Military: Donovia

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Donovia maintains a strong military, partially as an inheritance from its pre-Four Traitors incident strength and partially through economic wealth being used to transform the post-Four Traitors military remnants into a modern force. Donovian doctrine and tactics are complex, supple, and competent, making it a capable opponent. The country’s military capability ranges from irregular forces to nuclear weapons and anti-space capability. This strong military, combined with its assertive political agenda, make Donovia a strong player in the region.

Military Forces

The Donovian military’s history has long been marred by regional conflict and conquest with both irregular and regular warfare. Donovia’s military power dominates the region and significantly influences the military forces of the other four countries—Ariana, Atropia, Gorgas, and Limaria. The major military branches of the Donovian Supreme High Command consist of ground forces, navy, and air force elements. These elements possess technologically advanced weapons and equipment consistent with tier 1 capabilities. The Donovian military maintains approximately 1.4 million troops (active and reserve) within the country at any given time. Like many of the other countries in the region, Donovia has a similar national command and control construct known as the National Command Authority (NCA).

Military Strategy

National Command Authority

Donovia National Command Authority

All countries share a similar National Command Authority (NCA) construct including Gorgas, who refers to it as a National Council. The president 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 Donovia’s ministries, but particularly those associated with the instruments of national power. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 1, Strategic and Operational Framework.)

The NCA includes the president and all functions of government within the appropriate ministries. The ministry of defense (MOD) controls the armed forces. The general staff is tasked with developing, maintaining, and training the armed forces for combat. In times of conflict or war, the MOD and general staff form the supreme high command in order to work in close coordination with the other ministries of the NCA. (See the chart on the previous page.)

Strategic Operational Framework

The strategic operational framework for all countries in the Caucasus region is similar in construct and application, primarily the result of historic influences.

The NCAs and the NC for all five countries exercise command and control (C2) of the Armed Forces via the Supreme High Command (SHC), which includes the 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 responsibility for policy, acquisitions, and financing the Armed Forces. The General Staff promulgates policy and supervises the service components while its functional directorates are responsible for key aspects of defense planning. In wartime, the MOD and General Staff merge to form the SHC, which functions as a unified headquarters.

Donovian Supreme High Command

All five countries currently configure their militaries using an administrative force structure (AFS) for managing military forces in peacetime. This administrative force 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 corps and armies for administrative purposes. In some cases, the militaries may group their forces administratively under geographical commands designated as military regions or military districts. If the SHC elects to create more than one theater headquarters, it may allocate parts of the administrative force structure 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 administrative force structure consist of assets centrally controlled at the national level. (See FM   7-'100.4  Opposing Force Organization Guide: Chapter 3, Task Organizing.)

The Headquarters of the Donovian Ground Force is in Moscow, as is the Headquarters of the Air Force and its subordinate Air Defense Command. There are three joint-command military districts comprised of elements from the ground forces, the air force, and the internal security forces. The navy is primarily located in the southern parts of the country. Donovia can also mobilize a large number of personnel from the civilian population to act as a reserve force if needed.

Defense spending has increased over the last several years and accounts for approximately eight percent of Donovian GDP. This increase is critical to building and maintaining the country’s modern, highly capable force. The need to upgrade key military capabilities, especially information warfare (INFOWAR), the navy, and air force accounts for the increase in defense expenditures despite an economic downturn over the last several years.

Donovia organizes its armed forces into five service components: ground forces (army), navy, air force (which includes national-level air defense forces), strategic forces (with long-range rockets and missiles), special purpose forces (SPF) command, and the internal security forces. The ground forces are the largest of the five services, and have the capability to mobilize the reserve and militia forces to conduct sustained operations. The internal security forces are subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior in peacetime, but can be subordinated to the SHC as the sixth service in time of war.

Donovia traditionally maintains a large military industrial complex and normally finds itself with  the capacity to produce its own military equipment and supplies. Recently, however, Donovia began to participate in a number of technology transfers with other countries in order to obtain advanced military capabilities. Donovia continually pursues foreign technology related to firepower technology, target acquisition, surveillance platforms, and INFOWAR capabilities as well as improvements in command and control capabilities.

The Donovian military reflects a major military force with fielded state-of-the-art technology across all functional areas. It also maintains links to regional (and possibly transnational) criminal and terror groups that further extend its potential, and capability, as a global threat. (For additional information on equipment tier tables, see Section 4: Appendix C, and the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG): Volume I, Chapter 1, OPFOR Tier Tables.)

National Strategic Goals

The Donovian military has four strategic goals. First, it wants to remain the dominant regional military power. Second, the Donovian military must be strong enough to defend its borders, control the shores off its borders, and deny access to hostile powers. Third, Donovia views itself as a world superpower and this self-view requires the possession of nuclear weapons. Donovia’s final priority is to influence countries in the region to avoid alliances with the Western world for economic reasons. This focus has two advantages for the Donovians, as it both disrupts US interests and creates an outlet for weapons sold by the Donovian military complex.

The NCA determines the direction and scope of Donovia’s strategic mission. Donovia’s overall goals are to remain the region’s dominant power and continually expand its dominance within the region. These long-term aims are supported by one or more specific goals, each based on a particular threat or opportunity, including:

• Defense of Donovia’s sovereignty
• Economic expansion
• Preclusion or elimination of outside intervention

Implementing National Security Goals

Donovia operates under a sophisticated, comprehensive, and multi-dimensional strategy derived from its comparative strength in the region. The Donovian  military normally operates from a position of strength due to its position within the global strategic environment and may seek to exploit regional opportunities. In the event of intervention by extra-regional powers, Donovia assumes a strategy that must include not only internal and regional threats, but also extra-regional opponents.

In pursuit of its strategic goals, Donovia plans to conduct four basic types of strategic-level courses of action (COAs): strategic operations, regional operations, transition operations, and adaptive operations. Each COA involves the use of all four instruments of power (military and/or  paramilitary, diplomatic-political, informational, and economic). Donovia will apply each element of power to a different degree and in different ways, dependent on the COA.

Donovian Strategic Operations in Peace and War

Donovia believes that its national security strategy must include all the instruments of national power, not just the military. Power is a combination of many elements, and the State can use them  in varying combinations as components of its overall national security strategy. Military, economic, and political matters are interdependent with the informational instruments cutting across the other three.

• Strategic operations use all instruments of power in peace and war to achieve a country’s national security strategy goals through attacks against the enemy’s strategic centers of gravity.
• Regional operations include conventional, force-on-force military operations against overmatched opponents, such as regional adversaries and internal threats.
• 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.
• Adaptive operations preserve the country’s power and apply it in adaptive ways against opponents that overmatch the country’s military.

Donovian Military Installations in the Arctic, and the Northern Sea Route (NSR)

The Donovian leadership views the Arctic as critical to national security. This priority then requires advanced naval, air, and ground forces in the region. Donovia has made aggressive moves militarily in the Arctic in the past few years. This includes:

• Formation of the Northern Fleet Operational Strategic Command (OSK-NF) in December 2014 to coordinate Donovia’s renewed interest in the Arctic.
• Constructing four new military bases with long-range radars.
• Construction of the world’s farthest north military installation. Known as the Arctic Trefoil, it is the world’s only permanent structure built at 80 degrees north of the Equator.
• Installing a new anti-aircraft complex, Tor-M2DT, designed specifically for Arctic conditions. Activation of Arctic-specific brigade tactical groups.
• Activation of the 200th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, based in Pechenga, Murmansk Oblast. This unit has a traditional force structure. Its primary mission in protection of the Northern Fleet’s ports and airfields.
• Activation of the 80th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, based in Alakurtti, Kandalakshsky District of Murmansk Oblast. The 80th can be used for the same protection missions as the 200th but is organized differently. It is more lightly equipped than conventional motorized rifle units. It does not have a tank battalion, and its rifle battalions are mounted on Mashina Transportnaya Legkaya Boyevaya (MTLB) tracked armored personnel carrier (APCs) which have good mobility over snow and tundra. (See the Worldwide Equipment Guide for detailed information) The brigade is not trained for forced entry operations, but for extended operations in austere areas.

Along with the two Arctic brigade tactical groups and a naval infantry brigade stationed there, Donovian Special Purpose Forces (SPF) train at these locations routinely. Old Warsaw Pact-era bases above the Arctic Circle have been reopened and upgraded. These provide a consistent military presence along the Northern Sea Route.

National Security Strategy

Although Ariana, Atropia, Donovia, Gorgas, and Limaria may refer 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.

Each country’s strategy typically starts with actions directed at a regional opponent that the government over matches in conventional military power, as well as other instruments of power. If possible, each government will attempt to achieve its ends without armed conflict. Accordingly, these governments do not limit strategic operations to military means and usually do not begin with armed conflict. They may achieve the desired goal through pressure applied by nonmilitary instruments of power, perhaps by merely threatening to use superior military power against the opponent. These actions fall under the general framework of “strategic operations.”

The government may resort 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 the country to undertake “regional operations” that may include military means. Prior to the initiation of hostilities and throughout the course of armed conflict with its regional opponent, the government will continue to conduct strategic operations to preclude intervention by outside players, other regional neighbors, or an extra-regional power that could overmatch its forces. Such operations, however, always include branches and sequels to deal with the possibility of intervention by an extra-regional power.

Military Forces Overview

Military Strategy

Donovia conducts regional operations in primarily offensive actions. Donovian operations will be joint and include elements from all components in order to reduce the opponent’s capability,  capacity, and will to resist. The Donovian military does not limit its attacks on military and security forces, but seeks opportunities to dominate across the opponent’s collective elements of national power. Donovian strategy seeks to erode any advantage the regional/extra-regional opponent may possess in its ability to contest the country’s national interests. This includes many of the variables of the OE: political, military, economic, social, information, and infrastructure.

Donovia engages in transition operations as a pivotal point between regional and adaptive operations. Flexibility during the transition phase allows Donovian forces to pursue both regional operations and adaptive operations concurrently at least for a limited time. The decision to begin transition operations is not prescriptive, in that it does not necessarily mean that the military will complete the transition from regional to adaptive operations (or vice versa). Transition operations, however, allow the military to pursue a conditions-based strategy leading to an end state that can include any of the strategic COAs mentioned previously.

Donovian forces will conduct adaptive operations if it is deemed that an extra-regional force which intervenes against them contains sufficient power to overmatch the Donovian conventional military power. Donovian military history presents examples of Donovian resolve to fight to the end for a cause it believes in and is celebrated as a key component of the Donovian military tradition. As such, Donovia developed its techniques, organizations, capabilities, and strategy to deal with both regional and extra-regional opponents. Donovia already knows how it will adapt to these new and changing threats and adjusts its methods accordingly.

The Donovian armed forces will engage in a wide range of activities short of war to ensure stability in the region and to pursue their national interests. Besides military operations, Donovian political and defense officials can mount a number of strategic operations designed to undermine confidence  in the opponent’s support and to establish Donovian policy as the best alternative to a potential conflict. Examples of these short-of-war actions may include:

• Perception Management: Strategic communications designed to influence domestic and international audiences will be used to Donovia’s advantage. An example is to deceive by disseminating half-truths on important issues in order to cloud the distinction between fact and fiction.
• Information Attack: This activity is especially effective against financial institutions, media outlets, and telecommunications companies.
• Economic Warfare: This activity includes bans, blockades, and boycotts against goods, transportation, freight, currencies, and visas. One element of economic warfare is computer warfare, performed by hacking financial systems for the purpose of manipulating and exploiting industrial information.

Northern Fleet Operational Strategic Command (OSK-NF) was formed in December 2014 to coordinate Donovia’s renewed emphasis in the Arctic. Since that time, Donovia has gradually strengthening their presence by creating new units, refurbishing old airfields and infrastructure, and creating new bases to support small military and civilian contingents. There is also a concerted effort to establish a network of air defense and coastal missile systems, early warning radars, rescue centers, and a variety of sensors to improve Donovia’s ability to secure their new more accessible border. To facilitate this process, Donovia is developing multiple Arctic-specific variants of common military equipment such as helicopters and air defense systems. OSK-NF has subordinate navy, air, and ground forces. The new command is the fifth Operational Strategic Command but is not considered a fifth military district. For more information on an Operational Strategic Command, see Technical Circular 7-100.4, Hybrid Threat Force Structure Organization Guide, June 2015.

Donovian Military Forces Disposition

Army Overview

The AFS of Donovia’s ground forces manages a combination of armored, mechanized, and light infantry forces in peacetime. The AFS regional-level commands have standard organizational structures based on three military districts: Southern, Western, and Eastern (as depicted in the order of battle). These AFS organizations normally differ from the Donovian wartime fighting force structure.

Three armies compose the regular ground forces, with elements from other services in specialized or support roles. The ground forces possess the specific functions of military offensive and defensive capabilities in legitimate service to the state. Traditional missions of the Donovian ground forces are designed to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

• Defeat an adversary’s ground forces
• Destroy an adversary’s war-making capacity
• Seize or retain territory
• Maintain stability both internally and regionally

Other functions of regular military forces can include a wide range of stability and support missions in concert with Donovia’s policies and programs. These can include national disaster response, or assistance to republic or district governments to counter lawlessness, riot, or insurrection.

The ground forces include tank, mechanized infantry, motorized infantry, and a significant number of airborne and special purpose forces (ground forces SPF). The ground forces field both rocket and tube artillery to support ground operations. The ground forces also have some long-range rockets and surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs). Fire support capability includes attack helicopters. The ground forces possess large numbers of shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), while mobile air defense units provide additional support. Donovia also fields a robust all-arms air defense capability at all levels.

Maneuver divisions and brigades are designed as the basis for forming either a division tactical group (DTG) or a brigade tactical group (BTG), if necessary. However, a brigade, with or without becoming a BTG, can fight as part of a division or DTG, or as a separate unit in an operational strategic command (OSC).

Donovian Ground Forces

Army Size and Structure

Donovia maintains a large army, with approximately 600,000 personnel between the active duty and reserve units. Donovia is one of the last modern countries using conscripts to maintain troop strength.  Annually, approximately  795,500  people reach  eligibility  for one  year  of   compulsory

service. The number of conscripts that enter service continues to decline and now only makes up about 25% of new recruits. An increasing number of volunteers or contract soldiers now join the military  for three-year enlistments, but the recruits’ quality pales when compared with Western volunteer soldiers.  The Ground Forces Command serves as a force provider to the military district commands.

Typical Military District (AFS)

The AFS  consists of the aggregate of various military headquarters, facilities, and installations designed to man, train, and equip the Donovian military. The Ground Forces Command normally groups its forces into armies, divisions, or brigades for administrative purposes within three geographical commands designated as military districts. The AFS is structured to easily transform military districts into theater or operational-strategic commands (OSCs) for combat and can be task-organized with additional assets from throughout the military, including reserve personnel.

The maneuver brigade serves as the Donovian military’s basic combined arms unit. In the AFS, some maneuver brigades find themselves constituent, or organic, to the base structure, such as divisions. The NCA calls them divisional brigades. The Ground Forces, however, organize some units as separate brigades, designed to possess greater ability to accomplish independent missions without further allocation of forces from a higher tactical-level headquarters. Separate brigades possess some subordinate units that contain the same force structure as a divisional brigade of the same type (for example, the headquarters); some units that are especially tailored to the needs of a separate brigade, marked “(Sep)” in the organizational directories; and some that are the same as units of this type found at division level, marked “(Div.).”

Donovia designs its maneuver brigades to serve as the basis to form a brigade tactical group (BTG) if necessary. A brigade, separate or as part of a BTG, can fight as part of a division, division tactical group (DTG), a separate unit in an operational-strategic command (OSC), an organization of the AFS (such as army, corps, or military district), or as part of a field group (FG). (For additional information, see TC 7-100.2, Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control.)

The Donovian district-level commands maintain standard organizational structures (as depicted in the AFS order of battle). Normally these administrative groupings differ from Donovia’s go-to-war (fighting) force structure. If the SHC elects to create more than one theater headquarters, however, it may allocate parts of the AFS to each of the theaters, normally along geographic lines. Other parts of the AFS consist of assets centrally controlled at the national level such as the strategic force, SPF command, and the internal security forces. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 3, Offense.)

The Army provides ground forces for OSK-NF, primarily based on the Kola Peninsula. Their purpose is to serve as a blocking force against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces. The 61st Naval Infantry Brigade (subordinate to the Navy) and the 200th Motorized Rifle Brigade are the main maneuver units along with the newly formed 80th Motorized Rifle Brigade. To oversee the 200th and 80th, Donovia established 14th Army Corps in April 2017. The naval infantry, however, is not subordinate to the new corps and remains subordinate to the fleet commander. Beyond these three brigades and a small company sized unit known as the 99th Arctic Tactical Group, there are no other ground forces in OSK-NF. If a threat were present that required a quick response, Donovia would rely on external airborne forces (VDV) to serve as a quick reaction force.

The 99th Arctic Tactical Group formed in 2014 on Kotelnyy Island. The mixed unit is organized with engineers, support personnel, security personnel, and crews for local tactical air defense and coastal defense missile systems. This unit will be the model that will be replicated at other Arctic islands where Donovian military presence is needed in the future.

Future ground force initiatives for OSK-NF include:

• A coastal defense division is planned for the Chukota region. The unit reportedly is already funded and planning is underway to determine the number of battalions needed to patrol the coastline.

• Deployment of SA-21a battalions to provide air-defense coverage across the Arctic.
• Creation of a new air defense division in the Arctic.

Army Doctrine and Tactics

The Donovian ground forces assume the distinct possibility of intervention by a major extra-regional power in any regional conflict. Consequently, they will apply the following principles against any extra-regional threat:

• Control access into the region
• Employ operational shielding
• Control the tempo
• Cause politically unacceptable casualties to the enemy
• Neutralize technological overmatch

The Donovian ground forces’ and other troops’ primary tasks in wartime are to defeat aggression against Donovia and its allies. In order to defeat any opponent seen as a threat to the stability of the region, the ground forces use adaptive resistance and pursue objectives designed to force the enemy to cease hostilities on Donovian terms. Pursuit of comprehensive military objectives will bring to bear the full capabilities of the Donovian military across all elements of the operational  environment.

At all levels of command, this doctrine provides the basis for Donovian policy against regional and extra-regional forces that represent a theoretical threat. Adaptive resistance also includes operations designed to combat drivers of instability such as rogue regimes, non-state terrorist organizations, and various criminal elements. The Donovian ground forces pursue an integrated combined arms approach to operations that relies on speed, surprise, and momentum; force and firepower; maneuverability, agility, and minimal footprint; and dynamic coordination carried out across all domains of the battlefield.

Traditionally, the Donovian ground forces design themselves to respond to crises through the policy of mass mobility, whereby the government mobilizes many large divisions and regiments to deal  with a threat. The division remains the main organizational construct for the Donovian ground forces, but requirements to reduce the number of personnel in the Donovian military caused officials to reassess these principles. Recent Donovian military reforms generated the development of small, rapidly-deployable brigade-size elements designed to limit the number of personnel and assets through more effective and flexible deployment.

Advances in new technology and conventional firepower technology allow numerically small forces to inflict the same military effects against an opponent as larger forces previously caused. While many regard these changes as positive in terms of military capability and reduced bureaucratic overhead, others regard the former brigade/divisional structure as superior.

The Donovian ground forces organize the battlefield in such a way that they can rapidly transition between offensive and defensive operations and between linear and nonlinear operations. This flexibility can help the military adapt and change the nature of the conflict to something for which the enemy is not prepared. One of the most lethal aspects of Donovian ground forces is the ability of components to transition into various forms. For example, special purpose forces can change uniforms and insignia and other indicators of status to mask their capabilities and intentions while they successfully adapt to a variety of situations. Another example is the ability to rapidly task- organize units to maximize mission effectiveness.

Donovian forces often exploit the difficulties of positive identification of an enemy’s appearance and intent. The Donovian forces will intentionally disguise themselves to appear similar to enemy forces or neutral actors. Donovian troops may present themselves in many ways, but will always maintain the ability to mass at the time and place of their choosing.

The Donovian military is expert at organizing for mission success and in the use of deception. It is very adept at determining the appropriate composition of its combat organization. It is common for Donovian forces to shift between performing regular and irregular military operations. At some times, uniformed military forces can best perform the functions while at other times irregular forces may perform the action best. Both types of forces will often act together.

Southern Donovian Army

The Donovian ground forces leadership recognizes the complexity of the modern battlefield. This will often lead to situations where part of the military may operate most effectively in a linear fashion, while other parts may need to conduct nonlinear operations. The Donovian military understands what constitutes a linear or nonlinear battlefield based on general military theory accepted by many countries’ armed forces. Battlefield geometry contains two dimensions: the relationship  of units to each other, the enemy, and their support base; and the expected effects of that relationship. (For more information on tactics, see TC 7- 100.2: Opposing Force Tactics.)

Donovia sees offensive operations of combat and the ultimate means of imposing its will on the enemy. While conditions at a particular time or place may require Donovia to defend, defeating an enemy force ultimately requires shifting to the offense. Even within the context of defense, victory normally requires offensive action. Therefore, Donovian commanders at all levels seek to create and exploit opportunities to take offensive action, whenever possible.

The aim of offense at the tactical level is to achieve the tactical mission in support of an operation. A tactical command ensures that its subordinate commands thoroughly understand both the overall goals of the operation and the specific purpose of a particular mission they are about to execute. In this way, subordinate commands may continue to execute the mission without direct control by a higher headquarters, if necessary.

Army Training and Readiness

The Donovian military fields a well-trained and professional army with a 98% operational readiness rate, which is considerably higher than most other countries worldwide. The average individual in the Donovian military falls into one of four distinct groups: conscripts, contract troops, noncommissioned officers (NCOs), and officers. Both the enlisted and officers in the Donovian military attend professional development schools that start from the time they begin service and follow them throughout their careers.

Arctic units regardless of service train on the same basic skills as units in other regions; ranging from driver training, to weapons proficiency, deploying from garrison locations, air defense drills, and participating in joint operations to name a few. Where training differs is in the requirement to operate in extreme cold weather environments. Cold weather training and specialized equipment is unique to the OSK-NF training regimen. Arctic soldiers undergo specialty training, such as learning how to fight on skis, use reindeer and dog sleds, and build ice shelters.

Army Arctic Training

There is also a concerted effort to train in search and rescue. Donovia openly works with other Arctic nations to improve search and rescue (SAR) capabilities. ) In September, 2017, five Arctic countries tested a joint search and rescue communications system that was developed by Donovia.

Army Equipment and Weapons

Donovian military equipment and weapons reflect primarily tier 1 capabilities, but the military forces also possess random tier 2 capabilities throughout the force structure. The Donovian military can operate in all terrain types and can conduct 24-hour operations. (For further information see Section 4: Appendix C or the WEG: Vol. 1, Chapter 1, OPFOR Tier Tables.)

Naval Forces Overview

Donovian Navy

The Navy Command serves as a force provider to Donovia. Its area of responsibility includes the Black and Azov Seas on the western side of the country and the Caspian Sea to the east. The Donovian West Fleet in the Black Sea is the most modern and the strongest regional naval force.

The Donovian Navy maintains  a regional force-projection navy with significant access-control capability built on surface combatants, submarines, surface- and ground-based anti- ship missile units, and anti- ship mines. The Navy also possesses an amphibious capability along with its naval infantry division. Together they are capable of forced entry operations against any regional opponent. The Navy also fields organic SPF.

Navy Size and Structure

The Donovian Navy consists primarily of its Naval Headquarters, a West Fleet, an East Fleet, a Northern Fleet, a Naval Infantry Division, the 61st Naval Infantry Brigade, several modern and well-developed port facilities, and organizations providing support to the fleets. The Naval Headquarters is based out of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and is collocated with the Headquarters of the West Fleet. The Headquarters of the East Fleet is based on the Caspian Sea at Makhachkala. (See the OB at the end of this country’s variable.)

Naval Bases, Shipyards, and Spent Fuel Storage Sites Operated by the Northern Fleet

Donovia’s Northern Fleet is its naval force based in the Arctic and two-thirds of Donovia's total naval power. The Northern Fleet's headquarters and main base are located in Severomorsk, Murmansk Oblast. Today, the Northern Fleet is the basis of the recently established Joint Strategic Command Northern Fleet which includes all Donovian armed forces located in the Murmansk Oblast and Arkhangelsk Oblast, and on Donovia's offshore islands along its northern coast. The fleet consists of 38 warships and 42 submarines based in Polyarnyy, Olenya Bay, Gadzhiyevo (Yagelnaya/Sayda), Vidyayevo (Ura Bay and Ara Bay), Bolshaya Lopatka (Litsa Guba), and Gremikha. The Northern Fleet also has its own aviation forces (fighters and anti-submarine helicopters), naval infantry, and coastal missiles and artillery troops.

Navy Doctrine and Tactics

The Donovian Navy operates in support of the ground forces. The Donovian Navy missions include:

• Mine laying, particularly in narrow channels and coastal areas
• Insertion/extraction of SPF
• Naval gun fire support
• Defensive patrolling of coastal areas
• Counterdrug search and seizure
• Anti-smuggling and piracy operations

Navy Training and Readiness

The navy maintains an educated, well-trained, and highly motivated force with a 95% operational readiness rate. It conducts training year-round at the fleet level and participates in two semi-annual joint training events. Bi-annually it participates in international training to repel extra-regional forces.

A signature event for the Northern Fleet since 2012 is an annual deployment that takes place between August and October. The Northern Fleet sends a task group along the Northern Sea Route that often includes onboard ground forces. The task group conducts numerous tasks such as troop landings, gun and missile firings, and delivering supplies to remote bases. This exercise reinforces the perception that Donovia regularly and successfully conducts combat operations in the Arctic.

Navy Equipment and Weapons

The Donovian navy’s equipment and weapons consist primarily of tier 1, modern competitive  military systems capability (with some tier 2 elements) throughout the navy’s force structure. This equipment allows the Donovian navy to conduct sustained all-weather, day/night operations. (See Section 4: Appendix C or the WEG: Vol. 3, Naval and Littoral Systems.)

Air Force Overview

Donovian Air Force

The air force, like the navy, primarily supports the ground forces in a combined operations role. Each of the military districts is assigned an air force division in order to reduce the delay of waiting for aviation support from higher headquarters. The Donovian Air Force operates a number of different aircraft to include fighters, bombers, tactical transport, tankers, airborne early warning aircraft, electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and auxiliaries that can support a variety of different missions. The national-level air defense command (ADC) is subordinate to the air force. The ADC provides a modern integrated air defense system (IADS) throughout the country. Similar to other services, the air force fields its own organic air force SPF.

An air division can have fixed-wing aviation regiments of fighter, fighter-bomber, bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and possibly regiments of ground-attack or airborne jamming aircraft. It can also include medium transport, heavy transport, and air ambulance helicopters, and a heli-borne jamming squadron.

Air Force Size and Structure

The Donovian air force maintains the largest, best-equipped, and best-trained air force in the region. Most fixed-wing assets belong to the air force, while some of the rotary-wing aircraft also belong to the army. The capabilities of the air force’s fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft far exceed those of its neighbors, allowing Donovia to generate regional air superiority in any localized combat operations.

The Donovian air force structures its units as regional divisions, regiments, and squadrons under the control of the military districts. This structure provides timely and effective use of assets at all levels of combat, from the strategic campaign to the tactical ground maneuver plan.

As with the ground forces, the administrative force structure is a system in peacetime that mans, trains, and equips units to deploy for war. In times of conflict, the air force’s peacetime divisions may be utilized in whole or may be parceled to provide units to a theater- or operational-level command. (See Section 4: Appendix C.)

Southern Air Division

Air Force Doctrine and Tactics

As air and ground forces are introduced into an area of operations, the air forces (primarily the regional air divisions) must concentrate missions to gain airspace control. This is determined by the operational situation and the number of aircraft dedicated to the attainment of air superiority versus support of ground forces. In many cases, additional support is required by the national level air force assets.

Initially, most air division assets conduct strategic- and operational-level missions. Examples of these higher-level missions are strategic bombing, long-range fire strikes, counter air, air inter- diction, theater air reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and CBRN delivery.

Early operational and tactical aviation missions (such as air interdiction, air strikes, and ground missions including attacks on enemy airfields, or defense of friendly airfields) allow Donovian forces to attain air superiority from the outset. The airspace condition dictates aircraft employment throughout the theater of operations at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels.

Since aviation assets are only found at the operational levels of the force, Donovia will reinforce tactical maneuver units by allocating aviation assets, either through attachment or assignment as supporting aviation. An attached aviation unit is under the control of the maneuver unit  commander; an aviation unit assigned to support a maneuver force remains subordinate to its parent squadron or regiment but carries out missions in support of the maneuver commander.

The Donovian Air Force has the following capabilities:

• Fighter aviation
• Bomber aviation
• Reconnaissance aviation
• In-air refueling
• Mixed aviation (fixed- and rotary-wing)
• Long-range fixed- and rotary-wing transport
• Heliborne jamming
• Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) under Air Defense Command

Donovian air divisions contain:

• Fighter-bombers
• Combat helicopters
• Fighter-interceptors
• Fixed- and rotary-wing transport
• Ground-attack aviation
• Airborne jamming aviation
• Air ambulance

Air Force Training and Readiness

The operational readiness rate (OR rate), or “ready to fly rate,” refers to the capability of a unit, equipment, or weapon system to perform the mission or function for which it was organized or designed. Factors such as on-hand major-end items, spare part availability, scheduled aircraft maintenance, logistical and resupply procedures, transportation capabilities, and aircraft cannibalization and/or transfer procedures are considered. Initially, an OR rate in excess of 85 to 90 percent is considered normal. As hostilities continue, this rate can diminish considerably.

The Donovian air force trains its personnel for a variety of combat and combat support missions. The air force strives to maintain an 88% equipment OR rate. The air force fields a well-trained and  highly motivated force with an OR rate estimated at around 88%. The air force maintains maintenance and launch facilities, early warning and C2 sites, and ground-based air defense sites throughout Donovia and has the capability to expedite these capabilities when required. (See Section 4: Appendix C and FM 7-100.4, Opposing Force Organization Guide.)

Air Force Equipment and Weapons

The Donovian air force has largely tier 1 level equipment and aircraft (with some tier 2 elements) to meet mission requirements. It also possesses the potential for niche and emerging technologies. The Donovian  air force  fields  domestically manufactured  advanced  aircraft including long-range bombers, intercept/fighters, and multi-role aircraft. These capabilities allow Donovia to project power both regionally and globally.

Although these elements are not normally found at the tactical level, they are often tasked to provide support to ground force divisions. The primary function for tactical aviation is to provide continuous fire support to ground forces by serving as “flying artillery” and to quickly respond 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. The fixed-wing assets available to the ground commander are found at the military district level in the administrative force structure. However, the majority of aerial support that the ground commander receives is in the form of helicopters at the army level in the combat aviation brigades. (See Section 4: Appendix C or the WEG: Vol 2: Airspace and Air Defense Systems.)

Strategic Forces

Donovian Strategic Forces

In addition to the ground forces, navy, and air forces, Donovia has a Strategic Forces Command that provides strategic-level functional capabilities.

Government Paramilitary Forces

The police, border patrol, militia, and internal security brigades constitute the majority of Donovian paramilitary forces. All of these forces are tasked with keeping the peace within Donovian borders. The State Security Directorate operates throughout Donovia in peacetime. Many of these elements operate as paramilitary units equipped for combat. They include border guard forces, national security forces, and special purpose forces. Together with the regular armed forces, they maintain control over the population in peace and war.

In wartime, some or all of the Ministry of the Interior’s (MOI) internal security forces become subordinate to the SHC. Thus, they become the armed forces’ sixth service component. At that time, the formal designation “internal security forces” applies to all MOI forces subordinated to the SHC, which with the general staff controls and supervises their activities. The most likely forces subordinated to the SHC will come from the Security Directorate, the General Police Directorate, or the Civil Defense Directorate.

Internal Security Forces

The internal security brigades, subordinate to the State Security Directorate, are tasked with keeping the peace within the Donovian borders and often work directly with the General Police Directorate. They also provide security and assistance during catastrophic events. In peacetime, an internal security brigade is directly subordinate to each military district. These brigades are not permanently assigned, but rather rotate in and out of the military district structure as needed. The Donovian government also maintains control of the internal security forces to deal with various internal threats to the regime. In peacetime, the chief of internal security heads the forces within the MOI. Most of the internal security forces wear uniforms and use military ranks and insignia similar to those of the Donovian military forces. The Donovian military districts field an internal security brigade, which consists of approximately 7,721 personnel. This number includes between three and four internal security battalions and intelligence assets.

The border guard forces consist of a professional cadre of officers and NCOs supplemented by conscripts and civilian auxiliaries. In wartime, the SHC/military may assign border guard forces to guard a newly gained territory or to conduct actions against the enemy. These constitute a paramilitary force of personnel trained in counterterrorism and border security.

Donovian Coast Guard (DCG). The DCG is a component of the Donovian Border Guard (DBG). According to open-source reporting, the DCG operates around 300 vessels stationed in diverse operating areas, including the Baltic Sea, Arctic Ocean, Black Sea, Amur River, Caspian Sea, and the Pacific Coast. There currently are only a small number of DCG vessels operating in the Arctic even after the opening of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The limited presence is due to a combination of poor planning and lack of funds with which to construct new vessels.

In 2016, DCG took over maritime law enforcement on the NSR from the Fisheries Agency, Transport Control Agency, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), and local courts.

In December 2016, the new high endurance cutter POLYARNAYA ZVEZDA (POLAR STAR) was commissioned. It is the first Donovian vessel in 27 years built specifically for DCG missions. After successful tests in the Baltic in early 2017, the ship arrived at its homeport in Murmansk and now uses its ice-strengthened hull to carry out patrols along the NSR. Keels for two additional ships were laid in June 2015 and April 2017.

Donovian Internal Security Forces

The internal security brigades organize themselves along military lines and usually equip their personnel with light weapons. Sometimes, the internal security brigades may use heavy weapons  and operate from armored vehicles. The internal security brigades conduct liaison with other  internal security forces and with other services of the armed forces and may combine with them to conduct certain actions.

An operational-level command of the Donovian armed forces may include one or more internal security brigades to augment its military capability. This type of brigade not only increases the military combat power, but also offers a very effective and experienced force to control the local population. Security battalions, companies, and platoons operate similarly to equivalent regular army units.

The State Security Directorate maintains its SPF units as a strategic reserve for emergency use in any  part of the country or even outside of the country’s borders. The commando-type SPF forces can conduct covert missions in support of other internal security forces or regular military forces. SPF activities may include the formation and training of an insurgent force in a neighboring country. In wartime, the SHC may use them to secure occupied territory or to operate as combat troops in conjunction with other services of the armed forces.

Reserves and Militia

Although all six Donovian military services can field some reserve forces, most reserve forces support the army. All militia forces belong to the army component. Overall planning and responsibility for reserve and militia mobilization belong to the Ground Forces Command. Each service component headquarters maintains a similar function responsible for mobilization of forces within that service. In peacetime the military districts provide the framework for mobilization of reserve and militia forces, in response to tasking from the Ministry of Defense.

Non-State Paramilitary Forces

Insurgent/Guerrilla Forces

One insurgent group that operates in southern Donovia and northern Atropia is the Bilasuvar Freedom Brigade (BFB). The Donovian government supports this group as its intent is not to overthrow the Donovian government, but the current Atropian government. Donovia’s support for the BFB creates political tension between the countries. While the BFB may sometimes attack Atropian government representatives, it primarily wages an INFOWAR campaign against the Atropian government. Donovia provides sanctuary to the BFB where it can return if the Atropian government tries to eliminate it as a threat.

There are a number of smaller anti-government groups that tend to remain underground due to potential backlash from government forces. Attacks or violence tend to be minimal and, unless these groups were to join forces, they will remain an insignificant threat to the Donovian government. None of the groups has more than 50 individuals, and the names of these groups change randomly as members come and go.

There are two violent extremist splinter groups that is primarily found in Atropia, but their areas of operation also encompasses part of southern Donovia. The first of these is called The True Believers (TTB). TTB is a Sunni-based group of about 5,000 members whose primary goal is the transformation or elimination of any Muslims of the Shia faith, and eventually a worldwide Islamic Caliphate. TTB believes that slow and steady wins the race and tends to attempt to convert all Muslims to its brand of Islam by face-to-face conversations. The group refuses to work with any group that does not believe as it does. TTB is doctrinally opposed to both the Atropian and Arianian governments because the majority of the countries’ residents are of the Shia faith. The group only tolerates Donovia because the country is primarily Sunni. TTB does not generally work outside its area of operation, which is basically a quadrilateral from Makhachkala, Donovia, to Balakan, Atropia, to Lankaran, Atropia, to Baku, Atropia, and then back to Makhachkala. The group tends to start in the rural areas, slowly converting others to its variant of Islam and hiding in small villages in northern Atropia or in hideouts in the forested mountains in that part of the country. While TTB may attack Atropian government officials, it also clashes with Shia or other civilian nonbelievers unless they convert to the Sunni faith. TTB is very scattered, with small separate cells operating all over the area, and it may appear that there is not much structure to the group. The group uses primarily small arms, as it suffers from a dearth of heavy weapons. Most of its small arms come from the black market and are tier 3 or 4 at best. TTB seeks to intimidate any of the Shia faith so they will convert, and when the group senses weakness it will take control of a village or area. If that area has oil, TTB will sell it on the black market. There is no open relationship between Donovia and TTB, but there are some politicians in the Donovian government who believe in the aims of the group. Due to working primarily in rural areas, the group seldom uses the Internet in its INFOWAR campaign, but focuses on methods that do not use electronics—such as executions—as a means to get its point across to the other residents.

The second group is One Right Path (ORP), which is a violent extremist splinter group of about 5,000 active members whose goal is the establishment of a regional Islamic Caliphate. ORP practices a variant of the Shia faith and is aggressively expanding its territorial control by taking key cities and oil reserves in southeastern Atropia. While the group may operate anywhere in the region, the primary area is a quadrilateral from Astara, Atropia, to Yerevan, Limaria, to Tbilisi, Gorgas, to Mamedkala, Donovia, and then back to Astara. ORP wants to overthrow the Atropian government and wants to limit any influence in Atropia by Donovia. While there are rumors of some sort of association with Ariana, there is nothing confirmed by any authority? Ariana does not want to be publicly associated with ORP. The group tends to operate in Atropian cities with support from local Shia and is very organized, with a highly structured chain of command. In cities that have underground passageways, the group will often meet in them or use them to move clandestinely around the city. ORP assassinates Atropian government officials and ambushes small military/police formations that it can easily overcome. The group tends to finance itself by taking control of oil-rich areas and selling the products on the black market. Its weapons tend to come from the black market, stolen from the Atropian military or police, or possibly supplied by Ariana. ORP is a very effective user of modern INFOWAR techniques, including perception management and deception. The group uses the Internet to both finance its cause and to recruit new members. ORP often infiltrates its members over the Arianian/Atropian border in small numbers, usually less than five individuals. They sometimes will link up with other ORP members, but at other times will form their own cell. The cells will operate independently or, in some instances, some of the cells may join together to conduct larger operations.

There are other insurgent/guerrilla groups in Donovia beside the ones listed in the threat actors’ orders of battle.

Criminal Organizations

There is growing concern with regard to national and transnational criminal organizations within Donovia. There are a number of criminal groups that operate as gangs, networks, or transnational criminal organizations. Reports indicate a number of entities dealing in the weapons and drug trade. Reports also indicate the presence of SPF and elements of Donovian intelligence related to black market operations, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and weapons trade. The Al Iksir Cartel, a local criminal gang, operates primarily in southern Donovia and northern Atropia. (For additional information, see TC 7-100.3, Chapter 4, for details on the structure of these groups.)

Criminal organizations, such as the Saints of Cognitio (SoC), are known to employ a broad spectrum of INFOWAR activities throughout the tri-country area of Ariana, Atropia, and Donovia. The SoC, while known to be ethically focused, is not averse to alliances with other threat actors, especially when it comes to raising revenue and mutual adversaries.

Three phony social and labor organizations are representative of the criminal activity rampant throughout Donovia. Foremost among these groups is the Pan-Donovian Law Enforcement Brotherhood. Publicly this group purports to champion charitable causes as a means of cementing partnerships between police organizations and their respective local communities. In reality it is a national network that ensures citizens remain willing to bribe police officials in order to avoid harassment, arrest, incarceration, and physical abuse. Another important phony organization present in Donovia is the National Inter-Business Cooperative. Although this organization’s written charter suggests nothing more sinister than a Donovian version of the Chamber of Commerce, its members are often steeped in government-corporate corruption (typically involving bribes to avoid taxes), extortion, and almost universal corporate espionage. Finally, the Pan-Caucasus Miner’s League has less to do with improving the lot of downtrodden miners than facilitating wildcat mining that pays slave wages under atrocious working conditions. The League has been thoroughly infiltrated by the Donovian mafia, which is notorious for smuggling, extortion, and extra-legal mining, hydrocarbon, and timber operations. For this reason, many in Donovia view the Miners’ League as little more than an extension of the mafia.

There are other criminal organizations in Donovia beside the ones listed in the threat actors’ orders of battle.

Private Security Organizations

Numerous private security firms help guard the Donovian hydrocarbon infrastructure and maintain loose ties to the Donovian military.

Foreign Military Presence

There are no permanently stationed foreign military in Donovia. There are small military forces at each embassy for self-defense. In addition, some countries send officers and non-commissioned officers to Donovian military schools, and the Donovian military occasionally hosts exercises in which other countries participate.

Nonmilitary Armed Combatants

Most nonmilitary armed combatants (insurgent forces, guerrilla forces, criminal organizations, and private security organizations) in Donovia range from predominately neutral to predominately hostile in their view of the US. Most Donovians view US activity in the Caucasus negatively as they feel that as the most powerful state in the region, their country should take the lead role in influencing events in the other countries in the area.

Military Functions

A military function is a group of related tasks, activities, capabilities, operations, processes, and organizations that fulfill the specific military purpose for which they all exist. When integrated with other such functions, they contribute to the accomplishment of larger missions.

Joint Capabilities

Donovia and its armed forces may act independently or as part of a multinational alliance or coalition, and may engage in regular, irregular, or hybrid warfare. When conducting hybrid warfare, Donovia’s regular forces will act in concert with irregular forces and/or criminal elements to achieve mutually benefitting effects. In such cases, the national-level strategy, operational designs, and courses of action of the Donovian military constitute a wide range of capabilities and motives.

Command and Control

Central to the Donovian military’s command and control (C2) system is the assumption that all modern communications remain susceptible to attack and/or monitoring by the enemy. Accordingly, the Donovian military operates from the view that centralized planning defines the means for assuring both command (establishing the aim) and control (sustaining the aim), leading to strategic and operational directions. Necessarily, then, Donovia relies on the loyalty of its forces and accords far-ranging authority to act within the aim while foregoing rigorous control as both unproductive  and unlikely in the modern environment.

Donovia defines command and control as the actions of commanders, command groups, and staffs of military headquarters to maintain continual combat readiness and combat efficiency of forces, to  plan and prepare for combat operations, and to provide leadership and direction during the execution of assigned missions. Donovia’s tactical C2 concept is based on the following key principles: (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control.)

• Mission tactics
• Flexibility through battle drill
• Accounting for mission dynamics

Donovian military battalions are characterized by headquarters composed of a command section including the commander, deputy commander, and a small staff element. It also includes a staff section with the chief of staff and the remainder of the battalion staff. The battalion staff consists of the operations officer, the assistant operations officer, the intelligence officer, and the resources officer. The signal platoon leader also serves as the battalion communications officer, the reconnaissance platoon leader acts as the chief of reconnaissance, while the materiel support platoon leader serves as the battalion resources officer. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control.)

C2 at the tactical level of command is designed with emphasis on survivability through mobility, redundancy, and security. Command posts (CPs) and procedures are streamlined at the operational level, and great reliance is placed on the use of common procedures for important recurring tactical tasks. (For information on command and support relationships, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control.)

Maneuver

The Donovian military has a robust capability to conduct combined arms operations; the basic combined arms unit is the maneuver brigade. In the administrative force structure, maneuver brigades are typically constituent to divisions, referred to as divisional brigades. However, some are organized as separate brigades, designed to have greater ability to accomplish independent missions without further allocation of forces from higher-level tactical headquarters.

The Donovian military views the offensive as the decisive form of operations and the ultimate means to impose its will on the enemy. While conditions at a particular time or place may require the Donovian military forces to defend, defeat of an enemy force ultimately requires offensive operations. Even within the context of defense, Donovian doctrine believes tactical victory normally requires offensive action. Whenever possible, Donovian commanders at all levels seek to create and exploit opportunities to take offensive action. In the context of strategic or operational levels of war, offensive operations are often “conventional” in nature. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 3, Offense.)

Air Defense

The Donovian Air Defense Command (ADC) is subordinate to the air force, which provides air defense coverage for Donovian units. It also supports combined arms combat by the comprehensive integration of a large number and variety of weapons and associated equipment into an effective, redundant air defense system. Employment of this system pursues the basic objectives of air defense by employing certain concepts and principles. This is best accomplished by establishing an integrated air defense system (IADS). Air defense weapons and surveillance systems at all levels of command are part of an IADS. This ability provides a continuous, unbroken (usually overlapping) umbrella of air defense coverage and presents a significant threat to any potential  enemy air activity.

Donovia recognizes that air defense is an all-arms effort. Thus, all ground units possess some type of organic air defense capability to differing degrees, depending on the type and size of the unit. The ADC continuously looks for new and adaptive ways to employ not only air defense systems but also systems not traditionally associated with air defense. Many weapons not designed as air defense weapons will also damage and/or destroy tactical aircraft when within range.

Throughout maneuver units, there are a number of systems designed for air defense and other systems that can be used in an air defense role. The heavy antiaircraft machine guns on tanks are specifically designed for air defense. Machine Guns on armored personnel carriers and automatic cannon on infantry fighting vehicles can engage both ground and air targets. Most antitank guided missiles (ATGMs) are extremely effective against low-flying helicopters. Several ATGM manufacturers offer anti-helicopter missiles and compatible fire control, which are especially effective against low-flying rotary-wing aircraft. Field artillery and small arms can also be integral parts of the air defense scheme. All these weapons can be extremely lethal when used in this role.

Donovia considers every soldier with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) to be an air defense firing unit. These weapons are readily available at a relatively low cost and are widely proliferated. Therefore, Donovian ground forces are fielding as many MANPADS as they can produce or purchase and issuing them in large numbers to a wide variety of units. The military can also disseminate them to selected affiliated forces. The small size and easy portability of these systems provide the opportunity for ambush of enemy airframes operating in any area near Donovian units. Ground units also employ them to set ambushes for enemy helicopters, especially those on routine logistics missions. (For additional information, see TC 7-100.2, Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 11, Air Defense.)

INFOWAR

Donovia is constantly increasing the levels of technology used in its communications, automation, reconnaissance, and target acquisition systems through three information warfare brigades. In order to ensure the successful use of information technologies and to deny the enemy the advantage afforded by such systems, Donovia has continued to refine its doctrine and capabilities for INFOWAR. (For additional information, see TC 7-100.2, Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare.)

Donovia’s INFOWAR capability is highly developed, can be used to attack a US unit throughout the range of operations, and presents a credible peer-level threat. As the Donovian conventional and nuclear capability receded after the Four Traitors incident, Donovian military theorists looked to INFOWAR to level the conventional disparity between itself and the West and provide a means of national deterrence as an alternative to nuclear weapons. This includes the sophisticated use of information attack, computer warfare, and anti-satellite capabilities. (For additional information, see TC 7-100.2, Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare; TC 7-100.3, Irregular Opposing Forces, Appendix A, Information Warfare; and the Donovian Information variable).

RISTA

Effective Ranges of Donovian Reconnaissance Assets

Donovia believes that reconnaissance is a mission and not a force or unit, so reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) receives high priority throughout its military forces. For the Donovian military, reconnaissance operates as an integrated combined arms effort, not solely the business of reconnaissance troops. Besides reconnaissance units, the Donovian military will use other units for reconnaissance missions as necessary. It will use paramilitary  forces, affiliated forces, and/or friendly civilians to collect information. Reconnaissance and intelligence collection are critical to Donovian military operations. Commanders and planners place significant emphasis on the destruction of enemy precision weapons and on conducting high-speed, continuous combined arms operations throughout the depth of the theater.

Reconnaissance and intelligence collection operates on three distinct levels: strategic, operational, and tactical. These three categories overlap, mutually support, and differ primarily by the level of command and the commander’s area of responsibility (AOR). Commanders require continuous, timely, and accurate intelligence on the enemy, terrain, and meteorological situation. Thus, the Donovian military devotes substantial effort to all forms of reconnaissance. Commanders prefer to confirm their plan only after thorough reconnaissance.

The Donovian military uses six principles to guide its reconnaissance activities: focus; continuity; aggressiveness; timeliness; camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception; and accuracy and reliability. For the greatest likelihood of a successful operation, Donovian military reconnaissance must satisfy all of these principles simultaneously and continuously. Reconnaissance must serve the commander’s needs and focus on elements and objectives critical to the execution of combat operations.

Each level of command, from theater to battalion, develops a comprehensive reconnaissance plan in accordance with the organization’s mission. Reconnaissance resources are always scarce. The commander must carefully define and limit ground reconnaissance objectives and concentrate reconnaissance assets on the critical areas of the battlefield. To use reconnaissance assets effectively, the commander must remain flexible. If the situation changes, the commander must redirect the reconnaissance effort or even alter the plan. The reconnaissance plan must coordinate all available assets into an integrated plan. (For additional information, see TC 7-100.0, Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 8, Reconnaissance.)

Fire Support

The goal of Donovian fire support is to synchronize all available fire support systems to achieve the most effective results, thereby maximizing combat power. Effective fire support enables ground  forces to attack successfully and quickly to exploit weaknesses. Commanders try to accomplish their missions using a combination of maneuver, fires, and INFOWAR.

Donovian fire support doctrine stresses that fire support should combine air assets, surface-to- surface missiles (SSMs), and artillery into an integrated attack against enemy defenses. The combined arms commander always seeks to increase the effectiveness of air and missile strikes and artillery fire to destroy enemy formations, weapon systems, or key components of an enemy combat system. This ensures continuous fire support for maneuver units throughout the AOR.

Donovia believes that fire support must be integrated with INFOWAR. INFOWAR provides a nonlethal alternative or supplement to attack by fire and maneuver. It is integrated into the overall concept of the battle to confuse, deceive, delay, disrupt, disable, and disorganize the enemy at all levels. Fire support can play a role in the physical destruction element of INFOWAR. (For more information, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare.)

The integration of air, artillery, SSM, and nonlethal assets into a unified fire support plan is a major task  for the  combined  arms commander.  Integration is a decisive element, fundamental to the success of any tactical action on the modern battlefield. Donovia does not consider itself to be an artillery-centric force. Rather, it views itself as using various forms of fire support to achieve success during offensive and defensive combat. In the offense, fire support is important to the success of any attack. It can destroy key enemy systems; disrupt, immobilize, or destroy enemy groupings; and  repel counterattacks. Fire support is also the cornerstone of any defense, blunting attacks at the crucial point in the battle. It disrupts enemy preparations for the attack and repels forces. (For more information, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 9, Indirect Fire Support.)

Protection

The Donovian military will attempt to minimize civilian casualties in military operations, either defensive or offensive, but the Donovian military is not casualty-adverse for military or civilian personnel as long as the units complete their objectives. The military does possess a robust infrastructure with air defense assets, engineer, and field artillery (with target acquisition) that should lower the possibility of “friendly fire” and the threat of a regional enemy that is not as technologically advanced. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 12, Engineer Support, and Chapter 7, Information Warfare.)

Logistics

Fundamental to the Donovian military’s logistics concept are the country’s twin notions of total war and all means necessary to win any war. As a consequence, Donovia fully integrates civilian and military components of both its materiel and service industries. Thus, Donovia’s strategic logistics complex includes the national industrial base with its supply points, distribution centers, arsenals, plants, manufacturing facilities, medical support, and personnel support centers. The national industrial base can build everything from small arms to nuclear-capable missiles.

While Donovia possesses the ability to design, produce, and field weapon systems, the country faces some serious qualitative shortcomings in industrial production and integration. The Donovian military plans for its logistics system to provide continuous support to the civilian populace while it simultaneously supports its military forces. Donovia’s national security strategy requires that the military and the entire population be constantly prepared for the sudden outbreak of war or natural disasters. Donovia continues to make major improvements in all aspects of its logistics system, including an increased emphasis on support zone security and plans for stockpiling war materiel throughout the country.

For the Donovian military, the MOD coordinates logistics at the national level through its Chief of Logistics. The Chief of Logistics’ responsibilities remain the same in peace or war, and include:

• Procuring personnel, materiel, and services required by the military
• Preparing the economy and the people to provide sustained support in case of war
• Ensuring an uninterrupted flow of personnel, materiel, and equipment reaches the individual fighting unit at the proper place and time

Organizations within the national-level military logistics establishment include materiel support  and maintenance units, as well as mobilized civilian resources, to include medical personnel and facilities. The SHC may allocate some national-level logistics units to subordinate commands to augment the units while the SHC centralizes the other units’ logistics support under general staff control. (For more information, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 14, Logistics.)

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear

Donovia possesses a robust and modern chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) capability. Donovian strategic policy supports a CBRN first strike in the event it believes its national security is in jeopardy. National policy also supports the use of preemptive CBRN strikes against a neighbor either to deter aggression or as a response to an enemy attack. It may also use, or threaten to use, CBRN weapons as a way of applying political, economic, or psychological pressure.

Donovia has a wide variety of CBRN delivery means organic to its military forces, including units in any of its missile brigades. All missile brigades have both short-range and medium-range missiles with the capability to hit both regional and theater targets. In addition to surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying CBRN warheads, most Donovian artillery systems are capable of delivering chemical munitions. Artillery systems that are 152 mm or larger are also capable of firing nuclear rounds. The Donovian Air Force can also use its aircraft to deliver a CBRN attack. Trained Donovian SPF may also be used as alternate means of delivering CBRN munitions packages. Donovia is also well-prepared to employ civilian and military CBRN protection measures and has chemical defense units organic to all division and brigade maneuver units.

Donovian RKhBZ Solder in Personal Protective Equipment

Donovian radiological, chemical, and biological (RKhBZ) troops support both military and state missions. In 2014 alone, ten new RKhBZ regiments were activated as part of combined arms armies (CAA).This means they are under the command of the CAA, not the military districts. The new units are expected to be comprised of 300-600 personnel with 100-200 pieces of equipment each. As with any Arctic nation, they have pioneered new personnel protective equipment and decontamination techniques for extreme cold weather.

Donovia has a substantial industrial base that produces large quantities of toxic industrial chemicals (TIC), which are chemical substances possessing acute toxicity. An adjunct to chemical weapons is use of TIC, which can easily be exploited as improvised (or converted into) chemical weapons by military and civilians alike. (For a listing of possible high- and moderate-risk TIC possibly available to Donovia see the WEG, Vol. I, Chapter 14, Improvised Military Systems.)

For additional information on the capabilities, release authority (NCA), and employment of CBRN, see TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 13, CBRN and Smoke. For specific technical information, delivery means, agents, and effects of CBRN, see the WEG, Vol. I, Chapter 11, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN).

Research & Development Goals

Donovia’s primary research and development goals involve the improvement in the communication and target acquisition capabilities of current Donovian tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other military vehicles. There is also a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robots. Donovia will not hesitate to use espionage to steal information on foreign equipment and weapons, as spying is usually cheaper than creation of the weapon from scratch.

Donovia believes that the end justifies the means and will use whatever alliances are necessary in order to obtain its desired end state. This means that Donovia may team up with a nontraditional ally against an enemy to obtain an immediate goal and then fight against the same “ally” in another part of the region.

Summary

Donovia maintains the dominant military within the region, which is consistent with a tier  1 military in weapons and equipment. The Donovian military, however, possesses a few tier 2 elements scattered throughout its force structure. The military consists of three armies with a modern, well-trained, and capable air force and navy. The Donovians have a very modern and effective C2 and can conduct large-scale operations. The Donovian military possesses a strategic first strike policy and large elements of CBRN capabilities, including nuclear weapons. The CBRN weapons are also susceptible to being sold on the open and/or black market to terrorist groups and others.