[OIMCS] Merc campaign, input requested.
Posted: 2006-07-14 07:46pm
I've also posted this in HAB, but haven't had much in the way of feedback. So I thought I'd open it up a bit.
Some of you might remember that I started this idea last year. I'm updating it now and am hoping to get some input on the ideas contained herein. I've moved it from the 80s to the present. And made a few updates. Included here is a brief history of the island in question and the conflict. I'm hoping to edit up a full CIA World Factbook version of Ubuntu.
I'm really looking for some input on Ubuntu - which should have a GDP somewhere between Togo and Nigeria. Specifically what arms they should have and what kind of other details in the conflict history need to be changed. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
And yes, the Malden here is going to be based on the Malden island from OFP as originally conceived.
Malden.
A small island situated at the extreme west of the Gulf of Guinea more than 200km offshore. The island lies just beyond the horizon and as such was unknown to the local mainland tribes. It was discovered by the British in 1542 and was used as a regional post with a small garrison for several years. During the 1800s when the slave trade from West Africa was almost entirely eliminated the island became just another nearly forgotten protectorate, only receiving the occassional visit from the Royal Navy, but still receiving fairly regular trade ships from Europe, Africa and the Americas. It is used a little during the Boer War, and World Wars I and II as a staging post, but for the most part continues to be inhabited by its fairly small population.
1972 - Britain grants the island of Malden limited autonomy following some lobbying on the matter.
1980 - [May] BP survey crews find enormous natural gas and oil deposits offshore.
1980 - [July] BP begins contract negotiations with the residents of Malden to begin modernisation projects on the island to prepare for operational development.
1981 - [February] BP concludes negotiations having made several deals including the modernisation of the airstrip, construction of a port facility and sealing of most roads. Guarantee of funding for medical and education services also takes a high priority.
1981 - [December] Modernisation begins with upgrading of some natural anchorages on the South of the island.
1982-1984 - Roads are repaved, airstrip is finally upgraded in late 1983 and major rebuilding/rejuvenation projects are undertaken for the next six months.
1984 - [October] BP begins initial logistics build up for construction of several offshore facilities and commences work on a second airstrip on a small offshore island which it purchased as part of the contract.
1985 - [April] Construction commences on the first offshore facility - a natural gas rig.
1985 - [September] Construction commences on second offshore facility - a tanker hub.
1986 - [October] Both facilities are completed and go operational. Malden received a visit from Margaret Thatcher, who is impressed by the display of responsible corporate/community joint governance.
1988 [March] - Construction commences on a second natural gas rig.
1989 - [January] Fighting breaks out in Ubuntu following the death of longtime President Ngairai.
1989 [May] - Second natural gas rig becomes operational.
1991 - [January] The Gulf War sends oil prices soaring, encouraging BP to invest in future development in the Malden offshore fields. Including, finally in an oil rig which had previously been believed to not be worthwhile until this point.
1991 - [July] Civil war in Ubuntu ends with former General Atigara taking power and establishing a relatively benevolent junta. General Atigara begins a modernisation process within the Ubuntu military, taking advantage of the bargain basement prices available since the collapse of the iron curtain.
1992 - [October] The first oil rig is completed and deployed to the Malden fields. Malden at this time is experiencing a severe drought, leading to many of the farmers on the island requesting assistance. BP, as part of its corporate governance contract assists with a combination of cloud seeding initially and promises construction of a small desalination plant to boost the naturally available springwater supply.
1995 - [August] A second oil rig is established in the field off Malden.
1995 - [December]Desalination plant is completed and piped water becomes available to much of the island for the first time.
1996 - [February] Malden experiences a relative boom in its economy due to several families of BP employees moving to the island.
1998 - [November] General Atigara is killed by a carbomb. Ubuntu rapidly degenerates into civil strife.
1999 - [January] A warlord, calling himself Colonel Igaia rises to prominence in Ubuntu, displaying excellent strategic thinking on both political and military matters.
2000 - [September] Having gained almost total control of Ubuntu, ex-Colonel (now President) Igaia begins a series of sweeping reforms of Ubuntu, including a military modernisation program.
2001 - [October] Following the events of September 11, many of President Igaia's reforms are threatened due to the presence of Islamic militias in the North of the country, some of which are linked to attacks in Europe and Africa. Many foreign powers refuse to continue assisting the nation while they tolerate the presence.
2001 - [December] BP secures a 99 year lease of Malden and claimed territorial waters. Locals accept the lease with joy as the government has included requirements for continued development and modernisation of the island.
2002 - [April] Ubuntu's military concludes a brief, but violent campaign of extermination against the militias. Many of the same powers that reneged on traide and aid agreements now continue to do so due to the tactics used by the Ubuntan military.
2004 - [June] Ubuntu is experiencing the worst drought in many years, mining developments in the country are threatened by Igaia, who demands that Ubuntu receive additional aid from the corporations involved in return for their continued operation. During this same month, a third natural gas platform is deployed off Malden.
2004 - [September] Mining corporations "donate" billions to the Ubuntan government following the discovery of an amazingly rich gem deposit in the South East of the country. President Igaia is quick to assign to the contract to one of the less scrupulous mining groups and invests the money in a continued arms buildup, including the purchase of a LST and a few smaller Landing Craft from China. President Igaia attempts to dispel international concerns by saying that they are being purchased to assist in future humanitarian and peace-keeping deployments.
2005 - [February] Intelligence reports indicating a large mobilisation of Ubuntan forces are received in the UK. It is decided that this does not concern the UK as the reports conclude that the build-up is in response to increased hostilities and civil strife in the area.
2005 - [March 21] At 0821GMT (which given the location is 0821 local time) an Ubuntan airliner which had declared an emergency and diverted to Malden's airport lands. Onboard are 150 of the Ubuntan Rongataa (Special Forces) who rapidly take over the airport and a nearby town. Within four hours the Ubuntan LST and other light landing craft have arrived and are disembarking personnel and vehicles. By 1843GMT Cabinet is in session and discussing a solution.
2005 - [March 22] The UK government announces sanctions against Ubuntu and is joined in this by the rest of the EU as well as other Commonwealth nations and the United States. BP begins lobbying for military intervention.
2005 - [March 29] The UK government decides to deploy a Royal Navy taskforce to the area to pressure Ubuntu into withdrawing their forces.
2005 - [March 30] Ubuntan gunboats are deployed to threaten the tanker hub.
2005 - [April 12] Royal Navy task force arrives and secures the oil fields. Ubuntu continues to deny access to Malden and refuses to withdraw, stating that they are claiming the island and territorial waters as compensation for the slave trade.
2005 - [May 23] BP's lobbying for military action continues to be stymied by the larger conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as ongoing peace-keeping operations. Cabinet sends a memo to BP stating that they do not wish to have a repeat of the Falklands while they are already embroiled in two ongoing combat operations.
2005 - [June 20] BP appears to be breaking through, with many talk-show appearances by spokespeople talking about the UK ignoring acts of aggression against their sovereign territory to chase shadows in the sand. Cabinet meets again to discuss military options. BP hopes to use the leverage provided by the G8 meeting to force a solution.
2005 - [June 30] Red Cross teams are allowed to enter Malden to investigate the situation for the civilians. They report that civilians are being treated very well, though people directly involved with the oil industry are being held in the temporary facilities built for the workers who were present during the construction projects. These have been turned into a very lax form of internment camp and in some cases makeshift barracks.
2005 - [July 7] The London bombings effectively end debate on a military option, as the public is now once again focused on Islamic fundamentalism, but homegrown this time. Territorial conflicts to do with a minor colonial holding lose some importance.
2005 - [July 15] Royal Navy forces withdraw from the region.
2005 - [July 17] Ubuntan gunboats return to prevent access to the tanker hub. Ubuntu issues a statement declaring the nationalisation of the Malden oil field resources and demands that BP hand them over. BP refuses. Ubuntu threatens reprisals.
2005 - [July 22] The first tanker is forced to divert from the facility following interdiction by Ubuntan forces. BP calls a special executive board meeting. The board approves further research into planning for a private military expedition.
2005 - [August] BP host several prominent PMCs (Private Military Contractors) to discuss their plans and requirements. Most turn them down immediately given the high risk operation and likelihood of violating several internation laws, treaties and other agreements.
2005 - [August 12] Cabinet meets again with members of BP's "special committee" and also ranking members of DoD. Implicit authority is given by Cabinet for private military operations, restricted to the island of Malden. DoD is leveraged into providing some intelligence support and possibly some covert assistance through a series of petroleum subsidies to be introduced by BP.
2005 - [August 17] DoD, MI6, Cabinet and BP meet and sign an agreement authorising a nominated Private Military Contractor to be contracted by BP to resolve matters of joint interest to the Crown, Commonwealth and Corporation. Also laid out in this contract are the specifications of the exact assistance that will be provided by the UK for any PMC operations.
2005 - [October 22] A PMC meets with and signs contract with BP for the provision of covert private military services for an initial period of 12 months, commencing from November 1.
2005 - [October 29] A final communique is sent from the Foreign Office requesting Ubuntu's immediate withdrawal. The only reply is a statement released to media outlets from President Igaia, railing against neo-Colonial oppression of Africa.
2005 - [October 31] Final approval for operations are given. Intelligence sharing arrangement is implemented and first batch of satellite surveillance is provided to MI6 courier for delivery.
2005 - [November 1] *Campaign begins*
Some of you might remember that I started this idea last year. I'm updating it now and am hoping to get some input on the ideas contained herein. I've moved it from the 80s to the present. And made a few updates. Included here is a brief history of the island in question and the conflict. I'm hoping to edit up a full CIA World Factbook version of Ubuntu.
I'm really looking for some input on Ubuntu - which should have a GDP somewhere between Togo and Nigeria. Specifically what arms they should have and what kind of other details in the conflict history need to be changed. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
And yes, the Malden here is going to be based on the Malden island from OFP as originally conceived.
Malden.
A small island situated at the extreme west of the Gulf of Guinea more than 200km offshore. The island lies just beyond the horizon and as such was unknown to the local mainland tribes. It was discovered by the British in 1542 and was used as a regional post with a small garrison for several years. During the 1800s when the slave trade from West Africa was almost entirely eliminated the island became just another nearly forgotten protectorate, only receiving the occassional visit from the Royal Navy, but still receiving fairly regular trade ships from Europe, Africa and the Americas. It is used a little during the Boer War, and World Wars I and II as a staging post, but for the most part continues to be inhabited by its fairly small population.
1972 - Britain grants the island of Malden limited autonomy following some lobbying on the matter.
1980 - [May] BP survey crews find enormous natural gas and oil deposits offshore.
1980 - [July] BP begins contract negotiations with the residents of Malden to begin modernisation projects on the island to prepare for operational development.
1981 - [February] BP concludes negotiations having made several deals including the modernisation of the airstrip, construction of a port facility and sealing of most roads. Guarantee of funding for medical and education services also takes a high priority.
1981 - [December] Modernisation begins with upgrading of some natural anchorages on the South of the island.
1982-1984 - Roads are repaved, airstrip is finally upgraded in late 1983 and major rebuilding/rejuvenation projects are undertaken for the next six months.
1984 - [October] BP begins initial logistics build up for construction of several offshore facilities and commences work on a second airstrip on a small offshore island which it purchased as part of the contract.
1985 - [April] Construction commences on the first offshore facility - a natural gas rig.
1985 - [September] Construction commences on second offshore facility - a tanker hub.
1986 - [October] Both facilities are completed and go operational. Malden received a visit from Margaret Thatcher, who is impressed by the display of responsible corporate/community joint governance.
1988 [March] - Construction commences on a second natural gas rig.
1989 - [January] Fighting breaks out in Ubuntu following the death of longtime President Ngairai.
1989 [May] - Second natural gas rig becomes operational.
1991 - [January] The Gulf War sends oil prices soaring, encouraging BP to invest in future development in the Malden offshore fields. Including, finally in an oil rig which had previously been believed to not be worthwhile until this point.
1991 - [July] Civil war in Ubuntu ends with former General Atigara taking power and establishing a relatively benevolent junta. General Atigara begins a modernisation process within the Ubuntu military, taking advantage of the bargain basement prices available since the collapse of the iron curtain.
1992 - [October] The first oil rig is completed and deployed to the Malden fields. Malden at this time is experiencing a severe drought, leading to many of the farmers on the island requesting assistance. BP, as part of its corporate governance contract assists with a combination of cloud seeding initially and promises construction of a small desalination plant to boost the naturally available springwater supply.
1995 - [August] A second oil rig is established in the field off Malden.
1995 - [December]Desalination plant is completed and piped water becomes available to much of the island for the first time.
1996 - [February] Malden experiences a relative boom in its economy due to several families of BP employees moving to the island.
1998 - [November] General Atigara is killed by a carbomb. Ubuntu rapidly degenerates into civil strife.
1999 - [January] A warlord, calling himself Colonel Igaia rises to prominence in Ubuntu, displaying excellent strategic thinking on both political and military matters.
2000 - [September] Having gained almost total control of Ubuntu, ex-Colonel (now President) Igaia begins a series of sweeping reforms of Ubuntu, including a military modernisation program.
2001 - [October] Following the events of September 11, many of President Igaia's reforms are threatened due to the presence of Islamic militias in the North of the country, some of which are linked to attacks in Europe and Africa. Many foreign powers refuse to continue assisting the nation while they tolerate the presence.
2001 - [December] BP secures a 99 year lease of Malden and claimed territorial waters. Locals accept the lease with joy as the government has included requirements for continued development and modernisation of the island.
2002 - [April] Ubuntu's military concludes a brief, but violent campaign of extermination against the militias. Many of the same powers that reneged on traide and aid agreements now continue to do so due to the tactics used by the Ubuntan military.
2004 - [June] Ubuntu is experiencing the worst drought in many years, mining developments in the country are threatened by Igaia, who demands that Ubuntu receive additional aid from the corporations involved in return for their continued operation. During this same month, a third natural gas platform is deployed off Malden.
2004 - [September] Mining corporations "donate" billions to the Ubuntan government following the discovery of an amazingly rich gem deposit in the South East of the country. President Igaia is quick to assign to the contract to one of the less scrupulous mining groups and invests the money in a continued arms buildup, including the purchase of a LST and a few smaller Landing Craft from China. President Igaia attempts to dispel international concerns by saying that they are being purchased to assist in future humanitarian and peace-keeping deployments.
2005 - [February] Intelligence reports indicating a large mobilisation of Ubuntan forces are received in the UK. It is decided that this does not concern the UK as the reports conclude that the build-up is in response to increased hostilities and civil strife in the area.
2005 - [March 21] At 0821GMT (which given the location is 0821 local time) an Ubuntan airliner which had declared an emergency and diverted to Malden's airport lands. Onboard are 150 of the Ubuntan Rongataa (Special Forces) who rapidly take over the airport and a nearby town. Within four hours the Ubuntan LST and other light landing craft have arrived and are disembarking personnel and vehicles. By 1843GMT Cabinet is in session and discussing a solution.
2005 - [March 22] The UK government announces sanctions against Ubuntu and is joined in this by the rest of the EU as well as other Commonwealth nations and the United States. BP begins lobbying for military intervention.
2005 - [March 29] The UK government decides to deploy a Royal Navy taskforce to the area to pressure Ubuntu into withdrawing their forces.
2005 - [March 30] Ubuntan gunboats are deployed to threaten the tanker hub.
2005 - [April 12] Royal Navy task force arrives and secures the oil fields. Ubuntu continues to deny access to Malden and refuses to withdraw, stating that they are claiming the island and territorial waters as compensation for the slave trade.
2005 - [May 23] BP's lobbying for military action continues to be stymied by the larger conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as ongoing peace-keeping operations. Cabinet sends a memo to BP stating that they do not wish to have a repeat of the Falklands while they are already embroiled in two ongoing combat operations.
2005 - [June 20] BP appears to be breaking through, with many talk-show appearances by spokespeople talking about the UK ignoring acts of aggression against their sovereign territory to chase shadows in the sand. Cabinet meets again to discuss military options. BP hopes to use the leverage provided by the G8 meeting to force a solution.
2005 - [June 30] Red Cross teams are allowed to enter Malden to investigate the situation for the civilians. They report that civilians are being treated very well, though people directly involved with the oil industry are being held in the temporary facilities built for the workers who were present during the construction projects. These have been turned into a very lax form of internment camp and in some cases makeshift barracks.
2005 - [July 7] The London bombings effectively end debate on a military option, as the public is now once again focused on Islamic fundamentalism, but homegrown this time. Territorial conflicts to do with a minor colonial holding lose some importance.
2005 - [July 15] Royal Navy forces withdraw from the region.
2005 - [July 17] Ubuntan gunboats return to prevent access to the tanker hub. Ubuntu issues a statement declaring the nationalisation of the Malden oil field resources and demands that BP hand them over. BP refuses. Ubuntu threatens reprisals.
2005 - [July 22] The first tanker is forced to divert from the facility following interdiction by Ubuntan forces. BP calls a special executive board meeting. The board approves further research into planning for a private military expedition.
2005 - [August] BP host several prominent PMCs (Private Military Contractors) to discuss their plans and requirements. Most turn them down immediately given the high risk operation and likelihood of violating several internation laws, treaties and other agreements.
2005 - [August 12] Cabinet meets again with members of BP's "special committee" and also ranking members of DoD. Implicit authority is given by Cabinet for private military operations, restricted to the island of Malden. DoD is leveraged into providing some intelligence support and possibly some covert assistance through a series of petroleum subsidies to be introduced by BP.
2005 - [August 17] DoD, MI6, Cabinet and BP meet and sign an agreement authorising a nominated Private Military Contractor to be contracted by BP to resolve matters of joint interest to the Crown, Commonwealth and Corporation. Also laid out in this contract are the specifications of the exact assistance that will be provided by the UK for any PMC operations.
2005 - [October 22] A PMC meets with and signs contract with BP for the provision of covert private military services for an initial period of 12 months, commencing from November 1.
2005 - [October 29] A final communique is sent from the Foreign Office requesting Ubuntu's immediate withdrawal. The only reply is a statement released to media outlets from President Igaia, railing against neo-Colonial oppression of Africa.
2005 - [October 31] Final approval for operations are given. Intelligence sharing arrangement is implemented and first batch of satellite surveillance is provided to MI6 courier for delivery.
2005 - [November 1] *Campaign begins*