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Carl Dressler

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Carl Dressler is a minor character in ArmA 2's Operation Harvest Red campaign.

Background[]

Dressler was an officer from the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA). He served as a field adviser for Captain Shaftoe and other Force Reconnaissance fireteams assigned to the 27th Marine Expeditionary Unit (27th MEU).[2][3]

Dressler also coordinates closely with CDF intelligence officer Lieutenant Tomas Marny, with the former acting as the USMC's liaison to Chernarussian government forces.[1][2][4]

Operation Harvest Red (2009)[]

After a full-scale civil war breaks out in the Green Sea nation of Chernarus[5][6], the 27th MEU is deployed to the country at the request of the Chernarussian government-in-exile.[7][8][9] Dressler and his team of agents from the MCIA are also dispatched to provide HUMINT and other intelligence support as joint American/Chernarussian troops work to retake the South Zagoria province from the so-called Chernarussian Movement of the Red Star (ChDKZ) insurgency.[4]

Barely a week after the U.S. intervention[7], ChDKZ forces are now in full retreat and are slowly being driven out of their hiding locations throughout South Zagoria; mostly thanks to the intelligence gathered by Dressler and a Force Recon fireteam, callsign Razor Team. Stationed at FOB Reforger, a joint CDF/USMC base in Elektrozavodsk[1][4], Dressler relayed intel to Razor and other Force Recon teams in their hunt for the leader of the ChDKZ, Gregori Lopotev.[3] Eventually, the ChDKZ's second-in-command, Mikola Bardak, is taken into custody.[10] However, the ChDKZ leader Lopotev continued to evade capture after he managed to escape.[11]

After Bardak's capture, Dressler would relocate to another FOB deep within pro-ChDKZ territories in the north of the province, and would temporarily be stationed at FOB Manhattan. By now, the 27th MEU's focus was shifted entirely towards counterinsurgency[12][13], and Dressler's MCIA team continued to gather intel on the potential whereabouts of Lopotev.[14]

However, on October 16th, terrorists suddenly attack the heart of the Russian Federation's capital, Moscow. The bombings in Red Square claim the lives of two hundred Russian citizens and severely injure hundreds more.[7] The Russian government places blame squarely on the Chernarussian National Party (NAPA), a fiercely anti-Russian rebel group that was fighting against both the CDF and ChDKZ. The Russians immediately demand the withdrawal of the American task force due to their "incompetence" for allowing terrorism to spread to Russia itself.[15][16]

« There's just too much room for error out there. Now the Russian 'peacekeepers' are moving in we need to extract Spukayev and recover his files before something goes wrong.
Dressler tasks both Razor and Sabre Teams with one more objective before leaving Manhattan
 »

Although Dressler and the rest of the MCIA personnel initially suspected that NAPA were the culprits[14], Dressler himself was unconvinced in light of the Russian government's sudden move to "intervene" in the civil war. Prior to departing FOB Manhattan, Dressler informs the Marines about a ChDKZ defector known only as "Spukayev". In exchange for amnesty and safety, Spukayev was willing to come forth with vital information regarding a top-secret plan called "Operation Cobalt" which was supposedly linked to the bombings in Moscow.[17]

Under his advice, Shaftoe tasks Razor Team with retrieving vital documents from Spukayev's residence at his cabin in the woodlands to the north-west while another unit, callsign Sabre Team, bring back the defector to Manhattan for debriefing.[7] As both Razor and Sabre Team prepare move out, Dressler eventually boards one of the last helicopters at Manhattan alongside Shaftoe, and heads back to the USS Khe Sanh.[18]

Post-Operation Harvest Red[]

Following the completion of Operation Harvest Red and the CDF's triumph over the ChDKZ[19], Dressler is present alongside Generals Armstrong and Begunov aboard the Khe Sanh as they congratulate Razor Team on their success.[20]

Personality and Appearance[]

This section is a stub. You can help Armed Assault Wiki by expanding it.

Dressler is a white male with a short, black head of hair and lacks any sort of facial hair. He is always seen donning the standard attire of a USMC officer that consists of an uncustomised, MARPAT Woodland-camouflaged MCCUU and 8-Point cap.

Trivia[]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Razor Two, "All right, now listen up. Lopotev could be nearly anywhere by now. You'll have to decide where to start looking yourselves. Visit some villages, grill the locals, check with intelligence, do whatever you need. When you're ready go and find Captain Dressler, he's with intelligence over in Elektrozavodsk. He may have other information that could help you on your way."
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Razor Two, "HINT: Ltn. Marny is also based with the MCIA in Elektrozavodsk. He should be nearby."
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Razor Two, "Razor Team should use intelligence resources to uncover possible hideouts which may be used by the fugitives. Some Intel will be provided by MCIA officer Cpt. Dressler and CDF Intel officer Ltn. Marny. Every lead should be followed, including information obtained from civilians during the mission."
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Razor Two, "Indeed I do Sergeant. Now as you know we're working pretty closely with the native Chernarussian Defence Force on this. I've had one of their intelligence officers seconded to my unit, Lieutenant Marny. This guy is one of the best field intelligence types CDF counterintelligence has. He has some useful contacts among local, and maybe among guerillas as well. If you don't screw it up, Lieutenant Marny may share something."
  5. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, Chernarussian PM Executed, AAN Online, viewed 14 November 2025, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/1-chernarussian-pm-executed.html>.
  6. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, Chernarussian Crisis Intensifies, AAN Online, viewed 3 October 2018, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/3-chernarussian-crisis-intensifies.html>.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Mořický, K et al. 2011, Armaverse Timeline, Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki, viewed 3 October 2018, <https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Armaverse_Timeline>.
  8. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, US Marines reportedly inside Chernarus, AAN Online, viewed 14 November 2025, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/6-us-marines-reportedly-inside-chernarus.html>.
  9. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, US confirms Marine incursion, AAN Online, viewed 14 November 2025, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/7-us-confirms-marine-incursion.html>.
  10. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Razor Two, "Swordsman, this is Razor. We caught Bardak, I say again we caught Bardak. Bastard is ours. Out."
  11. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, ChDKZ’ leaders captured?, AAN Online, viewed 14 November 2025, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/9-chdkz-leaders-captured.html>.
  12. ↑ Mořický, K 2009, ‘Conventional’ war over?, AAN Online, viewed 14 November 2025, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/15-conventional-war-over.html>.
  13. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Manhattan, "We're being redeployed to the mountainous region in the Northeast around Krasnostav. We've established an FOB up there to help the CDF keep the locals under control. Despite most of Chernarus now being under nominal CDF control this region is proving troublesome for the brass on both sides of the alliance. A guerilla group called NAPA are harassing the Chedaki and normally that'd be fine by me, but they're not keeping their reprisals to combatants. The CDF simply don't have the right stuff for this kind of conflict (I'm tempted to say any type of conflict...) so once again we have to bail them out. I just hope this doesn't turn into another quagmire."
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Manhattan, "No. Cooper. Moscow. St. Basil's Cathedral and the square itself. No organization's claimed responsibility yet but Dressler and the MCIA guys are betting on NAPA. I gotta say that it rings true for me. The press are already throwing the name around along with the usual suspects. If you can get to a TV or a computer or something you'll see for yourselves. The media are going ape shit. Dressler thinks the Russians will want in on Chernarus now. As far as I know USEUCOM haven't confirmed anything to that effect with Battlemage but it seems likely. I just wanted to keep you guys informed. Watch yourselves out there Razor. It could get complicated. Swordsman out."
  15. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Manhattan, "РГР - Радио 'Голос России' Более 50 человек погибло и почти 500 получили ранения разной степени тяжести во время взрыва, прогремевшего сегодня на Красной площади в Москве. Число жертв уточняется. Взрывом также серьезно повредило собор Василия Блаженного. Представитель РПЦ заявил, что 'это свидетельствует о том, что у террористов нет уважения ни к Богу, ни к культурному наследию, как и к жизням людей.' Хотя Кремль пока воздерживается от обвинений, эксперты сходятся во мнении, что взрыв - дело рук известной террористической организации НАПА. Несколько дней назад внимание всего мира было приковано к Черноруссии, где НАПА устроила чудовищную резню среди мирного населения. Ранее в анонимном интервью РГР один из высокопоставленных офицеров ВС РФ обвинил США в том, что они не способны контролировать ситуацию в Черноруссии: 'Их действия только больше дестабилизируют ситуацию в регионе. Мы должны позаботиться о мире в Черноруссии.' Наш долг - защитить Россию и помочь народу Черноруссии.' Президент пока отказывается от комментариев, но наши источники подтверждают, что внутри Кремля склоняются к принятию решения о необходимости прямого вмешательства в войну в Черноруссии. Мы будем следить за развитием ситуации. До встречи в эфире. [RVR Russian Voice Radio. Over fifty people have been murdered and nearly five hundred injured in the blast that devastated the heart of the capital, Red Square in Moscow today. The death toll is almost certain to rise. The bombing also destroyed part of St. Basil's Cathedral, a spokesperson for the Church, who was uninjured, said this was "an indication that the terrorists who caused the explosion care as little for God or world heritage as they do for human life." Although the Kremlin is understandably reluctant to accuse any particular group at this stage, the vast body of expert opinion supports the idea that the infamous NAPA terrorist organization is behind the terrible attack. NAPA made the headlines earlier this week in war-torn Chernarus for the torture and murder of Civilians in the North of that troubled country. Earlier in this programme a high ranking Russian Ground Forces officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told RVR "It has become clear that the Americans cannot control Chernarus. Their incompetence is destabilizing the region and we must act to restore the balance. It is our duty to both protect Russia, and to aid the people of Chernarus." The President would not comment, but insiders tell us there is growing impatience at the Kremlin for direct action in our fracturing neighbor-state. RVR will be back with more as the situation develops.]", Russian Voice Radio
  16. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Bitter Chill, "The 27th MEU is leaving Chernarussian territory today, 17. October 2009 at 1700hrs, to be replaced by Russian Federation peacekeepers. The Kremlin claimed that USMC forces were incapable of controlling terrorist organizations - namely NAPA - convincing the UN to rescind it's approval. Many feel the Russians would have invaded anyway and that the UN complied so as not to seem toothless should the Federation act unilaterally. Without UN backing, the US feel forced to abandon Chernarus to the Russians. After the attack on Moscow sympathy and support for this position is widespread, with global public opinion and many national governments supporting the move. Razor Team will secure FOB Manhattan until it is dismantled and will then transfer directly to the Khe Sanh, leaving the region via the Khardaran strait. The transition from US to Russian control will of necessity be chaotically swift, USEUCOM has ordered there be no contact between the two powers."
  17. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Bitter Chill, "Sure. OK listen up Marines, we caught a break. One of the Lopotev's under-lieutenants wants to defect and spill his guts about the ChDKZ, Moscow and all the rest. Spukayev, that's the guy, can confirm the involvement of ChDKZ operatives in what they call 'Operation Cobalt', the Moscow bombing. Now by rights his evidence, along with the other documents we have, should convince the Russians that the ChDKZ are the real threat here. But Spukayev is worried. The Russians have moved so fast on this thing everyone's left guessing who to trust."
  18. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, Bitter Chill, "Razor, take a Hnmmer and get to that safehouse ASAP. Return to Manhattan with the files and Star Force 21 will extract you to back to the Khe Sanh. There won't be much of the FOB left by the time you get back. As you know our deadline for complete withdrawal is 1700hrs. After that, there won't be a marine within fifty miles of Chernarus, understood? [...] Simmons, Spukayev himself is at Khelm so your part in this won't take long. Rendezvous with him there and provide a safe escort back here for extraction. Dressler and I are leaving for the Khe Sanh immediately. Gentlemen, your teams will be among the very last to leave the FOB, so make sure you turn out the lights."
  19. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, War That Never Was, "With the help of the Marines, the Chernarussian people were able to quell the local insurgency. Chernarus is free and well on the road to peace and democracy. The involvement of Force Reconnaissance Marines inside Chernarus during the Russian occupation remains classified at the highest level."
  20. ↑ ARMA 2 2009 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Harvest Red, War That Never Was, "Here they are! Let's hear it marines! Razor Team! Gentlemen I've seen some things in my time but nothing like what you've accomplished. The Russians will try to play the whole thing down in public, but your service will be remembered where it matters. Officially, this is the War That Never Was. Unofficially you're my god-damned heroes! I've never been prouder. Razor's highly irregular involvement in Operation Harvest Red will remain classified at the highest possible level. So my advice would be to enjoy this celebration marines, revel in the glory of what you've achieved. You saved Chernarus, you defeated the Russians, you united a people. Now how about I open the brandy and you tell me your best war stories? 'Cos one things for sure: It's the last time you're ever gonna talk about it..."

See also[]

Characters of ArmA 2
USMC 27th MEU Carl Dressler • David Armstrong • Ed Winter* • John Maddox • Shaftoe
Force Recon Brian O'Hara • Chad Rodriguez† • Ian Simmons† • Matthew Cooper • Martin Zelmanski† • Patrick Miles† • Peter Adamson† • Randolph Sykes • Robert Johnson† • Sanjeev Raj† • Steve Kaminski†
U.S. Army Task Force Knight Ben Herrera • C.F. Kane • Garry Pierce • Howard Drake
Delta Force Terry Graves
ACR Bohuslav Kouba • Jan Kristek • Tomáš Vybíral • Zabu
CDF Begunov • R.A. Stavovich • Tomas Marny
ChDKZ Gregori Lopotev* • Kostey† • Mikola Bardak* • Nikola Nikitin†
Russian Armed Forces Karelin† • Lev Zotkin* • Mikhail Istcov* • Shagarov
NAPA Prizrak† • Little John • Yidash • Yuri Olegich
British Army Jack Gallagher • James Irvine • Philip Stephenson
Bystrican Militia Andrej Kasun • Borz Kazbekov • Dragan Kasun • Radan Miyović
Smugglers Aslan Radayev
ION Brian Frost • Frank "Tanny" Radcliffe† • Henry Asano • James Eckersley† • Mark Reynolds • Patrick Dixon† • Roland Saunderson†
Takistani Army Abdul Mussawir Ghafurzai† • Muhammad R. Aziz†

Civilians

Anita Baker • Antonia Lagushina • Ivan Ruce† • Joe Harris† • Josef Sova† • Rita Ensler • Valentina Galkina† • Vojtech Hladik
† indicates deceased characters | * indicates character status is unknown
DLCs that the character was first introduced in:
Operation Arrowhead | British Armed Forces | Private Military Company | Army of the Czech Republic
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