ARC -American Reconstruction Councils
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776
The American Reconstruction Councils are a loose federation of survivor settlements based on the Eastern seaboard of the southern USA. They are the closest remnant to the old USA and their century long mission is to restore the United States.
After the global collapse various disparate and isolated survivor communities banded together to form a loose self-defence pact that flourished and expanded. In the immediate post-fall aftermath aggressive gangs and bandits flourished till inter-community co-operation was established and a degree of order re-established. The ARC and its unwavering mission to rebuild America has made it the enemy of many of the over more extreme survivors communities, especially the Invisible Empire, who oppose its teachings on tolerance and inclusiveness.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the USA
What the ARC citizen believes,
“The old world collapsed and we were left to rebuild it whilst remaining true to the high standards and value of our forefathers. We need to protect freedom and liberty, to defend against those who would oppress and enslave the people. We stand for mutual respect, tolerance and speaking softly with a large stick at hand.”
The archetypal ARC citizen values tolerance, respect and individuality while respecting self-reliance and hard work. A person is measured by their deeds not their sex, race or beliefs. Sadly they can tend to be seen as patronizing and condescending to those not lucky enough to be born within the ARC.
The Federal Army
The core of the defence of the American Reconstruction Councils is the Federal Army made up of ARC citizens who have volunteered for 5 years of military service. They Army is equipped and trained to a higher standard than the militias and is generally held in high regard. Recruits may be of any gender, race or creed provided they pass the physical and mental requirements. Within the Federal Army are a range of units from regular line infantry and combat engineers up to the more prestigious units like the famed Carolina Lowlanders.
ARC Militias
All able bodied adults are required to register as part of their ARC’s militia. Exemptions are issued on a case by case basis with some ARCs more generous than others. These militias are responsible for local defence and are required to supply a quota active reservists to the Federal Army. They are only required to serve for one year unless a state of war is declared. Their duties are mainly garrison and reconstruction work and are often branded as 'pogues' by Federal troops.
"What counts is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog." - Dwight D. Eisenhower , 34th President
Volunteers from outside of the American Reconstruction Councils may be accepted in to the 'Auxies' if they are deemed suitable. These units are officered by professional ARC officers and are often stationed with Federal units. The Auxiliaries offer citizenship to these volunteers after 5 years of good service.
Enemy combatants are usually imprisoned within the ARC till the end of hostilities and an exchange can be arranged. However often long running border wars or the collapse of factions mean that some will face long term imprisonment. Often these people will volunteer to serve within the ARC forces in support roles. These are referred to as Persons Interned Militarily or PIMS and have little option but to continue to serve, to return to prison or to attempt to desert. Re-captured deserters are summarily shot. After one year of good service they may enlist in the Auxiliaries or remain as a PIM.
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