International Times - 20 April 2016 - Deteriorating Relations in Erzikistan

[SSG (Ret) J. Hart]

DETERIORATING RELATIONS BETWEEN U.S. FORCES AND ERZIKISTANI CIVILIANS

International Times - Dateline 20 April 2016

Local man outside his newly war-torn home

Earlier this week, U.S. forces stationed in Erzikistan moved into the civilian town of Baghor Kalay and forcefully occupied their homes. To make matters worse, U.S. forces then became involved in a prolonged firefight against the militia. The local population is outraged, having been forced to flee their homes because of the fighting and occupation. Many of the people who were on the fence about the U.S. forces have tipped in favour of the Erzikistan Republic.

We interviewed one man from Baghor Kalay, who wishes to remain anonymous, about these events.

These men with guns have barged into my home and forced me to run! And all in the name of protecting me and helping my government. My government is broken and un-salvageable. We are doing what we believe is right, by creating the government that we want. These foreigners violating our privacy are not welcome here.

U.S. officials have abstained from commenting on the situation.

The local populous is now quite vocally anti-U.S. as they firmly believe that it is their duty to create a better government for their country. These negative relations this early on in the conflict do not bode well for the United States, however, we have seen them bounce back from worse. We will keep you updated throughout the conflict.

Alan White - International Times
*This news report is a fictional work to support the 506th ARMA gameplay

[SGT Madsen]

If US infantry barged into his home it was likely because hostile forces were attacking them at that point, if he got told to run? It was probably to ensure his safety so he was not caught in a crossfire.

We are not the police, but 'Protect and Serve' are still a motto that rings very much true to what we are aiming to do.

[MSG De Vries]

There were locals on the fence about US Forces??

They sure do have a funny way of showing it.

[1SG J. Brewer]

Considering I escorted his fellow villagers to an area of town that wasn't being bombarded with HE by their beloved 'ER', I'll consider this a "thank you". Had we not moved them to safer areas the only thing they would have occupied is a pine box.

[SGT (Ret) T. Cummings]

Gotta hand it to the Republic, they are wanting to create the government that they want and desire. But through the use of violence by the Republic it has brought us into this conflict. Through mutual cooperation and understanding with the local populace, we may be able to reconcile with them and force the currently disputed Government to make changes in domestic and foreign policies, and support them economically with a somewhat similar Marshall Plan like Recovery Program to stimulate their shattered economy.

Early on public relations is a must if we are to capture the populaces hearts and minds and to reduce the amount of bloodshed that the conflict might amount to.

[Waller]

Ah yes! The thin line between engaging the ennemy to secure the town and breaking contact to minimize colateral damage in the town. Unfortunately you can't always have the best of both worlds...

[SSG (Ret) Beard]

I'm sure that if the local's hadn't been firing AK's out of their windows, their houses wouldn't have been breached and cleared...

[Kauer]

They are just mad because I didn't share any of my bud with them

[Russov]

Another Iraq. "Hearts and Minds" right.

[Leeds]

We need atleast one Case Officer to follow on our patrols so we can try to do some on the spot recruitment. Shit, I bet all these civilians just want is a little bit of money or some American products and they'd be more than willing to share with us what they see around them everyday and/or whatever knowledge they may have.

[Truscott]

We need atleast one Case Officer to follow on our patrols so we can try to do some on the spot recruitment. Shit, I bet all these civilians just want is a little bit of money or some American products and they'd be more than willing to share with us what they see around them everyday and/or whatever knowledge they may have.

If they can be bought with money or goods, you can bet they'll swap sides as soon as the militia offers them just a little bit more than we do.

[Leeds]

We need atleast one Case Officer to follow on our patrols so we can try to do some on the spot recruitment. Shit, I bet all these civilians just want is a little bit of money or some American products and they'd be more than willing to share with us what they see around them everyday and/or whatever knowledge they may have.

If they can be bought with money or goods, you can bet they'll swap sides as soon as the militia offers them just a little bit more than we do.

Yeah you're right. However, as long as we get a little HUMINT to help us in the short term (and maybe long term), we keep the individual in our custody and we're able to respond quick enough to whatever intel we've been given, then who cares if they re-defect after we release them.
Just gonna be another dead asshole like the rest of them.


(whoever "them" is....)

[Russov]

We need atleast one Case Officer to follow on our patrols so we can try to do some on the spot recruitment. Shit, I bet all these civilians just want is a little bit of money or some American products and they'd be more than willing to share with us what they see around them everyday and/or whatever knowledge they may have.

If they can be bought with money or goods, you can bet they'll swap sides as soon as the militia offers them just a little bit more than we do.

Yeah you're right. However, as long as we get a little HUMINT to help us in the short term (and maybe long term), we keep the individual in our custody and we're able to respond quick enough to whatever intel we've been given, then who cares if they re-defect after we release them.
Just gonna be another dead asshole like the rest of them.


(whoever "them" is....)

Maybe need to see about getting some Psychological Operation units involved to find ways to help with the "Hearts and Minds". Just money isn't usually the best way.

[Rigger]

Maybe need to see about getting some Psychological Operation units involved to find ways to help with the "Hearts and Minds". Just money isn't usually the best way.

"What is it thinking Colonel?"