AAF

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File:Arma3-flag-aaf.jpg

Altis Armed Forces flag

The Altis Armed Forces (or simply the AAF) are an Independent faction in ArmA 3, forming the main military force of the Republic of Altis and Stratis.

After a military coup in 2026, they wage a long and bloody civil war first against the pro-civilian government loyalist forces and later, against the Freedom and Independence Army insurgency group which leads to the events of The East Wind campaign.

Overview

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In the wake of civil war, the Jerusalem Cease Fire of 2030 mandated the creation of an armed defence force to secure the sovereign territory of The Republic of Altis and Stratis. Although it officially operates under the observation and training of international peacekeepers, the force remains loyal to the new, hard-line Altis government and acts with de facto judicial and executive authority. However, it is debilitated by an inexperienced command structure and is blighted by widespread corruption. Limited in scope, the battalion-sized force, led by Col. Georgious Akhanteros, is weighed-down by on-going counter-insurgency operations on Altis and, recently, has reached-out to the international community for additional support including, among others, both the political and militarized wings of CSAT member states and associated private investment companies. Official ArmA 3 site description

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Background

AAF ORBAT

Battalion-sized, the Altis Armed Forces (AAF) consist predominately of pro-Akhanteros paramilitary groups and pre-civil war AAF military officers loyal to the Colonel himself.

In the years leading up to the events of The East Wind, the AAF held amicable relations with both CSAT and NATO peacekeepers of the jointly-led Task Force Aegis.

Insignia of the 3rd Regiment.

They received both limited material and manpower support as well as counterinsurgency training against the newly formed FIA anti-government insurgency group.

Known elements of the AAF include the 1st Regiment, which consists of the bulk its combat forces; the 3rd Regiment, comprising of supporting and non-combat ground forces; and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Air Wing Squadrons, along with their associated maritime patrol/coast guard units.

History

Akhanteros' self-proclaimed government takes control after the successful coup in Kavala

Covertly backed by foreign powers, a high-ranking military officer by the name of Georgious Akhanteros leads a coup in an attempt to seize power from the civilian government of Altis. The coup d'etat is swift, with Akhanteros and his supporters effectively forming a junta that silences any political opposition groups and violently crushes all protests.

This act ultimately led to the start of a bloody civil war between Akhanteros' hardline AAF, and pre-coup loyalist forces (predecessors of the present-day FIA) who sought to re-establish civilian control of the country. The fighting would continue to last a total of four more years until the signing of Jerusalem Cease Fire of 2030, which brought a halt to the bloodshed.

The agreement was largely one-sided however, as the AAF had emerged victorious while the loyalists were rendered completely irrelevant by the war's end. As well as bringing a conclusive end to the fighting, the agreement gave global recognition to Akhanteros' cabinet as the legitimate government of the Republic of Altis and Stratis.

Events of Beyond Hope (2026)

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3's Tac-Ops Mission Pack DLC scenario 'Beyond Hope'. Civil war rages between the AAF and the loyalists as the country itself becomes the ultimate prize up for grabs Nine years prior to the events of The East Wind, Akhanteros quickly seizes power from the civilian government in Kavala with the help of CSAT and anti-government paramilitary groups. His coup causes the start of a violent civil war as loyalist forces rallied together to bring about an end to his rule. Early in the war, a temporary six-day ceasefire is agreed upon in order for IDAP to deliver aid supplies to civilians on both sides. However, the shaky ceasefire is immediately broken by the AAF after they ambush a loyalist patrol, which leads to yet another outbreak of fighting. The AAF suffers several defeats early in the war (ranging from the loss of much territory and heavy equipment) but the odds gradually begin to shift in their favour as attrition takes its toll on the loyalists. Increasing amounts of international aid from foreign hosts pour in to prop up his forces, and dwindling support for the loyalists would ultimately lead to victory and the official recognition of his government.

Events of the Prologue (2034)

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3's 'Prologue' campaign. Anti-government protests are quickly put down by the AAF Though victorious, his actions had come at a rather severe price as Akhanteros' government was poorly received by most citizens of the country. Many (though not overtly) attempted to either sabotage his government or assisted anti-AAF groups. Continued crackdowns on dissenters and rampant corruption throughout the organisation, would also cause many conscripts and volunteers to defect to a new fledgling guerilla group that called itself the FIA (Alexis Kouris being a notable example). Led by a charismatic leader who sought to bring about an end to his rule, the FIA's influence gradually wore down the AAF's grip over the countryside. As the insurgency grew in size, so too did the fighting between the AAF and the FIA, with an increasing number of clashes between the two sides ultimately forcing the international community to intervene. A joint force of British and U.S. peacekeepers form up Task Force Aegis, with their primary mandate being the supervision of both the FIA and the AAF. A CSAT contingent is also separately dispatched to the country under the guise of assisting in peacekeeping operations, and providing counterinsurgency support for the AAF. An AAF sniper team provides overwatch at the Ministry of Defence in downtown Kavala Barely months after the intervention, a sit-down is finally arranged between the FIA and the AAF in the former capital of Kavala in order to bring a halt to the fighting. The negotiations were a ruse however, as both the FIA and AAF had ulterior motives behind agreeing for a sit-down; the FIA planned on staging an uprising in the city, while the AAF sought to eliminate its leaders once and for all at the meeting. Predictably, the uprising is swiftly crushed by the AAF, with the surviving guerrillas either tortured or executed.

Events of Remnants of War (2034)

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3's Laws of War DLC 'Remnants of War' campaign. Eventually, the village of Orekastro in the north-west of the country becomes a major stronghold and symbol for the growing insurgency after the guerrillas and its inhabitants successfully wrest control of it from the AAF. An AAF-operated AL-6 Pelican drops propaganda leaflets over the village, warning its inhabitants to surrender immediately As it represented a significant threat to the stability of the new government; a problem exacerbated no less by the recent failed uprising, the AAF saw fit to make an example of Oreokastro by deciding to launch a major offensive to retake the village through any means necessary. To their surprise (and misfortune) however, the village proves to be more difficult to siege than they had initially expected. Almost half a month later, the guerrillas still maintain a foothold over the village in spite of their heavy losses, with Akhanteros and the AAF itself suffering one humiliating defeat after another. With few viable options left on the table and the FIA still holding on strong, a cluster airstrike is eventually called in to raze the village to the ground once and for all. Ironically however, the airstrike did more harm to the image of the AAF and Akhanteros' government than it did to the FIA. The AAF's inhumane decision to destroy the village in such a fashion would become a rallying call for FIA, doing far more to convince citizens to join their cause than they could have ever had hoped to achieve.

Events of The East Wind (2035)

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3's 'The East Wind' campaign. Survive One year after the massacre at Oreokastro, the AAF continues to hold its ground against the FIA with the continued (albeit reluctant) help of the NATO peacekeepers from TF Aegis and support from CSAT counterinsurgency forces. « When Europe cast us out of their failed union of states, we rose from the ashes of a false society, a false economic norm. We gave new hope to our unemployed. Without Berlin's noose around our neck! We stand for what was, is, and will forever be our own! Our land! Our people! One Nation. Altis! Our CSAT partners recognise the new truth. The potential of our nation. We share with them and grow. They represent the new future. Our new future, our new truth. Akhanteros rebutting against the claims of his government being illegitimate. » However, tensions are on the rise with NATO forces as the rift continues to widen over the questionable ethics of the AAF's actions; particularly when it comes to dealing with suspected FIA rebels and their supporters. Matters are further complicated as Akhanteros' government seeks to distance itself from its NATO partners, and proposes deals with CSAT instead. This eventually culminates in the AAF restricting the operational mandate of TF Aegis to the island of Stratis only, with all NATO forces being forbidden from stepping foot on the mainland itself. CSAT forces on the other hand, assume the post of peacekeepers on the main island and are granted permission to utilise the main airport as an airbase. And with their mandate at a close and no hope of it being renewed, the remaining U.S.-led forces of TF Aegis begin to scale down their operations and prepare to leave the country (British troops had already left many months prior). The remnants of TF Aegis retake the initiative from the AAF Whether it was by accident or through a deliberate misunderstanding however, the AAF launches a retaliatory strike against the remainder of the TF Aegis on Stratis in response to a supposed attack by NATO forces. Their "counterattack" results in the deaths of almost a hundred peacekeepers and the destruction of vital NATO facilities. Though caught completely off guard and outnumbered, the remnants of TF Aegis eventually rally together and manage to inflict one critical blow after another on the AAF, forcing the latter to retreat and request help from CSAT. With their assistance, the tide turns in their favour as the remnants of TF Aegis are finally taken out. Adapt Stretched thin and facing pressure from CSAT to deal with the group, the AAF begins to lose control of the northern and western parts of the mainland to the FIA, now emboldened by covert support from CTRG and the efforts of a certain new guerilla commander. Eventually, the FIA launch a major offensive aimed at laying the groundwork in preparation for a NATO invasion. Having suffered heavy losses on all fronts, the AAF retreat to other sections of the island in order to consolidate their remaining forces. AAF command leaves a skeleton force in the western parts of the country in order to delay the advance of FIA guerillas and the soon-to-arrive NATO counterinvasion force. Meanwhile, cities to the east of the island and its capital Pyrgos are hastily fortified. Win V-44X VTOLs from the 111th ID take off from the USS Freedom for the invasion of Altis NATO begins its full scale invasion of the mainland after Stratis is quickly seized without much resistance from the local AAF garrison. Thanks to support from CSAT, the AAF manage to stop the initial invasion force aimed at taking the main airport on Altis. At the same time, they mount an armoured counteroffensive to retake the town of Dorida after a small incursion force of U.S. troops and FIA guerillas occupy it, destroying their temporary FOB and driving them back into the sea. These small victories merely delay the inevitable from happening however, as the bulk of NATO forces from the 111th Infantry Division (111th ID) overrun the airport overnight after a bout of heavy fighting. To make matters worse, a separate invasion force lands off the eastern coast of Altis and captures several key locations, including the town of Chalkeia. They drive a complete wedge in AAF supply lines, and forces what's left of the AAF to evacuate to the southern and north-eastern sectors of the island. And as if to add insult to injury, Pyrgos itself falls to the 111th after its defenders are taken out by superior numbers and firepower; made worse by the fact that CSAT forces themselves simply handed over their heavy armour assets and began to evacuate their personnel and scientists, refusing to provide any assistance to the AAF. Abandoned by CSAT and completely surrounded on all sides, the AAF make a defiant last stand against overwhelming numbers. They manage to inflict many casualties against NATO forces, but Akhanteros eventually agrees to unconditionally surrender. The remainder of the AAF disarm themselves and stand down.

Post-The East Wind

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Following the defeat of forces loyal to General Akhanteros, the provisional ceasefire has held firm. With a new round of NATO-CSAT talks due imminently, strategic analysts point to encouraging signs of a lasting peace, with a shared peacekeeping deal on the table. AAN news report detailing the aftermath of the Altis Incident during the events of Apex Protocol

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Peace talks being held in Kavala

By the conflict's end, more than a third of the AAF's total personnel were either dead or seriously wounded. In the days that followed the official surrender, those that survived were herded off and placed into joint NATO/FIA-run internment camps to await processing.

FIA guerrillas identified those that were responsible for committing war crimes, while others were simply released and allowed to return to their homes.

Akhanteros himself is shown to be present at the talks being held in Kavala with representatives from NATO, CSAT, and the new president of the Republic of Altis and Stratis, Nikos Panagopoulos, as all sides discuss the potential agreement on the ratification of a joint peacekeeping deal between NATO and CSAT.

Though not fully elaborated on, the hardline AAF is presumably dismantled and restructured from the ground up in order to return it back to its pre-civil war days.

The motivation behind the AAF attack in the initial stages of the Altis Incident is left in dispute however, with the exact cause yet to be revealed.

Equipment

Digital Green camouflage pattern utilised by the AAF.

Most of the AAF's hardware consists of outdated or long-since decommissioned for service equipment used by NATO forces. Troopers wear a mixture of early 21st century U.S. Army ACU-style uniforms patterned in a fractal digital green camouflage, while standard-issue combat helmets are old PASGT helmets that have been modified to mount night vision goggles.

The service rifle of all AAF troopers and support personnel is the Mk20 bullpup assault rifle that is chambered to fire the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. For additional or precision firepower, the AAF also utilises the Mk200 light machine gun and Mk18 ABR battle rifle for either role (respectively).

At both the squad and company level, AAF weapon teams utilise the Titan MPRL for anti-aircraft purposes, while the Titan MPRL Compact, PCML, and MAAWS Mk4 Mod 0 launchers are used for anti-tank/anti-vehicle duties. On occasion, even CSAT RPG-42s have been utilised by AAF AT troopers; though generally in fewer numbers due to the prevalence of the PCML and MAAWS Mk4 launchers instead.

Arsenal

• Armoury (ArmA 3)
• Motor Pool (ArmA 3)

Gallery

Trivia

• Despite being officially stated as a battalion-sized force, the in-game ORBAT shows that the AAF has at least two operational regiments (1st Regiment & 3rd Regiment).
  • However, due to the size of these regiments (4-5 companies, including a command element in 1st Regiment and the Air Wing), they are actually battalion-sized. This would actually mean that the AAF as a whole is a regiment-sized force.
  • Furthermore, the ORBAT designate all subunits of the 3rd Regiment as Battalion-sized (denoted by the two lines above their block).
• According to the AAF ORBAT's iconography 1st Regiment is made up of a command company, two infantry companies, a mechanized infantry company, and two Armor Companies, 3rd Regiment a supply (support) battalion, medical battalion, maintenance battalion, and supply (service) battalion, and the air wing a command squadron, fixed-wing squadron, a rotary-wing squadron, and a supply squadron.
• Though not explicitly stated, the structure of AAF appears to be loosely inspired by the Armed Forces of Malta, the Cypriot National Guard, and the Hellenic Armed Forces.
  • During the pre-Alpha phase of development, the AAF were directly based on the Greek military. In fact, config entries, sub-faction names, as well as groups placeable in the editor and Zeus module still refer to the AAF as the HAF.

External links

• ArmA 3 Official Website / Factions / Altis Armed Forces

See also

• NATO
• CSAT

Factions - INDFOR (ArmA 3)
AAF • LDF • Syndikat
Apex DLC | Contact DLC