Blue and Green Shield
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| Blue and Green Shield | |
|---|---|
 Ships on a joint sovereignty patrol, 2025. | |
| Operational scope | Military exercise |
| Planned by | Burgoignesc Security Forces |
| Date | Annually |
| Executed by | |
Blue and Green Shield (Burg: Escut Blau e Verd, Pelaxian: Escudo Azul y Verde) is an annual naval, emergency response, continuity of government, and diplomatic reconstitution exercise conducted by Burgundie and Pelaxia, that simulates an invasion of eastern Pelaxia by the fictional nation of Imperia. They have come to represent a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between Pelaxia and Burgundie, emblematic of the commitment the nations have made to each other. Far exceeding the scope of conventional naval war games, Blue and Green Shield has evolved into a complex, multi-domain exercise that simulates a full-scale invasion of eastern Pelaxia by the fictional nation of "Imperia". This demanding and immersive scenario rigorously tests the combined capabilities of both nations across a wide spectrum of critical areas:
- naval operations in diverse maritime theaters;
- swift and effective emergency response mechanisms;
- ensuring the continuity of government even in the face of existential threats; and
the delicate art of diplomatic reconstitution in times of crisis.
The genesis of Blue and Green Shield lies in the spirit of collaboration that emerged in the aftermath of Burgundie's Operation Kipling in the 1970s and 80s. Initially the exercises were a contract for naval training and equipment familiarization, assisting Pelaxia in modernizing its forces with Buroignesc wartime expertise and surplus equipment. The 1990s saw the incorporation of joint sovereignty patrols and advanced navigation drills, making them into a formal and annual exercise in 1993, as Blue Shield. This coincided with Pelaxia's growing maritime ambitions in the Tainean and Kindreds Seas and the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. The looming specter of a real invasion, mirroring the one in the exercises, further catalyzed the evolution of Blue Shield, leading to the creation of the Transnational Emergency Support Team (TEST), a highly specialized unit tasked with the critical mission of securing and evacuating key Pelaxian government officials in the event of an invasion. Throughout the early 2000s, TEST evolved into a highly specialized unit comprising Burgoignesc and Pelaxian special forces, federal protective service members, emergency managers, and intelligence personnel. At the dawn of the 21st century Blue Shield continued to adapt and grow, mirroring the dynamic geopolitical landscape in Sarpedon and Vallos, and the unwavering commitment of both nations to mutual defense and regional stability. Today, the exercises encompass a vast array of naval operations, ranging from littoral maneuvers in the Tainean and Kindreds Seas to blue-water operations in the Odoneru Ocean and Polynesian Sea. They also meticulously rehearse the intricate choreography of emergency response, ensuring the continuity of Pelaxian governance even under the direst circumstances. The exercises culminate in simulations of diplomatic efforts to rally international support and coordinate a cohesive response to the crisis, highlighting the critical role of diplomacy in conflict resolution. The incorporation of riparian operations in the 2020s marked another significant escalation in the exercise's commitment to realism. The addition of riparian exercise elements simulated take the fight back to "Imperia" along the shared border. These operations alternate between the rivers of eastern Pelaxia, most controversially the ones that form the international border between Caphiria and Pelaxia, and rivers in Equatorial Ostiecia, on even and odd years respectively.
Annual exercise capabilities
Littoral Operations-
- Maritime Interdiction Operations: Boarding and searching vessels, counter-smuggling, and anti-piracy drills.
- Amphibious Operations: Coordinated landings and assaults on coastal objectives, showcasing rapid deployment and force projection capabilities.
- Mine Countermeasures: Detecting, identifying, and neutralizing underwater threats.
- Coastal Defense: Protecting critical infrastructure and shorelines from attack, utilizing shore-based and naval assets in a coordinated defense.
Open-Sea Operations-
- Anti-Surface Warfare: Engaging and neutralizing hostile surface vessels.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: Detecting, tracking, and engaging submerged threats.
- Carrier Strike Group Operations: Coordinating complex maneuvers and air operations centered around aircraft carriers.
- Replenishment at Sea: Conducting underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, and supplies.
Riparian Operations-
- Riverine Patrols: Conducting reconnaissance and surveillance along rivers and inland waterways, interdicting illicit activities and maintaining border security.
- International Border Defense: Coordinating joint efforts to secure shared borders, prevent illegal crossings, and combat transnational threats.
- Counter-Insurgency Operations: Engaging in simulated combat scenarios in riverine environments.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: Practicing rapid response to floods and other emergencies, providing aid and support to affected populations.
- Joint Riverine Force Operations: Coordinating combined operations between Pelaxian and Burgoignesc naval and ground forces in challenging riverine terrain.
Continuity of Government-
- TEST Activation & Evacuation: The rapid and secure extraction of key Pelaxian officials to a safe haven in Equatorial Ostiecia.
- Establishment of Government-in-Exile: Setting up essential government functions in exile to maintain Pelaxia's international presence and legitimacy.
- Crisis Management & Communication: Coordinating response efforts, maintaining public order, and communicating effectively with the international community.
- Diplomatic Reconstitution: Engaging in diplomatic negotiations to garner support, coordinate aid, and plan for the eventual liberation of Pelaxia.