TheShammySocialist

[b]Internal[/b] IndoPetrol began ramping up talks to discuss its contributions in investment to the Port Sudan facility, with the Marathi company requesting SKRC to submit some preliminary designs and sources for building materials. Other plans that would be requested would include logistics, specifically the transit of oil to Port Sudan, and the site location of the refinery itself. Meanwhile, Maharaja Holdings personnel would continue their work, heeding government warnings during their surveys, and not attempting to "go off the grid", and survey any off limit areas on their own. The company would be appreciative of any helicopter support provided, and the company would appropriate sufficient funding for aviation fuel and maintenance time spent on the helicopters transporting their personnel around. The company would take the time to also speak with local citizenry, many of them being able to speak Arabic and English, making inroads with prominent local elite and businessmen, in an attempt to help leave a positive imprint. [b]Classified[/b] A secure cable dispatch would be sent to Khartoum, detailing that the Royal Marathi Navy had intercepted as many as three Eritrean vessels that had tried to round the southern subcontinent. To effect a transfer of these vessels back to Sudan, the newly-commissioned aviation support cruiser, [i]Restless[/i], would escort the three vessels back to Port Sudan. The crews and passengers of the vessels had been searched, processed through the Armed Services Inter-Intelligence Agency, and interned at RMS Trincomalee, once a few modifications were made to three RMAF Transports, the prisoners would be loaded aboard, and flown non-stop to Khartoum under heavy guard which included an air-to-air refueling over the Central Arabian Sea. The three vessels being taken to Port Sudan would be sailed by contract civilian crews, with Royal Marine detachments assigned to each for obvious reasons, all cargo on the vessels would be kept there for the Sudanese officials to impound as contraband. The [i]Restless[/i] would have four medium utility helicopters and two light utility helicopters on board, as well as two light UAVs that could be fitted with lightweight missiles; with two helicopters in the air at all times to provide continuing air support for the convoy of ships that the cruiser headed. Ninety marine commandos, a mixture from two detachments would be assigned to the [i]Restless[/i] as part of the escort mission. The Maratha government would indicate their intention for the cruiser to stay in Port Sudan for a week following the journey, as part of a courtesy visit.

While I'm really not opposed to people sometimes exaggerating ship sizes and blurring class lines, because I'm of the opinion that as long as its somewhat in line with the criteria of that supposed ship, I will stretch the class limits sometimes. This is due to the fact that some navies will build larger (or smaller) vessels of a certain class. I think that Evangeline is more concern with absurdities in armament capabilities, and "super ships", more than anything here. That being said, I'm on the fence about such absurdities, considering we used to recognize Shadowsage maintaining a fleet of something-like kilometer long ships in some instances. But I digress, there has been much discussion on the limits of armaments on ships before, but I do not believe there has been any definitive rules condoning one way or another.

[b]Private[/b] The Royal Marathi Navy has finally begun receiving the first of its capital ship program procurements, with many ships still under construction at Mazagon Dock Limited, Cochin Shipyards Limited, and Garden Reach Shipyards. The newest vessels for the fleet have been commissioned and in the instance of some, are expected to join active operations in the Indian Ocean right after their shakedown cruises. [url=http://shipbucket.com/images.php?dir=Alternate%20Universe/USA%20CG%20%28FGMC%29%20Future%20Guided%20Missile%20Cruiser%201%20AU.gif][i]Tireless[/i]-class[/url] Guided Missile Cruiser - The six vessels [i]Tireless[/i]-class are expected to take on the duties of leading fleet in anti-air warfare (AAW) duties in any engagement situation. Each carrier battle group is expected to contain a [i]Tireless[/i]-class vessel, although this role can be passed to a Hero-Class guided missile destroyer when necessary. The [i]Tireless[/i]-class vessels are heavily equipped with sensors for AAW, including anti-ballistic missile (ABM) equipment, and are the best ships in the Marathi Navy in coordinating area air and ballistic missile defense, with the ability to compile all sensory data via secure data links, and assign engagement tasks. The [i]Tireless[/i]-class are well armed, not only for AAW but for surface warfare, carrying two 5"/62 Caliber guns, eight 25mm automatic cannons (automatic/manual operation capable) for use against light surface craft, three combined SeaRAM systems, and eight anti-ship missiles launch canisters. These eight anti-ship missile canisters are expected to be enclosed inside a retractable-roof superstructure piece, which allows for the vessel to maintain its relatively low-radar signature. The heavy armament of the [i]Tireless[/i]-class are the 122 VLS Strike-length cells, that can carry long-range cruise missiles, as well as large amounts of anti-air warfare missiles, including some that can be quad-packed into cells, making its portable arsenal that much more potent. The [i]Tireless[/i]-class are some of the few vessels in the RMN that are armored beyond standard splinter protection, featuring layered armored steel bulkheads, particularly around magazines, VLS tubes, and engineering and CIC spaces. Like all RMN ships, the vessels feature a high-tensile strength steel keel that is well suited for resisting the shockwaves of torpedoes or anti-missile strikes that might perhaps "snap the back" of similar ships. [url=http://shipbucket.com/images.php?dir=Alternate%20Universe/GB%20CH%20Enforcer_%20Aboukir%20Bay%203%20AU.gif][i]Resolution[/i]-class[/url] Aviation Support Cruiser - The four vessels of the [i]Resolution[/i]-class are expected to fulfill a flexible role within the RMN, particularly in supporting littoral warfare including special forces operations, engaging in ASW operations, and supporting small-scale low-intensity conflict operations ashore. The vessels are equipped with both helicopters, as well as patrol boats that can act as landing craft, or medium range prosecutor ships, making the cruiser well suited for anti-asymmetric warfare operations. Whilst supporting ground operations, the [i]Resolution[/i] vessels can provide living space, in surge conditions, for up to three hundred fully-equipped soldiers, and has the ability to carry seven helicopters in a standard load, including five medium and two light utility helicopters. Four Combat Boat 90 craft serve the vessel and can be retrieved and launched while in motion and at up to Sea State 4. The vessel also carries sixteen strike-length VLS tubes, which are to be utilized for various AAW missiles. Numerous guns dot the ship, including a bow-mounted 6.1" main battery which is well suited for anti-surface as well as land bombardment. [url=http://i.imgur.com/mFNMfPA.png][i]Citadel[/i]-class[/url] Guided Missile Battleship - The [i]Citadel[/i]-class bears an uncanny resemblance to the old Soviet Union Kirov-class Battlecruisers, from which they take a large amount of their architecture from. Beyond these structural similarities, the ship is completely redesigned with increased armor, around engineering, gun magazines and missile tube arrangements, and completely redesigned armament, including missile and gun systems. The rear flight deck, including two under-deck hangers for two light utility helicopters has been retained for use. The vessel is driven by a nuclear reactor system along with two assisting gas turbines, which can propel the ship at up to thirty four knots when all propulsion systems are engaged. Designed to be the centerpiece of a surface action group, the [i]Citadel[/i]-class are equipped with large amounts of armament for both anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and AAW, with the vessel also able to partake in supporting ground combat operations with its main battery and missile systems. It has the capabilities to coordinate area air defense as well as limited ballistic missile sensors, which can be enhanced by utilizing nearby sensors via data links for relevant intelligence. The vessels' armament consist of a main battery including twin-barreled 6.1" guns, a 76mm mount in the rear of the ship, as well as eight 20mm cannons in advanced SeaRAM turrets which include missile launchers. The majority of the power packed into the [i]Citadel[/i]s is its ability to carry twenty long-range highly advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, one hundred eighty-three VLS tubes, which include auto-ejection failsafe capsules, as well as a rotary launcher for one hundred ninety two ShRAAD missiles. These capabilities make the [i]Citadel[/i] an important addition to any surface fleet, especially in point defense situations against saturation attacks against any fleet it is a part of.

"I meant no disrespect," said Santaji, in response to the up-until-now silent Akechi's words. "The Royal Marathi Armed Services are always looking for opportunities to be able to hone our own skills in partnership with another nation. I was merely stating that our forces have a lot to offer in any partnership with our friends." He smiled a little inwardly at the response he had provoked, he was quite aware that his words were quite brash, but he was confident of them nonetheless. In his own mind, the Royal Marathi Armed Services, particularly the Royal Marathi Army, were a point of pride for his nation, they were the guardians of peace and the protectors of the realm, celebrated and revered. Turning back to economics, Santaji would sip on his glass of water as Akiyama spoke, nodding slowly as he considered her words slowly, politely smiling. "I understand that our desire to keep such inhibitors in place might seem as though a measure of distrust, but I assure you, my nation is still building its economy up. There is plenty of domestic competition, and I'd like to see maturity in our industries and businesses grow a little before we put them forth into a competitive world market. Insular economic policies in this day and age are untenable, but at the moment, they are simply a way to protect our economy while it develops and matures." "I would propose that we work on military technology jointly on areas where our nations have a respective edge, your Navy is of particular pride to you, and I'm sure that in many respects, its development is far in advance of our own. Likewise, our ground forces have taken a forefront in military development, and to share some technology associated with these aforementioned branches might be perhaps useful? I'm quite open to training and officer exchanges, we have begun development of a close relationship with Sudan's military, and I believe the impact that our nation has had in our partnership has led to positive developments."

[b]Internal[/b] IndoPetrol immediately began to set to the task of researching logistics and what measures would be best taken to develop Sudan's newly-reopened oil fields in conjunction with their new counterparts. IndoPetrol would immediately use their new inroads with SKRC to also assessing costs and internally developing a financial schematic for developing a refinery at Port Sudan. The Marathi company would make the suggestion that if a refinery was to be built, that it should be able to synthesize various types of fuels, including diesel, maritime diesel, heating oil, gasoline, and aviation fuels. This would diversify the output of the facility, and arguably make it more attractive for buyers. Maharaja Holdings would begin the process of shipping survey equipment and airlifting personnel to Sudan almost immediately after the visas were granted, and began organizing their survey parties almost after touchdown. Their routes would be plotted, and submitted to the Sudanese government for their review, not only out of politeness, but also for their own security. The personnel had been made well aware that despite there being a peace deal in place between the government and militia, there was always the potential for individuals or small groups of bandits or gunmen that might not have bowed to such an agreement. Therefore, they took precautions to ensure their safe conduct through the country. With reports pouring in regarding exports that could be sent to Sudan, an effort was made by the Marathi Foreign Ministry to begin making relevant manufacturers aware of the demands of Sudanese importers. To this end, a steady trickle of such goods, as well as manufactured items began to arrive in Port Sudan for distribution to Sudanese traders and stores. Any good exported were subject to health and wellness laws found in Marathi lawbooks, and were therefore safe to use or consume. [hr]

[b]Classified[/b] With a rising amount of tension occurring both in Asia, centered in the Korean Peninsula, as well as the potential for leftist violence rising in East Africa, it was the decision of the General Staff to put select Marathi units on a standby order, in case deployments were needed quickly. Units that were put on standby would consist of; 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Tier 2 SOF) Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 556th SO Regiment MARCOS - Detachment 4 Additional units that were included in the general standby order included airlift and special rotary-wing elements of the Royal Marathi Air Forces and Navy, as well as the destroyers [I]Zafar Khan[/I] and [I]Sardar Baj Singh[/I]. An auxiliary joint support depot ship would also be readied for maritime support operations, were it deemed necessary for deployment.

[b]Internal[/b] Dealings between IndoPetrol and SKRC would begin in earnest, after the Sudanese company made contact with its Marathi counterpart, and business ties began to be established. Much of the dealings between the two would be discussions of jointly developing new oil fields, as well as building a new refining and shore-to-ship oil connection hub near Port Sudan. In its dealings with its Sudanese counterpart, IndoPetrol would be quite generous with its prospective funding allocation proposals, as well as offering fixed market prices on petroleum exported, which were of market value or better, which favored the Sudanese. Maharaja Holdings would immediately begin the process of coordinating mineral surveys with the Sudanese government, applying for special research visas to be able to perform their work. The company was eager to find out what sort of minerals Maratha's newest friendly partner possessed, and what could be harvested. The Marathi Foreign Ministry also began to make inquiries to its Sudanese counterpart over goods that the country needed to import, and would work alongside the Ministry of Finance to make Marathi Corporations aware of a new market for their goods and/or services. [hr] [b]Classified[/b] Most of the Marathi officers that were dispatched to Sudan spoke Arabic, as well as English and their native languages, most were of a younger age, and of a more energetic, inquisitive nature. Whilst being posted with their counterparts, they would make inroads with both officer cadre, as well as enlisted soldiers, whether they were experienced or not. They would also work to develop an idea for Sudanese operational doctrine and familiarize themselves with the way the units operated, as well as the equipment they used, energetically requesting to observe, or even partake in military exercises or training drills. As part of their exchange program, they would send reports back to Royal Marathi Armed Services Liaison Section on their activities, to give the Defense Ministry a better idea of how the Sudanese operated, as part of their efforts to develop a partnership. Sudanese officers would be assigned to various units throughout the Royal Marathi Army, Navy, and Air Forces, with a majority of Sudanese special operations officers being assigned to the Marine Commandos (MARCOS), as observers and being allowed to partake in training exercises. These officers would also have the chance to be deployed aboard City-Class Corvettes that were patrolling the Bay of Bengal with a standard commando team, for constabulary duties there. A rise in the level of piracy, with sources pointing to the possibility of individuals operating from Burma, had brought the Royal Marathi Navy to proactively begin stop and search missions, as well as seizures if deemed appropriate. The Sudanese Special Operations Officers were not, at this point, allowed to partake in the operations, but were allowed to be part of the operations staff in the Combat Information Center on the corvettes, and help coordinate between the ships' crew and any special operations force boarding party that was sent out. Many Sudanese Army Officers would be assigned to the 1st Armored Division, as well as the 50th Parachute Brigade, for their exchange programs. These units were on general maneuvers in Tamil Nadu, the southernmost district on the subcontinent, and were part of an anti-invasion force facing off against Marine units that were undergoing amphibious training. The handful of Sudanese Air Force Officers that were dispatched, would be assigned to the Bullseye Aggressor Wing, and certified pilots were allowed to fly in basic trainers and jet trainers after given several classroom instruction periods including flight simulators. [hr] [b]Secure Closed Dispatch[/b]

"The Court of Santaji issues a missive that peace will soon reign again in the Korean Peninsula. It is unfortunate to see a nation caught up in the internal struggles and rift that tear families and friends apart. We hope for a quick solution to this struggle." [i]Statement from the Marathi Foreign Ministry[/i]

[b]Private[/b] As part of the Royal Marathi Navy's Naval Buildup and Modernization Plan (NBMP), the government has fully authorized a full complement of guided missile destroyers and light destroyers to fulfill critical roles, particularly in surface warfare, ground operations support, ballistic missile and at-sea/littoral area air defense. Further operations intended for Marathi surface combatants is within the role of carrier strike forces and force projection into the Indian Ocean and beyond, for this reason, high-endurance warships were needed to ensure that these missions could be carried out, but these vessels also needed to be flexible enough in armaments and equipment that they could fulfill almost any task to a satisfactory level. Deliveries of vessels from Garden Reach Shipyards, as well as Mazagon Dock Limited were underway of the following vessels; Forty-Five [url=http://www.shipbucket.com/images.php?dir=Never Built Designs/United States of America/DDG-79 Arleigh Burke Flight III Level 3.png]Hero-Class[/url] Guided Missile Destroyers Thirteen [url=http://www.shipbucket.com/images.php?dir=Real Designs/South Korea/DDH-975 Chungmugong Yi Sunsin.gif]Steadfast-class[/url] "Light" Destroyers These vessels would form the nucleus of any surface action or carrier strike group, and were usually commanded by some of the more "maverick" commanding officers that the Royal Marathi Navy possessed as a result.

[b]Public[/b] With the announcement of a peace deal between the government and militias in Southern Sudan, the Marathi Foreign Ministry has begun stepping up inquiries to the Sudanese government, on behalf of a number of corporations from the subcontinent. The two major inquiries would be from IndoPetrol, which was interested in helping jointly develop or improve petroleum extraction and refining facilities, in cohesion with a suitable Sudanese partner. The other major inquiry would come from Maharaja Holdings, one of the mining giants from Maratha, which was interested in doing mineral surveys, whether it be independent or in cohesion with an existing Sudanese government directorate that oversaw management of the countries' natural resources. [b]Private[/b] On a more private matter, the Maratha government would begin the process of dispatching its selected officers from the various branches of the Armed Services to Sudan, where they would be hopefully integrated into various branches of the Sudanese armed forces as part of the officer exchange program.

"The Maratha have a strong background in understanding the concept of sovereignty and honoring and respecting it, considering what eventually happened to my ancestors' Empire long ago, an unfortunate and paltry affair. We would not want to force ourselves on another nation whilst in the process of trying to help it, and I believe that any assistance this Asian Development Bank renders, is not dependent on a future relationship with our two nations. The assistance itself should warm relations, unless the developing nation is quite ungrateful, but I would not want to utilize the development aid as a carrot to a horse, to drive them in a certain direction of relations," said Santaji, in a polite and thoughtful tone. "There is much potential for an increased bilateral relationship between our two states, we have much to gain from increased trade and economic cooperation, particularly where we have resources that your nation could very well need for its manufactories. I would propose a selective reduction in tariffs and customs duties imposed on certain products, particularly ones that are staple products for our two nations, that the other does not produce as much of. I think that Maratha's economy, at this point, would not take too well to a full free trade agreement, so I'd like to leave that option off the table for the current time, and I hope you understand that position, if that is something that you were hoping to have develop," he said, pausing for a few seconds, clearing his throat, and continuing. "Cooperation on security matters, I think laying the base framework for such cooperation would be beneficial at this point. A foundation that perhaps includes vital intelligence sharing, cooperation in training and officer exchange programs, which would include joint exercises and study abroad programs for military officers. Both our nations have much to offer, in terms of military industrial development, I'm sure that we could both benefit from one another's work. The Army and Air Forces of Marathi are training and gearing up to be some of the most of the effective combat service branches in the world, it would be a shame to not see them be able to impart knowledge to a friendly regional partner."

Public In what has been called a move that was "unprecedented" according to some media outlets, HRH Santaji and the High Council, after emerging from what was to be a fairly routine meeting, have announced reformations to representative government. Having debated and toyed with the idea for well over a year now, the High Council has now officially begun the process of organizing a representative legislature, also known as the Royal Legislative Council, to help with the governing of the subcontinent. Each district will elect, based on population size, a certain number of representatives to the Royal Legislative Council, which will then draft legislation for the High Council and the monarch to review and comment on, before approving it. The Marathi Constitution is in the process of being rewritten to now reflect the balancing of the government, which will see the Royal Legislative Council having the ability to overrule the monarch with a certain percentage of the vote that has yet to be determined. The Royal Legislative Council will not have the power to interfere with the monarch's abilities as Commander in Chief of the Armed Services, nor can they force the monarch to abdicate, a provision that is only allowed by a full majority decree by the High Council. The Royal Legislative Council will be responsible for submitting budgetary workbooks for their respective districts, and proposing new bills for government funding, as well as providing the High Council with reports on how districts are performing, and what is needed for them to succeed. The added representation is expected to have great effect on the transparency of governance, as well as make the nation much more representative for the one point five billion people that reside within the borders of the Empire. In a statement to the press, one of Santaji's remarks were, "We have realized for some time that we cannot outstretch our hands to every citizen of this great nation, we cannot hear their voices, for there are way too many. It is the responsibility of our new Royal Legislators to be those ears, to be able to reach out and connect, they will be as important as anyone on the High Council. They are my eyes and my ears, and will be elected by the people whom they will serve, it is the only way that this country will work in the long term." Elections are expected to be announced within the fortnight, with candidates expected to submit their applications and petitions for candidacy within a month of the announcement date. [b]Classified[/b] As part of an effort to effectively combat submarines in a littoral zone, the Royal Marathi Navy has reduced the procurement of its City-Class Light Surface Combatants to 45, and replace these designated slots with twenty [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamorta-class_corvette]Pursuit-class[/url] Corvettes. These units will be outfitted specifically for ASW duties, and can serve independently, in submarine-hunting wolfpacks, or within the framework of a carrier battle group. They have been outfitted with a full suite compatible with their duties, as well as being equipped with the option for sixteen VLS-launched SAMs. The ships will have the ability to not only launch ASW Helicopters, but also deploy combat picket UAVs against submarines, utilizing lightweight torpedoes. The ship is also expected to be able to work in cohesion with future-planned autonomous underwater threat tracking vessels to destroy hostile submarines in a conflict zone.

[b]Classified[/b] Upon graduation from the CIJW School, the Sudanese soldiers would be given pins and patches that featured a pit viper wrapping itself around a scimitar, the mark of the schools' graduates. They were all also granted honorary ranks within the 2nd Battalion, 556th Special Operations Regiment for their perseverance and martial skills they had displayed whilst partaking training with the unit. Many of the Marathi operators had nothing but compliments in after action reports to the defense ministry, with the words "honored" and "inspiring" being featured in these reports. The Sudanese graduates of the CIJW School would be sent home with an extended invitation to further training at the CIJW School, as well as selective officer training at one of the many military schools or training institutions that the Royal Marathi Armed Services had pieced together. These invitations included the Armed Services Staff College in Deolali, the Royal Defense Academy (for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Pre-Commissioned Prospective Officers) at Khadakwasla, Royal Institute of Military Engineering in the Maratha Capitol of Pune, and the Royal Army War College in Mhow. Admittance into these institutes would be limited, but available to any Sudanese military personnel, provided they passed a written entrance exam, and submitted background and records, including disciplinary checks. Furthermore, shortly after the Sudanese soldiers arrived home, the Marathi Foreign Ministry would put together a short list of officers to that could be sent as part of the officer exchange program.

"There is much potential for our two nations to make much of a difference in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The region has been quiet for much time, countries have come and gone, but stability has been gone for much time now. The fall of Selenarctos and other nations in the region have left much of it leaderless, especially after the Tianxian Civil War. Although the Civil War has in fact concluded, there is much confidence that must be restored, and the presence of our nations would make a difference in helping keep the region stable, especially through work in development. Our nation is engaged in rebuilding our network of healthcare, as well as setting out framework for helping to provide for additional security throughout the region." "I would be glad to join a Development Initiative that would benefit Asia and Oceania, the regions are important to us both. Between the nations of Asia, we're quite capable of providing external stability to any rising nation. On the other hand internal stability is built on the availability of jobs, and access to basic needs, and I'm sure that we could provide assistance with such important facets."

[b]Classified[/b] With the agreement signed with Sudan, the Royal Marathi Armed Services would welcome the transport that was dispatched from Sudan to the District of Mizoram with the operators from the Sudanese Special Forces. Once arrived, the Sudanese would be treated with respect, and given transport to the CIJW School from the District Capitol, which lay about seventy miles from the school itself. The host unit for their time at the CIJW School would be 2nd Battalion, 556th Special Operations Regiment, also known as the Blues and Reds. Many in the Royal Marathi Army knew the unit only as the 'Sons of Yama', the deity of death in Hindu mythology, but the Sudanese would have the unique opportunity to make connections with the unit that others had not. The Sudanese Special Forces would be attached to the part of the battalion that was being trained at the time, with translators being attached to each fire team of Sudanese soldiers. Following standard Marathi infantry tactics, each fire team consisted for four individuals, which included a heavy weapons soldier as well as a designated fire team commander. After induction into the school, where the School's Commander, a Brigadier, would express the honor it was to be hosting foreign soldiers as part of their school, the Africans would begin immediately with training. In the eight weeks following their arrival, the soldiers would be put through strenuous exercises involving guerrilla warfare, counter insurgency, and low intensity warfare, with operations stretching from the surrounding swamps and jungles, to flights involving HALO airborne jumps that took them deep into the Thar Desert. Jungle and desert fieldcraft would be mastered, improvisation for food sources would be learned, reflex firing would be tested at every turn, ambush and counter ambush tactics perfected, and drilled day in and day out. Night time defensive and offensive engagement in jungle scenarios would be mastered, focusing on stealth and movement; the school put a value on a four man fire team being able to seem like a larger enemy patrol; in some training engagements, some regular infantry units believed they were facing as many as forty men each. The Sudanese would be taught to improvise for weaponry from what they had, being given no firearms and expected to take down an enemy patrol with just an assortment of gear that they had on them. Exercises involving limited communication with headquarters and requiring operational improvisation were also understood, with the units being given choices on what objective to follow through with. The exercises that they had to undertake at the school were not just combat, but also thought exercises; making the right choices and living with them. Following on with a mission, or engaging in an improvised mission that could impact the entirety of a conflict for better or for worse. The school also forced the Sudanese to deal with civilian aspects of warfare; adjusting rules of engagement for human rights-style missions, as well as dealing with media and local citizenry, and what impacts this could have. The Sudanese soldiers would also be engaged in mock battles with insurgents that were inside stores and houses, with live personnel representing both civilian hostages, while others being insurgents. This was where the instructors put a price on balancing reflex firing with quick judgment, the soldiers could not shoot everything that moved; or they would fail the exercise. Further conducted exercises would include air assault insertions, pathfinder exercises, and working with elements of the Marine Commandos in riverine operations in the Ganges Delta. Hostage and pilot recovery operations would also be included in exercises, with the Sudanese operators working alongside the Garud Commando Force.