Military: South Torbia

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

Military Overview

The Republic of Torbia (or South Torbia) military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia (or North Torbia) from taking over the entire country. Many years ago, due to the fear of its northern neighbor, 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. South Torbia uses its mandatory service requirement to field a competent army and a large reserve. 

While smaller than North Torbia, the South Torbian military is of higher quality, with better logistics and a substantially more capable air force. These positive attributes currently keep North Torbia from acting on its verbal declaration that the country should be unified under North Torbia’s government. The South Torbian military continues to modernize their equipment when they can by purchasing mostly western equipment as they now believe the technology is superior to that of Donovia or Olvana. That being said, South Torbia still needs to continue their modernization program in order to continue their deterrence of the North. If North Torbia ever felt it could successfully take the rest of the country over without outside interference, regionally or internationally, it would likely not hesitate to launch an offensive against South Torbia.

Military Forces

The South Torbia military strategy focuses on the defense of their country, primarily against North Torbia whose intent is to reunite all of Torbia under its Secretary General. As such, South Torbia has limited its offensive capabilities, creating military formations positions, manned and equipped for defensive missions. It consists of three branches: the Republic of Torbia Army (RoTA), Republic of Torbia Navy (RoTN), and the Republic of Torbia Air Force (RoTAF) under the control of the National Council (NC) and the Supreme High Command (SHC). 

RoTA forces are mainly infantry with a limited number of other type units including one tank division, one mechanized infantry brigade, and one airborne brigade. 

RoTN Force are organized under two geographic commands—East Naval Command and West Naval Command and is primarily a defensive entity with little capability to operate as a blue water force.

RoTAF Forces are organized two geographic commands, East Air Command and West Air Command, its missions include the protection of the country’s borders, troop transport, and close air support (CAS) for ground forces. 

National Command Authority

South Torbia National Command Authority

South Torbia refers to its National Command Authority as a National Council (NC). The NC exercises overall control of the application of all instruments of national power to plan and carry out the country’s national security strategy. The NC includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Financial Strategy, Interior, and Defense, along with other members selected by the President, who chairs the NC. The president appoints the Minister of National Security, who exercises responsibility for the NC’s Strategic Integration Department (SID). The SID serves as the overarching agency responsible to integrate all the instruments of national power under one cohesive national security strategy. The SID coordinates the plans and actions of all South Torbia’s ministries, but particularly those associated with the instruments of national power. (See TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 1, Strategic and Operational Framework for additional information on the role of the National Command Authority).

Strategic Operational Framework

Republic of Torbia Defense Forces Structure. The SHC is located in Manila.Exceptions are the 3 Army Force Commands, the 2 Air Force Commands, the 2 Navy Commands, and the militia brigades.

Republic of Torbia Defense Forces Structure. The SHC is located in Manila. Exceptions are the 3rd Army Force Commands, the 2nd Air Force Commands, the 2nd Navy Commands, and the militia brigades.

The South Torbian NC exercises command and control (C2) of the Armed Forces via the Supreme High Command (SHC) that includes the Ministry of Defense (MoD) and a General Staff drawn from all the service components led by a Supreme High Commander who is nominated by the president but appointed by the National Assembly. In peacetime, the MoD and General Staff operate closely but separately. The MoD assumes the responsibility for policy, acquisitions, and financing the Armed Forces. The General Staff promulgates policy and supervises the service components, while its functional directorates assume responsibility for key aspects of defense planning. In wartime, the MoD and General Staff merge to form the SHC, which functions as a unified headquarters.

The South Torbian military is designed under an administrative force structure (AFS) that manages its military forces in peacetime. This AFS contains the aggregate of various military headquarters, facilities, and installations designed to man, train, and equip the forces. In peacetime, South Torbia groups their forces into Army Force Commands for administrative purposes designated by a number. If the South Torbian SHC elects to create more than one theater headquarters, it may allocate parts of the AFS to each of the theaters, normally along geographic lines. Typically, these administrative groupings differ from South Torbia’s go-to-war (fighting) force structure. Other parts of the AFS consist of assets centrally controlled at the national level. See also FM 7-100.4 Opposing Force Organization Guide: Chapter 3, Task Organizing.

National Strategic Goals

South Torbian Operations

Implementing National Security Goals

Like most countries, South Torbia shares a similar strategy to achieve their national goals. Strategic operations remain a continuous process not limited to wartime or preparation for war. Once war begins, strategic operations continue during regional, transition, and adaptive operations and complement those operations. Each of the latter three types of operations occurs only during war and only under certain conditions. Transition operations can overlap regional and adaptive operations.

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

• Strategic operations use all instruments of power in peace and war to achieve a country’s national security strategy goals through attacks against any enemy’s strategic centers of gravity.
• Regional operations include conventional, force-on-force military operations against overmatched opponents, such as regional adversaries and internal threats.
• Transition operations bridge the gap between regional and adaptive operations and contain some elements of both. The country continues to pursue its regional goals while dealing with developing outside intervention that has the potential to overmatch its military.
• Adaptive operations preserve the country’s power and apply it in adaptive ways against opponents that overmatch the country’s military.

National Security Strategy

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

 If necessary, South Torbian strategy typically will start with actions directed at an enemy regional opponent that South Torbia overmatches in conventional military power (i.e., Belesia and Gabal), as well as other instruments of power. If possible, South Torbia will attempt to achieve its ends without armed conflict. Accordingly, South Torbia does not limit strategic operations to military means and usually does not begin with armed conflict. South Torbia may achieve the desired goal through pressure applied by nonmilitary instruments of power, perhaps by merely threatening to use superior economic or military power against the opponent. These actions fall under the general framework of “strategic operations.” 

South Torbia will resort to initiating armed conflict to achieve its desired end state only when nonmilitary means prove insufficient. Strategic operations, however, continue even if a particular regional threat or opportunity causes the country to undertake “regional operations” that may include military means as a last resort. Prior to the initiation of hostilities and throughout the course of armed conflict with its regional opponent, the government will continue to conduct strategic operations in an attempt to preclude intervention by outside players, other regional neighbors, or an extra-regional power that are not supportive of their actions. South Torbia would welcome outside assistance to achieve its strategic goals, especially if attacked by an external enemy.

Land Forces/Army Overview

South Torbia Ground Force Distribution

The Republic of Torbia Army (RoTA) fields approximately 385,000 soldiers with about one-third of them being short-term draftees for 18 months. Since military service is mandatory for all South Torbian males physically capable of serving, the incentive to join the army over the navy or air force is the six-month shorter enlistment for the service in the ground forces. Some vocal opponents of conscription have recently surfaced in the media, but there does not seem to be enough political pressure to end the universal military service requirement for South Torbian males. The three Army Force Commands are in various states of readiness. The 1st Army Force Command is in the highest state of readiness with the least amount of draftees with trucks available to transport the infantry. The 3rd Army Force Command is in the lowest state of readiness with the most draftees. The 2nd Army Force Command is between the other two in terms of readiness.

Land Forces/Army Size and Structure

1st Army

1st Army Units

The RoTA 1st Army is the most prepared and the most capable of the three RoTA field armies. The 1st Army is organized similarly to the other RoTA armies, with the exception of an additional separate tank brigade.  The MoD gives it the highest priority for funding, manning, equipping and training. It manned with most skilled Commanders, officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers. Most 1st Army senior commanders tend to move into positions in the MoD after retiring. The MoD ensures the 1st Army maintains at least 95% operational readiness rate and as near full manning as possible.

2nd Army

2d Army Units

The RoTA 2nd Army is similar to the 1st Army, but does not contain a separate tank brigade. Its officers and soldiers are well trained, but not to the level of the RoTA 1st Army. It is second in priority for manning, funding and equipment. Although it is completely mission capable, the lesser priority of funding and manning presents a challenge to the 1st Army’s leaders and is manifested in its lower operational ready rate and retention of its soldiers.  

3rd Army

3rd Army Units

The RoTA 3rd Army is the least capable of the three field armies.  It is equipped with older less effective tier 3 and 4 systems and its manning level is the lowest of the three armies.  Based on its level of manning and readiness, the MoD regularly assigns it missions of lesser difficulty and of civil or homeland defense in nature. Also, the MoD uses the 3rd Army to provide individual personnel replacements for the 1st and 2nd Army Commands if required. 

Maneuver Divisions

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

Maneuver Brigades

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

Army Force Commands

The South Torbian army fields an estimated 385,000 troops distributed between three Army Force Commands and units that report directly to the SHC. The three Army Force Commands maintain themselves at different levels of readiness. The best and most well trained units receive assignment to the 1st Army Force Command. This Command also receives an organic mechanized infantry and tank brigade. Most of the lower ranking soldiers volunteered for military service instead of waiting to be drafted. The 2nd Army Force Command is similar in structure to the 1st, except there is no mechanized infantry brigade and there a slightly larger number of draftees. The 3rd Army Force Command is almost exactly like the 2nd in structure, but almost all the lower enlisted personnel are draftees.

Land Forces/Army Reserve

The RoTA does not have a separate standing army reserve force. However, 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. South Torbia uses its mandatory service requirement to field a competent army and a large reserve serving as individual replacements or assigned to a unit in the 3rd Army Command.

Land Forces/National Guard

The RoTA does not have a standing National Guard military organization. Missions normally assigned to a National Guard are either assigned to the MoI (National Police) or the MoD (RoTA 3rd Army). RoTA also maintains 36 Militia brigades capable of performing military missions. (See Irregular Forces: Reserves and Militia)

Land Forces/Army Doctrine and Tactics

South Torbian army doctrine and tactics is a conglomeration of those that they have found to work best in their island environment dating back almost 100 years. Due to various influences over the years, South Torbian doctrine and tactics are the best practices from the Donovian, Olvanan, and western armies, as well as guerrilla insurgencies in the Pacific and South America. Over the last two decades, as South Torbia has purchased more western military equipment, the American influence on their doctrine and tactics has increased. Western military trainers travel to South Torbia to train their army while the RoTA sends its best officers to western military schools to glean their latest techniques. Those officers with experience working with western armies are now reaching the general officer ranks and can exert their influence on the South Torbian ground forces from a more western view.

Land Forces/Army Training and Readiness

For the most part, the RoTA relies on short-term conscription to field the majority of its ground forces. Each year, almost 200,000 of those South Torbians graduating from high school or reaching the draft age of 18 must serve for 18 months in the army or 24 months in the navy or air force. High school graduates who receive acceptance to a university can defer their military service until after college graduation. College graduates then can request an appointment as an officer or serve as an enlisted soldier. College graduates going on for a graduate or medical degree can continue to seek an educational deferment. If there is no need in the army for the college graduates’ service, they can receive an indefinite delay or request to be serve their military obligation in a reserve unit. Most middle and senior officers and some senior noncommissioned officers receive their training in western military institutes or from training teams sent to South Torbia. 

The South Torbian military maintains a competent special-purpose force (SPF) that cross-trains with several foreign SPF units including the American Special Forces community. The South Torbian SPF has traveled to several countries in Africa and the Pacific to teach skills to SPF units there. Each of the Army Commands contains an SPF brigade and there is a national SPF battalion subordinate to the SHC who specializes in anti-terrorism operations. There is also a strategic SPF brigade that reports to the Minister of Interior that is also highly trained. The best SPF soldiers are assigned to the unit that specializes in deep penetrations of the enemy with the intent to decapitate the enemy’s leadership through various methods, but most notably long distance sniper shots. Most of these individuals come from the army’s SPF community and were handpicked for their assignment based on merit and skills.

Land Forces/Army Equipment and Weapons

The RoTA operates a variety of equipment throughout its force structure ranging from tier 1 for selected equipment to tier 3 for other gear. Older equipment is normally from Olvanan or Donovian sources while the newer equipment is from western armies. The newest and best equipment is purposely assigned to the units in the 1st Army Force Command or in units that directly report to the SHC. As new equipment is purchased and received, their equipment is cascaded down to the 2nd Army Force Command that in turn transfer their equipment to the 3rd Army Force Command. Excess equipment from the lowest readiness active duty units are then transferred to South Torbian reserve units or sold as surplus to other countries. The South Torbian military forces can operate in all terrain types and while difficult, can successfully conduct 24-hour operations. (For further information see the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG), Vol. 1, Chapter 1, OPFOR Tier Tables.)

Maritime Forces Overview

Due to its geographic location and location on a number of islands, the RoTN is essential for the country’s defense. With approximately 60,000 personnel, the South Torbian navy is primarily a defensive entity with little capability to operate as a blue water force. The RoTN conducts patrols in its territorial waters and normally stays within 25 miles of the country’s shores.

Maritime Forces Size and Structure

South Torbian Naval Disposition.

Republic of Torbia Navy Force Structure.

Navy

The Republic of Torbia Navy operates two commands—East Naval Command and West Naval Command—based on the country’s geography. While a ship may have a primary port city, the ship may move to another harbor based on mission analysis. The South Torbian navy possesses some amphibious capability, but the number of ships available limits landings from the sea to less than two battalions of infantry at any time. Many more infantry battalions go through amphibious training, but additional amphibious ships from possibly another country would be needed for any larger landing.

Marines

The Republic of Torbia Navy Force structure does not include a standing amphibious force partly because of the limited number of landing craft, and amphibious operations is a basic mission for RoTA battalions.  This economy of force structure adversely affects South Torbia’s ability to conduct large scaled amphibious operations.  

Coast Guard

There is no separate coast guard organization, but the Republic of Torbia Navy is defensive in nature and performs the mission of coastal defense. Based on projected requirements the MoD believes that the RoTN has the capability to perform its coastal defense mission, defense of territorial waters, and its joint requirements without additional forces.

Reserves

There is no organized RoTN reserve units. In case of a major war, any sailor with previous RoTN experience would likely be directed to the naval forces at the time of mobilization of the civilian population to fight the war.

Maritime Forces/Navy Doctrine and Tactics

The South Torbian navy protects its coastal borders and patrols any navigable rivers for illegal activities. As secondary missions, the South Torbian naval forces may conduct search and rescue (SAR) and port security operations. The navy has no aviation assets, fixed wing or aerial. The navy works with the air force for aerial support during maritime SAR missions. Naval missions might include:

• Stopping illegal fishing activities
• Defensive patrolling of coastal areas
• Anti-smuggling operations
• Mine laying
• Small amphibious operations
• Water search and rescue

Unlike the South Torbian army and air force, the South Torbian navy has been working primarily with Olvanan and Donovian fleets in exercises and personnel exchanges. This effect, intended to ease maritime relations and secure the free flow of trade among the Western Pacific region, has also influenced South Torbian naval tactics.

Maritime Forces/Navy Training and Readiness

Due to the requirement to serve 24 months in the navy for draftees, those that select to join the maritime service are either enthusiastic about going to sea or want the training that the navy may provide them. Due to these reasons, the navy is highly competent at the individual sailor level. The downside is that many of the draftees leave after their two-year commitment to use their skills to pursue work in the civilian sector. This creates a turnover of up to 10,000 sailors coming and going each year. 

The navy conducts training mainly within its territorial waters. The missile attack boat squadron and submarines sometimes venture into the South China Sea for maneuvers. Recently the South Torbian navy has conducted operations with Western navies including ships from Australia. Due to the quality of its sailors, the South Torbian navy typically achieves an 88% operational readiness rate.

Maritime Forces/Navy Equipment and Weapons

The South Torbian navy operates weapons and equipment with primarily tier 2 capabilities with some tier 3 equipment. There are negotiations between South Torbia and several other countries to provide some newer ships with tier 1 capabilities in order to better reduce the smuggling operations throughout the country. While South Torbian manufacturing has the technological and physical capability of contributing to a more advanced navy, actual production has been dedicated to maintaining and increasing the merchant marine fleet or crafting civilian cargo ships for export. Thus, domestic warship production would require significant retooling, and South Torbia would prefer to conduct trade with nations with already developed naval warship capacity. The South Torbian navy can operate in all waters in and around the country with the ability to conduct both day and night operations, but not at the level of most western navies. 

Navy capabilities include missile attack boats, patrol boats, submarine chasers, minesweepers and minelayers, submarines, and amphibious landing. Due to the high quality of the individual sailor, equipment readiness rates in the navy typically approach 95%.

Air Force Overview

South Toriban Air Forces Disposition.

The Republic of Torbia Air Force’s (RoTAF) missions include the protection of the country’s borders, troop transport, and close air support (CAS) for ground forces. The South Torbian air force also works with naval forces to assist in waterborne SAR missions. The South Torbian air force operates primarily tier 2 equipment and planes. South Torbian pilots possess a respectable reputation for their flying skills.

Air Force Size and Structure

Republic of Torbia Air Force Structure.

The South Torbian Air Force is divided into two Commands—East Air Command and West Air Command. Major aviation units include a bomber regiment, five fighter regiments, three transportation aviation regiments, a reconnaissance squadron, a ground attack regiment, and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) squadron. The South Torbian air force is not responsibility for air defense as that mission is assigned to the army.

The RoTAF is distributed across 6 major air fields on the main island of Luzon South Torbia and 2 bases on the southern Island of Mindoro. 

East Air Command

The RoTAF Headquarters, and the East Air Command are located in Manila with the bulk of its reconnaissance and its heavy capabilities, bombers and transport. The East Air Command also has a fighter regiment based at Angeles and Olongapo comprised of 36 MIG 25 Foxbats at each base.

West Air Command

The West Air Command Headquarters is based at Angeles. Its subordinate regiments are based at Angeles, Manila and Olongapo on Luzon, and two bases on the island of Mindoro; San Jose and Momburao. Organized differently for the East Air Command, it includes the 28th Transport Squadron on Angeles, 24th Fighter Regiment in Manila, and the 32nd Ground Attack Regiment (SU25SM Frogfoot) at Olongapo on Luzon.  On the island of Mindoro, the 36th Helicopter SAR Squadron with 12 MBB B105 helicopters at San Jose, and 36 MIG 25BM Foxbats at Momburao.

Air Force Reserve/National Guard

The South Torbian Air Force does not have a standing Air Force Reserve or Air Force National Guard. During war time conditions, the Training Regiment may be assigned reserve type missions. During peace time conditions, missions of a civil nature are assigned to active regiments as required. In case of war with North Torbia and civilians are mobilized, those with previous experience with the ROTAF will likely be assigned to air force units to reduce the training needed. The airmen with previous experience, with refresher training, become qualified sooner to support the aircraft than starting from scratch with fresh recruits.

Air Force Doctrine and Tactics

Over the last 20 years, western aviation doctrine has heavily influenced South Torbian air force operations. With its current generals receiving exposure to western military thought by training in western countries or by teams conducting training in South Torbia, the South Torbian air force continues to shed any past tactics taught to them by Donovian or Olvanan aviators. The South Torbian air force will rely on better equipment, the skill of its pilots, and more modern tactics to defeat any force that attacks their country including North Torbia. Recent focus of South Torbian Air Force doctrine and tactics is operating and surviving in a complex electronic warfare environment that depend on integrity and effectiveness of Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).

Air Force Training and Readiness

Like the navy, South Torbian air force draftees must serve for two years instead of 18 months as soldiers can in the army. Thus, the draftees want to serve because of the service’s prestige or to leverage their military training into a civilian occupation when they leave active duty. There is an air force training regiment that all airmen attend for six weeks before reporting to their assigned unit for additional on-the-job training. Some airmen may be sent to a specialized school, but this is the exception not the norm. Like the navy, air force personnel turnover hovers around 10,000 airmen a year coming and going. Despite the turnover, South Torbia maintains a well-trained air force with an 89% operational readiness rate.

Air Force Equipment and Weapons

The South Torbian air force operates primarily Tier 2 equipment, but there can also be some tier 1 and tier 3 equipment in selected niche capabilities. There are discussions within the South Torbian government that the air force needs to upgrade its aging aircraft in order to continue to deter northern aggression. These discussions center around whether to continue to use its dated Donovian equipment, purchase newer, but still dated Olvanan equipment, or to speed up the switch to modern western aircraft since their pilots are now being trained in western countries or by western air force personnel. Due to the high quality of the individual air force maintainer and despite the turnover, the South Torbian force maintains an equipment readiness rate of over 89%..

Paramilitary Forces

There are a large number of paramilitary forces in South Torbia. In time of war, South Torbia could direct that paramilitary forces that work for the government be used in a military role. While armed, these government paramilitary forces do not have the same ability to perform most military functions to the same level as the military forces. As such, they would likely be used in support of the regular military such as providing route security or rear security operations. In addition, there are a number of non-governmental sponsored paramilitary forces that may be found in South Torbia. Most of these are quite small in size, but those that sympathize with North Torbia could provide issues that could divert the South Torbia military’s attention away from more essential missions.

Government Paramilitary Forces

The Ministry of the Interior (MoI) controls approximately 10,000 personnel who use military-style light weapons. These forces include the country’s border guard force of 7,000, a national police force of 1,000, and a strategic SPF brigade of around 1,000 personnel. These personnel will be essential to reduce the chaos of dislocated civilians that could occur if another country ever decided to invade South Torbia. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 15, Special Purpose Forces and Commandos.

Border Guards

The MOI operates a border guard unit to enforce the country’s importation laws that is comprised of approximately 5,000 personnel. Internally trained, the country has begun to turn to some of the larger western countries for guidance on the latest methods to secure their borders, especially their coastline. Tasked primarily with anti-smuggling operations and border control, the border guard is thinly stretched due to the large coastline with its many hidden coves and caves that make it a haven for those conducting nefarious activities. The border guards do not have to worry about the common border with North Torbia, however, as the South Torbian army receives the primary responsibility for securing the country’s northern non-coastal boundary. Thus, unlike the military, the Border Guards also focus on potential Belesian threats.

Internal Security Force/National Police Force

South Torbia maintains a small civilian internal security force of 1,000 personnel known as the National Police Force (NPF). The NPF is similar to the FBI and has several missions: protection of political figures, national criminal investigations, anti-terrorism activities, and investigations into corrupt local police forces. There are discussions at the national level about increasing the size of the NPF, but no action has been taken due to lack of funds.

National SPF Battalion

The MoI also controls an SPF Battalion that operates at the strategic level. This unit is called upon in peacetime to combat terrorism, hostage rescue, and other important missions that require stealth. In wartime, this unit would conduct deep operations in its enemy’s rear areas to include reconnaissance, target selection, battle damage assessment, and possibly attacks on strategic targets.

Militia and Reserves

The ROTA maintains a huge active reserve composed of 36 militia brigades. The number of militia brigades may fluctuate depending on how many active reservists are serving. After army draftees serve two years, they have an option. They can continue to serve on active duty or they can transfer to the reserves. Most choose the latter option. These reservists must serve for five years in one of the militia brigades meeting for three weeks each year for training. After their reserve obligation is completed, their name is maintained on a roster of citizens with military experience until the age of 45. Each year, the former soldier must notify the government of their current address, civilian occupation, and contact information.

There is no South Torbian reserve naval or air forces. When a sailor or airman complete their two years of training, their name goes on the roster of citizens with military experience until the age of 45. Like the soldiers, annually the former sailor or airman must notify the government of their location, occupation, and how to reach them in case of a national emergency.

Non-State Paramilitary Forces

During peace time, South Torbia enjoys a moderately stable operational environment compared to other counties in the region. Although the actions of non-state sponsored paramilitary forces are visible, insurgent groups and criminal organization represent most of the activity in the country. The rise of guerrilla activity is expected to increase before and during the beginning of Large-scale Combat Operations (LCO). Currently, there are no guerrilla organization operating openly within in South Torbia.

Guerrilla Forces

Currently, there are no guerrilla forces operating openly within South Torbia. That said, South Torbia anticipates that any conflict with North Torbia would inevitably include North Torbian aligned Guerrilla Forces operating within South Torbia. North Torbian military doctrine directs that it units, when bypassed by opposing forces, continue to fight. North Torbian Forces often train to disperse into platoon sized or smaller elements. These small North Torbian units would then seek to conduct or influence guerrilla actions against the South Torbian military targets such as supply convoys or command posts.

Insurgent Forces

There are three major organizations operating in South Torbia that conduct insurgent activity: The Southern Torbian Communist Army (TCA), the Islamic Torbian Army (ITA), and United Torbia (UT). The structure of these organizations is often determent by their mission, environmental and geographic factors, and many other variables. Each of these organizations take advantage of a specific need or desire of its members and their emotion and dedication to a cause.

South Torbian Communist Army

The South Torbian Communist Army (TCA) is estimated to have fewer than 1,000 actual fighters, but they may have many more supporters throughout the country, and have the potential to expand their size if needed. Their expressed intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model. While they have the same desired goal, the TCA is not officially aligned with the political South Torbian Communist Party (TCP), though there may be some membership overlap between the two groups.

See the South Torbian Communist Army (TCA) page for additional information on this group.

Islamic Torbian Army

The Islamic Torbian Army (ITA) began on the Mindoro as a movement to convert the country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA claims to have followers throughout South Torbia. While many of its members come from relatively mainstream Sunni families that adhere to the Shafi’i school of law, the ITA’s leadership promotes a much more conservative form of political Islam that is often linked to Islamist and Jihadi groups around the world.  The ITA tends to focus its efforts on expanding its influence within the South Torbian Muslim population. While it is not uncommon of for the ITA to commit acts of violence against non-Muslims, they typically prioritize recruitment and therefore will try to avoid taking actions that may have a negative impact on the broader South Torbian Muslim population. They have, however, shown support on social media for violent extremist groups around the world, and likely have the means to either imitate or join those movements.

For additional information on the Islamic Torbian Army, go to their own page.

United Torbia

United Torbia (UT) is more of a counter-insurgent organization directed against the TCA and the ITA. It is pro-democracy and anti- communist, and seeks to unify the country under a democratically elected government. UT members have been known to launch propaganda balloons into North Torbia when the wind conditions blow south to north, something that occurs on an infrequent basis. While UT is pro-democracy, it is not necessarily pro-government. UT takes a pragmatic approach to supporting the government when it believes it is progressing toward unification, and opposing any government actions that it believes hurt unification. The South Torbian government publicly disavows the actions of UT, but there are probably some governmental leaders that may secretly agree with the ambitions and ideology of UT. UT exerts domestic influence within South Torbia, often seeking to promote and normalize their views within public discourse. While UT may focus primarily on information operations during competition, it is prepared to organize for military operations should a conflict break out.

Go to the United Torbia page for additional information on this group.

Criminal Organizations

South Torbia generally enjoys a low crime rate when compared to other industrialized nations. However, much of South Torbia’s criminal activity in urban areas is violent in nature, and organized criminal activity is disproportionately prevalent and growing. While there is some crossover between insurgent groups and organized crime, the ITA and TCA are generally more focused on political activity. See South Torbia Political, Social (Criminal Activity) and Economic Variables for contributing factors. 

Osongco Syndicate

The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong. It is led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work in cooperation with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. The Tantoco Cartel leaves the Osongco Syndicate alone as long as their activities are confined to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in the acquisition and sale of stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money. Possible other criminal activities include extortion and bank robbery. While Zikri Osongco is a Muslim himself, and the majority of the syndicate’s members are also Muslims, they do not frame their organization as a Muslim organization, and have no known links to the fundamentalist Islamic Torbian Army. Many of the poor on Mindoro view Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor. This leads to them overlooking some of his activities, and while they may not actively help protect his organization or its members, they are also unlikely to help outsiders who pose a threat to the organization.

For additional information on the Osongco Syndicate, go to their own page.

Tantoco Cartel

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

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

Piracy

Fishermen with guns have been known to board yachts operating off the west coast of Mindoro Island. If those on board are locals or perceived by the boarders as not worth the effort, the pirates force the boaters to swim to the beach near the towns of Mamburao, Santa Cruz, or Sablayan. The pirates then sell the boat and its contents for whatever they can get. If the yachters are perceived to be rich, especially those from western countries, the pirates will hold the boaters for ransom. When the families pay the ransom, the pirates will release their kidnap victims on the beaches near the same three towns. While the South Torbian government attempts to stop the piracy and kidnappings, the limited number of military watercraft and higher competing requirements makes it almost impossible to stop all of them. Whenever one of the hostages’ families pays the kidnappers what they want, it only causes additional attempts by the pirates to board other yachts due to the financial incentives found in the kidnapping for ransom business.

Street Gangs

In South Torbia’s larger cities, such as Manila, street gangs are a common occurrence. The street gangs are usually confined to a defined neighborhood and focused on robbery and extortion, or small scale drug operations. In many cases, larger criminal organizations will often use local street gangs as hired hands. Many street gangs have ongoing rivalries with other gangs as they attempt to expand their influence. In general most street gangs will avoid taking on endeavors that bring them into open competition with the Tantoco Cartel, however there have been occasions where a gang may attempt to usurp the Cartel’s grasp on a particular sector of the illicit-economy.. The largest street gang in Manila is Dimaslang, which means "Untouchable" in the local language. There are probably less than 100 official members in Dimasalang, but many smaller gangs consisting of petty criminals may work with the group. These gangs are less organized than the larger gangs, but still capable of causing problems in the larger urban centers.

Private Security Organizations Overview

There are a number of small security firms that provide personal protection to South Torbian businesses and persons. These companies must be licensed through the MoI, and their personnel must undergo background checks and receive approval for carrying small arms weapons.

Foreign Military Presence Overview

There are no permanent foreign military personnel presence in South Torbia except those assigned to the embassies in Manila. During the last two decades, foreign military personnel have deployed to help train the South Torbian army, navy, and air force personnel and units. In the last decade, the South Torbian military has partnered with several western militaries to conduct operations throughout South Torbian territory, airspace, or territorial waters.

Nonmilitary Armed Combatants

There are approximately 300,000 licensed private gun owners in South Torbia. Private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law. All guns must be registered with the NPF, However there is an illicit market for unregistered firearms. While open carry is against the law, it is not strictly enforced in some of the more rural parts of the country.

Unarmed Combatants

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

One Torbia Peoples Council: The One Torbia Peoples Council (OTPC) is an unarmed combatant organization of approximately 1000 to 3000 members, living along South Torbia’s border with North Torbia. The OTPC have no official affiliations with the North Torbian government or the army, but they do ideologically agree with the North Torbians government’s economic and social policies.  They are active supporters of North Torbia and, believe that both Torbias’ should be united under the government of North Torbia. They maintain communications with the government of North Torbia through encrypted email and social media. Each regional cell has the capability to produce print media and broadcast local radio messages if necessary, with the assistance North Torbian INFOWAR capabilities, the OTPC synchronize messaging, instructions to sympathizer and conduct a denial of service attacks to enhance the effectiveness of North Torbian Army’s attack.   Also, the OTPC can conduct limited non-violent direct action (DA) to disrupt movement of government and civil traffic.  In the past, OTPC has disrupted commerce through intimidation of individuals or businesses.

Military Functions

Military Functions Overview

As the South Torbian military continues to modernize through the purchasing of superior western equipment and their ability to function as a modern military force continues to improve. Their ability to adapt and integrate their new capabilities is critical.  Discussed below is an assessment of select military functions:

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

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

Joint Capabilities

Demonstrate Joint Capabilities: Medium

The South Torbian military continues to improve their joint operations between the army, navy, and air force with the goal of continual improvement. The air force is flying SAR missions to assist the navy. The air force flies CAS missions for the army. The army is responsible for air defense and must coordinate with the air force to prevent friendly fire shootings. The army works with the navy to practice amphibious landings.

Command and Control

Exercise Command and Control: Medium

The South Torbian military have blended Olvanan/Donovian C2 procedures and adopted some Western methods of mission command. Orders are delegated to subordinate units and units must decide how to act to complete their assigned missions. South Torbian military officers will take the initiative in the absence of orders in order to complete the commander’s intent. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 2, Command and Control.

Maneuver

Execute Maneuver: Low

There is a lack of vehicles for the infantry in some ground force infantry units. The 1st Army Force Command is an exception with all its infantry units mounted in tanks, mechanized vehicles, or in trucks. The maneuver divisions that report directly to the SHC also possess their own transportation. Most of the 2nd Army Force Command, almost all of the 3rd Army Force Command, and all the militia units are traditional infantry. These units must move on their feet or receive vehicles from some other organization to travel major distances. When on the defense, this lack of mobility may not cause issues. In offensive actions, these regular infantry units could only move as fast as their feet could carry them.

Air Defense

Conduct Air Defense Operations: Medium

Defense of South Torbian airspace is an assigned mission to the army, but they must coordinate with the air force to prevent friendly fire accidents. The 457th Air Defense Command, which reports directly to the SHC, fields long-range, medium-range, and short-range missile capabilities. Each Army Force Command fields a smaller number of air defense weapons for all ranges, but at different tier levels. The South Torbian army recognizes that air defense is an all-arms effort.

Thus, all ground units possess some type of an organic air defense capability to differing degrees, depending on the type and size of the unit. Many weapons not designed as air defense weapons will also damage and/or destroy tactical aircraft when within range.

Throughout maneuver units, there are a number of systems designed for air defense and other systems that can be used in an air defense role. The heavy antiaircraft machine guns on tanks are specifically designed for air defense. Machine Guns on armored personnel carriers and automatic cannon on infantry fighting vehicles can engage both ground and air targets. Most antitank guided missiles (ATGMs) are extremely effective against low-flying helicopters. Several ATGM manufacturers offer anti-helicopter missiles and compatible fire control, which are especially effective against low-flying Rotary-wing aircraft. Field artillery and small arms can also be integral parts of the air defense scheme. All these weapons can be extremely lethal when used in this role. The South Torbian military considers every soldier with a man-portable air defense system to be an air defense firing unit. These weapons are readily available at a relatively low cost and are widely proliferated. The small size and easy portability of these systems provides the opportunity for ambush of enemy airframes operating in any area near RoTA units. Ground units also employ them to set ambushes for enemy helicopters, especially those on routine logistics missions. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 11, Air Defense.

INFOWAR

Conduct INFOWAR: Low

The South Torbian Information Warfare (INFOWAR) campaign is primarily directed against North Torbia, but there is some residual effect on their own people. While both countries would like to see a unified Torbia, neither is willing to make the compromises. This is especially true for North Torbia that sees their government being in charge as the only legitimate end to the split between the homogeneous country. 

South Torbia directs some of its radio and television programming at the North Torbian people, trying to show them the economic and social benefits of a democracy. At times, South Torbia may also send balloons over North Torbia to drop leaflets and portable radios to get their message straight to the people as the North Torbian government attempts to filter and influence all messages aimed at its people. 

South Torbia does not currently engage in any offensive cyber warfare, but is in the process of adding offensive cyber capabilities. Most of South Torbian computer expertise is on the prevention of cyber attacks, especially by the North. North Torbia has been known to hack into South Torbian computer systems to steal defense secrets, bank account information to take funds, and even rob bitcoin accounts. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 7, Information Warfare.

RISTA

RISTA Equipment and Ranges

Conduct RISTA: Medium

The South Torbian military possesses reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) capabilities, with a reconnaissance battalion in each of its maneuver brigades. Additional RISTA assets include the 454th Reconnaissance Brigade and the 465th RISTA Command at the national level that fields a signal recon brigade, signal battalion, UAS battalion, and an INFOWAR battalion. Each of the Army Force Commands also contain a reconnaissance brigade. Most of the equipment is Tier 2 in the best Army Forces Command, but of a lower tier in the units in the other two commands.

Intelligence

Produce and Process Intelligence: Medium

South Torbia maintains a sophisticated intelligence apparatus that operates both at home and abroad. The Ministry of Defense Intelligence Department controls all of the different intelligence disciplines both at the national and military defense level. Different intelligence disciplines are well trained and resourced to ensure that national security is not threatened. The Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) are the largest and most advanced of the disciplines, with Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) in the research and development stages. South Torbian advancements in intelligence are the result of training and resource support from Western allies over the past few years and will continue to improve in the future with new advancements.

Human Intelligence: High

The HUMINT program is considered South Torbia’s most important discipline, and is well established and trained. The program focuses on internal security and external threats from regional nations. The HUMINT services will continue to focus on the border region with North

Torbia with the majority of its assets. The focus for internal security is on opposition groups who see the government as not supporting the needs and wants of the populace according to the groups’ stated agendas, such as reunification. These groups operate primarily in the capital and the northern portion of the country. South Torbian counterintelligence service will most likely focus on threats from external agencies seeking to acquire information on government and military forces, as well as major industrial companies, to gain an advantage over South Torbia. South Torbia may also have assets operating in other nations.

Open Source Intelligence: High

South Torbian intelligence analysts utilize its internet infrastructure to conduct OSINT operations. Analysts utilize the power of the internet to obtain key information on other nations from multiple sources to exploit vulnerabilities and advancements of militaries and industrial concerns. They conduct research to support strategic objectives by reviewing reporting from multiple media agencies to determine intentions, significant new advancements, and political agendas of nations that may pose a threat to South Torbia.

Signals Intelligence: Medium

South Torbian SIGINT assets include ground, aircraft, and maritime capabilities. Even with this array of capabilities, South Torbia still relies on assistance from other nations as part of its SIGINT program. South Torbia uses this capability against regional competitors to gain an advantage to better position themselves in the event of hostilities. This capability is used primarily for defensive purposes, but can be transitioned to the offense to assist with targeting of high payoff targets. South Torbia continues to research future capabilities such as the use of satellites to support SIGINT operations.

Imagery Intelligence: Medium

South Torbian IMINT collection capability maintains a fleet of manned and unmanned platforms for strategic and tactical collection, as well as an overhead space collection capability. These assets are utilized along the international borders of South Torbia to identify any buildup of enemy forces or other threats to their stability, with additional capabilities provided by multinational partners. Unmanned aerial systems are utilized as a tactical collection platform along the border with North Torbia, and in support of maritime security and interdiction operations. Fixed- and rotary-wing assets are used as both strategic and tactical collection platforms. South Torbia maintains three dedicated military imaging satellites with electro-optical capabilities and synthetic aperture radar. In addition, South Torbia has access to multiple commercial imaging capabilities through lease agreements with indigenous satellite companies.

Measurement and Signatures Intelligence: Low

South Torbia does not have a robust MASINT capability and relies on its multinational partners for any such information. South Torbia is currently researching ways that government could obtain more mature and advanced MASINT capabilities to counter advancements by other regional countries.

Fire Support

Execute Fire Support Operations: High

While the South Torbian ground forces contain a number of units that use indirect fire weapons, the South Torbian army does not rely on artillery to the extent that the North does. It is likely that South Torbia would receive more support from their air force than North Torbia would receive because of local air superiority. Each of the Army Force Commands field their own artillery command with artillery and multiple rocket launchers systems. At the SHC level, fire support assets include self-propelled artillery, multiple rocket launchers, ballistic missiles, and short- range air defense weapons that can be allocated to reinforce subordinate units where necessary. If available, foreign air forces may also provide additional aviation assets to support the South Torbian ground forces. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 9, Indirect Fire Support.

Protection

Exercise Protection: Low

Because much of the infantry is foot-mobile, the soldiers lack protection even from small arms fire. Tank and mechanized infantry units would enjoy some protection from small-arms fire. Four engineer commands and four chemical brigades provide some protection against indirect fire and chemical weapons. The South Torbian military, like many countries, does not train that often while wearing protective masks. While equipment is available, there is a lack of knowledge on chemical protective measures throughout the military. The government has issued a protective mask to each civilian in case of a chemical attack, but many South Torbians ignore any drills associated with a potential attack. All maneuver brigades also contain engineer and chemical defense units. Radar and the air force should provide necessary protection against the North Torbian air force or any other enemy in the region except that of Olvana. See also TC 7-100.2: Opposing Force Tactics, Chapter 12, Engineer Support and Chapter 13, CBRN and Smoke.

Logistics

Execute Logistics Operations: Medium

The South Torbian military continues to improve its logistical capabilities, especially in comparison to that of North Torbia and even Olvana. The RoTA sees the importance of securing the supply line and maintaining equipment properly to win on the battlefield. While logistics are currently adequate for their units, more modernization will force South Torbia to continue to improve its supply procedures and maintenance capabilities.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear

Execute CBRN Operations: Low

South Torbia is against the use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and possesses no offensive capabilities in any of these areas. Their chemical units concentrate on protecting their force from these weapons and remediation of the situation after their use.

Individual soldiers outside of the chemical units detest wearing protective masks and may suffer needless casualties in a chemical environment due to a lack of regular training. Each of the Army Force Commands fields a Chemical Defense Brigade while a Chemical Defense Battalion supports the SHC and the government. See also TC 7-100.2: Chapter 13, CBRN and Smoke.

Research and Development Goals

South Torbia has recently relaxed laws that limited the export of military arms. This has created an economic opportunity for the domestic defense sector and has led to the opening of a defense industrial complex in Lamoa. This complex provides weapons, ammunition, and munitions for the nation’s military and police. South Torbia is attempting to obtain contracts with foreign governments to export helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Factories in South Torbia do have dual use potential such as the automobile, aviation, and communications industries. South Torbia is investigating the feasibility of getting involved in launching their own satellites into space, but has already used other countries’ rockets to place eight commercial telecommunications satellites, three navigation satellites, and three dedicated military imagery satellites into space.

Special Considerations

South Torbia lives in a constant state of preparedness, anticipating that the North will act on its threat to unify the entire country under its dictator’s control. As such, the South Torbian military focuses on North Torbia as its primary enemy leaving the country vulnerable for smuggling and other criminal activities. The RoTA operates many guard posts along the common border with North Torbia and patrols the area between the guard posts. The rough terrain makes it impossible, however to prevent some personnel crossing over the border into South Torbia for nefarious activities. South Torbia continues to look more to the foreign military powers for its training and equipment as it looks for a way to stymie the threat from North Torbia.

It is believed that North Torbia may have built several infiltration tunnels under their mutual border with the South. While South Torbia has been searching for the tunnels for many years, none have yet to be found. If the tunnels are present, they would most likely be used by North Torbian SPF to get behind the RoTA, attack strategic targets and C2 nodes, and assassinate