The Pre-Deployment Briefing

The commander entered the room as the soldiers stood ramrod straight at attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, be seated.”

“Each of you has been selected personally for this mission by the President upon determination that you are ready, willing and fully able to carry out the duties assigned.

“As you know, the war is officially at an end, and we have been given the victory. You are now a part of the Army of the Occupation. However, the enemy is unwilling to accept defeat and continues fighting an aggressive resistance throughout the theater. This has become a mop-up operation. Our tasking is to work behind enemy lines to reclaim territory lost and free both captive civilians and those who were taken as prisoners of war.

“The rules of engagement with the enemy forces call for no mercy. The enemy forces are to be bound and held for the final military tribunal. They have killed millions, stolen vast amounts of assets, and caused massive destruction. They will be judged along with all collaborators.

“Those will be picked up immediately prior to trial by an elite unit created for that purpose. Word has it that a “non-decision” by hostiles will be taken as a decision in favor of the resistance. They each will have had far more than ample time to choose on which side they stand. Your only tasking where they are concerned is to encourage them to join forces with us. From there it is up to them. “I was just following orders” was not accepted as a defense at the Nürnberg Trials after World War II, and they will not be accepted here either. Our hearts go out to them, yet every decision carries within it the seeds of its own consequences.

“Be aware: enemy intelligence is formidable. You have been studied and a detailed file maintained from the day you were recruited. They know you inside and out – every quirk, every habit, every character flaw, every foible, every weakness. They will use this knowledge to turn you every which way but loose, so you must be on constant guard. Their propaganda machine is massive. Reinforce your strengths and toughen yourselves up against the rest.

“You have all been issued the finest in uniform, gear and weaponry that can be had. The enemy does not have a firm grasp of what you’ve been given. Take good care of it. Keep it on and ready at all times. Use it; make it a part of you. It will protect you and serve you well on the attack. They grossly underestimate the level of support you will have at a moment’s notice. It is second to none.

“Along with the rest of your gear you each have a copy of your manual of operations and the regulations under which you must function. In your spare moments you are expected to read them, study them, digest them, incorporate them into your very being. Then you will know how to conduct yourselves in every situation you will face. Keeping within the parameters given will keep you safe from the tactics and strategies of the enemy.

“Look at the soldier to your left. Now to your right. Now in front and behind. These are your buddies. None of you is expected to be a lone wolf. Each of you has a skill set that is unique and will serve you well when employed as a team. We do not leave any of our injured fellows on the battlefield, but do whatever is necessary to bring them back safely.

“There will be no sniping or strife among you. If you have differences of opinion or prejudices, strangle them out of existence. We will not tolerate anyone being injured or taken out by friendly fire – the enemy is the one in front of you pointing his weapons at you. Is that clear? We run this show by higher standards than that.

“Do not pay any attention to the media reports on your mission. They have in too many instances shown a hard bias and a willingness to distort the truth or even fabricate “truth” from whole cloth. They have proven capable in terms of tearing down people and operations they do not fully understand. Your manual and updates from the Command will give you the truth you can trust. We pledge to give you nothing less than the truth.

“We have a work-around for any attempt to disrupt communications. What you need, you will receive.

“Your leaders got there by proving first they could be faithful followers. They earned every insignia of rank they wear. Your only response to any command is “Sir, yes sir!”

“Now, attention! Gather your gear and prepare to move out! I trust you to give it your very best, your all. Christians, let’s go out there and get it done for your Kingdom, for your President – Jesus the Anointed King of Kings and Lord of Lords!”