The Veracruz Exercises

The annual joint military exercises between the Verlusian military and the Atlantic Federation is held during the 19th of August. This year, the Atlanticans bring themselves their new toys and equipment. What they have were state of the art weapons and weapon systems which included their fourth generation mecha.

The arrival of 22nd Carrier Task Force Group in the Naval base at the country's capital in Tondo marked the beginning of the exercises. The Atlanticans were cocky as usual, these people were confident compared to his reserved and timid countrymen. Many say they were all gear and no skill, rumors in the internet, armchair generals and hobbyist's claims about them.

Having experienced working with them in several missions proved that those claims were false. The Atlanticans were one of the most disciplined, strong and professional troops, men and women in uniform I have ever seen. They look confident but at least their bark is backed by their bite.

The exercises last for two weeks, selected units from both countries will exchange knowledge and skills. As expected from his unit they were to take part with the Atlanticans, a challenge which Carlo dreamed of.

Juliana Hart said that I have the potential in exceeding the Atlantican Greyhound Ace code-named Silver Edge. Carlo heared of stories of him taking two squads of elite Arabian Republican Guards by himself. The story seems vague since he hasn't really researched on his exploits but all he knows is that he is one of the best third generation aces.

On Monday the exercises began with the Amphibious Operations exercises. They see as the Atlanticans display their hardware and ability. Compared to them, the Verlusians were light years away especially in their equipment.

Smoke grenades were launched to cover the forces who were disembarking from their amphibious transports. The Atlantican marines shows impressive marksmanship on marked targets and coordination with their attacks and then their maneuvers.

The simulation ended in an impressive time of 30 minutes after their amphibious landing. The objective was taken and the enemies were rounded up. Such capabilities proved that the Atlanticans were a force to be reckoned with. You may be lucky if you survive their air strikes but their troops will make sure of your demise.

After watching their exercises we Verlusians were to begin ours with our mock battles. Only the infantry were to take part this time. In this scenario there were terrorists that have taken VIPs as hostages. The aim is to secure the VIPs along with the hostage and eliminate all the terrorists.

The simulation began three hours after the amphibious simulations by the Atlanticans. Just as trained, the regulars from the Verlusian Army performed well in their task. They were able to contain the area.

The firefight between the government forces and the terrorists heated up as the terrorists dug in to their positions. Ten minutes on their gunfight the Special Response Unit from the military arrive in the scene. They coordinated their approach towards terrorist positions in the area.

The regular units in the army prevented the terrorists from moving while the S.R.U. were to rescue and eliminate the terrorists. After coordinating with the regular infantry and scouting. The S.R.U. was able to defeat the opposition by 50 minutes. The mock battle ended after the VIPs and the hostages were rescued and the troops pulled out.

From the faces of Atlantican evaluators they do not look pleased nor disappointed. They left after their tables and talked with the upper officials of the army. They seem to be in a serious discussion.

After seeing the simulation the men of the Special Mechanized Group were called for the exercises tomorrow. They were gathered in a gym where the Brigadier General was waiting for them. As soon as they arrived they were asked to form up.

They counted from one to the very last number, fifty. Then were asked to be at ease and did so. The general in front of them started his speech and glanced at them as he spoke.

He said that they were to prepare for the worst since the exercise for the mechs were going to start tomorrow. The Atlanticans were bringing with them their latest mech models so they were, despite of lacking in equipment they were to give their best.

After the general's speech, Atlantican mech pilots came and stood in front of them. They formed up snappily and their superior officer met with the Verlusian general and shakes his hand. The woman officer exchanged their greetings and then began to speak in front of them.

"Greetings, it is an honor to meet with you our counterparts in the Verlusian military." She continued and started her lengthy speech afterwards.

After the meeting with the Atlanticans. The Verlusians were dismissed and went back to their barracks. On his way, Carlo saw a group of Atlanticans who were hanging around the area. They were talking to some locals and some soldiers of their own. He wanted to rest after standing for a long time but one of them called his attention.

Carlo wanted to ignore them but they continued to call him. He faced them and did so calmly despite being not in the mood.

"You belong to the Special Mechanized Battalion. I saw you with your friends during the Colonel's speech." A dark-skinned soldier said to him.

"What do you want?" Carlo asked the Atlantican soldier directly in his face.

The man became intimidated with Carlo's tone but kept his composure then replied to him, "C'mon now buddy, we are here to make friends!" he laughs with his company and continued, "I am Colin Monroe, I expect a good challenge when we meet tomorrow!"

He handed his hand for a handshake which Carlo hesitantly did. He gives out a big smile that exposes his teeth as I returned the gesture.

"Thanks, Colin... I will head to our barracks now if I may." Carlo said to the Atlantican and left.