| Minister of the Army Debate |
Minister of the Army Debate
Training | Recruitment | Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Missions Planning Welcome to the July 2015 Minister of the Army Debate, hosted by the Southern Journal. In this debate, which I will be moderating, we are fortunate enough to have four of our candidates. General Resentine, Soldier Alisa, Soldier Hammerstar and Soldier Siberian Districts. Resentine: Hello! *Alisa waves to everyone* Hammerstar: Selamat Siang.  Siberian Districts: Hi there. This debate will consist of two parts. First each candidate will have the opportunity to give a brief opening statement, then I will be asking each candidate questions on the ideas for the Special Forces and on the finer points of their campaign, and each candidate will have time to reply to the previous one. Alisa: Alright, thanks Kringle! My name is Alisa, Sòlda Ansyen and WA Advisor, and I am running for the position of Minister of the Army. Although I wasn't originally planning to stand for such position, I was pressured into it by my fellow soldiers and I've decided to give it my best shot. Although some people can view my newness as a disadvantage coming into the campaign, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to view the SPSF as more of an outsider still in the process of integration into the community of TSP. ProfessorHenn and the current SPSF have done a wonderful job in keeping the military functional and efficient. However, as I stated in my campaign speech, one of the life morals I live by is that everything can be improved upon, no matter how seemingly perfect it may be. As such, I've decided to focus on two main aspects: training and transparency. In a brief summary of what I've observed and what my goals are:
 Hammerstar: Terimakasih Kris. Hi guys, my name is Hammer, you might've known me as Knights or The International Knights. My current in the SPSF is currently as Sòlda Ansyen, and I've been a soldier since April. As some of you may have known, I'm from Indonesia, land of the famous Nasi Padang. I've seen others convincing me to enter the campaign race, and I've done just that. Now, I'm still a fresh recruit, and if I'm honest I've not yet been properly trained by my peers. But that's what I'm going to bring in the SPSF. A fresh perspective, and a refined system that would increase efficiency and reliability. I'm going to take everyone's comments, suggestions and experience in the SPSF, and see how we can make it a better place. Before we start, I myself, truly wish that this race for MoA shall be fair, and I know that whoever took office, I can completely vouch for them. Alisa's a fast learner and Resentine's an all around good mentor. I can truly vouch for them, and I hope we can still work together in the future. Resentine: Thanks, Kris. Well, Hello everyone, I'm Resentine. I am a general in the SPSF, and I'm looking to change SPSF in a unique way. I don't just want to make SPSF larger, or better trained. I want to make us better for the NS Community as a whole. I'm campaigning on the idea of a rebuilding program for abandoned regions, to help get them back on their feet and active in NS again. I'm also looking to rebuild the communication lines between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a ministry which we should have a symbiotic relationship with, but, we allowed to fall apart. I fervently believe that if I were to get elected, we could not just make SPSF a force to be reckoned with, but a force for good across NationStates. Siberian Districts: Hi there. I'm Siberian Districts, I've been here in NationStates for a couple years now, playing on and off. I've now decided to run for the Minister of Army position so I can begin a new era of the South Pacific Special Forces. One where we are a noted force in the gameplay world and not just "that GCR army". I'll try to keep my answers short but concise, but excuse me if I go on and ramble, I'm very tired at the moment. Question #1 You all emphasise the need for better training. What specific steps would you take to ensure all soldiers have adequate training and can become future leaders? Hammerstar: Well, I always prefer a more hands on approach in this Kris. When I got in the SPSF, I was tasked by the others to immediately get into the battlefield. I remember the time, we were liberating Lazarus, I didn't have a lot of training, and I learnt through action and hands on experience. Learning along the way. So, for me, after one takes the pledge, they'll be flying in a mission under the guidance of those that are more experienced than them in combat. Now of course, no matter how much you sharpen your sword, it's pointless if you don't use it often. I believe that's from an Indonesian proverb. So, I believe that there should be routine operations. If I were to become MoA, I would discuss with my peers about having a routine training and operations. Because, we can't just depend someone putting an operation in the mission board, and waiting for people to take it on. That takes too long. There should be at least one operation per week, and everyone would need to partake in it. If we don't enforce someone to go to the battlefield, we'll have those who would just sit around stationary while having the purple masking. We can't have that, every man counts, no one gets left behind, and no one should run in an op alone. Resentine: Thanks Kris. When I brought up training in my campaign, I also brought up the idea of one operation every week. But, I also came with the idea of creating training regions. These regions would be founded and run by the MoA or the Generals. We would organize new recruits and other soldiers to preform training operations We would seek to put members preforming different positions in different kinds of operations. Whether those positions be defender, raider, detagger, timekeeper, or other positions. This would allow us to not only make our soldiers better in general, but, it would allow them to find a role that each soldier could specialize in. Giving us not only well train troops, but a variety of specialists and experts trained in certain types of operations. Having specialists roles for our members would give us not only a better trained army, but a more organized one, allowing us to pick the very best for operations and giving us people who are competent in different operations. Siberian Districts: In all honesty, I'm surprised we've done as well as we have with this kind of training. It was only a couple days ago one of the veteran soldiers was taught how to switch and a Jeneral wasn't aware that you needed multiple switchers for raiding. Beside the point though. I'd like to begin the addition of tests which you need to pass in order to rank up in our system. Not the fill in the blank, multiple choice kind of test, but one where you are made sure that you have a suitable amount of gameplay knowledge to be considered for this rank to ensure situations like the one aforementioned wouldn't happen again. As for training newer recruits, I'd like to assign that to our General Corps. The G.C at the moment seems more like a title than an actual position with responsibility and workload. As I'd like the Corps to consist of trustworthy, friendly people it seems like they would be a perfect match to train our new folk. This would get them the best education on gameplay mechanics you can get in the South Pacific. This would also enforce the fact that nobody is more important than the other, no matter what their rank is. We aren't going to assign you someone just a week old to train you. Alisa: Thanks for the question. Training is possibly the most important aspect to the development of a proficient and capable soldier. As outlined in my campaign speech, a mentor program will be initiated into the SPSF. An experienced officer will be assigned to every new recruit and will stay as their companion and mentor as they continue to work their way up. In order to maximize an exposure to gameplay mechanics, both theoretical and hands-on examinations will be utilized not only to test the recruit's ever-expanding knowledge, but also to assess how effectively their mentor is conveying such information. Using this method of training, the SPSF command can efficiently determine how well a recruit understands this information, how well he or she can process this information, and how well he or she can harness this information to execute tangible actions, such as switching and timekeeping. Closely related to a new training program is a reform of the SPSF rank structure. While the current one constitutes of X number of missions to be promoted every rank, my proposed one will focus on leadership potential and the understanding of gameplay mechanics, as well as the number of operations undertaken. More details on such a mentor program and how we'll implement examinations will be fleshed out soon. And I think that's about it, back to you Kris. Question #2 Recently there have been some efforts to increase recruitment. How would you ensure that residents always know the opportunities that the Special Forces offer? Hammerstar: We tried posting a region wide telegram, we tried posting a notice in the RMB. One of the ways we could focus is by increasing more awareness in the SPSF operations, and that soldiers would have to be more active in promoting the SPSF. In the South Pacific forum, when users post a thread in the welcoming centre, one usually asks about the fellowship programme, and then a member with a purple masking should then refer them to the SPSF. So far, it was doing pretty nicely. All in all, soldiers shall have a more active role in referring other nations to the SPSF. I also believe that by conducting role-play in mission planning and operation report makes it quite fun. The recent operations had used these methods If I'm not mistaken, like when we took hold of Blank Canvas for a week, the operational report we posted had featured various role-play text. That addition itself, have enhanced the SPSF image, a more friendlier and fun place People think that joining the military was a bit boring, well, having a bit of role-play seemed to make it more fun. We should use these two methods in increasing awareness in the SPSF, so that people would think that the army is a fun place, and they would be interested in joining. That's the two points that I'll emphasise in my campaign. Resentine: Well, I do agree with Hammer, the roleplay element will help us gain new recruits. But, I disagree on the idea that the older methods didn't work. In Henn's time as minister, we gained 12 members in SPSF, with 10 of them sticking around, which includes everyone running for MoA. Most of those were before we implemented the RP Elements, and our focus of recruiting was the RMB and telegrams. These represent strong and reliable ways to get new recruits, while old fashioned in nature. I would continue to focus on these ways, and try to send them out more often. I would work with the region's local artists to work on creating posters to try and convince people to join SPSF. I believe that while new ways should be considered, the older ways have worked, and we should continue to use them as a primary way to gather new recruits. Siberian Districts: The acts of the SPSF at the moment are basically known by forumers only. I'd like to start putting our reports in factbooks/dispatches and get those pinned to our WFE and linked in the RMB so others know what we've done. Introducing a bi-weekly report that highlights what we've done and also gives information about the SPSF/joining the SPSF is also an idea I'd like to see implemented if I get the position. Alisa: The to-be-appointed liaison will be a soldier who sustains an active presence on the RMB and the gameside community. He/she, along with the Minister of the Army, will serve as connecting links from this community to the forumside one. This liaison will be in charge of maintaining SPSF dispatches and promoting the military through active discussion on the Regional Message Board. Through telegrams, the liaison and the MoA will be the go-to people for any potential recruits to ask about military gameplay and the SPSF. As Resentine has stated, old-fashioned recruiting via the RMB and telegrams are time-tested ways for solid improvement in numbers. However, this isn't the only way to recruit. For publicity purposes, the SPSF often produces operational reports that are posted in the military forum after every mission. To reach a wider audience, particularly to those who aren't involved in the offsite community, the gameside liaison will also be responsible for distributing these standardized, timely reports on the aforementioned SPSF dispatches. With these new measures implemented, I hope to be seeing a further increase in SPSF recruitment rates and numbers, as well as unprecedented activity and proficiency levels. Question #3 Minister Sandaoguo has stressed the need for greater coordination between the Ministry of the Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. How would you envision such coordination and cooperation working? Hammerstar: I do believe higher cooperation and coordination with every other ministry should be done. For coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we could coordinate with them to contact other regions and their armies. Remember in A Blank canvas liberation, forces from The DEN, ERN, NPA all gave their support to us in holding off from the defenders, about 20 endorsements if I recall. Foreign support is vital for us. I suppose that we should also have a representative from the SPSF in communicating with the forces from other regions. Alongside the emissaries from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we could also construct a mutual alliance with these regions. When they liberate, we'll send in support and vice versa. Resentine: Thank you. Like I said earlier, the Ministries of the Army and Foreign Affairs have a symbiotic relationship. Recently, that relationship has fallen apart. As MoA, I would make sure that I maintain an constant line of communication with the MoFA, whether it be through on site PMs or otherwise. I would also consider the establishment of Bi-monthly meetings between the MoFA and MoA to help coordinate policies and make sure that the foreign affairs of the South Pacific are properly executed by both ministries. And even in disagreement, I would do my best to not let contact fall apart, and find a middle ground between our positions. Siberian Districts: I don't really see much coordination happening between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SPSF now, or in the future. If it does, it would be very one-sided. If coordination would be established, it would have to be lead by the MoFA. We really don't have much information to relay outside of what we're currently doing and that would go out to everyone in the region. If the MoFA needs something to be done, they would have to contact us and then we could trade information back and forth until what they need is accomplished. There really is no way or need for us to be especially close unless the MoFA has a mission for us to do. Alisa: Instead of being separate forces, the SPSF should serve as an extension of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Whether it be supporting an treaty ally's operation, helping a friendly GCR's delegate transition, or liberating a friend in need, the SPSF should be utilized to enhance and expand foreign policy of the South Pacific. While I can loosely say that Foreign Affairs is the decision-maker and the SPSF the executor, both departments will need to work together to promote TSP agenda. I have learned that there is always a compromise that benefits both parties (and the region as a whole as well), in the case of a difference of opinions. Question #4 It seems that most recent missions have been occupations. Under your leadership, would the Special Forces continue that trend or would it try to do more defences and liberations? Resentine: I do see why some people would see all these occupations as a negative, and I would try to balance that a bit more. However, occupations and raids do get the SPSF name out more. And given my plans for Region Rebuilding, sometimes, occupations may become more necessary to ensure that the once dead regions that we would seek to rebuild are built to the vision of their natives without outside interference. But, as always, the aim is to better SPSF and NationStates, and doing more defending missions would help raise a positive view of us abroad. Siberian Districts: I'd like to balance us out a bit more, doing an equal amount of raids and defences. We're starting to do that now, where we just detagged 20 regions, or removed the raider WFE from it, restoring it to the native one. I'd like for us to participate in liberations as well, getting us some allies in the defender sphere. While at times we may lean towards one side, I'd like for the SPSF to remain neutral in ideology, doing both raids and defences. Alisa: Whether the SPSF should be mostly raiding or defending is a question that often comes up. It is my belief that, instead of focusing on either one too much, a well-rounded military like ours should act in the interests of promoting The South Pacific's agenda, which is to defend The South Pacific against threats, maintain a well-trained military, and assist our allies whenever they require foreign help, abroad and making the military experience fun for all our soldiers involved. Hammerstar: It is true about the questions of occupations, it has its merits, and its downfalls. There should be a balance between defending and raiding. Raid too much, and people will view the SPSF more like a raiding military, conquering a lot of regions without considering the sovereignty of the WA delegates of the occupied region. Defend too much, and our military wouldn't have a standing. Not a lot of people would know about our military, both regional and foreign. We must have a good standing in both. and the presence of the SPSF should be voiced in both defending and liberating. Like what my friends have stated earlier, it is by the agenda of The South Pacific to spread our influence and make our presence in the NS world known. Come to the aid of our allies, occupy founderless and abandoned regions, and unite them under the South Pacific banner. We are now entering the third and final part of our debate. Each will be able to ask one question, which the other two candidates must answer. Question from Alisa There was recently some discontent among a couple SPSF members on supporting the Osiris delegacy transition. If you believe as such, what do you think we should be doing instead? Why or why not should we be supporting a friendly GCR's power transfer? Resentine: First, I'm going to correct you. There was not a few members, there was one: me, and only me. Second, as for the actual question, which is a position I know I may very well be the only person in TSP, maybe in any GCR, I firmly believe that this is an improper way to support our allies; Not just because our current size would do nothing but a minimal effect on how fast the delegate is brought into power, but because it leaves the trust of our allies on the base of a small amount of people moving from one region to the other as a show of support. If that is how we show support to our allies in such a minimalistic way, it shows what little trust our alliances are based on. Trust based on the movement of people or nations is weak, trust under the basis of friendships, comradery and common goals; those create a powerful trust that will never be broken Hammerstar: I'd have to concur with Resentine, we don't actually need to do this. Our forces are minuscule compared to how much endorsements are needed for Saq and Jakker to take office, and we could be focusing more on other operations. Do we need other regions to endorse the newly chosen TSP's Delegate and VD? Of course not. It is indeed true that showing our allies our support is indeed great for strengthening alliances, even though it is a small amount of support However, in this case, I don't think this is the answer in strengthening our alliance with Osiris. If the argument of Minister Henn and his other compadres is so that Saq and Jakker to take the seat faster, why don't they cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get some civilians in Osiris, and endorse the delegate? I know that there has been a long tradition that has been carried out by GCRs since NationStates began. But really, if we'd like to show our loyalty to our allies, we could do it in other methods. One of which is establishing a firm communication with that region, and continue to support their military and aid them; after all, they are our allies. Alisa: Completely discounting the fact that delegate transition support is standard procedure and has been of mutual benefit for many years, I read on the gameside forums that there was suspicion of a possible plot to coup Osiris. Would this information have changed both of your beliefs that the argument is only to have the elected officials take their positions faster? Hammerstar: If the government of Osiris fears for a coup, they would've asked of our assistance. They asked for our assistance, but there is nothing mentioning of a coup. Siberian Districts: As a GCR military we are obliged to help out on such things. Occupations, raids, and defences all come after these things. It's our duty to serve the interests of the South Pacific. At the moment we'd like to remain friendly with Osiris, so the SPSF will help in the transition. If someone wanted to purely raid or defend, I would advise them to join a UCR military, not us. Question from Resentine Should you not be elected MoA, could the MoA rely on you as an advisor? Alisa: No matter the result of the election, the Minister of Army will always be able to count me in on operation planning and assistance. I'll give helpful advice and support wherever I can. Hammerstar: I vouch my friends as a strong minister if they are to be elected. Though the results are not in my favour, I shall completely support the new minister of the army, without question. I'll be present on all sorts of operations . Of course, we should not be the only advisors. We can seek advice from the veterans, or new recruits. A larger perspective can be achieved if there are more people sharing their opinion. Question from Siberian Districts It's something to know what to do with an army, but another to know how to get them to do it. How would you deal with any mutinous troops? Hammerstar: Well, Pulling rank should never be the ultimate answer, but it shouldn't be the last resort either. For me, it is better to understand the soldier, and converse with them. Though some of us may be at higher rank, it does not give the ultimate privilege to move them like puppets, absolutely not. If I was the acting commander of the operation, I would discuss with them concerning the matter, and explain to them why are we doing such operations in a clear, concise and logical manner. For I know, that soldiers in the SPSF are those that are logical, and can be reasoned with for sure. Of course, there shall be some outbursts and downright rudeness, and we would of course, try to calm them by bringing a logical counter to their conversation. If they started swearing, I would continue to keep my cool, and expect those with a higher rank or a longer history in the SPSF to keep their composure. However, I shall make exceptions. These are some, but not limited to:
We must have a more logical and democratic approach in the army, to a point. Alisa: It is the Minister of the Army's responsibility to see that SPSF soldiers accomplish appointed tasks. "Mutinous" is an extremely strong word, but compromise can solve any dispute. No soldier may be pressured into taking part in an operation in which they are uncomfortable in serving in, whether their reasons be ideological or another personal preference. Question from Hammerstar Alisa, You say that the ranking system shall be based on that instead of the number of operations done, how would you assess these people on their understanding and leadership potential? Would you construct a certain criteria? and who is sufficient enough to grade these people to see if they are worthy of a higher rank? Alisa: Although a promotion system based solely on number of missions undertaken may show dedication and longevity, it fails to show off the specific soldier's communication skills and leadership potential. While some aspects such as operation number may be more rigid, the criteria for the aforementioned skills may be more fluid. Through the use of both theoretical and hands-on examinations, the Minister of the Army and the General Corps will determine how well soldiers display such characteristics on and off the battlefield. Hammerstar: I see, thank you for enlightening. But I believe that you need to clarify about these examinations a bit more, because what I'm imagining right now is that the MoA issues a routine check-up, and gave a penalty to those who failed to attend the check-up. Perhaps. Alisa: The mentor program will not work that way, Hammer, but thanks for asking. More details on such a mentor program and how we'll implement examinations will be fleshed out soon. Siberian Districts: Most definitely. Whether or not I'll get the position has nothing to do with my loyalty to the SPSF and TSP. I'll stick around and better myself until I can get that position. But until then, I'd gladly help whoever the MoA is, with whatever they need. Question from Hammerstar Resentine, you challenged Henn's orders in Osiris, and Henn pulled rank. If there is a soldier challenging your order in MoA, how would you handle it? Resentine: That's situational. If we were acting within one of our treaties, yes, I would pull rank on him. However, in a situation like that, if I saw opposition in an operation like in Osiris, I wouldn't. Hammerstar: How would you handle it then? Resentine: We need to remember that our soldiers are still citizens. They have opinions and political alignments. For things like moving troops in to support Osiris, people may find that politically unappealing, and we need to respect that. That is unique to those situations, however. On other cases, like joint operations with allies, that were raiding vs. defending, they would need to get in line Hammerstar: I see. I'm finished, let's close this session. A treat in the mess hall, on me Thanks to our four candidates for participating in this debate. I wish you all the best of luck with your campaigns. Good night! Disclaimer: This transcript has been edited for orthography and clarity in the flow of the conversation. While some words have slightly different spelling and some interventions have been placed in different order, the core content of the conversation has not been altered. A raw copy of the transcript may be provided upon request. Former Delegate of the South Pacific
Posts outside High Court venues should be taken as those of any other legislator. I do not participate in the regional server, but I am happy to talk through instant messaging or on the forum. Legal Resources: THE MATT-DUCK Law Archive | Mavenu Diplomatic Archive | Rules of the High Court | Case Submission System | Online Rulings Consultation System
"Siberian Districts: Most definitely. Whether or not I'll get the position has nothing to do with my loyalty to the SPSF and TSP. I'll stick around and better myself until I can get that position. But until then, I'd gladly help whoever the MoA is, with whatever they need."
This answer was posted for the wrong question. It was meant from Resentine's question, not Hammerstar's.
I HAVE POSTED MY CAMPAIGN
http://thesouthpacific.x10.mx/thread-2879.html VOTE FOR HAMMERSTAR!
"毎日の小さな努力の積み重ねが歴史を作っていくんだよ。"
Put a little effort everyday and it will stack up and create a foundation for you. - Doraemon
Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplay 2020 Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplayer 2020 Cocos Winner for Best Character Writer 2017 Cocos Winner for Best International Event 2017 Cocos Winner for Best Overall RP 2017 Things to know: Medical Intern and Biomedical Scientist from Indonesia, Muslim, 188 metres tall, loves trains |
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