Quote:
Originally Posted by copeab
I have a hard time believing Arizona law enforcement would willingly abandon their families (or even communities) to come be under Thomasson's command.
It's one thing to keep assets that were supposed to go to the rest of the state, it's another to strip assets from around the state to protect yourself.
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I see what you're saying. The only people Thomason scoops up are the ones operating on "his" turf as of the end of July, 1998. For all intents and purposes, this means folks operating in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties. There are some exceptions, but that's pretty much it.
For what it's worth, Thomason foresees the problems associated with a large-scale breakdown of order and the impact on the families of uniformed service members. He invites everyone who comes under his command to move their families to Huachuca, Davis-Monthan, or Sierra Vista. He can't offer luxury accomodations, but he can ensure that the families of his troops are as safe and well-fed as they are going to get.
Interpretations of his motives range from loyalty to cynicism. It's probably safe to say that both elements are present. In the days following the TDM, Thomason is not the only one to realize that the families present a distraction of the first order for soldiers, police, and others who are keeping the peace and providing services at gunpoint. A leader who keeps his soldiers' families safe, warm, dry, and fed is a leader who can count on a powerful degree of loyalty from his troops.
I agree, copeab, that the Phoenix cops aren't likely to bail on their responsibilities. Nor are the police on the reservations or anywhere north of Phoenix likely to make their way to SAMAD, although there are always exceptions. The Phoenix cops have their hands full right where they are. In fact, once the Second Mexican-American War kicks off Phoenix explodes. The Phoenix cops, State Guardsmen, state police, USAF SF at Luke AFB, and anyone else loyal to the forces of law and order find themselves in a losing battle to keep a lid on the city, then certain neighborhoods, then an enclave, then Luke AFB. In a truly heroic effort, the remaining forces at Luke AFB make a breakout with the families and whatever else can be saved before the final assault by the gangs of Phoenix. The survivors join the remnants of AZSTAG 1st Brigade in Flagstaff. Many posthumous Medals of Valor (the highest medal awarded to members of the Arizona armed services) are awarded to single servicemen who volunteer to fight a hopeless rearguard action to enable the families to escape. [Irrespective of the fact that many of the fallen are federal personnel]
AZSTAG (Arizona State Guard) is organized regionally. 1st Brigade is drawn from and responsible for everything north of Phoenix. 2nd Brigade is Metro Phoenix. 3rd Brigade is everything south of Phoenix. When the 2MAW kicks off, 3rd Brigade is already operating in the Huachuca-Tucson area anyway. For those who have families, their families are local.
The rule of thumb for families is nuclear family only. Grandma and Grandpa are seldom turned away, though there are some ugly incidents; and no one can prove that nieces and nephews aren't daughters and sons. Uncles, aunts, and the like are offered the opportunity to enlist. Quite frankly, the operating assumption is that the families are going to be doing something useful on-post. Work details, victory gardens, machine shops, and the like all need warm bodies. The food is there (for a year), since in July Thomason hoards what is left for SAMAD. (More on this to come)
In summary, Thomason doesn't have the ability to steal assets from elsewhere in the state, although as time goes on SAMAD acts as a powerful magnet for manpower and resources. I should have been clear about that when I was writing. (Attention to detail, candidate!) Only state assets within or near SAMAD get taken under command. Thomason rolls up everyone in his little realm, federalizes them under his command, and rebuilds the 111th Brigade.
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