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<!-- Introduction and Discussion of the OEs in the DATE -->[[File:DATE-Pacific Map 202101.png|thumb|1000x1000px|DATE-Pacific Region]]
<!-- Introduction and Discussion of the OEs in the DATE -->[[File:DATE Pacific Region 1 0.jpg|thumb|443x443px|DATE-Pacific Overview map]]
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The purpose of the '''Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)-Pacific''' is to provide the US Army training community with a detailed description of the conditions of five composite operational environments (OEs) in the Pacific region. It presents trainers with a tool to assist in the construction of scenarios for specific training events but does not provide a complete scenario. DATE-Pacific offers discussions of OE conditions through the political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) variables. This DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) and partner nations that participate in DATE-compliant Army or joint training exercises.<ref>The DATE countries listed below are fictionalized territories at the national and first-order administrative levels (i.e. province or county depending on the country). Lower order boundaries such as city wards and municipalities, and physical features such as mountains, rivers, and deserts, have retained their actual names. In many cases literature and media sources will use more than one name for a feature, and may spell them in different ways. As practicable, DATE will follow the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's guidance contained in the [http://geonames.nga.mil/gns/html/ Geonet Names Server] (GNS), "the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (US BGN)". However, the reader should be cautioned that reference texts and maps may use these other variants. These common variants are also listed in the GNS.</ref>
The purpose of the '''Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)-Pacific''' is to provide the US Army training community with a detailed description of the conditions of five composite operational environments (OEs) in the Pacific region. It presents trainers with a tool to assist in the construction of scenarios for specific training events but does not provide a complete scenario. DATE-Pacific offers discussions of OE conditions through the political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) variables. This DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) and partner nations that participate in DATE-compliant Army or joint training exercises.
 
  
The operational environment of DATE:Pacific is a complex and multi-layered set of conditions. From the economic and military hegemony of [[Olvana]], to the persistent tensions of [[North Torbia]] and [[South Torbia]], to the developing nations of [[Belesia]] and [[Gabal]], many different potential conflicts may arise. The region has a long history of instability and conflict; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors have increasing strategic interests in the region. DATE-Pacific thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.
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The operational environment of DATE-Pacific is a complex and multi-layered set of conditions. From the economic and military hegemony of [[Olvana]], to the persistent tensions between [[North Torbia|North]] and [[South Torbia]], to the developing nations of [[Belesia]] and [[Gabal]], many different potential conflicts may arise. The region has a long history of instability and conflict; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors have increasing strategic interests in the region. DATE-Pacific thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.
  
 
''(See also [[Using the DATE]] and [[TC 7-101 Exercise Design]]).''
 
''(See also [[Using the DATE]] and [[TC 7-101 Exercise Design]]).''
 
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==Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment==
 
==Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment==
  
===Olvana===
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===Belesia===
{{Main article|Olvana}}
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{{Main article|Belesia}}
Since the People’s Republic of Olvana (Olvana) is the largest country in terms of size and population in the region and with an intent to serve as the regional hegemon, Olvana maintains the largest military in the Pacific region. The Olvana People’s Army (OPA) is composed of not only a land force, but the Olvana People’s Navy (OPN) and Olvana People’s Air Force (OPAF) are subordinate to the OPA. Olvana attempts to influence the region by the deployment of advisors to various countries and the sale of military weapons to their allies. Today, the Olvanese Communist Party (OCP) seeks to change some traditions while preserving others, such as the family structure and culture of obedience to the state as being integral to society.  
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The Federated States of Belesia is a relatively new democracy in the region. The turbulence of its independence from colonial rule continues to create stability challenges throughout its many member-islands. Political turmoil, popular unrest, and widespread terrorism combine to create a volatile environment for this young federation. One of the few stabilizing factors is the farily recent development of economic opportunities and trade. Despite progress in this area, sufficient infrastructure and business processes have yet to be developed, hampering further Belesian progress. The most significant development of the Belesian Federation Defense Force 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.
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===Gabal===
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{{Main article|Gabal}}
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The Republic of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from joint rule by two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political, social, and economic challenges that have undercut the effectiveness and legitimacy of its government since independence was declared. Tribal politics run deep within the government and the country is deeply federalized among tribal lines. Issues associated with climate change, however, have largely united the country in recent years, as Gabal, along with many other small island nations, seek to influence global climate change politics. The Republic of Gabal’s military serves more as a symbol of the country’s independence from its neighbors than it serves as any true fighting force. Due to its small size, the Gabal military possesses little offensive capabilities and is no threat to any of its neighboring countries. The Gabal military also lacks the ability to defend itself against any major external threat. The military’s main purpose is the prevention of illegal fishing activities in the country’s territorial waters.  
  
 
===North Torbia===
 
===North Torbia===
 
{{Main article|North Torbia}}
 
{{Main article|North Torbia}}
The DPRT is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with over one million active duty military personnel and over six million reservists. The DPRT’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. Ground, air, and naval forces all fall under the umbrella of the Torbian People’s Army (TPA). The TPA controls the ground, air, and naval forces in the DPRT and is one of the most militarized countries in the world with over one million active duty military personnel and over six million reservists. The DPRT spends around 20% of its GDP on the military and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity.  
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The Democratic People's Republic of Torbia (DPRT), also called North Torbia, is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with more than half a million active duty military personnel and over two million reservists. North Torbia’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. North Torbia is a single-party, despotic state that occupies the northern half of the Island of Luzon. It is self-described as a “self-reliant socialist republic”, but its structure is deeply totalitarian, wholly reliant on a cult-of personality and militarism for survival. DPRT's stated mission is the unification of all of Torbia, but only under the control of the Song family whose family has ran the country since its founding. 
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===Olvana===
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{{Main article|Olvana}}
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Since the People’s Republic of Olvana is the largest country in the region in terms of size and population and with an intent to serve as the regional hegemon, Olvana maintains the largest military in the Pacific. The Olvana People’s Army (OPA) is composed of not only a land force, as the Olvana People’s Navy (OPN) and Olvana People’s Air Force (OPAF) are subordinate to the OPA. The OPN is expanding has been expanding its capability over the last decade with the completed construction of its first two carriers with two more under construction. The OPA has also increased its amphibious capabilities. Both increases in capability provide Olvana with the capability to project its military power to anywhere in the region. Olvana attempts to influence the region by the deployment of advisors to various countries and the sale of military weapons to their allies. Today, the Olvanan Communist Party seeks to change some traditions while preserving others, such as the family structure and culture of obedience to the state as being integral to society.  
  
 
===South Torbia===
 
===South Torbia===
{{Main article|South Torbia}}The Republic of Torbia (also called South Torbia), is a constitutional republic that occupies the south half of the Island of Torbia. After centuries of foreign occupation and despotic rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and today is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and most militarily powerful nations. However, a massive corruption scandal that included the ROT president has recently rocked the ROT government to its core, creating many questions about the stability and viability of the current republic.
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{{Main article|South Torbia}}
---- [[# msoanchor 1|[DA1]]]Need to verify that the “O” in “ROT” is capital or lower case. I think Angela put out “RoT” previously.
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The Republic of Torbia, also called South Torbia, is a constitutional republic that occupies most of the south half of the island of Luzon. After centuries of foreign occupation and despotic rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and today is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and most militarily powerful nations. However, a massive corruption scandal that included the president has recently rocked the South Torbian government to its core, creating many questions about the stability and viability of the current republic. The South Torbian military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia from taking over the entire country. Many years ago, due to the fear of North Torbia, South Torbia adopted a universal military service of short duration for all its male citizens. After leaving active duty, the military veterans serve in an active or inactive reserve role as a deterrence against external threats to the country’s independence.  
 
 
  [[# msoanchor 2|[JS2]]]Agree, I think it is a small o
 
 
 
 [[# msoanchor 3|[LMD3]]]Not accurate; it occupies the southern half of the NE part of Luzon island, Mindoro Island, and multiple smaller islands
 
 
 
The Republic of Torbia (RoT or South Torbia) military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of South Torbia (DPRT or North Torbia) from taking over the entire country. Many years ago due to the fear of the DPRT, the RoT adopted a universal military service of short duration for all its male citizens. After leaving active duty, the military veterans serve in an active or inactive reserve role as a deterrence against external threats to the country’s independence.
 
 
 
===Gabal===
 
{{Main article|Gabal}}
 
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===Belesia===
 
{{Main article|Belesia}}
 
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==Strategic Positioning==
 
==Strategic Positioning==
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Relations among the nations in this region are a tense game of power. As [[Donovia]]'s strategic influence has shifted to [[Europe]] and the [[Caucasus]] regions, [[Olvana]] has aggressively sought to press its will on the region. Similarly, nations such as [[South Torbia]], [[Gabal]], and [[Belesia]] view the shift as an opportunity to grow their influence and develop economic ties both in the region and with external partners. Control of critical mineral and fishing resources, manufacturing, and unfettered transport of goods in the region's shipping lanes is a key point of tension for all. Within the states of the region, groups that had previously seen no opportunity for influence view the instability as a path to develop their voices. Internal conflict is a persistent and potentially destabilizing factor as governments position for legitimacy and consolidate their power. Whether expanding influence or building new power bases, the region will continue to be a driver of worldwide tensions and increasing volatility.  
  
 
===Regional Views of the US===
 
===Regional Views of the US===
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The U.S. has many competing interests in the region, ranging from economic stability and trade to geopolitical influence. The U.S. sees Olvana as both partner and rival. The two economies are intertwined and depend on each other. Olvana's main strategic challenge is that the U.S. controls the seas. Geography means Olvana’s imports and exports must traverse coastal bottlenecks in and among the other nations of the region that either that nation or the U.S. could easily close. Maintaining trade and international shipping through the region, as well as developing new relationships with the emerging economies is vital to ensuring economic growth and continued participation in the region's development.
  
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The United States’ support of anti-terrorism efforts in the region is expected to tamp-down past criticisms of the South Torbian and Belesian governments and lead to renewed cooperation between them despite a wary Olvana. The ongoing political positioning and economic battles waged between the U.S. and the constantly shifting, multi-faceted regional interrelationships will be both a source of opportunity and conflict.
  
 
== Regional PMESII-PT Overview ==
 
== Regional PMESII-PT Overview ==
  
 
=== Political ===
 
=== Political ===
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The governments in DATE-Pacific tend to fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Both South Torbia and Gabal are liberal democracies, though not without issues—the former has recently experienced a major political scandal, while the latter is only a few decades old and tribal in nature. Belesia is also a newer democracy that has to continually fight against the autocratic tendencies of its political classes. Both Olvana and North Torbia are one-party autocratic governments that seek to both control their populations and influence their neighbors—the first for hegemonic purposes and the second for regime survival. With economies that are intertwined, the Pacific countries’ political dance is complex and multifaceted, and it is easy for one country to step on the political “toes” of another—either accidentally or intentionally.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Political Comparison
 
|+Regional Political Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
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!Belesia
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!Gabal
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!North Torbia
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!Olvana
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!South Torbia  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
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|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
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*Relatively new democracy
*Bullet
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*Political instability still a problem
*Bullet
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*Government varies between autocratic/brutal and ineffective
*Bullet
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*Foreign policy mainly limited to enhancing trade
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
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*High terrorist activity
*Bullet
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*Former colony
*Bullet
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|<!-- Gabal -->
*Bullet
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*Liberal democracy
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
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*Influenced by tribal traditions
*Bullet
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*Foreign policy focused on regional diplomacy
*Bullet
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*Tenuous bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
*Bullet
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
|| <!-- Gabal -->
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*One-party, autocratic system
*Bullet
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*No meaningful political opposition
*Bullet
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*State exists to support/protect the regime
*Bullet
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*Highly centralized
|| <!-- Belesia -->
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*Foreign policy inconsistent; mainly intended to reinforce the ruling party's authority
*Bullet
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|<!-- Olvana -->
*Bullet
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*One-party, autocratic system
*Bullet
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*Major international political force
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*Foreign policy ranges from diplomatic to bellicose
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*Internal frictions, increasing efforts against threats to ruling party
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*Regional hegemon, reaching into African countries
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
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*Liberal democracy
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*Significant international political influence
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*Varied political spectrum
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*Participant in multiple international treaties and defense cooperation agreements 
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*Complex relationship with North Torbia
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Military===
 
===Military===
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Military forces in the region vary greatly in both size and purpose. Gabal, as the smallest country in terms of both size and population, has an equally small defensive military that is focused on the prevention of illegal fishing in its waters. Belesia also has limited military capability with old (tier 3) equipment and poor training, but the country does have some offensive capability and is working to improve both manpower and equipment. North Torbia’s tier 3 (with some better equipment in niche areas) military is offensive in nature and very large in comparison to its population. The country’s primary goals are self-preservation through the elimination of both internal and external threats, and reunification with South Torbia—by force, if necessary. In response, South Torbia has fashioned its modernized (tier 2) military as primarily defensive, though the country’s use of armed forces in its fight against internal threats—insurgent groups and criminal enterprises—is decidedly offensive in nature. Olvana fields a large,modern offensive military (tier 1–2) that is focused on both self-defense (internal and external) and regional power projection, with the goal of gaining an equal footing with the United States and Donovia.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Military Comparison
 
|+Regional Military Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
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!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
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!North Torbia
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!Olvana
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!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
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|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
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*Tier 3 (2/4), inefficient
*Bullet
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*Developing capabilities and doctrine, training 
*Bullet
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*Can project limited power
*Bullet
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|<!-- Gabal -->
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
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*Police/constabulary
*Bullet
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*No power projection
*Bullet
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*Bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
*Bullet
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
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*Oversized, Tier 3 with some niche equipment of higher quality       
*Bullet
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*Developing long-range missile systems for high-yield munitions
*Bullet
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*No WMD treaties
*Bullet
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|<!-- Olvana -->
|| <!-- Gabal -->
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*Large, Tier 2/1
*Bullet
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*Aggressively modernizing
*Bullet
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*Active nuclear program
*Bullet
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
|| <!-- Belesia -->
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*Tier 2 (+), modernized
*Bullet
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*Mostly self-defense, but can project power
*Bullet
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*Western military affiliations
*Bullet
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Economic===
 
===Economic===
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The economic conditions in the five countries cover a wide spectrum, ranging from strong capitalistic market systems to oppressive state-controlled ones. Despite their vast differences, the countries’ economies are heavily intertwined. Gabal relies on South Torbia for economic aid while it tries to find its feet after exhausting its natural resources. North Torbia’s command economy is mostly cut off from the rest of the world, but it still trades heavily with Olvana and, to a lesser extent, Belesia. South Torbia’s modern capitalistic economy also relies on trade with Olvana, whose mixed command/free market system is used by its government to buy influence with other nations through a carrot-and-stick approach. Belesia is attempting to diversify its emerging agrarian-based economy via manufacturing and trade with its neighbors, but a lack of high-skilled employment opportunities continues to be an issue. Any major change to just one of the regional economies will have significant ripple effects on those of the others.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Economics Comparison
 
|+Regional Economics Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
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!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Economic''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
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|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
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*Emerging mixed-market economy
*Mixed-Market Socialism
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*Agricultural/industrial split
*Export-Heavy Manufacturing Sector
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*Developing international trade
*Burgeoning Domestic Demand
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|<!-- Gabal -->
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
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*Service-oriented economy
*Closed, Command-Directed Communism
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*Import dependent
*Plagued by Inefficiencies
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*Limited natural resources
*Constrained by Economic Sanctions
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
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*Closed, command-directed Communism
*Developed Mixed-Market Capitalism
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*Plagued by inefficiencies
*Numerous Trade Agreements
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*Constrained by economic sanctions
*Industrial Sector Shifting to Services
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|<!-- Olvana -->
|| <!-- Gabal -->
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*Mixed-market Socialism
*Service-Oriented Economy
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*Export-heavy manufacturing sector
*Import Dependent
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*Burgeoning domestic demand
*Limited Natural Resources
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
|| <!-- Belesia -->
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*Developed mixed-market Capitalism
*Emerging Mixed-Market Economy
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*Numerous trade agreements
*Agricultural/Industrial Split
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*Industrial sector shifting to services
*Developing International Trade
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
===Social===
 
===Social===
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec metus ante. Vestibulum hendrerit viverra vehicula. Donec a mi velit. Praesent at lacus ut leo dapibus cursus. Vestibulum a aliquam metus. Vestibulum volutpat neque ac felis tempus, sit amet lobortis mauris condimentum. Aliquam suscipit metus diam, sed ultrices purus elementum vel. Morbi quam arcu, rutrum ut ligula vel, blandit pretium leo. Integer et nunc vel lectus interdum rhoncus nec eu lectus. Etiam tristique, lorem quis lacinia tempus, diam eros aliquet ipsum, gravida venenatis ipsum magna sed turpis. Ut elementum nisi quis nisi lobortis, at facilisis risus aliquam. Sed aliquet felis sapien, sed pellentesque lectus fringilla quis. Praesent ex turpis, tristique eget imperdiet sed, interdum quis felis.  
+
The countries in the region present a mix of social influences. Three of the countries have a large number of diverse ethnicities—of which a specific one may or may not make up a majority of the population—and multiple languages and dialects. North and South Torbia fall on the other end of the spectrum, with a nearly homogeneous population in terms of ethnicity and language. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the most common faiths; though indigenous religions are present, only a small minority of the populations follows them. While large youth bulges and continued high birth rates are common in Belesia and Gabal, the opposite is true in Olvana and South Torbia. North Torbia falls between the two, primarily due to high disease levels decreasing the population by default. Education is highly valued in all countries as a way for individuals to improve their socioeconomic situations. Crime and terrorism reflect the diversity and political freedom of the country in question: the more diverse and free, the greater the level of criminal and/or terrorist activity.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Social Comparison
 
|+Regional Social Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
+
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
+
|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
+
*~87% Muslim, 10% Christian, 3% Buddhist
*Bullet
+
*Literacy rate: 95%
*Bullet
+
*90% access to water, 75% access to sanitation
*Bullet
+
*High risk of infectious disease
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
+
*Local language and English are official   
*Bullet
+
*25-30% unemployment
*Bullet
+
*Dense population
*Bullet
+
*Multi-active
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
+
|<!-- Gabal -->
*Bullet
+
*Majority Protestant (~68%), 24% Roman Catholic, 5% Buddhist
*Bullet
+
*64% literacy rate
*Bullet
+
*Small
|| <!-- Gabal -->
+
*Over 90% have access to clean water, but only 60% have access to modern sanitation
*Bullet
+
*Over 90 local languages, English is official
*Bullet
+
*Seasonally affected high unemployment
*Bullet
+
*Multi-active
|| <!-- Belesia -->
+
|<!-- North Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Ethnically homogenous (99.8% Torbian)
*Bullet
+
*No religious freedom
*Bullet
+
*High literacy, near 100% claimed
 +
*80%+ have access to clean water and sanitation
 +
*Torbian is almost universal language
 +
*Low official unemployment (<5%)
 +
*Dense population clusters
 +
*Linear-active/Reactive
 +
|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*34% Hindu; 32% Olvan Folk Religion; 25.2% Unaffiliated; 2.5% Islam (mostly in the west); small pockets of other religions
 +
*Literacy 96% (higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas)
 +
*90%+ potable water access, sanitation access highly dependent on urban/rural environment
 +
*High HIV/AIDS rates
 +
*1000s of dialects
 +
*5% unemployment, much higher in rural areas
 +
*Most populous country, mostly dense
 +
*Multi-active/Reactive
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*~57% Christian (42% Roman Catholic); ~8% Buddhist; ~6% Islam; 25% not affiliated
 +
*High literacy, near 100%
 +
*100% access to water and sanitation
 +
*Torbian is primary language, but English is common in business
 +
*Low unemployment (<5%)
 +
*Extremely dense urban terrain
 +
*Reactive
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Information===
 
===Information===
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec metus ante. Vestibulum hendrerit viverra vehicula. Donec a mi velit. Praesent at lacus ut leo dapibus cursus. Vestibulum a aliquam metus. Vestibulum volutpat neque ac felis tempus, sit amet lobortis mauris condimentum. Aliquam suscipit metus diam, sed ultrices purus elementum vel. Morbi quam arcu, rutrum ut ligula vel, blandit pretium leo. Integer et nunc vel lectus interdum rhoncus nec eu lectus. Etiam tristique, lorem quis lacinia tempus, diam eros aliquet ipsum, gravida venenatis ipsum magna sed turpis. Ut elementum nisi quis nisi lobortis, at facilisis risus aliquam. Sed aliquet felis sapien, sed pellentesque lectus fringilla quis. Praesent ex turpis, tristique eget imperdiet sed, interdum quis felis.  
+
The countries all recognize the importance and influence of media and its control. Approaches range from low-level to modern technical capabilities and from extremely loose to tight governmental control. Olvana and North Torbia practice strong control over public communications media in an attempt to control their populations, while South Torbia and Gabal do the opposite; Belesia maintains some media control, but the government has started relaxing restrictions in recent years. The population rapidly adopts new means of information-sharing using modern technology, unless the government intervenes in an attempt to control information flow.
 
+
Information warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities run the gamut—from Gabal’s basic attempts to portray the country in a positive light to Olvana’s full range of capabilities. INFOWAR is usually directed externally in the region, with countries focusing on their regional opponents in an effort to gain an advantage, no matter how minor. North Torbia is an exception to this rule, as it focuses equally on internal and external targets.
 +
Intelligence capabilities are as varied as the region’s countries. Gabal has minimal collection capabilities and relies on either open-source intelligence or support from friendly countries. Belesia’s capabilities are greater, and focused on electronic warfare and cyber security. The remaining countries have large and sophisticated intelligence programs. As with INFOWAR, these are primarily focused on regional opponents except for North Torbia, which also uses its capabilities against its own populace.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Information Environment Comparison
 
|+Regional Information Environment Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
+
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
+
|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
+
*Decreasing government info control
*Bullet
+
*Improving telecom architecture
*Bullet
+
*EW & cyber security
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Gabal -->
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
+
*Limited telecom - satellites
*Bullet
+
|<!-- North Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Severely restrictive
*Bullet
+
*Underdeveloped telecom
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
+
*Large INFOWAR capability
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Olvana -->
*Bullet
+
*Diversified telecom system
*Bullet
+
*Restrictive media
|| <!-- Gabal -->
+
*Robust INFOWAR
*Bullet
+
*Robust space program - manufacturing & capabilities
*Bullet
+
|<!-- South Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*High level of freedom of communications, socially regulated/loyalty to nation
|| <!-- Belesia -->
+
*Abundant/modern telecom
*Bullet
+
*Growing INFOWAR
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Infrastructure===
 
===Infrastructure===
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec metus ante. Vestibulum hendrerit viverra vehicula. Donec a mi velit. Praesent at lacus ut leo dapibus cursus. Vestibulum a aliquam metus. Vestibulum volutpat neque ac felis tempus, sit amet lobortis mauris condimentum. Aliquam suscipit metus diam, sed ultrices purus elementum vel. Morbi quam arcu, rutrum ut ligula vel, blandit pretium leo. Integer et nunc vel lectus interdum rhoncus nec eu lectus. Etiam tristique, lorem quis lacinia tempus, diam eros aliquet ipsum, gravida venenatis ipsum magna sed turpis. Ut elementum nisi quis nisi lobortis, at facilisis risus aliquam. Sed aliquet felis sapien, sed pellentesque lectus fringilla quis. Praesent ex turpis, tristique eget imperdiet sed, interdum quis felis.  
+
The region displays a great mix of infrastructure levels throughout the countries, from old and dilapidated to modern and robust. Around half of the populace resides in cities; the notable exceptions are South Torbia, where nine out of ten residents live in an urban environment, and the eastern portion of Olvana. As is common worldwide, utilities and transportation are both more modern and more prevalent/available in urban than rural areas. Power generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, though hydropower and geothermal are also used. All countries have mass transit, airports, and seaports, though condition and usage varies. The easiest and most common method of international travel in the region is by water, mainly due to abundant sea access and the relatively high cost of airfare. South Torbia and Olvana display the most modern and capable infrastructure, while North Torbia falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Belesia and Gabal are attempting to expand and improve their infrastructure systems, but are limited by lack of available funds.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Infrastructure Comparison
 
|+Regional Infrastructure Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
+
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
+
|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
+
*Coal & natural gas energy
*Bullet
+
*Limited power in rural
*Bullet
+
*Updating roads
*Bullet
+
*Two megacities
 +
*Seaports - 11 major ports, 25 minor ports
 +
|<!-- Gabal -->
 +
*Oil energy
 +
*Few small paved roads
 +
*Few highways
 +
*Limited airfields
 +
*Seaports - 2 ports
 
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
 
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Coal depenedent
*Bullet
+
*Many roads, only 15% paved-the rest gravel or dirt
*Bullet
+
*Aging rail w/ 2 gauges
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
+
*Widespread subterranean development
*Bullet
+
*Seaports - 1 major port, 1 minor port
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Olvana -->
*Bullet
+
*Heavy reliance on coal for power generation, with resulting severe air pollution
|| <!-- Gabal -->
+
*Vast power, water, and transportation networks
*Bullet
+
*Nearly universal distribution of utilities
*Bullet
+
*Infrastructure not keeping pace with economic development
*Bullet
+
*Numerous megacities
|| <!-- Belesia -->
+
*Seaports - 33 major, over 2000 minor ports
*Bullet
+
|<!-- South Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Vast geothermal energy
*Bullet
+
*Modern air & roads
 +
*One extremely dense megacity
 +
*Seaports - 4 major ports, 2 minor ports
 
|}
 
|}
[[File:DATE Pacific terrain map.PNG|thumb|Physical Map of DATE Pacific]]
 
  
 
===Physical Environment===
 
===Physical Environment===
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec metus ante. Vestibulum hendrerit viverra vehicula. Donec a mi velit. Praesent at lacus ut leo dapibus cursus. Vestibulum a aliquam metus. Vestibulum volutpat neque ac felis tempus, sit amet lobortis mauris condimentum. Aliquam suscipit metus diam, sed ultrices purus elementum vel. Morbi quam arcu, rutrum ut ligula vel, blandit pretium leo. Integer et nunc vel lectus interdum rhoncus nec eu lectus. Etiam tristique, lorem quis lacinia tempus, diam eros aliquet ipsum, gravida venenatis ipsum magna sed turpis. Ut elementum nisi quis nisi lobortis, at facilisis risus aliquam. Sed aliquet felis sapien, sed pellentesque lectus fringilla quis. Praesent ex turpis, tristique eget imperdiet sed, interdum quis felis.  
+
Four of the five countries in DATE-Pacific lie in an archipelago bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. While Gabal, North Torbia, and South Torbia lie entirely within this island group, Belesia also possesses the northernmost part of the island of Borneo, which lies to the southwest. The islands are mountainous in nature, with interspersed lowland valleys and low coastal plains on the larger islands. Mountain ranges are heavily forested, while valleys are typically fertile and comprise most of the subregion’s arable land. Vegetation and climate are tropical in nature. Major geographic features include peninsulas, volcanoes—both active and inactive—and both surface and subsurface caves. Though common, rivers are not long and are only navigable for short distances, if at all. The most important bodies of water are the seas, which provide both sustenance and a means of transportation. Multiple natural hazards exist, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, land and mudslides, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
 
+
The fifth country, Olvana, lies in the eastern portion of the Asian continent and borders the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea from north to south. Its terrain contains a mix of mountains, basins, plateaus, and plains, with the only major difference between north and south is that the northern part has highlands, while the south has river deltas. The terrain in the west is extremely mountainous, progressing into basins, plateaus and plains as one progresses eastward. The eastern coast is a mix of plains and urban terrain, with some mountains in the southeast. The fertile Yangtze River Valley starts in the center of the country and flows east to East China Sea. Both vegetation and climate vary greatly, based on location and elevation, and arable land is relatively scarce. Natural hazards include typhoons, flash floods, land and mudslides, earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Physical Environment Comparison
 
|+Regional Physical Environment Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
+
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
+
|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
+
*Many islands
*Bullet
+
*Large crops
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
 
|| <!-- Gabal -->
 
|| <!-- Gabal -->
*Bullet
+
*2 main islands; others relatively small
*Bullet
+
*Minimal crops
*Bullet
+
*Concern over rising sea levels
|| <!-- Belesia -->
+
|<!-- North Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Medium-sized
*Bullet
+
*Large crops
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*Huge land mass
 +
*Somewhat inefficient crop output
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*Medium-sized
 +
*Medium crops
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Time===
 
===Time===
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec metus ante. Vestibulum hendrerit viverra vehicula. Donec a mi velit. Praesent at lacus ut leo dapibus cursus. Vestibulum a aliquam metus. Vestibulum volutpat neque ac felis tempus, sit amet lobortis mauris condimentum. Aliquam suscipit metus diam, sed ultrices purus elementum vel. Morbi quam arcu, rutrum ut ligula vel, blandit pretium leo. Integer et nunc vel lectus interdum rhoncus nec eu lectus. Etiam tristique, lorem quis lacinia tempus, diam eros aliquet ipsum, gravida venenatis ipsum magna sed turpis. Ut elementum nisi quis nisi lobortis, at facilisis risus aliquam. Sed aliquet felis sapien, sed pellentesque lectus fringilla quis. Praesent ex turpis, tristique eget imperdiet sed, interdum quis felis.  
+
All DATE-Pacific countries use the Gregorian calendar. Belesia, Gabal, and South Torbia are in time zone GMT +8.0, Olvana is an hour different at GMT +7.0, and North Torbia sets its clocks at GMT +8.5. None of the regional countries observe Daylight Savings Time (DST). Approaches to time vary throughout the region. Gabal and Belesia have a relaxed approach to time and people often work on several tasks simultaneously; doing things “in order” is a foreign concept. South Torbians follow a cyclic approach to time, believing that all opportunities, like the sun, will set and then rise again later on. However, this is not taken as an invitation to slowness or laziness, as their concept of harmony requires an ultra-politeness that extends to strict observation of timetables. The Olvanans are very conscious of time and live by the adage, “He who arrives on time is already late.” North Torbians follow an exacting view of time and are neither early nor late, with the added impetus of extremely negative consequences if one should be tardy.
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 
|+Regional Time Perceptions Comparison
 
|+Regional Time Perceptions Comparison
! &nbsp; !! Olvana !! North Torbia !! South Torbia !! Gabal !! Belesia
+
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| '''Politics''' <!-- ####  COMPARISON TABLE #### -->
+
|<!-- Belesia -->
|| <!-- Olvana -->
+
*Traditionally polychronic; shifting to monochronic
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Gabal -->
*Bullet
+
*Relaxed attitude to time
*Bullet
+
*Polychronic
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
+
|<!-- North Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Strictly enforced
*Bullet
+
*Monochronic
*Bullet
+
|<!-- Olvana -->
|| <!-- South Torbia -->
+
*Monochronic
*Bullet
+
|<!-- South Torbia -->
*Bullet
+
*Reactive, grounded in history
*Bullet
+
*Cyclic
|| <!-- Gabal -->
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
|| <!-- Belesia -->
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
*Bullet
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Significant Conditions in the OE==
+
==Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups==
 
 
===Peacekeeping Forces===
 
{{Main article|DATE Africa Peacekeeping Forces}}
 
*'''International Peacekeeping Forces'''.
 
''TO-DO: Description goes here''
 
Recent examples of peacekeeping forces with and international mandate include the forces of the [[UNMIDA|
 
UN mission in DATE Africa]] and the [[EUTMDA|European Training Mission in DATE Africa]].
 
 
 
*''' Regional Peacekeeping Forces'''.
 
''TO-DO: Description goes here''
 
Recent examples of regional peacekeeping forces include the forces of the [[Regional Standby Force]] and the Regional Monitoring Group's [[Regional Economic Community Security Force]].
 
 
 
''See Also: TBD''
 
 
 
===Private Security Forces===
 
{{Main article|DATE Africa Private Security Contractors}}
 
*'''Corporate Private Security Forces'''.
 
Wealthy individuals and businesses may contract the services of corporate security forces.  These forces are highly disciplined, organized and trained - recruiting mostly from former elite military and paramilitary forces. They are often used for high-end site and VIP security. They are capable of conducting small-unit, high-risk strikes with state-of-the-art equipment and vehicles. They have a significant intelligence and planning capability. While highly effective and fiercely loyal to their employer, they may have the propensity of over-aggression and risk extra-judicial actions.  They may contract local security companies (see below) for mundane activities. Examples: [[Jaguar Integral Defence Services International|Jaguar Integral Defence Services International (JIDSI)]].
 
 
 
*'''Private Security Companies'''.
 
Rampant crime and inadequate policing, particularly in the urban areas has led to the rise of numerous private security companies.  These companies provide security services for businesses and individuals ranging from static guards to armed response teams. Guarded facilities will likely have barbed wire and monitored cameras.  The guards themselves are variously uniformed, from simple reflective vests and caps to military-style garb. They will either be unarmed (batons, irritants) or have a variety of small arms.
 
The quality and cost of the services may indicate the professionalism of responses and adherence to company rules of engagement. These guards are often well-regarded in the community and may have excellent situational awareness of local activities and dynamics, as well as those of the poorer areas from which they are often recruited.
 
Note: Non-commercial "neighborhood watches" may exist, but are less likely to be armed or provocative.
 
 
 
''See also: [[Chapter 5: Noncombatants#Private Security Contractors|TC 7-100 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 5, Noncombatants - Private Security Contractors]]''
 
 
 
===Non-Governmental Organizations===
 
{{Main article|DATE Africa Nongovernmental Organizations}}
 
*TODO: list general types, roles; include camps
 
 
 
''See also: [[Chapter 5: Noncombatants#Nongovernmental Organizations|TC 7-100 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 5, Noncombatants - Nongovernmental Organizations]]''
 
 
 
===Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups===
 
 
{{Main article|DATE Pacific Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions}}
 
{{Main article|DATE Pacific Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions}}
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
The variety of armed groups operating within the OE is indicative of its complex and dynamic political, economic, ethnic, and religious issues. Their structures are as diverse as their ideological drivers. Most are not pure insurgencies, guerrilla groups, or militias, but rather hybrids of all of these. The key differentiators of these groups is their relative mix of forces and the ''primary'' driver of their actions.  
+
|+ Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions in DATE-Pacific
 
+
!Group Name!!Type!!Country!! class="unsortable" |Description
''' Violent Extremist Organizations'''.  There are a number of international or transnational [[Higher Affiliated Violent Extremist Organizations]] (VEO) presently operating within the OE. Many of these groups have indigenous origins, but have since affiliated with external groups for support and identity. Others may have their origins outside of the OE and gained a foothold on the continent. These hybrid organizations have the capability to organize and execute high-impact attacks against public targets and may be able to mass to conduct semi-conventional operations across the OE.
+
|-
 
+
|[[Free Sulu Movement]]
Major known groups in the OE include [[Islamic Front in the Heart Africa|Islamic Front in the Heart Africa (AFITHA)]] and [[Hizbul al-Harakat]]The volatility of security situations across the OE allow rapid growth and morphing of extremist groups as they position for power and influence. Groups will change their tactics and affiliations to adapt to evolving country and regional dynamics.
+
|Separatist
 
+
|Belesia
'''Insurgencies'''.  Whether motivated by political, religious, or other ideologies, these groups will promote an agenda of subversion and violence that seeks to overthrow or force change of a governing authority. The composition of these in the OE is almost always a hybrid of insurgent elements and guerrilla forces, depending on the locale, goals, and levels of support.  They may act as the militant arm of a legitimate political organization. These groups will undermine and fight against the government and any forces invited by or supporting it. They are likely to target government security forces and even civilians to demonstrate force and create instability. They will conduct small operations, such as kidnapping, assassination, bombings, car bombs, and larger military-style operations. Examples: [[Amarian People’s Union]], [[Free Tanga Youth Movement]].
+
|The FSM is a conglomerate of anti-federation and independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard.
 
+
|-
'''Separatist Groups'''. These groups consist mostly of former (losing) soldiers that fought in a previous revolution or coup.  Rather than fighting to overthrow the current regime, their focus is to secure a territory and gain officially recognition. These groups will likely have widespread support in the controlled area and view government or external forces as the enemy.  They may provide security for commercial or NGO movement for a fee or to curry favor. Separatists will be very protective of their designated borders and may react disproportionately to perceived incursions.  Example: [[Pemba Island Native Army]].
+
|[[Gabal Forever]]
 
+
||Insurgency
'''Ethnic or Religious Rebel Groups'''. Numerous conflicts that are highlight ethnic, linguistic, or religious differences have led to the development of ethnicity-focused armed groups. Some groups have developed in self-defense against such groups, then gone onto be violent themselves. Extreme passions of these groups have led to often brazen atrocities, causing massive waves of [[Internally Displaced Persons in DATE-Africa|IDPs]]. Multiple UN interventions may have temporarily quelled the violence, but long-held grievances give life to renewed violence. These groups may conduct raids, extrajudicial killings, targeted killings of civilians, and summary executions. There have been reports of rebels luring villagers to their town center for execution, often throwing bodies into the village water source to spoil it. These groups may attempt to seize strategic routes to assert control and raise funds. Examples: [[Army of Justice and Purity]] (AJP) and [[Union of Peace for the Ziwa]].
+
||Gabal
 
+
||Gabal Forever is a very small group (less than 100) of boisterous people who do not like the way the government and business leaders are catering to foreigners in attempt to chase the tourist dollar. Many of these are 85%-95% ethnically native to the local islands and trace their ancestry back beyond written history through the oral history tradition of their ancestors. These people are upset about the change in their island’s life and would like it to return to what it was 200 years ago before Westerners arrived.
'''Local Armed Militias'''. These groups usually have a local focus and may be independent or supported by a local strongman. Their forces are mostly comprised of former soldiers or paramilitary who may have fought for the state, but now serve their own interests. They generally carry small arms, but may have additional capabilities, depending on the goals and support. Moderate factions of these groups may conduct demonstrations, vandalism to force political concessions, while more radical factions conduct small attacks, riots, sabotage to enforce a particular ideology.  In rural areas, they may be heavily armed and appear almost like a guerrilla force. In urban centers, they may resemble a gang or an insurgent group. Examples: [[Mara-Suswa Rebel Army|Mara-Suswa Rebel Army (MSRA)]], [[Kujengan Bush Militias]].
+
|-
 
+
|[[Islamic Torbian Army]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||South Torbia
 +
||The ITA began on Mindoro as a movement to convert the country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA has expanded to many parts of South Torbia, especially those that contain a large number of Muslims. Since the ITA normally attacks non-Muslims, most other Muslims remain neutral or provide tacit support to the ITA.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Olvana Jemaah Islamiyah]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||Olvana
 +
||The OJI is a Muslim insurgent group that operates primarily in Western Olvana with many of its leaders training in the Middle East. As the OJI becomes stronger, the group continues to push further to the east. The mainline OJI is usually content to slowly convert people to Islam by providing services to the poor rural people that the central Olvana government seems to forget. There are OJI cells that do not feel the conversion process is occurring fast enough, however, and are trying to convert the rural villages by force.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Olvana Mission]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||Olvana
 +
||The Olvana Mission is not a political party, but a group of Christian missionaries whose obhjective is to make the lives of rural Olvanans better while converting them. The Olvana central government is not extreme in its denunciation of religion and will generally allow various religions to practice as long as those practicing their faith seek to use it as a means to overturn the current political structure. The Olvana Mission is on the cusp of going from a group tolerated by the Olvana government in the northwestern part of the country to one that the communists will seek to destroy.
 +
|-
 +
|[[OHF|One Hui Front]]
 +
|Insurgency
 +
|Olvana
 +
|The OHF is an ethno-nationalist organization, rather than an Islamist organization, but Islam remains a large part of its identity. It likely receives support from sympathetic actors of the Islamic faith and have been known to cooperate with OJI on some occasions. Mostly in populated areas in northwest Olvana, but also operates in rural areas conducting terrorist attacks against members of the central Olvanan government. The OHF is heavily involved in Information Operations in attempt to unify the Hui people, exploit sectarian tensions, and limit the influence of religious extremism.
 +
|-
 +
|[[RRLA|Red River Liberation Army]]
 +
|Separtist
 +
|Olvana
 +
|The RRLA is a multi-ethnic militant organization rejecting all Olvanan political and cultural influence in the southwest part of the country. The RRLA has reduced its offensive operations lately, but has increased its Information Operations and Psychological Warfare.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Red Tiger Front]]
 +
|Violent Extremists
 +
|Global Western
 +
(RTF) in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-emergence into prominence can be understood as a direct response to .
 +
|-
 +
|[[Satu Pulau Satu Negara]]
 +
|Insurgency
 +
|Belesia
 +
|The 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 a low-level guerilla 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 Belesiasn government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.
 +
|-
 +
|[[South Torbian Communist Army]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||South Torbia
 +
||The TCA is probably less than 1,000 actual fighters, but they may have many more supporters throughout the country. Their expressed intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model, the same goal as stated by the South Torbian Communist Party (TCP). The TCP claims that their group has no connection to the TCA, but there are probably some members that belong to both organizations.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Thorskrig]]
 +
|Violent Extremists
 +
|West
 +
and violent mass casualty attacks.
 +
|-
 +
|[[United Torbia]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||South Torbia
 +
||United Torbia is more of a counter-insurgent organization. It is pro-government and anti-communist that wants to unite the country with a democratically elected government.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Visayan Peoples Front]]
 +
|Insurgency
 +
|Belesia
 +
|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.
 +
|-  
 +
|[[Yellow Sashes]]
 +
||Insurgency
 +
||Olvana
 +
||The Yellow Sashes are primarily Hindi who detest the Olvana communist government’s repression of religion. The Yellow Sashes are often traditionalists who wish to return the country back to the way it was 150 years ago. The Yellow Sashes want a return to the previous form of government before communism, which was a hereditary monarchy.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
''See also [[Chapter 2: Insurgents|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents]]'' and [[Chapter 3: Guerrillas|Chapter 3: Guerrillas]]
 
''See also [[Chapter 2: Insurgents|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents]]'' and [[Chapter 3: Guerrillas|Chapter 3: Guerrillas]]
  
 
===Criminal Organizations and Activities===
 
===Criminal Organizations and Activities===
{{Main article|DATE Africa - Criminal Activity}}
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
The often unstable economic and security situations across the continent have allowed criminal activity and corruption to flourish. Elsewhere in the world, corrupting and co-opting of government officials by criminal enterprises is usually to gain operating freedomIn the OE, such activities are competitive enablers, intended to gain access to internal and external markets. How these large-scale domestic criminal enterprises and international criminal manifest within the OE are characteristic of each country's circumstances and history.
+
|+ Significant Criminal Organizations in DATE-Pacific
 
+
!Group Name!!Type!!Country!! class="unsortable" |Description
Criminal enterprises may have a pronounced impact on military operations in the REGION OE. Dominant criminal elements may view external military forces as a threat to their territorial control, while less-powerful organizations may look to exploit shifts in security and rules of engagement to gain access to markets or power.
+
|-
 
+
|[[0 2 4 Street Gang]]
The main categories of organized criminal enterprises within the OE include:
+
|Criminal
*Drug Trafficking
+
|Transnational, West, IndoPacific
*Human Trafficking & Forced labor
+
|0 2 4 gangs conduct high volume, low level retail drug distribution either on their own behalf or as an arm of a larger organisation, usually a Black Society. The individual gangs exist on a spectrum of criminality, with some confining themselves to drugs activity and others leaning towards more hard core criminality and violent antisocial behaviour. Affiliated with Golden Hawk.
*Commodity Theft and Smuggling
+
|-
*Illicit mining
+
|[[Black Societies]]
*Oil theft, refining, and smuggling
+
|Criminal
*Protection Economies
+
|Olvana, Belesia
*Criminal Gangs
+
|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 not happy with the Tantoco Cartel moving into their cities, and may fight them to keep Tantoco out. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey.
 
+
|-
 +
|[[The Cheng Institute]]
 +
|Unarmed Noncombatants
 +
|Olvana, West
 +
|The Cheng Institute is a nominally independent think tank founded in the , and
 +
|-
 +
|[[Golden Hawk Black Society]]
 +
|Criminal
 +
|Belisia, South Torbia, Olvana, Global
 +
|The Golden Hawk Black Society is one of government which still exist to this day, high volume and level money laundering is one of the mainstays of Golden Hawk operations, and the service they predominantly provide to other criminal organisations.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Kumpulan]]  
 +
||Criminal
 +
||Gabal
 +
||Kumpulan is the major criminal organization in Gabal. Its leader owns a local import/export business with warehouses in several cities and towns in Gabal, from which it can hide illegal goods among legitimate imports. It is highly likely that the group has agents scattered throughout the National Police as well as any local governmental officials.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Olvanan Friendship Society]]
 +
|Unarmed Noncombatants
 +
|West
 +
|The Olvanan Friendship Society (OFS) is a collection of local community organisations spread across major urban centres throughout the Western world. While not overtly subject to central control, the near identical structure of each local chapter, coupled with typically close dealings with Olvanan diplomatic establishments within their host countries, indicates that the OFS is at least connected to and .
 +
|-
 +
|[[Osongco Syndicate]]
 +
||Criminal
 +
||South Torbia
 +
||The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. Tantoco leaves Osongco alone as long as he confines his activities to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money such as extortion or even bank robbery, especially those that do not practice the Muslim faith. Some Muslims see Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Redback Raiders MC]]
 +
|Criminal
 +
|South Torbia
 +
and .
 +
|-
 +
|[[Red Tiger Black Society]]
 +
|Criminal
 +
|Belesia
 +
a sort of ?anti-gang? for mutual protection against street gang violence in the .criminal
 +
|-
 +
|[[Socialist Student League (SSL)]]
 +
|Violent Extremist Organization
 +
|Global West
 +
|The SSL is a ,
 +
|-
 +
|[[Tantoco Cartel]]
 +
||Criminal
 +
||Multiple
 +
||The Tantoco Cartel was founded in the Republic of Torbia, it also operates in the largest cities of Olvana and 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 Olvana government is serious about bribery as some senior government leaders have been forced to resign or imprisoned when caught taking bribes.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Tears of Torbia]]
 +
|Cyberterror Hacktivists
 +
|Global
 +
of the
 +
|-
 +
|[[Torbian Cultural Center (TCC)]]
 +
|Unarmed Noncombatants
 +
|West
 +
, maintains close ties with radical socialist groups and individuals, and
 +
|-
 +
|[[Yusingo Enterprises]]
 +
|Criminal
 +
|North Torbia
 +
|Yusingo Enterprises operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
''See also [[Chapter 4: Criminals|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals]]''
 
''See also [[Chapter 4: Criminals|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals]]''
  
 
{{:Pacific Linkbox}}
 
 
[[Category:DATE]]
 
[[Category:DATE]]
 
[[Category:Pacific]]
 
[[Category:Pacific]]
 +
<references />

Latest revision as of 16:16, 15 February 2022

DATE-Pacific Region

The purpose of the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)-Pacific is to provide the US Army training community with a detailed description of the conditions of five composite operational environments (OEs) in the Pacific region. It presents trainers with a tool to assist in the construction of scenarios for specific training events but does not provide a complete scenario. DATE-Pacific offers discussions of OE conditions through the political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) variables. This DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) and partner nations that participate in DATE-compliant Army or joint training exercises.[1]

The operational environment of DATE-Pacific is a complex and multi-layered set of conditions. From the economic and military hegemony of Olvana, to the persistent tensions between North and South Torbia, to the developing nations of Belesia and Gabal, many different potential conflicts may arise. The region has a long history of instability and conflict; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors have increasing strategic interests in the region. DATE-Pacific thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.

(See also Using the DATE and TC 7-101 Exercise Design).

Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment

Belesia

Main article: Belesia

The Federated States of Belesia is a relatively new democracy in the region. The turbulence of its independence from colonial rule continues to create stability challenges throughout its many member-islands. Political turmoil, popular unrest, and widespread terrorism combine to create a volatile environment for this young federation. One of the few stabilizing factors is the farily recent development of economic opportunities and trade. Despite progress in this area, sufficient infrastructure and business processes have yet to be developed, hampering further Belesian progress. The most significant development of the Belesian Federation Defense Force 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.

Gabal

Main article: Gabal

The Republic of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from joint rule by two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political, social, and economic challenges that have undercut the effectiveness and legitimacy of its government since independence was declared. Tribal politics run deep within the government and the country is deeply federalized among tribal lines. Issues associated with climate change, however, have largely united the country in recent years, as Gabal, along with many other small island nations, seek to influence global climate change politics. The Republic of Gabal’s military serves more as a symbol of the country’s independence from its neighbors than it serves as any true fighting force. Due to its small size, the Gabal military possesses little offensive capabilities and is no threat to any of its neighboring countries. The Gabal military also lacks the ability to defend itself against any major external threat. The military’s main purpose is the prevention of illegal fishing activities in the country’s territorial waters.

North Torbia

Main article: North Torbia

The Democratic People's Republic of Torbia (DPRT), also called North Torbia, is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with more than half a million active duty military personnel and over two million reservists. North Torbia’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. North Torbia is a single-party, despotic state that occupies the northern half of the Island of Luzon. It is self-described as a “self-reliant socialist republic”, but its structure is deeply totalitarian, wholly reliant on a cult-of personality and militarism for survival. DPRT's stated mission is the unification of all of Torbia, but only under the control of the Song family whose family has ran the country since its founding.

Olvana

Main article: Olvana

Since the People’s Republic of Olvana is the largest country in the region in terms of size and population and with an intent to serve as the regional hegemon, Olvana maintains the largest military in the Pacific. The Olvana People’s Army (OPA) is composed of not only a land force, as the Olvana People’s Navy (OPN) and Olvana People’s Air Force (OPAF) are subordinate to the OPA. The OPN is expanding has been expanding its capability over the last decade with the completed construction of its first two carriers with two more under construction. The OPA has also increased its amphibious capabilities. Both increases in capability provide Olvana with the capability to project its military power to anywhere in the region. Olvana attempts to influence the region by the deployment of advisors to various countries and the sale of military weapons to their allies. Today, the Olvanan Communist Party seeks to change some traditions while preserving others, such as the family structure and culture of obedience to the state as being integral to society.

South Torbia

Main article: South Torbia

The Republic of Torbia, also called South Torbia, is a constitutional republic that occupies most of the south half of the island of Luzon. After centuries of foreign occupation and despotic rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and today is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and most militarily powerful nations. However, a massive corruption scandal that included the president has recently rocked the South Torbian government to its core, creating many questions about the stability and viability of the current republic. The South Torbian military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia from taking over the entire country. Many years ago, due to the fear of North Torbia, South Torbia adopted a universal military service of short duration for all its male citizens. After leaving active duty, the military veterans serve in an active or inactive reserve role as a deterrence against external threats to the country’s independence.

Strategic Positioning

Relations among the nations in this region are a tense game of power. As Donovia's strategic influence has shifted to Europe and the Caucasus regions, Olvana has aggressively sought to press its will on the region. Similarly, nations such as South Torbia, Gabal, and Belesia view the shift as an opportunity to grow their influence and develop economic ties both in the region and with external partners. Control of critical mineral and fishing resources, manufacturing, and unfettered transport of goods in the region's shipping lanes is a key point of tension for all. Within the states of the region, groups that had previously seen no opportunity for influence view the instability as a path to develop their voices. Internal conflict is a persistent and potentially destabilizing factor as governments position for legitimacy and consolidate their power. Whether expanding influence or building new power bases, the region will continue to be a driver of worldwide tensions and increasing volatility.

Regional Views of the US

The U.S. has many competing interests in the region, ranging from economic stability and trade to geopolitical influence. The U.S. sees Olvana as both partner and rival. The two economies are intertwined and depend on each other. Olvana's main strategic challenge is that the U.S. controls the seas. Geography means Olvana’s imports and exports must traverse coastal bottlenecks in and among the other nations of the region that either that nation or the U.S. could easily close. Maintaining trade and international shipping through the region, as well as developing new relationships with the emerging economies is vital to ensuring economic growth and continued participation in the region's development.

The United States’ support of anti-terrorism efforts in the region is expected to tamp-down past criticisms of the South Torbian and Belesian governments and lead to renewed cooperation between them despite a wary Olvana. The ongoing political positioning and economic battles waged between the U.S. and the constantly shifting, multi-faceted regional interrelationships will be both a source of opportunity and conflict.

Regional PMESII-PT Overview

Political

The governments in DATE-Pacific tend to fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Both South Torbia and Gabal are liberal democracies, though not without issues—the former has recently experienced a major political scandal, while the latter is only a few decades old and tribal in nature. Belesia is also a newer democracy that has to continually fight against the autocratic tendencies of its political classes. Both Olvana and North Torbia are one-party autocratic governments that seek to both control their populations and influence their neighbors—the first for hegemonic purposes and the second for regime survival. With economies that are intertwined, the Pacific countries’ political dance is complex and multifaceted, and it is easy for one country to step on the political “toes” of another—either accidentally or intentionally.

Regional Political Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Relatively new democracy
  • Political instability still a problem
  • Government varies between autocratic/brutal and ineffective
  • Foreign policy mainly limited to enhancing trade
  • High terrorist activity
  • Former colony
  • Liberal democracy
  • Influenced by tribal traditions
  • Foreign policy focused on regional diplomacy
  • Tenuous bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
  • One-party, autocratic system
  • No meaningful political opposition
  • State exists to support/protect the regime
  • Highly centralized
  • Foreign policy inconsistent; mainly intended to reinforce the ruling party's authority
  • One-party, autocratic system
  • Major international political force
  • Foreign policy ranges from diplomatic to bellicose
  • Internal frictions, increasing efforts against threats to ruling party
  • Regional hegemon, reaching into African countries
  • Liberal democracy
  • Significant international political influence
  • Varied political spectrum
  • Participant in multiple international treaties and defense cooperation agreements
  • Complex relationship with North Torbia

Military

Military forces in the region vary greatly in both size and purpose. Gabal, as the smallest country in terms of both size and population, has an equally small defensive military that is focused on the prevention of illegal fishing in its waters. Belesia also has limited military capability with old (tier 3) equipment and poor training, but the country does have some offensive capability and is working to improve both manpower and equipment. North Torbia’s tier 3 (with some better equipment in niche areas) military is offensive in nature and very large in comparison to its population. The country’s primary goals are self-preservation through the elimination of both internal and external threats, and reunification with South Torbia—by force, if necessary. In response, South Torbia has fashioned its modernized (tier 2) military as primarily defensive, though the country’s use of armed forces in its fight against internal threats—insurgent groups and criminal enterprises—is decidedly offensive in nature. Olvana fields a large,modern offensive military (tier 1–2) that is focused on both self-defense (internal and external) and regional power projection, with the goal of gaining an equal footing with the United States and Donovia.

Regional Military Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Tier 3 (2/4), inefficient
  • Developing capabilities and doctrine, training
  • Can project limited power
  • Police/constabulary
  • No power projection
  • Bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
  • Oversized, Tier 3 with some niche equipment of higher quality
  • Developing long-range missile systems for high-yield munitions
  • No WMD treaties
  • Large, Tier 2/1
  • Aggressively modernizing
  • Active nuclear program
  • Tier 2 (+), modernized
  • Mostly self-defense, but can project power
  • Western military affiliations

Economic

The economic conditions in the five countries cover a wide spectrum, ranging from strong capitalistic market systems to oppressive state-controlled ones. Despite their vast differences, the countries’ economies are heavily intertwined. Gabal relies on South Torbia for economic aid while it tries to find its feet after exhausting its natural resources. North Torbia’s command economy is mostly cut off from the rest of the world, but it still trades heavily with Olvana and, to a lesser extent, Belesia. South Torbia’s modern capitalistic economy also relies on trade with Olvana, whose mixed command/free market system is used by its government to buy influence with other nations through a carrot-and-stick approach. Belesia is attempting to diversify its emerging agrarian-based economy via manufacturing and trade with its neighbors, but a lack of high-skilled employment opportunities continues to be an issue. Any major change to just one of the regional economies will have significant ripple effects on those of the others.

Regional Economics Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Emerging mixed-market economy
  • Agricultural/industrial split
  • Developing international trade
  • Service-oriented economy
  • Import dependent
  • Limited natural resources
  • Closed, command-directed Communism
  • Plagued by inefficiencies
  • Constrained by economic sanctions
  • Mixed-market Socialism
  • Export-heavy manufacturing sector
  • Burgeoning domestic demand
  • Developed mixed-market Capitalism
  • Numerous trade agreements
  • Industrial sector shifting to services

Social

The countries in the region present a mix of social influences. Three of the countries have a large number of diverse ethnicities—of which a specific one may or may not make up a majority of the population—and multiple languages and dialects. North and South Torbia fall on the other end of the spectrum, with a nearly homogeneous population in terms of ethnicity and language. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the most common faiths; though indigenous religions are present, only a small minority of the populations follows them. While large youth bulges and continued high birth rates are common in Belesia and Gabal, the opposite is true in Olvana and South Torbia. North Torbia falls between the two, primarily due to high disease levels decreasing the population by default. Education is highly valued in all countries as a way for individuals to improve their socioeconomic situations. Crime and terrorism reflect the diversity and political freedom of the country in question: the more diverse and free, the greater the level of criminal and/or terrorist activity.

Regional Social Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • ~87% Muslim, 10% Christian, 3% Buddhist
  • Literacy rate: 95%
  • 90% access to water, 75% access to sanitation
  • High risk of infectious disease
  • Local language and English are official
  • 25-30% unemployment
  • Dense population
  • Multi-active
  • Majority Protestant (~68%), 24% Roman Catholic, 5% Buddhist
  • 64% literacy rate
  • Small
  • Over 90% have access to clean water, but only 60% have access to modern sanitation
  • Over 90 local languages, English is official
  • Seasonally affected high unemployment
  • Multi-active
  • Ethnically homogenous (99.8% Torbian)
  • No religious freedom
  • High literacy, near 100% claimed
  • 80%+ have access to clean water and sanitation
  • Torbian is almost universal language
  • Low official unemployment (<5%)
  • Dense population clusters
  • Linear-active/Reactive
  • 34% Hindu; 32% Olvan Folk Religion; 25.2% Unaffiliated; 2.5% Islam (mostly in the west); small pockets of other religions
  • Literacy 96% (higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas)
  • 90%+ potable water access, sanitation access highly dependent on urban/rural environment
  • High HIV/AIDS rates
  • 1000s of dialects
  • 5% unemployment, much higher in rural areas
  • Most populous country, mostly dense
  • Multi-active/Reactive
  • ~57% Christian (42% Roman Catholic); ~8% Buddhist; ~6% Islam; 25% not affiliated
  • High literacy, near 100%
  • 100% access to water and sanitation
  • Torbian is primary language, but English is common in business
  • Low unemployment (<5%)
  • Extremely dense urban terrain
  • Reactive

Information

The countries all recognize the importance and influence of media and its control. Approaches range from low-level to modern technical capabilities and from extremely loose to tight governmental control. Olvana and North Torbia practice strong control over public communications media in an attempt to control their populations, while South Torbia and Gabal do the opposite; Belesia maintains some media control, but the government has started relaxing restrictions in recent years. The population rapidly adopts new means of information-sharing using modern technology, unless the government intervenes in an attempt to control information flow. Information warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities run the gamut—from Gabal’s basic attempts to portray the country in a positive light to Olvana’s full range of capabilities. INFOWAR is usually directed externally in the region, with countries focusing on their regional opponents in an effort to gain an advantage, no matter how minor. North Torbia is an exception to this rule, as it focuses equally on internal and external targets. Intelligence capabilities are as varied as the region’s countries. Gabal has minimal collection capabilities and relies on either open-source intelligence or support from friendly countries. Belesia’s capabilities are greater, and focused on electronic warfare and cyber security. The remaining countries have large and sophisticated intelligence programs. As with INFOWAR, these are primarily focused on regional opponents except for North Torbia, which also uses its capabilities against its own populace.

Regional Information Environment Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Decreasing government info control
  • Improving telecom architecture
  • EW & cyber security
  • Limited telecom - satellites
  • Severely restrictive
  • Underdeveloped telecom
  • Large INFOWAR capability
  • Diversified telecom system
  • Restrictive media
  • Robust INFOWAR
  • Robust space program - manufacturing & capabilities
  • High level of freedom of communications, socially regulated/loyalty to nation
  • Abundant/modern telecom
  • Growing INFOWAR

Infrastructure

The region displays a great mix of infrastructure levels throughout the countries, from old and dilapidated to modern and robust. Around half of the populace resides in cities; the notable exceptions are South Torbia, where nine out of ten residents live in an urban environment, and the eastern portion of Olvana. As is common worldwide, utilities and transportation are both more modern and more prevalent/available in urban than rural areas. Power generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, though hydropower and geothermal are also used. All countries have mass transit, airports, and seaports, though condition and usage varies. The easiest and most common method of international travel in the region is by water, mainly due to abundant sea access and the relatively high cost of airfare. South Torbia and Olvana display the most modern and capable infrastructure, while North Torbia falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Belesia and Gabal are attempting to expand and improve their infrastructure systems, but are limited by lack of available funds.

Regional Infrastructure Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Coal & natural gas energy
  • Limited power in rural
  • Updating roads
  • Two megacities
  • Seaports - 11 major ports, 25 minor ports
  • Oil energy
  • Few small paved roads
  • Few highways
  • Limited airfields
  • Seaports - 2 ports
  • Coal depenedent
  • Many roads, only 15% paved-the rest gravel or dirt
  • Aging rail w/ 2 gauges
  • Widespread subterranean development
  • Seaports - 1 major port, 1 minor port
  • Heavy reliance on coal for power generation, with resulting severe air pollution
  • Vast power, water, and transportation networks
  • Nearly universal distribution of utilities
  • Infrastructure not keeping pace with economic development
  • Numerous megacities
  • Seaports - 33 major, over 2000 minor ports
  • Vast geothermal energy
  • Modern air & roads
  • One extremely dense megacity
  • Seaports - 4 major ports, 2 minor ports

Physical Environment

Four of the five countries in DATE-Pacific lie in an archipelago bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. While Gabal, North Torbia, and South Torbia lie entirely within this island group, Belesia also possesses the northernmost part of the island of Borneo, which lies to the southwest. The islands are mountainous in nature, with interspersed lowland valleys and low coastal plains on the larger islands. Mountain ranges are heavily forested, while valleys are typically fertile and comprise most of the subregion’s arable land. Vegetation and climate are tropical in nature. Major geographic features include peninsulas, volcanoes—both active and inactive—and both surface and subsurface caves. Though common, rivers are not long and are only navigable for short distances, if at all. The most important bodies of water are the seas, which provide both sustenance and a means of transportation. Multiple natural hazards exist, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, land and mudslides, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The fifth country, Olvana, lies in the eastern portion of the Asian continent and borders the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea from north to south. Its terrain contains a mix of mountains, basins, plateaus, and plains, with the only major difference between north and south is that the northern part has highlands, while the south has river deltas. The terrain in the west is extremely mountainous, progressing into basins, plateaus and plains as one progresses eastward. The eastern coast is a mix of plains and urban terrain, with some mountains in the southeast. The fertile Yangtze River Valley starts in the center of the country and flows east to East China Sea. Both vegetation and climate vary greatly, based on location and elevation, and arable land is relatively scarce. Natural hazards include typhoons, flash floods, land and mudslides, earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis.

Regional Physical Environment Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Many islands
  • Large crops
  • 2 main islands; others relatively small
  • Minimal crops
  • Concern over rising sea levels
  • Medium-sized
  • Large crops
  • Huge land mass
  • Somewhat inefficient crop output
  • Medium-sized
  • Medium crops

Time

All DATE-Pacific countries use the Gregorian calendar. Belesia, Gabal, and South Torbia are in time zone GMT +8.0, Olvana is an hour different at GMT +7.0, and North Torbia sets its clocks at GMT +8.5. None of the regional countries observe Daylight Savings Time (DST). Approaches to time vary throughout the region. Gabal and Belesia have a relaxed approach to time and people often work on several tasks simultaneously; doing things “in order” is a foreign concept. South Torbians follow a cyclic approach to time, believing that all opportunities, like the sun, will set and then rise again later on. However, this is not taken as an invitation to slowness or laziness, as their concept of harmony requires an ultra-politeness that extends to strict observation of timetables. The Olvanans are very conscious of time and live by the adage, “He who arrives on time is already late.” North Torbians follow an exacting view of time and are neither early nor late, with the added impetus of extremely negative consequences if one should be tardy.

Regional Time Perceptions Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Traditionally polychronic; shifting to monochronic
  • Relaxed attitude to time
  • Polychronic
  • Strictly enforced
  • Monochronic
  • Monochronic
  • Reactive, grounded in history
  • Cyclic

Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups

Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions in DATE-Pacific
Group Name Type Country Description
Free Sulu Movement Separatist Belesia The FSM is a conglomerate of anti-federation and independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard.
Gabal Forever Insurgency Gabal Gabal Forever is a very small group (less than 100) of boisterous people who do not like the way the government and business leaders are catering to foreigners in attempt to chase the tourist dollar. Many of these are 85%-95% ethnically native to the local islands and trace their ancestry back beyond written history through the oral history tradition of their ancestors. These people are upset about the change in their island’s life and would like it to return to what it was 200 years ago before Westerners arrived.
Islamic Torbian Army Insurgency South Torbia The ITA began on Mindoro as a movement to convert the country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA has expanded to many parts of South Torbia, especially those that contain a large number of Muslims. Since the ITA normally attacks non-Muslims, most other Muslims remain neutral or provide tacit support to the ITA.
Olvana Jemaah Islamiyah Insurgency Olvana The OJI is a Muslim insurgent group that operates primarily in Western Olvana with many of its leaders training in the Middle East. As the OJI becomes stronger, the group continues to push further to the east. The mainline OJI is usually content to slowly convert people to Islam by providing services to the poor rural people that the central Olvana government seems to forget. There are OJI cells that do not feel the conversion process is occurring fast enough, however, and are trying to convert the rural villages by force.
Olvana Mission Insurgency Olvana The Olvana Mission is not a political party, but a group of Christian missionaries whose obhjective is to make the lives of rural Olvanans better while converting them. The Olvana central government is not extreme in its denunciation of religion and will generally allow various religions to practice as long as those practicing their faith seek to use it as a means to overturn the current political structure. The Olvana Mission is on the cusp of going from a group tolerated by the Olvana government in the northwestern part of the country to one that the communists will seek to destroy.
One Hui Front Insurgency Olvana The OHF is an ethno-nationalist organization, rather than an Islamist organization, but Islam remains a large part of its identity. It likely receives support from sympathetic actors of the Islamic faith and have been known to cooperate with OJI on some occasions. Mostly in populated areas in northwest Olvana, but also operates in rural areas conducting terrorist attacks against members of the central Olvanan government. The OHF is heavily involved in Information Operations in attempt to unify the Hui people, exploit sectarian tensions, and limit the influence of religious extremism.
Red River Liberation Army Separtist Olvana The RRLA is a multi-ethnic militant organization rejecting all Olvanan political and cultural influence in the southwest part of the country. The RRLA has reduced its offensive operations lately, but has increased its Information Operations and Psychological Warfare.
Red Tiger Front Violent Extremists Global Western

--fascist and anti-racist political movement active in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-

Satu Pulau Satu Negara Insurgency Belesia The 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 a low-level guerilla 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 Belesiasn government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.
South Torbian Communist Army Insurgency South Torbia The TCA is probably less than 1,000 actual fighters, but they may have many more supporters throughout the country. Their expressed intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model, the same goal as stated by the South Torbian Communist Party (TCP). The TCP claims that their group has no connection to the TCA, but there are probably some members that belong to both organizations.
Thorskrig Violent Extremists West

-

United Torbia Insurgency South Torbia United Torbia is more of a counter-insurgent organization. It is pro-government and anti-communist that wants to unite the country with a democratically elected government.
Visayan Peoples Front Insurgency Belesia 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.
Yellow Sashes Insurgency Olvana The Yellow Sashes are primarily Hindi who detest the Olvana communist government’s repression of religion. The Yellow Sashes are often traditionalists who wish to return the country back to the way it was 150 years ago. The Yellow Sashes want a return to the previous form of government before communism, which was a hereditary monarchy.

See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents and Chapter 3: Guerrillas

Criminal Organizations and Activities

Significant Criminal Organizations in DATE-Pacific
Group Name Type Country Description
0 2 4 Street Gang Criminal Transnational, West, IndoPacific 0 2 4 gangs conduct high volume, low level retail drug distribution either on their own behalf or as an arm of a larger organisation, usually a Black Society. The individual gangs exist on a spectrum of criminality, with some confining themselves to drugs activity and others leaning towards more hard core criminality and violent antisocial behaviour. Affiliated with Golden Hawk.
Black Societies Criminal Olvana, Belesia 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 not happy with the Tantoco Cartel moving into their cities, and may fight them to keep Tantoco out. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey.
The Cheng Institute Unarmed Noncombatants Olvana, West
Golden Hawk Black Society Criminal Belisia, South Torbia, Olvana, Global
Kumpulan Criminal Gabal Kumpulan is the major criminal organization in Gabal. Its leader owns a local import/export business with warehouses in several cities and towns in Gabal, from which it can hide illegal goods among legitimate imports. It is highly likely that the group has agents scattered throughout the National Police as well as any local governmental officials.
Olvanan Friendship Society Unarmed Noncombatants West
Osongco Syndicate Criminal South Torbia The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. Tantoco leaves Osongco alone as long as he confines his activities to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money such as extortion or even bank robbery, especially those that do not practice the Muslim faith. Some Muslims see Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
Redback Raiders MC Criminal South Torbia
Red Tiger Black Society Criminal Belesia

-

Socialist Student League (SSL) Violent Extremist Organization Global West The SSL is a revolutionary anti-
Tantoco Cartel Criminal Multiple The Tantoco Cartel was founded in the Republic of Torbia, it also operates in the largest cities of Olvana and 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 Olvana government is serious about bribery as some senior government leaders have been forced to resign or imprisoned when caught taking bribes.
Tears of Torbia Cyberterror Hacktivists Global

--

Torbian Cultural Center (TCC) Unarmed Noncombatants West The TCC promotes pro-
Yusingo Enterprises Criminal North Torbia Yusingo Enterprises operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits.

See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals

  1. The DATE countries listed below are fictionalized territories at the national and first-order administrative levels (i.e. province or county depending on the country). Lower order boundaries such as city wards and municipalities, and physical features such as mountains, rivers, and deserts, have retained their actual names. In many cases literature and media sources will use more than one name for a feature, and may spell them in different ways. As practicable, DATE will follow the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's guidance contained in the Geonet Names Server (GNS), "the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (US BGN)". However, the reader should be cautioned that reference texts and maps may use these other variants. These common variants are also listed in the GNS.
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