CIA report on Zendozia (extracts)

Zendozian Army - CIA Report 83AF/53

The Zendozian army comprises 16 ‘Brigades’ of varying composition and competence and in general the lower brigade number the better the quality of the troops that comprise it. In Western terms a Zendozian Brigade is about the same size as a Battalion Battlegroup comprising several (3 – 9) companies. Operational effectiveness is also affected by the ethnic make-up of the Brigade. 

1st        Presidential Guard     Armoured Cars and Infantry in APC
2nd       Glorious Tigers          Tanks, Armoured Cars and Inf in
            BTR APC's or Trucks
3rd        Diving Tornadoes       Light Infantry and Paratroops
4th        The Gallant Ones       Tanks, Armoured Cars and Inf in trucks
5th        Heroic Men                Light Infantry
6th        Fierce Attackers         Light Infantry
7th        Distant Thunder         Artillery
8th        Charging Heroes         Light Infantry
9th        (Un-named)               Light Infantry
10th      Aerial Devils               Zendozian Airforce
11th      Colanso                     Tanks and Light Infantry in trucks
12th      Burga-Mina                Armoured Cars and Light Infantry
13th      Narogma                    Light Infantry
14th      (Un-named)               Light Infantry
15th      See notes below

The Pres. Guard Brigade contains a large number of advisors from outside Zendozia. Most appear to be from other countries where there has been conflict in the past, in particular the Middle East and North Africa. They are well paid and motivated and consider themselves the Elite of the army.

The troops in the 2nd – 9th Brigades are drawn from the majority N’Kwande people, the same grouping as the President and generally loyal to the regime.

The troops in the 11th – 14th Brigades are drawn from the minority Gok’umbe people. Their loyalty to the regime is not solid, and they are generally equipped with older equipment.

Apart from the 3rd and 11th Brigades, the term ‘Light Infantry’ should be considered with care as it seems that in reality these units are little more than Militia with equipment supplied by the Government.

There are unconfirmed rumours of a 15th Brigade which consists of a small Special Forces unit. The rumours suggest that it is less than 1 company in size, and comprised of foreign troops trained in Soviet Spetsnaz –type operations. It is even possible that the personel in this unit are actually regular WarPac troops on attachment to enhance their jungle training.

The 10th Brigade comprises the Zendozian Airforce. As with most African countries, there is a mix of equipment sourced from a variety of friendly countries. Each of the Companies that equate to small squadrons. It is a reasonable and efficient force by African standards, with a mixed composition of foreigners and natives from both ethnic main groups.  All the aircrew are well trained, but sometimes the support services are a little less efficient.

10th Brigade Sub Units

1st Co.  Mig-19 Interceptors
2nd Co. Mig 19 Interceptors / Fighter Bombers
3rd Co.  Vautour Fighter-bombers
4th Co.  Vautour Fighter-bombers
5th Co.  Mixed Helicopters. Including the Presidential transport and at least 6 x Mil-4 that are used to support the Paratroop unit
6th Co.  Mixed Transports 

Overall the Zendozian army has many qualities and faults common to armies in Africa. The efficiency of the 1st - 4th Brigades and the Airforce should not be underestimated.