Pacific
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 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).
Key Points
- Bullet
- Bullet
- Bullet
- Bullet
Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment
Olvana
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.
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.
South Torbia
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
The Federated States of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from joint rule by two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political 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.
Belesia
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. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae;
Strategic Positioning
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. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae;
Regional Views of the US
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. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae;
Regional PMESII-PT Overview
Political
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Politics |
|
|
|
|
|
Military
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military |
|
|
|
|
|
Economic
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic |
|
|
|
|
|
Social
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social |
|
|
|
|
|
Information
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Politics |
|
|
|
|
|
Infrastructure
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
Physical Environment
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Environment |
|
|
|
|
|
Time
| Olvana | North Torbia | South Torbia | Gabal | Belesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time |
|
|
|
|
|
Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups
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.
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.
Major known groups in the OE include 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 (MSRA), Kujengan Bush Militias.
See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents and Chapter 3: Guerrillas
Criminal Organizations and Activities
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 freedom. In 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.
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.
The main categories of organized criminal enterprises within the OE include:
- Drug Trafficking
- Human Trafficking & Forced labor
- Commodity Theft and Smuggling
- Illicit mining
- Oil theft, refining, and smuggling
- Protection Economies
- Criminal Gangs
See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals
| DATE Pacific Quick Links . | |
|---|---|
| Belesia | Political • Military • Economic • Social • Information • Infrastructure • Physical Environment • Time |
| Gabal | Political • Military • Economic • Social • Information • Infrastructure • Physical Environment • Time |
| North Torbia | Political • Military • Economic • Social • Information • Infrastructure • Physical Environment • Time |
| Olvana | Political • Military • Economic • Social • Information • Infrastructure • Physical Environment • Time |
| South Torbia | Political • Military • Economic • Social • Information • Infrastructure • Physical Environment • Time |
| Other | Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions |