FAC B3S (Black Scorpions Security Solutions)

Motto

B3S company logo 2023

"When the Going gets tough, the Tough get going." and, mainly as a war cry or in a triumph, "Never mess with B3S!". Another favorite motto is "What doesn't kill me should run."

"We are the Shadow, that kills. The hidden Death, that none suspects." B3S special forces mantra.

Introduction

The Fire Arms Corporation is not only a distributor of premium grade weapons and tactical equipment, they also provide highly trained military professionelles. As founder and former member of the US Marine Corps special force MaRS and their Tier1 unit SArLaC, FACs chairman accepts only the best trained military personal in his lines. Since 2015, B3S also has a civil branch for non-military contracts.

Founding

B3S uniform patch

FACs chairman laid the foundation stone for B3S in November 2014, right before he left military service in December 2014. He quit his career soldier contract with the Marine Corps because of personal reasons and went back to Germany. Even though he quit military service, he was profoundly convinced, that the global war against terror, warlords, piracy, organized crime and other elements of destabilization is a necessity. Because of that he founded B3S, as an instrument against global threats without the limitations of political boundaries.

Therefore B3S provides military and civilian security services for government authorities, justice, companies and private persons. They also offer training, as well as strategic and selective operations.

Selection Process and Training

All Pencott camouflage pattern used by B3S since its 4th reformation. The first three pattern on the top left were issued to factory guards and 6th regiment trooper (OD-Green), B3S navy personal (navy blue) and pilots (topographic camo). All other pattern displayed were 2023 standard issue for the different combat support groups of the six commando battalions and were worn uniform as shown. Only if ordered by a superior, this dress code is changed. Same goes for all other military branch personal such as tank crews and pioneer corps.

To become part of one of B3Ss special operations groups, you need to grant highest standards. The most important requirement is former service in a military elite or special forces unit. B3S recruits its personal from US forces like MaRS (Marine Raider Squads), SArLaC (Sea-Air-Land Commandos), SEALS, DEVGRU, Green Beret, Delta Force and Army Ranger. But not only former US soldiers were accepted into service within the B3S private military force. Like the French Foreign Legion, they recruit military experts from all around the world. Examples are German KSK, Kampfschwimmer, Fernspäher, Kampfretter and LLBrig1 Saarland; Austrian Jagdkommando; British SAS and SBS; Israeli Sajeret Matkal and Shayetet 13; French COS Units and Commandos Marine. If you served in one of these examplified units, you have great chances to become a member of B3S special forces, but there are some more barriers to get over. Another very important necessity is your field experience and service time. To become a member of B3S you need at least ten years in military service and at least five of them in a military elite or special force unit. During your service time you need to participate at least in three campaigns or greater missions. If you accomplished all that, you raised your chances, but you need to overcome three more obstacls. First obstacle is your military personal file, which does not only mean you need to have a mostly clean slate, but also good valuations, as well as decorations. Second last barrier is a four days selection process with psychological profile, medical screening, personal fitness test (500 yard swimming in 12min, 60 push-ups in 2min, 60 sit-ups in 2min, 12 continual pull-ups in 2min, 1.5mile run in 10min, assault course in under 4:30min), intelligence test and personal interview with B3S veterans. The selection is extremely rigorous and (although all applicants are professionals) in these four days normaly 70% of the canditades wash out. If you made it through this four days selection process, you need to prove your abilities in a three month qualification training. During this training, candidates must bring their best in tactical courses, multiple weapon drills, stress shooting competitions, CQB training, HAHO/HALO jumps, survival drills, forced marches, simulated special mission campaigns, building and rock climbing, fast roping exercises, personal/object security and forced driving courses. Since the candidates who reached that far were the best of the previous selection process, the wash out is only 20% in this final stage.

The requirements to become part of the combat support groups were not as rigorous as for the special operations groups, but you also need to have served several years in a military elite force beforehand. Favoured for this were e.g. former Army Ranger, airborn trooper or Marines. There were also no requirements for field experience or decorations, however this raises your chances. The four days selection process also has lower demands than the one for special operations groups. However, they also have to go through a three month qualification training afterwards, that has nearly the same dimensions than for the spec ops groups.

After an applicant successfully graduated into B3S military branch, he is able to apply for one of the battalions 1-6 (to become an operator of the 7th battalion however, you have to be selected by the unit commander, usually after some years of service in one of the commando battalions 1-5). These battalions were distinguished by their operational area, similar to the US Navy SEALs warfare group organization. Basic operational areas were Middle East (1st CB), North Africa (2nd CB), South Africa (3rd CB), Central America (4th CB), South America (5th CB), worldwide personal/objective security (6th Btl.), and worldwide operations (7th CB). All members of the six Commando Battalions (CBs) special operations groups were trained similar to US Navy SEALs or SArLaC Marines, enabling them to execute their missions from sea, air and land. The units therefore all receive the same basic training, that also includes urban warfare, CQB and hostage rescue operations. The different operational areas than were addressed by specialized trainings e.g. for desert, jungle, cold weather or mountain terrain, as well as regional languages, culture and traditions. The 7th CB is the most elite unit and similar to the DEVGRU tasked with worldwide operations in every terrain.

To ensure maximum tactical efficiency and flexibility, each operational unit is distinguished into staff, training, support, combat, direct action, special warfare, intelligence, reconnaissance and sniper units. The size of the different units is classified.

Organization

For combat support groups, there is a clear directive on how to wear uniform. This directive states, that only ordered, and most important, matching camouflage patterns were allowed. The special operations groups however were more flexible in the usage of their camouflage, even without order. This allows them to merge the given camouflage pattern to better accommodate the terrain they were supposed to fight in, which leads to a wild mixture of camouflages.

Little is known about the exact manpower of B3S, but a few things were known about their organization. The military branch of B3S consists of six Commando Battalions (CBs 1-5 and 7), each one with different operational areas. It is supposed, that B3S CBs were smaller than a standard military battalion and have around 1000 men each. These battalions were organized in two battle groups, a special operations and a combat support group.

It is estimated, that a special operations group consists of 20 direct action squads, at least one specialized recon squad, several two men sniper teams, as well as staff and intelligence personal. A special operations squad usually consist of 7 operators: the squad leader, a combat medic, a designated marksman and 4 assaulter, divided into two pairs. Depending on the mission, the squad size and composition can vary. The 4 assaulter also have different specializations: one carries an LMG for suppressive fire, one is a specialised breacher, one is an explosives expert and the last one is the squad radio operator. It is supposed, that a special operations group has around 200 men.

Support groups were organized similar to a military battalion and have 1 staff, 1 supply, 1 training and 5 infantry companies. This sums up to another estimate 800 men.

The 6th battalion is divided into two sections, objective and personal security and consists of three cohorts. Two of the battalions cohorts were trained for objective and one for personal security. It is supposed, that every cohort has around 500 men. Same as a special operations group, every security cohort consists of several 7 men squads, additional sniper teams, as well as staff and intelligence personal. The squad sizes can vary due to the nature of operation.

Based on these informations, it is supposed, that the military branch of B3S has around 7500 men. This does not include the manpower of B3Ss air force, tank platoons, attack and transport helicopter pilots, the pioneer corps, medical corps, offshore combat ship crews and the sea, air, land supply fleet personal. It is supposed, that these additional manpower summs up to round 14.000 personal. In addition to these round 14.000 men you need to count the round 20.000 personal in the civil branch and you may have the final count for B3S manpower.

PS: there were also some 1000+ people working in the administration of B3S, pure desk jobs in a climated, landscaped office somewhere in Germany. It is supposed however, that some of these administrative staff actually were the not so nice kind of IT specialist, commonly known as hacker. Some other assumptions orbit around the hearsay, that there is some sort of secret service agency hidden in this administrative complex.

Campaigns

Most of their operations are top secret, and since they were established in November 2014, B3S accomplished several campaigns all around the world. They took part in anti terror missions in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, conducted HVT hunter-killer and hunter-capture missions, interceded in multiple African civil wars and anti pirate campaigns, combat Mexican and South American drug cartels, protect cargo and cruise ships from pirates, prevented high-level individuals (such as diplomates, politicians, company bosses, aid group personal and reporters) from being kidnaped or murdered and conducted hostage rescue and return missions.

Mexican Cartels Campaign

Since their founding, operators of B3S 4th CB assisted the Mexican federal police and military in their war against the drug cartels. The main role of the teams sent over by request of Mexican government is tactics and weapon training, reconnaissance as well as observation of arrests. B3S special forces operators were sent to make out valuable targets, observe them and prepare military strikes. In the following action B3S acts as observer to ascertain tactical mistakes and suggest improvements. In the aftermath training programs were developed and implemented. As this approach proved very effective, the drug cartels offered bounties on B3S operators. In this case it was unsurprisingly that on March 3rd 2016 federal police officers opened fire on their instructors. During a live fire exercise two officers deviously opened fire from behind and shot three B3S instructors in the back before anyone could react. After the first burst B3S operators responded quickly, returned fire and killed both officers. As all B3S operators always wear full protection gear on the shooting range, two operators were saved by their Level III+ AR500 steel plates. The third operator was not that lucky as one bullet hit the upper edge of the plate, bounced off, pierced his neck, and killed him instantly. This incident was the first report about a B3S special forces operator killed in action. It later was revealed, that both federal police officers were not corrupt, but their families held hostage by cartel killers and both were extorted with the life of their families. The dead bodies of two women and seven children were found three days after the assassination attempt in the desert near Juárez. There was no reaction by B3S in no way, but at high noon March 10th 2016, the entire leadership of the Juárez, Sinaloa and Tijuana cartel was killed in a simultaneous sniper assault. The assassinations were so precise and well timed, that only B3S special forces sniper were qualified for such an action. Every shot was fired from around 1000m distance with calibre .450 FAC, so it is obvious, that B3S used the FAC Scout Sniper that was in field test at that time. After the loss of their leadership, a war of succession went on, and in the following months hundreds of drug cartel militia lost their lives. It was obvious, that sooner or later a new leadership would establish, but the message was clear: "Never mess with us again!" And the message was understood, as from March 10th 2016, the drug cartels never again intervened against B3S operators.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

In November 2013, an article roiled the experts of ancient studies. Stephanie Dalley from the Oriental Institute in Oxford announced her theory, that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon weren't actually located in Babylon, but in Nineveh. To proof her theory, she was willing to lead an excavation team, but fundraising and necessary preparations took her team a lot of time. During their efforts to get the expedition off the ground, IS raised in Iraq and conquered the territories around the ancient city of Nineveh. Even extremely dangerous and nearly unfeasible before, their expedition now seems to be sheer impossible. But one of Dalley's associate's, a young embedded journalist, remembered his time in a Mexican military police unit and their war against the drug cartels. During this time he also came in contact with B3S operators, which impressed him with their professionalism. This young journalist than suggested to send a request to FAC chairman an commander of B3S Andrew Wetzel for military assistance. Problematik for Dr. Dalley and her team were the sheer costs of their expedition even without the costs of a PMC escort, as they barely had enough money for all the needed equipment and scientific staff. But Dr. Dalley and their fellows were lucky, as chairman Wetzel appeared to be a great fan of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He not only consented to help on his own account, but surprised everybody, as he also declared to participate as field commander of the PMC force accompanied to Dr. Dalleys team. This was the first reported time since the founding of B3S, that chairman Wetzel lead his private militia into the field by himself. The whole expedition wouldn't be known outside the realms of ancient studies, if there weren't a huge battle fought by B3S against ISIL combatants that were preparing to destroy the remains of ancient Nineveh.

In mid Dezember 2014, after more than a year of preparation time, the expedition around Dr. Dalley and B3S commander Wetzel startet off Rammstein airbase, where some of B3S Globemaster were stationed. The plan was to land on Erbil Airport and drive to the outskirts of Mosul, where the ancient city of Nineveh was located, by armored trucks. Dr. Dalley expected to find the remains of the Hanging Gardens in the Tigris-Zab-Delta round 30km outside Mosul.

Arrest of Ali Bashar

Another special operation that was partly revealed to general public was the arrest of Ali Bashar. He is an Iraqi refugee that fled back to Iraq after raping an 11 year old and killing a 15 year old girl in Wiesbaden/Germany. Zero dark thirty June 7th to June 8th 2018, B3S special forces entered the home of Ali Bashars family in northern Iraq and arrested the suspect. Less is known about this operation and at first it was awarded to Kurdish security forces, but later Kurdish officials denied an intervention. They declared, that they authorized the landing of an airplane from Germany in the evening hours of June 7th. It was an American type military airplane but had no flag on it, so they assumed it was not from the German military. It is known, that B3S uses Boing C-17 Globemaster III, the same type of airplane that was authorized to land at the Erbil International Airport. The arrivals had official documents but none of them wore German uniforms or flags. Also the reported arsenal was typical for B3S special forces operators. Kurdish security forces escorted the 21 military looking guys and their vehicles to the hometown of Ali Bashars family and monitored the operation. 21 would be the typical count for three full B3S special forces teams. Also the two used vehicles were typical for B3S as they drove one MPF-MP-VI APC and one SPF-MP-VII APC. After the successful raid, the operators and their package instantly drove back to Kerbil Airport, jumped on their plane and flew off. German government never revealed any information about the operation, but reported, that Ali Bashar was handed over to German Federal Police on June 9th. It is very certain, that B3S conducted this illegal arrest, but as they operated in a political grey zone, nothing will fall back on German government, as they never sent own troops. Because B3S founder and commander Andrew Wetzel often uses his militia for private and business matters, it is also not quite clear if German government contracted B3S for this operation or if they operated on his order.

Mediterranean Sea Campaign

After the Italian parliament election in March 2018, B3S signed a controversial contract with the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek government. Many human rights organisations besieged the concerned governments and B3S executives to cancel this contract, as the main part of this paper is border protection against people smugglers in the Mediterranean Sea. This means patrolling international waters, stop refugee boats, detain the smugglers and bring the passengers back to the African coast. Human rights organisations call this contract inhumane, but were disabused after B3S invited observers on their ships. B3S provides food, water and medical care to every refugee they pick up. All people that got detained were interrogated, registered, fingerprints and retina scans were saved, and afterwards they were brought back to the African coast. Only the smugglers stay arrested on B3S ships and were brought before Spanish courts. After the refugees were aboard a B3S ship, the smuggler ships were handed over to civil contractors, and towed to European harbors to go for scrap. To fullfil the contract, B3S operates with ships, long range radar detection, drones, helicopters and even satellites to locate the starting points of people smugglers and intercept them as soon as they reach international waters. For this campaign B3S bought four offshore cutter used by the US Coast Guard. All four cost round $180 million, and it is obvious, that B3S financial outcome with this contract is much higher. In August 2018 France and Libya joined the anti people smuggling contract because of their own political reasons. France reasons were, that a private aid group rescue ship called Aquarius, yet again tried to escape the B3S blockade to reach French ports. Even more embarrassing for France is, that it is a French aid group and therefore France feels betrayed by its own people. Libya joined the contract because ships like the Aquarius more than once infringed Libyan territorial waters for maritime salvage of refugees. As the Libyan civil war rekindled again in July 2018, Libyan coast guard is not present any more to stop these ships from breaking international rules. As part of the contracting party, Libya will not pay B3S, but offers their ports in Tripolis and Sirte, as well as refueling, replenishment and the permission to operate in Libyan territorial waters and on their shores. With the expansion of their campaign, B3S bought another ship, a former German Federal Coast Guard ship of the Seeadler-Class. This unarmed ship is used as a platform to interrogate and register detained refugees, interrogate, register and arrest smugglers, as well as to return the refugees to African ports after interrogation and registration.

BOPE Training

All models of G37 rifles ordered by BOPE.

Demonstration vehicle FAS SPF-MP-VII Police with BOPE logo.

Another doubtful B3S campaign was the BOPE training in June 2018. The Brasilian military police unit bought 550 of FACs G37/2 rifles in different versions, as well as spare parts, magazines, tactical equipment and ammunition. In course of this order they also asked for weapon instructors. Since B3S already had this rifle in service, they declared ready to comply with BOPE. As part of the weapon contract and B3S willingness to sent instructors, three special forces teams of the 5th CB were sent to train BOPE soldiers. As this unit still is controversial due to the harsh and trigger happy methods in their fight against organized crime, drug dealers and gangs, human rights organisations were unamused, that a European private military company came to train them. Their discomfort even increased as it was clear, that B3S not only trained BOPE how to use their new rifles, but also trained new tactics and techniques. Human rights organisations and oppositionists organized protest marches and sit-ins in order to end this training. Another spark in the tinderbox was a reporters publication of a secret governmental document that confirmed another contract with FAS, the armored vehicle divison of FAC. In this contract it is said, that BOPE orders twenty brand new FAS SPF-MP-VII in the police version for their fleet. Human rights organisations were worried that these heavy armored fighting vehicles would be used to bring even more harm to the favelas. This concerns confirmed, as photographers took pictures of a demonstration model with BOPE emblem, that was used during the weapons training. It was demonstrated how tough these vehicles are, as it was used as target during weapon drills and afterwards driven through the mockup of a typical favela housing. All protests came to nothing, and B3S finished weapon training and tactic drills by end of September 2018.

Bloody Monday Incident

In the aftermath of the second assault on the Spanish exclave Ceuta on 26th Juli 2018 (were 600 refugees attacked Spanish border patrol with self made flamethrowers and caustic burnt lime, and managed to overcome the line fence), Spanish government signed a contract with B3S to protect their African territories. Fife hundred civil branch B3S operators were sent to Ceuta and Melilla to support the Guardia Civil. These forces provide manpower and tactical knowledge as well as the equipment to manage such situations without deadly force. Equipped with the police versions of FAS light and medium APCs, pepper spray, taser, various less-lethal grenades, less-lethal shotguns and the less-lethal ADR-III, they were ready to face upcoming assaults. Only a few days after their deployment, a mob of round seven hundred refugees tried to assault Melilla the same way it was practiced in Ceuta. One hundred B3S operators faced this assault with the massive firepower of their less-lethal weapons and grenades, as well as their intimidating armored trucks. Some operators even carried the FAC AP IV in a civil branch field test. This full auto shotgun is able to fire various less-lethal slugs and grenades at 240rpm. B3S counterpunched the assault, flanked the mob and hounded them to flight. This skirmish later was named "Bloody Monday" by international press, as 51 refugees lost their lives and round 400 got wounded. Even though most of the 51 casualties were trampled to death by the fleeing crowd, B3S was harshly criticized for their drastic measures that caused the human stampede.

Indonesian Aid Program

After the fatal series of earthquakes in Indonesia on August 5th 2018, B3S launched a massive aid program with a part of their sea/air transport fleet, sent military personal out of their medical and pioneer corps, as well as personal out of their security forces to protect people against scavengers. With two Globemaster III they flew in medical personnel and equipment as well as pioneers and their machinery, a third Globemaster had relief supplies on board. On their way home to reload they took stranded vacationers with them. Via transport ship B3S sent more relief supplies, as well as heavy machinery, more medical supplies and personnel. This multi million dollars program was expended with the tsunami and volcano catastrophe and supported by German, French, British and US governments.

Libyan Coast Skirmish

With the B3S blockade in the Mediterranean Sea and the alowence to operate from Libyan ports, in Libyan territorial waters and on their shores, the refugee crisis heated up real quick. Since August 10th, B3S tries to stop illegal immigration to Europe right at the shores of Libya and deployed troops of the 2nd CB. Deploying the 2nd CB is comprehensible, cause it is the assigned unit for North Africa. Most of the work still is done at the sea, but on August 15th 2018 B3S drones spottet a crowd of possible refugees behind sand dunes by the shore. A camouflaged object nearby on the beach was identified as possible rubber raft, typically used by people smugglers. To verify their suspicion, B3S launched an NH90 helicopter from a Reliance-class cutter patrolling 108 nmi away. With two special forces squads of the 2nd CB aboard they reached the theater 50 minutes after the first sighting. As human rights organisations constantly criticize B3S for their Mediterranean Sea Campaign, everything always is documented by helmet cams. These cameras than recorded the following dramatic scenes. The suspicious crowd turned out as a group of refugees, people smugglers, as well as ISIL combatants that uses the smugglers to plant sleepers. As soon as the helicopter came into range the ISIL combatants opened fire. This forced the pilots to stop their run-up and turn sideways to give the door gunner the opportunity to return fire. But he never opened fire as the ISIL combatants and people smugglers used refugees as human shields. As every special forces squad has its designated marksman, there were two of them aboard, so the helicopter stayed sideways, started to circle, and the marksman squared off. It is not easy to fire from a helicopter as you are not only on an instable platform, but also need to calculate the downdraft of the rotor blades, as well as compensate the forward movement of the helicopter. Nevertheless, both marksman hit targets, but only a few shots were fired. The main goal was to bring the helicopter in behind the combatants and deploy ground forces. As soon as the helicopter touched ground both squads jumped off and spread out to put the screws on the combatants. While the assaulter tried to surround the crowd, both designated marksman stayed back to provide reconnaissance and cover fire. They tried to separate the combatants from their human shields so that the assaulter were not confronted with possible collateral damage situations. This was partly successful, as some combatants and smugglers released their shields and tried to flee, but B3S won't let them escape. The skirmish escalated, as the last three combatants pulled out grenades and armed them. As they suicide bombed themselves in the refugees crowd, 27 refugees got killed and 14 were wounded. No B3S operator was close enough to get killed, but two operators received injuries by shrapnel. The total death toll was 43, as B3S neutralized 3 smugglers and 10 ISIL combatants, plus the 3 that suizide bombed themselves.

AIDA Assault

Map of Kismaayo port in Somalia

Only a few days after B3S 3rd CB received the first models of the new UDTR, they had a first chance to use it on a live mission. On August 21st 2018 a group of islamistic terrorists unveiled on the AIDA Amira cruise line ship and assaulted the bridge. The Amira was on her first cruise from Kapstadt around the south African coast and fully booked out, a perfect target for a terrorist group. On the same day they uploaded a video showing the decapitation of the Captain, a demonstration of their grim determination. This message was a shock for the world and many countries political leaders condemned this cruel act of violence, but none of them was willing to sent troops into African territorial waters and opted for a diplomatic approach. And so the terrorists were able to reach Kismaayo, a port town in Somalia, unharmed within 8 days, cruising through territorial waters of South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. None of these countries, expect from South Africa, was willing to help or allowed the deployment of troops for rescue missions. Somalia however was a different problem, as this country is nearly 100% Islamic, and a majority of it's population is in favour of an Islamic Africa. As a matter of fact, most of the inhabitants of Kismaayo were sympathetic to the hijackers. In the save haven of Kismaayo, guarded by the local militia, the terror group unveiled their endeavor and ultimatum for the first time. They wanted the United States and their allies to end all acts of war on African territories, the end of western interventions against Somalia pirates, full retreat of European and American corporations exploiting Africa and the Islam as only religion on the African continent. This was an enormous task and the terrorist set the countdown on 30 days from August 29th on. Every day at 12:00 from now on they will execute two hostages, one male and one female, until their claims were fulfilled. With an evil grin, the terrorist leader complements, that on every 7th day, they will execute a pair of children. If the claims were not fulfilled by 12:00 on the last day of their ultimatum, they will blow up the entire ship. With nearly 1.700 people aboard, this would be a horrible szenario an the most fateful terror attack since 9/11. The terrorists then sperated the high value passengers from the others and brought them to a guest house nearly 2 km away from the landing stage. This was done to make the tactical situation worse for any attacking force, so that they might think twice before they react.

During the time the Amira required to reach Kismaayo, the Carnival Corporation, currently the world's largest travel leisure company and owner of AIDA Cruises, made contact with B3S to negotiate a contract to rescue passengers and ship. On the same day the terrorist unvailed their endeavor, first B3S combat diver and scout sniper reached Kismaayo Port. Their order was to establish observation positions on Fafaatu island, round 700m away from the AIDA Amira, and on a promontory round 500m away from the Jubbaland Guest House. Underwater demolition teams meanwhile prepared the causeway that lead to Kismaayo Port, as well as two naval patrol vessels, with explosives in order to cut local militia from the scenario as soon as B3S launches their attack. As there were only a few high value hostages held prison in the guest house, the plan of action was to evacuate them via helicopter, launched from a nearby B3S Dattilo-class cutter. All other hostages should be evacuated aboard the recaptured Amira, escorted by B3S naval forces and covered by drones and helicopters. The first phase of this plan was extremely hard for B3S operators, as they had to watch the executions without being able to interfere, but the most important part was to make out, how many terrorists were aboard the ship, how they were positioned as well as usual patrol routes and other routines. The ultimate goal was to be ready for an attack before the first children could be executed, so B3S had maximum six days to gain all necessary information. Twelve more casualties were accepted by the officials, but the operators in the field were unwilling to wait that long.

During their flight to Kenia all members of the assault teams studied the ships deck plans and made up a makeshift plan to conduct as soon as they arrived at the theater. The plan was to attack the ship zero dark thirty the same night of the arrival and consisted of two assault teams (Delta and Echo) from sea and port, with support by UDT Charlie and sniper cover by recon team Alpha. Meanwhile a third and fourth assault team (Foxtrott and Gamma) should attack the Jubbaland Guest House via two helicopters and sniper cover by recon team Bravo. The few hours from arrival till zero dark thirty, the assault teams were briefed by the scout force and then rushed into attack position. UDT Charlie joint Echo on the seaside and was supposed to search the ship for the explosives whilst the attack unfolds. Meanwhile Delta infiltrated the port and took cover in a storehouse beside the Amira, where they deployed additional designated marksman on the roof. The hours past and 00:30 September 1st, B3S operators started the assault. Delta's marksman took out the patrols on the starboard side and the two prongs of Delta boarded the Amira via the main landing stage and telescopic ladder in the rear. Whilst the starboard side attack was in full swing, Echo and Charlie hooked their telescopic ladders on the port side to attack from the water. As they boarded the ship out of the water, they were equipped with B3S latest acquirement, the FAC UDTR, an underwater rifle similar in concept to the Russian APS rifle. Whoever, the UDTR in its first iteration had a huge flaw and that was the missing stock. This rifle was primarily meant for underwater use and therefore designers deemed a stock unnecessary. During the attack on the Amira, Echo and Charlie used these rifles to board the ship from the water and their immediate and unexpected first hostile contact was with these rifles in hand. The missing stock in combination with the operators inexperience in the usage of these new acquired rifles lead to a disaster, as the two operators opening fire on the contact not only missed by far, but also managed to hit two of the hostages that were escorted by the hostiles. In the unfolding firefight, the hostiles were able to not only pin down the boarding team, but also mortally wound both operators that engaged with their UDTRs. The rest of Echo and Charlie took cover, switched to their pistols and lay down cover fire, whilst hastily unpacking their SMGs. With Echo and Charlie compromised, Delta split their forces and the rear boarding party rushed to relieve the pinned down comrades on the port side. The evolving firefight alarmed the whole garrison on board and they rapidly swarmed out to bring the attackers to bay. As the terrorist on the starboard side swarmed out on the decks, the marksman and sniper cover came into action and hailed down lead on the hostiles.

Strasbourg Christmas Fair

After a terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Strasbourg on December 11th 2018, with five dead and twelve wounded, armed B3S civil branch officers were hired to help protecting Christmas fairs in Germany, France and Austria.

Flight Security Strike

On January 10th, airport security personnel on three German airports laid down their work, cause they wanted more money. The problem for the airport management was that, on this single day, more than 600 flights need to be canceled and more than 110.000 passengers were hit by this strike. To deal with this delicate situation, airport management from Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart hired B3S civil branch operators to bridge the gulf, avoid flight cancellations and a flood of lawsuits. An offensive potshot to the striking security personnel was, that they wanted to have 20€ hourly wage instead of the current 17,50€, but the airport management paid B3S operators 30€ hourly wage. The managements argument was, that B3S operators were qualified professionals with a 3 years education and the permission to carry guns, whereas the striking security personnel only completed a 1-3 month training and were non-experts. A few days after the first strikes, another eight German airports were strike-hit. Security personnel on the airports of Hamburg, Hanover, Bremen, Munich, Dresden, Leipsic/Halle, Erfurt and Frankfurt/Main laid down their work on January 15th to demonstrate for more money. As on January 10th, airport management forehandedly hired B3S civil branch operators to avoid massive flight cancellations, most of all on Frankfurt airport.

AfD Contract

After a series of assumed politically motivated bomb attacks on bureaus of the German right wing party AfD (Alternative für Deutschland - Alternative for Germany), as well as a beating attack against Frank Magnitz, the chairman of the AfD Bremen, the AfD hired B3S civil branch operators to protect their members and bureaus. This contract lead to another critical debate about B3S, this time about their political orientation. Principal plaintiff in this new scandal was the German left wing party DieLinke supported by Bündnis90, an ecologic party. However, a review board of the German Bundestag concluded, that signing a contract with a right wing party does not imply, that the contractor shares the same political orientation, and therefore B3S was acquitted from any charge.

Russo-Ukrainian War

With the full blown invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, B3S, its parent company FAC (Fire Arms Company) and FAC subsidiary FAS (Fire Armoring Solutions) started a training and equipment cooperation with Ukraine's land forces. Therefore B3S sent troops from the 3rd and 7th commando battalion to train Ukrainian forces in tactics. This training also involved the mass of sent small arms, ATGMs, MANPADs and even heavy equipment sent by FAS. The subcompany for armored vehicles delivered several APCs, IFVs, anti-aircraft tanks and self-propelled guns to Ukraine. With the western repeal of the MBT delivery ban, FAS also started to deliver its Scorpion MBT, on which Ukrainian tankers were wisely, but secretly trained beforehand. As FAC and FAS ramped up production as soon as Russian troops started to mass on Ukrainian borders, they had a lot of different ammunition, small arms, missiles and ammunition for their 35mm IFV and anti-aircraft tank cannons on the shelves. The production of the 120mm and 155mm shells also was increased to guarantee a steady supply of ammunition for the heavy material. B3S troops only assisted in training, functioned as observers and advisor. Contrary to Russian propaganda, they never conducted combat operations. During the conflict in Ukraine, B3S first came into contact with PMC Vidplata, founded by Ukrainian nationals in the opening stage of the invasion. This PMC, consisting of former members of the territorial defense forces, was already a battle hardened group when B3S first met them. In the upcoming month, a bond between brothers-in-arms should be formed, that later brought B3S and PMC Vidplata together in an alliance.

Blood for Money

On midday 04.21.2022 a B3S armored transport was attacked in Lower Manhattan. This transport was loaded with millions in confiscated cash and valuables out of Russian oligarchs safe deposit boxes, that should be transported to a central US customs depot. As this transport was one of the few that wasn't executed by US Secret Service, the attackers were confident to achieve their goals without messing with official US agencies. They imagined this civil transport as an easy target and made their move. In the middle of traffic, they blocked the transport with a stolen garbage truck from the front and a van from the back. In a swift move, the attackers swarmed out the side doors of the van, attached explosives to the back door of the armored transport and took cover. The explosion was hefty, but didn't succeed to fully blow through the armor. The special armor of the FAS MPF-VI is not made of steel only and also much thicker than average armored transport armor. Also the additional inner steel cage stayed intact and the blow out system of the MPF-VI successfully saved the crew from the explosion blast. Driver and co-driver were unaffected by the blast in the fully separated front compartment, but came under fire from the hatch of the garbage truck. They were saved by the armored glass and were able to return fire through the front firing ports, killing both attackers in the garbage truck hatch. As two other attackers came around the garbage truck from the driver's cab, they were also pinned down by the driver and co-driver. Meanwhile the four attackers in the back trying to open the partly blown off cargo doors, suddenly came under fire by an undercover support vehicle that prior to the attack fell back cause of the unexpected heavy traffic that day. It later was revealed, that this heavy traffic was created by a traffic accident, staged by accomplices of the robbers. As the seven undercover guards reached the theater, they immediately swarmed out and pinned down the robbers. One was instantly killed by the surprise attack, another one got shot in the right leg and arm. Back in cover, the surviving robbers weren't safe at all, as they came under fire by the security guards out of the armored transport. The guards had recovered from the explosion and opened fire through the two hatches in the back doors. Caught in the crossfire, the surviving robbers in the back were killed. The last two robbers, the garbage truck drivers, were pinned down by fire out of the driver's cab, and now also came under fire by the advancing undercover guards. As the undercover unit spread out to put the screws on the last two robbers, they missed, that a manhole behind the armored transport was opened. An armed accomplice of the robbers came up and opened fire from behind. One guard was hit in the hipp, just under the bulletproof vest, and went down mortally wounded. The guard next to him was hit in the leg and gluteal and also went down. Before any of the undercover guards could react, the crew of the armored truck recognized this unexpected thread and opened fire, killing the accomplice in the manhole with multiple headshots. As the guards in the back of the truck kept an eye on the manhole, the five undercover guards still in the fight, pinned down the last two robbers on the street and killed them in a crossfire with the guards in the driver's cab. As these threats were neutralized, four undercover guards got a move on the manhole to secure it. One guard rolled a flashbang down the manhole and as a reaction a hefty salvo came up the well. As the grenade exploded, one of the guards took a quick sight down the well and immediately opened fire on a distracted accomplice down in the sewer tunnel. These were the last shots fired, as now the guards set perimeter defense and waited for the police. The unbelievable death toll of this failed robbery was one B3S guard and ten robbers. Later investigations by NYPD revealed, that the robbers and their accomplices were members and sympathizers of the infamous American terror group Blood Suckers. This horrific shootout in Lower Manhattan was B3S first contact with this terror group, but it shouldn't be the last one.

Reformations

1st Reformation 2015

The beginning of the refugees crisis in Europe, the ill-treatment of refugees in German refugee hostels, as well as the upcoming danger of terrorist attacks in Europe, set a new direction for B3S. A civil branch was formed and B3S recruited from the German national police, German federal police and the German public order office, as well as from other European police forces. This new division has five different functions:

1) The most important role of the civil division is the protection of FAC facilities. Former members of police special forces were favored for this role.

2) Event Security is the largest part of B3S civil division. They were hired to protect public festivals, sport events, concerts and other major events. This unit also takes care of the refugee hostels in Germany, guards the new Ankerzentren and supports police forces and border patrol in their duties. Former police officers and German federal police Hundertschaft anti-riot officers were favored for this role.

3) As their military counterpart, they provide personal security, but only in Germany, Europe and the USA. German federal police Personenschützer are favored for this role.

4) They also provide object security in Germany and Europe. As for the event security, for this role police officers and German federal police Hundertschaft anti-riot officers were favored.

5) Guarded transports are also part of the civil branch. Former members of police special forces were favored for this role, especially of the German MEK.

2nd Reformation 2017

With the reform of B3S battle doctrine in 2017, a standard arsenal was established. Before that, B3S members were free to choose their weapons, but this lead to a difficult supply situation, because there were a lot of different weapons and calibers in use. Even though most preferred FAC products, a lot of different assault and sniper rifles as well as pistols, SMGs and shotguns were in use. This made the supply situation with ammunition and spare parts confusing and overly complicated. As B3S forms its own transport fleet of trucks, ships and aircraft, it now is possible to ship supplies directly from the factory to the combat zone. Uniforms, body armor, helmets and boots were also supplied by FAC.

3rd Reformation 2017

In late 2017 B3S adopted new military branches to expand their strike capability. Before that, they only were an infantry formation with small support and transport units. Since 2018, they were a military power with a small but powerful air force, tank platoons, attack and transport helicopters, a pioneer corps, a medical corps, offshore combat ships and a sizable sea, air, land supply fleet.

4th Reformation 2022

In mid 2022, B3S procurement division startet talks concerning the planned new camouflage standard of the military branch. For its re-equipment, B3S officials negotiated a deal with camouflage developer Pencott for a range of their latest designs, five of which were chosen. An additional contract was signed with Leo Köhler, to produce their KSK BDU trousers, field blouse and jacket in the selected Pencott camouflage patterns. Another contract was sealed with Tasmanian Tiger to produce plate carriers in Pencott camouflage. The chosen camouflages were Badlands, Greenzone, Metropolis, Sandstorm and Snowdrift. To further differentiate between the services, the civil branch and 6th regiment contractors received plain OD-Green uniforms with field grey plate carriers if necessary. This step was made to look more civilian than with camouflage pattern uniforms. All members of the B3S ship crews received a navy blue field uniform and use a Pencott Metropolis camouflaged plate carrier if necessary. To emphasize the special status of helicopter and plane pilots, they received a special so called Topographic Camo pattern uniform and (especially helicopter pilots) make use of a Pencott Badlands camouflaged plate carrier.

5th Reformation 2023

The alliance logo.

Company logos of the four allies.

In early 2023, B3S has undergone its most profound reformation, starting talks with different PMC companies from all around the world to form an alliance. Five month later, they had three companies on board: South Korean Global Security Services, Ukrainian PMC Vidplata and Swedish Valkyrie. These companies were vital to B3S, as they not only expanded the available manpower, but also created new spheres of influence for B3S. Under the acronym A41, an alliance was formed which, similar to NATO, is committed to mutual aid. B3S part on this mutual aid however doesn't necessarily involved manpower, as they foremost established this alliance to expand into regions, that were politically ultrahazardous for western PMC companies. Such regions involve Russia, former Soviet Union countries and China. Before the alliance, B3S had no commando battalions for these specific regions, as they were deemed as political tinderboxes for western involvement. The start of the Russo-Ukranian War then changed the opinion of B3S officials and they started an equipment and training cooperation with Ukraine's land forces. This conflict ultimately confirmed the need for further expansion into regions that were prior deemed as dangerous for western involvement, which also includes regions, that China has an eye on. B3S therefore partnered with regional PMCs and started training and equipping them to gain a foothold there. In case of arising conflicts in one of these regions, B3S is now able to sent troops (also more than often in their own interests), without involving the typical western national staff of B3S.

Weapons and Equipment

Tactical Equipment:

The different B3S units use different kinds of tactical equipment. Most important is the Fire Electronics 1200 lumen tactical flashlight, cause a good flashlight could be a lifesaver. Therefore B3S recently adopted FEs latest model, the Enforcer Xs. This taclight offers two power outputs, that can be selected by the thumb button. A light press gives you 600 lumen, a hard press 1200 lumen and press in and hold offers 1200 lumen strobo mode until you release the button. The Enforcer Xs uses a rechargeable 3.6v lithium-ion battery (capacity is 5000mAh), that can be charged with any modern USB-C smartphone/tablet charger and the standard accessory USB-C to magnetic clip cable, that is pinned to the end cap of the Enforcer. The monobloc batteries were removable, so it is possible to carry spare batteries for your taclight. To load spare batteries, Fire Electronics also offers a 65 Watt super fast charging station for up to 8 batteries. With a special battery magazine it is also possible to power the Enforcer with two CR123A batteries.

Also very important is the CS-Spray, especially for the event security officers of B3S civil branch. These officers also make great use of the telescopic bats, which are on every security officers belt.

The Knock-Knock door kicker is mostly in use with the B3S military branch special forces and support troops.

The latest additions to B3S tactical equipment is the Fire Electronics thermal night vision scope TNS-Vc with 8k resolution, variable zoom from 1-100x, photo and video function, integrated laser range finder and laser target designator. With this device, B3S special forces operators were able to identify, record and mark targets during any daytime or weather conditions. The TNS-Vc is powered by four of the larger monobloc 7500mAh 3.6v lithiu-ion batteries used in the FE Enforcer Taclight series and is also recharged with a smartphone charger and the standard accessory USB-C to magnetic clip cable.

Another important asset is the latest Fire Electronics phablet A24-M, that gives B3S troops the ability to connect via a secured satellite network. This device has a highly secured software that provides the operators for example with GPS battlefield navigation, a real time battlefield management system, the ability to connect with and operate reconnaissance drones, secured communication via a messaging service similar in range of function as WhatsApp (text or voice chat, sending pictures or videos, single or group chats, status posts and video or voice calls), an 8k camera system with three (white, yellow and infrared) flashes, night vision capability, infrared sensor and max 100x digital zoom, as well as some apps that were important for field operators, such as the B3S handbook, a survival handbook, the German Grundgesetz, a military lexicon, a recognition guide for weapons, vehicles and equipment, a flora and fauna guide, a military fitness app, a weather app, a multi language translator with text or voice in/output, a navigation app, apps to create documents, a calculator, calendar and world time app, and a highly secured email app. The A24-M has an integrated 10.000mAh lithium-ion battery, that uses USB-C to USB-C super fast charging up to 65 Watt. The A24-Ms standard accessory 65 Watt super fast charger can also be used to recharge the Enforcer and TNS-Vc batteries.

Shields:

B3S operators can choose between three types of shields. In use with the civil branch operators is a transparent, 4mm strong polycarbonate anti-riot shield, wich is very durable. It can withstand anything from bats, clay bricks, blades, axes, fire to even birdshot out of a shotgun. The second one is the latest AS.3, a level IV ballistic shield mainly used by B3S military special forces. This shield is rated to stop 7.62x39, 7.62x48 as well as 7.62x51 armor piercing rounds. It features an easy to replace bulletproof glass viewport and the same handle configuration as seen on the anti-riot shield. Another great plus of the ballistic shield were its two 1000L Cree-LED lights that offer constant beam or stroboscopic flash light. With the model 3, FAC created a wider range of sizes and forms, so B3S decided to choose two version, the standard and the short version.

Blades:

All B3S units use blades, and FAC offers three different types. The widest spread type is the dual action OTF knife in the Survivor version. This huge pocket knife is in use with every branch and unit of B3S. FACs combat knife Jagddolch XXIII (hunting dagger) is exclusively used by the B3S military branch and can be found on most operators belts. The enormous two-handed machete Bushmaster VII is also exclusively used within the military branch of B3S.

Tools:

B3S military branch uses two types of tools. One is a simple tomahawk, the other some kind of multitool. The FAC Viking Assault Tool is a combination of ten useful tools for military frontline personal. It combines a crowbar, a hammer, an ax, a spade, a shovel, a machete, two saws, a wirecutter and has a dual action OTF knife in the grip. Both ends could be removed from the tool, and you find the OTF knife under the shovel head. Two additional end caps are part of the package. The grip fits if you remove the ax head and supports you while using the shovel/spade function of the Viking Assault Tool. The round end cap is used to prevent the OTF knife from falling out of the grip if you remove the shovel head to use the ax, hammer or crowbar.

Explosives:

Seven different types of hand grenades are in use within all branches of B3S. These grenades are manufactured by FAC and can be used one handed. To activate the timer you need to flip up the colored latch on top of the grenade with your thumb, press in the button underneath and the 7 sec timer is activated. The color indicates the type of grenade: white is a standard smoke/fog grenade to cover your position or blind the enemy. Green and yellow smoke are used to mark your/save (green) or enemy/hostile (yellow) position. Blue indicates the flash-bang, red is a teargas grenade, orange a rubber pellets filled grenade and sand a HE grenade.

If B3S pioneers or special forces need to blow things up, they use a demolition pack with six rolls C4 combined with a simple electronic timer/detonator device. Activating the so called BOOM-Pack is simple: pull out the red security strip on the right side of the timer, than press and hold the red ARM button until the timer starts to blink on the screen. Then use the blue + and - buttons to set the timer. If you press the buttons short you set the seconds, if you hold them you set minutes, and pressing both buttons simultaneously will set 10 minutes jumps with every press. As the timer is set, press the green Set button and the display tells you in two lines the time you set, e.g. "05:30" and "Press ARM". If you want to reset the timer just press Set again, if not, press the red ARM button and the timer starts. In case you have chosen reset, you have two possibilities: first one is to set a new timer as explained before, or you are able to deactivate the BOOM-Pack through press and hold the ARM button. A helpfull feature is the Quick-BOOM function, that could be activated by pressing ARM-Set-ARM, wich activates a 10sec timer. Maximum timer for the BOOM-Pack is 60:00. The latest update to the BOOM-Pack is the possibility for remote controlled detonation. To set the remote controlled fuze, you need to press and hold the ARM button and as soon as the timer starts to blink you press and hold the Set button until the display shows "Remote Detonation" and "Press Set". If you want to remotely detonate press Set and the display shows you a detonation code, that you need to type into the therefore installed app on the A24-M phablet. After the code was accepted by the app, the phablet and BOOM-Pack were connected, the display shows "Remote Detonation" and "ACTIVATED" and there appears a red button on the phablet screen as well as a status display of the BOOM-Pack, that also shows, if the device still is in detonation range. The operator is now able to remotely detonate the device by pressing and holding the red button for 3 seconds. For security reasons, the display can be turned off or the app be closed, the BOOM-Pack still stays connect until the operator unlocks the screen or reopens the app, and it is also possible to deactivate the BOOM-Pack with the app. All instructions on how to use the BOOM-Pack were written down on the back of the device.

Ammunition

For its wide range of weapons, B3S also uses a variety of different calibers and ammunition types. With the standardization of its arsenal in 2017, B3S also held trials to find the ideal calibers. The more or less forceful introduction of the G37 as standard service rifle, let no choice for the assault rifles caliber, but B3S had a lot of other guns to standardize on. The end result was 12 different calibers and 26 different ammunition types in total.

Starting for the less-lethal weapons, FAC produces different projectiles for its shotguns,that also includes 12 gauge grenades. The .45 LL is a special production by FAC, a polymer cased .45 caliber rubber bullet. These bullets can strike hard, as they were coming fast out of the ADR.III barrel.

For handguns and SMGs, B3S uses four different calibers. The most common one is the 10mm Auto, that is used in B3Ss standard handgun, as well as in their SMGs. Guarded transport personal were the only branch, that uses the .357 Magnum in their revolver. As the military branch fields a different SMG/PDW, they also have one of the more specialized calibers, the 5.2x24mm. The special forces of the military branch were also the only ones using 9x19mm in the covered-ops SMGs.

Shotguns were addressed by a variety of different shells and grenades.

Including the covered-ops rifles, B3S uses three different intermediate rifle calibers, but 7.62x48 is the standard one. 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 were solely used for the covered-ops rifles. The 7.62x48 however is the standard caliber for B3Ss assault rifles, LMGs and light DMR.

The more powerful 7.62x60mm rifle cartridge was chosen as standard for the MGs, heavy DMRs, and sniper rifles of B3S. To enhance its range, B3S also adopted the .450 FAC, a special sniper cartridge, similar to the .408 Chey Tac, .416 Barrett or .460 Steyr.

Standard anti-material purpose is covered by the enormous 20x170mm, coming in three different variants. Black tip armor piercing, green tip HEIAP and a HE anti-personal projectile.

Less-Lethal Weapons:

B3S civil branch mainly uses less-lethal weapons. As their field of activity does normally not allow the use of deadly force, less-lethal weapons are the instruments of choice. FAC and Krieghoff offer five different less-lethal weapons, including the FAC Taser 9. The taser is the standart sidearm of B3S civil branch officers and can be found on every belt. What is great about this model is the possibility to use it as a distance or as a contact weapon. Two shotguns, delivered by Krieghoff, firing different less-lethal projectiles and grenades were the most important weapons of B3S civil branch. But the most loved less-lethal weapon is the FAC ADR.III (Advanced Defense Rifle), that fires FACs .45 LL rubber bullet in semi or full auto modus and is offered in two different version. One is the standard, and the other the tactical version with a railed handguard and shorter barrel.

Handguns:

B3S recently adopted the latest model of the FAC MaRS Mod.10mm in different barrel length and configurations. B3S guarded transport personal uses the FAC Dragoon in .357 Magnum single/double action revolver with 5" barrel as their standard sidearm.

Shotguns:

In 2019, B3S adopted the first guns not manufactured by FAC. Distributor of the new shotguns ordered by B3S is Krieghoff, a German small arms manufacturer specialized in high quality shotguns. Krieghoff delivers three different models of their 2000er series to B3S, two of which were specialist versions. The pump action Model 2000 Breacher is used by the military branch for door breaching. Another short version in semi auto configuration, the Auto-2000.G is exclusively used by B3S special forces for CQB operations. The standard and most widespread version is the Auot-2000.M, that is not only used by all military branches, but can also be seen in the hands of civil contractors.

Submachine Gun:

B3S uses the FAC MP5 Advanced as their SMG, a 10mm version of the iconic H&K MP5. As its H&K predecessor it uses the same roller-locked bolt and is as controllable and smooth shooting as the MP5. This weapon is primarily used by B3S civil branch with the permission to carry armed weapons, such as factory guards, guarded transport personal and object/personal security officers. The military branch has its own SMGs and makes only little use of the FAC MP5 advanced.

SMG-PDW:

As soon as FAC announced the new MP-5.2x24, B3S showed interest and ordered some test models. Most reasonable, this was done to replace the G37 bullpub series, as complaints about this PDW rose. Problems with the G37 bullpub were the immense muzzle blast, the rather hefty recoil impulse, and the consequent unpleasant shooting and handling for unexperienced shooters like tank crews or shot down pilots. B3S special forces never complained about the G37 bullpub, but also welcomed the more compact, lighter and softer shooting MP-5.2x24. Logistacally, the interchangability of ammo, magazines and some spare parts was pefect, but the drawback was a PDW in a rather heavy calibre, that was problematic for operators with lesser practical shooting experience. After B3S decommissioned the predescessor of the new MP-5.2x24 in favor for the G37 bullpub, one reason they stated was the inefficient stopping power of the smaller 5.2x24mm calibre compared to their standard 7.62x48mm. With this in mind, FAC optimized the 5.2x24mm with a new projectile, harder powder load and gave the MP-5.2x24 a slightly longer barrel to gain more benefit from the powder load. Another benefit of the new SMG/PDW is its compact size, beeing even smaller than the previous used bullpub G37. Combined with its light weight, it now is the weapon of choice for tank crews, pilot emergency kits, rear echelon troops, radio operators, combat medics, boarding teams, and special forces. In its various configurations it is also used as concealed carry weapon by B3S civil and military bodyguard units. During the adoption process, the MP-5.2x24 was tested against its predescessor, the G37 bullbub in 7.62x48mm and the G37 bullpub in 7.62x42mm. The MP-5.2x24 was the ultimate winner of this contest and outclassed its three competitors in nearly every category. After B3S finaly announced to adopt the MP-5.2x24, they started to tweak the system until they finally adopted the third iteration, Model-C.

Covered-Ops Rifle:

Sometimes there is a need for secrecy and deception. As B3S often operates with sensitive political mandates, it is essential, that you are able to minimize evidences of your intervention. Because of this, B3S uses the FAC AK-19 in 7.62x39mm and the FAC AK-20 in 5.45x39mm. These rifles were developed by FAC to modernize the AK platform for the 21st century. As these rifles fire the 7.62x39mm or 5.45x39mm you are not leaving dead giveaways of 7.62x48mm or other typical B3S calibre spent cartridges and makes it harder to identify the origin of the intruder. To further reduce evidence, B3S also does not use FAC produced 7.62x39mm or 5.45x39mm cartridges, and buys its ammunition on the global market. B3S ordered the 10" commando and 12" carbine barrel length. With the AK-22, B3S also adopted a 9x19mm SMG version to avoid using their typical 10mm SMG or 5.2x24mm PDW. These rifles also don't show the typical up to date B3S accessories, like thermal sights or the latest suppressor types, which should also help to disguise the true nature of the operators.

Assault Rifles:

B3S uses the brandnew FAC G37-7 in four different versions. As a compact CQB weapon, B3S special forces ordered the model P (PDW) with and without suppressors. The standard field weapon of B3S special forces is the C (commando) version, also with and without suppressor. B3S support battalion paratrooper and combat diver use the K (kurz) version and infantryman of the supoort battalions use the L (lang) version. Typically all four versions were equipped with FAC 1-3x30 TNS (Thermal Night Scope), AN/PEQ-15 laser/light module, tactical foregrip and the latest FAC Taclight. This weapon family was chosen, because of the failure in the Bundeswehr G36 replacement competition. FAC searched for other sales markets, because they invested a lot of money in this new assault rifle. As B3S buys all weapons from FAC, it was decided to acquire the G37 as the standard assault rifle, following the new battle doctrine coming with the second reformation. So far B3S also functions as idea generator to enhance the rifle, wich lead to more than one improvement and finally to version G37-7.

Assault Rifle Special Versions:

Two special versions of the G37-7 were in use with B3S. Where the support troops use the FAC HMG4.zero in FACs 7.62x60mm as suppressive fire weapon, this two men operated weapon is to heavy for being used in a special force. Because of that, B3S special forces field the the brandnew beltfed L (lang) version of the G37, that was specially created on their request. This new LMG offers a lightweight platform with a 150 rounds beltbox, the capability of 1200rpm suppressive fire, quick change barrel and the same calibre and similar manual of arms than any other G37 rifle. Special forces also sent out a request for the even short LMC (light machine carbine) version, that chairman Wetzel created as a personal fun gun for himself. Both versions were equipped with suppressors if necessary.

DMR, Sniper and Anti-Material Rifles:

B3S uses three different DMR systems in two calibres, FACs 7.62x48mm for the light and 7.62x60mm for the two heavy versions. Military forces uses a standard G37 and a G37 Big Bore, both equippable with suppressors if necessary. The civil branch uses the G37 Sporter with counterbalance system in 7.62x60mm. In addition to the DMR, three different sniper rifles were in use. The first one is the Mauser Mod.2000d sniper rifle. In B3S service this rifle is chambered in FACs 7.62x60mm and and used by the military as well as the civil branch. Both version were identical, but military sniper prefer to use suppressors on their rifles, to which civil branch sniper have no access. The standard anti-material rifle for all B3S military branches is the FAC PSK XX, firing the massive 20x170mm FAC machine cannon round. After B3S special forces sniper complained about not having an adequate long range anti-personal rifle, FAC offered the Scout Sniper Hommage II in .450 FAC. In 2016, the bullpup version Scout Sniper was tested, but B3S operator were unsatisfied with the bullpup concept. As it was decided to establish a standard arsenal in 2017, long range anti-personal capacity was supposed to be covered by the massive PSK XX and its 20x170mm APDS round. It was used in combat, but as it has an effective range up to 5000m and a muzzle energy of 50,000J, it was way to overpowered for anti-personal use against targets in 2000m distance or less. The Mauser Mod.2000d in 7.62x60mm proved to be a good precision rifle, but the effective range is around 1000m. So B3S had no adequate rifle for ranges between 1000m and 2000m, as the PSK XX is to effective within this range, and finally they agreed to FACs offer and ordered the Scout Sniper Hommage in its latest IIIa iteration as new anti-personal sniper rifle. By doing so, they adopted a standard and a night fighting version with thermal scope and massive suppressor to tame the muzzle blast of the .450 cartridge. The PSK XX stayed in service, but is only used for any distance anti-material purpose and anti-personal use in distances over 3000m.

Support Weapons:

B3S has five different support Weapons in their arsenal. The first one is based on a true classic, the MG42. The FAC HMG4.zero is a universal machine gun with a high firing rate and 7.62x60 ammunition. With 1400rpm it is the backbone of infantry suppressive fire. This two men operated machine gun is used by B3S support battalions and as mounted weapon on vehicles. The second heavy support weapon is the FAC AP IV, actually a full auto assault shotgun, but used with the .775 grenade ammunition as light grenade launcher. With a 5 round box mag and 240rpm it is a devastating weapon. On August 1st 2018, B3S civil branch first used the long barrel version in a field test with less-lethal 12 gauge and .775 ammunition as anti-riot weapon, but refused it. As the light .775 grenade ammunition found inadequate for some situations, B3S civil branch sent a request for an easy to use, single shot 40mm grenade launcher. The outcome of this intake, the SAGL-2, was instantly adopted by the civil and military branch. The fourth support weapon is in use within all military braches of B3S, the FAC MML.2, an 80mm disposable rocket launcher, that fires unguided anti tank or anti bunker projectiles. The last support weapon is the latest addition to the MML series, the MML.4, a 120mm fire-and-forget missile launcher. B3S insist on a rework to the already used MML.3 tube, to make it shorter and therefore easier to store, carry and manouver. With the new tube, the system also got a bit lighter and the ability to shoot from within confined spaces was enhanced, as the backblast area was further reduced. This launcher is used with three different missiles, depending on mission: anti-infantry, anti-tank and anti-aircraft warheads were available.

Vehicles, Aircrafts and Helicopters

Armored Transport Vehicle:

The vehicles of choice for armored transports were the LPF-MP-VIb for personal and the FAS MPF-MP-VI for material transport. This vehicles were the most advanced vehicle in the armored transport business. As every model of this series, they were amored with a 24mm STANAG 4569 Level3+ composite armor and therefore nearly unbreakable with anything less than a 20mm machine cannon or massive explosive loads. To defend themselves, the crew has various firing ports around the vehicles. But the best thing is the self defense system aboard, wich is the same as on the military versions. This system contains a smoke generator, a FLARE launcher, the Boomerang anti-sniper system, and a jammer system against IEDs and missiles. Also included is a full NBC and EMP protection as well as full NV equipment.

Support Vehicle:

The FAS SPF-LP-VI truck variant is the standard transport and support vehicle used by B3S military branch. The armor of the three man crew compartment is made up of a 24mm STANAG 4569 Level3+ composite armor, the loading floor has only a cover of truck tarpaulin. To defend itself, the gunner and commander remote control the gun turret, wich houses a .308 HMG4.zero with latest thermal night vision scope, the smoke grenade dischargers, as well as the other countermeasures, such as flares, smoke generator, Boomerang anti-sniper system and jammer system. The 6x6 vehicles has three steering axles, amphibious capability, full NBC protection ventilation, EMP safeguard and is NV capable.

Light APC:

The FAS MPF-MP-VI is the widest spread APC in service with B3S, and is used in different variants within all branches of B3S. The civil version of the MPF-MP is mainly used by the civil branch and as high risk area transport vehicle by the military branch personal security guards. The also unarmed police version is in use with both branches of B3S, mainly used as perimeter patrol vehicle by FAC factory guards, objective security officers, extra guarding vehicle for armored transports and as mobile command and observation point by event security guards. Military special forces and support units primarily use the police version as assault transporter for raids and as security vehicle on outposts. The armed military version is exclusively used within the military branch as assault vehicle. As latest addition, B3S adopted a scout vehicle, that features a multi-spectral camera and sensor turret with 360° rotation, +30° elevation and -10° depression. All MPF-MP-VI were armored with a 24mm STANAG 4569 Level3+ composite armor and provide full protection against even heaviest calibers. The 4x4 configuration with two steering axles and the amphibious capability give the MPF-MP-VI outstanding cross country manouverability. Also very important for the crew's safety is a full NBC protection ventilation, the EMP safeguard and full NV capability.

Medium APC:

The SPF-MP-VII is FAS latest armored troop transporter and was designed on special request by B3S. It is a shortened down version of the SPF-MP-VI and has extended troop capacity in exchange for heavy arms. Therefore the medium APC variant can carry a full 12 men infantry squad plus 3 men crew in a smaller scale than the heavy variant. The heavy variant only carries a 10 men infantry squad and has a 3 men crew. The most important reason for B3S request was not the enhanced troop capacity, but the possibility to load three of them into one transport aircraft. This gives B3S the capacity to engage with three medium instead of two heavy and 36 instead of 20 infantrymen. As the MPF-MP-VI, the SPF-MP-VII has a 24mm STANAG 4569 Level3+ composite armor, amphibious capabilities, a NBC protection ventilation, as well as EMP safeguard and full NV capability.

Tanks:

Five types of tanks were used within the tank platoons of B3S. The latest product in FAS tank production is an infantry fighting vehicle with 8 men troop capacity, 3 men crew, a 35mm machine cannon and two .50 BMG machine gun, one coaxial and one in a remote controlled turret. Infantry enter and exit via a hydraulic back door. The second tank in use with B3S is the so called anti-infantry tank, on the same hull as the IFV, featuring a heavier turret with a 35mm main cannon, two .50 BMG machine guns and a .308 FAC machine gun. These tanks have heavy armor and should fear the hell out of enemy infantry without the need to fire expensive 120mm shells against them. B3S found out, that a 3 round burst of 35mm HE airburst ammunition has the same demoralising effect then one 120mm explosive round. Another great plus of the 35mm is the lesser collateral damage it does in comparison to firing a 120mm explosive round. If you face opponents hiding in a public building, firing a burst of 35mm ammo does less harm to the building but is capable enough to kill your enemies. B3S also uses the latest Scorpion 3A7e MBT mainly as sledgehammer if nothing else is fearsome enough or to combat Soviet era tanks in African civil wars. They adopted the MBTs to have the strike capability they provide, but the anti-infantry tank as well as the infantry fighting vehicle are in the majority. Newest additions to B3S tank arsenal were a lightweight self-propelled gun and an anti-aircraft tank, both on the chassis of the 6A1 IFV. The self-propelled gun came on request by B3S as heavy support fire unit and fields a 155mm artillery gun. It was decided to pick the self-propelled gun over an FAS design study of the IFV chassis without turret and a 120mm mortar fired out a top hatch of the crew compartment. This system was concidered to be slower firing and offered less protection to the crew, and therefore B3S opted for the self-propelled gun. The also new anti-aircraft system was designed to fight off low flying aircraft, helicopter, drones and missiles. Therefore it fields a 35x250mm machine cannon, two .50 BMG machine guns and is also equipped with two 120mm anti-aircraft missiles. Instead of the remote controlled machine gun, the anti-aircraft version uses a radar system. All Scorpions in B3S inventory were recently updated with the latest FE Stinger3 sensor and hard kill counter measure system.

Patrol and Transport Ships:

B3S maritime forces use eight different types of vessels. One is the Australian Armidale-class, an offshore patrol boat that B3S ordered in late 2017 with the beginning of their fleet program. First units were delivered in June 2018 and used to protect cruise line and transport ships in international waters, as well as offshore oil rigs. B3S ordered 7 of this ships that should be completely delivered until April 2019. Due to his formidable connections to the US Coast Guard, FAC Chairman Andrew Wetzel managed to buy four of their cutter for the Mediterranean Sea campaign. The first one is the Sentinel-class, a fast response cutter with offshore capability. B3S bought two of this ships for the anti smuggler campaign in the Mediterranean Sea. The second one was a medium endurance cutter of the Reliance-class. Two cutter of this class were bought, because it has a helipad and offers the possibility to start search and rescue helicopters. Both classes patrol the Mediterranean Sea as a mixed pair to combine their strength and maximise efficiency. So the Sentinel-class is much faster to hunt down people smuggler or rescue ships, the Reliance-class has a helicopter on board to launch fast long range reconnaissance missions and cover boarding teams with air-to-sea firepower. After France and Libya joined the anti people smuggling contract, B3S maritime forces ordered another ship, the former German Federal Coast Guard Seeadler. This unarmed ship was used as a fishery protection vessel in the Baltic and North Sea, but now B3S uses it as registration, interrogation and arrest vessel in their Mediterranean Sea campaign. After a first examination and identity verification, Sentinel- and Reliance-class cutter transfer detained refugees and smugglers to the Seeadler, were the whole process of registration and interrogation starts. Afterwards smugglers were arrested aboard and refugees were brought back to African ports via the two longboats of the Seeadler. The irony in this story is, that one of its sister ships is now owned by SOS Méditerranée, to collect migrants from vessels in and around Libyan territorial waters and provide their passengers safe transport to European ports. In cooperation with Médecins Sans Frontières, they are one major opponent of B3S anti people smuggling campaign in the Mediterrannean Sea. The latest entry into FACs growing fleet is the Dattilo-class used by the Italian Coast Guard. Because of its size, layout and equipment, the two ordered ships should proceed the Mediterranean Sea Campaign along the single ship of the Seeadler-class. Both Datillo-class ships can carry an NH-90, the standard helicopter of B3S. Another advantage are the four RHIBs per ship, wich were used to hunt down smuggler ships or return refugees to the African coast. Due to this redeployment, B3S now has their four ships of the Sentinel- and Reliance-class ready for new tasks. To ensure combat readiness and maintain troop supplies in larger scales, B3S bought four Sietas Typ 178 feeder ships, that were overhauled to be ocean-going. Another addition to the standard pattern of the Typ 178 was a loading crane to unload even in the remotest corners and under-developed ports. The latest addition to B3S combat fleet were two Type 212 A submarines to be capable of sneaking in behind enemy lines and deploy special forces. None of these submarines is equipped with torpedos, but all have sluices to let special forces squads in or out. In addition, every submarine is equipped with mountings for SEAL Delivery Vehicle type of miniature submarines. In August 2020, B3S decided to decommission all of their Project 1204 and Tarantul-class ships, as well as the Gepard class and replace them with the brand-new German K130 class frigate. This step was costly, as they ordered 3 of these ships for round 750 million Euros. The decision was made due to the fact, that the Russian ships and the Gepard class were not capable of sufficient modernization and outdated. The new K130 frigate also used by the German Navy, were latest generation ships and more suitable for the global conflicts, that B3S Navy faces. With the decision to adopt the K130-class, B3S reduced their fleet size, as well as personell. B3S now has a fleet of 23 ships and 810 crew members.

Helicopters:

B3S uses four types of helicopters to bring troops in or support deployed troops in combat. The latest purchasing was the German Eurocopter EC635 that was issued to the civil branch to provide air support. Most important an versatile is the European NHIndustries NH90 in different configurations. Its main job is to deploy troops to the battlefield, but B3S also uses it as medivac copter, light air to ground support, as perimeter patrol helicopter and as carrier-based search and rescue vessel. To deploy more troops and even their APCs, B3S bought some Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter wich were capable of delivering one battle equipped MP-SP-APC to the battlefield. With these helicopters it is also possible to deploy a full company to the battlefield, wich gives B3S a great punch. As combat helicopter B3S uses the American Bell AH-1F Modernized Cobra. It is not the most modern combat helicopter, but it is a proven system and was cheap to get.

Aircrafts:

Four different aircrafts were in service with B3S, one transport and three fighting aircrafts. The most important aircraft is the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, the backbone of B3S global strike capability. These work horses carry all necesary goods to wage global war and cut down reaction times. Another great aircraft in B3S service is the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II used in the same way as it is used by the United States Air Force as close air support craft. To have super sonic capability, B3S also bought some British Aerospace Harrier II. The latest addition to B3S growing military power were a number of Brazilian made Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano ground attack aircrafts, bought to support the A-10 in its duties.

A41 Alliance

Valkyrie

Valkyrie, a Swedish company, is one of the most elite PMC in the world today. Founded by former Swedish military officers, they primarily recruit former Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish military personal, but also Estonian, Latvian and Lithuania nationals were found in the ranks of Valkyrie. The headquarter is located in Goteborg, training facilities and barracks were found in the northern regions of Sweden, near a small village named Abisko. In this region, Valkyrie has a specialized training complex for mountain and cold weather warfare.

Global Security Services

GSS is a South Korean based private military organization, founded by former members of the ROK Armed Forces. The typical recruit is a former member of the well trained ROK special forces, but also former military experts from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines were recruited. GSSs headquarter is located in Seoul, their barracks and training facilities however were on the island of Jeju-Do.

PMC Vidplata

During the conflict in Ukraine, B3S first came into contact with PMC Vidplata, founded by Ukrainian nationals in the opening stage of the invasion. This PMC, consisting of former members of the territorial defense forces, was already a battle hardened group when B3S first met them. In the upcoming month, a bond between brothers-in-arms should be formed, that later brought B3S and PMC Vidplata together in an alliance. However, not only Ukrainian nationals were found in the ranks of PMC Vidplata, as also former members of the Freedom of Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer Corps joined this private military company. This sparked a bit of a controversy, as these Russian fighters were mostly from the extreme right wing.