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by The Auphelia Loving Kleptocracy of Volaworand. . 353 reads.

Volaworand Defence Forces

Volaworand Defence Forces



Service Branches:
Royal Dominion Naval Defence Force
Royal Dominion Ground Defence Force
Dominion Specialty Force
Dominion Cyber and Space Defence Force


Headquarters:
Ministry of Defence, Rothera
Central Command, Orcadas Base


Leadership

Commander in Chief
King Charles III,
represented by the Governor General

Minister of Defence & Security
Alastair Dickson

Chief of Defense
General William D'Otter


Expenditures
£9.0 Billion
~ 3% of GDP


Manpower
Active Personnel:
18,640

Reserve Personnel:
5,500 (Primary)
2,000 (Rangers)

Civilian Personnel:
8,450

Structure Overview

The Volaworandian Defence Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Volaworand and consists of four branches. This unified institution consists of sea, land, cyber and space, and specialty elements referred to as the Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces, Royal Dominion Ground Defence Forces, Dominion Special Forces, and Dominion Cyber and Space Defence Forces. The Volaworandian Defence Forces are an entity separate and distinct from the Ministry of Defence (the federal government department responsible for administration and formation of defence policy), which also exists as the civilian oversight and support system for the Forces.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Volaworandian Defence Forces is the reigning monarch, King Charles III, who is represented by the Governor General, although this role is largely ceremonial, with effective command and control exercised by the Prime Minister. The Volaworandian Defence Forces is led by the Chief of the Defence, a general appointed by the Minister of Defence in consultation with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Provinces of Volaworand do not maintain armed forces of their own, since the Constitution states that matters of defence are solely the responsibility of the federal government.

All military personnel are referred to informally as 'Penguins'. Most military tattoos and crests incorporate assorted penguin themes.

History

During the Shetland Accords peace negotiations that granted Volaworand independence, Argentina and Chile pressed for a restriction on foreign military deployments. The young nation relied heavily on British forces and a military alliance with the United States for security, and has continued to slowly develop an independent defence force. Foreign Deployments are always classed as relief, peacekeeping or international aid missions.

Volaworand Defence Forces have three policy objectives: to defend against low-level threats; to contribute to regional security; and to monitor global security. Volaworand considers its own national defence needs to be minimal, due to its geographical isolation and benign relationships with neighbours. Approximately half of the military budget is spent on the Cyber and Space Defence Force, as the government believes these areas are more cost effective. This leaves the Naval Defence Forces, the largest branch, woefully underfunded.

Although possession of nuclear weapons is not explicitly forbidden, as a matter of policy Volaworand rejects the of nuclear arms and expressed its determination never to acquire them. The Parliament limits research, development, and use of nuclear power to peaceful uses only. Volaworand ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and reiterated its intention never to "develop, use, or allow the transportation of nuclear weapons through its territory". Nonetheless, because of its generally good technology level, domestic uranium production, space rocketry program, and number of operating nuclear power plants, Volaworand is generally considered to be "nuclear capable", meaning it could develop a usable weapon if the political situation changed significantly.

Overview of Manpower and Capability

Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces
Consists of 10,530 Regular and 3,250 Reserve, supported by 4,300 civilians.

Warship Fleet: 3 destroyers, 12 frigates, 5 diesel patrol submarines, 12 nuclear-powered DIS-1783 submarines (purchased from United Disney States), 12 coastal defense vessels and 8 patrol/training vessels, 2 command support ships as well as several auxiliary vessels.

Coast Guard Fleet: 119 vessels and 22 helicopters, most lightly armed or unarmed, tasked with marine search and rescue support, fire fighting, communication, navigation and transportation issues (such as navigation aids, mapping and icebreaking), marine pollution response, federal law enforcement and support of other government initiatives.

Snowflake Response Unit: International Disaster Response team. Deploys to triggered nations to distribute blankets and hot chocolates. Offers burn creams as needed.

The Volaworand Naval Academy at Orcadas Base trains officers for the VNDF and for allied naval forces.

The The Sasebo Deal allows naval forces the stationed at Hamo-Asakawa Dock at Daejeong-Eup, Hanguk-Nippon. In exchange Volaworand allowed Hanguk-Nipponese Air Forces to be stationed within the Marimbo Military Base. Together, these forces protect merchant fleets and secure shipping lanes. The Royal Dominion Naval Defence Force conducts annual exercises and anti-terrorism missions jointly with this allied force.

Royal Dominion Ground Defence Forces
Consists of 1,400 Regular, 750 Reserve and 2,000 Rangers, supported by 700 civilians.

Royal Dominion Ground Defence Forces consists of Regular troops serving in 6 Infantry units, 4 Fixed Anti-air units, 2 Amphibious units, Logistics Support, Diplomatic Defense Units (serving at home and abroad protecting embassies, consulates and trade offices), Military Health Services and Military Police. Most are based domestically at the capital in Rothera, Marambio, the South Shetland Islands and Orcadas Base.
Signals and Comms teams operate three nuclear powered ice bunkers (Camp Century, Camp Recovery and Camp Evans) and the Polar Advance Warning System (PAWS), a network of various radar, satellite, air raid and other attack detection systems

The Rangers are essentially armed civilians who provide a limited military presence in remote areas. They receive 12 days per year of formal training, along with gear, rifles and in some cases are provided snowmobiles. They are considered to be always on duty, observing and reporting as part of their daily lives. A primary role of this part-time force is to conduct surveillance or sovereignty patrols as required. Some Rangers also conduct inspections of the Polar Advance Warning System (PAWS) and other sites and act as guides, scouts, and subject-matter experts in such disciplines as wilderness survival when other military branches or science missions are in their area of operations. Rangers are paid as Reserve forces, except when they are in training or called out on domestic operations (such as fire fighting or Search and Rescue), when they are paid as Regular Force.

Dominion Special Forces
Consists of 3,200 Regular, 1300 Reserve, supported by 900 civilians.

two Air Support Units (6 patrol planes, numerous helicopters, 2 large transport planes, a high altitude spy plane, and one heavy cargo plane)
three Engineering Units - Airfield, Heavy Equipment and Disaster Response teams
4 Mobile Anti-air Units - these can be deployed on land or sea to augment the air defence network
a Joint Deployment Force - an elite, rapid response unit comprised of members from all branches
6 Search and Rescue Units - staged throughout the nation

Dominion Cyber and Space Defence Forces
Consists of 3,510 Regular, 200 Reserve, supported by 2,550 civilians.

National Cyber Security Centre, an effective cyber force at Orcadas Base, aided greatly by the fiber optic undersea cable internet connection.
Nuclear Power Program, based at Orcadas Base, to develop small nuclear power reactors for use at remote sites and submarine reactor designs.
Military Space Unit, research program, monitors military satellite information, operates rocket program with the civilian Volaworand Space Agency in Halley
Intelligence Service Unit [data classified]
Polar Missile Defence Shield. Volaworand, along with four smaller allied nations maintains a network of space, sea and land based assets to detect and disable missiles.

Current Deployments

Previous Deployments

  • In Nov 2024,The Snowflake Response Unit is deployed to Uruguay, Federal Eagle Empire, to distribute PPE, body bags, and isolation tents. They are accompanied by 20 RDGDF medical staff to assist with care of those infected by the disease outbreak. Operations suspended at request of host.

  • In Oct 2024, The Snowflake Response Unit was deployed to Jakalaka to distribute PPE, body bags, and isolation tents. They were accompanied by 20 RDGDF medical staff to assist with care for the infected by a mystery disease outbreak. Operations ended in Nov 2024 as vaccinations rolled out across Jakalaka.

  • Domestic Merchant Fleet & International Shipping lane protection, joint operation with Hanguk-Nippon.
    Under the terms of The Sasebo Deal, Hanguk-Nippon's airforce is allowed to station forces within the VDF's Marimbio Military Base, and Volaworand's Naval Defence Force is allowed to station forces at Hamo-Asakawa Dock at Daejeong-Eup in Hanguk-Nippon.

  • Deployments supporting the General Shoigu's government in South Pacifica Isles against FLM terrorists and anti-government rebel forces.

  • Naval and Special forces deployed to Midand as part of the War on Terror, specifically targeting Le Front de Liberation du Midand.
    Under the 2017 Midand Terms of Surrender, Volaworand operates a foreign joint military base shared by Volaworand's Naval Forces and North prarie's Air Forces in Midand. Volaworand also shared responsibility to patrol the Demilitarized Zone dividing Midand after the war. In October 2018, Volaworand briefly withdrew from this base in protest, however the base was quietly reopened as part of the War on Terror targeting Le Front de Liberation du Midand terrorist group .

  • 2 ships were deployed to Tilipria on humanitarian relief mission. One Coast Guard Support Snowflake Response Vessel with blankets and hot chocolate, another science vessel with Marine Biologist teams to evaluate damage to marine ecosystems, and 50,000 tree seedlings and a group of student volunteers to assist in reforestation. The government recalled the mission during the South Pacific Cold War, after planting 75% of the goal of one million tree's replanted.

  • Joint operations with Martigues to support the South Pacific Anti-Piracy Initiative. Cancelled due to cost cutting.

  • One ship with a Health Service Unit from the Royal Dominion Ground Forces has been dispatched to Midand to provide Health Services in the war ravaged nation. The military has also built and maintained two refugee camps at Marambio Base and Esperanza Base, on the northern tip of the Antarctic Penisuala. After passage of the War Measures Act, the military converted the refugee camps and operated a total of 6 internment camps of Midand born "Enemy Aliens" and work camps supporting infrastructure projects, notably the Camp Century, Camp Recovery and Camp Evans ice bunkers.

  • National Cyber Security Centre "closely mointiored" the Prime Ministerial elections in allied Martigues and the nuclear program of Thefourthreic.

  • Domestic Forces are on a lowered alert due to the winding down of war in nearby Techganet. Military personnel on leave are subject to a 72 hour recall and all units must maintain a 24 hour deployment ready status.

  • Operation Iceberg: Defence of Imperialantarctica during hostilities with Brasilistan

    Operation Iceberg:
    Under terms IX and X of our treaty Volaworand will commit Military Forces to the defence of Imperial Antarctia, and allow access to our Military Intelligence on Brasilistan.
    Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces will deploy one third of our fleet to defend critical ports. (1 destroyers, 3 frigates, 2 patrol submarines, 4 coastal defence vessels and 2 patrol/training vessels, 1 command support ship)
    Royal Dominion Ground Defence Forces will deploy a Infantry Defence unit and a Amphibious Assault unit to defend your capital accompanied by a Military Health Services Field Hospital Unit.
    Dominion Special Forces will deploy to your capital with one air support units (2 patrol planes, 10 helicopters, and one large transport plane) to provide logistical/resupply support, and deploy our Disaster Response Engineering Unit.
    We will additionally allow your military access to our Cartosat 2E Earth-imaging platform Satillite for real time imagery of troop movements. Our Lemur CubeSat, VLC-A shall provide tracking ships out of range of terrestrial receivers.
    Our lone high altitude spy plane will patrol over the entirety of the continent for the duration of hostilities.

  • The National Cyber Security Centre/Intelligence Service Unit is definitely not meddling in the domestic politics of allies in Midand, Techganet, Hanguk-Nippon and others. The government has dismissed these reports as fake news. Leaks to the contrary resulted in the ISU spy scandal in 2018.


VDF in the news:
(newest stories first)


Volaworand's aging diesel subs are being replaced with next generation nuclear subs
(Cayenne, Marcageux - November 14, 2024) In a landmark defense agreement aimed at enhancing the security of both nations, Volaworand and Marecageux have jointly purchased 20 DS-1783 nuclear-powered submarines from the United Disney States (UDS). Under the deal, Volaworand will acquire 12 submarines, while Marecageux will receive 8, bolstering both nations’ military readiness across vast and contested regions, from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm currents of the Caribbean.

The deal, announced during a press conference in Cayenne, the capital of Marecageux, represents a significant leap forward for both countries in terms of military capabilities, interoperability, and strategic cooperation. The submarines, renowned for their advanced technology, stealth capabilities, and extended operational range, will enhance the naval capabilities of the two nations, which have increasingly found themselves at the center of geopolitical tensions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Strengthening Defense and Interoperability

The joint acquisition is seen as a major step in strengthening the security partnership between Volaworand and Marecageux, both signatories to the Security Partnership for Emergency Engagement and Defense Organization 2.0 (SPEEDO 2.0) defense pact. The submarines will not only increase their individual deterrence capabilities but also improve their ability to operate together in the same theaters of operation, particularly in the critical strategic zones of the Southern Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

"We are facing an increasingly complex and unpredictable security environment," said Alastair Dickson, Minister of Defence and Security for Volaworand. "The acquisition of these state-of-the-art nuclear submarines will greatly enhance our ability to protect our national interests and safeguard the stability of the Southern Hemisphere. This deal ensures that Volaworand and Marecageux can respond more effectively to emerging threats, both in the icy waters of Antarctica and the warm seas of the Caribbean."

The deal also includes the establishment of a shared crew training program between the two nations, which will allow for greater coordination and the seamless integration of forces in joint operations. This program is expected to improve the operational efficiency of both countries' military personnel, ensuring that the submarines can be deployed at a moment's notice across their vast maritime territories.

A Deal Shrouded in Secrecy

While the price of the submarines remains undisclosed, Minister Dickson assured the press that the terms of the deal were highly competitive. "We received ten bids from global military suppliers, and after careful consideration, we are confident that the deal with the United Disney States represents the most reasonable value," he said. "This acquisition is a sound investment in Volaworand's national defense and our ongoing commitments to our allies in Marecageux."

The DS-1783 submarines are equipped with cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced nuclear propulsion systems, and enhanced sonar capabilities, making them ideal for operations in the challenging and often hostile environments of the Southern Ocean and the Caribbean. With global shipping routes in the region growing more congested, the ability to monitor and secure these waters has become a top priority for both nations.

Volaworand's Defense Spending Increases

The acquisition also comes at a time when Volaworand is working to increase its defense spending, which has been a point of contention. As recently as October 2024, the Volaworand Antarctic College Public Policy Institute called out the nation's defense budget as insufficient, with military spending sitting at just 1.5% of the national budget—well below the government’s stated goal of 3%.

With this new deal, Volaworand’s defense spending has increased to 1.9%, a sign of the government’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in line with its international security obligations. However, many experts argue that this remains far from the level needed to effectively address the growing geopolitical challenges facing the country.

"We are making progress," Minister Dickson remarked, "but we must continue to prioritize defense spending if we are to meet our commitments under the SPEEDO 2.0 defense pact and safeguard our territorial waters in Antarctica and beyond."

A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

The deal also comes as tensions rise in the Southern Hemisphere. The Federal Eagle Empire’s increasing military presence in the Southern Atlantic and the Caribbean, along with the ongoing crisis over the Panama Canal, has raised concerns about regional stability. Volaworand’s new submarine fleet will be key in countering these threats and maintaining control over its maritime territory.

Additionally, the new fleet provides Volaworand and Marecageux with a strategic edge in countering any military posturing in the Southern Ocean, where the warming of the Antarctic seas has opened up new shipping lanes and raised the stakes for resource control and military presence.

Francis Bureaux, President of Marecageux, echoed Minister Dickson’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of the deal in strengthening the defense of both nations. "Marecageux and Volaworand share not only a commitment to mutual security but also to the protection of our shared interests in the Southern Hemisphere. The acquisition of these advanced submarines will ensure that we can meet the evolving security challenges head-on."

A Commitment to Regional Stability

With the new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, both Volaworand and Marecageux are poised to play a more assertive role in regional security, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. As both nations continue to navigate the complexities of climate change, international tensions, and evolving military threats, their shared commitment to defense and security promises to strengthen their standing as key players in the Southern Hemisphere.

As Volaworand continues to modernize its military forces and increase its defense investments, this submarine deal signals a new era of collaboration and preparedness between the two SPEEDO 2.0 allies—ensuring that they remain ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.


See Also: LinkKami0 Roleplay Earth
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand

- Volaworand Newswire

Read dispatch


Volaworand Antarctic College Public Policy Institute | November 12, 2024

In a strategic shift aimed at bolstering national security and protecting its sovereignty in increasingly contested waters, Volaworand has announced plans to replace its aging fleet of five diesel-powered submarines with a new generation of eight to twelve nuclear-powered submarines. This move comes in response to a growing number of geopolitical and environmental challenges, including a marked increase in shipping traffic through the Drake Passage and mounting military tensions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 2017, Volaworand has grown to play a crucial role in the management of Antarctica, promoting sustainability and environmental conservation, while navigating the complexities of regional security. The Dominion's extensive territory, which includes the Queen Elizabeth Land National Nature Preserve - one of the world's largest protected areas - has made Volaworand a significant player in the international environmental policy sphere. However, recent developments in both the global climate and the geopolitical landscape have called for a reevaluation of the country's defense posture.

Environmental Pressures and Strategic Shifts

The warming of the Southern Ocean and the retreat of sea ice have opened up new shipping routes, most notably through the Drake Passage, which lies between Volaworand and the South American nation of Jakalaka. This region, once remote and difficult to navigate, has become a focal point for global shipping as vessels seek more efficient routes to and from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. While this shift offers economic opportunities, it also exposes Volaworand's waters to increased risks, including environmental hazards, accidents, and potential military activity from neighboring powers.

At the same time, the situation in the wider Southern Hemisphere has become increasingly volatile. The Federal Eagle Empire has ramped up its military maneuvers in western Africa and around the Panama Canal - a critical global shipping chokepoint controlled by Marecageux, a northern South American power. Volaworand, as a key strategic partner of Marecageux, has become increasingly involved in regional security issues, including anti-piracy operations and humanitarian missions. With rising tensions in the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean, the Dominion finds itself in need of a more capable military force to safeguard its waters and protect its vital interests.

Minister of Defence Alastair Dickson Explains the Need for New Submarines

Minister of Defence and Security, Alastair Dickson, addressed the press on the rationale behind Volaworand’s new defence initiative, emphasizing the need for greater strategic flexibility and operational readiness. "Our current fleet, while commendable, is simply not suited for the evolving threats we face," said Minister Dickson. "As the climate changes, so too does the security landscape. We must be able to respond quickly to any situation in the Drake Passage, whether that is safeguarding our ecological assets or responding to military posturing from external powers."

The new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will enhance Volaworand’s ability to monitor and control its vast maritime territory and patrol the Atlantic Ocean. These submarines will provide greater operational range, stealth, and endurance, critical in a region where distances are vast and security threats can arise rapidly.

Strategic Underfunding and National Security Concerns

The decision to increase defence spending comes at a time when Volaworand’s military capabilities have been under intense scrutiny. In a recent editorial titled "A Strategic Failure - Volaworand's Military Underfunding", the national debate over defense spending reached a boiling point. The editorial called out the current government's insufficient investment in the Volaworandian Defence Forces (VDF), which at 1.5% of the national budget, is one of the lowest in the region.

"With global security risks escalating, and new commitments under the SPEEDO 2.0 defence pact requiring us to bolster naval, infantry, and cyber forces, we can no longer afford to underfund our military," the editorial read. "Volaworand’s defence strategy is only as strong as the resources behind it, and at present, the VDF is overstretched and under-equipped."

The SPEEDO 2.0 pact, signed in October 2024, solidified Volaworand’s defence commitments with Marecageux and Virifortis, signaling a deepening of military ties between South American powers and the Dominion. However, the pact also brought new expectations for Volaworand’s military readiness. As noted in the editorial, the VDF is already stretched thin, with forces deployed across the Caribbean and South Atlantic, including key operations in anti-piracy efforts and humanitarian aid missions. Critics argue that without a significant increase in defence spending, the VDF will struggle to meet these obligations.

Acting Prime Minister Alan Duncan addressed these concerns during a recent public address. "We are committed to ensuring the security of our citizens and the integrity of our national interests," Duncan stated. "Our decision to double defence spending - from 1.5% to 3% - reflects our understanding of the evolving global security landscape. This investment is necessary to modernize our military forces and ensure that we remain a strong and reliable partner in international defense coalitions."

The Strategic and Environmental Stakes

The proposed nuclear submarine fleet is just one component of Volaworand’s broader strategy to strengthen its defence infrastructure. In light of Volaworand withdrawing from the increasingly militaristic Alliance d'Internationale (ALD), Volaworand faces new challenges in balancing its commitment to environmental conservation with the security needs of its sovereignty.

While Volaworand’s leadership remains committed to protecting Antarctica’s ecosystems and advancing sustainable development, the country’s strategic location in the Southern Ocean and its maritime claims require it to also prepare for the increasingly complex geopolitical realities of the region. This includes dealing with the increased militarization of Atlantic waters, as seen in the aftermath of the South Atlantic Conflict (Guerra del Atlántico Sur), which led to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Antarctic Treaty System and the expansion of British military infrastructure in Volaworand.

In a region where tensions are high and sovereignty claims are contested, Volaworand’s increased military capabilities are seen as an essential deterrent against external military aggression and a means to assert control over its territorial waters.

Dr. Katrina Ellis: A Necessary Evolution

Dr. Katrina Ellis, a senior researcher at the Volaworand Antarctic College Public Policy Institute, underscored the importance of this transition in Volaworand’s defence strategy. "The decision to pursue nuclear submarines is not just about military readiness; it is about ensuring that Volaworand remains a responsible steward of Antarctica in the face of global change," said Dr. Ellis. "As the Southern Ocean becomes more accessible due to climate change, Volaworand must lead in both defense and environmental stewardship, safeguarding its resources and securing its position on the global stage."

The Path Forward

As Volaworand continues its efforts to modernize its military infrastructure, the country faces an uncertain geopolitical future as it conducts an extensive review of its foreign policy. The increasing militarization of the Southern Hemisphere, coupled with the ongoing environmental challenges, has made it clear that the nation must invest in the technologies and capabilities necessary to protect its sovereignty, its ecosystems, and its place as a leader in Antarctic conservation.

While the decision to move forward with nuclear-powered submarines has been met with cautious optimism, the debate over defence spending will continue to evolve as Volaworand weighs its responsibilities both at home and abroad. The country’s ability to balance its environmental leadership with its security needs will determine its future role in the global community.

Editor’s Note: Volaworand, an independent Antarctic Dominion since 2017, holds a critical role in the governance of Antarctica, particularly in relation to its environmental stewardship. The Dominion’s defence and strategic priorities are shaped by its geopolitical location and the growing challenges posed by climate change and regional tensions in the Southern Ocean. Volaworand’s decision to increase military spending and procure a new nuclear-powered submarine fleet reflects the nation’s commitment to securing its sovereignty and contributing to regional security.

Bids to supply 8 to 12 under ice capable nuclear-powered submarines are being sought from any nation with Government-to-Government military trade treaty provisions, specifically:


See Also: LinkKami0 Roleplay Earth
See Also: History of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
See Also: Volaworand Antarctic College
See Also: Foreign Relations of Volaworand

- Volaworand Newswire

Read dispatch



Defence spending, shown in dark red, accounts for only 1.5% of Volaworand's budget.
As the global geopolitical landscape shifts and regional crises unfold, Volaworand finds itself at a critical juncture. With the Cambodian crisis unfolding on the other side of the world, and growing commitments under the SPEEDO 2.0 defense pact, the government’s approach to defense spending can only be described as reckless. Despite a rising tide of international responsibilities and mounting security risks, Acting Prime Minister Alan Duncan and his administration have failed to provide the Volaworandian Defence Forces (VDF) with the resources they so urgently need. With defence spending at a mere 1.5% of the national budget, our military is not only underfunded—it is being set up to fail.

Let’s consider the facts: the Volaworandian Defence Forces currently stand deployed on multiple fronts, with 50% of its land and naval forces already stretched across operations from South America to Antarctica. The VDF’s diverse and far-reaching commitments - including critical anti-piracy operations, a high-stakes defense pact with Marecageux and Virifortis, and medical aid efforts in Jakalaka - demand far more than what our budget currently supports.

The SPEEDO 2.0 defense pact, signed in October 2024, may have strengthened our diplomatic and security ties with our South American allies, but it also carries with it new expectations for Volaworand’s military readiness. This pact requires robust naval, cyber, and infantry deployments. Yet, under the leadership of Duncan, we are facing a serious shortfall in funding, leaving our forces ill-equipped to meet these obligations. Support for the snow-modified tanks stationed at Marimbio Military Base, the aging submarine fleet, and the proposed launch of GSAT satellites to secure South American skies - all are critically dependent on a budget that is simply insufficient to keep pace with these growing demands.

In recent statements, Nationalist Opposition Leader Margret Ustafa has made it clear that the VDF is “stretched thin” with its current commitments. The Snowflake Response Unit’s humanitarian deployment to Jakalaka is only the tip of the iceberg. The VDF’s crucial naval patrols, defence deployments across two continents, and anti-piracy operations, all of which are integral to Volaworand’s national security, are under serious threat of being undermined by inadequate funding.

Duncan’s defence budget represents a dangerously narrow view of what our national security needs. At just 1.5% of the government budget, Volaworand’s military expenditure is one of the lowest in the region, and far below the standards expected of a nation with significant international commitments. As our allies in Marecageux and Virifortis invest heavily in their military infrastructure, Volaworand’s forces are left relying on outdated equipment, overworked personnel, and an overstretched budget.

It is not just the VDF’s operational capabilities that are at risk—it is our sovereignty. The VDF is not merely a tool of national defence; it is the guardian of our economic interests, our international partnerships, and our role on the global stage. Failing to adequately fund our military does not just weaken our defence - it undermines our place in the world. We risk being seen as a weak link in the SPEEDO 2.0 pact, a partner whose promises are ultimately empty because it cannot deliver the necessary force to back them up.

Acting Prime Minister Duncan must be held accountable for this strategic failure. It is no longer acceptable to promise security while failing to provide the resources necessary to achieve it. The government’s failure to allocate sufficient funds to the military is an affront to every servicemember in the VDF and to the citizens of Volaworand who depend on their safety and security. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

The Cambodian crisis and other looming international threats serve as a stark reminder: defence is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Volaworand must commit to increasing its defence budget to at least 3% of the national budget - a figure that will allow the VDF to meet its current and future obligations and ensure the security of the nation in an increasingly unstable world. It is time for Duncan and his coalition government to face the reality of our defence needs and to take action before it is too late.

The stakes are too high for Volaworand to continue underfunding its military. The clock is ticking, and the time to act is now.


See Also: LinkKami0 Roleplay Earth
See Also: Politics of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
See Also: Foreign Relations of Volaworand

- Volaworand Newswire

Read dispatch


(October 30, 2024 - Global Business Review) In a significant move underscoring the effectiveness of soft power in global politics, the Antarctic Dominion of Volaworand has secured a partnership with the remote British Pitcairn Islands, marking a new chapter in its strategic expansion across the South Pacific. This integration is poised to reshape local economies and enhance regional security, demonstrating how diplomatic finesse can yield tangible benefits.

Volaworand has long positioned itself as a player in global governance through initiatives that emphasize collaboration, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British overseas territory of Pitcairn marks a milestone in its outreach efforts, offering residents new opportunities while bolstering regional security through innovative defense measures.

Under the agreement, Volaworand will provide vital infrastructure and education improvements and create jobs on Pitcairn, much to the locals’ approval. The anticipated economic boost will come not only from job creation but also from an expansion of local markets for fish and agricultural products, including sweet potatoes, sugarcane, taro, and tropical fruits. As these sectors thrive, residents can expect an enhanced standard of living and increased access to global markets.

The partnership also features the establishment of a South Pacific Polar Missile Defense Shield military outpost. This cutting-edge system, which integrates space, land, and naval capabilities, aims to safeguard the region from potential threats while reinforcing Volaworand’s commitment to international security. The outpost will also serve as a pivotal asset in the Volaworand Defence Force's Naval and Orbital Polar Integrated Regional Anti-piracy Trade Escort Service (NOPIRATES), enhancing the protection of international trade routes against piracy - a growing concern in maritime logistics.

Volaworand’s approach, characterized by diplomatic engagement rather than military coercion, serves as a model for contemporary international relations. By prioritizing economic collaboration and shared security interests, Volaworand has successfully positioned itself as a benevolent leader in the region, garnering goodwill and support from Pitcairn’s residents.

Experts note that this soft power strategy aligns with global trends, where nations increasingly rely on influence and partnerships to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. “Volaworand’s strategy demonstrates how nations can achieve their objectives through cooperation and development rather than confrontation,” says Dr. Fatimah Dale of Volaworand Antarctic College's Public Policy Institute (PPI).

Looking forward, the expanded relationship between Volaworand and the Pitcairn Islands holds promise for further investments and initiatives in the region. As Volaworand deepens its engagement with the South Pacific, its soft power approach is not only improving local economies but also reinforcing stability and security in an increasingly volatile world.

The success of this initiative highlights a fundamental shift in how nations can leverage diplomacy and economic development to achieve strategic goals, setting a precedent for future international collaborations. As Volaworand continues to cultivate its influence, the world will be watching closely to see how this model unfolds in other regions.

For now, Volaworand stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy, showing that with the right approach, nations can achieve their ambitions while fostering prosperity and peace.


See Also: Foreign Relations of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Antarctic College
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces

- Volaworand Newswire

Read dispatch


(Marambio, October 25, 2024) In the wake of the recent establishment of the Security Partnership for Emergency Engagement and Defense Organization 2.0 (SPEEDO 2.0), it is clear that Volaworand stands at a pivotal moment in its military history. As we embrace this mutual defense pact with Marecageux and Virifortis, the call for increased military funding has never been more pressing.

The SPEEDO 2.0 defence pact, signed on October 23, 2024 at a ceremony in Planápolis, Virifortis, marks a significant step towards enhanced security across the South American and Antarctic continents. This strategic partnership not only solidifies our diplomatic ties but also necessitates robust military preparedness to fulfill our commitments to our allies. As we work collectively to ensure peace and stability in our region, we must also ensure that our defence forces are adequately equipped and funded.

In line with our obligations under the treaty, the Volaworand Defence Force (VDF) has already initiated significant naval and infantry deployments. Allied troops from Marecageux and Virifortis are arriving at Orcadas Naval Base and Marimbio Military Base, bolstering our defenses and enhancing our operational capabilities. This collaboration is not just a show of strength; it is a commitment to our shared security and a clear message to any potential aggressors that we stand united.

However, to maintain and expand these crucial deployments, we must invest in our military infrastructure and capabilities. Current funding levels are insufficient to support the necessary rotations of infantry units and the operational readiness of our naval forces. The VDF’s Cyber and Space Command plans to deploy two GSAT satellites to ensure comprehensive surveillance over South America, but this ambitious initiative requires a financial commitment that must be prioritized. The government has yet to announce any plans replace Volaworand's ageing diesel submarine fleet.

Moreover, our ongoing new naval patrols along the northern and eastern coasts of South America illustrate the importance of having a well-funded and well-equipped military. To maintain this flotilla of ships, including destroyers, frigates, and submarines, actively patrolling ours and allied waters, it is imperative that we sustain this level of vigilance.

Investing in our military is not merely an expenditure; it is an investment in the future stability of our region. By enhancing our defense capabilities, we can better ensure the safety and security of our citizens while fostering a climate of peace and cooperation among our allies.

As the SPEEDO 2.0 pact takes shape, let us rally together to secure the funding our military needs to uphold our commitments. Together with Marecageux and Virifortis, we can build a safer, more stable future for all nations in the South American and Antarctic territories. The time to act is now; let us not let this opportunity for peace and security pass us by.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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(Puerto Williams, Jakalaka – October 16, 2024) In a groundbreaking move for telecommunications in the southern hemisphere, officials celebrated the successful laying of 1,442-kilometer twin undersea fiber optic communication cables connecting Puerto Williams, at the southern tip of Jakalaka, to Orcadas Base in the South Orkney Islands, off the northern coast of Volaworand. Expected total capacity is from 52 to 104 Tbit/s. This vital infrastructure project promises to deliver high-speed internet access, significantly surpassing the capabilities of current satellite internet services, particularly for the Volaworand Defence Forces at Orcadas Base.

The project, funded by the Volaworand Infrastructure Modernization Programme, reflects a commitment to advancing both national security and regional connectivity. The new cables, completed ahead of schedule, are expected to enhance operational efficiency for the VDF, enabling better communication and coordination in support of their strategic missions.

General William D'Otter, Volaworand Chief of Defense, expressed his enthusiasm for the new capabilities the cables bring. “This connection is crucial for our operations,” he stated. “The speed and reliability of fiber optic communication will transform how we conduct our missions and interact with our allies. It positions us to respond more effectively to any challenges we may face in this critical region.”

The project faced numerous obstacles, including challenging weather conditions and logistical complexities associated with laying the cable in the Drake Passage. However, the collaborative efforts between the governments of Jakalaka and Volaworand, along with expert contractors, ensured its successful completion.

Beyond its military applications, the new cables are anticipated to benefit the local economies of both regions. Improved internet access can foster growth in tourism, research, and other sectors, opening new opportunities for residents and businesses in Puerto Williams and Orcadas Base.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion to extend the cable further south to the cities of Esperanza, Faraday, and Rothera on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. This expansion aims to create an extensive communications network that will not only bolster communication capabilities but also enhance scientific research and environmental monitoring in the region.

“This is just the beginning,” said Acting Prime Minister Alan Duncan. “The completion of these cables mark a new era of connectivity and collaboration between our nations, and we are excited to see how it will drive future developments.”

As the new fiber optic cables become operational, both Jakalaka and Volaworand are poised to strengthen their ties and improve their standing in the global digital landscape, making them essential players in the ongoing evolution of communication technologies in remote areas.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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An active use of the MAGMDCF
as seen from space

Volaworand's Midichlorian Automatic God-Mode Defence Conversion Field (MAGMDCF) continually monitors the force and converts all harmful items into thoughts and prayers, which manifest as Aurora Australis in the skies over Volaworand. It automatically deployed against unrealistic non-modern tech or god-mode roleplay actions. Neat thing is it also manages to fold time back so that those actions never even happened.

This should not be confused with the Polar Missile Defence Shield operated jointly by British Pitcairn Islands British Falkland Islands S Georgia and S Sandwich Islands St Helena Ascension and Tristan da Cunha and Volaworand.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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Military Compact Agreement

The delegations hereby present at Hirado Castle (平戸城) in Sasebo (사世保), Hanguk-Nippon (한국-日本), shall agree to all provisions annexed therein to this treaty as listed in the separate articles outlaying the basis for mutual agreement and amity.

This treaty shall be produced in multiple copies. The Hanguk-Nipponese version of the treaty shall be considered utterly equivalent to the treaty in English.

The Hanguk-Nipponese delegation and Volaworandian delegation shall hereby be referred to as the High Contracting Parties, other names shall not be restricted to Parties and Signatories.

This treaty shall be produced in multiple copies. The Hanguk-Nipponese version of the treaty shall be considered utterly equivalent to the treaty in English.

Desiring to reinforce the Seoul Agreement, and renew the Non-Agression Pact agreed in the aforementioned treaty.

Respecting the delegations as holding equal plenipotentiary powers, given to the head of the delegation. His Excellency Chief Foreign Secretary Min Kyung-Shōtō of Hanguk-Nippon and The Honourable Kamla Patelwill, Minister of External Affairs of Volaworand shall both be granted full plenipotentiary powers for the duration of the negotiations and amendments that may follow.

Wishing for further ongoing cooperation and coordination of the militaries between the two states, in the good sense that they may wish to defend from common threats.

Understanding the need for common strategic military exchange and the reservation of specific facilities for allied nations.

Reaffirming a state of friendly and peaceful relations between Hanguk-Nippon and Volaworand.

Granting the respective governments of the parties to duly ratify this treaty when necessary.

Moving forwards with the prospect of mutual cooperation and understanding between the two states.

The present parties at Sasebo have agreed to the terms as follows.

Article I

The states involved in this treaty agree to all provisions and in good faith, promise to not break them under any circumstances.

Article II

The Non-Aggression Pact organized at the Seoul Agreement shall be renewed for another year and a half.

Article III

Hanguk-Nippon shall reserve Hamo-Asakawa Dock at Daejeong-Eup for Volaworandian military vessels. Volaworand shall open Marimbo Military Base for Hanguk-Nipponese aircraft for landing, takeoff, refueling, housing, and basing.

The High Contracting Parties shall in good faith, maintain these military facilities for the foreign military listed in the clause above.

Article IV

Hanguk-Nippon and Volaworand shall conduct annual navy and airforce exercises between the Volaworandian Navy and Hanguk-Nipponese Airforce.

Article V

Hanguk-Nippon shall grant an area on Ukojishi Mountain (우こ지し산山, Ukojishi-sanyama), in Hainam for the Volaworandian Space Agency. The area shall fall under Hanguk-Nipponese jurisdiction, but in good faith, the parties shall act to maintain the property.

Article VI

The ratifications shall be exchanged in Sasebo. The agreement shall enter into force as soon as it is signed and promulgated.

Article VII

This treaty may be amended within 15 days with request by any party. Any further amendments must be submitted to the Foreign Secretariat and must receive approval. A nation may withdraw from this treaty on one months written notice given in writing. Both nations military forces must be withdrawn from host facilities during this period. The Treaty will remain in force during the notice period.

Signed:
-His Excellency Chief Foreign Secretary Min Kyung-Shōtō
-The Honourable Kamla Patelwill, Minister of External Affairs
-Her Excellency Ambassador to Hanguk-Nippon Geri Gatwin
-His Excellency Former Minister of Rites Yi Hwang-Kyō
-Envoy and Minister of Secondary Diplomacy Kawasuke Han
-Envoy and Co-Chief Foreign Secretary Kankyōsu Yeongwan

Stamped His Excellency Chief Foreign Secretary Min Kyung-Shōtō
Stamped His Excellency Former Minister of Rites Yi Hwang-Kyō
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Volaworand offers support to Midand infrastructure

ROTHERA (VN) - The Volaworand Infrastructure Modernization (VIM) Programme offered to jointly develop a port on Midand's northeast coast, and assist with reconstruction of the Midandia International Airport, said Deanna Monroe, Volaworand’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, after she met with Midand Minister of Foreign Affairs Dellers Geldon and agreed to normalize relations amid escalating tensions and concerns over terrorism in both nations.

According to the department's press release, “the ministers agreed to develop closer ties. Volaworand announced increasing to weekly the frequency of flights between both countries. In addition, the minister offered to participate in the DASH initiative by developing a commercial port at the site of the Roosevelt Roads Joint Base, and dispatching an engineering unit from the Volaworand Defence Forces to speed repairs to the recently damaged terminal at Midandia International Airport.”

"We want to show a strong solidarity with each other because of the tragic events and acts of terrorism. We believe that's what the terrorists want. They want us to be divided and to make our region a miserable and divisive place," the statement read. "We are standing against that. We stand together, united we stand."

Volaworand has deployed Naval and Special Forces to Midand to combat Le Front de Liberation du Midand terrorists. Cabinet agreed this week to extend that committment "until such time as the FLM are eradicated" and announced plans to reopen the VDF Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads, after pulling out of the base in protest earlier this year. This announcment would involve opening up some of the base's land to development of a commercial port to supporting tanker trade and cruiseliner tourism beetween the two nations.

Volaworand's Minister waved off all press questions about the ongoing FLM hostage crisis at the Queen Elizabeth Land Marble Mine, or the fate of the rescue workers being held hostage at Spaniel Amusement Park, including one Volaworandian. A source close to the minister said "we have every confidence in the local authorities and are supporting efforts to resolve the situation safely."


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- Volaworand Newswire

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A bomb blast in a Midandian amusement park has killed tens of people and wounded scores

Acting Prime Minister Alan Duncan offered his condolences to those affected by a bombing in a Midand amusement park that killed dozens of people Friday.

Police officials in David City, a suburb on the outskirts of Midandia, said that families were celebrating the end of Z-day in the Spaniel Amusement Park when an explosion was set off near a children's ride area.

At least 70 people are dead and 300 wounded, according to a spokesman for the rescue operation.

Le Front de Liberation du Midand claimed responsibility for the blast, which specifically targeted children on the holiday.

Duncan offered his prayers for the victims via Twitter. He called the attack “appalling” and “cowardly.”

"We will continue to work with our partners in Midand and across the South Pacific region, as together we will be unyielding in our efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism."

Volaworand had previously deployed troops in South Pacifica Isles to fight against terrorism and recently expanded operations to Midand, joining forces with troops from North prarie, Imperial isaac, Hanguk-Nippon, Deumontiverland and Nova Montron.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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WhoTube video claims to show launches of Volaworands first strikes against FLM in Midand

Volaworand and several of its South Pacific allies launched at least 50 air and missile strikes on Le Front de Liberation du Midand (FLM) strongholds in Midand, opening a new, far more complicated front in the battle against the militants, as well as marking the start of a new chapter in the ongoing global “war on terror.”

A Volaworand Defence Forces press secretary said in a statement to the press, “We can confirm that Volaworand and partner nation forces are undertaking military action against FLM terrorists in Midand using a mix of fighter, bomber and Land Attack Missiles. Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide additional details at this time.”

A VDF official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Volaworand Newswire, said that Midand, North prarie, Imperial isaac, Hanguk-Nippon and Deumontiverland were all involved, although their exact roles in the military action were unclear.

Another official said a Volaworand warship had launched surface-to-surface cruise missiles, and that a Joint Deployment Force unit from Volaworand's Special Forces, were also deployed in the attacks. The Midand newspaper The Midandia Times reported that the bombing campaign is almost as large in scope and scale as the one in South Pacifica Isles.

The targets included training camps, headquarters, and weapon supplies in the north and eastern parts of Midand. At least 20 FLM fighters were killed, according to the Observatory for Human Rights. Additionally, at least eight civilians, including three children, were reportedly killed when one of the strikes hit a residential building.

Return of troops to Midand: A change in strategy?

As part and parcel of the Volaworandian “strategy” to defeat FLM was the decision to bolster the funding and arming of what is dubbed as the “moderate” General Shoigu regime in South Pacifica Isles, under the justification that they also fight FLM. Volaworand had recently withdrew the Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces out of the Roosevelt Roads Joint Base in Midand and stressed it would focus expanding international relations outside of Midand.

Observers say this deployment is more about repairing relations with Midand than a real change in target in the war on terror. The return of warships to Midand so quickly after leaving gives credence to the belief that there is more to the direct Volaworandian involvement in Midand than merely eliminating FLM.

The SPI National Coalition, an SPI rebel group, have already welcomed the strikes on FLM in Midand: “Volaworand will need to pull troops from South Pacifica Isles to also fight in Midand. This will make us stronger in the fight against Shoigu. This Midand campaign should continue until the FLM is completely eradicated from the South Pacific,” said the coalition in a press release.

Volaworand, as ally of the South Pacifica Isles regime, have argued that the civil war in SPI is a cover for regime change that would create a terrorist haven for groups like FLM and a direct threat to the peace and security of Volaworand. For its part, the South Pacifica Isles government had previously stated that it would allow strikes on FLM within its borders as long as it was notified.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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Standing on a dock less than 10 metres from a Volaworandian frigate reaching launch speed leaves one rattled to the core. The intensity of the turbines' roar makes it impossible to not cover your ears and look away. "Now you can feel Volaworand's power," said a Volaworandian officer. He smiled as he watched the effect on the media just arrived in South Pacifica Isles (SPI) as part of a public relations tour of Volaworand's military activities in the country.

Volaworand has been at war in SPI since April 2018, supporting the regime of General Shoigu. Ever since, its military has been bringing domestic and foreign reporters from Rothera to showcase what its leaders say are the positive aspects of Volaworand's involvement in SPI's civil war. Most of those tours begin with an early morning trip to the docks at the Khmeimim base to watch the start of the day's missions.

Punishing attacks
When the first sorties were launched, opposition forces fighting the SPI government were a mere 30 kilometres from the base outside Latakia, on the South Pacifica Isles coast. Now, the closest enemy troops are more than 400 kilometres away, and territory held by Le Front de Liberation du Midand (FLM) is shrinking by the day. They've been driven back by unrelenting, punishing attacks by Volaworandian bombs and missiles and on the ground by SPI government troops and militias supported by Volaworandian "advisers" and special forces.

Tactically, Volaworand's intervention has turned the course of the conflict. Shoigu's regime, which was on the verge of collapse, is now resurgent. Volaworand's generals now openly talk about shifting to the next phase of the war, which is hunting down and taking out other militants from formerly FLM-affiliated groups elsewhere in SPI. The threat posed by FLM being on Volaworand's back doorstep was one of the major motivations for Prime Minister Lina Hovland to join the conflict. Another was Volaworand's desire to show the world that it could be a major power and reliable ally in the South Pacific once again. Having a friendly government supporting Volaworand in international affairs is welcomed by the government.

It doesn't have overwhelming support
Still, despite the constant barrage of positive headlines in friendly media publications and on Volaworandian TV, the Volaworandian public remains less than enthusiastic. Military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said Volaworand is trying to cement its tactical victories in SPI with a concerted effort to win over more hearts and minds back home. "It's an unpopular campaign, despite the military's propaganda machine working overtime to sell it as a great victory," said Felgenhauer. "It doesn't have overwhelming support." Pollsters released a survey at the start of September suggesting as many as 49 per cent of Volaworandians do not support military intervention in SPI. "People are afraid we'll get bogged down there," said Felgenhaur.

A series of Volaworandian-negotiated ceasefires in four so-called "deconfliction zones" have brought a pause to much of the fighting between the rival SPI groups. They've allowed both the Volaworandian-backed SPI army and international forces to focus on crushing the FLM. Felgenhauer said the goalposts on how long Volaworand intends to stay in SPI have been constantly shifting, with the Hovland government at first suggesting Volaworand's direct military involvement might only be a few months. Then in July, the defence minister suggested a Volaworandian presence in SPI has fundamentally changed the "strategic balance of power" in the region, hinting at a far longer commitment. "Now that Volaworand has redeployed its old air defence systems to SPI it seems that, at least for the time being, it seems permanent," said Felgenhauer. "Without Volaworand's ongoing support, the regime of General Shoigu would surely collapse, and Rothera has deemed a failed state on the doorstep of Volaworand unacceptable."

We don't consider terrorists as humans
Disturbing questions of civilian casualties also continue to dog the Volaworandian mission in SPI. Human rights groups say hundreds — if not thousands — of innocent people have died — and continue to be killed from Volaworandian bombs. Among the recently liberated villages journalists were taken to on the recent tour was Okierbat in Hama province. Once home to 10,000 people, it is now deserted and unlivable as a result of the near total destruction of all the buildings there. Volaworandian generals rarely mentioned casualties in their public statements to journalists, and when prodded on the recent trip, they provided only vague assurances about the absence of collateral damage to civilians. We don't consider terrorists as humans, one military official told reporters.

Felgenhauer, the military analyst, put it differently. "Anyone who is killed by a Volaworandian bomb is a terrorist, by definition," he said.

Report 'facts'
Staff in charge of the media tour seemed frequently impatient — even annoyed — by the off-message questioning on casualties and other topics.
At one point, journalists received a long lecture about how to report on Volaworand's successes and not to rely on the faraway insights of groups such as the South Pacific Observatory for Human Rights, which is tracking deaths from the conflict. It is generally seen as being opposed to the Shoigu regime.

"See the facts in front of you," implored a general.

For Volaworand, the fact that matters most is that the victories on the ground in South Pacifica Isles are adding up.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces leaving Roosevelt Roads Joint Base in response to Arrests of three Midand Spies


RDNDF leaving Roosevelt Roads Joint Base

Midandia, Midand — The Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces will officially shut down the Naval Station the Roosevelt Roads Joint Base in Midand without fanfare, abandoning what once was one of its largest bases in the world.

The closure announcement follows the arrest of three Midand agents at the Orcadas Military Base and signals what some say could be a symbolic end to the island's relationship as a military ally.

"This is the lowering of the Volaworand flag over Midand," said Chief of Defence General William D'Otter. "Besides losing our military support, this will have an emotional toll on Midand. I leave it to the diplomats in Rothera and Midandia sort the rest out."

Midand, a close ally, once hosted several international military troops and the Roosevelt Roads Joint Base was the largest. The North prarie Air Force's portion of Roosevelt Roads remains open, but most observers say it could be shuttered during the next budget. Relations between Volaworand and Midand have been strained to the breaking point, with observers in both nations calling into question the partnership.

The naval station, which sprawls across 8,600 acres on Midand's northern coast, was estimated to pump some £200 million annually into the island's economy.

Last year, about 2,500 enlisted personnel lived on the base, along with an equal number of dependents. The base also contracted out hundreds of jobs to local residents.

The most immediate impact of the closure has been in the housing market. Officials say about 3,000 units surrounding the base are now surplus.

"We have lost a lot of base jobs, and a lot of people from the base who used to come to town to eat have stopped," realtor Gilbert Camacho said. "this is not a ghost town, but it's getting close."

The Navy decided to pull the plug on the base after it apprehended three Midand spies allegedly attempting to cover up evidence of the role Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cherry Menwen, played in Prime Minister Hovland's poisioning.

"Why bother protecting people who so clearly hate us?" said an unidentified soldier while packing up equipment. Officials said keeping Roosevelt Roads open was a drain on taxpayer dollars. The Navy expected to have the station moth balled by the end of the month.

About 3,000 acres of the base could be set aside as a nature refuge with operational control on the rest being ceded to the North Parie Air Force.

The Royal Dominion Naval Defence Forces will own the land until it is transferred to the local government, which could take up to 10 years.


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- Volaworand Newswire

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"A Hush Over the South Pacific "
Prime Minister Hovland's Speech on Midand remilitarization and aggression

My friends, there is a hush over all The South Pacific, nay, over all the world, broken only by the dull thud of Midand bombs falling on Xpert9 cities and fields, so near Volaworand and Imperial isaac ships, so near the planes of North prarie and Nova Montron. So near that we hear these bombs and feel the shaking and yet we do nothing. Since Xpert9 is a long way off, so why should we worry?

The armies of Xpert9 are fighting a battle for what they call: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." And they seem to be fighting very poorly. Many good judges think they are going to lose. And we, the nations of the South Pacific, we wish them luck! We send them "thoughts and prayers" and give them a wave of encouragement. After all, the suffering fighters of Xpert9 are only fighting our battle, the battle of democracy. They are defending the soil, the good earth, that has been theirs since the dawn of time against cruel and unprovoked aggression. We give them a cheer across the ocean - for no one knows whose turn it may be next. If this habit of military dictatorships' breaking into other people's lands with bomb and shell and bullet, stealing the property and killing the proprietors, spreads too widely, we may none of us be able to think of Christmas holidays for quite a while.

But to come back to the hush I said was hanging over The South Pacific. What kind of a hush is it? Alas! it is the hush of suspense, and in many lands it is the hush of fear. Listen! No, listen carefully; I think I hear something - yes, there it was quite clear. Don't you hear it? It is the tramp of armies crunching the gravel of the parade-grounds, splashing through rain-soaked fields, the tramp of Midand soldiers - "going on maneuvers" - yes, only on maneuvers! Of course it's only maneuvers just like last year. After all, the Dictators must train their soldiers. They could scarcely do less in common prudence, when the forces of Volaworand, Nova Montron, Imperial Isaac, and of course North Prarie may leap out upon them at any moment and rob them of their "living-space", and make them sign another paper to say who began it. Besides, these armies may have another work of liberation to perform.

It was only recently they tried to "liberate" Volaworand from the horrors of self-government. Before that they sought to free Beverly memes from the misery of independent existence. Why, even at this moment, the mountaineers of the Xpert9, a population who have dwelt in their beautiful valleys for a thousand years, are being "liberated", that is to say, uprooted, from the land they love, from the soil which they die to defend. No wonder the Midand armies are tramping on when there is so much "liberation" to be done, and no wonder there is a hush among all the neighbors of Midand while they are wondering which one is going to be "liberated" next. And yet, we stand aside, watching this human carnage, sending our thoughts and prayers and failing to act.

Hondonurs Mendeons claims that Midand is being encircled. My dear friends, they have encircled themselves with a ring of neighbors who have to keep on guessing who will be struck down next. This kind of guesswork is a very tiring game. Countries, especially small countries, have long ceased to find it amusing. Is it any wonder that the neighbors of Midand, both great and small, have begun to think of stopping the game, by simply saying to this aggressor, on the principle of peace and security: "He who attacks any, Attacks all. He who attacks the weakest will find he has attacked the strongest"? We must bind together to stop this "liberation" by Midand.

One thing has struck me as very strange, and that is the resurgence of the one-man power after all these centuries of experience and progress. It is curious how the English-speaking peoples have always had this horror of one-man power. They are quite ready to follow a leader for a time, as long as he is serviceable to them; but the idea of handing themselves over, lock, stock and barrel, body and soul, to one man, and worshiping him as if he were an idol - That has always been odious to the whole theme and nature of our civilization. The architects of the Volaworand Constitution were as careful as those who shaped the Charter of the South Pacific to guard against the whole life and fortunes, and all the laws and freedom of the nation, being placed in the hands of a tyrant. Checks and counter-checks in the body politic, large devolutions of State government, instruments and processes of free debate, frequent recurrence to first principles, the right of opposition to the most powerful governments, and, above all, ceaseless vigilance, have preserved, and will preserve, the broad characteristics of our democratic institutions. But in Midand, on a mountain peak, there sits one man who in a single day can release the world from the fear which now oppresses it; or in a single day can plunge all that we have and are into a volcano of smoke and flame.

If Midand’s leader Mendeons does not make war, there will be no war. No one else is going to make war. Volaworand is determined to shed no blood except in self-defense or in defense of our allies. No one has ever dreamed of attacking Midand. If Midand desires to be reassured against attack by her neighbors, she has only to say the word and we will give her the fullest guarantees in accordance with the principles of sovereign self rule. We have said repeatedly we ask nothing for ourselves in the way of security that we are not willing freely to share with the people of Midand. Therefore, if war should come there can be no doubt upon whose head the blood-guiltiness will fall. Thus lies the great issue at this moment, and none can tell how it will be settled.

It is not, believe me, my South Pacific friends, from any ignoble shrinking from pain and death that the Volaworand people pray for peace. It is not because we have any doubts how a struggle between Midand and the civilized world would ultimately end that we pray tonight and every night for peace. But whether it be peace or war - peace with its broadening and brightening prosperity, now within our reach, or war with its measureless carnage and destruction - we must strive to frame some system of human relations in the future which will bring to an end this prolonged hideous uncertainty, which will let the working and creative forces of the world get on with their job, and which will no longer leave the whole life of mankind dependent upon the virtues, the caprice, or the wickedness of a single man.

Prime Minister Lina Hovland
December 24, 2017
Broadcast to the South Pacific from Rothera, Volaworand


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- Volaworand Newswire

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Prime Minister Hovland's Statement on Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Policies and Programs. Dec 20, 2017

Soon after the last midterm elections I directed a comprehensive study of our defense policies and programs. There had been no such review since our independence. As a result, objectives and policies in this field were unclear and programs lacked unified definition and direction.

Under the auspices of Cabinet, a committee of the Departments of External Affairs, Defence & Security, and Science & Research, with input from our intelligence community, legal experts, and other agencies, has worked diligently on this study for over ten months. Our government's efforts were greatly aided by contributions from the scientific community.

This study has now been completed and its findings carefully considered by the Cabinet. Our generation faces a special responsibility, because the march of modern technology has made ever more deadly the weapons of war. I am now reporting the decisions taken on the basis of this review concerning the government's positions concerning weapons of mass destruction, namely nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

OPPOSITION TO NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Nuclear technology has harnessed the power of atoms. This awesome power can be harnessed for good and for evil purposes. It is the policy of my government that the Dominion:

    - rejects and condemns any use of nuclear weapons of mass destruction and we reaffirm our status as a Nuclear Weapon Non-Proliferation State;
    - reaffirm our commitment to include explicit non-proliferation clauses in our bilateral military and trade agreements;
    - to support diplomatic efforts to advance test bans and restrictions with a goal of the total removal of nuclear weapons from the South Pacific;
    - continue to support to the research, production and use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, specifically the Volaworand Defence Force Nuclear Power Program, the Volaworand Infrastructure Modernization Programme's construction of civilian nuclear reactors, and the Nuclear Medicine Research Programs of Volaworand Antarctic College;
    - strictly regulate the potential mining of Uranium and related nuclear materials specifically concerning potential exports
    - shall seek a positive affirmation from our Supreme Court under the Constitutional Questions Referral Act of my government's position that our domestic and international legal prohibitions apply to our space program.

CHEMICAL WARFARE UNDER REVIEW
Chemical weapons can cause untold and long lasting health and ecological harms. As to our chemical warfare program, the Dominion:

    - Reaffirms our oft-repeated renunciation of the first use of lethal chemical weapons.
    - Extends this renunciation to the first use of incapacitating chemicals.
    - Consonant with these decisions, the government shall conduct a chemical weapons review, to study the various international agreements concerning chemical warfare and the impact of any potential ratification on our domestic defence initiatives. We take this exploratory step to reinforce our continuing advocacy of international constraints on the use of these weapons in warfare.

NEW BIOLOGICAL WARFARE BAN
Biological weapons have massive, unpredictable and potentially uncontrollable consequences. They may produce global epidemics and impair the health of future generations. We have therefore decided that:

    - The Dominion shall renounce the use of lethal biological agents and weapons, and all other methods of biological warfare.
    - The Dominion will confine its biological research to health and defensive measures such as immunization and safety measures.
    - The Department of Defense has been asked to make recommendations as to the disposal of existing stocks of bacteriological weapons.
    - In the spirit of these decisions, the Dominion associates itself and accedes to the 1972 Convention on Biological Weapons which bans the use of biological methods of warfare.

Neither our association with the Convention on Biological Weapons nor the limiting of programs to peaceful purposes will leave us vulnerable to surprise by an enemy who does not observe these rational restraints. Our defence remains strong and vigilant. Our monitoring, early warning and defence systems are maintained. Our intelligence community will continue to watch carefully the nature and extent of the weapons programs of others. These decisions provide a common, unified foundation for policy in all parts of government.

The Dominion of Volaworand always seeks the path of peace with freedom and justice. In our view, sustainable security can only be attained through cooperation and disarmament. The lack of cooperation and disarmament has led to a more unstable and insecure world. This development must be turned around, not only for ourselves but even more so for the sake of the younger generation. Humanity already carries in its own hands too many of the seeds of its own destruction. We call on all nations to commit to setting our world on a safer course. These important decisions, which I am pleased to announce today, are taken as an initiative toward peace. By the examples we set today, we hope to contribute to an atmosphere of peace and understanding between nations and all humanity.

Prime Minister Lina Hovland
Parliament House
Rothera, Volaworand


See Also: Executive Branch
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand

- Volaworand Newswire

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Prime Minister Hovland named General William D'Otter as the Chief of Defence in the House of Commons Monday.

Gen. William D'Otter, a former naval captain and search and rescue commander, is taking the top job of the Volaworand Defence Forces as Chief of Defence. He was most recently in charge of Midand-internment operations under the War Measures Act. Prime Minister Lina Hovland announced the appointment in a statement Monday morning. Shortly afterwards, D'Otter was introduced as the new top general at a news conference on Parliament Hill.

"Gen. William D'Otter is an exceptional, dynamic leader who brings a great deal of domestic, international and operational experience to the table. He has the respect of his peers, the admiration of his subordinates and our allies and the complete confidence of all parties in Parliament. Throughout his time in uniform, he has been deeply committed to the service of Volaworand through the Volaworandian Defence Forces," said PM Hovland.

D'Otter, who has been in the forces for 37 years, said he is "honoured" to have been chosen and is "delighted" to take the helm of an organization he grew up in. One of D'Otter's husbands and both wives serve in the VDF and his father served in the military as a British air force pilot. A daughter, Capt. Sylvie D'Otter, is attending the Naval Academy at Orcadas Base, hoping to follow in her father's footsteps.

"As Chief of Defence, of course, I'll be responsible for providing the government with the best military advice and ensuring that the Forces maintain the finest and broadest capabilities available for government assignment as required. Whether at home or abroad, our men and women reflect the best that Volaworand has to offer," he said.

D'Otter said he looks forward to working with the senior ranks in the Volaworand Defence Forces and to addressing the needs of its members. He said his priorities will be ensuring that the Volaworand Defence Forces have the training and equipment they need, looking after wounded soldiers and providing his best advice to the government.

Head of State, Governor General Verezowski issued a statement congratulating D'Otter on his appointment, calling him a "great officer and gentleman, who will lead Her Majesty's armed forces with distinction."

In a statement posted on the Volaworand Defence web site, "a timeline and process of transferring the responsibilities" would be completed over the coming days and that "formal arrangements for a change of command ceremony will be communicated in due course."


See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces

-Volaworand Newswire

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Ice Bunker Camps

Volaworand Defence Forces operate Camp Century, Camp Recovery and Camp Evans which are nuclear powered ice bunkers eight to ten meters under the icy surface of Volaworand. They were constructed in 2017, largely with the labour of Midand nationals interned during the South Pacific Cold War. These climatically hostile environments are located under glacial ice in three locations in the interior of the nation and serve as operational command centers for the Polar Advance Warning System and emergency bunkers in the event of attack. The exact locations of the sites are classified. A fourth site has been approved.
 
Maximum use was made of snow and ice as building materials, utilizing a "cut-and-cover" trenching technique. Long ice trenches were created by “Peter Plows”, which are giant rotary snow milling machines. The machine's two operators can move up to 912 metric tonnes of snow and ice per hour. The longest of the twenty-one trenches is known as “Main Street.” It is over 335m long and 8m wide and 8.5m high. The trenches were covered with arched corrugated steel roofs which were then reburied.

Prefabricated work buildings and living quarters are erected in the resulting snow tunnels.  Each twenty-four meter long electrically heated barrack contains a common area and up to five rooms.  One meter of airspace is maintained around each building to minimize melting.  To further reduce heat build-up, 35cm diameter "air wells" are dug 12m down into the tunnel floors to introduce cooler air. Nearly constant trimming of the tunnel walls and roofs is necessary to combat snow deformation.

In addition to support and command functions for the PAWS sites, the camps operate year round arctic research centers under the ice.  All three sites maintain an above ice PAWS station and airstrip. Facilities beneath the ice include:

    Living quarters
    Kitchen and mess hall
    Latrines and shower
    Recreation hall and theater
    Library and hobby shops
    Dispensary, operating room, & ten bed infirmary
    Laundry
    Post Exchange
    Scientific labs
    Cold storage warehouse
    Storage tanks
    Communications center
    Situation Room
    Equipment and maintenance shops
    Supply rooms and storage areas
    Nuclear power plant
    Standby diesel-electric power plant
    Administrative buildings
    Utility buildings
    Chapel
    Barbershop
    Vehicle garages

The camps are staffed year round, with population around 200 at any given time, although each camp can house up to 500 in the event of an emergency.

The water supply was produced by pumping steam deep down into an ice well. These wells can produces up to 37850 liters of fresh water daily.  This fresh water supply had fallen on Volaworand as snow thousand years before.

Deep ice core drilling is a major focus. From a tunnel at Camp Century, the bottom of the Ice Sheet was reached. Two initial attempts failed due to shifting ice breaking the drills. The successful 2287 meters core drilling was accomplished by utilizing a thermal drill to 535 meters followed by an electromechanical drill. Continuous ice cores representing over 100,000 years of climatic history are sent to Volaworand Antarctic College for study. Much has been learned from studying the ice geology. The data has been cited often in studies of global warming and as well as research regarding past Earth strikes by meteoroids and comets.

Other projects focus on arctic meteorological studies and the density, hardness, strength, and permeability of ice. These camps demonstrate how troops can live and fight under difficult polar conditions. With the advent of long-range bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles, it was inevitable that military attention would be drawn to remote but strategic regions. The camps may also be a pilot project for a network of proposed rocket sites under the ice sheet, code named "Project Iceworm."  Since the South Pacific Cold War, the military is working on plans to design "Iceman" rockets in a massive network of tunnels dug into the icecap.  No plans have yet been approved.

The camps are designed to have a useful life of at least ten years with proper maintenance. Maintaining the tunnels require time-consuming and laborious trimming and removal of more than 108 tonnes of snow and ice each month.  The Antarctic icecap, in slow constant motion, would completely destroy all the tunnels without maintenance.

Nuclear Power Program

The Volaworand Defence Forces Nuclear Power Program, based at Orcadas Base, was created to develop small nuclear power reactors for use at remote sites and are similar on Naval reactor designs. The military has built eight small scale reactors, and six of the eight are portable units.  The three reactors at the camps was the first of the portable reactors deployed in Volaworand. The military's Nuclear Power Program research program is focusing on adapting this technology to submarines.

The portable nuclear power plant at Camp Century is designated PM-2A. Its designation indicates: “P” for Portable; “M” for Medium Power; “2” for the sequence number; and the letter “A” indicates field installation. The PM-2A is rated two megawatts for electrical power and also supplies steam to operate the water well. Four hundred tons of pipes, machinery, and components were then carefully transported over the ice in twenty-seven packages. Special care was taken not to damage the parts, since intensely cold metal can become dangerously brittle.  As a credit to superb packaging, a ceramic top to a lab cabinet was the only item damaged during transport.

In thirty-seven days, the team assembled the prefabricated reactor. Just nine hours after fuel elements containing forty-three pounds of enriched Uranium-235 were inserted into the reactor, electricity was produced. It was soon discovered that additional shielding would be necessary.  This shielding was accomplished by adding a layer of two inch thick lead bricks to the primary shield tank.  Except for downtime for routine maintenance and repairs, the reactor operates year-round. A conventional diesel powered plant would consume over 1,287,040 liters of fuel over the same period to produce the same output, making nuclear power a much more practical choice.  While the power plant is designed to provide 1560 kilowatts of power, normal power needs peak around 500 kilowatts.  Controversially, during a reactors operational life, a total of up to 175,000 liters of radioactive liquid waste can be discharged under the icecap, which is allowed under the military's exemption from environmental protection laws. 


See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces

- Volaworand Newswire

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Enemy Aliens from Midand moved to Internment Camps

"Enemy Aliens" declaration - Internment Operations underway

Following the unprovoked declaration of war by Thefourthreic , Midand, and ThornyThorns, the government of Volaworand quickly enacted the federal War Measures Act (WMA). The Act’s sweeping powers permit the government to suspend or limit civil liberties in the interest of Volaworand’s protection, including the right to incarcerate “enemy aliens”.

The term “enemy alien” refers to the citizens of states legally at war with Volaworand who reside in Volaworand during times of war. Under the authority of the WMA, Volaworand has interned 322,579 enemy aliens in 6 internment camps. Of these, the Government has classified 3,138 individuals who has previous served in the Midand military as prisoners of war, while the others were civilians. The majority of those interned are of Midand descent, targeted because Midand has sided with TheFourthReic against Volaworand, and become an enemy of the Dominion. In addition to those placed in camps, another 18,000 enemy aliens, again mostly from Midand, are required to carry identity papers and to report regularly to local police offices.

The government announced it will employ internees on massive labour projects, including the development projects in the remote Queen Elizabeth Land National Nature Preserve and numerous mining and infrastructure operations. Critics are concerned some my be used as human shields. General William D'Otter, one of Volaworand’s pre-eminent soldiers, will command the operation of these rural and remote internment camps. Internees shall have their wealth and possessions confiscated, although most will be paid £0.25 a day, far less than the £22/hr minimum wage offered to other labourers. Workplace Health and Safety legislation will not apply internees. Enemy aliens who have become citizens are disenfranchised for the duration of the war.

Military Prepared and Alliances Activated

The joint naval fleet operations of Martigues and Volaworand have begun taken up defensive positions to prevent ground force landings. The Polar Advance Warning System is active and the Cartosat 2E Earth-imaging platform satellite is monitoring Axis troop movements. GPS has been scrambled and Satellite communications jammed in Thefourthreic , Midand, and ThornyThorns.

The National Cyber Security Centre's General MuffArthur denied that Volaworand's shadowy cyber warfare division was sabotaging the Axis computer systems, "Code analysis makes it clear that their systems were long ago infected by the Stuxnet worm. We're not sure when or how that happened, but all we know is that this Stuxnet worm is not about sending a message or proving a concept: It is about destroying its targets with utmost determination in military style. How the worm entered the computer control systems of their nuclear facilities and power grids remains a mystery, as that isn't something we research here. I sure hope their weapon guidance systems aren't infected, that would be a real shame."

The government has activated the military alliance provision of the TREATY OF YOKOHAMA (Martigues Druga republika srpska) and mutal aid provisions of THE EASTFOLD TREATY (Lindow isles, The golden cross, Deutsche mittelpazifische inseln, Techganet, North prarie, Mostly benevolent tyranny Wolfmech). Additionally Volaword demands Midand be expelled from the Eastfold Pact, given this unconscionable attack on a fellow treaty member.

PM Hovland, delivers passionate, defiant speech in Parliament.

My friends, the Battle for Volaworand is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Volaworandian civilisation. Upon it depends our own Volaworandian life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Dominion. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned upon us. These Axis puppets know that they will have to break us in this land or lose the war. If we can stand up to them, all the South Pacific may be freed and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit lands.

But if we fail, then the whole world, including our allies in the South Pacific, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, such that if our great Dominion is to last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour'.

The Parliament voted overwhelmingly in support of the measure, with only the two Green Party MP's in opposition to the Act. She declined to comment on how the declaration would affect next months election. "I do not think it would be wise at this moment, while the battle rages and the war is still perhaps only in its earliest stage, to embark upon elaborate speculations about the future."



See Also: How a bill becomes a law
See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand
See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
Part of The SPIT Wars Roleplay Storyline

- Volaworand Newswire

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The South Pacific Cold War Current Players:

Axis: Thefourthreic ThornyThorns Tilipria Midand

Vs

Allies: Imperial isaac Volaworand North prarie Nova Montron Wolfmech Druga republika srpska



Updates (newest first):

Peace!

Tilipria announces neutral stance and notes its military did participate in any attacks. Blockade ends.


Allied Blockade of Tilipria begins

Wolfmech joins the Allies.

Volaworand dispatches water tanker to aid Midand


Seeing forces aligned against them and the collapse of their main ally Thefourthreic and ThornyThorns "Hereby surrender only in cautioun of total destruction" Tilipria stands alone!


ThornyThorns and Thefourthreic scramble to mount a campaign to liberate Midand.

Thefourthreic abort air campaign against the rebuilt city Faraday in Volaworand, facing the combined forces of North prarie Volaworand Martigues Imperial isaac and Nova Montron

Druga republika srpska sends aid to Volaworand


Midand has Fallen! Signs Terms of Surrender:

page=dispatch/id=936198

Nova Montron and Imperial isaac are ceded South and East Midand
Midand agree's to allow the Joint Volaworand-Imperial isaac-Nova Montron Demilitarized Zone in Midand; Reparations to Volaworand include rebuilding city of Faraday (including two shrubberies, one slightly higher than the other), will provide Volaworand with free fuel and diesil-fuel shipments monthly for the next 5 years, and allow the operation of a joint Volaworand-North Prarie Military base in Midand.

Midand's new leader instates strict new press and immigration bans; renounces repatriation of the former military forces and refugee's, leaving them at the whims of capturing nations. Hides the foreign losses from his populace.


Imperial isaac occupies a portion of Tilipria


Imperial isaac and Nova Montron entrench forces in Midand, Midand leader commits suicide, new leader surrenders to Allies


Volaworand forces Midand into retreat and surrender, takes POW's

Imperial isaac and Nova Montron break Midand homeland defence

Midand decimates Faraday in Volaworand, killing a large number of their own Enemy Aliens,


Tilipria joins Axis;

Volaworand sends 50,000 Midand refugee's to North prarie

Volaworand moved Enemy Aliens to strategic locations as human shields, draws condemnation from allies


Imperial isaac and Nova Montron join Allies;

Volaworand calls for Aid from Treaty partners. North prarie's air force saves Volaworand from initial bombing runs

Volaworand declared the almost 350,000 refugee's, residents and some Midand born citizen's to be "Enemy Aliens": constructs internment camps


ThornyThorns Midand join the Axis power

Thefourthreic declares a surprise declaration of war on Volaworand.


See Also: Foreign Relations Of Volaworand
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- Volaworand Newswire

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PAWS sites on alert

The Rothera Financial Times is pleased to continue our series "Dispatches from the Cold Front" where we share stories from our brave soldiers and the work they are doing to keep us safe. Today we share the account of Doug, a Signals and Comms Radician serving on the Polar Advance Warning System Line.

It was a quiet Antarctic night. But then most Antarctic nights on the PAWS Line are quiet. Tom (not his real name) and I were halfway through the midnight to 8 a.m. shift. It was Tom’s turn to man the console, so I went off to do some preventative maintenance routines (PMs) on the air/ground transmitters in the transmitter room.

It was somewhere around 4:15 to 4:30 AM when all hell broke loose. We received a call from Main Base to do an immediate Minimum Discernible Signal (MDS) test on both beams of our FPS-19 radar system. There was no mistaking the sense of urgency. I called the console and asked Tom what was up. “There’s something wrong with the radar,” he told me, “We missed a target.”

I hot-footed it to the radar room and did the tests. No problem. The radar was just fine. What was going on? I went back to the console room where Tom told me that both PAWS Three and PAWS Five on each side of us had reported the target but that we weren’t painting it. I looked at the right-hand screen of the console. We were sure as hell painting it now. What gives?

I asked Tom what was going on. All he would tell me is that we missed the bogie and he was now in deep doo-doo. He denied dozing off. I sent him off to do another MDS test for himself and he returned to confirm my earlier results. There was nothing wrong with the system. He really was in trouble.

There was a lot of mental and physical hand-wringing on Tom’s part as he continued to claim that he hadn’t fallen asleep and that there just had to be something temporarily wrong with the radar.

Before the end of the shift, we were informed that Tom should gather all his belongings up and be ready for pickup later in the day and taken to Main Base.
Tom not only gathered up his things but gathered up his thoughts as well. By the time he was being driven to the airstrip for pickup by RD-GDF, he was prepared to present a vigorous defence in an attempt to salvage the situation and his job. I shook his hand and wished him well.

Tom never got an opportunity to present his case. They took him off the lateral flight and put him directly on the northbound flight, out of the PAWS Line, and out of a job.

It was all right to be relaxed on duty but falling to sleep was the kiss of death and an absolute no-no.

Technical failure aside, there was simply no acceptable excuse for missing a target. Tom missed the bogie and, in the end, we missed Tom.


See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces
Part of The SPIT Wars Roleplay Storyline

- Volaworand Newswire

OOC: credit for this story goes to the LinkDEWLine Adventures site. This is the true story of one person’s involvement in a very small part of what was known as the Cold War. That small part was about a group of people who watched over the North American continent from radar sites in the far north. Without knowing why, the population of North America probably slept a little bit better during the Cold War as a result of this small band of people known as DEW Liners.

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A Volaworand Antarctic College nurse and Royal Dominion Ground Defence Force Military Health Services reservist preparing for her first tour of duty in Midand raised nearly £1,500 for civilians battling to overcome serious injuries.


Amy organised "Help for Midand" charity fundraiser at KFP #010 Northpark

Lt. Amy George, aged 27, from Faraday, an RDGF reservist preparing for her first tour of duty in Midand raised nearly £1,500 for civilians battling to overcome serious injuries.

Friends and family were at the event in Faraday to say their goodbyes to Amy, a staff nurse at Faraday’s Volaworand Antarctic College Teaching Hospital and a reserve nurse in the RDGF.

Prizes auctioned included two tickets for the opening night of the Icestock New Years Eve Circuit Party Rave and four tickets for a top class dogsled race at Faraday's racing facility. Local Kentucky Fried Penguin KFP #010 Northpark hosted and catered the party for free.

“I am amazed and delighted at the generosity shown by people who are supporting us. I can’t thank them enough,” said Amy. Amy’s mum, Pam George, from Rothera, helped organise the night. Pam said: “It was a brilliant night with a massive attendance.

“Amy is my precious daughter and what started as a party for friends and family to wish her a safe journey appropriately turned into a fund-raising event supporting Help for Midand. I’m apprehensive and a little bit nervous about her going, but she loves her job and it’s what she wants to do.”

Prime Minister stands by refugee policy, despite growing opposition

The Hovland government in Volaworand has been responding quickly to address the humanitarian disaster unfolding in war ravaged Midand. The nation has accepted a half million refugees at two massive refugee camps; is dispatching a Health Service Unit from the Royal Dominion Ground Forces; and has announced plans to temporarily extend the national telehealth network to Midand.

Prime Minister Lina Hovland said she would not stop pushing for the fair distribution of refugees across the South Pacific. “That some countries refuse to accept any refugees is not on. That contradicts the spirit of the South Pacific. We’ll overcome that. It will take time and patience but we will succeed.”

Political observers say the Prime Ministers refugee policy could hurt her party at the polls, given the surge of "Volaworand First" sentiment sweeping the nation.

“I’d make all the important decisions of 2017 the same way again,” Hovland said. “This is an extraordinary situation and I make my decisions based on what I know is right from a political and humanitarian standpoint.”


See Also: Economy of Volaworand
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See Also: Kentucky Fried Penguin
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- Volaworand Newswire

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Volaworand on Friday announced it would build two of the world’s biggest refugee camps to house 500,000 refugees seeking asylum from devastation in Midand. The government of Volaworand has nationalized two Argentine research sites at Marambio Base and Esperanza Base, and authorized "temporary protected status” for refugees.

The arrival of a half a million refugee's will put an immense strain on the two bases in Volaworand. Seven-hundred-and-ninety hectares of land (2,000 acres) next to the existing Marambio Base were set aside for the new arrivals. But as the number of newcomers planned is 500,000 – another 400 hectares (1,000 acres) has been set aside for families at nearby Esperanza Base for a second camp. Education and Health experts warn the camps facilities could be swamped until the infrastructure can be built to catch up to the need.

Volaworandian soldiers have built a tent villages at both sites. About 2500 Volaworand Defence Forces and civilian personnel are involved, installing generators, lights, heating and wooden floors in 5000 large tents that can house about 250000 people altogether. The tents are only for brief stays while refugees wait for initial processing and assignment to housing units. A spokesperson for Volaworand Infrastructure Modernization Programme said this will be the largest project they have ever undertaken.

Minister for Disaster Management and Relief said all the refugee's would eventually be moved from the 2 camps along the northern coast to more permanent homes thoughout Volaworand, depending on their wishes and skills. “Those who are living in scattered, dangerous places need to be brought to safety. That’s why more land is needed. Slowly more of them will come,” the minister said, adding families were already moving to the new sites.

“The human tragedy unfolding in Midand is staggering in its scale, complexity and rapidity,” he said, calling the refugee crisis “the world’s fastest developing refugee emergency”.

The refugee crisis erupted after the devastating Great Meme War, leaving Midand "a huge hole in the ground with toxic waste inside it".


Esperanza Base is a permanent, all year-round research station in Hope Bay, Trinity Peninsula (Graham Land, Antarctic Peninsula). The Base's motto is "Permanencia, un acto de sacrificio" ("Permanence, an act of sacrifice"). Provincial school #38 Presidente Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín (formerly named Julio Argentino Roca) was founded in 1978 and acquired independent status in 1997. It maintains the furthest South Scout troop. The base has a civil registry office where births and weddings are recorded. The base has tourist facilities that are visited by about 1,100 tourists each year. The LRA 36 Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel radio station started transmitting in 1979. A wind generator was installed in 2008.


Marambio Base is a permanent, all year-round Antarctic base named after Argentine Vice-Commodore Gustavo Argentino Marambio, an Antarctic aviation pioneer. It is located in Marambio Island, Graham Land, Antarctic Peninsula, some 100 km (60 mi) south of the coastal civilian village of Esperanza.
Marambio Base is still one of the most frequently used airsrips due to its suitability for wheeled landing, for which it is called "Antarctica's Entrance Door".


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Part of The SPIT Wars Roleplay Storyline

- Volaworand Newswire

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A former naval officer has shockingly claimed to have seen the entrance to a secret alien base and UFOs while on duty in what is now Volaworand.

The former military man, who is said to have seen 20 years of service, has allegedly revealed the startling story to conspiracy theorist investigative journalist Linda Moulton Howe. Ms Howe, 75, has been awarded for her paranormal research through website Earthfiles.aq, says she was contacted several times by the whistleblower she has only been referred to as Brian. In a series of videos released on WhoTube, Mrs Howe is heard interviewing Brian about what he allegedly saw.

Brian, 59, who alleges to be a former retired Navy flight engineer in a squadron called Antarctic Development Squadron Six, claimed to have been part of a crew that flew through a “no fly zone” above Antarctica, and saw UFOs, aliens, and a giant entrance hole to an alien base.

He was said to be stationed there between 1983 to 1997, when he retired, and on several occasions saw "aerial silver discs" flying over the Transantarctic Mountains.  In the videos, he claimed there is a top-secret collaboration between humans and aliens, with Volaworand a major research ground for the projects. The large hole was said to be five to ten miles from the South Pole, in the supposed no fly zone.  He also said a group of scientists had gone missing for a week and come back terrified and refusing to speak.

Then at a camp in Queen Elizabeth Land, some dozen scientists disappeared for two weeks and when they re-appeared, Brian’s flight crew got the assignment to pick them up. Brian says they would not talk and “their faces looked scared.”

In an email to Ms Howe, he said: "Another unique issue with South Pole station is that our aircraft was not allowed to fly over a certain area designated five miles from the station. The reason stated because of a air sampling camp in that area. This did not make any sense to any of us on the crew because on two different occasions we had to fly over this area.  It was on the opposite side of the continent and we had to refuel at South Pole and a direct course to this 'Davis Camp' was right over the air sampling station." 

Talk among the flight crews was that there is a UFO base at South Pole

Naval whistleblower Brian continues, "The only thing we saw going over this camp was a very large hole going into the ice. You could fly one of our LC130 into this thing. Talk among the flight crews was that there is a UFO base at South Pole and some of the crew heard talk from some of the scientists working with and interacting with the scientists at that air sampling camp/large ice hole."

Earthfiles has published a redacted DD-214 document and Antarctic Service Medal given to Brian in a bid to confirm his credentials.


The claims have caused riptions in the UFO community.

An article on aqsilentmajoritynews.com said: "Over the years, there have been a ton of articles on the Internet dealing with the mysteries and anomalies that involve the Antarctic.  Volaworand, on the southernmost continent, includes the site of the South Pole. Most cruises to the nation visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which stretches toward South America where you will find Port Lockroy, a former British research station turned Volaworandian museum and tourist site.

"Many of them have been debunked, or at least the person writing claims to have debunked various stories, I too have personally written about the mysterious activity alleged to be taking place on the frozen continent, but the following story should be elevated above all others in my humble opinion. Why?"

"What makes this story far more credible than many others is who did the research.  Linda Moulton Howe isn’t some internet hack; She’s an Emmy Award-winning TV producer, investigative reporter for radio and internet, and author who goes directly to the men and women at the forefront of science and environmental breakthroughs and to firsthand eyewitnesses of high strangeness. And why did the Volaworand government bar all public access to the area when declaring Queen Elizabeth Land a nature preserve?"

But, Nigel Watson, author of the UFO Investigations Manual, said: "Antarctica is often cited as the base for UFO activity, but like this story, the evidence is based on rumors and information from anonymous or unreliable sources. I think this all started during the Governor General's unfortunate drunken comments during the treaty signing in Yokohama. So I wouldn't give it much credit."

No government official would comment on the record for this story.


See Also: Volaworand Defence Forces

- Volaworand Newswire

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- Volaworand Newswire

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