Going Home: The Handout

[raketenjagdpanzer]

(Or not; feel free to use, abuse, criticize, ignore, etc. this post):


***UNCLAS******UNCLAS******UNCLAS******UNCLAS***
USAREUR DOCUMENT #2000-1097 - OFFICIAL USE ONLY
***UNCLAS******UNCLAS******UNCLAS******UNCLAS***

FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION TO ALL PERSONNEL ONCE EMBARKED ON CONVEYANCE SHIPS OF TF34 NOS. 1-15 OR USS JOHN HANCOCK

THIS DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST IN SPANISH, FRENCH, POLISH AND GERMAN

Introduction:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the United States Armed Forces, Europe. Fifty six years and six months ago, General Dwight David Eisenhower addressed, via Order of the Day, the men who were girding themselves to battle the forces of the Third Reich on European soil. General Eisenhower admonished each man to fight with bravery and prayed to almighty God for His guidance in the accomplishment of this daunting task.

As the ranking officer in charge of Operational Order: OMEGA, I wish that I too had such inspirational words as the General had for his troops that day. I don't, but I will say this: The war - irrespective of what Historians will call it - is effectively over for the armed forces of the United States in Europe. In the name of Democracy, in the name of freedom, in the name of protecting the best interests of our allies and adhering to the principals and treaties of international agreements we engaged the Soviet Union and her allies on the European front and elsewhere for the better part of four difficult years. Our enemy fought savagely, and without quarter, wantonly using weapons of mass destruction against civilian populations.

Even so, all of you committed yourselves to the battle without flinching, without reservation and fought as well as, if not better than, your training prepared you to. Even when faced with the loss of our previously un-challenged air supremacy, even after the wicked and horrific criminal use of nuclear weapons against our homes and loved ones in the United States, you fought on with unflagging valor, with unremitting vigor, and with unparalleled tenacity.

The history books tell us of Thermopylae, of Agincourt, of Bunker Hill, Bellau Wood, Iwo Jima, Bastogne, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sahn...new names are to be spoken with solemnity alongside those now; the names of places like Kalisz, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Cologne and many, many more.

One of the clarion calls of this war was "Good luck, you're on your own." Even as my own position came under enemy fire time and again, I prayed to God that He would watch over each of you. As horrible as a price we have paid, in blood and indeed as it seemed at times with our very souls, know that for my part you were never on your own.

I'm proud of each and every one of you. Damn proud. In the course of operations in Europe, we repelled every major offensive the Soviets could mount. We reunited Germany. We destroyed the Soviet's ability to fight and all things considered left the German and majority of our Western European allies in as good a shape as could be hoped for in these desperate times. Some of you will return home where, God willing, you will be able to reunite with your loved ones and engage in an even greater task, that of picking up the pieces and rebuilding our Nation. A few of you have chosen or been selected to redeploy to Southwest Asia, to help secure the vital petroleum, oil, and lubricants so desperately needed throughout the world not just by the United States but her allies as well. To you I say: Godspeed, and may God bless you, your comrades, and the United States of America.

GEN Thomas M. Smith, Commander, USAEUR

1 OCT 2000

*****BREAK*****

If you are reading this then you have received this handout upon boarding one of the vessels of TF34. If you have been dispatched to remain in continental Europe, please refer to section I-c, if you are to be deployed to the RDF operational area in the Southwest Asian theater, please refer to section II-c. Otherwise, please read on.

The operation now underway that is transporting you (and possibly your dependents) home should take approximately one week to ten days, weather depending. TF34s departure from Bremen will occur when the final responding units have all boarded and perimeter security personnel are embarked on the USS John Hancock. On board you are responsible for any and all personal effects. Food (two meals daily), water, adequate medical care, berth space and stowage will all be provided for you. Additionally, passengers on each transport will have access to out-processing and disposition adjustment personnel to assist with necessary paperwork and settlement information upon return to Norfolk, VA. Be aware that equal services will be provided in Norfolk; the onboard resources will help assist in quicker outprocessing but are not mandatory.

Due to prevailing conditions on board, female service personnel and female dependents cannot be provided separate berthing excepting during medical examination or medical emergency.

ONBOARD FACILITIES:

FOOD:
As mentioned food will be served twice daily, at 09:30 and 17:00 ship's time. An announcement will be made prior to each meal. Meals will consist of one (1) MRE per person. No provision has been made for special dietary or religious considerations! Additionally, at request dried milk "formula" is available for children of dependents who require it. "Missed" meals may be made up by presenting an unpunched ration card (included in this packet) and ID or dependent ID. Loss of this card does not mean you will not be fed; a new card will be issued as needed. Please retain your card as it will assist ship's crew in accurately tallying what if any replenishment might be needed should the voyage take longer.

MEDICAL FACILITIES
DUE TO EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES DENTAL CARE WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED.

ANY PERSONNEL WITH FIELD MEDIC (OR GREATER) EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST SHOULD THE NEED ARISE.

Seasickness pills are available through the sickbay/dispensary. Aspirin is the only available analgesic. Some antibiotics are available: PLEASE NOTIFY SHIPBOARD MEDICAL PERSONNEL OF ANY ANTIBIOTIC ALLERGIES IMMEDIATELY WHEN REPORTING FOR TREATMENT.

As needed, basic OB/GYN care is available; don't be afraid to ask!

SANITARY FACILITIES
Buckets and basic soap and clean water are available at distribution points on all decks. If you or your dependents have or suspect you have lice, you must be shaved to the scalp. Your clothes must be disposed of - new ones will be provided.

Each vessel has onboard toilet facilities which should be adequate for the number of personnel; each MRE kit will contain toilet paper and "wet naps", both of which are flushable. Please note some ships are converted vehicle carriers; toilet facilities on these consist of chemical toilets which will be emptied on a regular basis.

*****BREAK*****

A note on "The Law of the Sea":

As mentioned in your embarkation orders, personal weapons must be secured. ANY PERSON FOUND WITH AN UNSECURED WEAPON OF ANY KIND WILL FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND CONFINEMENT TO LAST NO LESS THAN THE LENGTH OF TRANSPORTATION. ANY PERSONNEL WHO VIOLATE UCMJ STATUTES WILL BE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE PUNITIVE ACTION BY CAPTAIN AND CREW OF THE VESSEL THEY ARE ON SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY COMMAND STAFF LOCATED ON TF34 AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT.

*****BREAK*****

...

(Anyone interested in a "Part 2"?)

[James Langham]

Please post part 2. It's an inspired bit of background material.

It's a coincidence but the draft notice had me thinking maybe there is mileage in creating "historical" documents/posters/newspaper articles, etc. What do others think?

[Adm.Lee]

I'd slip in a bit about "Now that we've fought the good fight, let us go back to America. She needs our help to recover from the war. We are going home."

And maybe, "Germany has been united. The Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact no longer threaten our NATO allies. Our mission has been fulfilled. The cost has been terrible, but we have accomplished that mission."


A little more to give them some closure (much as I hate that word), you see? They know what the grunt's eye view is, give them a little from the top.

[James Langham]

I think you might want to look at the languages it is available in, not sure French would be needed.

Great work though.

[Tegyrius]

Originally Posted by James Langham

Please post part 2. It's an inspired bit of background material.

It's a coincidence but the draft notice had me thinking maybe there is mileage in creating "historical" documents/posters/newspaper articles, etc. What do others think?

As the kids these days are saying, +1. I've always dug on in-game artifacts like this.

- C.

[agrikk]

I'd like to see part two as well. I think I may be starting a US campaign sometime soon as soon as my friend's Cyberpunk campaign fizzles.

Any material I can hand out would be awesome.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

I'll get to part two probably later this weekend. Glad you all like it.

[LVI]

Well written. And yes im very interested.

[Rainbow Six]

Nice job - would definitely be interested in seeing a part 2.

Originally Posted by James Langham

It's a coincidence but the draft notice had me thinking maybe there is mileage in creating "historical" documents/posters/newspaper articles, etc. What do others think?

Agreed...

[WallShadow]

Of course, one of the PCs can get a copy that has a sticky-note stuck on the back with some unsettling background info on the operation--Soviet subs spotted on return route, possible Speznatz infiltration onto the transports, search for tac nuke aboard, or something like "might have missed one from the New Am cell--God help us if he's shipboard security!".

Or have a flurry of activity by shipboard security doing sweeps with a hair-trigger/heightened tension ambiance.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

(here's part II, insert before the last "Break" under "Law of the Sea")

For the safety of your fellow servicemen and -women and their dependents, absolute legal authority and security is given over to the United States Marines and their adjutants and auxiliaries onboard the transports of TF34. Please observe posted regulations. The transports are crewed by men and women who have seen combat and combat support duties - many for equally long periods of time as you have. They are your friends and in some cases may be part of extended units.

Rank structures will still apply on board the transports of TF34! All standard rules and regulations are still in effect for the duration of the trip. Even for personnel who complete Final Disposition paperwork, until such time as debarkation and final muster-out is completed, while in transit you are still an active duty servicemember and you are required to conduct yourselves accordingly.

In the unlikely event of combat action, contingency orders are in place for each ship, crew, and transiting personnel.

*****BREAK*****

Command has tried to anticipate questions personnel may have. If you have a concern you do not see addressed here, please contact your commanding officer or a senior NCO onboard and they will direct your question to TF34 Command.

I HAVE BEEN TOLD OR HAVE HEARD THAT TRANSPORTATION SPACE IS LIMITED AND ON A FIRST-COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS. IS THIS TRUE?

Absolutely not. TRANSCOM, COMSURFLANT and MILGOV have made every provision to ensure that all respondents will receive a berth. At present, TF34 is equipped to transport all respondents from continental Europe to the United States or the United Kingdom.

WILL I REMAIN WITH MY UNIT ON EMBARKATION

The embarkation process is a lengthy one, and the order in which units board will have to be managed by loadmasters and crew on each ship. As each vessel is unique and not all were designed for large numbers of passengers, passenger loads must be evenly distributed across all vessels. While unit cohesion will be attempted as best as can be kept, understand TRANSCOM cannot guarantee that you'll go home "with your buddy".

The exception to this is dependents: any personnel caring for dependents (small children, the elderly or infirm) will remain with their dependents irrespective of unit or other affiliation.

WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the unlikely event of a shipwide emergency, contingency plans including evacuation and rescue by other vessels of TF34 are in place. TRANSCOM personnel will go over emergency procedures upon embarkation. This isn't the Titanic - each ship will have adequate life-rafts and all ships will maintain visual and radar contact at all times.

*****BREAK*****

(part 3 is coming guys)

[kota1342000]

Outstanding and thanks much! Cant wait for part 3!

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Part 3. More FAQs for the grunts.

WHO IS IN CHARGE AT HOME? TO WHOM DO WE REPORT?

As noted, all personnel will be issued Final Disposition paperwork (including DD214) to be completed onboard or at the point of debarkation. Until you are declared discharged from your service in the United States Military irrespective of branch you are under command of the provisional Military Government of the United States.

Command recognizes the difficulties that exist in reestablishing a legal civilian government considering the scope and scale of the disaster that has befallen our nation. However, our first priority is returning our troops home. Please observe that some of your fellow passengers may well have differing opinions regarding the process of reestablishing a civilian government!

WHAT IF I WISH TO REMAIN IN MILITARY SERVICE?

During out-processing and discharge procedures, general fitness, length of service, immediate need and other factors will be evaluated by military personnel. Re-entry into the armed forces will depend on many factors to be decided during return processing.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGN DEPENDENTS RELATED OR MARRIED TO ME?

Please see attached form F1066-2000 and complete it in its entirety and report to the State Department Office upon arrival in Norfolk. More directly, as long as they are identified by you as a recognized Dependent and comply with the terms of boarding contained herein, for the duration of transit they are considered provisional US Citizens

I AM A MEMBER OF AN ALLIED BUT FOREIGN FORCE (E.G., BAOR, CANADIAN MILITARY, ETC.). WILL I BE PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO MY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN?

UK Military personnel are directed to report their status and present all military ID or bona fide testimony by commanding officer or direct liaison (e.g., member of same rank who can vouch for you).

THERE WILL BE ONE (1) TRANSPORT STOPOVER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR 24 HOURS. IF YOU DO NOT DEBARK DURING THIS PERIOD YOU MUST REMAIN ONBOARD FOR THE DURATION OF TRANSIT AND ARRANGE RETURN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE.

Repatriation of Canadian Military personnel may be arranged after TF34 debarkation in Norfolk. Please consult with a NATO Liaison officer onboard.

I WISH TO KNOW THE STATUS OF MY HOME CITY COUNTY OR STATE BEFORE DEPARTURE.

Please be aware that knowing the exact disposition of persons in a given geographic location in the United States is an impossible task at present. Likewise, other than generalities the exact conditions prevailing in municipalities is still questionable. If you need help contacting a loved one whom you know is in the Norfolk location, please see a Chaplain once TF34 departs.

WHAT IF I WISH TO REMAIN IN EUROPE? I HAVE ENCOUNTERED OTHER UNITS THAT ARE REMAINING ON THE EUROPEAN CONTINENT AND HAVE IGNORED OPORD OMEGA.

Please be aware that the United States Military and "Civilian" Government advise in the strongest possible terms that you do not remain in Europe. Even if you outprocess on board TF34 before it leaves the harbor you are still a member of the US Military and must accept any orders given.

The FRG (United), North Belgium and Holland are still strong allies of the United States but our presence is no longer required in continental Europe and all states have signed accords directing their own militaries to take ownership of any heavy equipment which is not directed by loadmasters to be placed on TF34! Additionally, regional and national governments may not recognize any US military authority after 1 SEPT 2000! Personnel who choose to remain in Europe (irrespective of country) do so at their own risk!

Debarking any vessel of TF34 once loading has completed but prior to departure from is strictly forbidden.

*****BREAK*****

This concludes your pre-embarkation package. Please sign and date below and give your serial number (if known/issued) which signifies that you have read and understand the orders given within.


SIGNED_______________________________
DATED_______________________________
S/N#_________________________________


.......

Phew. Sorry part 3 took so long. Any feedback, anyone?

[Cdnwolf]

Originally Posted by raketenjagdpanzer

Phew. Sorry part 3 took so long. Any feedback, anyone?

Marry me!!

LOL .... Good Job and I like the fact you included Non US personnel in the orders.

[ArmySGT.]

Pets?
Military Working Dogs?
Civilian Clothing?
Uniforms?
Alcoholic beverages and smoking?
Prohibited items?
Gambling?
Prostitution?
Quarantine (Plague, typhus, Tuberculosis, cholera, etc.)

Non US weapons and equipment?

Former Warsaw Pact Officers and Enlisted? Defectors.

Maximum baggage allowance?

Shipboard activities such as spotters, cleaning crews, painting, maintenance,..........................

[Rainbow Six]

Originally Posted by raketenjagdpanzer

Please be aware that the United States Military and "Civilian" Government advise in the strongest possible terms that you do not remain in Europe.

Minor nitpick...given that the Military and Civilian Governments each see themselves as the sole legal Government of the United States I think it's unlikely there would be any reference to CivGov in any official documentation as doing so might be interprested as giving it a degree of legitimacy.

[ArmySGT.]

Orders to Bremerhaven?

We're out of here!

[Webstral]

My favorite part is the tone. You've captured the Army bureaucratese very nicely. The tone also suggests that things are basically under control. I like that. That's exactly the tone SACEUR would want a document like this one to project.

[agrikk]

My thoughts exactly.

I love the part in the "Who is in charge at home?" that doesn't mention at all the whole CivGov / MilGov rivalry at all and just says it's been hard to reestablish a civilian government.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

[ArmySGT.]

Wouldn't an Order like this state what you need to bring to the G1, G2, G3, etc?

[raketenjagdpanzer]

I'm not military nor have been so I've no idea. But by all means, this is a "living" document to a degree! Suggest away!

[Chris]

Consider this stolen. Great piece of work.

[Webstral]

Chris, I love both the honesty and the unapologetic idea piracy. As an unabashed idea pirate myself, I sweep my hat to the deck and give ye a hearty "Y'har!"

[Targan]

raketenjagdpanzer, this is such very good work. Thanks for your efforts.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Not a problem. I feel like it petered out towards the end, honestly.

And as others pointed out there are some vital questions that need asking:

what do troopers who show up at Bremen with serious illnesses do? (Quarantine tent, then on to a specially designated vessel staffed with medics in MOPP gear, I'd guess)

What about foreign nationals? I think v1.0 answers this for us - a "US Division" might consist of Germans, Canadians, Poles, Englishmen, etc. etc.; I'd almost be tempted to say that if a CO gives them their bona fides and they wanna go to the US, they can board.

What about defectors or POWs? G2 would probably shake POWs down for information and turn them over to the FRG - it's not "our" war any more. Defectors would require bona fides from a DIA officer and be under isolation/scrutiny the whole way (oh sure he says he traded a Dshk machine gun and a belt of ammo for that walkman but how do we know it's not a Soviet submarine signalling device?!).

Military dogs, pets and livestock would be left behind. I know it's heartbreaking but the already devastated US ... eco-whatever doesn't need another push from a totally foreign disease.

Alcohol? No way. Idiot oil in the hands of bored soldiers is a recipe for disaster.

Uniforms - you've probably been wearing what you have on since you arrived in Europe, especially after '97, so odds are that's your issue.

Stowage is whatever you can fit under your bunk or in the footlocker. The ships are big and space is plentiful (at least most of 'em) so I don't see that being an issue. Guys aren't taking anything big anyway. Nobody's hauling their lucky 106MM recoilless in their back pocket or anything like that...

All weapons are treated equally, regardless of them being US or not. Engineer's tape tied off, period.

"Contraband" is anything you can get stupid with (drugs or unsecured weapons). Shit, given the "Drugs in t2k" discussion I could see hefty rewards being paid off for turning in useful drugs. That's about all the contraband I can think of. European national treasures, large amounts of salable items (gold, gems), that sort of thing...eh, that's going to be up to G2, ultimately. God help the grunt with a rolled up Botticelli stuck down a spent LAW tube, though.

Shipboard stuff is being done by the navy. Wanna help out to kill boredom? Knock yourself out. See a deck officer.

Gambling? Again, knock yourself out. Get stupid, get thrown in the brig.

Prostitution's a no-no. Men and women are gonna be men and women but for the duration of the trip, no. I myself am not hyper-puritan or anything but in-game I can see the brass looking at the situation with a gimlet eye and worrying about the fact that where there's whores there are pimps and all the problems that could potentially come from a shipboard racket.

I think that covers that.

[Legbreaker]

With regard to personal weapons, I think there'd be a concerted effort to only take US issued weapons on the ships.
"you hve an AK-74 instead of an M16? Here, take one that was in the stores of another unit."
The reason is commonality of ammunition and as has been mentioned many times before in other threads, M16s, etc wear out and need to be replaced. Once back in the US, those troops who are demobilised will be disarmed and their weapons reissued to replace combat losses and worn out weapons in the remaining active units.
Those foreign weapons are better off left in Europe where ammo and parts can be found for them.

This isn't to say PCs can't bring their much loved G11 with them if they REALLY want, just that it would be discouraged as much as possible.

[Sanjuro]

As for foreigners...
IIRC the V1 briefing for Going Home specifically says that foreigners serving with US units will be given provisional US citizenship, and can be evacuated with everyone else.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by Sanjuro

As for foreigners...
IIRC the V1 briefing for Going Home specifically says that foreigners serving with US units will be given provisional US citizenship, and can be evacuated with everyone else.

I thought I remembered something like that.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Webstral

Chris, I love both the honesty and the unapologetic idea piracy. As an unabashed idea pirate myself, I sweep my hat to the deck and give ye a hearty "Y'har!"

Monday was "talk like a pirate" day!

@raketenjagdpanzer

Again, great work. I forgot to save your first post and then couldn't find it again. Yay! Just cut and paste into a word and use a typewriter font. I will be handing this out to my players once we hit going home.

[ArmySGT.]

The Military writing style loves the Appendix. The additions to a written document not the vestigial organ.

So you will find Appendix A, Appendix B etc.

Appendix A - Restricted Access / No Go Areas.

Appendix B - Weapons Locker / Arms Room procedures.

Appendix C - Medical Services Underway.

Appendix D - Chaplains Services / Worship Services

Appendix E - Chain of Command.

Etc.