A Battle Unseen

[Dredd]

[Legionaria, Army Headquarters Presidential Palace, May 5637]

Lazar stared blankly at the maps laid out inf ront of him.. 

"Comrades, I know in past years there has been a heavy sense of not being honest for the sake of security, especially politically and in our internal security. But this is a scenario which requires complete transparency and honesty, we are facing invasion by multiple countries on potentially multiple fronts, I want to hear your plans and where we stand for the coming conflict."

The generals still somewhat hesitating to speak any ill looked to eachother, until head of the army Field Marshal Dragovich cleared his throat and began,

"Comrade, you have in recent years done much to bring our army back to its full potential from the times of comrade Sladek, but as it stands we are to be honest, heavily outnumbered and outgunned. They will likely achieve naval dominance in a matter of days given we haven't had ample time to rebuild more than perhaps 20 destroyers, and repair our aircraft carrier stationed in Peghonai dockyards. The airforce and army, though formidable will be facing two to three times their number if enemy forces are able to unify their efforts. Our airmen are brave and will fight with their 900 strong air fleet, but many of the foe have top of the line aircraft and we have lagged behind in that regard. The army has always been our strength but, once the enemy achieves air supremacy it will be immensely difficult to do anything without constant harassment."

Lazar nodded grimly, "What of our stockpiles and economic situation?"

Dragovich continued, "Currently we have decent military stockpiles, ammunition for the army and airforce we can estimate if all engaged could fight for perhaps 6 months without shortages, we produce much of the materials needed for basic construction of tanks, artillery, munitions and so forth. What we lack however given the blockade is ample access to REMS and other specialized products, whatever IRBMS we have on hand and more high tech rocketry, well we can't make much more than what we have on hand once our aggregate stockpiles dwindle. To that end, from this point onward I would recommend completely focuses what we have left economically in terms of rocketry to anti aircraft alone. Industrial district Lirnak and others we don't believe will have issues in small arms production or land vehicles, and should the enemy land they will be unable to field much of it until securing a larger beach head, and will need time to ferry it all."

Lazar nodded again, "What are the present strategies and predictions?'

Dragovich turned the lights off and activated a projector with a map of military installations and cities,

"The general staff believe the main push will be from the south, Etxea is in an ideal position as a forward operating base for supply and troop transit, and Luthoris proximity makes an invasion there a foregone conclusion. We have heard rumors of a potential incursion from Ikradon or Endralon in public statements from the rebels, however given the fact this statement that would otherwise be of a supreme strategic importance for surprise was openly hinted to and would not make much sense given our political relationships being neutral since the Legions been in power, we predict these are simple misdirection's to force us to distribute our troops away from the true objectives. The best option at the end of the day, is simply pushing whatever lands back into the sea, we have extensively fortified the southern coast and adequately the north which is unlikely to be a main focus, it is possible Hutori and Davostag given time will attempt to weaken it via naval and air bombardment and land forward forces, but we believe it will be some time before thats an option given their distance. The southern terrain has many plains and hills which suit armored warfare, we suggest deploying the majority of our armored units and anti tank into this to thwart any attempted blitz that may occur should a landing succeed. As it stands our army has aproximately 850,000 active service with an additional 500,000 reservists ready for deployment within a month, bringing us to 1.3 million total. With the new Legionary Peoples Guard, if we enlisted ages 14 through 60, many of whom are prior service members from our mandatory armed service policy or Sladek youth and their militarized regimen, it would not be unrealistic to expect 250,000 conscripts every month if given 4 to 5 weeks training, but they will need transportation and act best as a backline to defend where they live."

Lazar listened intently, "What of our urban centers, we must assume the worst should a landing push that far."

"Indeed comrade, we suggest enlisting civilians and every able bodied penal laborer into fortifying the outskirts of any urban environment, they provide the best cover and positions to be sheltered from air attack and armor. Once the enemy comes near we can evacuate a large number of civ-"

Lazar raised his hand, "Evacuate? You mean to suggest we waste time and resources on evacuating the cities greatest asset?"

The generals sat silent.

"Soldiers will fight harder for a living city, and the civilians can provide intelligence and aid, should the enemy hesitate to bomb what they believe are civilians that buys us time and offers confusion. I want any and all transit from cities on the front to be halted without special permissions of military affairs. Furthermore I've authorized reintroducing our chemical bioweapon program, thankfully much of which had to be put in deep storage for lack of a better alternative. We are fighting a war for the survival of our people, they wont spare a single one of us should the fatherland falter, this is not the time for petty human instincts like humanity or mercy. We will show them none, and we will use every means we have for victory. Is that understood comrades?"

The generals stood and saluted in accordance

Lazar continued, "I want every city a fortress, and cut rations by half, we'll have to make every single crumb count, anything thats edible will go to the army first and foremost. Ramp up the propaganda, show them for the barbarians they are, make our people fear them more than anything, stories of rape and barbaric atrocity to make them fight tooth and nail. We don't need much imagination given Kalistans track record, but spite Luthori too, their recent bombing attacks should be sufficent for a start, say they targeted orphanages and veterans homes or something. Two thirds of the army will go south, the coast defended to the utmost, we'll address things as they come. Any questions?"

The generals sensing the conversation was coming to a close all nodded and saluted, leaving the room promptly, Dragovich looking back at Lazar smoking a cigarette rubbing his eyes as he pondered how posterity would view their actions.