More background:
The Army has managed to avoid the issues of armies of other states in the region, they have kept out of the internal politics of the country, and are not subject to the corruption that often plagues regional armies.
This is in part due to clever maneuvering by the generals. They are paid well by the government, sufficiently well that it is not in their best interest to interfere with the government’s operation. This stability is ensured by all ranks in the army receiving very good wages with very draconian consequences – regardless of rank – for corruption.
Officers may be commissioned directly but there are rigorous examinations before entry. Just because someone’s father was an officer does not mean the son or daughter is guaranteed a a place at officer training. Some officers are drawn from the ranks, many of the current crop of generals have risen from the ranks, and they expect their offspring to do so.
This does not mean that the army is a paragon of virtue, with the City just a bridge away, there is plenty of opportunity for “underhanded” behavior, however all operations must be officially sanctioned, must not cause harm to the country or draw unwanted attention to the army’s participation.
It is unwise to approach lower ranks if you want some firepower to support your move against a rival gang. The consequences for soldiers caught in an unsanctioned operation are harsh, it is rare that more than one incident a year results in the execution of army personnel, but a number of soldiers lose their jobs and their pensions (plus get to spend time in prison) if they look the other way or misappropriate equipment.
In most cases, it is better for the soldiers to inform their officers (there is a reward scheme). Attempting to bribe the Army is more than frowned on, there are a number of executions a year of those who try, and more who suffer life ending accidents in prison after details of their plans get back to their opponents.
If you do want some heavier firepower for an operation, and hiring expensive foreign mercenaries is out of the question , then you can approach the Department of Defence.
They have a special office that handles these kinds of requests.
An effective plan involves more than “we need twenty guys with automatic weapons, here is $20,000”. The plan needs to be detailed, and more importantly, show why it is in the country’s (or at least the Army’s) best interest to participate in the operation.
The payment is (eventually) received by the DOD, some of it goes to the Treasury, and proportionate amounts are paid to all participants.
August 18, 2010, 11:28:37 AM