Military: Belesia

DATE Pacific > Belesia > Military: Belesia ←You are here

Military Overview

The Belesia Federation Defense Force (BFDF) includes the Belesian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The military components have a relatively high degree of cooperation and interdependence.  This is largely due to numerous complex and rapidly developing security missions.  These roles are generally divided into national defense, internal security, counter-insurgency, and stability support operations. Defense spending as a percentage of GDP has increased over the last few years to an average of 1.51% of GDP.

The BFDF has come a long way since the creation of the Federation in 1946.  The most significant development is the formalization and aggregation of member islands’ inconsistent security efforts. This standardization and professionalism is most evident in the establishment of a national constabulary and a national guard. Maintaining a balance between enforcing nationhood and preserving a degree of local autonomy has been the major challenge to national policy implementation and military stationing efforts. 

Military Forces

The military forces and inventories of the BFDF are developing alongside its national economy, with special emphasis on high-payoff investments, such as air defense and technological improvements to existing systems. The state armed forces rely heavily on its paramilitary and civil defense elements.  The Belesia Federation National Guard (BFNG) maintains a presence throughout the archipelago and is charged with supporting local security and local interests.  The Belesia National Police (BNP) maintains local security - particularly on the smaller islands, where they may be the only security capability present.

Despite cooperation and numerous joint operations, tensions persist between the BFNG and the local Constabulary elements as state authorities increasingly press national priorities and policies. Ethnic and religious differences also contribute to antagonism among the BFDF, BFNG, and BNP. Some of this is due to the wantok system where allegiances are more to one’s wantok group than the country (See Social Variable for more details about the wantok system). Leadership in the armed forces has traditionally and historically been composed of pro-Colonial Christians, and the active force, especially the Air Force, has a disproportionate makeup from provinces with larger Christian populations. The BFNG, however, is overwhelmingly Muslim, and units tend to be largely comprised of members from a single island or aligned group of islands. The BNP, on the other hand, while also predominantly Muslim, tends to be a more truly national force, with any one unit made up with a broad spectrum of home islands.

Religious, ethnic, tribal, and clan tensions are endemic to relations among the various forces, but are secondary to the tension between Federation and local issues.  The BFDF has emphasized ethnic and gender inclusiveness wherever possible, but many of the local forces strongly reflect their local populations and cultural norms.

Ethnic and religious differences contribute to antagonism among the BFDF, BFNG, and Belesian Constabulary. Leadership in the armed forces has traditionally and historically been composed of pro-Colonial Christians, and the active force, especially the Air Force, has a disproportionate makeup from provinces with larger Christian populations. The BFNG, however, is overwhelmingly Muslim, and units tend to be largely comprised of members from a single island or aligned group of islands. The Constabulary, on the other hand, while also predominantly Muslim, tends to be a more truly national force, with any one unit made up with a broad spectrum of home islands.

Defense spending as a percentage of GDP has increased over the last few years to an average of 1.51% of GDP.

National Command Authority

The National Command Authority (NCA) of Belesia exercises overall control to plan and carry out the national security strategy.  The Belesian Chief of National Defense is the senior military position in the chain of command, subordinate to the Belesian President.  Service Chiefs (Land Forces, Air Forces, Naval Forces, and National Guard) are responsible for their respective forces.  The services will contribute personnel and resources to the Security Groups under operational control (OPCON) as requirements dictate. The NCA consists of the President and the Chief of National Defense. The NCA will bring in other cabinet members for advice, but the actual decisions in respect to the use of the military belong to the president and the Chief of National Defense acting on guidance of the president.

NCA Wire Diagram

The Belesian NCA consists of the President and the Minister of Defense.

Security Groups

These are the boundaries for the Belesia Security Groups.

Due to the dispersed nature of Belesia’s member islands and range of potential security issues, Belesia divides security responsibilities into four Security Groups.  Security Group commanders often coordinate on a variety of operations, but retain a high degree of autonomy within their area of responsibility.Security Group commanders are nominated by the Chief of National Defense and are approved by the President.

Primary issues for each Security Group.

Strategic Operational Framework

Due to the dispersed nature of Belesia’s member islands and range of potential security issues, Belesia divides security responsibilities into five Security Groups. Security Group commanders often coordinate on a variety of operations, but retain a high degree of autonomy within their area of responsibility. Security Group commanders are nominated by the Chief of National Defense and are approved by the President.

SHC/Overarching Wire Diagram

FSB SHC Structure

National Strategic Goals

The Federated States of Belesia are in near-constant tension as member islands both require and resist national assistance to varying degrees. Longstanding ethnic and cultural tensions combine with pressures from internal non-state actors, external threats, and pervasive criminal activity.  As the country’s economic status has developed, the administration has adopted a number of policies intended to provide a national-level security capability while preserving local governance. The Security Forces Reorganization Act, enacted during the previous administration, has been generally regarded as the most beneficial policy in decades for enhancing the national nature of the Federation. Military priorities outlined in the Security Forces Reorganization Act include:

• Defense of the Federation against foreign state and non-state threats
• Counter-insurgency
• Counter-piracy and counter-smuggling
• Support to humanitarian crises and disaster relief (HADR)
• Protection of Environmental Resources

Implementing National Security Goals

Standard implementation strategy to reach national security goals for most countries

Since independence, Belesia’s leadership has identified internal instability as the country's greatest security threat. With a fragmented geography of, separate ethnic and linguistic groups, religious diversity, and imbalances in economic distribution, the nation needs to keep its volatile population at peace with itself. The continual outbreak of clashes between ethnic, religious, and social groups has been the most prominent aspect of domestic affairs. Many such outbreaks have been instigated or supported from external sources. Belesia’s political, economic, and social stability rely on the nation’s ability to restructure society and eradicate poverty. It is important to stress the differences between secessionist guerrilla groups, such as the Visyan Peoples Front whose goal is to secede from the country and gain independence for their region, and non‑secessionists whose grievances center around economic and social exploitation by the central government but who do not advocate formal separation from Belesia, such as the Free Sulu Movement.

Externally, safeguarding territorial integrity and the right to self-determination are the primary concerns of Belesia. This includes elimination of the aforementioned external influences, as well as protecting the sovereignty of land and natural resources claimed by Belesia.

National Security Strategy

Since the last military coup ousted the President, security policy-making is no longer the purview of a single strong national leader. It is no longer clear within the Belesian military how civilian policy decisions are reached, nor is it axiomatic that policy decisions are implemented as directed. The government proposed a 12-point security agenda emphasizing the need for security in the areas of politics, health, economics, food, border, socio-cultural, environment, energy, maritime, international relations, information, and transportation. However, these areas are not defined, prioritized, nor given specific funding.

The major military strategy sought by Belesia is regional reconciliation, with each of the regional states at peace, with dynamic and vigorous economic and cultural exchange programs in place.

Land Forces/Army Overview

Belesian Army Insignia

The Belesia Federation Army (BFA) is a robust, but developing ground force comprised of a conventional military capable of conducting a wide range of operations and a layered paramilitary capability. Ground forces, excluding the paramilitary groups, are an estimated 98,500 troops, of which 55,400 are active and 100,000 are in the Belesian Forces National Guard (BFNG). Its forces currently consist of three infantry divisions, an armored division, an aviation regiment, a Special Purpose Forces regiment, an engineer brigade, and a transportation regiment. The paramilitary elements (see below) have both active and reserve manning, which can be mobilized to augment the army.

The primary roles of the Belesian Army align with the national military goals of  ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country by guarding against external aggression, both conventional and unconventional; to suppress violent insurgencies and other extremists; to combat criminal operations; and to provide assistance to humanitarian crises and disaster relief.

Land Forces Army Size and Structure

FSB Ground Forces Structure

Maneuver brigades serve as Belesia’s basic combined arms unit. The major maneuver units of the BFDF are administratively aligned along divisional affiliations, but similar to the other services, are task organized and placed under OPCON among the Security Groups. Non mission specific or specialized capabilities, such as aviation and engineer, are often based near the capitol.

The BFA structures its maneuver brigades to provide maximum flexibility. Maneuver battalions and companies are tasked organized to conduct operations independently or as part of a task organized element.

Land Forces/Army Forces Distribution Map Placeholder

Placeholder

1st and 2nd Divisions

There are two light infantry divisions that are built with the exact same structure:

• 2 Light Infantry Brigades
• 1 Motorized Brigade
• 1 Light Armor Brigade
• 2 Towed Artillery Brigades
• 1 Air Defense Regiment
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion
• 1 Engineer Battalion
• 1 Signal Battalion
• 1 Medical Battalion
• 1 Material Support Battalion
• 1 Sniper Company
• 1 Chemical Company
• 1 Maintenance Company
• 1 Motorized Infantry Brigade (National Guard)

Capital Division

This division is composed of the most loyal troops and carries a slightly heavier punch than the two regular divisions. The Capital Division is composed of the following major units:

• 2 Light Infantry Brigades
• 2 Light Armor Brigades
• 2 Towed Artillery Brigades
• 1 MLRS Brigade
• 1 Air Defense Regiment
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion
• 1 Engineer Battalion
• 1 Signal Battalion
• 1 Medical Battalion
• 1 Material Support Battalion
• 1 Sniper Company
• 1 Chemical Company
• 1 Maintenance Company
• 1 Motorized Infantry Brigade (National Guard)

5th Armor Division

The armor division carries the heaviest firepower, but it is also more limited on where it can operate within Belesia due to the additional logistics resources it requires, greater transportation requirements, and the vehicles may be poorly suited to the terrain. It is composed of the following major units:

• 2 Light Infantry Brigades
• 2 Light Armor Brigades
• 2 Field Artillery Brigades
• 1 MLRS Brigade
• 1 Air Defense Regiment
• 1 Reconnaissance Battalion
• 1 Engineer Battalion
• 1 Signal Battalion
• 1 Medical Battalion
• 1 Material Support Battalion
• 1 Sniper Company
• 1 Chemical Company
• 1 Maintenance Company
• 1 Motorized Infantry Brigade (National Guard)

Other Major Units

There is also a Helicopter Aviation Regiment with a single attack battalion and five medium transportation battalions. Each battalion fields twelve aircraft. There is a transportation regiment with a single POL battalion, three ground transportation battalions, and two watercraft transportation battalions that can support any of the maneuver brigades. There is a single engineer brigade that always provides general support to all maneuver divisions, but it supported units can be attached to subordinate units for specific missions. This engineer brigade is often used to help rebuild civilian communities after a natural disaster. The SPF Regiment with three deployable battalions and a training battalion reports directly to the NSC.

Ground Forces/Army Reserve

There is no Army Reserve in the Belesian military. All Belesian ground force units are found within the BFNG. There have been discussions about implementing an Army Reserve system similar to the U.S, but any implementation stalls out because many political leaders see no difference between the Army Reserve and the BFNG.

Land Forces/National Guard

The BFNG is the primary reserve national security and paramilitary unit of the Belesian armed forces. Its missions include implementation of national-level military and security policies, support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and support to local constabulary elements. They are directly subordinate to the Chief of National Defense, but are commonly placed under OPCON of a Security Group commander.

The BFNG may be mobilized to support specific military operations under Presidential authorization. This change, among others, is a result of the Security Forces Reorganization Act and had the effect of reducing the BFNG’s autonomy. Reports and rumors of the use of excessive force have increased tensions between the BFNG and the local populace and the BNP. Most BFNG personnel are former military or have trained with the military. An abbreviated initial training is required, as well as periodic professional development courses and participation in training exercises. 

BFNG units will be battalion or company-sized motorized forces – similar to the army, but lacking artillery. Vehicles and heavy weapons will be stored in local armories, along with a basic supply of food and ammunition. Some units have experienced alleged theft of these stores, but most cases are often discovered to be internal theft and corruption. The total personnel available to the BFNG numbers nearly 100,000 members.

Land Forces/Army Doctrine and Tactics

Belesian ground force doctrine is largely in support of the Security Groups’ requirements. The emphasis is to provide a viable defense of the nation, while preserving the ability to deploy rapidly in support of internal security requirements.  Belesia sees its layered security posture as essential to maintaining Federation integrity and stability.  This ability to respond at a local level, while retaining the capability to escalate forces as needed has generally proven successful in quelling internal security issues and responding to low-level insurgent-based incidents. Larger counter-insurgency (COIN) operations require additional coordination and force generation to a given locality to enable a viable response.

While the combined arms doctrine largely reflects the influence of U.S. training and operations, much of the Belesian counter-insurgency and small unit doctrine is a composite of highly effective local jungle fighting experiences. When conducting COIN operations on a member island, Belesian forces prefer to stage in a relatively secure support zone, develop intelligence situational awareness, and launch a series of violent attacks against what is identified as the threat center of gravity. 

Reflecting its Western advisors, Belesian ground forces employ tactical control measures, including assembly areas, forming-up assembly areas just prior to attacks, advance axes, checkpoints, jump-off lines, and attack lines.

Land Forces/Army Training and Readiness

Belesia fields a competent, well-trained, and overall professional military force in support of its stated national priorities. Their training and cooperation agreements with the U.S. and other partners has enabled faster growth and development than comparable forces in the region. The Belesian forces continue to experience the personnel and training limitation of any relatively young force. Maneuver divisions maintain responsibility for unit training requirements even when those forces are operating in support of a Security Group. Training for above company-sized elements are centralized at Bukidnon Training Facility near Malaybalay. Company and below training is managed by unit commanders. Most units maintain a 65% operational readiness rate.

Most military training is conducted at the Federation Military Academy near Cotabato City, Mindanao. It is a multi-service training facility that hosts all services, including the National Guard and initial training for Constabulary personnel. Most infantry personnel are graduates of either Belesian or other nation Jungle Schools and are highly capable of conducting operations under difficult conditions.

The singular detractor in Belesia’s military readiness is a pronounced realignment of resources toward internal security that may have long-term negative consequences for the Belesian Armed Forces’ ability to challenge external intrusions. This shift worsens the long-standing imbalance in terms of purchases that benefit army modernization versus maritime and aerial surveillance.

Land Forces/Army Weapons and Equipment

The Belesia Federation Defense Force equipment and weapons largely reflect an odd mix of Tier 3 systems, but some units may be almost exclusively Tier 2 or 4. Policy shifts towards technical capabilities, rather than additional tactical unit materiel threaten to allow stocks to age. Belesian armament used to be mostly Donovian in origin, but more than a decade of foreign advisors and international assistance has diversified an inventory that now includes a number of Olvanan variants and even selected western systems. The inclusion of Olvanan weaponry may be a result of developing economic ties to the regional giant.

Maritime Forces Overview

The Belesia Federation Fleet (BFF) has military responsibility for maritime security within the entirety of Belesian territorial waters. It is a relatively small force, but Belesia has announced plans to expand the fleet and enhance the capabilities of its existing inventory. Belesian maritime operations have evolved to be very similar to its regional neighbors, focusing on coastal defense with moderate force projection capabilities. Their doctrine centers on defense with a heavy emphasis on enabling force projection. It also has primary responsibility for countering smuggling and piracy throughout the archipelago and across the Sulu Sea. Belesian maritime forces are often able to unilaterally operate within Gabal’s territorial waters when conducting counter-narcotic, counter piracy, and counter smuggling operations. Gabal, though not openly embracing the presence of Belesian naval patrols, is often willing to look the other way as long as the Belesians do not harass or abuse law abiding citizens of Gabal.

• Patrolling and defense of coastal areas
• Combating maritime crime, smuggling, and piracy
• Maritime and aerial surveillance
• Supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
• Search and rescue
• Combating threats to the environment

The BFF structure. See the Army Force Structure for assigned ships and other equipment.

Maritime Forces Size and Structure

The Belesian Federation Fleet (BFF) headquarters is collocated with the civilian port at Cagayan de Oro.  It also maintains ports for its larger vessels at the ports of Cebu City and Zamboanga. Under the Security Forces Reorganization Act, the President may authorize military use of civilian port facilities and even civilian vessels during times of national emergency or civil disturbance. The BFF has a manning of 14,200 active and 8,400 ready reserve personnel.

FSB BFF Unit Locations

Maritime Forces Disposition Map (Placeholder)

The BFF headquarters is at Cagayan de Oro. While ships have home ports, they will go to any port, military or civilian, where they are needed. All the amphibious assault ships are co-located unless they deploy on a training mission. See the Weapons and Equipment section below for types of ships operated by the BFF.

Squadrons

The BFF operates in six squadrons, one squadron for each type of ship. These squadrons include:

• Frigate
• Light Frigate
• Amphibious
• Patrol
• Minesweeper
• Submarine

Marines

The BFF does not contain any Naval Infantry or Marine type units. The six amphibious assault ships work routinely with army infantry units to conduct amphibious landing training. While the army has designated the 11^th and 12^th infantry brigades as its primary amphibious assault forces, this training only occurs a couple of times a year. The other infantry battalions are lucky to conduct one exercise each year involving amphibious landings.

Coast Guard

Belesia does not operate a coast guard that is separate from their fleet. The 40 patrol boats participate in activities normally thought as being coast guard missions such as smuggling.

Belesian Federation Fleet (BFF) Reserve

There are 8,400 ready reserve members in the BFF Reserve. All have prior military experience. Upon completing their initial enlistment in the BFF and the sailor chooses not to continue their naval career, the sailor must serve for five years in the BFF Reserve. This obligation consists of two days of duty each month and two weeks of annual training. Normally, the sailor returns to the ship where they served when on active duty. The attempt is made for the reservists to either replace sailors who are on pass or leave. After the five years in the BFF Reserve, the sailor can separate without any further obligation or can commit to another term of two to five years.

Maritime Forces Doctrine and Tactics

The BFF will deploy naval task forces to uphold good order at sea through routine and strategic maritime presence, while promoting confidence-building measures through cooperative engagements with other navies. Belesian naval doctrine specifies the quality of warships to engage in naval diplomacy, including high-level combat readiness, agile operational flexibility, a long endurance at sea, and capability of ashore projection. The BFF conducts both blue-water and brown-water operations including amphibious assaults. The BFF is developing training opportunities to experiment with and perfect naval tactics that incorporate the use of the newest hulls and equipment obtained by the navy, especially submarines.

Maritime Forces Training and Readiness

The BFF is a composite of member island vessels and it continues to experience maintenance and training difficulties, despite efforts to professionalize and standardize its capabilities.  Political statements on forcefully countering maritime crimes has resulted in only marginal budget increases, but new allocations have been put to good use by senior naval leaders. The overall readiness of the Belesian fleet is estimated at approximately 80%.  Despite its budgetary and interoperability woes, it has a well-trained and motivated force, due mostly to a consistent training and professional development program, supported by international trainers. 

Maritime Forces Weapons and Equipment

The BFF fields largely Tier 2 vessels and weapons with limited Tier 1 niche capabilities mostly evident in navigation upgrades and reconnaissance platforms.

Belesian naval equipment focuses on defensive operations and supporting ground force projection.  Belesia will continue to purchase equipment such as minesweepers and landing craft, and improve amphibious assault capabilities. The BFF can operate in all sea conditions and can successfully conduct 24-hour operations.

The BFF possesses approximately 61 surface craft and 2 submarines. It operates a variety of surface combatants, patrol boats, minesweepers, and amphibious elements. The BFF also has a dedicated battalion of special purpose forces.

Belesian Naval Inventory:

• 2 Frigates (2 Ahmad Yani Class)
• 10 Corvettes (5 Kapitan Patimura Class; 5 FS Diponegoro Sigma 91113 Class)
• 40 Patrol/Strike/OPV/IPV (8 PB 651 Singa Class; 8 PB 801 Pandrong Class; 8 PB 803 Todak Class; 8 PB Kakap FBB57 I Class; 8 PG Dagger Class)
• 3 Minesweepers (3 MHC Pulau Rengat Class)
• 6 Amphibious assault (3 lst Teluk Semangka Class; 3 LST Teluk Gilimanuk Frosch I Class)
• 2 Submarines (2 40A Cakra Class)

Air Forces Overview

Belesia Air Force Disposition

Air Force Distribution Map Placeholder

The Belesia Federation Air Force (BFAF) is capable of supporting ground combat and limited defensive air operations. Its primary roles are transportation, ground attack, and limited air-to-air.  The air forces have been used to support peacekeeping deployments in all of these roles. It is well integrated into ground force operations within the various Security Groups and it well suited for defensive operations and support to limited force projection.

Air Forces Size and Structure

The Belesian Federation Air Force (BFAF) structure. See the AFS for information on aircraft and other equipment in the BFAF.

The BFAF fields an estimated 35-40 fixed wing combat aircraft and 40-45 fixed-wing transports. The numbers change slightly depending on new equipment purchased or the loss of planes due to crashes. Its forces operate primarily from civilian airports in Legazpi (Luzon), Cebu City (Mactan), Zamboanga (Mindanao), and Sandakan (Borneo). Belesia does not have dedicated military only air bases, but maintains facilities at the airports listed above and many smaller civilian airfields throughout the archipelago. Under the Security Forces Reorganization Act, the President may authorize military use of civilian airfields during times of national emergency or civil disturbance. The BFAF has an active force of just over 9,000 personnel.

Aviation Groups

The BFAF consists of two separate groups—one for air combat and the other for air transportation. The light transportation squadron also doubles as the the initial training squadron for the BFAF.

Air Combat Group:

• Fighter/Intercept Squadrons
• 2 Ground Attack Squadrons
• Intelligence and Surveillance Squadrons

Air Transport Group

• 2 Medium Air Transport Squadrons
• Light Transport/Training Squadrons

Air Force Reserve/National Guard

There is no ready reserve or national guard for the BFAF. Any pilot who serves in the BFAF and separates goes into a BFAF inactive ready reserve. Basically, it is a list of those veterans trained to fly aircraft. In a national emergency, these pilots could be called back to active duty to serve. This has never happened in the last half-century and if it was to occur, only pilots that maintained a pilot’s license (flying commercially as a civilian pilot) would likely to be recalled.

Air Forces Doctrine and Tactics

The BFAF disperses most of its aircraft and support assets at its four main bases to enable support across the breadth of the archipelago. Air assets, like other military forces, will generally be under OPCON to a Security Group. Belesia’s fixed-wing assets will generally provide decisive strike capability in support of tactical ground operations. Air forces, unless otherwise tasked, will provide support across Security Groups for training and logistical support. If crises situations arise in a given Security Group, the air force may push additional platforms or position assets to a more forward airfield.

Air Forces Training and Readiness

The Belesian air force maintains a moderate level of training and an estimated 65% operational readiness rate. This is largely due to its relatively small budget and high cost of maintaining its aging and diverse platforms. Belesian pilots have trained with both U.S. and Olvanan forces and many have experience gained from deployments in support of peacekeeping operations. Most pilots are trained to provide close air support, aided by linked ground location tracking systems. Those selected for pilot training are first assigned to the training squadron. Once they have been trained, they will be transferred to a combat or transportation squadron. Due to the high cost to train a pilot, an individual has to sign a 10-year contract in order to become a BFAF pilot. Even with that lengthy commitment, there is no shortage of applicants who want to become a BFAF pilot.

Air Forces Weapons and Equipment

The BFAF operates a variety of equipment and weapons that are generally Tier-2 or 3 capability. Surveillance aircraft may have been fitted with niche Tier 1 equipment that provides advanced capabilities, such as surveillance and targeting. The BFAF can conduct 24-hour operations in all weather and over all terrain. The Belesian aircraft inventory includes equipment from U.S., Donovia, and Olvana. All rotary-wing assets are under the Belesia Federation Army for tactical support and transport.

Belesia has no internal aviation manufacturing base and must rely on equipment built by other countries. The country purchases its equipment from a variety of sources, usually based on the price than political connections. Many of the purchases are from countries that are upgrading their own equipment and sell their surplus equipment to countries that cannot afford to purchase new aircraft. Belesia will often accept donated equipment from other countries.

The BFAF operates the following equipment, but the inventory can change. See the AFS for current equipment and quantities.

• 10 Fighters (F-5E Tiger II SGP)
• 24 Fighter-Bombers (Su-17 Fitter C)
• 48 Transport (14 An-2 Colts, 28 An-28 Cash, AND 6 MiG-25PD Foxbat E)
• 75 Transport Helicopters (M-18 HIP)
• 12 Utility Helicopters (MBB Bo-105)

The Belesia armed forces also operates 6 Mini Bird-Eye UAVs for reconnaissance purposes, search and rescue, and similar missions.

Paramilitary Forces

There are both government and non-government paramilitary forces that operate in Belesia. Most of the latter work against the Belesian government. There could be instances where the non-government paramilitary forces could support the Belesian government, but those will be rare instances.

Government Paramilitary Forces

There are two government paramilitary forces. One is the Belesia Federation National Guard (BFNG) and the other is the Belesian National Police (BNP). Both forces are capability of conducting military like missions.

Belesia Federation National Guard (BFNG)

The BFNG is the primary national security and paramilitary unit of the Belesian armed forces. Its missions include implementation of national-level military and security policies, support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and support to local constabulary elements. They are directly subordinate to the Chief of National Defense, but are commonly placed under OPCON of a Security Group commander.

The BFNG may be mobilized to support specific military operations under Presidential authorization. This change, among others, is a result of the Security Forces Reorganization Act and had the effect of reducing the BFNG’s autonomy. Reports and rumors of the use of excessive force have increased tensions between the BFNG and the local populace and Constabulary. Most BFNG personnel are former military or have trained with the military. An abbreviated initial training is required, as well as periodic professional development courses and participation in training exercises.

BFNG units will be battalion or company-sized motorized forces – similar to the army, but lacking artillery. Vehicles and heavy weapons will be stored in local armories, along with a basic supply of food and ammunition. Some units have experienced alleged theft of these stores, but most cases are often discovered to be internal theft and corruption. The total personnel available to the BFNG numbers nearly 165,000.

Belesian National Police

The BNP is an adaptation of local security forces and functions more as a local paramilitary force than a policing element. With over 191,000 personnel, the BNP is a significant force. In addition to local patrolling and static security, the BNP may also support local police and security elements. BNP elements may be mobilized to support specific Federation operations, but only under Presidential order and legislative approval in accordance with the Security Forces Reorganization Act. Most BNP elements retain their heavy weapons and small arms of their reserve personnel in centralized local armories. Many personnel working in their local BNP are former military or have trained with the military on specific support tasks. 

In the more urban areas of Belesia and some rural areas with existing BNP presence, the BNP predominately uses a military style of policing rather than community policing. Reportedly, the BNP has been attempting to move away from the military enforcement model to community policing, meaning attempting to promote a partnership between the police and community to reduce crime. The enforcement of rules in a military manner, however, is still existent in some ranks of the BNP. This is evidenced through the heavy-handed enforcement tactics that destroy goodwill and on occasions create significant problems for the BNP.

The composition of BNP elements may vary significantly, but generally follow these models:

Category 1	Company-sized militia-type force, consisting of a mix of full-time and reserve personnel. May have heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, mortars, and standard military or technical vehicles.
Category 2	Platoon-sized militia-type force, consisting of a mix of full-time and reserve personnel. May have heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, and standard military or technical vehicles.
Category 3	Less than platoon-sized security force, consisting of trained reserve response personnel. May have light machine guns, possible anti-tank weapons, and civilian vehicles.
Category 4	Multiple, small teams of trained volunteer personnel. These teams and individuals will usually work in-concert with one of the other type of Constabulary groups or National Guard to provide presence and local patrolling.

The BNP is administered and controlled by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) with local police offices being operationally controlled by municipal mayors. The BNP’s functions include:

• Law Enforcement
• Maintenance of peace and order
• Crime prevention, crime investigation, and bring offenders to justice
• Exercise the vested powers from the Belesia Constitution and pertinent laws
• Detain arrested personnel only for the period of time prescribed by law
• Implement pertinent laws and regulations regarding firearms and explosives
• Supervise and control the training and operations of security agencies

Non-State Paramilitary Forces

During peace time, Belesia like other nations in the region enjoy a moderately stable operational environment compared to other counties in the region. Although the actions of non-state sponsored paramilitary forces are visible, insurgent groups and criminal organization represent most of the anti-government activity in the country.

Guerrilla Forces

Currently, there are no guerrilla forces operating openly within Belesia. That said, Belesia anticipates that if it is drawn into combat within the region, non-government aligned guerrilla forces could operate within Belesia. Standard military doctrine and common sense direct that bypassed opposing forces continue to fight. During previous conflicts, these bypassed military forces have often converted into guerrilla style units of platoon size or smaller elements. These small guerrilla units would seek to conduct or influence actions against its enemy through military targets such as supply convoys or command posts.

Insurgent Forces

There are three major organizations operating in Belesia that conduct insurgent activity: The Visayan Peoples Front, The Free Sulu Movement, and Satu Pulau Satu Negara. The structure of these organizations is often determined by their mission, environmental, and geographic factors as well as many other variables. Each of these organizations take advantage of a specific need or desire of its members, their emotion to that cause, and dedication to their often charismatic leaders.

The Visayan Peoples Front

The VPF is an armed insurgent group committed to establishing an independent entity composed of the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu and Bohol. Over time, the group, which originally sought the creation of a separate secular state, demanded the exclusion of Muslims and creation of a Christian nation. The government responded with a counter-insurgency strategy rooted in assassination, sabotage, and subversion. The violence between the factions as well as the Belesian government reached a peak a decade ago. Since then, all sides have pledged to a commitment to peace.

At the time of Belesia’s independence and formation as a Federation, numerous Christians, unhappy with what they saw of as Islamification of the islands, began open hostilities against the newly formed Belesian government. A professor at the University of Cebu formed the Visayan Peoples Front (VPF), an armed insurgent group, committed to establishing an independent entity composed of the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu and Bohol. Over time, the VPF, which originally sought the creation of a separate secular state, demanded the exclusion of Muslims and creation of a Christian nation. The government responded with a counter-insurgency strategy rooted in assassination, sabotage, and subversion. The violence between the factions as well as the Belesian government reached a peak a decade ago. Since then, all sides have pledged to a commitment to peace. However, skirmishes still occur, and the President has threatened to place entire islands under a state of martial law.

See the VPF page for additional details on this group.

The Free Sulu Movement

The Free Sulu Movement (FSM) is a conglomeration of Marxist and Socialist anti-federation factions of the Belesian archipelago. The FSM seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the BFNG in order to create a society where everyone is equal . The group has operated in some of the Belesian islands since the late 1940s when communism was spreading throughout Asia. The FSM wants to separate itself from the rest of Belesia to create their own utopia. It was not until the rise of its shadowy leader, known only as “Niko,” that the group became more organized and active.  More troubling is the group’s alleged ties to foreign groups.  Support from Bothnia, Donovia, Olvana, North Torbia, and the Gabal Forever movement have all been reportedly linked to the group in recent press reporting. 

Its tactics have become increasingly violent, including attacks against government facilities such as political offices and BFNG or BNDP armories.  The group has also claimed credit for attacks against civilians whom they label, “facist collaborators.” Attacks range from simple vandalism and sabotage to guerrilla-style operations and bombings.  In more remote areas, the FSM has also conducted extra-judicial proceedings and seizures. In areas with minimal security, the group operates small “Street Committees” to intimidate locals into cooperation or silence. These small elements have been known to conduct low-level attacks or infiltrate otherwise peaceful protests into incite violence. The FSM leverages a variety of informal and online communications means to coordinate these activities, including social messaging via mobile devices.

See the FSM page for additional information on this insurgent group.

Satu Pulau Satu Negara

Another insurgent organization, the Satu Pulau Satu Negara (SPSN, roughly translated to One Island, One Nation) believes that all of Luzon should be united under a single national flag. Neither North Torbia nor South Torbia admits to any connection with this organization, which mainly conducts, at times, a low-level guerrilla war and rhetoric against the Belesian government and military. Known in Belesia as the Luzon Conflict, the Belesian government has been accused of indiscriminate violence and suppression of freedoms, particularity against those of Torbian descent. The Belesian government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.

See the SPSN page for additional information on this organization.

Criminal Organizations

While the level of crime is high in Belesia, mainly due to socioeconomic conditions, organic Belesian criminal activity is mostly conducted by disorganized street gangs. However, the frequent disruptions in government and traditionally weak policing have allowed criminal organizations from Torbia and Olvana to take hold. These organizations have rapidly been consolidating large swaths of land. In many cases, the Tantoco Cartel and the Olvanan Black Societies have tacit agreements to leave control of any given island to one group or another. In other areas, most notably the urban environs of Mindanao, there have been inevitable flare-ups of violence between the two, generally using locally recruited thugs.

Tantoco Cartel

The Tantoco Cartel is a regional criminal organization that has expanded from its roots in South Torbia to the largest cities in Olvana, and now in moving into the largest cities of Belesia. The Tantoco Cartel is involved in almost every type of criminal activity imaginable: drug and weapons smuggling, extortion, motor vehicle theft, illegal gambling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and murder-for-hire. The Cartel is also known for bribing government officials, at all levels from local mayors to senior government figures.

See the Tantoco Cartel page for additional information on this criminal organization.

Olvanan Black Societies

There are a number of “black societies” or organized criminal networks in the largest cities in Olvana. These criminal networks are normally family affairs, with each family staying local to avoid conflict with other groups. These criminal networks are involved in armed robbery, racketeering, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, prostitution, gambling, and contract killings. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey. These groups are making deals with each other to operate in specific islands in Belesia. These are the groups by city where they are most prevalent along with the Belesian island they may be targeting:

• Hong Kong: Blue Crescent (Luzon)
• Shanghai: Red Eagle (Mindanao)
• Nanning: Green Hawk (Borneo)
• Guangzhou: Jade Vulture (Negros)
• Shantou: Black Owl (Leyte)
• Xiamen: Yellow Tiger (Samar)
• Guiyang: White Shark (Panay)

See the Black Societies page for additional information on these criminal groups.

Private Security Organizations

One surprising factor to visitors of Belesia is the number of private security guards. They can be found not only at private venues, hotels, restaurants, and so forth, but also in areas where local police would traditionally be expected. The dependence on civilian security groups is the product of three factors that followed a governmental collapse twenty years ago during a push for decreased federalization. First, a perceived breakdown in law and order combined with general distrust of the police led many Belesians to vigilantism and a demand for protection from private groups. Second, a massive decentralization program gave more political and economic power to local government. Third, the formal separation of the police and the armed forces led to a shortage of police to cope with the ongoing public turmoil.

The increase in private security groups has given rise, however, to questions of oversight and abuse. For example, one security contracting firm was shut down after its American employees had been conducting raids and drug busts equipped with automatic weapons. This led rise to rumors that political candidates were hiring mercenaries to intimidate opponents. The government has responded by requiring increased training, certification, and drug testing of all security guards.

Foreign Military Presence

The presence of foreign military presents the government of Belesia with the horns of a dilemma. On the one hand, military advisers from various nations, both regional and global, have increased the effectiveness and professionalism of the armed forces. Additionally, security agreements can enhance maritime security, HADR operations, modernization, and interoperability. On the other hand, the presence of foreign troops is seen by the public as a breach of national sovereignty and any discussion of permanent basing is met with protests regarding a return to colonialism. Current government restrictions mean that any foreign military cooperation must be agreed upon on a case-by-case basis by the Public Assembly. This is complicated by the fact that various political parties in Belesia have various leanings towards western nations, Olvana, or the Middle East.

Nonmilitary Armed Combatants

In the event of a foreign invasion, Belesian military philosophy calls for a Total People's Defense. This is essentially a three-stage war: a short initial period when an invader would face the conventional military, then a long period of territorial guerrilla war, followed by a final stage of expulsion with the military acting as a rallying point from the village level upwards. During this campaign, the civilian population is expected to provide logistical support, intelligence, and upkeep, with some villagers training to join the guerrilla struggle.

Unarmed Combatants

The preponderance of the anti-Belesian unarmed combatants are associated with existing insurgent forces and/or criminal networks. They provide support through non-lethal means, such as money laundering, raising capital, social media manipulation, conducting anti-government cyber operations, or providing logistical support. While most unarmed combatants seek to maintain a low-profile and remain anonymous, there are a small number who are willing to openly recruit activists and organize public events and demonstrations. 

Military Functions

As Belesia’s military forces and inventories are developing alongside its national economy, with special emphasis on high-payoff investments, such as air defense and technological improvements to existing systems. The state armed forces rely heavily on its paramilitary and civil defense elements.

Each of the military functions below exist in varying degrees in the Belesian Armed Forces, 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.

Joint Capabilities

Demonstrate Joint Capabilities: (High)

The Belesian armed forces have a significant amount of experience with joint operations; mainly from participating in international operations and exercises (for example, the navy and army conducting amphibious assaults). Recent exercises have been conducted with Olvana, the United States, and Australia, and maritime security force exercises with South Torbia and other Asian nations. Purely internally, however, the ground, maritime, and air forces do not hold many major joint exercises. Generally speaking, the army tends to work well with the BFNG or the BNP, but the BFNG does not work well with either the other services or the BNP Additionally, there have been conflicts between the services over maritime surveillance responsibilities. The Chief of National Defense has called for an examination of the creation of a tri-service marine corps for amphibious operations.

Command and Control

Exercise Command and Control: (Medium)

The Belesian military maintains a constitutionally mandated civilian control and structure based on the Security Forces Reorganization Act. It has developed a positive degree of trust across all echelons. Professional military training filled its ranks with competent leaders who can operate independently. In recent years, Belesia has recognized potential threats to its command and control (C2) capabilities and has invested to mitigate such threats through technological defenses and decentralizing wherever viable. 

C2 at the tactical level emphasizes survivability through mobility, communications redundancy, and rigorous operations security. Command posts and procedures are streamlined at the operational level, relying heavily on common procedures for important recurring tactical tasks.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control)

Maneuver

Execute Maneuver: (Medium)

The Belesian military has a developing yet robust capability to conduct combined arms operations. Maneuver brigades serve as Belesia’s basic combined arms unit. The major maneuver units of the BFDF are administratively aligned along divisional affiliations, but similar to the other services, are task organized and placed under OPCON among the Security Groups. Non mission-specific or specialized capabilities, such as aviation and engineer, are often based near the capitol. Tactically, maneuver elements will seek to contain a threat situation, with indirect fires or rapid strikes as the decisive actions.  They have demonstrated high degrees of competence when conducting operations in mountainous and jungle terrain and can operate with relative ease, even without night vision devices.

Air Defense

Conduct Air Defense Operations: (High)

Belesian leadership believes that the primary threat from neighbor states is by air and has invested heavily to counter potential threats. All maneuver units have significant organic air defense assets, with each division having a dedicated air defense regiment in addition to the capabilities of its subordinate units.     

All ground units possess organic air defense capabilities to differing degrees, depending on the type and size of the unit. Maneuver and paramilitary forces are also trained to use organic direct fire systems such as heavy machine guns and even some anti-tank guided missiles in an air defense capacity. Belesia also has a dedicated air defense regiment that is responsible for larger systems and point defense.

Belesia continues to seek technological enhancements to further develop an integrated air defense system. This capability would provide a continuous and overlapping umbrella of coverage around the dispersed member islands and present a significant defense against most potential enemy air activity.(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 11, Air Defense)

Information Warfare (INFOWAR)

Conduct INFOWAR: (Medium)

Belesia continues to develop its INFOWAR capability. Currently, Belesia’s strategic INFOWAR consists of a cultivated network of connections with media outlets throughout the archipelago that facilitates rapid dissemination of messaging.

Belesia’s dispersed citizenry relies heavily on mobile devices. This, combined with a very limited number of service provides could make mobile-based perception management highly effective if network security can be maintained.  Service hubs and telecommunications nodes have been a favorite target for a number of insurgent and separatist groups over the years. Reliance on global position systems is a significant risk for both government and private navigation users. GPS jamming and spoofing have been highlighted by the President as a serious concern for all Belesians due to the number of key systems dependent on GPS. For military systems this could significantly impact targeting and unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities. The age of many of the most common system throughout Belesia leaves them vulnerable to even basic interference.

Belesia has limited offensive cyber operations capability, but emphasizes defensive measure throughout its military training programs. Belesian is cooperating with multiple commercial entities to enhance its strategic defensive cyber posture.

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare)

RISTA

Conduct RISTA: (Medium). 

Ranges of various RISTA equipment

Conducting reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) across the breadth of Belesia’s member islands is a constant challenge, yet one of the most important for maintaining its internal stability and national defense. Belesia’s most effective RISTA capability is its longstanding and well-integrated human intelligence network. This network is particularly strong in and around build-up areas and cities, but is still developing in the outlying islands.

Although most of Belesia’s military RISTA capabilities reside in the air force, most maneuver units have UASs and reconnaissance units that provide tactical situational understanding. With many of its citizens reliant on mobile devices for information, it is assumed that Belesian intelligence is capable of leveraging metadata derived from mobile devices and internet access points. Belesia does not have an organic space-based capability and is dependent on commercially available imagery or imagery shared by its strategic partners.

Intelligence

Produce and Process Intelligence: (Medium).

Belesia maintains a centralized intelligence organization and allocates assets to military, security, or national missions based on analyzed requirements. Command and control systems include:

Government

• Networks – Existing cellular and internet networks; developing secure satellite linked replacements
• Radar – Principally support for commercial aviation operations
• Optical – Airborne platforms with video and thermal cameras; satellite imagery capability coming on-line in the near future
• Satellite – Purchased services for communications and imagery with government-owned platforms part of a long-term plan

Military

• Networks – Encrypted version of mesh-net networks that supports secure VOIP
• Radar – integrated radar warning; limited ground systems
• Radio – HF, VHF, UHF; Land Mobile Radio

Human Intelligence (High)

Human intelligence continues to provide the majority of external data collection and a balanced share of internal intelligence for the Belesian government. Belesia recruits technicians working domestically and internationally in electronics firms and oil and gas field operations. These agents target information collection that identifies potential fields, production capacities, and development plans. Many of the Belesia agents are in the information technology, technical support, and mid-level managers operating among regional competitors.

At the national level, the government routinely deploys special purpose forces to locate and target the activities of insurgents and other disruptive groups such as criminal gangs. Special purpose forces perform missions that collect essential intelligence to allow the military to launch raids and target patrols of suspected insurgent areas or smuggling routes. An agent network on each of the largest Belesian islands provides a steady flow of information from the field that allows the Belesia Intelligence Service to identify individuals and groups that are potential threats to national objectives.

Open Source Intelligence (Medium)

Belesia is rapidly adopting open source information research and analysis to improve intelligence capabilities with the assistance of the Belesian education sector. Units monitor all public network traffic and information sources to identify potential exploitation opportunities or threats to national interests. As part of the development of OSINT capabilities, BTI has several R&D projects to explore the use of data mining, artificial intelligence, and social media applications.

Signals Intelligence (Medium)

Belesia uses proven network surveillance capabilities as part of its signals intelligence operation. Coupling state of the art malware with man-in-the-middle ISP uploads, Belesian SIGINT is capable of gathering information from infected computers and smartphones. This offensive cyber capability allows Belesia to target internet users. The software uses advanced techniques to avoid detection by antivirus software or forensic techniques that identify the source of the attack.

Imagery Intelligence (Low)

Belesia currently purchases high-resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery from a variety of worldwide sources.

Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (Low)

Belesia has no established MASINT systems.

Fire Support

Conduct Fire Support Operations: (High)

Belesian military doctrine leverages indirect fires (IDF) as a decisive strike capability in support of tactical operations. A maneuver division generally has 2-3 brigade-sized IDF units in addition to organic IDF assets at maneuver brigades and below. Most IDF systems are self-propelled and usually wheeled. Belesian forces may also integrate air assets as available into integrated attacks against threat key systems. Belesian IDF capabilities have been improved during numerous peacekeeping deployments. Technical enhancements will likely increase the accuracy and integration of the entire spectrum of fire support systems. 

(See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 9, Indirect Fire Support)

Protection

Exercise Protection: (Medium).

Belesian military engineer elements are highly capable, but they have not often been used in direct support of military operations. Their primary military support is to maintain ground mobility – particularly for heavy forces. A particular emphasis is strategic site protection against potential missile or air attacks from North Torbia.

They are most often used in support of humanitarian crises and disaster relief operations. In addition to hardening the defensive posture of key government and military sites, they excel at maintaining infrastructure, such as ports and airfields. Belesian engineers units may supplement labor for these types of operations with the local work force. This also serves to deepen ties and build relationships between the Federated government and local leaders. (See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 12, Engineer Support)

Logistics

Execute Logistics Operations: (Medium) 

The Belesian military maintains a robust and networked logistics capability that can support its maneuver units for extended periods. This not only enables prolonged uninterrupted military operations, but also supports remote operations despite weather-related supply delays. Belesian leaders continue to improve its logistics systems to enhance push-type supply flow to ensure local stockpiles remain at full strength and lines of communication are utilized to maximum effectiveness. Tactical level logistic, equipment, health services, infrastructure, and administrative support are normally conducted by the individual components, but require coordination across the wider joint operations area.

The often poor or non-existent ground lines of communication throughout Belesia’s islands has moved much inter-island, and even intra-island, movement to the numerous small watercraft. The military contracts to local providers to supplement its relatively small fleet of such watercraft. The Security Forces Reorganization Act gives military traffic on the Federated Nautical Highway the authority to commandeer watercraft in cases of national emergency. Military leaders prioritize and stage materiel shipments to minimize impact on private shipping providers and prevent local backlash.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)

Execute CBRN Operations: (Low).

Belesia does not have an offensive CBRN capability, nor is it part of their warfighting doctrine. All units receive defensive training and have a basic chemical defense capability. Emergency responders in all cities have more advanced capabilities for mass casualty care.

Research and Development Goals

The overall focus for Belesian military research has been in modernization and restructuring. There is increased emphasis on external defense, even though primary focus remains counterinsurgency. Thus, many of the R&D dollars have been earmarked towards maritime and air force projects. In particular, Belesia seeks to expand technical capability by taking advantage of the robust domestic electronics industry. One example is the development of a laser guided projectile and interest in UAS. In light of the increasing crude oil price worldwide, the military volunteered for a pioneering program using biodiesel. All diesel vehicles in the BFDF use a biodiesel consisting of 95% diesel and 5% oil palm diesel.

Special Considerations

Given the Belesian desire to maintain regional harmony, it is possible that Belesia may cooperate with defensive operations in the region to return peace to the region, but is unlikely to join or continue an aggressive offensiv operation against any other country.