Lorsh
Varlot
Inspirations: The Last of Us, World War Z (novel)
NATIONAL PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
The flag of the Central Republic
HISTORY
The government isn't what it used to be. Yes, it still exists, but just like the undead, it's been reduced to a violent husk, with most vestiges of its former self stripped away forever. The courts, congress, senate, postal service, national parks, it's all been done away with. Practically all organs of state have been shut down; the only apparatus that remains is the military, which no longer recognizes most of its own citizens.
How did this happen? Not all at once.
The Reanimatory Necrosis virus swept through the nation faster than anyone could have imagined. It brought the dead back to life with one goal; kill, devour, and infect the living. Just after the first month of the outbreak, the Capital was under siege by the undead. The Capital had held out longer than other major cities, as it was specifically turned into a fortified safe zone in order to protect the seat of government and thus preserve public morale. The President of the Central Republic refused to go into hiding, and continued making decisions with his staff from the guarded Presidential Offices. Though some of his stratagems were questionable, he was nonetheless extremely dedicated to preserving the lives of civilians. The military had been carpet-bombing infested cities during the first weeks of the outbreak, but the President forbade this when it became known that there were still significant pockets of survivors remaining in them.
Against the advice of the more cold, practical 'Securocrats' in his cabinet (the Superintendent of National Defence, the Superintendent of Home Affairs), the President also began to accept large numbers of civilian refugees into the Capital's safe zone. Screenings were hasty, and it ultimately lead to a large outbreak from within the Capital's walls. Refugee housing was extremely cramped and high-density, which caused the infection to reignite like wildfire. The Capital's streets soon ran with gore, and a horde of zombies closed in on the Presidential Offices, forcing the President and his Cabinet to start evacuating. A helicopter from the Presidential Protective Service arrived, using a clearing in the Presidential Park as a landing zone. However, before the President and the other cabinet members could board the aircraft, a mortar strike killed the President, his accompanying political staff, and the helicopter crew. Apparently, it was a mistake due to faulty intel; the mortar unit was told that the President had already evacuated, and that the horde had already swarmed the Presidential Park.
The President, Deputy President, and the entire federal cabinet (aside from 3 individuals) was now dead. This only left the Superintendent of National Defence, and the Superintendent of Home Affairs alive. By some fluke, the Superintendent of Fisheries also survived due to being trapped in the restroom by a zombified intern and being left behind during the evacuation. The circumstances of why the two 'Securocrats' survived is somewhat more suspicious, as the Army High Command provided them with a different helicopter that left at an earlier time, sparing them from death.
The logo of the 'Securocrats' NPA
The Capital was lost, and there was now a power vacuum. The Securocrats established the National Provisional Authority (NPA), which reorganized what remained of their government and consolidated their power in the form of a dictatorship. The Superintendent of Home Affairs became acting president, and the Superintendent of National Defence became acting deputy president. The void in the rest of the cabinet was filled with advisors from the Army High Command. The Superintendent of Fisheries was shoved aside, retaining his position but being placed under "protection" (house arrest) for unexplained reasons.
Soon, the Securocrats gave the Army High Command many more powers to fight the infection, and waived most restrictions on using lethal force on civilians. Still, the military would fail to maintain control over the vast majority of the country, with over half of the armed forces being infected or killed during the first year of the epidemic. Deciding to cut their losses, the military was pulled back to the few safe zones that remained. A distinction was made between the country's 'Clean Zones' and the zombie-infested 'Dirty Zone'. The former was kept isolated by natural boundaries, concrete walls, razorwire fences, and supplemented by minefields, sniper towers, hidden machine gun nests, and roving patrols. Nobody getting in, or out. Passports were exchanged for Clean Zone residency papers, and any civilian that wasn't registered in a CZ was declared dead, and their citizenship voided.
The largest Clean Zones were labelled 'Clean Districts', and consisted of clusters of towns and cities, as well as their nearby rural areas. By the second year of the outbreak, three such districts were in existence, Clean District Central, Clean District South, and Clean District East. There were also several smaller Clean Zones, sometimes called 'Amp Zones', which existed apart from the larger districts. These areas (sometimes just lone cities) were completely surrounded by the DZ, and were often resupplied by air.
The citizens within the CZs were now safe from the zombies, but anyone else attempting to approach the borders, infected or not, was shot on sight. Leaving the rest of the country for dead, the military was now completely focused on protecting the small population of the CZs, as well as enforcing order. Thousands died during riots in the CZs over food, fuel, and protests that many civilians' relatives were being denied entry. Clean District South was the first district to fall, a little less than a year after the outbreak.
The NPA under the Securocrats was still technically a civilian-led organization, with a presidency, constitution, etc. The spirit of the old Central Republic still existed, merely placed on hold for the duration of the crisis. However, when the old Securocrats eventually died of natural causes around Year 5 and Year 6 of the apocalypse, the NPA transformed into its current state.
The logo of the 'Martial' NPA
With the Securocrats gone, they had no civilian successors. It was revealed that they had designated the NPA to be taken over by the Army High Command and placed under full military control. The top-ranking generals in the Army High Command formed the new government, led by a supreme commander known as the Marshal. The Marshal is rumored to have originally been a captain that saved one of the Securocrats' families during the early outbreak, demonstrating exceptional capabilities as a leader and quickly rising through the ranks.
Under the new military-controlled NPA, the previous federal government was completely done away with, and rather than being placed on hold, the civilian constitution and legislature was abolished entirely. Long-standing interservice rivalry between the branches of the military, intensified by the outbreak, eventually culminated in a schism between the army and the air force/navy, the latter branches falling by the wayside as the new nature of fighting the undead rendered their services mostly useless. A coup plot was exposed, and most of the Naval High Command and Air High Command were executed on orders of the Marshal, with their branches then being absorbed by the army.
The Marshal began the complete militarization of society in order to preserve order in this post-apocalyptic world. The bureaucratic institutions of the state were reorganized into 'Commissions' that were managed by military staff officers, though they mostly employed civilians that were involved in the maintenance of the Clean Zones. Civilians were evaluated to determine useful traits, such as occupational skills and physical strength. Many people were assigned roles this way, some more prestigious than others. Doctors, tradesmen, and farmers were prized, but many folks like secretaries, managers and lawyers were unable to secure a job in a military Commission, and were thus deemed 'less viable' and reassigned to more demeaning tasks as part of general labor and corpse cleanup crews. Those with physical and mental disabilities were deemed burdens to the survival of humanity, and were outright euthanized. People with records of dissident political activity or communist sympathies before the outbreak also tended to 'disappear'.
Law and order took on a new face, with punishments like public hangings, floggings, and the stocks returning. Prisons were replaced with brutal work camps, where you would land if you were "marked" by the NPA. The police departments of some CZ towns and cities still continued to nominally exist as reserves, but most of the law enforcement was now carried out by soldiers. Criticizing the NPA could land you in some serious hot water, and military intelligence now spied on civilians whenever possible.
Commissions/Sub-Organizations
Commissions are different departments that are managed by military staff and civilian functionaries.
Rations Commission
Who gets what type of rations, is also in charge of assembling ration packs from scavenged foodstuffs.
Labor Commission
Civilian work crews, factories, construction, clean-ups.
Agriculture Commission
Farms, greenhouses, victory gardens.
Power Commission
Electricity, gas, coal, solar panels, drilling operations.
Morale Commission
Vice acquisition, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, brothels, propaganda.
Orderly Commission
Graves registry, unit rosters, payments, general documents.
Communications Commission
Telephone lines, radios, postal service, inter-zone communications.
Transportation Commission
Railways, harbors, airports, registry of personal and military vehicles in the Clean Zone.
Army Intelligence Service
The Army Intelligence Service is one of the most feared elements of the military. Before the outbreak, they were tasked with gathering information and exploiting the weakness of the Central Republic's foreign foes, but under the NPA, they have turned their focus towards snuffing out internal dissent. As the NPA's silent death squads and spies, the AIS is known for kidnapping, disappearances, torture, and brutal interrogations. They are rarely identifiable in public, often going plainclothes. When they show up in uniform, it's probably because they're already breaching your windows.
Salvage Corps
The Salvage Corps is a branch of the military that is primarily assigned with scavenging and recycling materials for NPA usage. Operating in both the Dirty Zone and Clean Zone, they sweep areas after operations to collect spent brass casings, links, dropped magazines, etc. They strip corpses for valuables, disassemble old machines and vehicles, and engage in forestry operations as well. The Salvage Corps often works closely with civilian workers from the Labor Commission.
Civilian Castes
Marked
Marked, or "marks", are the lowest of the low. Their status is symbolized by the "X mark" tag they must wear. Marks are housed in prison-like complexes, and are used for only the most degrading and dangerous tasks. Soldiers often heavily abuse and kill marks without consequence. One can become marked for crimes such as theft, smuggling, homosexuality, or attacking/disrespecting military officers. A civilian might even become marked if their work output is judged to be too low. Though, the most common reason is simply political crimes against the NPA; nobody is allowed to question them. Sometimes a mark status is only temporary, but it is usually permanent.
Workers
Workers, more commonly referred to as "grunts", are the lowest civilian caste in NPA society, primarily concerned with unskilled labor. They complete tasks such as farming, cleaning, salvaging, manufacturing and general drudgery. They do not have a dress code, being allowed wear pre-outbreak clothing if they so choose. However, many workers wear blue uniform coveralls.
Proficients
Proficients, more commonly referred to as "Jacks", are a middle civilian caste. They are comprised of engineers, craftsmen, mechanics, bakers, even police officers. Essentially, the category of Proficient encompasses most important skill-based occupations. They are afforded more rations and better dwellings compared to common workers. Like the workers, Proficients are not bound by a dress code outside of their workplace. Still, they often wear green uniform coveralls.
Functionaries
Functionaries are the highest-ranking civilian caste, comprised of managers, doctors, scientists, businessmen, and important bureaucrats and other professionals. Many functionaries are afforded privileges on par with military officers, such as extended access to vices, better homes, and quality rations. Functionaries are referred to as "Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mrs." by military personnel and lower-ranking civilians. Particularly important functionaries sometimes have soldiers attached to them as personal bodyguards. There technically isn't a dress code for functionaries, but they're expected to dress smartly regardless. Many civilians with business/management skills end up as grunts rather than functionaries, as functionary appointments are extremely limited.
Military Castes
Junior Enlisted
The junior enlisted are the lowest ranking military caste, comprised of privates and junior NCOs (corporals). Though their ranks are drawn from the worker caste, they hold much more prestige, and are now guaranteed rations, clothing, and lodging. Their families receive a stipend of rations and scrip for their service. Compared to civilians, low-ranking soldiers have more access to vice rations, like liquor and cigarettes, though it is still of low quality. The junior ranks are expected to obey their officers without question, and punishments are greater than what civilians might face. The junior enlisted gain more privileges in small increments as they rise through the ranks.
Senior Enlisted
The senior enlisted are situated above the junior ranks, and are comprised of warrant officers and senior NCOs (sergeants). Their food and vice rations are of similar quantity, but greater quality than the junior ranks. They are the primary supervisors of the men in day-to-day situations, and their most visible leaders in battle. Sergeants are often concerned with battle and leadership, while warrant officers tend to be technical experts, like engineers and pilots. The most experienced of the senior enlisted, such as sergeants major, serve as the top advisors of senior officers, and in practice are more trusted than fledgling junior commissioned officers. Junior ranks must come to attention when addressing sergeants and warrant officers, and refer to them by their proper rank (though considered junior enlisted, these courtesies apply to corporals and lance corporals as well).
Junior Officers
Junior officers are lieutenants and captains, identified by berets. They serve in staff and management positions, and act as unit leaders and combat tacticians on the ground. The officer caste is often hereditary in practice, with fathers grooming their sons for military leadership. However, on occasion, a member of the enlisted can rise through the ranks, or a skilled civilian functionary can become commissioned for a specific staff position. Junior officers live quite comfortably when they are not in the field, and their families are well taken care of. Officers must be saluted by the enlisted, and are referred to as "sir" or "ma'am". Even civilians are expected to come to attention and use these courtesies when addressing them, with the exception of the salute. Junior officers are identified by their berets, though captains sometimes get peaked caps.
Senior Officers
Senior officers are majors and colonels. They are among the most powerful men in the NPA caste system, commanding large formations of troops and occupying the highest staff appointments. Senior officers oversee the day-to-day management of the Clean Zone through the management of the Commissions, and are capable of issuing a wide range of promotions, medals, and ration points to the lower castes. Senior officers are feared and respected by all in the Clean Zone. They have the best homes, food, and vices available, as well as staff cars and personal orderlies to tend to them. Senior officers are identified by peaked caps and great coats.
High Command
The Army High Command pull the strings of the entire NPA and its Clean Zones. This elite cadre is comprised of general officers and "marshals" who hold the most senior appointments in the NPA. A Governor-General is assigned to each city (if a Clean Zone only has one city, the Governor-General controls the whole zone), while a District Marshal and District Vice Marshal are assigned to each Clean District (large clean zones comprised of more than one city). At the top of the high command is the Supreme Marshal, the enigmatic orchestrator of this whole system. These ranks are very rarely seen in public, leaving the officers underneath them to accomplish their intent.
ENLISTED
Recruit (Rct): A private who has not completed training. They are given green coveralls instead of a full uniform, and do not have a rank patch. There are three training phases. Phase 1 concerns basic military skills, drill, and combat against humans. Phase 2 concerns fighting the undead. Phase 3 is a specialist training course if a soldier is to become a medic, radioman, sniper, etc. However, a soldier only needs to take Phases 1 and 2 to be promoted.
Private (Pvt): A private who has been trained in Phases 1 and 2, and is capable of being deployed to the Dirty Zone or within Clean Zone. They wear one chevron.
Private First Class (Pfc): A private who has been serving for a few years, or who has been noticed by officers for their skill. Sometimes soldiers are promoted to private first class straight out of training if they have completed their Phase 3 module.
Lance Corporal (LCpl): A junior non-commissioned officer (NCO), and the first rank that can issue a lawful command to a subordinate. Lance corporal is an appointment that a private may receive if they are temporarily needed in a command position. Veteran privates are sometimes permanently made lance corporals, though it is not technically a substantive rank, and it can be taken away easily if the officer decides a position isn't needed.
Corporal (Cpl): The first qualified NCO; a leadership course must be taken in order to reach this rank. Corporals wear two stripes and are typically second-in-command of a squad. They bunk and mess with privates, however, and are still considered a junior NCO.
Sergeant (Sgt): The first rank that is considered part of the "senior enlisted" caste. They receive slightly better rations and accommodations, but not by much. Sergeants wear three stripes, and are typically in command of a squad of 9 or 10 men. Sergeants aren't always field leaders; they often fulfill headquarters appointments like 'chief clerk' or 'supply sergeant'.
Staff Sergeant (SSgt): A senior squad leader, usually third-in-command of a platoon. Staff sergeants mentor newer sergeants. If there is no higher rank to fill the position, a staff sergeant might serve as a platoon sergeant.
Sergeant First Class (Sfc): This rank usually serves as a platoon sergeant, and is therefore second-in-command of a unit of 40 or so men. The platoon sergeant assists the platoon leader (usually a second/first lieutenant) and ensures that the squad leaders are kept in line. Another appointment that a sergeant first class might occupy is a quartermaster sergeant, which is in charge of provisions for the company. If there is no higher rank to fill the position, a sergeant first class might serve as a company sergeant.
Master Sergeant (MSgt): This rank usually serves as a company sergeant, and is therefore second-in-command of a unit of 80-150 or so men. The company sergeant assists the company commander (usually a captain) and ensures that discipline is maintained in the company, and that the platoon sergeants have their men in line. When not serving as company sergeants, master sergeants might occupy high-level headquarters appointments, be in charge of leading special missions on the ground, or serve as guards for high-ranking officers.
Sergeant Major (SgtMaj): The highest rank of NCO, sergeants major serve as battalion or brigade-level advisors to very high-ranking officers, or as masters of discipline on bases. Sergeants major also may serve as assistants and bodyguards to officers in high command.
WARRANT OFFICERS
Warrant Officer (WO): Warrant officers rank above all NCOs, though they are grouped in with the "senior enlisted" caste. A soldier may receive the chance to transfer to warrant officer training after reaching the rank of sergeant, if they choose to become a technical specialist rather than serve as a squad leader. In the case of army pilots, someone can come off the street and begin training as a warrant officer. Warrant officers are not saluted, but are referred to as "sir" or "ma'am" by lower ranks.
Master Warrant Officer (MWO): A warrant officer who has extensive experience in his field, whether it be technical or piloting. They mentor regular warrant officers and often staff their initial training courses.
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO): The highest rank of warrant officer, they typically occupy senior posts in NPA Commissions.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Second Lieutenant (2Lt): A junior commissioned officer who usually serves as a platoon leader of 40 or so men, or occupies some kind of headquarters/desk appointment. Although sometimes an experienced sergeant is promoted from the enlisted ranks to second lieutenant, these officers usually graduate from a military academy in order to receive their rank. These academies are very competitive, and involve several years of training in military science, field leadership, and other subjects. Here, indoctrination also occurs to ensure that officers are loyal to the NPA and the Marshal. The sons of senior officers are almost always guaranteed a spot in an academy, as part of the caste system. Officers are a step above everyone else in the Clean Zones.
First Lieutenant (1Lt): A senior platoon commander, or the second-in-command of a company. First lieutenants generally have a few years of experience, or have been noticed for their competency.
Captain (Cpt): Captains serve as a company commander of 80-150 men, assisted by a first lieutenant as their 2iC, and a senior NCO as their company sergeant. Captains and above wear peaked caps and great coats, while lieutenants are issued berets.
Major (Maj): The first rank of senior officer. Majors sometimes lead companies, but they more often serve as staff/operations officers, or as second-in-command of a battalion. Majors are often posted as garrison commanders in smaller towns located in the Clean Zones.
Lieutenant Colonel (LCol): Lieutenant colonels command battalions of around 300-600 men, and often serve as commandants of bases.
Colonel (Col): Full colonels typically serve as either senior battalion commanders, or as second-in-command of a brigade. Large towns and small cities in the Clean Zone will almost always have at least a colonel present.
Brigadier General (BGen): The first rank of high command officer. Brigadier generals often occupy the appointment of "Governor-General" of a city, and usually command a brigade of 1000 men. Brigadier general is sometimes the highest rank in smaller Clean Zones.
Major General (MGen): Major generals usually command the NPA Commissions, or are in charge of a group of cities.
Lieutenant General (LGen): A lieutenant general is second-in-command of a Clean District. Aside from two district deputy commanders, a lieutenant general is also in charge of the Army Intelligence Service.
General (Gen): A full general commands a Clean District. Aside from two district commanders, a general is also in charge of the Army Air Corps.
General-in-Chief (GiC): The general-in-chief is the Marshal's right-hand-man. Before the outbreak, this was the highest rank in the entire military.
Marshal (Mar): The supreme commander of the NPA, and military dictator of the Central Republic in post-apocalyptica. The rank of marshal was created after the outbreak as a six-star position that had power beyond every other rank in the armed forces.
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