Interview | Former AFP Chief HazzN on the DoD, ATLANTIS, AWOL Congress
Day 555, 06:47
•
Published in Philippines 
•
by
•
by Swagger McSwag
(with special appearances by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Director Glorious Failure)
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Supreme Commander and Department of Defense (DoD) Director HazzN hooks up with The Outsider and spills the beans on the tactically debilitating 3rd Philippine Congress Diaspora; being the DoD head; the surprising recent implosion of The Atlantic Treaty of Latin, American, and Nordic Territories for International Security (ATLANTIS); and the “overlegislated” United Kingdom (UK).
Good morning. Is it morning there?
No. Afternoon. *laughs* Is it morning there?
It’s evening here. We’re UTC+8.
So you're ahead of us. *laughs*
NOW AVAILABLE IN NATIONAL BOOKSTORE BRANCHES NATIONWIDE
What’s up? What are your thoughts on the recent breakup of ATLANTIS?
When I lived in the UK, all we saw was pro-ATLANTIS propaganda, even when I worked in the War Council. So, I was brought up believing it was the bee’s knees. Got to the Philippines, and discovered their conduct was just as questionable as PEACE. The way they treated some of their members was disgraceful, and from what I can gather, PEACE is much more organised. So, all in all, little feeling at all about it. Now that ATLANTIS has fallen, in a way, I feel safer as there is only PEACE to contend with, and there is an easy way of dealing with that.
Are you talking about the successful political takeover and pillaging of the Czech Republic by the United Kingdom?
Yes, [that’s] one of the cases, and the treatment of Germany. I was in Congress when discussion about Germany was brought up, and we were told they were a puppet state of PEACE. Turns out Sweden just had an ax to grind.
SWEDISH ARMY OFFICER
What do you think about the ongoing war between Germany and Sweden?
I'm sure Sweden has their reasons. Though I'm fighting for Germany at the moment. Self-funded. My feeling was that Germany was abandoned by their allies, and I guess I know how that feels. So, if I have a gun in my hand, I'll use it.
Okay, enough about international affairs. Let's talk about you. You are the former Director of the Philippine Department of Defense. How long have you served in this capacity?
About a month and a half. I was planning on staying longer, and may come back in the future if a position is available.
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE OFFICIAL SEAL
What does it take to be Defense Minister?
Lots of spare time, hard work, and a love of spreadsheets.
How would you describe your experience as DoD Director?
It's been fun. A certain element of stress. I have to keep reminding myself it's a game, but in the end, if someone isn't behind the scenes organising it, then no one would get to be in the military.
[img]http://en.wikipilipinas.org/images/thumb/b/b1/AFP.JPG/100px-AFP.JPG[/img]
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICIAL SEAL
How would you describe the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a fighting force?
Well, it’s still a fledgling military. But the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has proven to be very popular and very successful. We should see some much stronger people moving up into our military. I think, give it a few months and we'll have a decent force.
Very popular? How so?
Well every time I post an article, or anyone else posts an article, we have an influx of young citizens looking to join up. Most of which seem to be staying active, if my activity tests are anything to go by.
So, what exactly is the job of a Defense Minister? Can you give me sampling of your routine activities?
Organising mostly. I command the PMA, which is the largest job, as we have around 50 students, which need to be contacted once a week to check [if] they are still there and how they are improving. I have two Commanding Officers (CO) under me, who do similar work with the [Philippine Naval Fleet] mobile unit and [the Philippine Army] home defense unit. Though this will shortly be increased to four COs as the numbers are starting to get too much for the pair of them. [The DoD Director] also has a seat in the cabinet.
(20:01 *** Glorious_Failure|sleep joined #philippines)
NEWLY GRADUATED PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY CADETS
So, when you last checked, how are our PMA cadets doing?
Not since I resigned, I must say. But I intend to check in on them this week, as no one has replaced me yet. Any trouble brewing abroad, and we set in motion training missions, et cetera.
DFA Director Glorious Failure: What's goin' on?
(I’m doing the HazzN interview.)
I’m being interviewed. It’s exciting. *laughs*
(20:13 *** Glorious_Failure|sleep is now known as Glorious_Failure)
When the 3rd Congress was elected last April 25, we had 40 representatives in Congress. The following day we had 37. Eventually, there was only one left. It seems almost all of the Congress members fled the country to fight. Some of these solons are members of the Philippine Army home guard and are required to stay in the country in case of a surprise attack. What is your take on this?
I told the Home Guard very specifically that they had to stay home. However, their CO told me that it was boring and I should lighten up. You may have caught the flame war in the Barracks. My argument is that people who sign up for the Home Guard know they have to stay at home. If they wanted to fight abroad, they joined the wrong unit. I also pointed out that it can sometimes take 72 hours to resign from a job and return to the Philippines, which, when it only takes 24 hours to attack a region, leads us to potentially losing three regions before our Home Guard even shows up!
(20:18 Glorious_Failure whistles innocently)
I was not a happy bunny, I can tell you that now. However, the CO in question agreed to return, hilariously taking 72 hours which just proved my point in the end. And, I believe the rest of the Home Guard were told to return. Whether they did or not, I don't know. It is up to the unit CO to keep tabs on his troops and report to me. Or the new DoD [director].
AN ABANDONED CAMP
What advice can you give the next DoD minister to prevent things like this from happening again?
Make sure that your staff are briefed correctly. I take some of the blame for the situation, as our CO claims to have not realised how important the orders were. I have now posted the rules in the Barracks just to clear everything up. But in the end, each DoD will do the job how s/he feels is best. If s/he doesn't mind his/her Home Guard being abroad, then fair enough. My feelings were that we had placed ourselves at serious risk. We border Romania (or did at the time) and Indonesia. And had no formal alliance with either. So, really, being minus half the Home Defense Unit was a major tactical error.
I see. Moving on, why do you think President Big Boy Bulley chose you for this job?
I like to think it is because I had a lot of experience in the running of the UK military. I was the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard for a few months (2 or 3; can't remember now) and worked well. However, it is more likely that I was the only one who applied. *laughs*
Do I go for the kill?...
Balls. Wrong channel.
GOURMET FRENCH TOAST
Did you see battle as Royal Guard CO?
I did see action. I fought against France. I also later became a paratrooper, and fought in Germany, Romania, Norway and other such places which I can't recall off the top of my head.
In Operation French Toast?
I believe “French Toast” was the name given to it. Back then, I was not in command. I was a “noob”.
Considering the might of our currently active and reserve forces, if we were, for example, pitted against Malaysia, could we pull it off?
Give me 120 gold a day and I'll pump out 12321.81 damage a day. *shakes fist*
The PMA might not stand much of a chance. But, I can tell you now, our elite unit is top notch. I also know that our President is happy to pump money into the military. We tank a few of our top guys, we'd knock them out [easily] enough. But, I guess it depends how you wanted to spend the funds. For example, we could pay to put a gun in the hand of all our PMA [cadets] and let them gain experience, and probably lose. Or, tank our elite [unit] and win hands down. If war was declared, both units could fight.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNTER-TERRORIST PHILIPPINE ARMY SOCOM LIGHT REACTION BATTALION
Elite unit? Do you mean the Philippine Navy Marine Corps or the Philippine Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM)?
Yes. Both.
What's the biggest challenge that you've faced as DoD Director?
Probably the very first training mission. We sent 10 guys out and we [could only] carry 40 weapons at one time, which meant two people would have to wait for weapons. At that time, President Big Boy Bulley was paying for the weapons out of his own pocket, and so it took time to get funds and such through. Then, the SGV tried to take over, and I had about 24 hours to get all our troops back, which being in a different time zone did not help! It was a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Yes. I recall that some of our troops were not able to make it back in time for the 3rd Congress elections.
But I learned a lot, and the next mission was much more successful. We sorted out a few wellness issues as well. All in all, a good mission.
UNBRIDLED POWER
What's the best thing about being the DoD Director?
POWER. MWA HA HA. I'm not sure. Being able to have an active part in building the nation, I suppose. That is why I came to the Philippines.
What's your most memorable experience as DoD Director?
I suppose the first time I had access to the cabinet. That was pretty special. I've been involved in various ministries in the UK for a while, but never got to see the Cabinet. So it was nice to be in the first Filipino Cabinet.
PROUDLY FILIPINO
Do you consider yourself eFilipino?
I do, indeed. I would never return to the UK.
What's the best thing about the Philippines?
What I love about the Philippines is the community.
The people are generally much more awesome than in the UK for instance.
Everyone works together for the good of the country, rather than argue pointlessly just because they are in opposing parties.
UNITED KINGDOM HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
I'm curious. Just how "overlegislated" do you mean "overlegislated UK"?
Very. *laughs* As every party is out for themselves. They can't just discuss, say, for example, a tax hike and then propose it. Instead they have to take it through a Public Discussion forum, then the House of Commons discussion, then a House of Lords discussion, then it gets proposed in-game. It takes about a week to do anything.
[Back then, there [was] an impeachment proposal in their administration. This [was] being voted against, not because the reasons [were] crap, but because it wasn't discussed for 48+ hours. When you can't impeach incompetents in a timely fashion, something is up.
*uncontrollable laughter* Almost finished. Why did you pick the name HazzN?
N is the first letter of my last name. Hazz is an RL nickname, as I’m Harry in real life.
RL COMEDIAN ROWAN ATKINSON
*laughs* Anyway, do you think Rowan Atkinson should be knighted?
Almost certainly. Hell, make him Prime Minister. He couldn't do a worse job, and it would be funny to watch in Commons.
I've run out of questions. Thanks for your time, Supreme Commander HazzN
No problem. It was fun.
By the way, I seriously move that the DoD head also retain the title, Supreme Commander of the Invincible and Untouchable Armed Forces of the Philippines
I like it. Put that on record.
Done.
____________________
RELATED ARTICLES
-Day 548
-A Series of Surprising Announcements
-HazzN: Getting To Know Me
____________________
VOTE AND SUBSCRIBE to The eRepublik Outsider
"Straight News from Inside Sources, Out-of-the-box Commentary"
____________________
The eRepublik Outsider is not to be sold. It is provided as a free public educational service by... me. Some rights reserved. XD
____________________
ADVERTISEMENT: The Philippines needs YOU! Join the Invincible and Untouchable Armed Forces of the Philippines today: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cE80QUxkV21JRDBlQjR2aklOSGRiU2c6MA
____________________
May 28, 2009
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Supreme Commander and Department of Defense (DoD) Director HazzN hooks up with The Outsider and spills the beans on the tactically debilitating 3rd Philippine Congress Diaspora; being the DoD head; the surprising recent implosion of The Atlantic Treaty of Latin, American, and Nordic Territories for International Security (ATLANTIS); and the “overlegislated” United Kingdom (UK).
Good morning. Is it morning there?
No. Afternoon. *laughs* Is it morning there?
It’s evening here. We’re UTC+8.
So you're ahead of us. *laughs*
NOW AVAILABLE IN NATIONAL BOOKSTORE BRANCHES NATIONWIDE
What’s up? What are your thoughts on the recent breakup of ATLANTIS?
When I lived in the UK, all we saw was pro-ATLANTIS propaganda, even when I worked in the War Council. So, I was brought up believing it was the bee’s knees. Got to the Philippines, and discovered their conduct was just as questionable as PEACE. The way they treated some of their members was disgraceful, and from what I can gather, PEACE is much more organised. So, all in all, little feeling at all about it. Now that ATLANTIS has fallen, in a way, I feel safer as there is only PEACE to contend with, and there is an easy way of dealing with that.
Are you talking about the successful political takeover and pillaging of the Czech Republic by the United Kingdom?
Yes, [that’s] one of the cases, and the treatment of Germany. I was in Congress when discussion about Germany was brought up, and we were told they were a puppet state of PEACE. Turns out Sweden just had an ax to grind.
SWEDISH ARMY OFFICER
What do you think about the ongoing war between Germany and Sweden?
I'm sure Sweden has their reasons. Though I'm fighting for Germany at the moment. Self-funded. My feeling was that Germany was abandoned by their allies, and I guess I know how that feels. So, if I have a gun in my hand, I'll use it.
Okay, enough about international affairs. Let's talk about you. You are the former Director of the Philippine Department of Defense. How long have you served in this capacity?
About a month and a half. I was planning on staying longer, and may come back in the future if a position is available.
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE OFFICIAL SEAL
What does it take to be Defense Minister?
Lots of spare time, hard work, and a love of spreadsheets.
How would you describe your experience as DoD Director?
It's been fun. A certain element of stress. I have to keep reminding myself it's a game, but in the end, if someone isn't behind the scenes organising it, then no one would get to be in the military.
[img]http://en.wikipilipinas.org/images/thumb/b/b1/AFP.JPG/100px-AFP.JPG[/img]
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICIAL SEAL
How would you describe the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a fighting force?
Well, it’s still a fledgling military. But the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has proven to be very popular and very successful. We should see some much stronger people moving up into our military. I think, give it a few months and we'll have a decent force.
Very popular? How so?
Well every time I post an article, or anyone else posts an article, we have an influx of young citizens looking to join up. Most of which seem to be staying active, if my activity tests are anything to go by.
So, what exactly is the job of a Defense Minister? Can you give me sampling of your routine activities?
Organising mostly. I command the PMA, which is the largest job, as we have around 50 students, which need to be contacted once a week to check [if] they are still there and how they are improving. I have two Commanding Officers (CO) under me, who do similar work with the [Philippine Naval Fleet] mobile unit and [the Philippine Army] home defense unit. Though this will shortly be increased to four COs as the numbers are starting to get too much for the pair of them. [The DoD Director] also has a seat in the cabinet.
(20:01 *** Glorious_Failure|sleep joined #philippines)
NEWLY GRADUATED PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY CADETS
So, when you last checked, how are our PMA cadets doing?
Not since I resigned, I must say. But I intend to check in on them this week, as no one has replaced me yet. Any trouble brewing abroad, and we set in motion training missions, et cetera.
DFA Director Glorious Failure: What's goin' on?
(I’m doing the HazzN interview.)
I’m being interviewed. It’s exciting. *laughs*
(20:13 *** Glorious_Failure|sleep is now known as Glorious_Failure)
When the 3rd Congress was elected last April 25, we had 40 representatives in Congress. The following day we had 37. Eventually, there was only one left. It seems almost all of the Congress members fled the country to fight. Some of these solons are members of the Philippine Army home guard and are required to stay in the country in case of a surprise attack. What is your take on this?
I told the Home Guard very specifically that they had to stay home. However, their CO told me that it was boring and I should lighten up. You may have caught the flame war in the Barracks. My argument is that people who sign up for the Home Guard know they have to stay at home. If they wanted to fight abroad, they joined the wrong unit. I also pointed out that it can sometimes take 72 hours to resign from a job and return to the Philippines, which, when it only takes 24 hours to attack a region, leads us to potentially losing three regions before our Home Guard even shows up!
(20:18 Glorious_Failure whistles innocently)
I was not a happy bunny, I can tell you that now. However, the CO in question agreed to return, hilariously taking 72 hours which just proved my point in the end. And, I believe the rest of the Home Guard were told to return. Whether they did or not, I don't know. It is up to the unit CO to keep tabs on his troops and report to me. Or the new DoD [director].
AN ABANDONED CAMP
What advice can you give the next DoD minister to prevent things like this from happening again?
Make sure that your staff are briefed correctly. I take some of the blame for the situation, as our CO claims to have not realised how important the orders were. I have now posted the rules in the Barracks just to clear everything up. But in the end, each DoD will do the job how s/he feels is best. If s/he doesn't mind his/her Home Guard being abroad, then fair enough. My feelings were that we had placed ourselves at serious risk. We border Romania (or did at the time) and Indonesia. And had no formal alliance with either. So, really, being minus half the Home Defense Unit was a major tactical error.
I see. Moving on, why do you think President Big Boy Bulley chose you for this job?
I like to think it is because I had a lot of experience in the running of the UK military. I was the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard for a few months (2 or 3; can't remember now) and worked well. However, it is more likely that I was the only one who applied. *laughs*
Do I go for the kill?...
Balls. Wrong channel.
GOURMET FRENCH TOAST
Did you see battle as Royal Guard CO?
I did see action. I fought against France. I also later became a paratrooper, and fought in Germany, Romania, Norway and other such places which I can't recall off the top of my head.
In Operation French Toast?
I believe “French Toast” was the name given to it. Back then, I was not in command. I was a “noob”.
Considering the might of our currently active and reserve forces, if we were, for example, pitted against Malaysia, could we pull it off?
Give me 120 gold a day and I'll pump out 12321.81 damage a day. *shakes fist*
The PMA might not stand much of a chance. But, I can tell you now, our elite unit is top notch. I also know that our President is happy to pump money into the military. We tank a few of our top guys, we'd knock them out [easily] enough. But, I guess it depends how you wanted to spend the funds. For example, we could pay to put a gun in the hand of all our PMA [cadets] and let them gain experience, and probably lose. Or, tank our elite [unit] and win hands down. If war was declared, both units could fight.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNTER-TERRORIST PHILIPPINE ARMY SOCOM LIGHT REACTION BATTALION
Elite unit? Do you mean the Philippine Navy Marine Corps or the Philippine Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM)?
Yes. Both.
What's the biggest challenge that you've faced as DoD Director?
Probably the very first training mission. We sent 10 guys out and we [could only] carry 40 weapons at one time, which meant two people would have to wait for weapons. At that time, President Big Boy Bulley was paying for the weapons out of his own pocket, and so it took time to get funds and such through. Then, the SGV tried to take over, and I had about 24 hours to get all our troops back, which being in a different time zone did not help! It was a bit of a logistical nightmare.
Yes. I recall that some of our troops were not able to make it back in time for the 3rd Congress elections.
But I learned a lot, and the next mission was much more successful. We sorted out a few wellness issues as well. All in all, a good mission.
UNBRIDLED POWER
What's the best thing about being the DoD Director?
POWER. MWA HA HA. I'm not sure. Being able to have an active part in building the nation, I suppose. That is why I came to the Philippines.
What's your most memorable experience as DoD Director?
I suppose the first time I had access to the cabinet. That was pretty special. I've been involved in various ministries in the UK for a while, but never got to see the Cabinet. So it was nice to be in the first Filipino Cabinet.
PROUDLY FILIPINO
Do you consider yourself eFilipino?
I do, indeed. I would never return to the UK.
What's the best thing about the Philippines?
What I love about the Philippines is the community.
The people are generally much more awesome than in the UK for instance.
Everyone works together for the good of the country, rather than argue pointlessly just because they are in opposing parties.
UNITED KINGDOM HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
I'm curious. Just how "overlegislated" do you mean "overlegislated UK"?
Very. *laughs* As every party is out for themselves. They can't just discuss, say, for example, a tax hike and then propose it. Instead they have to take it through a Public Discussion forum, then the House of Commons discussion, then a House of Lords discussion, then it gets proposed in-game. It takes about a week to do anything.
[Back then, there [was] an impeachment proposal in their administration. This [was] being voted against, not because the reasons [were] crap, but because it wasn't discussed for 48+ hours. When you can't impeach incompetents in a timely fashion, something is up.
*uncontrollable laughter* Almost finished. Why did you pick the name HazzN?
N is the first letter of my last name. Hazz is an RL nickname, as I’m Harry in real life.
RL COMEDIAN ROWAN ATKINSON
*laughs* Anyway, do you think Rowan Atkinson should be knighted?
Almost certainly. Hell, make him Prime Minister. He couldn't do a worse job, and it would be funny to watch in Commons.
I've run out of questions. Thanks for your time, Supreme Commander HazzN
No problem. It was fun.
By the way, I seriously move that the DoD head also retain the title, Supreme Commander of the Invincible and Untouchable Armed Forces of the Philippines
I like it. Put that on record.
Done.
____________________
RELATED ARTICLES
-Day 548
-A Series of Surprising Announcements
-HazzN: Getting To Know Me
____________________
VOTE AND SUBSCRIBE to The eRepublik Outsider
"Straight News from Inside Sources, Out-of-the-box Commentary"
____________________
The eRepublik Outsider is not to be sold. It is provided as a free public educational service by... me. Some rights reserved. XD
____________________
ADVERTISEMENT: The Philippines needs YOU! Join the Invincible and Untouchable Armed Forces of the Philippines today: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cE80QUxkV21JRDBlQjR2aklOSGRiU2c6MA
____________________
May 28, 2009
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Comments
"What does it take to be Defense Minister?
Lots of spare time, hard work, and a love of spreadsheets."
Seriously HazzN, what is it with you and spreadsheets 😛
Yeah he loves em spreadsheets I remember signing spreadsheets left and right when he started putting them out...
lol at the interview...
All Hail Mr. Bean...
er... I mean Sir/Baron/Count/Viscount/Duke/King XD Rowan Atkinson...
Nice interview 🙂
Ariel can be a good field reporter hehe
ya da elite force can kick all your asses. you better watch out for us.
As usual. A good interview. Voted! And decided to maintain the subscription to the newspaper.
As usual. A good interview. Voted! And decided to maintain the subscription to the newspaper.
I'd tap that Swedish army officer
My first interview. I'm delighted. 😮D Nicely written up Ariel.
"Two thumbs up!" -Fabian Sanchez-Sambrano Institute for Literary Excellence
"4 stars" - Fabian Sanchez-Sambrano Center for Investigative Journalism
hahaha
@Congress. Shame on you! Congress resign! lol
ako si david garcia...
bok, walang talo-talo!
Prince terrence, you can knight mr. bean can't you?
Thanks, all. XD
@Dimagiba. He doesn't play eRepublik, so no. 😛
I wouldn't call FD an incompetent. He just had a really good reason for being AWOL.
Erm... Malta... No one mentioned FD...
who's FD?
btw, nice article..
very informative, and fun!
Final Destiny. The UK President who went missing days after election, and could not be impeached because someone started the impeach process without discussion first. Because of this it was voted down and another impeachment could not be carried out for 7 days, in which the UK had no President.