Hope this is sufficient.
The last two months since the previous NPA update have gone by really quickly and while they have certainly had their ups and downs, I continue to be optimistic about the future of the NPA and our role as the military of the North Pacific.
Previously I've used this update to talk about our successes as a military but this time it seems more prudent to recognise the recent losses of the NPA. We have had roughly nine resignations / discharges from the military for a number of reasons including outside commitments but mainly resulting from insubordination, failures to follow orders or failing to respond to reasonably made requests. The NPA prides itself on being neutral in the R/D game and we always try and allow our soldiers to be active members of other militaries if they choose this path but even that must have its limits. Unfortunately, there is a long history of negativity from outside groups towards the NPA and arguably a lack of support from our very own Regional Assembly. I have recently proposed a couple of suggestions to the Regional Assembly that would have increased the numbers within the NPA but they have been met with scorn or ambivalence. So my one request is that the region take pride in our military for a change and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
I have wanted to try and increase our numbers back to their former glory but it seems that any attempts to recruit have been hampered by the changes in the TG system among other things. I would like to formally welcome Borndisaster, one of our new recruits who has proven to be a real asset to the army. While Scandigrad is a fantastic deputy (as his award testifies to), I will be taking on a second deputy to ensure that we are operating at full capacity when the changes explained below are implemented. Anyone interested in this position is welcome to apply, they need not be an NPA member currently.
Changes? What changes, you say? To the credit of Mall, he has suggested that we split our forces into several groups to make better use of the recruits we do get and also allow soldiers to pick what sort of role they want to have in the NPA. A concept I am hugely in favour of. I am extremely impressed with the commitment Mall has shown to his positions out of TNP as well as his willingness to contribute to Executive Council matters. The current proposal being discussed by the NPA High Command allows for the military to be split into three parts:
- The Regional Guard - As a member of the regional guard, you would remain on a contact list of people that would be contacted if we need to defend the region against rogue parties who might try and take the WA delegacy from the legitimately elected delegate. This is a simple task which would require you to move WA status to your TNP nation occasionally if called upon via PM/TG and to follow the instructions of the current delegate and Minister of Defense. The downside of being solely part of the regional guard is that you will not gain a rank as a member of the NPA but may refer to yourself as a member of the TNP Regional Guard.
- The Auxiliary or Pilers - Nationstates updates two times a day (these two updates are known as minor and major) and during these periods every nation in a region has their endorsements calculated and the nation with the highest number of endorsements is made the WA delegate. Pilers do not have to be around during either update but rather need only check their email, forum PMs or nation telegrams to check if they need to move and reinforce a position during any given time. The benefit of being part of this cross section is that you are not required to be online at update and will be given a rank. It is notable that you will not gain promotions as fast as the third force, the Updaters. The Auxiliary or Pilers are also considered to be members of the regional guard.
- Special Forces or Updaters - Updaters as mentioned above, are required to be online close to update so that they might move into a region at a given time. It is also generally a requirement that Updaters have access to IRC which is easily achieved by visiting the link at the top of the forums. Updaters will be promoted much faster than the Auxiliary and are also considered to be members of the regional guard and the Auxiliary.
These proposed changes are very exciting indeed and we welcome any feedback.
My favourite part of this job is recognising the hard work of dedicated soldiers. Borndisaster and Hileville are thus promoted to the rank of Corporal after assisting in recent missions and following orders to the letter. Alvino Castillion aka "Almond" has proven to be an exemplary recruit, always undertaking missions with diligence and professionalism, accordingly I congratulate him on making the rank of Colour Sergeant. Finally I would like to congratulate Kingborough on his promotion to Warrant Officer 2.
Our recent missions themselves have included operations in a range of regions including Greece, The Pacific, RORMS, the Warzones, Italy, Iraq and the United States of Conservatives. Of particular note is a training exercise that took place in our allied region of Stargate which saw an abundance of activity from NPA members new and old. Lastly of note was the Confederation of Democratic Socialists which resulted in my first attempt at making a ribbon although I certainly didn't do too great!
As always the NPA welcomes any requests for assistance, military co-operation or any new recruits who would like to be a part of our military.
On a final note - many other updates have a favourite quote and this is one of my favourite ones from McMasterdonia addressed at me, assuming he doesn't object to it's use:
y u so silly, u fired gurl
Kiwi
Minister of Defense
I ask mainly because the FA Minister is away, and I don't know when he will return.
