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inky-duchess · 5 months ago

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Fantasy Guide to the Army

I have been asked to do this post for quite a long while and I finally got around to it. This guide is a basic guide, you may need to do further research into specific armies across the world. Armies are a necessary part to any world building, so what do we need to know about them?

(PS I had planned to include air force and navy but I am just one person and I cut myself, and the read more link, some slack)

Ranks

Field Marshal (FM) The Field Marshal is the highest rank of within the Army. The rank of Field Marshal was often granted in times of war (a general must have committed an act of valour, i.e. a victory). The rank can sometimes be used as a divisional command rank or brigade command. The UK, Austria-Hungary, Afghanistan, Germany, India, and Pakistan use the rank as a reward for achievement. Spain and Mexico use it for divisional command while countries such as Portugal, France and Brazil for use it for brigade command. The rank of Field Marshal is a "five star" position. The rank does not exist in the US army. They are addressed as Field Marshal Surname. Their insignia is two crossed batons surrounded by yellow leaves set under a crown.

General (Gen.) A General is the commanding officer of an army or army corps. It is currently the highest rank granted in most armies today, it is a 4 star position. A General is in charge of commanding large units, they are in charge of making strategic decisions for the army, oversee major military operations, manage the needs of the army. They are addressed as General Surname. Their insignia is four stars (US, France, Germany, Russia) and a sword and baton crossed under a crown and a star (UK). Lieutenant General (Lt.Gen) Lieutenant General commands an army corps or a division (tens of thousands of soldiers). They are also involved in strategic planning. They also hold positions within the Ministry of Defence/Equivalents. They would often serve as advisers to the government and aid Generals. It is a 3 star position and they addressed as Lieutenant General Surname. Their insignia is three stars (US, Germany, France, Russia) and a crossed sword and baton under a crown (UK)

Major General (Maj.Gen) Major General is a general officer in the army, responsible for leading and operational roles. They would command divisions of tens of thousands of soldiers. They support the officers above them, helping with strategy, executing the strategy, oversee the training of their units. They are addressed as Major General Surname. They are a 2 star position. Their insignia is a crossed sword and baton with a star (UK) and two stars (US, Germany, Russia, France). Brigadier General (Brig.Gen) Brigadier General is a one-star general officer in the army. They command brigades (3,000 to 5,000 soldiers), assisting Major Generals in tactical planning and coordination of operations. They are addressed as Brigadier General Surname. Their insignia is one star (Russia, Germany, US,), two silver stars (France) and s crown and three stars (for the UK, stars are known as pips). Colonel (Col) Colonels command brigades of about (3,000 to 5,000 soldiers), they are senior staff officers who both provide leadership to their units which are sometimes specialised agencies, such as task forces. Colonels are addressed as Colonel Surname. A silver eagle (US), a pair of diamond pips under a crown (UK), three silver pips upon shoulder braid with silver braid (Germany), three gold pips on a shoulder board with golden braid (France and Russia). Major (Maj) Majors command units of around 120 officers. They are in charge of the training and welfare of their soldiers, administrative duties within the barracks and within their unit. They are the primary staff officer in brigades. They assist superior officers in planning and executing missions and tactical plans. The Major is referred to as Major Surname. Their insignia is 2 gold stars on a shoulder board with golden braid (Russia, France) 2 silver pips on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), a crown (UK), a golden oak leaf (US)

Captain (Cpt) Captains lead companies usually around 50-200 soldiers. They are often the second officer in a company working alongside a superior officer. They are responsible for operations in the field such as ensuring equipment is kept up to date and in good condition, offering logistic support, and managing their troops. Captains are addressed as Captain Surname. Their insignia is two silver bars (US), three pips (UK), three silver pips on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), three golden pips on a shoulder board with gold braid (France, Russia) Lieutenant (Lt) Lieutenants command a platoon (about 30 odd soldiers). They are in charge of overseeing the training and discipline of their soldiers along with ensuring their welfare. They will participate in missions under the command of a superior. Lieutenants are addressed as Lieutenant Surname. Their insignia is two golden stars on a shoulder board with gold braid (Russia, France), two silver pips on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), two pips (UK), one silver bar (US) Second Lieutenant (2/Lt) The Second Lieutenant leads smaller units, working with enlisted soldiers. They are crucial in the training of soldiers, they maintaining personnel records and manage the resources needed for a mission or the units welfare. They would be addressed in conversation as Lieutenant but referred to as Second Lieutenant in dispatches and in correspondence. Their insignia is one gold bar (US), one pip (UK), one silver pip on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), one gold pip on a shoulder board with gold braid (Russia, France)

Enlisted Men

Warrant Officer 1st Class (1/WO)This is the most senior non-commissioned rank. They focus on discipline, prisoners, ammunition supplies and various technical and non-combatant services. In the UK, they often hold the rank of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) and are appointed by the Secretary of State Defence while in the US, the Secretary of the Army appoints them. They are addressed as Mr/Ms/Mrs Surname or Chief. Their insignia is one silver bar and a black square (US), the royal coat of arms (UK), four silver pips on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), three gold chevrons and a gold star (France), two gold stars on a shoulder board with golden braid (Russia) Warrant Officer 2nd Class (2/WO) The Warrant Officer Second Class would do similar jobs as the WO1, but they handle the below regimental section. Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1). WO2s can be referred to as Company Sergeant Majors (CSMs) or Squadron Sergeant Majors (SSMs) (depending on their unit). They take roles within training, discipline and aiding the Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1). Addressed as CSMs/SSMs and as Mr./Mrs/Ms. Their insignia is one gold star on a shoulder board with gold braid (Russia), Three golden chevrons (France), three silver pips on a shoulder board with silver braid (Germany), crown (UK), silver bar with two squares (US). Sergeant (Sgt)The Sergeant are responsible for the soldiers under their command. They oversee their team, acting as mentors and supervisors to their soldiers. Sergeants are over a squad of 10 soldiers. They are responsible them, from performance, prepare them for combat and their needs. They are addressed as Sergeant Surname. Their insignia is three chevrons (US, UK), two silver pips on a shoulder board with silver pips (Germany), two golden chevrons (France) and three golden chevrons (Russia). Corporal (Cpl)Corporals lead small squads of soldiers, no more than . Corporals are in charge of the training of their soldiers and ensuring that they are up to standard. They handle all the paperwork for their squad such as records. Corporals will accompany their soldiers on missions, leading patrols and overseeing their soldiers in the field. They are usually responsible for large pieces of equipment. They are addressed as Corporal Surname. Their insignia two chevrons (US, UK), one silver pips with shoulder board with a silver braid (Germany), two gold chevron (France, Russia). Lance Corporal (L.Cpl)Lance Corporals help Corporals lead their teams, acting as their second in command. They are in charge of disciplining, mentoring and leading their squads. They are also in charge of large weapons. They are addressed as Lance Corporal Surname. Their insignia one golden chevron (Russia, France), none/one silver pip (Germany), one chevron (UK) and one chevron with crossed rifles (US) Private (Pte)Privates are the lowest rank in the army. They will have just come out of training with the basic skills of a soldier. Privates are given tasks by superior officers, must obey the orders given and are usually given the more hands-on tasks, such as maintenance of weapons and their camp. They are addressed as Private Surname. Their insignia is one chevron/none (US), no insignia (UK, France, Russia, Germany).

Non-Commissioned Officers vs Commissioned Officers

You may have often heard the term "non-commissioned officer" if you have ever watched any war media. The difference is that Commissioned Officers receive their rank via a formal document signed by a high-ranking official, such as the monarch or a political leader. The Commissioned Officers are usually Lieutenants, Colonels, Generals, Captains, Majors. They are responsible for giving orders and making decisions. Non-Commissioned Officers are promoted from the enlisted ranks, gaining their promotion on skills alone. They are in charge of discipline, training and carrying out orders. They are usually ranked among Corporals and Sergeants.

Jobs within the Army

No army is just made up of officers and their soldiers. An army is like a town on the move, there are hundreds of different tasks that must be undertaken to ensure the army is fed, transported, kept in line and kept equipped.

Medic: Medics are the first responders for wounded soldiers, they administer first aid, medication and medical care to the soldiers in their unit. Medics are usually NCOs.

Chaplain: Is a soldier with some religious or spiritual calling that administers last rites, confession, spiritual guidance and solace for soldiers. They will see to soldiers of all creeds and faiths.

Artillery Crew: The Artillery Crew handle the maintenance and inventory of artillery weapons and related equipment. NCOs with training in the handling of artillery.

Military Police: The Military Police are force within the army that keep soldiers in line, maintain order and arrest any soldier caught doing a crime on the job. Always NCOs.

Intelligence: This is the information post, which involves fact gathering, recording and study of information needed by the army to mobilise.

Quartermaster: The quartermaster manages the distribution and gathering of all the things needed for the army from uniforms to equipment for the soldier's packs. Usually NCOs.

Mess Officer: The Mess Officer oversees the Mess Hall, managing the staff as they cook and prepare the army's meals. The Mess Officer would also be in charge of budgeting, inventory, health and safety and providing meals timely. Usually an officer, Captains and Lieutenants.

Adjutant: Is an officer who acts as an assistance to a superior officer taking on secretarial duties such as paperwork and arranging their diary. Usually a Captain or a Major.

Combat Engineer: The Combat Engineer is in charge of maintaining and building fortifications. NCOs with specialised skills in the field.

Logistics: Logistic Specialists handle the supplies, equipment and arranging transportation. NCOs.

Armourer: The armourer is in charge of weapons and ammunition. They handle any repairs needed and see to the safe storing of these valuable items. NCOs.

Communications Specialist: These Specialists handle communications, the communication equipment and its maintenance. NCOs usually with previous experience or training.

Mechanics: Mechanics are in charge of the maintenance of vehicles and machinery. They handle repairs, do check ups, offer support in the field and ensure everything is in good shape. NCOs with training and skills in the area.

Equipment

The soldiers will not be going into any situation without equipment - at least, not at first. Equipment is like gold dust in the field, especially if a unit is within enemy territory or the supply chain cannot be relied upon. Soldiers may often turn to thievery in order to resupply themselves with ammunition, weapons, supplies and even boots. In WWII, the newly formed company the Special Air Service - the SAS - actually raided their allies for supplies.

The soldier would carry essential supplies when they are first deployed. These would include (may vary):

Flasks/Canteen: Or some sort of drinking container. A soldier will need to hydrate if they don't wish to die-dydrate on a long march. They may also carry water purification chemicals such as iodine.

First Aid Kits: All soldiers will carry the basics of a first aid kit. This would include bandages, gauze, burn ointment, tourniquet, pain relief (not the good stuff), scissors and tweezers.

Knife: It is always handy to have something to cut things with.

Gun Cleaning Tools: Soldiers will have the equipment to care for their weapons. An uncared for weapon is an invitation for death.

Ammunition: A soldier would carry ammunition with them.

Entrenching Equipment: Something to dig with, usually a collapsible shovel.

Rations: Soldiers may often carry some sort of food with them, usually of the preserved kind.

Some form of shelter: Soldiers may carry something to shelter themselves such as a sleeping bag, a tent, a blanket.

Signal Mirror: Soldiers carry signal mirrors to send visual signals to communicate with others.

Toiletries: Basic hygiene items.

Weaponry

Soldiers will not only just need equipment to survive on the field. Soldiers will carry all sorts of weapons on them. It was up to the soldier to care for the weapon and ensure it is up to scratch. Ammunition, of course, doesn’t grow on trees and nor do weapons. Weapons and ammunition like supply I mentioned above could often be “liberated” from the enemy or even unwitting allies. Every soldier will carry:

A rifle: This is the long-range weapon carried by almost all soldiers. They will use this in combat, especially if fighting from a fixed position.

A handgun or a pistol: Most soldiers will carry a secondary gun. These guns are useful in tight spaces or close combat.

Bayonet: A knife or blade that is attached to the rifle. This allows a soldier to stab the enemy with their rifle.

Combat Knife: A knife used in combat.

Mortar: This is a short-barrelled artillery piece. It is used to fire shells at steep angles.

Hand Grenades: These are handheld explosives carried by soldiers. They have a delayed fuse, meaning that they are useful as both a long-range weapon and as a close-range weapon – one could leave one behind as a present. They are typically activated by pulling the pin, flinging it away from the body, toward the enemy and denoted.

Uniforms

Above in rankings, we went through the insignia which is the symbols on one's uniform that denotes your rank and place in the hierarchy of things. Soldiers will be inspected every day to ensure their uniforms are up to standard and will face the wrath of superiors if their uniforms are unkempt and their appearance not up to the mark. Every private learns how to shine their own boots, sort out their own uniforms and are responsible for looking their best. There are different kinds of uniform for a soldier.

Casual Uniform: This uniform is comprised of a more casual uniform, made up of a tunic/shirt, trousers and boots. Certain units will wear caps and berets denoting their unit and rank as well. Combat Uniform: This is worn on the field. It will often reflect the climate the soldier is going into, so will be light and heavy depending on the weather. A soldier would wear a combat jacket, trousers, wear a helmet, wear their identification tags/dog tags. These would be in mute colours, usually khaki or camouflage. Service Dress Uniform: This is worn during official duties and formal events. It comprises of a dress shirt, tie, peaked cap/beret, creased trousers and a jacket with their insignia, unit symbols and medals. Dress Uniform: This is worn during very formal ceremonies. A formal jacket pinned with ribbons, embroidered insignia and the medals of their achievements and commendations, creased trousers, dress shirt and tie, polished shoes and a formal hat cap/beret.

Life of a soldier (On Base and in the Field)

Soldiers on active duty will be expected to manage many tasks, not just firing at the enemy or storming enemy beaches. Soldiers are expected to fulfil maintenance work, defence, offence, administrative duties (if needed), engineering and communications.

On Base: A soldier’s day will be planned right down to the second. They will get up at a certain time, have an allotted time to get ready and tidy up their bunk, report to various drills and participate and have a list of duties to undertake within the day. These duties involve maintenance on base, helping with any office work, guarding and patrolling, doing specialised tasks such as helping in the infirmary. Most privates will do the grunt work, anything hands on or labour intensive while officers will see to training soldiers or paperwork or supply management.

In the Field: The life of a soldier in the field wasn’t as regimented as on base – it can’t be, since most soldiers won’t have the exact same day especially in battle or marching from place to place. But every soldier will have certain duties to undertake. Of course, fighting will be included, some soldiers would take it in shifts to man a fixed position or to engage the enemy or to participate in missions into new or enemy territory. Soldiers would take their place “out on the line”, patrolling the edges of their camp to ensure they can’t be crept up on. Soldiers will erect camp every night they aren’t marching which includes the putting up of tents, digging of latrine pits, building fortifications. Soldiers not out on the line or engaging the enemy will spend their time at camp either helping in the mess hall, in the infirmary or keeping the camp ship-shape. Soldiers may often be sent out to “forage” (*cough, cough* steal) whatever they need such as food.

The Realities of the Army

Good vs Evil. Yes, sometimes the army are the heroes. But in reality, war is a grey area. No army in the world is wholly bad or innocent. Every single army on earth has committed war crimes and every army has had to make decisions which some would find morally reprehensible. The point is that painting an army as the good guys or the bad guys in your narrative can’t work because it isn’t realistic. You can of course highlight these issues by the actions of a few soldiers while still retaining the antagonists and the heroes. You can of course pit the ideals of both sides in a war together, to firmly push your reader toward the good guys vs the bad guys. But the reality is a simple one: all armies kill, all armies steal and all armies destroy.

Civilian vs Soldier: The Reality Civilians suffer at the hands of their own army as well as the enemy. Civilians often had to deal with soldiers taking their crops, livestock and overtaking their homes in searches for food, shelter and resources. Enemy civilians would also put up with pillaging, looting and in some cases death, assault and sexual abuse. It is of course against protocol to harm civilians but things do happen in theatres of war.

The Army vs the Soldier

While the army expects a lot out of the soldier as an induvial, the army can often fall short of their duties to that soldier. This can be unintentional, for example supplies can get lost or stolen. But there are instances where soldiers and their needs are sacrificed for the greater good. They maybe passed over for supplies or reinforcements for another unit. They may be placed in difficult circumstances without any hope of relief. They may not have the equipment needed to fight their battle or stay alive. Sometimes, armies even shot their own soldiers for insubordination, ex. In WW1, many soldiers on all sides were shot by their own for “cowardice” – this may have been the case, but some cases involved soldiers who were suffering from PTSD.

Choice vs Obligation vs Threat Why do soldiers fight? What makes somebody join the army? Sometimes it is the search of opportunity, of a place, of rank and a purpose. But sometimes, going to war isn’t the choice of the soldier. Drafts and conscription make military service compulsory for certain age groups and genders. In peacetime, soldiers are enlisted voluntarily in most armies while some countries have compulsory service time even in times of peace. In some wars, criminals in prison were offered the chance to serve in the war as penance for their crimes. There are of course instances when one is threatened or forced into an armed force.

The Effects of War on the Soldier War changes people. The things soldiers see and have to do within war and training will inevitably change them as people. Sometimes, the change is positive, the army has been named by many people as the thing that straightened them out and have them structure. The army sometimes allows soldiers to travel and gain access to opportunities and education that they may never have had access to before. But undeniably, war has negatives effects on soldiers and civilians. Soldiers may suffer from PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts and feel a disconnect between themselves and their old lives. Soldiers often find it hard to return to their life after the war, especially in radically different settings with people who don’t understand what they have been through. This can lead to substance abuse issues, alcoholism, problems with the law and troubles within relationships among family and romantic partners. Soldiers of course can get injuries while in war or even in training. Loss of limbs, damage to the brain and other organs, broken bones, burns, shrapnel injuries and of course gunshot wounds are all common. Soldiers often get ill while in the field, such illnesses including typhoid, hypothermia, trench foot, dysentery, malaria, pneumonia etc. These are caused by the close living quarters and the often-sub-standard living conditions. Soldiers would often be at risk for pests such as lice and fleas because of their living conditions. Soldiers may often face problems with nutrition, might suffer from dehydration and starvation especially if supplies are scarce.

The Geneva Convention

Your world may not include the Geneva Convention, may pre-date the Geneva Convention or Geneva may not be a place within your WIP, but I include this here so you might have a fair idea about the “rules” of modern warfare. This is just a brief version.

Medical personnel are not to be specifically targeted in operations.

Medical facilities and equipment is not be targeted in operations

Any wounded soldiers or civilians are to be treated, despite allegiance.

Prisoners cannot be tortured or harmed in any way

Prisoners must be fed, well-kept and treated for any injury

Prisoners are not under obligation to tell their captors anything but their name, rank and other personal information – this is so they can be recorded and all information must be recorded and sent to the captured soldier's officers

Prisoners must be allowed to communicate with family and friends.

Prisoners have the right to receive any packages or mail.

Prisoners have the right to access the services of the Red Cross, who cannot be prevented from visiting and inspecting them

Prisoners who are seriously wounded or ill must be released

Any religious figures are to be captured and released as soon as possible

Soldiers cannot take hostages, they cannot pillage, they cannot take slaves.

Soldiers must abstain from humiliating and degrading any captured soldiers or civilians.

Reprisals against civilians and other soldiers are forbidden.

Group punishment is not permitted (Yes, that one teacher did break the Geneva Convention)

Prisoners can be tried by their captors, but they are entitled to a fair trial.

All POWs shall be released at the end of conflict

At sea, hospital ships cannot engage in war.

Any shipwrecked crew on a ship must be rescued despite allegiance.

Children, pregnant women, mothers with very young children, the elderly, the sick and wounded who are imprisoned for a long time, must be released as soon as possible.

Surrendering soldiers, civilians and civilians who participate in acts against an army cannot be harmed and must be taken alive.

The use of weapons to cause suffering, say a non-fatal wound or mutilation is prohibited.

It outlaws indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations and destruction of food, water and other materials needed for survival.

The destruction of resources that could affect the population such as poisoning the water supply is not permitted.

Certain infrastructure cannot be destroyed or targeted. This includes dams and nuclear stations. Cultural landmarks and religious landmarks are also to be spared.

Recruitment of children into the armed forces is prohibited.

The use of certain symbols such as the Red Cross in order to deceive the enemy is prohibited.

Civilians who do not take part in combat are to be treated respectfully. They are protected from violence from soldiers.

Children and vulnerable people are top-priority to be evacuated to safe havens as soon as possible. All efforts will be made to reunite them with family.

The targeting of civilians and anything that sustains their well-being such as food sources is prohibited.

Military Terminology

This is by no means a full list but these are the most commonly used terms.

Boots on the ground – to physically be in a location

Inspection - a superior officer takes formal note of appearance, condition of living area and weapons.

Drill – a practise in various manoeuvres, marches, procedures

Pass - leave to have some free time, sometimes off base.

Off base - away from military barracks

Tour of duty – the period of time which an action is completed in.

Civvies – Civilian clothing

Detail - a specific task undertaken by a unit or soldier

Mess hall - dining facility

Latrine - toilet

Latrine duty - digging a Latrine pit or cleaning the facility

Flanking - Attacking an enemy formation from the sides

Envelopment - surrounding the enemy from multiple sides

Penetration - breaking past the enemy’s front lines

Reconnaissance by Fire - Firing at positions that may be occupied by the enemy to provoke them into returning fire (so you know where they are)

Ambush - Attacking from concealed position

Retreat - go back the way you came (DO NOT COLLECT €200)

Feigned Retreat - Pretending to retreat and then attacking the enemy

Perimeter - boundary of fortified area

No Man's Land - the space between front lines

Contact line - where opposing sides meet to fight

Supply line - the route the supplies get from base to the field.

Front line - the furthest out troops are place on the line, this is where the most intense fighting happens

Barracks - sleeping quarters in base

Foxhole - a dug position in the ground

Combatant: A person actively engaged in fighting.

Non-combatant: A person not engaged in a conflict.

Civilian: Somebody who is not a member of any military unit.

Militia: Civilians who are armed and trained to fight.

Guerrilla: Small, independent units that takes up arms against an armed force. Very effective.

Saboteur: Somebody who deliberately sabotages equipment and supplies.

Spy: Somebody who gathers information about the enemy.

Operative: A soldier who carries out a specific task.

Mercenary: A soldier for hire

Contractor: A person or a group of people who are hired to provide advice, services and additional support to the army and their operations.

Conscription: Compulsory enlistment.

Enlistment: Joining the army.

Exercise: Simulated military practises or manoeuvres for training.

War game: Simulated war fare for training.

Mission: The operation.

Objective/Target: The objective of the mission.

Campaign: Multiple operations.

Down Range – being within the combat zone

In-Country – being within in a war zone

Quarters – can mean one of two things either it is a medic's order to stay in the camp or barracks or military family housing.

Squared away - to fix

Siege: Where one army sits outside a fortified town or position and tries to claim it.

Convoy: A large group of vehicles such as trucks, jeeps and tanks travel together. It is harder to target more than one vehicle.

Escort: More vehicles and soldiers who accompany a convoy.

Strike/Assault: Attacking the enemy.

Counterattack: An attack to respond to a previous attack

Rear: Behind the formation

Front: Before the formation.

Line: The formation.

Column: The formation in a line.

Formation: The arrangement of soldiers

Deployment: Soldiers moving to a position.

Redeployment: Sending soldiers to another position.

Mobilization: Readying soldiers, their supplies and equipment for deployment.

Demobilization: The disbanding of soldiers after an operation.

Reserve: Soldiers and equipment held back. This is usually to conserve soldiers and supplies for emergencies or shortages.

Reinforcement: More soldiers and equipment sent to the soldiers on the line to bulster their efforts.

Casualty: Death, injury, missing.

KIA: Killed in action.

MIA: Missing in action.

Surrender: Yielding to the enemy.

Ceasefire: An agreement to cease hostilities.

Armistice: A temporary stay of fighting.

Battalion: A large unit of soldiers. Usually in the range of 300 upwards to 800 or so soldiers.

Regiment: A unit made up of several battalions.

Division: A military unit (10,000-20,000)

Corps: A unit, (20,000-50,000)

Theatre: The place where military operations are undertaken.

Engagement: A battle or a conflict with the enemy.

Manoeuvre: Planned movement.

Logistics: The planning of moving soldiers and equipment to soldiers.

Ordnance: Supplies.

Artillery: Large-calibre firearms.

Infantry: Soldiers who fight on foot.

Reconnaissance: Gaining information about the enemy and their positions.

Tactical: Planning and implementation the military strategies.

Strategic: Planning and directing strategies.

Operational: The following through of military operations.

Command/Control: The authority to direct military operations.

Communications: The passing of information between units, base and HQ.

HQ: Head Quarters

Intelligence: Information about the enemy

Counterintelligence: Preventing the enemy from gaining information about the army, such as the famous Operation Mincemeat.

Camouflage: The use of material or paint to hide oneself from one’s enemy.

Fortification: Defensive structure

Entrenchment: Digging trenches or foxholes.

Garrison: Military station.

Bivouac: A temporary camp, but this camp is without no cover. This means no tents or shelter.

Dog Tags - Metal identification tags worn by soldiers

Patrol: Soldiers will leave camp or their positions to walk within their boundaries

Raid: Attacking on the enemy’s position.

Zero Dark Thirty - Early as fuck, from 0100 hrs to sunrise.

Copy - I understand

Unit - can mean any organisation in the military

Platoon - a section within a company made up of 30-50 soldiers

Contact - Engaging with the enemy

Tactically Acquired - Stolen

Squad - a smaller faction of a company

CO - Commanding officer

XO - second in command

Hang Fire - wait for the next set of orders

Demilitarized Zone - a place that is no go for military equipment, weapons and soldiers

AWOL - Absent without leave

PT - Physical Training

Skivvies - ones undergarments

Active Duty - Full time duty in active service

As You Were - Go back doing whatever you were doing or standing how you were standing

BOLO - Be on the Lookout

CP - checkpoint

Bunk - Bed

Ruck - backpack

Smoked - physical punishment for an infraction.

Zone of Action - a specific part of the tactical area.

About face - a manoeuvre where a someone or a group turn to face the opposite direction.

POW - Prisoner of War

POW Camp - facility to house POWs

Halt - stop marching/moving

Present Arms - salute, typically by presenting one's weapon or raising the right hand to the forehead

Parade Rest - stand with one's feet shoulder-width apart, hands folded behind their back

Fall out - break formation

Fall in - get into formation

At ease - stand in a more relaxed position

Attention - stand upright, heels together, back straight, shoulders back, arms at the sides.

Books and Media I recommend

Band of Brothers (HBO, Limited Series)

Beyond Band of Brothers by Dick Winters

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose

M*A*S*H

The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich

Lady Death: The Memoirs of Stalin's Sniper by Lyudmila Pavlichenko

The Six Triple Eight

Some Desperate Glory: The First World War the Poets Knew by Max Egremont

Poems of the Great War 1914-18

Poems of the Great War by Wilfred Owen

Poems of the Great War by Siegfried Sassoon

Poems of the Great War by Robert Graves

Poems of the Great War by Rupert Brooke

Poems of the Great War by David Jones

SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC)

SAS: Rogue Heroes: The Authorised Wartime History by Ben MacIntyre

Saving Private Ryan

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

All Quiet on the Western Front

Private Peaceful by Michael Mupurgo

War Horse by Michael Mupurgo

Road to War by Valerie Wilding

The Trenches by Jim Elderidge

D-Day by Byran Perett

D-Day by Ben MacIntyre

Japan's Pacific War by Peter Williams

Operation Mincemeat by Ben MacIntyre

War Nurse by Sue Reid

Helmet for my Pillow by Robert Leckie

With the Old Breed by Eugene B Sledge

Hacksaw Ridge

D-Day Through German Eyes: How the Wehrmacht Lost France by Jonathan Trigg

Platoon

Britain’s Secret Defences: Civilian saboteurs, spies and assassins during the Second World War by Andrew Chatterton

If You're Reading This...: Last Letters from the Front Line by Sian Price

A Bridge Too Far

Firepower in Limited War by Robert Scales

Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger

Dunkirk

The Things They Cannot Say: Stories Soldiers Won't Tell You About What They've Seen, Done or Failed to Do in War by Kevin Sites

1917

On Artillery by Bruce Gudmundsson

Letters From Iwo Jima

Das Boot

The Longest Day

Come and See

War Horse

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feistyvirghoe · 26 days ago

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_ _　　 ˇ† 𓈒ֺּׅ ₀₀ 𓏼 𓈒☆.｡.:*𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔩.｡.:*☆ ݂۫ _ _　　ˇ† 𓈒ֺּׅ ₀₀ 𓏼 𓈒 _ _

𐔌 ݂۫ · !𝑷𝑨𝑪!- 𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑼𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑹𝑰𝑻 𝑮𝑼𝑰𝑫𝑬𝑺 𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 𝑼? ݂۫ ｡.:* ꒱

⟢ ｡.:*☆ ݂۫ ݂۫ 𓂅?𝐦𝐬𝐬𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 2 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰 𝐮?… ݂۫ 𓂅

_ _　　ˇ† 𓈒ֺּׅ ₀₀ 𓏼 𓈒☆.｡.:*𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔩.｡.:*☆ ݂۫ _ _　　ˇ† 𓈒ֺּׅ ₀₀ 𓏼 𓈒. _ _

☆⋆·˚ ༘ * 𝑷𝑨𝑪 𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑳𝑨𝑰𝑴𝑬𝑹𝑺 ࣪ ִֶָ☾. ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ

ᴘɪᴄᴋ ᴀ ᴘɪʟᴇ ᴜ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ, ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘɪᴄᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴏʀ ɴᴜᴍʙᴇʀꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴇᴇ. ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ɢᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴅʀᴀᴡꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜᴇ, ʀᴇʟᴀx ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴇʏᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴏᴘᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ᴏɴᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴏʀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’ꜱ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ꜰɪɴᴇ. ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪꜱ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴇᴛ ɪɴ ꜱᴛᴏɴᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴄᴀɴ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʟɪꜰᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ ᴅᴇᴄɪꜱɪᴏɴꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇꜱ ᴀꜱ ᴡᴇʟʟ. ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇ ᴀ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ꜰɪᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ. ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ꜱᴀꜰᴇ <3

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 1111 𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 2222 𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 3333

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 1111 ── .✦

[btw pile one! i felt nauseous, tired and extremely drained doing this pile and that can also be you guys energy, you know stressing yourself out so much that you start feeling sick (take your breaks, pleaseeeeee please please….cleanse yourself, use palo santo if u feel the need to, or any smoking cleanse, just a whole cleanse, something that’s feels right to you and don’t be afraid to look up different methods to help you…you all don’t deserve to feel this way, this low…i don’t like it and neither do ur guides, ily and take care]

⋆˚✿˖° ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴠɪᴇᴡ ʏᴏᴜ / ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ ᴡ ʏᴏᴜ :

ok for this pile I see you guys are very mystical…esoteric, naturally intuitive. mystical and not one to conform to other ppls ideals. I don’t know I get this feeling like you guys wanna be seen in the spotlight and put yourselves out there but then there’s this contradicting feeling within you like you’re not good enough. sometimes thinking you’re not enough for whatever you wanna do I think that’s what can hinder you a little bit. “feelings come feelings go” for you guys like i feel like yall go back and forth a lot in your head. your guides view you as some magical being with soooooo much damn potential. like if you’re thinking they don’t believe in you, they do. i feel like they see your energy as infectious but in a good way. spreading your essence all around. you can’t be kept in a little box. you’re not meant to fit in to anyone’s rigid frame. it’s your world, your youniverse. you have two sides of yourself showing up here: one is your more eccentric, adventurous (i wanted to stop at that for some reason…like maybe you guys haven’t been tapping into that side too much)

but then your other side is practical and more serious (maybe even a bit too much of a realist lol), some of you guys could be earth signs but that other side to you is the “don’t fucking play with me” you’re not into the petty bs (hate wording it like that)

you guys seem to be more so focused on stabilizing yourselves, your life. wanting to take better care of yourself. your guides are viewing you as a responsible individual even if you may not feel like you’re living up to your own standards or anyone else’s. i feel like they want you to embrace this side of you more.

see i keep going back and forth w this pile. like you’re torn between wanting to be seen as a stable person who has everything together and your life looks “picture perfect” but you should know even that is way too much for you

(some of u are really pressuring yourselves in this pile, that’s the easiest way to put it…pushing and pushing. i feel like you guys are trying to claw your way out of this transparent bubble you feel trapped in, i had to add this and im sorry if it’s not what you want to hear, your guides see you though love, they see and feel how you’re struggling…i feel like u guys shouldn’t read this if your energy is really heavy, i don’t want to trigger anyone at all. but your guides also need you to know that u are not ignored, they fucking see your pain, and i know they can’t do anything about it except for sending healing energy your way…maybe u guys should try and reach out to them..even if u don’t know what to say, write a letter, a note to them, as if they’re your most precious friend you trust, your spiritual bestie hehe)

you need that balance and i feel like you guys have been ignoring that. ignoring your unique ass qualities within yourself, you have the drive and energy to tackle shit but then there’s the indecision (questioning yourself and how you handle things..more pressure). i feel like they see that you want to be seen not just by them but by others as well. wanting to have a place or group where you can be your eccentric self. where you can lower that barrier and not feel like you have to perform for others constantly. and you guys deserve that. you deserve to be seen and heard as you are. your energy isn’t small, i feel like you have this big impact on many people you interact w, whether it may be a short or long term thing.

the thing is, you guys have to stop it w the people pleasing. i feel like yall are minimizing yourself by comparing yourself to other people/things/situations. okay so it’s making more sense now. there was a slight fog, i felt like i needed more clarity, that can also be a message too (needing more clarity in your life, not wanting to fight anymore) i wanted to say it but w one of the men in the deck i have, he just looks so worn down but he still standing trying to keep it together. they can see u like that, trying to keep your shit together but it’s like a rope that’s about to snap…. all this weight on your shoulders isn’t helping you. and that weight has to do with your mind, your psyche and intuition. i feel like they’re seeing that you either don’t trust yourself or just what life brings you in general. “don’t wanna fight” by alabama shakes (ill link it..but that song just keeps running through my mind) you guys are tired of fighting and battling w life itself, as if u keep getting sucker punched by all these scenarios and events happening. a message here is so clear, you guys don’t trust and i wouldn’t be surprised if yall don’t even trust this message too. but i feel like they’re saying that when you get these messages of hope from any source, whether it be through friends ,family, the divine or even hearing your own inner voice speaking some sense to you. you need to trust it, it’s sounds cliche i know, but you’re not just receiving these synchronistic messages for no reason. i feel like you guys believe its load of bullshit but it’s not baby. (i feel like i need to stop it here and you guys also need to stop yourselves for a second…meaning what? take a damn break and lay down, try to get some alone time in for yourself…your energy is heavy even tho they see you as a showstopper…you captivate ppl but you need to see that from yourself more…validate yourself baby! please it’s okay to be your own hype man/woman) come back to yourself. find that spark again and let the fire burn steady. let yourself flow, not force.

okay that was weird but i hope it made sense to u guys…i love you and please rest! get some sleep, no staying up late to doomscroll! nuh uh! stop focusing on other people and pay attention to yourself and your health. this is your body, your choice, your life. take a step back from the weirdos and be selfish. be more bold w yourself…more of “i’m not gonna entertain this bullshit” i just feel like u guys are drained…rest please <3 i really want to send a big virtual hug you guys way, I LOVE U AND UR TEAM LOVES U! the divine loves you baby…i feel like i need to scream it.

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 2222 ── .✦

⋆˚✿˖° ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴠɪᴇᴡ ʏᴏᴜ / ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ ᴡ ʏᴏᴜ :

your guides see you guys as sweethearts! simplest way i can say it. something about the way your love is, your compassion in general. but also heavilyyyy intuitive. maybe you guys don’t pay attention to it too much but here’s another mystical pile. like pile one in a weird way but w the previous pile they were really struggling w seeing it for themselves. you guys could be called to that pile too. but in this energy, it’s more calm…. i’d say reserved too. the people in the cards are all alone but they’re not bothered by it, the energy i mean. not really being bothered by being a hermit. sweethearts that follow themselves. what i mean by that is you guys seem to have more faith in what you can do for yourself instead of seeking outside validation from random strangers. there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be seen for your talents/work/whatever you may contribute…or just being seen to be seen. idk this pile seems to be heavily involved with themselves. you guys know you don’t need anyone. i can’t ignore this tho. you may have a 6th sense. a inner knowing that you may even use to your advantage…

i feel like nothing can really stop you. okay (idk why this feels like the lighter side to pile one…like pile one was your shadow…a bit chaotic.) but this pile…. you guys attract easily whether you know it or not. if you notice ppl always wanting to be near you and in your bubble. you don’t seem to be fazed by that bc you’re so self focused. your guides see that you don’t mind taking the risk. making that big leap towards your next goal. i feel like this is the “nothing can stop me” but nothing really can stop you unless you let it. which i don’t see yall doing that at all. you know what you’re worth, you know how you are as a person in this chaotic world we live in. your guides are seeing you as this peaceful being. you guys may be my homebodies, staying to yourself in the comfort of your own living space. but even though you’re coming off as serene, you still have the drive, the energy within you to keep yourself going. even if you may feel like taking a step back to take a break and refresh! you’re still gonna go get what you want “she know what she wanted and gotta go get it w/o being caught” (that one song lol)

you guys may not be loud or obnoxious with the way you express yourself, but oh baby boo your energy is felt. you touch people, it just reaches others whether it may be in your own personal community or on a grander scale. i feel like your guides really see you as this sweet baby. someone who needs to be protected. your love is genuine. your love hits people in the face. your love is expansive. you guys may be very creative as well, with whatever you do, you create something out of nothing. people may want to give to you, maybe even spoil you without your knowledge. but u guys also come off a little shy even tho your energy is screaming soft vixen vibes lol. your energy is otherworldly. maybe your origins are not of this world, you know how they say when you feel like you don’t belong here on earth, like your souls came from some mystical place far away from this planet. i wanted to say that this is your own palace/kingdom, you have this aura to you that just screams royalty. very elegant pile. i feel like it could also be because you’ve freed yourself from a lot of situations that may have dampened your spirit but you don’t let those past situations screw up your views on your own life. basically not taking in other peoples projections, what they may intentionally or unintentionally send your way (if that makes sense haha) i feel like people just can’t look away from you guys. you’re not meant to be trapped or held down by anything or anyone. setting up boundaries for yourself. and that’s the best thing you can do in a world where it’s so normalized to see people stealing from others (not just physically, taking your energy, draining you. you cut that shit out, so that’s another reason why they see you as feeling more free like a little birdie, your wings have helped you stay afloat, staying sane.) “i am a smart individual” “i am productive” “my body is beautiful and unique as it is” you’re accepting yourself or have been accepting yourself more, regardless of the outside noise. (angel number for you guys 222 - you’re on the right path my love, you’re not doing anything wrong and they fucking love you! the divine supports you, the support you supporting yourself and letting yourself just be..) i told you that u guys reach people, so keep letting that glittery ass light shine from within you and keep expressing yourself in ur own individual way!

i love you guys so much! take care!

𝔭𝔦𝔩𝔢 3333 ── .✦

{ 333 }

⋆˚✿˖° ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴠɪᴇᴡ ʏᴏᴜ / ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ ᴡ ʏᴏᴜ :

this has to do with love, i can just see it clearly right here. it’s either someone in your past, who you’re currently dealing with, or just the energy with love in general. i don’t wanna say this but it doesn’t feel good baby. whoever the fuck this person is to you is really making you guys overthink and stressing yourself out. and your guides can see this, you’re not okay, i feel like this may make you a bit snippy with the way you talk. this person or situation is not healthily feeding you. all it’s doing is making you spiral baby, and you shouldn’t let someone have that much control over you. “what you give is what you get” but what about the person you’re getting from, are they giving anything back to you? bc what i see is just a bunch of emotional conflict, and you guys don’t seem like the type to back away from conflict. but what if that conflict with this person or thing is just draining you instead of your pov-where you’re thinking that you’re reasoning with this individual but it’s just not clicking with them. i feel like your guides know that you know something is up lmao, like yall don’t seem to be oblivious to what’s happening right in front of you. but it’s like you’re gaslighting yourself, these delusions (ugh harsh i’m sorry!!) that’s keeping you in this weird ass pining faze….

i feel like you guys want something new for yourselves, a new lover, a relationship/friendship/companionship where it doesn’t have to feel so forced. as if you’re “working for this persons love” okay first of all, quit it! (ik i can’t control u but just some advice) i feel like yall know it’s time to get up from this and throw this situation/person out the damn window (not literally lmao) i’m giggling in this pile but not bc im making fun, no, i feel like your guides may see it as a bit comical bc even they know that it’s not YOU! whoever the hell this person is, they just need to be left behind, maybe they left you behind and if so i’m sorry love. but your guides want you to free yourself of this, (okay so i always shuffle the cards like a maniac before every pile to clean out the energy and some cards popped but i ignored it but now im like, hmmmm maybe this is that much of a coincidence) i feel like you guys are holding onto dead energy, something that isn’t serving you at all, it’s not doing anything but make you anxious, a war zone within your mind. that’s where they’re like this is a “no no” once you start letting it fuck up your emotional state and it’s detrimental, you have to let it go (easier said than done i know, but take ur time love!). you know it’s right there for you. i feel like your guides just sitting there like “they know what to do” they’re seeing something for you, but you have to see it yourself, believe in it yourself that you’re meant for better relationships, healthier connections. not this wishy washy shit w this weird ass individual/situation/thing. it’s getting to you so much that you’re putting yourself on the sideline but “for what?!” baby why? really ask yourself why. bc i feel like your guides want to cut this shit out of your damn life for you but they can’t…unfortunately no love.

so i just felt like i had to put a disclaimer for pile one about cleansing themselves. and the reason im bringing this up is bc their energy was heavy as fuck and what i received was this…. the stress you’re in at the moment (bc i feel like it’s present) can lead to you being extremely ill physically, like the feeling of nausea, wanting to just barf it all up and i feel like your guides don’t want you going in that route, where it gets that bad, so bad that your stress hurts you. bc it’s not a myth, stress can genuinely have such a heavy effect on our bodies. they want you to feel alright, to feel good.

not this baby…whatever this situation was regarding either your own love towards yourself or another person. your life is not doomed, no one’s is..don’t feed into that shit. it’s okay to pick yourself back up again. idk i just feel like this shit is making yall really vicious with the way you speak, even speaking bad about yourself. this change is necessary, the chaos will not last forever, no….i mean if you choose to acknowledge your pain you know. it’ll take time but we have to look at it, being avoidant will only let this weird feeling fester, and they don’t want that for yall. see i knew that your guides were on it when that energy came though (you knowing, u already know deep in ur heart but u could just be ignoring it or masking it) i barely pulled from my message deck i made and shadow work is just there clear as day…and (i feel thisss hehe) but we have to acknowledge what’s happening inside of us, not brushing it away…

“i am an abundant being living in an abundant universe. there is enough for everyone, i trust that all my needs will be met.” you have to understand that. we do have free will baby, i know divine timing is a big thing too but you also have the will to step up and say “no more” to whatever this was you know. okay so i pulled another card and you don’t even need to scare yourself worrying about the spiritual aspect of it, if you’re heavily into the esoteric stuff or not but i got “let your spirit team handle it” so they see what the fuck is going on. and they have your back 1000000000% if u feel like you’re not protected by the divine well here’s a a confirmation, U ARE PROTECTED, U ARE LOVED. they care about u guys so much, let them take care of the extra bullshit u can’t control. i feel like they’re saying it’s time to embrace your healing journey on your own, no one needs to know the ins and out of your progress, that is YOUR business and no one else’s. a song “fucks w myself” - BANKS

ur team got ur back allll the way, that’s why the chuckles kicked in, they’re like “what is pile 3 worrying for” dude even starting ur reading at 3:33 minutes says a lot! they’re always with u and you guys are being watched over, they love you and i love you. now u need to love you harder okay 🤍

૮꒰ 𝔢𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔨𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔱𝔲𝔡𝔢 ꒱ა

kisses xx mwah! mwah! mwah! thank u guys for checking this pac out. it was very very interesting to see what was coming out, i really hope u all take good care of yourselves and remember to just, take it easy boo..

i’m just fuckin around w my layout rn, ignore it if the next one doesn’t match up w this lolololollol!!

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xinyuehui · 7 months ago

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°•.˚○˙∘ BUBBLES ∘˙○˚.•°

Love Game in Eastern Fantasy · 2024

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datwafflesartblog · 29 days ago

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mom says it's my turn with the mini durin design

I like to think that the mond crew will help him make an outfit tailored for him and he'd want to dress like the people that took care of him

#genshin impact #genshin impact 5.6 #5.6 spoilers #my art #mini durin #durin #albedo #kaeya #genshin fanart #im not tagging the rest of em #they asked durin to describe what he wants to wear and albedo drew it #it just looks like wanderer's fit #lisa and venti guided him to making a design that's more him #noelle overlooked the tailoring (like in jean's summer skin)#klee's there because she wants to play with big brother durin #and finally don't ask why kaeya's there or why he was already there in albedo's office before any one else #that's not our business guys

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iwillstabyou · 3 months ago

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TMAGP 31 - A Computer Nerd’s Breakdown Of The Error Logs

It’s round 3, bitches! (tumblr crashed twice when I was writing this so I’ve had to start again multiple times. I do in fact see the irony, considering the subject matter)

I was listening to TMAGP 31 and as a computer nerd, oh my god those error messages just HIT DIFFERENT. There are so many subtle details hiding in those lines that a typical non-computery person would probably miss, so I feel it is my duty to explain them and their possible implications. So that’s why I’ve decided to fully break down each part of the error report, complete with what they could potentially suggest — think of this as “the TMAGP theorist’s guide to deciphering Chester’s yapping”

So without further ado, let’s get this party started…

(NOTE: lines from the transcript are in red, ‘translations’ are in purple, jmj specific stuff is is green, explanations are in black)

Starting off with Category: fatal programmer error, notice it says programmer, not program. There is nothing wrong with the code - the user has truly fucked up. Uh oh, Colin has made a big mistake…

Also, clever double meaning here with the word fatal. Obviously we know it was fatal to Colin (RIP king 🥲), but error logs also typically have a criticality level describing if immediate action needs to be taken. There are 6 commonly used levels, with the most critical being, yep you guessed it, ‘fatal’ - this means that whatever Colin was doing was a critical threat to the system. In other words, Colin had figured out the problem and was dangerously close to fixing it so Freddie just went “oh shit, we need to deal with this guy quickly or we are in serious trouble.”

Then we’ve got the next line, attempted host compromise (the Errno611 isn’t significant - error codes vary from system to system). When it comes to network terminology, a host is basically just any device on the network, so in full this line basically means “somebody’s tried to damage part of the network.” Importantly, “host” seems to suggest that the computers aren’t the source of this evil but merely a vessel for it. Freddie is just the mouthpiece for these supernatural forces - a bit like a non-sentient (as far as we know…) avatar. Whatever these forces are, they didn’t come from within/they weren’t created by Freddie.

(NOTE: I will come back to jmj=null in a bit)

The program traceback, Traceback <module> by extension BECHER, is rather interesting. A network extension is a way of providing network access to remote users (think along the lines of a VPN) by creating a personal direct ‘route’ to the network. Therefore if it’s the subject of an error report, it means there’s been an issue with data transmission along that path. So this bit means “there’s a problem with this specific network route that’s allocated to Colin.” However, the darker implication here is that Colin is an extension of Freddie. Although he wasn’t initially a part of all of this, he’s become tangled in the web (no pun intended) to the point that he and Freddie are inseparably intertwined. The OIAR employees may be able to quit their jobs, but they’ll still be a part of Freddie…

There isn’t much to say about Host=self.host in this context. It’s just convention when it comes to object oriented programming. Not important here.

Extension BECHER compromised isn’t just saying “there’s an issue here.” It’s saying “there’s an issue here that is a serious threat to network operation.” In other words, Freddie’s going “uh oh. Colin needs to be dealt with.”

The next bit is pretty self explanatory. I really don’t think I need to explain what <hardware damage_crowbar> means for you guys to understand. This bit made me laugh so hard. One thing that’s interesting though is that it gave it a DPHW, so Freddie processed this like it was an incident… Perhaps this fully confirms that the ‘thing’ controlling Freddie is of the same origin as the cases - it’s not something else entirely?

And now onto Administrator privilege revoked. This was the moment when I fully realised “oh no. Colin is fucked,” because any control that Colin may have had over the situation is now gone for good. Freddie’s basically just said “fuck you Colin. You’re not in charge anymore. I am.”

As you can probably guess, Unexpected data isolated/resolved just means that the crowbar’s been dealt with and the program can run as usual. Similarly, the Colin threat is fixed now he’s not an administrator i.e. he can no longer control the system. However, it then gets weird with Independent operation permissions revoked… It’s not saying Colin can’t use the network independently, it’s saying that Colin can’t be used independently of the network. Remember what I was saying earlier about Colin being a part of Freddie? Yeah, well now he purely is a part of Freddie. They’re turning our boy into data!

NOTE: I know in the audio it said everything was discarded but I’m going by the transcript. Idk why they’re different

You know it’s a bad sign when you hear Re config: self.host - Freddie’s evolving. The network is literally reconfiguring itself to now include Colin. And then Freddie goes through each of his alchemical elements one by one and fucking deletes them! How rude. You go and eat this man only to spit everything out!? I guess he’s feeling generous though, because he decides to keep the sulphur, which in alchemy, refers to the soul… If this isn’t just a coincidence, then that means Colin’s actual soul has been uploaded to Freddie. That could be really cool. And messed up. But mostly cool.

Starting with the final line, everyone knows what New administrator permissions assigned means, but we don’t know yet who they’ve been assigned to. Maybe it’s Gwen? Maybe it’s a new character? Maybe there is no system administrator anymore? It’s a mystery.

Now that’s out the way, let’s get on to the real juicy stuff…

The top few lines are pretty simple - it’s Freddie’s way of saying “Colin was a problem. We ate him. Now he’s not a problem anymore.” The next line, however, is a reminder that none of this is simple” - .jmj error not resolved. There it is again. The infamous jmj error. What does it mean? Jon? Martin? Jonah? Is that you???? Nobody knows. One thing we do know though is that jmj=null (from the start of the error log). Now when it comes to interpreting values, null is weird. It’s not zero, it’s not empty, it’s sort of nothing but it’s not nothing. It’s just null. It means no value, but it doesn’t mean that the variable doesn’t have a value (if that makes any sense to you guys???). Ooh I think I know how to explain it?? Imagine you’re Jonathan Sims, head archivist of the Magnus Institute and you’re digitising some archived ID photos when you find one without a name. The recorded name in the database would be null - you can’t put anything in particular, but that doesn’t mean the person in the photo doesn’t have a name. I guess null means unknown or missing here. So basically, what jmj=null means is that the jmj is unknown and that is a problem because it can’t get ignored/it is important. So what it’s basically saying is that jmj is a mystery not only to us, but also to Freddie.

Take a look at Data integration cycle ongoing <0.02%> - Data integration is the process of combining data from multiple sources into a single source of truth. There are 4 stages: data ingestion, cleaning, transformation, and unification. Thanks to the whole Colin ordeal, I’m sure you are all quite familiar with these stages by now (and that, students, is what we call a case study!). The peculiar thing here though is that we’ve just witnessed most of the data integration cycle - surely it should be higher than 0.02%? Yes, that’s correct. It should be far higher than that. It makes no sense. UNLESS this isn’t about Colin. Most of Colin’s data has probably already integrated. This is something else entirely - something so much bigger and foreign than these computers were designed for (the only comparison I can think of is trying to run the sims 4 with all expansion packs on a 15 year old laptop. It really shouldn’t work, and it probably won’t, but it’s gonna try regardless). This seems to follow on nicely from the jmj=null comments above, because Freddie is clearly struggling to integrate something (hence System function margins down to 82%), and when you try to read data that hasn’t been fully integrated with the system, you end up with a lot of missing & unknown values. Sound familiar? Yep, that’s right - until more data is synchronised, many values will be null, like our good friend jmj. Why is it taking so long to integrate jmj? We don’t know. Perhaps its origins are so supernatural and otherworldly that it’s simply not tangible enough for Freddie to process it? That’s what I think at the moment, at least.

So yeah, that’s my line by line analysis done! Hope you found that helpful/interesting. This podcast is so well written I’m actually going insane! Jonny and Alex, you are the guys of all time! As I’ve already said, feel free to expand on any of this - I’d love to hear your theories

Signed, your friendly neighbourhood computer nerd who is very autistic about TMAGP :)

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