View source for Comm-Link:OP.NET - Civilian Defense Force

Welcome to [[OP.NET]], the [[spectrum]] show for all you indie mercs out there trying to hack out a living in this crazy ’verse. If you’ve tuned in before then I’m sure you don’t need to be told, but for those that haven’t, this show’s proudly unaffiliated with the Guild. That means you can expect only unsanctioned, unfiltered, and unbiased opinions on what it takes to chase down outlaws on your own. I’m your host, [[Conva Maynard]], and with me as always is [[Skiv]].

Now, y’all can’t see this but Skiv’s got a mighty big smile stretched across his face which may or may not have something to do with him test-flying a [[Mantis]] for the past few days. All right, it is. We’ll hear his thoughts on [[RSI|RSI’s]] latest quantum enforcement ship later in the show, and find out how it could help you snag that elusive target. I didn’t get the pleasure of taking the Mantis for a whirl myself, but I have some thoughts on [[QED|QEDs]] in general. It always seemed to me that there are better ways to snag suspects in their ship than ripping them out of quantum. Let’s just say I’m always extremely cautious when approaching criminals who are only a trigger squeeze away from potentially blowing me to bits. But, hell, maybe Skiv’s review will convince me to try something new. Stick around to find out.

Before we get to that, let’s turn our attention to important news coming out of [[Stanton system|Stanton]]. The [[Advocacy]] has announced the activation of an expansive crime-fighting initiative that could have a dramatic effect on merc operations in the system. The [[Civilian Defense Force]], or CDF for short, has issued a statement saying, “Under the authority of the [[UEE]] and the [[Militia Mobilization Initiative]], the CDF is empowering a volunteer force of individuals in good legal standing to engage and neutralize any individuals or vehicles that they verify to have an active [[CrimeStat]].”

Boy, oh boy, do I have some questions about what’s going on here. In the past, the CDF has acted as an emergency combat force that could be activated to bolster militias and security forces, but to have them function as a standing unit engaged in open contracts feels like a pretty big departure from their original purpose. Thankfully, joining us now is SAIC [[Rowena Dulli]], the Stanton-based Advocacy [[SAC|special-agent-in-charge]] who will be supervising the CDF. She graciously agreed to come on the show to discuss exactly how this new initiative will affect the system. Agent Dulli, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us today.

'''[[SAIC]] ROWENA DULLI''': Of course. Glad to be here to discuss how all of us can make Stanton safer.

Let’s start with the basics. For those who might not know, what exactly is the Civilian Defense Force?

'''SAIC ROWENA DULLI''': You pretty much covered it in your intro. The CDF was a way for systems to be able to muster a larger fighting force when times called for it. Rather than having members serve full time, as they would in a militia, the Civilian Defense Force can be called upon as required.

So at its core, the CDF is a fleet of untrained civilians playing constable.

'''SAIC ROWENA DULLI''': I think that characterization’s a bit disingenuous.

It might be a bit crude, but there’s truth to it. Honestly, how effective can the CDF be when the standard for joining is simply “good legal standing”?

'''SAIC ROWENA DULLI''': Take a look at the results. That recent string of mining claim raids in [[Ferron system|Ferron]] was effectively stopped by activating the CDF, who not only provided the numbers to patrol a larger area, but also had several response teams waiting to jump in if a crime was in progress. Additionally, the Advocacy has centuries of incident reports that clearly show that everyday civilians can be more than capable of defending themselves and others from aggressors. I mean, come on [[Conva]], you know as well as I do that carrying a badge doesn’t inherently make someone effective at protecting the peace.

My concern is that without any kind of screening this initiative in Stanton will be a way to let civilians race into dangerous situations they’re woefully unprepared for and uninformed about in an attempt to play the hero. How does sending a bunch of untrained pilots to battle known criminals make Stanton any safer?

'''SAIC ROWENA DULLI''': How is that any different from a civ listening to one of your shows and then deciding to go after a bounty? Last I checked this show specializes in dishing out advice to similarly untrained individuals on how to hunt criminals. If you can get behind this show, then you can get behind the CDF.

So what I’m hearing is that the Advocacy isn’t concerned about unqualified individuals going against some of the more dangerous CrimeStat 5 outlaws in the system?