Jaycee Woods

In Boudica and The Butcher, Gen. Gideon Sheridan’s no-quarter policy is out of step with four years of Union politicians attempting to limit the lethality of the civil war. Besides asking Copilot questions, sometimes as part of brainstorming I describe aspects of the story to get feedback. Sometimes these ideas might be contradicting each other as I incorporate viewpoints from different political factions who are no in complete alignment.

Prompt: So, the situation is a second American Civil War, does it make sense that they cannot call for a chopper med evac because the politicians have undersupplied the Union army with heavy equipment like choppers, planes, tanks and artillery because they prioritized military capabilities overseas to fighting the civil war against urban rebels and to limit damage done domestically?

Copilot: Yes, that scenario makes sense and adds a layer of complexity to your story. Here are a few points to consider:

Resource Allocation: Politicians prioritizing overseas military capabilities over domestic conflict could lead to a shortage of essential equipment like helicopters, planes, tanks, and artillery for the Union army. This would force ground units to rely on more basic and improvised methods for medical evacuation and combat operations.

Urban Warfare: Fighting against urban rebels would likely require different tactics and equipment compared to conventional warfare. The focus might be on smaller, more agile units and less on heavy equipment to minimize collateral damage in densely populated areas.

Logistical Challenges: The lack of heavy equipment would create significant logistical challenges for the Union army, including difficulties in rapid medical evacuation, which would necessitate improvisation and increased reliance on ground transport.

Political Dynamics: The decision to limit domestic military capabilities could be influenced by political considerations, such as avoiding the appearance of a full-scale war within the country and trying to maintain public support by minimizing visible military presence.

Impact on Morale: The troops on the ground might feel the impact of these decisions, potentially leading to frustration and decreased morale as they face the realities of under-resourcing in a high-stakes conflict.

This setup provides a rich backdrop for your story, highlighting the tension between political decisions and their real-world consequences on the battlefield.

Prompt: Could an additional reason be that the civil war has disrupted industrial production and the economy, so premium weapons are being withheld from the civil war so they might be available if needed against China and Iran?

Copilot: Absolutely, that makes a lot of sense and adds another layer of realism to your story. Here are some points to consider:

Disrupted Industrial Production: The civil war could severely impact industrial production, leading to shortages of essential military equipment. Factories might be damaged, supply chains disrupted, and skilled labor diverted to the war effort, all contributing to a scarcity of premium weapons.

Economic Strain: The economic strain caused by the civil war could force the government to prioritize resources. With limited funds and materials, they might choose to reserve advanced weaponry for potential conflicts with major powers like China and Iran, where the stakes are perceived to be higher.

Strategic Reserve: Keeping premium weapons in reserve for international conflicts ensures that the country remains prepared for external threats. This strategic decision reflects a long-term view of national security, even at the cost of immediate effectiveness in the civil war.

Political Calculations: Politicians might also be concerned about the optics of deploying heavy weaponry against their own citizens. By withholding these resources, they could be attempting to manage public perception and avoid escalating the conflict further.

Military Doctrine: The military might adapt its doctrine to rely more on infantry and guerrilla tactics in urban environments, where heavy equipment is less effective. This shift could be both a necessity due to shortages and a strategic choice to minimize collateral damage.

This scenario adds depth to your narrative, highlighting the complex interplay between domestic conflict, international threats, and political decision-making.

Prompt: As the rebels control cities, they also control ports, so importation of supplies have been cut off. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada favor the rebels, so it limits trade with the federal government. Make sense?

Copilot: Yes, that scenario makes perfect sense and adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. Here are some key points to consider:

Control of Ports: With the rebels controlling major cities and ports, the federal government would face significant challenges in importing essential supplies, including military equipment, food, and medical supplies. This would further strain their resources and logistics.

International Relations: The support of Mexico and Canada for the rebels would severely limit the federal government’s ability to trade and secure supplies from these neighboring countries. This could be due to political sympathies, economic interests, or strategic calculations by Mexico and Canada.

Economic Isolation: The federal government would be economically isolated, relying on whatever domestic production remains and potentially seeking alternative trade partners further afield, which would be logistically challenging and time-consuming.

Impact on Military Operations: The lack of imported supplies would force the federal military to adapt, relying more on improvised solutions, local resources, and potentially outdated equipment. This could lead to innovative tactics but also significant disadvantages in prolonged engagements.

Rebel Advantage: The rebels, with control over key infrastructure and external support, would have a strategic advantage. They could potentially receive supplies and support through covert channels, further bolstering their position. This setup creates a rich and dynamic backdrop for your story, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by the federal government and the strategic advantages held by the rebels.