Georgiana
TNPer
House of Communications
This is the interview of Minister of Defence, McMasterdonia. He was interviewed by The Honourable [me]. This post is published as received but edited the bolding of questions.
Ministry Questions
1. If you get another term,what plans do you have to improve the safety of the residents and citizens of The North Pacific?
An interesting question. I think the best thing that I can do is ensure that the NPA continues to keep recruiting, and maintain activity. The Development of an auxiliary is definitely on the cards as well. Its all about balancing regional security, and NPA activity.
2. What can you say about the NPA?
A very broad question. The NPA is a diverse organisation, that now more than ever requires a strong leadership team to lead it. Right now the NPA is at a cross roads, and decisions need to me made. It will also be important that in the NPA’s interests that I take tougher measures against inactive members. I would much rather have a smaller membership list and all of those members being active, than a long unruly list with few active members.
Overall the soldiers and officers have been brilliant. The NPA’s success goes down to their contribution, it is they after all who make the armies members and determine that small difference between success and failure.
3. Have the NPA soldiers been going through military training for both Defending and Raiding?
Yes we have. When I took the position under the then Delegate Blue Wolf, I believed that it was important for our army to remain centrist. In the sense that it take action in both the area of defending, and the area of raiding. We have overrule done more defender related activities, than raider ones.
I released a survey to NPA members to get their response about what direction they see the army going. Some have commented that an army cannot be led by consensus in real life- that may be the case. But in a game such as nationstates you need to keep the people happy, so that they continue to assist and be involved in the army.
4. On a scale of 1-10, what would you rate The Army? And how do you plan to better equip the soldiers for any situation?
Right now I would rate it a 7. I would like to focus on the creating of switcher nations for our soldiers in the coming weeks ahead. Although I have asked, some still think it is ok to use one WA nation for every single mission- that certainly is not ideal.
Like I wrote earlier I will also be removing more members for activity, and be putting firmer requirements on nations if they wish to receive the masking to see the NPA private area. This should not only improve activity, but regional security as well.
5.What has the ministry of defence taught you?
It has reaffirmed to me the importance of having the strength of your convictions. If you make a decision be sure that you can stand by it, but on balance be prepared to apologize if you make a mistake. Also it reminded me that some arguments can never be won.
General Questions
1. Do you plan to run again for a next term?
I have been toying with this a bit lately. I’m not going to rule anything out at this stage. I do feel though that it is common for some politicians in elected office to try and stay on well beyond their expiry date. This sometimes destroys the legacy they could have left behind. I also feel that it is necessary that we keep the new members involved, if we do not we risk losing them.
I led the refounding of the NPA, it is something I am passionate about. I enjoy the work with the soldiers, and every single mission that we have been involved in. Whether it is the next term, or the term after, or whenever, I will do my very best to ensure that the NPA is in a fine condition to a handover to the next Minister.
2. Do you like the ministry you were given? If not what ministry do you plan to go to?
I definitely like this ministry. I would like to stay in it very much.
3.What can you say about your work you have put into your office?
I have put significant time and effort into this office – like any other minister. Of course there is always more work to do. My work in the next term will need to primarily consist of recruitment, and NPA missions- given that the infrastructure has been completed.
4. Do you think your time in office for the june-july Administration have been a success?
Overall I think it has been a success. I would have liked to focus on recruitment a little more, would be the only thing.
5. What can you say about your ministry?
Basically what I have said above : )
6. How do you plan to improve the region with your powers?
I want to ensure that the NPA plays a key and important role in regional security, both at home and abroad with our allies. Furthermore I want to ensure that our regional assembly and citizens have a voice in the debate about the direction that our army is taking. The view has been expressed that the RA need not concern itself in this matter – I strongly disagree.
I wish to improve The North Pacific’s renown, influence, prestige and standing in the nationstates world, through a large, active, and regionally accountable army.
