Military: North Torbia

DATE Pacific > North Torbia > Military: North Torbia ←You are here

Military Overview

North Torbia is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with more than half a million active duty military personnel and over two million reservists. North Torbia’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. The Torbian People’s Supreme High Command is comprised on the Torbian People's Army (TPA), the Torbian People's Air Force (TPAF), and the Torbian People's Navy (TPN). North Torbia maintains the goal to eventually unify all of Torbia under the control of Secretary-General Song Chong-Su. The TPA trains hard, but is faced with issues revolving around outdated equipment and its maintenance. The individual TPA soldier is tough, but may be limited by his equipment and a fear of not following orders exactly as given. While the TPA says they want their soldiers to take initiative, this is often not achieved in practice. Due to their numbers alone, all three branches of the military maintain the capability to inflict significant casualties on any opponent.

Military Forces

Despite being an island nation, land forces comprises the largest portion of the armed forces, at approximately 80% of all military personnel. The TPA is responsible for all land units, the Special Purpose Forces (SPF), and low altitude air defense (LAAD). About 70% of all ground forces are located in the southern half of the country. Most TPA artillery is located in hardened positions (HARTs) in the mountains close to the South Torbian border, in order to maximize its weapons systems’ ranges. This places the South Torbian capital city, Manila, within the range of the heaviest TPA artillery pieces and missiles.

North Torbia army’s basic fighting unit is truck-mounted infantry. There are also a number of mechanized and armor brigades. The TPA also fields a number of missile brigades. Its engineers continuously practice water crossings and facilitation of amphibious landings.

The Torbian People’s Air Force (TPAF) consists of approximately 100,000 personnel. The TPAF’s primary mission is to defend its homeland from the air, with secondary missions to provide tactical air support to the army and navy, transportation, logistical support, and SPF insertion/extraction.

The Torbian People’s Navy (TPN) is primarily a brown water force, consisting of approximately 75,000 seamen, with little capacity to operate more than 80 km off North Torbia coastline. The TPN fields no aviation units, as those are operated by the TPAF. The TPN focuses on supporting amphibious assaults, insertion and extraction of SPF, and submarine warfare. The TPN will use their submarines to prevent the reinforcement of South Torbia by outside powers, and to interdict any sea lines of communication.

National Command Authority

North Torbia’s National Command Authority (NCA) exercises overall control of the application of all instruments of national power to plan and carry out the country’s national security strategy. The NCA includes the Ministers of Information, Interior, and Defense, along with other members selected by the Secretary-General, who chairs the NCA. The Secretary-General appoints the Minister of National Security, who exercises responsibility for the NCA’s Strategic Integration Department (SID). The SID serves as the overarching agency responsible to integrate all the instruments of national power under one cohesive national security strategy. The SID coordinates the plans and actions of all North Torbia’s ministries, but particularly those associated with the instruments of national power. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 1, Strategic and Operational Framework.

NCA Wire Diagram

North Torbia National Command Authority

Strategic Operational Framework

North Torbia Supreme High Command and Military Force Structure. Regional commands are in diagrams below.

North Torbia NCA exercises command and control (C2) of the Armed Forces through the Supreme High Command (SHC). The SHC includes the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and a General Staff drawn from all the service components. In peacetime, the MoD and General Staff operate closely but separately. The MoD assumes the responsibility for policy, acquisitions, and financing the Armed Forces. The General Staff promulgates policy and supervises the service components, while its functional directorates assume responsibility for key aspects of defense planning. In wartime, the MoD and General Staff merge to form the SHC, which functions as a unified headquarters.

Planning and execution are centralized, with each lower level of command less likely to take initiative for fear of repercussions of failure. North Torbia currently configures its military in an administrative force structure (AFS) that manages its military forces in peacetime. This AFS contains the aggregate of various military headquarters, facilities, and installations designed to man, train, and equip the forces. In peacetime, the various militaries group their forces into divisions and brigades for administrative purposes. In some cases, the militaries may group their forces administratively under operational strategic commands (OSC) designated as military regions. If the SHC elects to create more than one theater headquarters, it may allocate parts of the AFS to each of the theaters, normally along geographic lines. Typically, these administrative groupings differ from the country’s go-to-war (fighting) force structure. Other parts of the AFS consist of assets centrally controlled at the national level. FM 7-100.4 Opposing Force Organization Guide: Chapter 3, Task Organizing.

SHC/Overarching Wire Diagram

DPRT SHC Structure

The DPRT military operates under a single commander, usually a ground forces general. The purpose of the TPA Air Force and the TPA Naval Forces is to support the ground commander. This means that the ground forces are the primary military organization in the country and the others are supporting forces.

National Strategic Goals

North Torbia’s strategic goals are influenced by a history involving repeated seizure and rule of their islands by outside forces. The three primary goals of North Torbia: maintaining total control of the country under the Torbian Worker’s Party (WPT) and Secretary-General Song Chong-Su, the unification of North and South Torbia under Song’s control, and the prevention of outside interference into North Torbia’s internal affairs by other countries. Examples of specific strategic goals include:

• Maintenance of the Song family in complete control of the country
• Defense of North Torbia’s sovereignty against outsiders
• The unification of North Torbia and South Torbia under Song’s control
• Maintenance of its status as a nuclear power despite any outside objections

Implementing National Security Goals

DPRT National Security Goals simplified

North Torbian strategic operations are a continuous process not limited to wartime or preparation for war. Once war begins, strategic operations continue during regional, transition, and adaptive operations and complement those operations. Each of the latter three types of operations occurs only during war and only under certain conditions. Transition operations can overlap regional and adaptive operations.

In pursuit of its national security strategy, North Torbia prepares to conduct four basic types of strategic-level courses of action. The four types of operations include:

Strategic operations use all instruments of power in peace and war to achieve North Torbia’s national security strategy goals through attacks against any enemy’s strategic centers of gravity. For North Torbia, this includes the threat of using nuclear weapons if the country is attacked by any world power.

Regional operations include conventional, force-on-force military operations against overmatched opponents, such as regional adversaries and internal threats. For North Torbia, this is using its oversized army to unify Torbia under North Torbian control

Transition operations bridge the gap between regional and adaptive operations and contain some elements of both. The country continues to pursue its regional goals while dealing with developing outside intervention that has the potential to overmatch its military. For North Torbia, this is the threat of using a nuclear weapon mounted on a missile that could reach any regional country that decides to interfere with North Torbian military action.

Adaptive operations preserve the country’s power and apply it in adaptive ways against opponents that overmatch the country’s military. For North Torbia, this policy means that bypassed small units and civilians will turn to irregular tactics to harass and defeat any country that decides to invade North Torbia.

National Security Strategy

Although North Torbia refers to them as “operations,” each of these courses of action is actually a subcategory of strategy. Each type of operation aggregates the effects of tactical, operational, and strategic actions in conjunction with instruments of national power to achieve each country’s strategic goals. The types of operations employed at a given time will depend on the types of threats, opportunities, and other conditions present.

North Torbia’s strategy is to unify Torbia under North Torbian control and defend North Torbia from external enemies. If possible, North Torbia will attempt to achieve its ends without armed conflict. North Torbia will not limit strategic operations to military means and will not begin with armed conflict. They may achieve their desired goal through pressure applied by nonmilitary instruments of power, perhaps by merely threatening to use superior military power or nuclear weapons against the opponent. These actions fall under the general framework of “strategic operations” and are a significant indicator that other countries will need to analyze what North Torbia may intend to do in the future.

The North Torbian government resorts to armed conflict to achieve its desired end state when nonmilitary means prove insufficient or not expedient. Strategic operations, however, continue even if a particular regional threat or opportunity causes North Torbia to undertake “regional operations” that may include military means against South Torbia. Prior to the initiation of hostilities—and throughout the course of armed conflict with its regional opponent—the government continues to conduct strategic operations to preclude intervention by outside players, other regional neighbors, or an extra-regional power that could overmatch its forces. The main method for North Torbia to preclude outside interference is through its submarine fleet, air defense weapons, and the threat of using nuclear weapons. Such operations, however, always include branches and sequels to deal with the possibility of intervention by an extra-regional power providing North Torbia with the capability for their subordinate leaders to understand their missions.

Land Forces/Army Overview

North Torbian land forces field approximately half a million soldiers, most of them career professionals. The military is regarded in North Torbia as a great career compared to the private sector, so competition to remain on active duty is intense among commissioned and non- commissioned officers. While soldiers are well trained and disciplined, the readiness of their equipment is often lacking. Due to the large number of soldiers in the prime of their life serving in the military, the government often directs them to work outside of the military: in the agricultural industry during rice planting and harvesting seasons, in lumber milling operations, and in the mining industry. This non-military work affects the training readiness of the army, meaning that the army is most prepared for combat at the end of its dry training cycle that coincides with the mobilization training of the reserve forces.

Land Forces/Army Size and Structure

The TPA active duty ground force has over 400,000 soldiers and is divided into three armies: Southern, Northern, and Western. The Southern Army is focused on South Torbia and contains the country’s best trained troops. The Western Army focuses on coastal defense, but is also contains the most amphibious capable troops in the TPA. The Northern Army serves as a reserve force backing up the Southern Army.

Land Forces/Army Force Distribution Map

The TPA Southern Army is focused primarily on South Torbia. The TPA Northern Army are composed of both first tier and second tier units that would be used as exploitation forces in an offensive against the South Torbian military. The Northern Army is also responsible for coast defense in its sector and as a reserve for the Southern Army. The TPA Western Army also posseses a coastal defense mission, but is the force primarily used for amphibious operations.

Placehoder for DPRT Force Disposition (Current version being designed)

Southern Army

DPRT Southern Army Force Structure

North Torbia's Southern Army is designated as the primary offensive force to accomplish the goal of reunifying the Torbias. It maintains consistent patrols and observation posts throughout the border region. The Southern Army's divisions are deployed with little task-organization, but have conducted drills organized as smaller Brigade Tactical Groups. Second echelon elements, some fires elements, and other vulnerable systems are protected from enemy observation and fires by positioning them in hardened positions. Many of these locations are built into the mountains leveraging the extensive natural and manmade underground hardened network. Some strategic elements are near-permanently attached to the Southern Army, while others remain dedicated to regime defense.

The DPRT Southern Army consists of three mechanized infantry divisions. Two of these divisions are equipped with IFVs and the other with APCs. Each division possesses its normal combat, combat support, and combat service support elements. The Southern Army is composed of the following major units (headquarters locations are listed, but a slice of the unit could be attached to one of the other two maneuver brigade locations):

• 2 Mechanized Infantry Divisions (IFV) (Baguio & Carranglan)
• 1 Mechanized Infantry Division (APC) (Alfonso Castaneda)
• 1 Tank Brigade (Baguio)
• 1 Self-Propelled Artillery Brigade (Baguio)
• 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL) Brigade (Baguio)
• 1 SPF Brigade (Baguio) (Baguio)
• 1 Combat Aviation Brigade (Baguio)
• 1 Material Support Brigade (Baguio)
• 1 Anti-Tank Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Air Defense Battalion (Baguio)
• 3 Coastal Artillery Battalions
• 1 Engineer Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Information Warfare Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Signal Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Chemical Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 Medical Battalion (Baguio)
• 1 UAV Company (Baguio)
• 1 Integrated Fires Command (Baguio)
• 1 Integrated Support Command (Baguio)

Northern Army

OPA Northern Army Structure

The North Torbian Northern Army has multiple roles - providing follow-on forces to a reunification attack, and conducting anti-landing operations on the northern and northeastern coasts. As with the Southern Army, The Northern Army also uses natural and manmade hardened structures to protect some of its more vulnerable, second echelon and fires elements from enemy air, artillery, and naval fires.

The DPRT Northern Army consists of three mechanized infantry divisions. Only one of these divisions are equipped with IFVs and the other two operate APCs. Each division possesses its normal combat, combat support, and combat service support elements. The Northern Army is composed of the following major units (headquarters locations are listed, but a slice of the unit could be attached to one of the other two maneuver brigade locations):

• 1 Mechanized Infantry Division (IFV) (Tuguegarao)
• 2 Mechanized Infantry Division (APC)
• 1 Tank Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Self-Propelled Artillery Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Multiple Rocket Launcher (MRL) Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 SPF Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Anti-Tank Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Combat Aviation Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Material Support Brigade (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Air Defense Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 3 Coastal Artillery Battalions
• 1 Engineer Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Information Warfare Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Signal Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Chemical Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Medical Battalion (Tuguegarao)
• 1 UAV Company (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Integrated Fires Command (Tuguegarao)
• 1 Integrated Support Command (Tuguegarao)

Western Army

OPA Western Army Structure

The North Torbia Western Army is organized with three maneuver divisions, two mechanized infantry divisions and a marine expeditionary division. While the two mechanized infantry divisions provide a land based offensive and defensive capability, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Division, with support of the TPN Western Fleet, provide the SHC an amphibious, access denial/anti-landing, and littoral security capability.  Adapting to the regions mountainous terrain and rugged coastline, the Western Army regularly patrols the coastline with its supporting artillery units in well-developed hardened artillery positions dug into the side of coastal mountain range. Under crisis situations, capitalizing on the expeditionary capability of the Western Army, the President may order units of the Western Army to support strategic elements near the capitol. 

The DPRT Western Army has a completed different force structure than the other two armies because of its specialized mission. There are two mechanized infantry divisions, one that operates IFVs and the other that operates APCs. The third division is a Marine Expeditionary Division. The major units that composed the Western Army include:

• 1 Mechanized Infantry Division (IFV) (Batoc)
• 1 Mechanized Infantry Division (APC) (Vigan)
• 1 Marine Expeditionary Division (Candon)
• 1 Self-Propelled Artillery Brigade (Batoc)
• 1 Air Defense Battalion (Batoc)
• 1 Aviation Battalion (Batoc)
• 3 Coastal Artillery Battalions
• 1 UAV Company (Batoc)
• 1 Integrated Fires Command (Batoc)
• 1 Integrated Support Command (Batoc)

1st Marine Expeditionary Division

OPA 1st Marine Expeditionary Division Structure

The 1^st Marine Expeditionary Division gives North Torbia a regional amphibious capability and the ability to execute large amphibious operations when supported by the amphibious support squadron of the Western Fleet. While all three fleets have amphibious brigades, the 1^st Marine Expeditionary Division headquarters provide the organization and structure to exercise command and control of a division of four brigades. It is equipped primarily with Olvanan amphibious capable combat equipment and practices Olvanan military doctrine.

The Marine Expeditionary Division (MED) has much greater military capability than a standard mechanized infantry division. It has three maneuver brigades, each with four mechanized infantry battalions, a tank battalion, and additional combat, combat support, and combat service support units. In addition, the MED has its own rotary aircraft. Major units in the MED include the following (all located in the vicinity of Candon):

• 4 Marine Expeditionary Brigades (MEBs)
• 1 Marine Rotary Wing Regiment (with three wings)
• 1 Marine MRL Battalion
• 1 Marine Air Defense Battalion
• 2 Marine Engineer Battalions
• 1 Marine Signal Battalion
• 1 Marine Material Support Battalion
• 1 Marine Chemical Battalion
• 1 Marine Information Warfare Battalion

TPA Reserve

North Torbia maintains a robust national reserve force of over six million personnel for all services. When soldier, sailor or airman leave active duty after their mandatory obligation, they then serve in some sort of reserve status until reaching the age of 55. Army veterans are assigned to a First Reserve Unit from their departure from active duty (around age 28) for ten years. First reserve units meet for four weeks of training once per year at the end of the active duty’s dry training period. Veterans 40 to 50 years of age are placed in the Second Reserve Units and participate in one week of training each year at the end of the first reserve units’ four-week training period. The TPA is at its highest readiness state for the entire year at the end of this annual reserve training period. At 50 years of age, veterans are placed in the third reserve, just a name on a list that is available for reactivation during a national crisis. TPN and TPAF veterans go through the same reserve process, except their annual training period for first and second reserve units is two weeks each year. Due to the job skills they learned in the service, the technical expertise gained in the TPN and TPAF makes them an essential part of the civilian sector.

National Guard

The North Torbian TPA does not have a standing National Guard. The Supreme High Command fields nine motorized infantry brigades that compose the 6th Militia Command. The brigades can be dispatched outside the capital city to quell riots, respond to natural disaster, be activated for home land defense and, If necessary, the militia can support the MoI’s SPF or paramilitary brigades during time of war.

Army Doctrine and Tactics

TPA Land force doctrine and tactics are heavily influenced by the People’s Republic of Olvana and the Republic of Donovia. Due to the historical relationship of North Torbia to Olvana and Donovia, the TPA sent many of its officers and senior NCOs abroad for training.

Five doctrinal principles guided the creation of North Torbia’s strategy and tactics:

• Lessons learned from the country’s wars
• The overall national objective of reunifying Torbia
• The idea of self-reliance by North Torbia government
• Reliance on surprise, a quick and decisive war, and the use of mixed force tactics
• A unique set of their offensive and defensive tactics

Strategic Doctrine

Accept Risk to Achieve Suprise

The TPA is willing accept risk to achieve surprise. The characteristics of a surprise attack could include the use of inclement weather, night operations, or rugged terrain; a detailed deception plan; skilled infiltration units to include SPF units; parachute or air assault operations; the massing of fires; the quick concentration of forces at the decisive point and time; or the unexpected employment of mechanized or armor forces.

Seize Opportunities, Make Bold, and Quick Decisions

Even though North Torbia can mobilize millions of civilians for war, it lacks the resources to fight a protracted war. Therefore, any war must be quick and decisive. Based on recent experience, North Torbia realizes that many western democratic countries take time to react and mobilize in response to military action. If North Torbia can achieve victory or conduct a successful decisive strategic or operational level military operation or campaign before any Western powers can fully mobilize, the new status quo may be allowed to be retained.

Converge Effects to Achieve Synergy

Offensively, the TPA plans a multi-domain war using both conventional and unconventional means. North Torbia is willing to launch a pre-emptive strike, accepting great risk in order to defeat its enemies. The first front consists of a massive conventional assault—supported by substantial fires and chemical attacks—on selected forward positions.

Additionally, ballistic missile strikes—including some with chemical warheads—target air bases, ports, and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) nodes. The second front is an area attack by the TPA SPF throughout their enemy’s rear area, in conjunction with agents already in place. The SPF will attempt to reach their objectives by a number of means including helicopters, hovercraft, light planes, parachutes, small boats, submarines, or a small number of infiltration tunnels through the volcanic rock. The TPA or North Torbian agents will not hesitate to attack civilian targets or hide among civilians, making it difficult for other militaries to neutralize them. North Torbian will not hesitate to use hostages—or even their own citizens— as human shields if it will help them achieve their objectives.

Operational/Tactical Doctrine

TPA tactical doctrine is based upon five fundamental principles of war: surprise, mass and dispersion, maneuverability, unconstrained actions, and operational security.

Maximize Surprise in Offensive Actions

Already discussed in “Accept Risk to Achieve Surprise” above; but this principle applies to all echelons of the TPA.

Mass and Concentrate Combat Power to Gain Advantage

The TPA like most modern militaries, seeks to concentrate its combat power at the decisive point of their choosing and time while weighting the main effort. The TPA believes its forces only need a 2:1 force ratio advantage at the decisive point for successful offensive operations. The main effort seeks to operate on a narrow front, while supporting attacks disperse over a wider front to deceive their enemy about where the main attack will occur.

Use Maneuver to Achieve Surprise

The TPA is well practiced in maneuvering forces in on the rugged terrain of North Torbia. The TPA employs a combinations of light tracked and wheeled vehicles to enhance their mobility in the moderately and severely restricted terrain of north Trobia. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are used where terrain allows. The TPA trains regularly in conditions of limited visibility and conducts night training using minor roads and rugged terrain to surprise their enemies. North Torbian Irregular forces and SPF leverage their ability to maneuver the difficult terrain to conduct raids and ambushes to seize key transportation nodes and deny the enemy freedom of movement. 

Victors Write History and Laws

North Torbia is not a signatory country to most treaties of land warfare, and does not feel restricted by any international conventions. Not bound by conventional restrictions, TPA doctrine promotes unconstrained initiative and aggressiveness. If a TPA leader thinks some tactic will work, they will do it. However, the consequences of failure sometimes prevents lower level leaders from actually executing any plan other than the one given to them by their higher commander.

Employ Operational Security and Decpetion to Preserve Combat Power

The TPA protects its military plans and activities through operational security including deception in support of operational security. Controlling access to public information and state owned information, and synchronized messaging to confuse or mislead its enemies. INFOWAR plays a major role in TPA operational security activities. TPA integrates reconnaissance, counter-reconnaissance, deception, and counterintelligence to support in its military operations. To hide movements, the TPA conducts operations in inclement weather or darkness, even though most of the TPA’s night vision equipment is tier 3.

Other Techniques

Besides the military strategy and tactics listed above, the TPA also employs two other techniques during both offensive and defensive operations:

Be Aware of Alternate Sources of Logistics

TPA doctrine requires each commander to ensure that there are sufficient supplies to successfully complete their missions. Under the heavy demand of a protracted war, the TPA logistical system may be inadequate to support sustained operations of the MoD and other government operations. Due to potential supply shortages, most TPA commanders plan to use captured and scavenged supplies—military and civilian—to complete their assigned missions. TPA weapons systems such as mortars and artillery are often of a slightly larger caliber than those of their enemy, allowing the TPA to use captured military stores while denying their enemies the same option.

Maintain Contact with the Enemy until the Enemy is Destroyed

TPA offensive doctrine calls for the complete destruction of enemy formations.  This is accomplished through maintaining constant contact while on the offense or defense. If the enemy is successful at breaking contact, the TPA will aggressively pursue to regain contact and the military advantage. This continual contact prevents the enemy from withdrawing to establish a defense or regroup for a counter attack.                 

Land Forces/Army Training and Readiness

TPA land forces rely mostly on long-term conscription to field the majority of its army. Each year, about 200,000 males reach military age, and all those deemed physically fit must serve 10 years in the military. About the same number of females reach military age each year, and all must serve three years in the military if they meet medical standards. Those selected to attend college can defer their military commitment—collegians serve after graduation, often as officers. Upon leaving the military at the end of the commitment, all able-bodied personnel must continue to serve in the reserves until age 55. Since the navy and the air force receive their pick of those who score highest in aptitude for military service, ground force units receive lower quality recruits unless the new soldier requests service in the land forces. After a short basic training period, new draftees report to their first unit for on-the-job training in a field chosen through their aptitude test. Many mid-grade and senior officers and NCOs receive training in Olvana or Donovia, or by Olvanan and Donovian instructors in North Torbia. Due to the large number of soldiers that enter the military each year, it is estimated the operational manning rate for the TPA is around 90%.

All TPA soldiers are taught to perform the duties of those holding the next rank above them. A regular day in the TPA lasts from 0500 hours to 2200, with at least ten of those hours scheduled for training, education, or political indoctrination. This instruction does not include time for meals, where soldiers typically receive less than 1.75 pounds of food per day, depending on military specialty. There have been recent reports of soldiers selling uniforms, fuel, weapons, and ammunition on the black market in order to obtain additional food. No provision exists for time off on weekends; leave is a rarity, and corporal punishment used regularly even for minor infractions. Soldiers, when not training, often perform other duties such as planting or harvesting crops, cutting lumber, or assisting in mining operations. The TPA selects commissioned officers based on demonstrated loyalty to the WPT, while NCOs must show superior physical and combat abilities. The TPA produces a physically tough soldier with individual discipline that is firmly grounded in the political party line.

The TPA maintains a large SPF corps for a country its size, and often trains with the SPF from Olvana or Donovia. Individual combat skills and political indoctrination are the building blocks of all SPF training. The TPA selects its best soldiers for SPF units, usually after five years of service in regular units. The soldiers assigned to the SPF display an inordinate amount of esprit de corps and feel a sense of pride in belonging to an elite TPA unit. SPF soldiers call themselves “supermen” [translated from Torbian]. These soldiers receive additional training on demolitions, infiltration, intelligence gathering, martial arts, mountaineering skills, night combat, and swimming. SPF endure more intensive physical training and additional political indoctrination to insure them from the temptation to defect, as some of them will be expected to operate deep behind enemy lines. If required for credentials by their unit, the SPF soldiers will go through airborne or amphibious training. SPF soldiers practice food deprivation, advanced water survival training while subsisting on minimal rations. It is believed they regularly train all day on only a single handful of rice. Soldiers who successfully complete SPF training either are promoted to NCO rank, or receive commissions as junior officers. These personnel will likely serve in operational SPF units for the rest of their military careers. The end result of this rigorous training regimen is a TPA SPF soldier who, on scant rations, can travel faster and cover more ground with a heavy combat load than counterparts in most other armies. SPF soldiers are mentally conditioned to accept orders without question, and will most likely fight to the death if cornered. The SPF constitutes the bulk of the TPA forces fighting the second front in their enemies’ rear area.

Land Forces/Army Equipment and Weapons

The TPA ground forces operate primarily tier 2 equipment, though there is some tier 3 equipment on active duty. The TPA rarely discards any of its old equipment, transferring equipment not needed for the active duty units to the reserves; equipment gradually cascades down to the lowest level of units based on readiness. Any excess equipment not needed for the reserves is placed in storage, in case of a national emergency. Due to the large variety of equipment causing maintenance issues and the need for a large variety of replacement parts, the TPA equipment readiness rate is only 80%. Recently, Olvana and Donovia provided North Torbia with some more modern systems, so the TPA does possess niche tier 1 capabilities. The TPA operates in all terrain types and successfully conducts 24-hour operations. (For further information see the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG), Vol. 1, Chapter 1, OPFOR Tier Tables.)

Maritime Forces Overview

The TPN is organized under two fleets with the TPN headquarters located in San Fernando. The Eastern Fleet is responsible for the security and the defense of the eastern coastal waters.  Western Fleet is responsible for the security and the defense of the western coastal waters and to provide maritime amphibious support to the Marine Expeditionary Division in the Western Army and an amphibious brigade in each of the Northern and Eastern Armies.   is more expeditionary in organization and equipment. Its mission, in case of war, is to South Torbia that belong to South Torbia and Belesia. At 75,000 sailors, the TPN is a large enough force that personnel can rotate between sea and shore duty assignments. Many sailors operate in support of the TPA’s SPF. There have been discussions in the North Torbian government to increase the size of the naval infantry force, submarine fleet, and amphibious ships. This would allow the modernization of the most strategic TPN assets. While units have a home port, mission requirements may have the ships operating from other ports. The TPN Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion operates out of San Fernando.

The TPN will use any port necessary to support operations. The TPN fields a naval infantry regiment, submarines, and surface ships. The TPN operates no organic naval aviation. All rotary and fixed-wing aircraft supporting naval operations are organized under the TPAF. The TPN uses submarines to interdict the sea lines of communication, secure coastal areas using mines and patrols, assist in amphibious assaults, and insert and extract SPF personnel. North Torbia’s amphibious and marine expeditionary units are under the command of the nation’s army commands.

 The North Torbian MoI can employ the capabilities of its civilian fleet of fishing vessels and other types of commercial boats to provide the MoI and MoD a regional source for Maritime information.  In the most extreme cases, the MoI or MoD may require a vessel perform a direct action against another vessel. During Peace time, private and commercial boat owners are not required but encouraged to provide Information to the MoI or MoD. During wartime, the part or all of the fleet may be nationalized and be placed under the control of the MoD.

Maritime Forces/Navy Size and Structure

North Tobian Naval Force Structure. See the AFS for ships, equipment, and personnel details.

The TPN operates primarily in two naval groups: one fleet that protects the west coast and a second that protects the east coast. At 75,000 sailors, the TPN is a large enough force that personnel can rotate between sea and shore duty assignments. Many sailors operate in support of the TPA’s SPF. There have been discussions in the North Torbian government to increase the size of the naval infantry force, submarine fleet, and amphibious ships. This would allow the modernization of the most strategic TPN assets. While units have a home port, mission requirements may have the ships operating from other ports.

Maritime Force Distribution Map

North Torbia Naval Disposition. The TPN will use any port necessary to support operations.

Eastern Coast Defense Squadron

• 3rd Missile Attack Boat Squadron: Maconacon
• 5th Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron: Baler
• 10th Eastern Coast Defense Squadron: Maconacon
• 12th Frigate Squadron: Banlon
• 14th Submarine Squadron: Casiguran
• 15th Submarine Chaser Squadron: Gonzaga
• 16th Minesweeper Squadron: Baler

Western Coast Defense Squadron

• 2nd Missile Attack Boat Squadron: Batac
• 4th Missile Attack Boat Squadron: Batac
• 6th Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron: Vigan
• 7th Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron: Vigan
• 9th Western Coast Defense Squadron: Laoag
• 11th Amphibious Support Squadron: San Fernando
• 13th Submarine Squadron: Candon
• 17th Minesweeper Squadron: San Fernando
• Frigate Squadron: Batac
• Replenishment Squadron: San Fernando
• Troop Transport Squadron: San Fernando

Marines

There is a single Naval Infantry Regiment (1st) with its headquarters in San Fernando. This regiment's primary weapon systesm are 71 BMP-2 amphibious IFVs, 49 BTR 80s with the Kliver turret, 41 Light Type 63AM light amphibious tanks, 25 2S2S 120-mm self-propelled artillery pieces, 13 AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles, and 16 120-MM 2S31 self-propelled mortars. There are additional amphibious capability within the TPA's Western Army. More specifically within the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (see ground forces structure above).

Coast Guard

There is no Coast Guard organization North Torbia. The TPN assumes all roles associated with coast guard operations in other countries.

Maritime Force Reserves

There is no maritime reserve units in the TPN. Sailors that leave the TPN are eligible for recall up to 60 years of age; even older in case of war.

Maritime Forces Doctrine and Tactics

The TPN protects North Torbia’s coastal borders and patrols the rivers for illegal activities. The security of territorial waters in the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea remains a paramount mission for the TPN. Secondary missions include search and rescue and port security operations.

Typical TPN missions might include:

• Defensive patrolling of coastal areas
• Minelaying in their own territorial waters during times of war
• Anti-smuggling operations
• Amphibious operations
• SPF infiltration/exfiltration
• Submarine interdiction of sea lines of communication

Maritime Forces Training and Readiness

The TPN conducts most of its individual ship training in the Philippine Sea to avoid issues with Olvana. Olvana and the TPN sometimes conduct joint naval patrols and training in the South China Sea. The TPN has been known to conduct exchange programs with the Olvanan and Donovian navy. North Torbian citizens can choose to perform their military service with the navy, but with the same obligations of time and reserve service. The number of personnel who accede each year into the navy depends on the TPN’s requirements, based on the number of sailor retirements and departures after mandatory service obligations are completed. After a short basic training period, new recruits are assigned to ships, and learn most of their necessary skills through on-the-job training. Due to the lack of training of new sailors before their arrival at their first post, the operational readiness rate that averages around 80%.

Maritime Equipment and Weapons

The TPN operates primarily tier 2 and 3 equipment, though there may be small numbers of tier 1 equipment. There are discussions to upgrade the TPN’s equipment, especially in the areas of submarines, amphibious craft, and small boats for SPF insertion/extraction. Funding is the most common obstacle block for newer equipment, as the TPN takes a back seat to the ground forces in the budget process. The TPN can operate in all waters in and around the country and can conduct both day and night operations. Units habitually work with the same SPF, the Marine Infantry Regiment, or amphibious units during training. Due to the age of equipment and the number of new sailors each year, the equipment readiness rate does not usually exceed 85%.

TPAN Ship Inventory

The TPAN inventory of ships changes constantly. Some ships that are decommissioned are sold to other countries for hard currency. Other ships are put in storage for use in a national emergency. Current estimates include the following ships:

• 4 Frigates (4 FF Koni Class)
• 30 Missile Boats (24 PG Huangfen Type 021 Class and 6 PG Pauk I Project 12412 Molnya Class)
• 16 Patrol Boats (16 PTH P6 Class)
• 12 Minesweepers (12 MSC Sonya Yakhont Project 12650 1265M Class)
• 12 Amphibious Ships (6 LSM Polnochny A Class EGY and 6 LST Yuting I Type 072 IV Class)
• 16 Submarines (16 SS SangO Class)
• 6 Cargo Ships (3 AH Qiongsha Class and 3 Dayun Type 904 Class)

Air Forces Overview

North Torbian Air Force structure. See the AFS for types of aircraft, other equipment, and personnel assigned to each of these units.

The TPAF’s primary mission is to defend North Torbian airspace, with secondary missions to provide tactical air support to the TPA ground and naval forces, transportation, logistical support, and SPF insertion/extraction. The TPAF force operates primarily tier 2 and 3 equipment and planes. TPAF pilots possess a respectable reputation for their flying skills despite the lesser number of hours of flying compared to many Western air forces.

Air Force Size and Structure

The TPAF is approximately 100,000 personnel, with approximately fifty percent of aviation assets located within 100 km of their shared border with South Torbia. Air defense is provided by TPA land forces units. While TPAF units have home bases, mission requirements may force them to operate out of other bases. During combat, any operational runway will be used by the TPAF to conduct missions.

Air Forces Distribution Map

North Torbia Air Force Disposition. TPAF aviation assets will use any runway necessary to complete missions.

Units without a listed location are co-located with their higher headquarters. The Torbian People's Air Force will base planes out of any airbase or civilian airfield based on mission requirements

TPAF Headquarters: Tuguegarao

1st Ground Attack Regiment: San Fernando

• 36x SU-39

2nd Recon Aviation Regiment (Ind): Baguio

• 15x Tornado ECT
• 15x Su-24MR
• 15x SU-27SM

3rd Mixed Aviation Regiment: San Luis

• 8x IL-76
• 4x A-50
• 36x C-17 (An-124)

5th Combat Helicopter Regiment-Baguio

• 72x AN-2
• 16x Gazelle
• 16x Mi-17-1V

6th Transport Aviation Regiment-Baguio

• 24x Mi-17
• 24x Mi-26

7th Transport Aviation Regitment-Tuguegarao

• 24x Mi-17
• 24x Mi-26

8th Attack Helicopter Regt-San Fernando

• 30x Mi-35M
• 15x Mi-17

9th SPF Aviation Squadron-Baguio

• 5x SU-24MR
• 6x Mi-17 (Horizon)
• 6x Hind-G1

10th Heliborne Jamming Squadron-Laong

• 15x HIP-1/K
• 6x Mi-17 (Horizon)

10th Fighter Aviation Regiment: Laong

• 36x SU-30
• 18x MiG-25PD

11th Fighter/Bomber Regiment-Cauayan

• 36x SU-30
• 18x SU-27SM

12th Bomber Aviation Regiment-Laong

• 36x Tornado IDS
• 18x TU-22M/Backfire

17th Mixed Aviation Regiment-Baguio

• 8x IL-76
• 4x A-50
• 36x C-17 (An-124)

Air Force Reserve/Guard Units:

There are no reserve or guard units in the TPAF. Any TPAF service member that leaves active duty is liable to recall for military service up to the age of 55. In a war, there is no age limit for recall.

Air Force Doctrine and Tactics

TPAF pilots receive much of their training from the Olvanan and Donovian air forces, either in North Torbia or through exchange programs to the other countries. Due to the close working relationship with Olvana and Donovia, TPAF doctrine and tactics reflects this partnership.

OPAF operations were heavily influenced by Donovian aviation doctrine until the 1970s. Since then, the OPAF has developed their own doctrine. As the OPA introduces air and ground forces into an area of operations, the OPAF (primarily the theater air forces) concentrates on gaining and maintaining air superiority. Mission allocation is determined by the operational situation and the number of aircraft needed to obtain air superiority, versus support of the OPA ground forces.

Very much like Olvana Early in a conflict, most TPAF air theater air force assets will conduct strategic and operational-level missions. Examples of these higher-level missions are strategic bombing, long-range strike, wide-area defensive and offensive counter-air, air interdiction, theater air reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

Early operational and tactical missions—air interdiction, close air support, and local offensive/defensive counter air—are intended to gain and maintain air superiority. Airspace conditions dictate aircraft employment throughout the theater of operations at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

• Bomber aviation
• Fighter aviation
• Fighter/ground attack aviation
• Reconnaissance aviation
• Aerial refueling
• Mixed aviation (fixed wing and rotary wing)
• Long-range fixed and rotary wing transportation
• Electronic Warfare including heliborne jamming
• Integrated air defense system in conjunction with the 80th Air Defense Command
• Combat search and rescue
• Strategic, operational, and tactical UAS operations

Like Olvana, the TPAF aviation is not normally found at the tactical level, the TPAF is often tasked to provide support to the TPA ground units. The primary function for tactical aviation is to provide continuous fire support to ground forces, quickly responding to changes in the battlefield situation. They can be used to strike targets out of artillery range, and provide maneuver support to the tactical and operational depth of the enemy. Fixed-wing assets available to the ground commander are found at the military district level in the administrative force structure. The majority of the direct aerial support that ground commanders receive comes from the army-level helicopter brigades.

Air Force Training and Readiness

Each year, newly drafted personnel take a battery of tests to determine their aptitude for specific jobs found in the ground, naval, and air force elements of the military. The General Staff assigns those scoring highest in mechanical skills to the TPAF. Draftees’ time commitment is still ten years, with reserve service until age 55. The number assigned to the TPAF each year depends on their needs. Despite the high turnover of airmen each year, it is estimated that the TPAF maintains a fairly well-trained air force with around an 87% operational readiness rate.

Air Force Equipment and Weapons

The TPAF primarily operates tier 2 equipment, with some tier 3 and tier 1 in niche areas. There is always discussion about upgrading the air force, but partisan bickering in the government usually leads to the army taking the most of the budget. The TPAF has only a limited night operations 21`capability, though recent emphasis on night operations improved the TPAF’s efficiency in that area. Due to the older equipment in the inventory, the equipment operational readiness rate in the TPAF usually never exceeds 91%.

Due to sanctions, North Torbia cannot produce any major military aircraft. The country may produce some replacement parts. Most of its older aircraft come from Donovia and their newer aircraft is from Olvana. All aircraft are old, however, by current standards. The quantities of the aircraft could, however, make it difficult for the DPRT’s enemies. The following is the suspected inventory for the TPA. Actual quantities could be different. See the AFS for the most recent estimates and types of aircraft.

• 8 AEW&C (A-150U Mainstay)
• 51 EW (15 Tornado ECR and 36 Tornado IDS)
• 161 Fighters (Su-24MR Fencer E, 33 Su-27SM Flanker J, 72 Su-30 Flanker C, 36 Su-39 Frogfoot)
• 126 Transport (72 An-2 Colt, 36 An-26 Curl, and 18 MiG-25PD Foxbat E)
• 160 Attack Helicopters (30 Mi-24/Mi-25/Mi-35 Hind, 14 Mi-24RSH Hind, 72 Mi-35 Hind E, 20 Z-19, and 24 Z-9WA)
• 124 Attack/Transport Helicopter (Mi-17 HIP H)
• 24 EW Helicopters (MI-17 HIP)
• 16 Reconnaissance Helicopters (SA-341 Gazelle)
• 158 Transport Helicopters 916 AS-532 Cougar, 79 Mi-17 HIP H, 15 MI-17 HIP K, and 48 Mi-26 HALO)

The TPA also operates at least 715 UAVs and 288 Ultralight aircraft (Quicksilver)

Paramilitary Forces

North Torbia has a substantial number of paramilitary forces, all government sponsored.

Government Paramilitary Forces

The North Torbian Ministry of the Interior (MoI) controls ten brigades whose purpose is to prevent the overthrow of the Song regime. Five Brigades and five Special Purpose forces Brigades. The MoI’s forces use military-style light weapons and light wheeled vehicles. The MOI can also use these forces for riot control and in wartime would use them for rear-area security missions.

Paramilitary Brigades (The Black Tigers)

The MoI controls five brigades of the most loyal soldiers whose sole purpose is to protect the Song regime. The MoI selects these soldiers from the army based on training and loyalty. The chain of command for this organization runs from the Secretary-General, to the MOI, to the State Security Directorate, who normally exerts operational control of the paramilitary brigades. The nickname for these soldiers is “The Black Tigers.”

MOI Special Purpose Forces (SPF) Brigades

The MoI controls five SPF brigades through the same chain of command as the paramilitary brigades. Selected from the TPA’s SPF units, these SPF personnel are the best of the best. During peacetime, they train hard and likely conduct missions into South Torbia for reconnaissance purposes in case of future war. Most of these SPF personnel speak a second language, and some of the units contain female personnel. In wartime, these units conduct strategic missions as part of the “second front” dressed in the uniforms of South Torbia or its allies.

Militia Command

The Supreme High Command fields nine motorized infantry brigades that compose the 6th Militia Command. Using wheeled armored personnel carriers, the militia brigade serves several purposes. The brigades can be dispatched outside the capital city to quell riots, leaving the MoI’s forces to protect Baguio. If necessary, the militia can support the MoI’s SPF or paramilitary brigades in their missions.

Torbian Youth Group

The Torbian Youth Group (TYG) is a state sponsored school program for all students, male, and female, from age 14 until graduation from school and entry into the regular army. The TYG conducts 450 hours of classroom training and seven days of military training each semester. The TYG seeks to identify potential anti- government militants or counter-revolutionaries and can be called upon to defend the country at a time of war. There are over 1.6 million TYG members. By the time a North Torbian joins the military after high school graduation, they already possess basic military skills, such as marching and marksmanship. This allows for the truncated basic training programs used by all three branches of the TPA.

North Torbian Police Forces

In wartime, all North Torbia police forces are expected to obey the orders of the local military commander. Their duties could include:

• Refugee Control
• Military Project Supervision (Building Tank Ditches)
• Organizing food distribution

Non-State Paramilitary Forces

There are few non-state paramilitary forces in North Torbia. Any individual or group that plots against the North Torbian government is dealt with harshly with arrest, a speedy trial, and verdict--usually within a week. Verdicts are often is a prison term in one of the gulags or if the individual is lucky, a quick death sentence.

Guerrilla Forces

There are no guerrilla forces operating in North Torbia. If an invasion of North Torbia were to happen, bypassed military units and civilians are encouraged to carry out guerrilla type operations against the invaders' combat service support units and any C2 facilities they find.

Insurgent Forces

Due to the oppressive nature of the Song regime, there are no known insurgent groups operating in North Torbia. There are individuals in South Torbia that would like to reunite the two countries under a democratic style of government, but cannot make any headway in the country. Due to the HUMINT provided by children spying on their parents and citizens reporting one another for minor offenses against the Song regime, any potential insurgents are quickly rounded up. Anyone who discusses regime change is either executed after a show trial or placed in a concentration  camp as a political prisoner.

Criminal Organizations

Most crime in North Torbia is driven by poverty and the difficulty of survival under an oppressive regime. The most common crime is selling goods on the black market—including food grown on small family plots intended for personal use. The government’s collective farming system distributes the produces from the larger farms. As long as the families with small plots of land do not draw attention to their criminal activity, local governmental officials usually leave them alone.

Violent crime is almost non-existent because the Song regime commonly executes offenders charged with murder, rape, or armed robbery. Drug use is uncommon but on the rise in urban areas--the cost means that few citizens can pay for it. The people’s main vice is cigarettes, often found through the black market.

There is one significant organized criminal group, Yusingo Enterprises, that operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits. These are goods that North Torbians cannot buy from the government ran stores.

For more information on this criminal organization, go to the Yusingo Enterprises page.

Private Security Organizations

Due to a no civilian firearm ownership law, there are no private security organizations in North Torbia. The only people allowed to have firearms are the police and the military. North Torbia promotes and maintains this “no firearms law through indoctrination and education of its citizens. Teachers encourage their students to turn in the names of anyone who may have an illegal firearm to them for “safety reasons”, as the teachers do not want the children to be killed by an accidental discharge. This includes encouraging them to inform on their family members, as children will receive an award each time one of their tips leads to the seizure of an illicit firearm and the arrest of the owner.

Foreign Military Presence

There are no foreign military units operating within North Torbia, however foreign military advisors have been, and continue to be invited to train the TPA, TPN, and TPAF in country. Most of these advisors come from either Olvana or Donovia, but other countries have been known to send advisors as well. There are military attaches at foreign embassies in North Torbia's capital city.

Nonmilitary Armed Combatants

IIt is unlikely that any nonmilitary armed combatants would be found in North Torbia due to gun ownership illegality. Any guns will be found in the hands of the military, the police, or other government officials. If someone has a gun, he or she works for the government. That said, if North Torbia were to be losing a conflict, it is likely that the authorities would begin to arm the population in the hopes that their faith to country and previous compulsory military experience would enable them to put up some form of organized resistance against the enemies of North Torbia.   

Unarmed Combatants

All North Torbian citizens, from children to the elderly, are encouraged (if not coerced) to be supporters of the state. From mandatory attendance at rallies and parades in cities to "voluntary" rural work crews on Sundays (the only day rural residents may not work their normal job), North Torbians are taught they need to contribute to the state and its survival. In wartime, it is expected that the non-military will need to suffer even more deprivations in order for the TPA to receive the supplies needed to win on the battlefield. This mentality is ingrained into North Torbians beginning in elementary school.

If war were to come to North Torbian terrain, its government would expect all its people to contribute in whatever method they can to repel the invaders. This could be from digging tank ditches to cutting down trees for an abatis; children carrying messages; or teenagers attacking a logistics convoy with a couple of machine guns and an IED in order to obtain more resources to continue the struggle against the invaders.

The people have been given so much propaganda against South Torbia and the US that it is unlikely that most North Torbians would be supportive of the enemy force or even neutral. The North Torbian people expect that any nvaders will arrest, torture, and kill them just for fun. As such, most of Nort Torbia's citizens will fight to the death even if they are not part of the TPA. There is a single exception to this mentality and these are the North Torbians locked up in the gulags scattered throughout the country. These political prisoners will unlikely to be any assistance to the invaders, however, because they have been living on starvation rations for months if not years. While these people would enjoy being liberated from their work camp, they will just become another logistical burden that the invading force will need to support because they will need food and medical care.

Military Functions Overview

As the North Torbian military continues to improve its military capabilities through the combined exercises with Olvana and purchasing of modern Olvanan equipment, their ability to function as a modern military force continues to improve. Their ability to adapt and integrate their new capabilities is critical.  Discussed below is an assessment of select military functions.

The military functions below exist in varying degrees in the TPA, as well as in some paramilitary organizations. Thus, military functions as sub-variables can have values on a scale of High, Medium, or Low, defined as follows (See TC 7-101, Exercise Design, Table 3-13. Military: military functions):

• High: Can conduct sustained, complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly forces is not limited to the theater of operations; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 1, as specified in the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG).
• Medium: Can conduct limited, complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly forces is primarily limited to the theater of operations; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 2, as specified in the WEG.
• Low: Cannot conduct complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly forces is limited to local, tactical impact; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 3 and below, as specified in the WEG.

The overall military rating for North Torbia is Medium.

Joint Capabilities (Medium)

The Torbia’s People’s Army, TPA, can conduct joint operations, as the ground, naval, and air force all come under the TPA’s command. There is rivalry between the ground, air, and sea services that sometimes reduces effectiveness during joint operations. Those TPN and TPAF units that work with ground units or SPF elements normally do so on a regular basis, creating good working relationships between the units. Despite the TPA controlling all units, there is still competition between the ground, naval, and air force units for funding; ground units usually win out over the TPN and TPAF. This sometimes creates friction between the higher ranking officers of the three services.

Command and Control (Medium)

TPA ground units are the primary military force. The TPN and TPAF support the TPA ground forces, primarily through defense of the homeland and the deployment of SPF in the enemy’s rear area. The TPA uses an old Donovian C2 structure: a highly structured chain of command with higher units dictating the actions of subordinate units. While the TPA publicly states that it trains its soldiers to operate at the next higher command level, many commanders may hesitate to show the initiative desired for fear of doing the wrong thing and subsequently being punished.

Maneuver (Medium)

The TPA uses Donovian tactics along mobile corridors during offensive operations. Armored and mechanized forces will likely place two-thirds of a force forward, in the first echelon, and a little less than one-third in its second attack echelon. TPA SPF will likely maneuver to rear areas by helicopter, plane, or via a tunnel. The TPA seeks to confuse their opponent by concentrating a force in front of them, while the SPF opens the “second front” in their enemy’s rear areas by attacking combat support (CS) and combat service support (CSS) units. Enemies of North Torbia must watch their flanks for foot attacks from unexpected directions.

On the offense, the TPA will attack even if they only maintain a 2:1 force advantage. They will attempt to break through the initial defensive line with its infantry forces, and then pass an armor or mechanized force through the gap in the lines to attack the CS/CSS elements in the rear areas. If possible, the TPA does not want to get involved in a combat arms-on-combat arms battle. The TPA wants its combat arms units to destroy its enemies’ combat support and combat service support units.

On the defense, the TPA is mostly concerned with the enemy’s armored forces. Thus, they concentrate on the destruction of tanks using armor kill zones and a maneuver defense, as found in TC 7-100.2. A TPA division in defense will put approximately 1/3 of its units along the front lines and 5/9 in the second echelon. The remaining 1/9 of the division will serve as an anti-tank mobile reserve or as the division’s counterattack force.

Air Defense (High)

The TPA fields a large number of air defense systems, including an air defense command within each OSC, and the Capital Defense Air Defense Command at the SHC level. These commands each feature a variety of long-range, medium-range, and short-range air defense artillery weapons. The Capital Defense Air Defense Command also operates an electronic warfare brigade.

The TPA considers every soldier with a man-portable air defense system to be an air defense firing unit. These weapons are readily available at a relatively low cost and are widely proliferated. The small size and easy portability of these systems provides the opportunity for ambush of enemy aircraft operating at low altitude near TPA units. Ground units also employ them to set ambushes for enemy helicopters, especially those on routine logistics missions. (For more information, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 11, Air Defense.)

INFOWAR (High)

North Torbia will likely use all seven Information Warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities—electronic warfare (EW), computer attack, information attack, deception, physical destruction, protection and security measures, and perception management—as best they can. Some systems are in fixed hardened locations while others are mobile. North Torbia has practiced EW with several previous attacks against South Torbian GPS, hacking of websites, and attempts to steal digital currency from South Torbian entities. The TPA places great emphasis on camouflage, a major component of deception operations. North Torbia directs their social media campaign at South Torbian citizens— not their own—as the common North Torbian cannot access the Internet. The North Torbian government attempts to manage the perception of its own people through the control of the information environment. The TPA will include the use old school techniques such as leaflets and other propaganda methods to attempt to turn South Torbians into supporting North Torbian operations. Periodically, North Torbia drops leaflets from balloons over South Torbia to try and convince the people that their President’s government is illegitimate and that Song should be ruling all of Torbia.

RISTA (Medium)

The TPA emphasizes reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) capabilities. North Torbia uses spies and SPF units in its enemies’ rear areas to conduct its RISTA activities. The TPA can deploy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to obtain additional information on its enemies. Despite no declared war between the two countries, North Torbian UASs have crashed landed in South Torbia. Several times in the last decade, the crashed UASs contained photographs of military installations taken illegally. Whenever the South Torbian government finds a mysterious UAS in their country and accuses North Torbian of spying, the North Torbian government always denies ownership. Most North Torbian UASs are tier 2 or 3, but the TPA is in the process of upgrading its UAS fleet to drones that carry cameras capable of providing real-time data back to the controller.

Intelligence (Medium)

North Torbia operates a large, operationally diverse, and highly experienced intelligence organization. North Torbian intelligence operations focus on supporting military operations, suppressing internal and external political dissent, and collection from potential Western and regional threats. North Torbia has sophisticated human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) programs. North Torbia’s open source intelligence (OSINT) program is most likely conducted by teams outside of the country—where internet access is more abundant—who then forward information to select government members. Additionally, North Torbia has access to commercial off-the-shelf satellite imagery and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for imagery intelligence (IMINT). North Torbia’s IMINT program will likely develop more slowly than their HUMINT, OSINT, and SIGINT programs. Additionally, North Torbian intelligence services use the vast web of interconnected economic and familial connections for collection and influence.

Human Intelligence (HUMINT) (High)

North Torbia has a robust HUMINT program. It operates internally to suppress opposition groups, and externally to collect against foreign governments. Members of the program endure an extended training program—normally four to twelve months—on collection operations before being transferred to an operational unit. The majority of HUMINT operations are conducted along the border with and inside of South Torbia. These operations focus on identifying individuals of the local populace that are a threat to the stability of the government within North Torbia, as well as any individuals trying infiltrate into the country to assist those who seek to overthrow the government. These teams may also operate south of the border, to gain information on the composition and disposition of forces that constitutes the main external threat to the regime. 

Due to sanctions imposed by the United Nations and select Western nations, stealing advanced technologies is one of the major missions for HUMINT agents outside of North Torbia. These agents will use all necessary means to acquire technical data to be replicated within North Torbian borders. Additionally, HUMINT operations outside of North Torbia may attempt blackmail, extortion, and recruitment of foreign nationals. The money received from blackmail or extortion operations will be used to procure resources currently unavailable to North Torbia. The recruitment of foreign nationals assists with infiltration of corporations, enabling industrial espionage. The personnel recruited are normally sympathetic to the North Torbian international issues, and will do whatever it takes to ensure the regime stays in power with their assistance

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) (High)

North Torbia operates a massive OSINT program against South Torbia, the US, and other Western countries. North Torbia mobilized a large force of cyber collectors—most with computer warfare and English language skills—to both collect data on internal opposition to the North Torbian government and collect on potential adversaries. This data will be used to project future regional diplomacy and give the North Torbian government a platform from which to react to perceived regional and international threats.

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) (Medium)

The North Torbian SIGINT program operates in areas that are of high interest to the government, such as along the border with South Torbia. Regional and Western countries can expect the North Torbian SIGINT to provide the military with useable indications and warning, capabilities assessment, and targeting intelligence. Most North Torbian SIGINT operators have significant experience. North Torbian SIGINT inventory consist of ground, airborne, and maritime platforms. Additionally, North Torbia may cooperate extensively with the Olvana in SIGINT operations.

Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) (Medium)

.North Torbian IMINT operations utilize UAS and other air-breathing platforms, such as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. North Torbian UASs can be used along the border areas—and even into South Torbian airspace—to detect any buildup of forces that could be indications of possible future operations by South Torbia. UASs for IMINT are easier to infiltrate across the border due to their small size, as they are harder to detect and defeat.

North Torbia also has access to a government-owned and operated earth observation satellite. This satellite is in low earth orbit and believed to have a life span of four to eight years. Images received from this satellite are periodically transmitted to a ground station located somewhere in North Torbia at least three to four times a day. To further supplement its IMINT requirements, the North Torbian military regularly purchases commercial imagery from other countries.

Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) (Low)

North Torbia does not have a MASINT capability and relies on its military partners for any such information.

Fire Support (High)

TPA doctrine is similar to Donovian doctrine with heavy emphasis on artillery, missiles, and multiple rocket launchers massing on a single targets. If aviation assets are available and not involved in homeland defense or the insertion of SPF elements

Protection (Medium)

To mitigate the effects of enemy observation and fires especially from enemy air, TPA doctrine expounds maximum use of active and passive camouflage, concealment, and deception. Also, when the enemy engages and destroys decoy or deception units, the activity exposes the enemy to detection and subsequent fire from TPA units. The more munitions that its enemies use against decoys, the less ammunition will hit actual TPA units. . (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 12, Engineer Support and Chapter 7, Information Warfare.)

Logistics (Low)

While TPA doctrine states that adequate logistics is important, it is unlikely that North Torbia can sustain any significant long-term military operation. The TPA maintains only a two- to three- month stockpile of food, petroleum, oil, and lubricants, and replacement parts. It is likely that North Torbia maintains one million tons of rice in storage for potential military operations, and only under the severest conditions will release some of its food stores to help the North Torbians avoid starvation. In any case, the capture of enemy food, equipment, and ammunition will become a high priority for the TPA in order to continue its military operations for any sustained period. The TPA stores up to 10 million barrels of fuel in storage for wartime use, but there are reports of soldiers trading fuel on the black market for fuel to avoid starvation. There are 150 arms factories in North Torbia and 100 other nonmilitary factories that have a dedicated wartime materiel production mission. Any supplies from these factories will go to the military before civilians. Within the last decade, North Torbia purchased 4,000 trucks from Olvana. While the trucks are used in all units, many of them were specifically purchased to improve the logistical capabilities of the ground forces.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (High)

North Torbia possesses chemical as well as nuclear weapons, and may possess biological weapons. North Torbia has not renounced the first use of any of these weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It is expected that the TPA will use chemical weapons during their artillery bombardments. The TPA will most likely use non-persistent agents against objectives where their soldiers may need to pass through. In areas where they do not intend to occupy, expect heavy doses of persistent VX nerve agents.

North Torbia has fewer than ten nuclear weapons in their inventory, but their current missile and warhead technology prevents them from engaging targets beyond a 2000 km radius. Nuclear weapons are part of North Torbia‘s scorched earth policy. If Secretary-General Song perceives that his regime is about to collapse—or that an extra-regional power will be successful in a regime change—he may order the use nuclear weapons on the enemy on his own soil.  He is said to believe that it is better to destroy North Torbia than have it exist without him in power.

There are indications that scientists have been conducting biological research with military applications. A soldier who recently defected was found to have been vaccinated against anthrax.

Research and Development Goals

North Torbia continues to invest in intermediate and long range missile technology.  In a recent test launch, North Torbia launched an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of ranging the far western edge of the United States. This puts all countries within DATE-Pacific in range, as well as US possessions in the Pacific Ocean, to the state of Hawaii and the US territory of Guam. While current missiles lack the capacity to deliver nuclear warheads in the existing North Torbian inventory, it is expected that North Torbia’s missile and nuclear programs will progress and achieve a breakthrough in missile technology and nuclear warhead miniaturization within the next five years.

Special Considerations

North Torbia is a military dictatorship run by a despot. Almost all North Torbians served or are serving in the military, and even if they leave active military service, all veterans must continue to serve in the reserves until age 55. The youth begin receiving basic military training when they are 14 years old. If necessary, Song will use every person in his country to defend his regime. Do not expect massive surrenders, as the people have been indoctrinated to fight to the death.

To prevent their people from leaving the country, North Torbia strictly controls the mutual border with South Torbia. Those who attempt to illegally cross are imprisoned, along with three generations of their family. This fear of what may happen to their family prevents many citizens from fighting back against the regime. Large numbers of soldiers patrol the border to prevent defections. The government says it is to prevent smugglers and other criminals from coming from south of the border, but in reality it is to prevent people fleeing the Song regime.