Rebuilding An Army

POV - Sara Kamaruddin, Minister of Defense

[Day 1, March 2002, 1pm]

Hmph, that disgusting man pointed at me, probably to warn the Governor of my past of the old regime. I stormed out of the palace, leaving behind the unwelcome atmosphere. My car awaited, a refuge from the political games and insidious glances.

As we drove back to the Ministry of Defense, my Chief of Staff, Rasima, motioned for me to face away from her for my insulin medication. With a practiced hand, she produced a needle, swiftly administering a dose of insulin into my upper buttocks, a routine part of managing my health amidst the chaos of political maneuvering.

She says it helps the body keep going, but I don't have time to learn about it. So I leave the medication to her to figure out. I thought, dismissing the matter for now.

"Rasima," I inquired, shifting gears, "The budget allocation has been approved and we've got a budget of $15 million to build up an army from scratch. We need to start recruiting soldiers—lots of them are out there on the streets, desperate for food and a bed to rest on."

Rasima pulled up her documents, neatly stacking them on his lap before handing them over to me. "Here is the list of ex-soldiers, drill sergeants, and generals from the previous regime but not to worry, our plan will work." But will the governor, and especially Jordan, oppose it? I pondered aloud, voicing the concern that had been weighing on both our minds.

"I don't know if it will work Rasima" I replied, my concern evident in my voice. "When that fatso started insinuating and bitching about me, I left as quickly as I could after the meeting adjourned."

"I can only guess that the Governor might come to visit us in the Ministry sometime soon," I continued with a tinge of worry, "perhaps to dispel any of these rumors from his mind and ensure my loyalty before approving the budget." I paused, feeling the weight of uncertainty. "He hasn't even signed or stamped it into law yet."

We arrived at one of the recruiting areas where it used to be a Bazaar, I still could hear the chatter, rumbling and rabble bustling with life of people selling their wares, groceries and allotment of goods. Now it is a run down rubble with a few shop-lots standing.

"He must be quite the character," Rasima exclaimed. "What's your take on his capacity to lead our nation as a bit of an outsider?"

Uncertain about our Governor, who had screamed profanities on his first day and locked himself in his room until the next day, I replied cautiously to Rasima, "I don't have a clear opinion yet." However, upon reflection, I noted that he had effectively used his authority to quell childish behavior during the budget meeting. He had prevented both Ministers from running amok and had successfully pushed the budget through despite the debate.

"Don't worry, Minister, I'm sure the Governor will recognize your unwavering loyalty, sooner or later," Rasima tried to reassure me. 

Scanning for veterans and fresh recruits. I pushed open the door to the temporary shelters, the cacophony of clinking pots and pans from the soup kitchen assaulting my ears. The scene was filled with desperate souls who had survived the bombings and the subsequent chaos that ensued after the dictator fled. At least this place was running smoothly amidst the turmoil.

"The preparations are all set, just awaiting your word to proceed, Ma'am." Rasima had already primed the Ministry to go into overdrive to recruit an adequate number of troops to safeguard the country.

After weeks of planning, scouting, and stretching the previous year's budget of the Defense Ministry to its limit just to get to this point, I turned to Rasima. "Proceed with the plan," I commanded, the weight of responsibility heavy in my voice.

As we walked out of the shelter and surveyed the closed-up shop lots, Rasima took out her phone and sent the word "GO." Within seconds, the sound of shutters opening echoed through the area, drawing the attention of many passersby. Three staff members swiftly set up tables, chairs, and their documents in hand, signaling the beginning of the recruitment drive.

One of the staff members stepped forward with a microphone, his voice reverberate over the crowd as he announced the opening of recruitment for the Fahar Provincial Corps, one of eight subdivided corps, tasked to keep the region safe and defended. He emphasized fair wages, warm beds, and guaranteed meals for all recruits. Before long, men of fighting age began to flock to the recruiter, many of them illiterate and in need of basic education.

Rasima received updates on his phone, indicating that dozens of temporary offices were experiencing a surge in men ready to enlist. However, I couldn't shake off my concerns about their loyalty; loyalty for the promise of a steady meal.

We made our way back to the car and returned to the Ministry, where we would eagerly await the outcome of our recruitment drive, anxious to learn how many had chosen to enlist in the Fahar Provincial Corp.

"The estimated spending to form a battalion of soldiers, incorporating both experienced and new recruits, would be around $5 million," Rasima reported, her tone serious. "For just one battalion, this includes the costs of eight weeks of basic training, which encompasses instruction in weapons, marching, discipline, and physical fitness." 

"It will consume one-third of the budget for now," Rasima explained, "but once they commit and sign their names, the maintenance costs for the next five years will be halved."

I harbored skepticism toward these men, recognizing that their motivations might not align with our goals. However, the pressing need for manpower to fill the ranks and establish a functional battalion-sized army outweighed my reservations. Realistically, this force might only be capable of patrolling a single district, lacking the strength to inspire fear. Nonetheless, it was a necessity for the present circumstances.

Rasima projected we will have a full Battalion in the next 16 months but with many illiterate men. More realistically would be atleast 27 months. 

Battalion Commander (General Level): $12,000 per month

Headquarters Staff: 20 personnel (senior officers, administrative staff, intelligence officers, etc.): $10,000 per month

Training Officers: 5 officers: $2,000 per month

Training Support Staff: 10 personnel (instructors, logistics support, etc.): $3,000 per month

Equipment Maintenance Unit: 20 personnel (mechanics, technicians, etc.): $4,800 per month

Supply and Logistics Unit: 15 personnel (supply officers, logisticians, etc.): $3,600 per month

Medical Personnel: 10 personnel (doctors, nurses, medics, etc.): $3,600 per month

Administrative Personnel: 10 personnel (clerks, administrative assistants, etc.): $2,000 per month

Enlisted Personnel: Approximately 860 soldiers (varies based on battalion size and structure): $193,500 per month

Officers: Approximately 30-50 officers: $12,500 per month

Total Payroll: $2,834,400 per year

Equipment, clothing, and vehicle expenses: $2,165,600 per year

Ministry of Defense employees:

1565 personnel: $1,200 annually & building maintenance: $2 million per year