37 An-124 Strategic Transports
-18 An-225 Strategic Transports
-41 Il-78 Tanker/Transports
-4 Il-96 VIP Transports
-7 707-320B VIP Transports
-24 EA-06 Diplomatic/Medical Transports
-27 Tu-154B2 Diplomatic/Medical Transports
-14 Gulfstream 550 Executive Jets
Helicopters
-36 EA-24J CSAR Helicopters
-49 EA-22F SAR Helicopters
-24 EA-24B VIP Helicopters
-38 EA-22B VIP Helicopters
-64 EA-28C Light Utility Helicopters
-72 Mi-34 Basic Training Helicopters
-42 EA-28A Training helicopters
Army Attached-Helicopters for the Elias Army are operated by the Air Force, but are generally permanently attached to the Army unit they operate with.
-852 EA-34B Attack Helicopters
-498 EA-32A Anti-Tank/Light Attack helicopter
-232 EA-22C Transport/Utility Helicopters
-584 EA-24C Transport/Utility Helicopters
-126 EA-22P Command and Control Helicopters
-150 EA-22Q Electronic Warfare Helicopters
-226 EA-24K Medevac Helicopters
-280 Mi-35M Assault Helicopters
-176 EA-22D Assault Helicopters
-36 Mi-26UE Heavylift Helicopters
Special Forces Attached:
-48 EA-28G Light Special Forces Helicopters
-36 EA-24G Special Forces Helicopters
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve is an important part of the United Elias military and has acquired increasingly modern equipment as new types come online with the frontline force. Reserve pilots are required for duty one weekend a month and two separate two week training exercises a year, which can take place overseas.
The Air Force Reserve was plagued with safety problems a decade ago years ago which resulted in cutbacks to the number of planes fielded, and modernisation, moving away from a force based on over a thousand Mig-19s to becoming smaller and better equipped. However non-combat aircraft attrition rates are still marginally higher than that of the frontline force, especially among fast jet pilots.
Strategic/Tactical Bombers
-42 Tu-95M Strategic Bombers
-70 Su-24MK Tactical Bombers
-166 EA-120C long Range Strike Fighters
Multirole Fighters/ Ground Attack Fighters
-80 Mig-33 Multirole Fighters
-192 Mig-29SM Multirole Fighters
-176 Mig-29A Multirole Fighters
-271 Mig-21-UE
-164 F-4E Phantom Multirole Fighters
-64 Mig-27 Ground Attack Fighters
-48 F-4G SEAD Fighters
-253 Su-22M3 Ground Attack Fighters
-96 Su-25K Ground Attack Fighters
Reconnaissance Aircraft/Electronic warfare
-31 Su-24MR Photographic Reconnaissance Aircraft
-22 EF-111 Tactical Jamming Aircraft
Transport Aircraft
-202 An-12 Transport Aircraft
-55 An-26 Transport Aircraft
-13 An-22 Transport Aircraft
-24 KC-135E Tankers
-41 EA-06 Transports
-13 Il-18 Transport Aircraft
-11 707-323C Transports
Helicopters
-36 Mi-17UE
-23 Mi-2
Army Reserve Attached:
-312 Mi-17UE-A
-78 Mi-17UE-B
-52 Mi-17PP
-280 Mi-24V
Elias Navy
Facilities:
Abdullah, Red Sea
Alexandria, Mediterranean
Aqabah, Red Sea
Ascension Island
Bandar, Brunei
Belize
Diego Garcia
Al Khubar, Persian Gulf
Kuwait, Persian Gulf
Manama, Persian Gulf
Port Said, Mediterranean
Suez, Red Sea
Port Victoria, Seychelles
Major Vessels:
4 Modified Kiev Class CV (Babylon, Assyria, Petra, Memphis)
4 Victor Class CV (Ezzra, Meir, Victor, Abdullah)
1 Ark Royal Class CV (Cyrus the Great) (Reserve)
6 Baghdad Class CG (Baghdad, Cairo, Kuwait, Makkah, Medina)
4 Kara Class CG (Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Doha)
3 Kynda Class DDG (Al Quds, Amman, Madinah)
31 Tigris Class DDG (Tigris, Euphrates, Gangees, Vistula, White Nile, Blue Nile, Amazon, Jordan, Volga, Zambezi, Tiber, Volta, Irrawady, Mekong, Congo, Niger, Orinoco, Shatt El Arab, Suez, Panama, Danube, Elbe, Rashid, Manzala, Buruillus, Edku, Zab, Adhaim, Murad, Arsanias, Diyala)
17 Pasha Class DDG (Midhat Pasha, Mehmet Pasha, Omar Pasha, Ismail Pasha, Mustafha Pasha, Ezzra Zilkha, Zaki Mohammed, Ibrahim Zibari, Samir Shakir, Mahmood Sumaidy, Mahmoud Othman, Bahnam Ziya, Zaki Mohammed, Hassan Ali Khedar, Khadir Al Tikriti )
3 Udaloy Class DDG (Corsair, Leviathan, Valkyrie)
5 Conqueror Class DDG Shalmanesar, Esarhaddon, Belshazzar, Sabah, Nasir-Sin
1 Sovremenny DDG class (Amman)
49 Beluga Class FFG (Beluga, Najaf, Mosul, Nasariyah, Basrah, Karbala, Amarah, Ramadi, Shatrah, Qasr, Zubayr, Samarra, Mahmudiyah, Suwayrah, Al Kut, Jalibah, Ar Rutbah, Ad Diwaniyah, Al Jahra, Hulayjah, Talifah, Aqabah, Zarqa, Irbid, Al Wakrah, Jizan, Al Zuhrah, Jeddah, Najran, Tabuk, Ad Dammam, Buraydah, Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Al Kharj, Zalim, Ha’il, Al Markut, Rafha, Turayf, Madinat Isa, Sitrah, Madinat Hamad, Al Muharraq, Quena, El Minya, Helwan, El Mansura, Damanhur)
8 Neustrashimy Class FFG
4 Krivak II class FFG
13 Gepard FFG
8 Swordfish Class FSG (Swordfish, Sou’faMistral, Cyclone, Typhoon, Hurricane, Tornado, Lightning, Haboob
42 Barracuda Class FSG (Barracuda, Revenge, Vengeance, Retribution, Reprisal, Retaliation, Resilience, Restraint, As Saiqa, Invincible, Illustrious, Impenetrable, Indefectible, Incredible, Diligent, Assiduous, Justice, Unity, Industrious, Prosperity, Vigilant, Vanguard, Valour, Voracious, Virtuous, Miraculous, Endurance, Fortitude, Dauntless, Fearless, Intrepid, Shaheed, Fedayeen, Soufa, Temperance, Vanquish)
78 Piranha PCFG
32 Protector Patrol Ships
4 Dergach class Hydrofoils
4 Nanchuka class FSG
6 Dolphin Class LPD (Scimitar, Shamshir, Sabre, Scythe, Sword, Spear)
6 Walrus Class LSD
10 Sturgeon Class Combat Support Ships
36 Tigershark Class SSK
11 Kilo SSK
7 Foxtrot SSK
3 Amur 950 SSK
15 Leviathan class SSN
2 Sierra I SSN
21 EM-75/1 Oilers
4 Dubna class oilers
7 Boris Chilkin AOR
7 Mars Class Combat Support Ships
16 Kilauea class Ammunition ships
4 Amga class Missile Support Ships
6 Malina class submarine support ships
2 Ugra class Submarine Support Ships
37 EM-90 Sealift Ships
14 EMC-023 class large Container ships
4 EMC-011 Roll on Roll off Ferries
2 Pigeon Class Submarine Rescue control vessels
2 Pathfinder class Submarine rescue support vessels
1 Warrior Class Judea
NBC Weapons
The President and the Elias government continue to take the view that a nuclear detterent is a critical element of strategic security, and the size of the nuclear arsenal has remained largely constant over the past decade. All three military branches are equipped and trained in the use of nuclear weapons, of varying yields, and the use of tactical warheads is seen as a legitimate resort, even in a state of less than total war, and do not necessarily require Presidential approval to be employed. In practice, tactical nuclear weapons are frequently forward deployed but for contingencies only, and United Elias has never used a nuclear weapon in anger. As far as strategic weapons are concerned, a relatively high readiness in maintained, but it is highly unlikely they would ever be used in anything other than a retaliatory way.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Elias government invested heavily in chemical weapons (CW) and there is currently a significant stockpile of these munitions. Although they are gradually being phased out and destroyed, both the Army and the Air Force will retain a CW capability in the near future, although its practical use is diminishing as the emphasis of chemical training switches from using it, to defending against it.
Officially, the Elias military has never deployed biological weapons of any sort, but it is believed that small stocks may exist, resulting from various studies and research projects that apparently took place in the 1980s. The status of these stocks is unknown and their existence denied, and it is probable that the aim of these studies was to improve the military's ability to defend against BW attacks.
Air Force:
Considering that the development of ICBMs was cancelled in the 1990s at an early stage, and ballistic missile submarines are deemed too expensive, the Elias Air Force provides the bulk of strategic weapons in the form of the airborne detterent. The principal platforms of the airborne detterent are the Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M strategic bombers, and it is practice that some aircraft maintain five minute ground alert status at all times, with squadrons rotating this duty. On nuclear strike missions, the bombers are equipped to fire EAW-10 and EAW-12 ALCMs, usually equipped with 200 kiloton warheads, or freefall thermonuclear munitions. To compliment these types, F-111, EA-220 and Su-24 strike aircraft are also trained regularly in the use of nuclear weapons, and on nuclear deepstrike missions, it would be these types that would precede the heavy bombers to destroy air defences.
In addition, many combat squadrons in the Elias Air Force are familiar with nuclear weapons protocols and procedures, and it is likely that these would contribute to a nuclear retaliation if the target was within strike range. The main purpose of these fighter units being given nuclear weapons training, is to provide them with the capability to employ tactical nuclear weapons, and there is a considerable stockpile of low yield gravity bombs as well as nuclear anti-radiation, anti-ship and air to air missiles.
The Air Force maintains stocks of CW gravity bombs, predominantly utilising GB or VX nerve agents. These weapons are slated for withdrawal in the near future, and are very very rarely forward deployed overseas, or even beyond secure facilities at airbases.
Navy:
The Navy, while not providing much of the strategic nuclear detterent, is nonetheless an important part of the nation's nuclear capability. Attack submarines, and surface combatants are known to deploy with nuclear rounds for their land attack, and anti-ship missiles, and to a lesser extent nuclear-tipped torpedoes. Although they are viewed as obsolete, and will shortly be phased out, there are some nuclear depth charges in the Navy's inventory. These were originally designed to be dropped by Naval helicopters, but for safety and security reasons, the MoD recently prohibited helicopters from carrying nuclear payloads.
The Navy's fixed wing combat aircraft are nuclear capable, and aircraft carriers are equipped to store these weapons. At the present time however, there are no air-launched nuclear weapons in the Navy inventory.
The Navy does not have a CW capability.
Army:
The Elias Army has a number of short and intermediate range ballistic missiles, which can use either NBC or conventional warheads, and some of the arsenal is nuclear equipped. This is the Army's contribution to the strategic detterent, but it is somewhat limited due to the range of the weapons.
Tactical nuclear weapons have always been seen favourably in the Army chain of command, and the Elias army maintains stocks of nuclear artillery shells, with varying yields. There are also limited numbers of nuclear landmines, as well as Special Atomic Demolition Munitions (SADM).
The Army has the largest stocks of CW weapons, and has a very significant inventory of nerve agent filled artillery projectiles, land mines, rockets and even grenades. Much of this inventory is now stored at special displosal facilities, but the Army continues to protest and obstruct efforts by the MoD to begin decommissioning the stockpile. The end result is a compromise, that the weapons be dismantled at a very slow rate, even though the Army still has more CW weapons than it could use even if it was permitted to, given that the Army has downsized since the CW arsenal was developed.
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Redif (National Guard)
The ‘Redif’ itself dates back to before the formation of the Republic, and literally means ‘Second Reserve’, an organisation supplemental to the Ottoman Sixth Army that later formed the nucleus of the Elias military. Over the years, as the organisation of the military has changed, the Redif has slowly transitioned from being a reserve to being used as also an ancillary element to supplement the army in a National Guard type role. It is not just a reserve component such as the national guard of the United States; at least part of it is an active-duty armed force existing parallel to, but broadly separate from, the regular military service branches.
The ‘Redif’ effectively has two distinct elements, which compliment each other the Saraya ad Difa, which are tribal defence battalions that perform the role of a militia force, and the newer As Saiqa (The Thunderbolt). The Saraya ad Difa, is a tribal army forged out of the numerous Bedouin elements loyal to the President, and numbers approximately 171,830, with over 144,000 of that total serving in a part time, reservist capacity. The Saraya Ad Difa is formed into 154 Rifle Battalions and 25 Anti-Tank Field Gun Battalions. This force would rarely be used in anything short of a major internal crisis or an invasion of United Elias by a foreign power. In the case of the latter, the force would use guerilla tactics, and would be reasonably proficient in this role.
The As Saiqa is a professional force, formed in 1959, originally as a means to put down internal revolution against the government, and even though that threat is now unlikely, it is still practice for As Saiqa to swear loyalty to the President, rather than the State contrary to other military branches. As the threat of internal rebellion from the populace has been replaced by threats to the populace from varying insurgent and terrorist groups, the As Saiqa is slowly transforming itself from a force organisation that is largely redundant to that of the military, and becoming a counter-insurgency force in peacetime, while in wartime can use rearguard tactics to blunt enemy offensives. The force’s support units in peacetime can be directed towards a number of civil roles, while in wartime can provide secure supply lines for the mainstream military, and also co-ordinate actions by the Saraya ad Difa. As this transformation continues, the As Saiqa will lose its organic armour and artillery, but will gain more highly mobile asymmetric warfare units, that are both trained and specifically equipped to deal with unconventional enemies. The projected organisation of the As Saiqa after its reforms are completed is of 25 Regiments, strategically located around the country, each with 1 Motorised Tactical Battalion, 1 Special Tactical Battalion, 2 Motor Transport Battalions and 1 Combat Service Support Battalion, for a total force of 115,725. These Regiments are not only self-supporting but are designed to have excess support capability, so they can provide logistical support to the Saraya ad Difa, and if need be, the frontline military.
Internal Security Force
The ISF is a national force that could be described as paramilitary because it undertakes both law enforcement and security service functions. The ISF numbers about 435,000 (of which 150,000 are part time) nationwide and is responsible for guarding public buildings, hotels, strategic sites (such as water and power installations), and foreign embassies, as well as providing border and frontier security. They also can help to direct traffic and control crowds, as well as supplement local police if requested. Formed in 1934 to obviate the need to call upon the armed forces to deal with domestic disturbances, and also to strengthen security against terrorists, its role has remained largely unchanged.
Generally the quality of training in the ISF is reasonable, as far as firearms proficiency and literacy; however they have a tendency to be over-zealous and in some districts are prone to interfering with local police, favoring more radical attitudes towards law and order than is generally accepted in modern UE. Most members are volunteers, many of whom have previous military experience, or conscripts who may choose to do national service in the ISF if the military approves this, dependent on manpower requirements. The ISF comes under the authority of the Minister for Internal Affairs; however regional governors are also permitted to exercise a certain amount of power over ISF forces in their jurisdictions.
The standard weapons of ISF members are officially the variants of the SCR (indigenous rifle, version of an AK with many features similar to the Galil) assault rifle. Although not officially provided by the government many ISF units have, nevertheless, armed themselves with heavier weaponry such as RPG-7s, RPKs and grenades, much of it sourced from arms seizures. Most ISF patrols are done from 4x4 vehicles, the Toyota land cruiser and Land Rover Defender being the most common. In each province the ISF maintains a small air wing of mostly EA-22 helicopters, whilst separate border air wings operate EA-22s, EA-28s, Mi-17UEs and also light observation aircraft.
Intelligence Services
Prior to the late 1980s, security and intelligence had been handled by a separate Ministry of State Security, with various departments and bureaus for different roles. However this was reformed by the President, as the reputation of the department descended to one of incompetence, corruption and institutionalised over-bureaucracy. During this period, two separate agencies were formed, the Federal Security Bureau (FSB) and the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to replace the MSS. The roles of the two organisations are supposedly that of the FSB being the customer of the domestic intelligence the FIB collects, and the military for foreign intelligence. However this is not really the case as domestic intelligence is largely under the remit of the FSB while all foreign intelligence operations are strictly the responsibility of the FIB.
Federal Security Bureau (FSB)
The FSB itself is divided into several different departments that are each responsible for maintaining security in the nation. It is important to note that the ethos of the FSB is quite different than the Ministry of State Security, which it replaced, as it is supposed to be not a servant of the state, but of the people, and has tried to maintain a public image similar to that of a local Police Force, a benevolent force of order, not a secret-police organisation. This works by a heavy emphasis on trying to show the people that the interests of the people who live in the state, are inextricably linked to the interests of the government, and is extremely careful not to have people arrested unless there is very little doubt of their guilt, thereby allowing them to have a fair trial. The key to this, is a focus on surveillance rather than action, and keeping this surveillance as subtle as possible.
The Mudiriyat al-Amn al-Amma (General Security Directorate) is effectively the nation’s central body for organizing the different security forces and services, responsible for co-coordinating national and local law enforcement networks and supervising the activities of state institutions and government departments. While the Internal Security Force is not officially subordinate to the FSB, the Bureau effectively has operational control over it, and this is its primarily the mechanism that acts on intelligence, although it has other means as well, including its own agents in the SSO (see below) and if necessary the Redif. The FSB technically has jurisdiction over all citizens in United Elias and may advise either local police, or more commonly the ISF if it suspects a citizen of criminal activity, even if it’s not a Federal level crime. However, the general role of the Mudiriyat al-Amn al-Amma is one of countering opposition, whether it be political, industrial, economic or violent, to the state and preserving peace and security in the nation.
The al-Amn al-Khas (Special Security Organisation – SSO) is the most feared government organisation in United Elias, that is of course if you are a spy or dissident and is an exception in that is goes against the principles of the FSB stated above. The SSO is the FSB’s own pro-active force, which acts on priority intelligence that is deemed too sensitive or too important to be delegated to the ISF or police. The SSO’s notorious black Suburban SUVs, frequently come out of nowhere to surround, and detain target individuals. People who are arrested by the SSO are not within the constitution’s provisions regarding due process and upon signing the relevant documents, the Director of the SSO can order the imprisonment or even execution of any detainee without contact with the judicial system. As well as being the nation’s principal counter-intelligence directorate, the SSO is also responsible for all high-level interrogation work within the Federal Government, and should be regarded as one of the world’s most proficient in this art. While officially very little is admitted about this organisation, unofficially some information is made public to act as a deterrent against espionage and defiance. However the SSO does not have the resources to, nor is it designed to be an omnipotent or omnipresent secret police force, and generally cases are dealt with via less litigious methods, namely the Internal Security Force. The exception to this is cases of foreign espionage where the SSO is always the one to be responsible for prosecuting suspects.
The al-Amn al-Ri’asah (Presidential Security Organisation - PSO) is dedicated as its name suggests, to protecting the President, and in fact all high-level government and foreign diplomatic officials. Its agents are highly trained and as well as direct protection, it also handles intelligence on specific threats to officials in government. In the role of actual protection of officials, this is shared somewhat with the military, which provides more ceremonially orientated, but still capable personnel.
Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB)
The FIB is the overseas counterpart to the FSB and is organised along very similar lines, and is roughly equal in importance. While it is allowed, and does, conduct intelligence operations domestically, these are generally in very close co-ordination with the FSB, and relate to operations external of the borders.
The Da'irat al Mukhabarat al Amah (General Intelligence Department or GID) is responsible for the analysis of all human and electronic intelligence operations undertaken by the FIB and to disseminate it to the appropriate authorities. The GID runs very extensive intelligence networks worldwide, through many different sources and methods, and is flexible so that assets can be transferred regionally with great rapidity.
While the collection of intelligence is sometimes performed by other departments of the FIB or the military, the GID has to interpret data and prioritize accordingly. It therefore has the broadest range of language and cryptology skills in the nation, and is a very efficient, highly funded organisation.
A very nebulous department known simply as Jihaz al Khas (Special Apparatus) is believed to exist, although its operations, organisation and role are unknown even to the vast majority of FIB employees.
The Mukhabbarat al-Jawiya (Aerial Intelligence) is the directorate in charge of analysing all data from Air Force Photo Reconnaissance, and is responsible for the tasking and operating UE’s constellation of intelligence satellites.
Istikhbarat Askaria (Military Intelligence) is a joint office staffed by both FIB personnel and military officers. It’s role is to organise and request information from the GID that has a significance to the military, either on a tactical or strategic level and analyse this data. The Department has a close working relationship with the MoD’s Contingency Directorate, which formulates Operational Orders and war plans.
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Ministry of Defence
Minister of Defence: Ibrahim Zibari
Commander in Chief of the Elias Armed Forces: General Khadir Al Tikiriti
Senior Commodore of the Air Force: General Avrahim Poraz
Supreme Admiral of the Fleet: Admiral Benjamin Kerman
Field Marshall of the Army: General Ahmed Abbas
Doctrine
The Elias military is a large, well equipped and well trained force with an emphasis on force projection as well as homeland defence. There is a high proportion of support units to combat units resulting in greater flexibility and the ability to react quickly to a crisis anywhere in the world.
Currently the Elias Military has a program of conscription for all males once they reach the age of 20 and serve a standard tour of two years in the Elias Army, however they maybe retained if necessary for a further year, unless of course they choose to serve additional tour of duties voluntarily. If the individual wishes to join the Air Force or Navy instead they must first pass a suitability test and commit to a three year tour rather than two years. Due to the fact that there would be too large a number of conscripts if all were forced to serve, national service can be waived if the individual can pay the equivalent sum of $85,000 to the Ministry of Defence. If a prospective draftee is at a college or university or have a confirmed place at one, they may defer service until they have graduated or if they do not wish to they can, only after receiving a degree waive it for the reduced sum of $25,000 thus acting as an incentive to receive further education. After receiving a degree, the individual may, if he cannot or does not want to waive service, choose to enter at the officer level providing he commits to a three year commission in the Army, or four years in the Air Force or Marines.
Elias Army
Nowadays the Elias Army, is a large force of 899,575 personnel of which 594,752 compose the Active force whilst 304,823 makeup the considerable reserve element. The Army organisation system is neither based on the US or Soviet one, but a hybrid combination of these two and a unique organisation that suits the Army’s operating conditions and mission.
Over the past few years, the Army has changed in its composition, and has actually downsized, eliminating one Armoured division and placing two infantry divisions in reserve, while the remaining three active motor infantry divisions have been transformed into Expeditionary Infantry Divisions, which provides some light armour to an otherwise all motorised force. Furthermore three active mechanised divisions have been converted to Light Mechanised Divisions, which are more mobile and can be deployed more rapidly. While several separate Tank and Mechanised Brigades have been disbanded, one additional Airborne Brigade, while another heavy brigade has been added to each of the four Advanced Mobile Combat Divisions. These organisational changes have been complimented with changes to training and progressive programs to upgrade and replace equipment. Overall therefore the result of these reforms is a much more professional and efficient force, which has more flexibility than ever before, and although the size of the force has decreased, its funding has remained more or less constant.
The Reservist element is composed of what are effectively cadre units, which have a very small fulltime staff, mostly of civilians to maintain equipment, and become fully active when the unit is mobilised. Reservists are always assigned to a particular position within a unit, and the unit trains together, in the same way as a frontline unit, just less often. The Army is careful however to spread around carefully the personnel who have previously in the frontline army so their experience can affect the largest number around them. An Army reserve unit trains together one weekend a month and two separate two week training exercises a year, which can take place overseas.
The current army has 13 Armoured Divisions (5 Reserve), 19 Mechanised Divisions (3 Light, 5 Reserve) and 10 Infantry Divisions (3 Expeditionary, 7 Reserve) with some separate combat brigades, and many separate artillery and support units, some active and some reserve.
Divisions:
3 Advanced Mobile Combat Divisions
10 Armoured Divisions (4 Reserve)
13 Mechanised Divisions (2 Light, 3 Reserve)
10 Infantry Divisions (3 Expeditionary, 6 Reserve)
Combat Brigades:
38+2 Mechanised Brigades (11 Reserve)
41+2 Tank Brigades (16 Reserve)
24+3 Infantry Brigades (21 Reserve)
5 Light Infantry Brigades (4 Airmobile)
4 Airborne Brigades
12 SAM Brigades
18 SSM Brigades
+support brigades
Major Equipments Summary:
2,816 T-80 variants
1,824 T-72/T-90s
1,521 Merkavas
9,040 BMP-3s IFVs
4,937 BMP-2 IFVs
2,616 Nemerah Heavy APCs
5,434 Faaris LAVs
144 BTR-80s
1,922 120mm VENA SHPs
2,718 152mm MSTA-S SHPs
981 SMERCH MLRS
504 D-30 122m Howitzers
528 ELS-119 105mm Howitzers
864 2A45 125mm AT Guns
420 Truck Mounted Nimrod PGM Launchers
216 Zu-23 AAA systems
498 Shilka AAA systems
72 Tunguska Air Defence Systems
432 SA-11 SAM Launchers
576 S-300 SAM Launchers
288 Fire Arrow SAM Launchers
264 Thaquib I SRBM
126 Thaquib II IRBM
Elias Air Force
The United Elias Air Force is the most heavily funded branch of the Elias Military and in many respects is considered the most important. It is tasked with providing air support for ground troops, providing air defence for the homeland and foreign interests as well as the bulk of UE's nuclear deterrent, in the form of both nuclear cruise missiles and bombs.
Equipment wise the Air Force still has a considerable range of types in service, with rationalisation not necessarily to the force's advantage. Overall new procurements do not replace older types one for one, so the force is constantly growing. The Air Force has also refused to retire older types of aircraft, which may seem strange given that there is no shortage of new types available, but it firmly believes that some older aircraft offer capabilities not found in newer generation aircraft.
Strategic/Tactical Bombers
-58 Tu-160M Strategic Bombers
-56 Tu-22M Strategic Bombers
-102 Tu-22M3-UE1 Strategic Bombers
-59 Su-24MK Long Range Tactical Bombers
-143 EA-220A Low Observable Joint Tactical Bombers
-81 F-111F long Range Strike Fighters
-98 F-111G long Range Strike Fighters
-42 Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
-36 Tu-142 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
-13 Il-86 Airliners configured as cruise missile platforms
-39 Tu-95MS cruise missile platforms
Fighter-Bombers/ Ground Attack Fighters
-592 EA-160B/E Multirole Fighters
-272 EA-160C/F Tactical Strike Fighters
-112 EA-160D/G SEAD Fighters
-256 Su-30MUE Multirole Fighters (based on Su-30MK3)
-368 Su-35MK Multirole Fighters
-224 Mig-33M-UE Multirole Fighters
-32 Mig-33UB Conversion Trainers
-98 Su-39 Close Air Support Fighters
-24 Su-25UBK Conversion Trainers
-36 EA-50B Turboprop Attack/FAC/COIN Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-314)
-33 EA-80C Gunship Aircraft
Training Aircraft
-96 L-39 Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets
-144 EA-148A Advanced Trainers
-64 EA-148B Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets
-288 EA-50A Basic Trainers/Turboprop Attack Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-312)
Reconnaissance Aircraft/Electronic warfare
-44 RF-111 Photographic Reconnaissance Aircraft
-43 EF-111 Tactical Jamming Aircraft
-22 Tu-22P Standoff Jamming Aircraft
-23 EA-80E Standoff Jamming Aircraft
-13 RC-135UE Signals Intelligence Aircraft
-24 EA-06 Signals Intelligence Aircraft
-33 EA-70 (G-V) Battlefield Reconnaissance Aircraft
Command and Control Aircraft
-21 A-50 AWACS
-24 E-3A AWACS
-11 Il-86 Airborne command posts
Transport Aircraft
-192 EA-80A Tactical Transport Aircraft
-56 EA-80B Convertible Tanker/Transport Aircraft
-59 EA-75A STOVL Transport Aircraft
-28 Il-76M-UE Transport Aircraft
-46 Il-76MD Transport Aircraft
-37 An-124 Strategic Transports
-18 An-225 Strategic Transports
-41 Il-78 Tanker/Transports
-4 Il-96 VIP Transports
-7 707-320B VIP Transports
-24 EA-06 Diplomatic/Medical Transports
-27 Tu-154B2 Diplomatic/Medical Transports
-14 Gulfstream 550 Executive Jets
Helicopters
-36 EA-24J CSAR Helicopters
-49 EA-22F SAR Helicopters
-24 EA-24B VIP Helicopters
-38 EA-22B VIP Helicopters
-64 EA-28C Light Utility Helicopters
-72 Mi-34 Basic Training Helicopters
-42 EA-28A Training helicopters
Army Attached-Helicopters for the Elias Army are operated by the Air Force, but are generally permanently attached to the Army unit they operate with.
-852 EA-34B Attack Helicopters
-498 EA-32A Anti-Tank/Light Attack helicopter
-232 EA-22C Transport/Utility Helicopters
-584 EA-24C Transport/Utility Helicopters
-126 EA-22P Command and Control Helicopters
-150 EA-22Q Electronic Warfare Helicopters
-226 EA-24K Medevac Helicopters
-280 Mi-35M Assault Helicopters
-176 EA-22D Assault Helicopters
-36 Mi-26UE Heavylift Helicopters
Special Forces Attached:
-48 EA-28G Light Special Forces Helicopters
-36 EA-24G Special Forces Helicopters
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve is an important part of the United Elias military and has acquired increasingly modern equipment as new types come online with the frontline force. Reserve pilots are required for duty one weekend a month and two separate two week training exercises a year, which can take place overseas.
The Air Force Reserve was plagued with safety problems a decade ago years ago which resulted in cutbacks to the number of planes fielded, and modernisation, moving away from a force based on over a thousand Mig-19s to becoming smaller and better equipped. However non-combat aircraft attrition rates are still marginally higher than that of the frontline force, especially among fast jet pilots.
Strategic/Tactical Bombers
-42 Tu-95M Strategic Bombers
-70 Su-24MK Tactical Bombers
-166 EA-120C long Range Strike Fighters
Multirole Fighters/ Ground Attack Fighters
-80 Mig-33 Multirole Fighters
-192 Mig-29SM Multirole Fighters
-176 Mig-29A Multirole Fighters
-271 Mig-21-UE
-164 F-4E Phantom Multirole Fighters
-64 Mig-27 Ground Attack Fighters
-48 F-4G SEAD Fighters
-253 Su-22M3 Ground Attack Fighters
-96 Su-25K Ground Attack Fighters
Reconnaissance Aircraft/Electronic warfare
-31 Su-24MR Photographic Reconnaissance Aircraft
-22 EF-111 Tactical Jamming Aircraft
Transport Aircraft
-202 An-12 Transport Aircraft
-55 An-26 Transport Aircraft
-13 An-22 Transport Aircraft
-24 KC-135E Tankers
-41 EA-06 Transports
-13 Il-18 Transport Aircraft
-11 707-323C Transports
Helicopters
-36 Mi-17UE
-23 Mi-2
Army Reserve Attached:
-312 Mi-17UE-A
-78 Mi-17UE-B
-52 Mi-17PP
-280 Mi-24V
Elias Navy
Facilities:
Abdullah, Red Sea
Alexandria, Mediterranean
Aqabah, Red Sea
Ascension Island
Bandar, Brunei
Belize
Diego Garcia
Al Khubar, Persian Gulf
Kuwait, Persian Gulf
Manama, Persian Gulf
Port Said, Mediterranean
Suez, Red Sea
Port Victoria, Seychelles
Major Vessels:
4 Modified Kiev Class CV (Babylon, Assyria, Petra, Memphis)
4 Victor Class CV (Ezzra, Meir, Victor, Abdullah)
1 Ark Royal Class CV (Cyrus the Great) (Reserve)
6 Baghdad Class CG (Baghdad, Cairo, Kuwait, Makkah, Medina)
4 Kara Class CG (Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Doha)
3 Kynda Class DDG (Al Quds, Amman, Madinah)
31 Tigris Class DDG (Tigris, Euphrates, Gangees, Vistula, White Nile, Blue Nile, Amazon, Jordan, Volga, Zambezi, Tiber, Volta, Irrawady, Mekong, Congo, Niger, Orinoco, Shatt El Arab, Suez, Panama, Danube, Elbe, Rashid, Manzala, Buruillus, Edku, Zab, Adhaim, Murad, Arsanias, Diyala)
17 Pasha Class DDG (Midhat Pasha, Mehmet Pasha, Omar Pasha, Ismail Pasha, Mustafha Pasha, Ezzra Zilkha, Zaki Mohammed, Ibrahim Zibari, Samir Shakir, Mahmood Sumaidy, Mahmoud Othman, Bahnam Ziya, Zaki Mohammed, Hassan Ali Khedar, Khadir Al Tikriti )
3 Udaloy Class DDG (Corsair, Leviathan, Valkyrie)
5 Conqueror Class DDG Shalmanesar, Esarhaddon, Belshazzar, Sabah, Nasir-Sin
1 Sovremenny DDG class (Amman)
49 Beluga Class FFG (Beluga, Najaf, Mosul, Nasariyah, Basrah, Karbala, Amarah, Ramadi, Shatrah, Qasr, Zubayr, Samarra, Mahmudiyah, Suwayrah, Al Kut, Jalibah, Ar Rutbah, Ad Diwaniyah, Al Jahra, Hulayjah, Talifah, Aqabah, Zarqa, Irbid, Al Wakrah, Jizan, Al Zuhrah, Jeddah, Najran, Tabuk, Ad Dammam, Buraydah, Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Al Kharj, Zalim, Ha’il, Al Markut, Rafha, Turayf, Madinat Isa, Sitrah, Madinat Hamad, Al Muharraq, Quena, El Minya, Helwan, El Mansura, Damanhur)
8 Neustrashimy Class FFG
4 Krivak II class FFG
13 Gepard FFG
8 Swordfish Class FSG (Swordfish, Sou’faMistral, Cyclone, Typhoon, Hurricane, Tornado, Lightning, Haboob
42 Barracuda Class FSG (Barracuda, Revenge, Vengeance, Retribution, Reprisal, Retaliation, Resilience, Restraint, As Saiqa, Invincible, Illustrious, Impenetrable, Indefectible, Incredible, Diligent, Assiduous, Justice, Unity, Industrious, Prosperity, Vigilant, Vanguard, Valour, Voracious, Virtuous, Miraculous, Endurance, Fortitude, Dauntless, Fearless, Intrepid, Shaheed, Fedayeen, Soufa, Temperance, Vanquish)
78 Piranha PCFG
32 Protector Patrol Ships
4 Dergach class Hydrofoils
4 Nanchuka class FSG
6 Dolphin Class LPD (Scimitar, Shamshir, Sabre, Scythe, Sword, Spear)
6 Walrus Class LSD
10 Sturgeon Class Combat Support Ships
36 Tigershark Class SSK
11 Kilo SSK
7 Foxtrot SSK
3 Amur 950 SSK
15 Leviathan class SSN
2 Sierra I SSN
21 EM-75/1 Oilers
4 Dubna class oilers
7 Boris Chilkin AOR
7 Mars Class Combat Support Ships
16 Kilauea class Ammunition ships
4 Amga class Missile Support Ships
6 Malina class submarine support ships
2 Ugra class Submarine Support Ships
37 EM-90 Sealift Ships
14 EMC-023 class large Container ships
4 EMC-011 Roll on Roll off Ferries
2 Pigeon Class Submarine Rescue control vessels
2 Pathfinder class Submarine rescue support vessels
1 Warrior Class Judea
NBC Weapons
The President and the Elias government continue to take the view that a nuclear detterent is a critical element of strategic security, and the size of the nuclear arsenal has remained largely constant over the past decade. All three military branches are equipped and trained in the use of nuclear weapons, of varying yields, and the use of tactical warheads is seen as a legitimate resort, even in a state of less than total war, and do not necessarily require Presidential approval to be employed. In practice, tactical nuclear weapons are frequently forward deployed but for contingencies only, and United Elias has never used a nuclear weapon in anger. As far as strategic weapons are concerned, a relatively high readiness in maintained, but it is highly unlikely they would ever be used in anything other than a retaliatory way.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Elias government invested heavily in chemical weapons (CW) and there is currently a significant stockpile of these munitions. Although they are gradually being phased out and destroyed, both the Army and the Air Force will retain a CW capability in the near future, although its practical use is diminishing as the emphasis of chemical training switches from using it, to defending against it.
Officially, the Elias military has never deployed biological weapons of any sort, but it is believed that small stocks may exist, resulting from various studies and research projects that apparently took place in the 1980s. The status of these stocks is unknown and their existence denied, and it is probable that the aim of these studies was to improve the military's ability to defend against BW attacks.
Air Force:
Considering that the development of ICBMs was cancelled in the 1990s at an early stage, and ballistic missile submarines are deemed too expensive, the Elias Air Force provides the bulk of strategic weapons in the form of the airborne detterent. The principal platforms of the airborne detterent are the Tu-160, Tu-95MS and Tu-22M strategic bombers, and it is practice that some aircraft maintain five minute ground alert status at all times, with squadrons rotating this duty. On nuclear strike missions, the bombers are equipped to fire EAW-10 and EAW-12 ALCMs, usually equipped with 200 kiloton warheads, or freefall thermonuclear munitions. To compliment these types, F-111, EA-220 and Su-24 strike aircraft are also trained regularly in the use of nuclear weapons, and on nuclear deepstrike missions, it would be these types that would precede the heavy bombers to destroy air defences.
In addition, many combat squadrons in the Elias Air Force are familiar with nuclear weapons protocols and procedures, and it is likely that these would contribute to a nuclear retaliation if the target was within strike range. The main purpose of these fighter units being given nuclear weapons training, is to provide them with the capability to employ tactical nuclear weapons, and there is a considerable stockpile of low yield gravity bombs as well as nuclear anti-radiation, anti-ship and air to air missiles.
The Air Force maintains stocks of CW gravity bombs, predominantly utilising GB or VX nerve agents. These weapons are slated for withdrawal in the near future, and are very very rarely forward deployed overseas, or even beyond secure facilities at airbases.
Navy:
The Navy, while not providing much of the strategic nuclear detterent, is nonetheless an important part of the nation's nuclear capability. Attack submarines, and surface combatants are known to deploy with nuclear rounds for their land attack, and anti-ship missiles, and to a lesser extent nuclear-tipped torpedoes. Although they are viewed as obsolete, and will shortly be phased out, there are some nuclear depth charges in the Navy's inventory. These were originally designed to be dropped by Naval helicopters, but for safety and security reasons, the MoD recently prohibited helicopters from carrying nuclear payloads.
The Navy's fixed wing combat aircraft are nuclear capable, and aircraft carriers are equipped to store these weapons. At the present time however, there are no air-launched nuclear weapons in the Navy inventory.
The Navy does not have a CW capability.
Army:
The Elias Army has a number of short and intermediate range ballistic missiles, which can use either NBC or conventional warheads, and some of the arsenal is nuclear equipped. This is the Army's contribution to the strategic detterent, but it is somewhat limited due to the range of the weapons.
Tactical nuclear weapons have always been seen favourably in the Army chain of command, and the Elias army maintains stocks of nuclear artillery shells, with varying yields. There are also limited numbers of nuclear landmines, as well as Special Atomic Demolition Munitions (SADM).
The Army has the largest stocks of CW weapons, and has a very significant inventory of nerve agent filled artillery projectiles, land mines, rockets and even grenades. Much of this inventory is now stored at special displosal facilities, but the Army continues to protest and obstruct efforts by the MoD to begin decommissioning the stockpile. The end result is a compromise, that the weapons be dismantled at a very slow rate, even though the Army still has more CW weapons than it could use even if it was permitted to, given that the Army has downsized since the CW arsenal was developed.
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Redif (National Guard)
The ‘Redif’ itself dates back to before the formation of the Republic, and literally means ‘Second Reserve’, an organisation supplemental to the Ottoman Sixth Army that later formed the nucleus of the Elias military. Over the years, as the organisation of the military has changed, the Redif has slowly transitioned from being a reserve to being used as also an ancillary element to supplement the army in a National Guard type role. It is not just a reserve component such as the national guard of the United States; at least part of it is an active-duty armed force existing parallel to, but broadly separate from, the regular military service branches.
The ‘Redif’ effectively has two distinct elements, which compliment each other the Saraya ad Difa, which are tribal defence battalions that perform the role of a militia force, and the newer As Saiqa (The Thunderbolt). The Saraya ad Difa, is a tribal army forged out of the numerous Bedouin elements loyal to the President, and numbers approximately 171,830, with over 144,000 of that total serving in a part time, reservist capacity. The Saraya Ad Difa is formed into 154 Rifle Battalions and 25 Anti-Tank Field Gun Battalions. This force would rarely be used in anything short of a major internal crisis or an invasion of United Elias by a foreign power. In the case of the latter, the force would use guerilla tactics, and would be reasonably proficient in this role.
The As Saiqa is a professional force, formed in 1959, originally as a means to put down internal revolution against the government, and even though that threat is now unlikely, it is still practice for As Saiqa to swear loyalty to the President, rather than the State contrary to other military branches. As the threat of internal rebellion from the populace has been replaced by threats to the populace from varying insurgent and terrorist groups, the As Saiqa is slowly transforming itself from a force organisation that is largely redundant to that of the military, and becoming a counter-insurgency force in peacetime, while in wartime can use rearguard tactics to blunt enemy offensives. The force’s support units in peacetime can be directed towards a number of civil roles, while in wartime can provide secure supply lines for the mainstream military, and also co-ordinate actions by the Saraya ad Difa. As this transformation continues, the As Saiqa will lose its organic armour and artillery, but will gain more highly mobile asymmetric warfare units, that are both trained and specifically equipped to deal with unconventional enemies. The projected organisation of the As Saiqa after its reforms are completed is of 25 Regiments, strategically located around the country, each with 1 Motorised Tactical Battalion, 1 Special Tactical Battalion, 2 Motor Transport Battalions and 1 Combat Service Support Battalion, for a total force of 115,725. These Regiments are not only self-supporting but are designed to have excess support capability, so they can provide logistical support to the Saraya ad Difa, and if need be, the frontline military.
Internal Security Force
The ISF is a national force that could be described as paramilitary because it undertakes both law enforcement and security service functions. The ISF numbers about 435,000 (of which 150,000 are part time) nationwide and is responsible for guarding public buildings, hotels, strategic sites (such as water and power installations), and foreign embassies, as well as providing border and frontier security. They also can help to direct traffic and control crowds, as well as supplement local police if requested. Formed in 1934 to obviate the need to call upon the armed forces to deal with domestic disturbances, and also to strengthen security against terrorists, its role has remained largely unchanged.
Generally the quality of training in the ISF is reasonable, as far as firearms proficiency and literacy; however they have a tendency to be over-zealous and in some districts are prone to interfering with local police, favoring more radical attitudes towards law and order than is generally accepted in modern UE. Most members are volunteers, many of whom have previous military experience, or conscripts who may choose to do national service in the ISF if the military approves this, dependent on manpower requirements. The ISF comes under the authority of the Minister for Internal Affairs; however regional governors are also permitted to exercise a certain amount of power over ISF forces in their jurisdictions.
The standard weapons of ISF members are officially the variants of the SCR (indigenous rifle, version of an AK with many features similar to the Galil) assault rifle. Although not officially provided by the government many ISF units have, nevertheless, armed themselves with heavier weaponry such as RPG-7s, RPKs and grenades, much of it sourced from arms seizures. Most ISF patrols are done from 4x4 vehicles, the Toyota land cruiser and Land Rover Defender being the most common. In each province the ISF maintains a small air wing of mostly EA-22 helicopters, whilst separate border air wings operate EA-22s, EA-28s, Mi-17UEs and also light observation aircraft.
Intelligence Services
Prior to the late 1980s, security and intelligence had been handled by a separate Ministry of State Security, with various departments and bureaus for different roles. However this was reformed by the President, as the reputation of the department descended to one of incompetence, corruption and institutionalised over-bureaucracy. During this period, two separate agencies were formed, the Federal Security Bureau (FSB) and the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to replace the MSS. The roles of the two organisations are supposedly that of the FSB being the customer of the domestic intelligence the FIB collects, and the military for foreign intelligence. However this is not really the case as domestic intelligence is largely under the remit of the FSB while all foreign intelligence operations are strictly the responsibility of the FIB.
Federal Security Bureau (FSB)
The FSB itself is divided into several different departments that are each responsible for maintaining security in the nation. It is important to note that the ethos of the FSB is quite different than the Ministry of State Security, which it replaced, as it is supposed to be not a servant of the state, but of the people, and has tried to maintain a public image similar to that of a local Police Force, a benevolent force of order, not a secret-police organisation. This works by a heavy emphasis on trying to show the people that the interests of the people who live in the state, are inextricably linked to the interests of the government, and is extremely careful not to have people arrested unless there is very little doubt of their guilt, thereby allowing them to have a fair trial. The key to this, is a focus on surveillance rather than action, and keeping this surveillance as subtle as possible.
The Mudiriyat al-Amn al-Amma (General Security Directorate) is effectively the nation’s central body for organizing the different security forces and services, responsible for co-coordinating national and local law enforcement networks and supervising the activities of state institutions and government departments. While the Internal Security Force is not officially subordinate to the FSB, the Bureau effectively has operational control over it, and this is its primarily the mechanism that acts on intelligence, although it has other means as well, including its own agents in the SSO (see below) and if necessary the Redif. The FSB technically has jurisdiction over all citizens in United Elias and may advise either local police, or more commonly the ISF if it suspects a citizen of criminal activity, even if it’s not a Federal level crime. However, the general role of the Mudiriyat al-Amn al-Amma is one of countering opposition, whether it be political, industrial, economic or violent, to the state and preserving peace and security in the nation.
The al-Amn al-Khas (Special Security Organisation – SSO) is the most feared government organisation in United Elias, that is of course if you are a spy or dissident and is an exception in that is goes against the principles of the FSB stated above. The SSO is the FSB’s own pro-active force, which acts on priority intelligence that is deemed too sensitive or too important to be delegated to the ISF or police. The SSO’s notorious black Suburban SUVs, frequently come out of nowhere to surround, and detain target individuals. People who are arrested by the SSO are not within the constitution’s provisions regarding due process and upon signing the relevant documents, the Director of the SSO can order the imprisonment or even execution of any detainee without contact with the judicial system. As well as being the nation’s principal counter-intelligence directorate, the SSO is also responsible for all high-level interrogation work within the Federal Government, and should be regarded as one of the world’s most proficient in this art. While officially very little is admitted about this organisation, unofficially some information is made public to act as a deterrent against espionage and defiance. However the SSO does not have the resources to, nor is it designed to be an omnipotent or omnipresent secret police force, and generally cases are dealt with via less litigious methods, namely the Internal Security Force. The exception to this is cases of foreign espionage where the SSO is always the one to be responsible for prosecuting suspects.
The al-Amn al-Ri’asah (Presidential Security Organisation - PSO) is dedicated as its name suggests, to protecting the President, and in fact all high-level government and foreign diplomatic officials. Its agents are highly trained and as well as direct protection, it also handles intelligence on specific threats to officials in government. In the role of actual protection of officials, this is shared somewhat with the military, which provides more ceremonially orientated, but still capable personnel.
Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB)
The FIB is the overseas counterpart to the FSB and is organised along very similar lines, and is roughly equal in importance. While it is allowed, and does, conduct intelligence operations domestically, these are generally in very close co-ordination with the FSB, and relate to operations external of the borders.
The Da'irat al Mukhabarat al Amah (General Intelligence Department or GID) is responsible for the analysis of all human and electronic intelligence operations undertaken by the FIB and to disseminate it to the appropriate authorities. The GID runs very extensive intelligence networks worldwide, through many different sources and methods, and is flexible so that assets can be transferred regionally with great rapidity.
While the collection of intelligence is sometimes performed by other departments of the FIB or the military, the GID has to interpret data and prioritize accordingly. It therefore has the broadest range of language and cryptology skills in the nation, and is a very efficient, highly funded organisation.
A very nebulous department known simply as Jihaz al Khas (Special Apparatus) is believed to exist, although its operations, organisation and role are unknown even to the vast majority of FIB employees.
The Mukhabbarat al-Jawiya (Aerial Intelligence) is the directorate in charge of analysing all data from Air Force Photo Reconnaissance, and is responsible for the tasking and operating UE’s constellation of intelligence satellites.
Istikhbarat Askaria (Military Intelligence) is a joint office staffed by both FIB personnel and military officers. It’s role is to organise and request information from the GID that has a significance to the military, either on a tactical or strategic level and analyse this data. The Department has a close working relationship with the MoD’s Contingency Directorate, which formulates Operational Orders and war plans.
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