- Operational Control: Achieve full security by deploying 6,500 National Guard troops across the border.
- Sector Management: Focus resources on the Tucson Sector (porous) and Yuma Sector (pilot program).
- Prosecution Strategy: Shift from "catch and release" to detention and prosecution to reduce crossings.
- National Security: Treat border security as a critical national security issue requiring immediate action.
- Troop Deployment: National Guard support is essential to supplement Border Patrol capacity.
Understanding Border Security Mechanics
The core objective in Protect the Border is establishing operational control over the territory. This requires a combination of manpower and strategic policy changes. The game simulates the challenges of real-world border defense, requiring players to manage limited resources and respond to dynamic threats.
The Tucson Sector is currently highly porous. Without immediate intervention, large numbers of crossings will overwhelm your defenses. Prioritize troop deployment here first.
Video Highlights:
- Troop Estimates: Analysis of why 6,500 troops are the minimum requirement for security.
- Sector Comparison: Visual breakdown of the differences between the Tucson and Yuma sectors.
- Policy Impact: How shifting to a prosecution strategy drastically reduces illegal crossings.
Security Levels
Different areas of the border require different approaches. Understanding the specific mechanics of each sector is vital for success.
| Sector | Status | Strategy Required | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson | Porous / Critical | Mass troop deployment | ★★★☆☆ (Low without troops) |
| Yuma | Pilot Program | Prosecution focus | ★★★★★ (High success) |
| General | Under Siege | National Guard support | ★★★★☆ (Necessary) |
Strategic Deployment: The 6,500 Troop Plan
Achieving victory requires a specific number of units. Estimates suggest that 6,500 National Guard troops are necessary to provide adequate security. This number allows for sufficient coverage of high-traffic areas while supporting existing Border Patrol agents.
Deploying troops is not enough. You must simultaneously increase Border Patrol capacity to process and detain detainees effectively.
Tucson Sector Strategy
- Current State: Very porous, high volume of crossings.
- Action: Deploy the majority of the 6,500 troops here.
- Goal: Plug the holes in the most vulnerable areas.
- Outcome: Restore basic territorial integrity.
Yuma Sector Strategy
- Current State: Pilot program active.
- Action: Implement "Zero Release" policy.
- Goal: Detain and prosecute every single crossing.
- Outcome: Tremendous drop in illegal crossings.
Deployment Comparison
The difference between a passive defense and an active defense strategy is significant.
| Strategy | Method | Result | Resource Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catch & Release | Apprehend and return to Mexico | Crossings continue (High Recidivism) | Low |
| Prosecution | Detain and legally process | Crossings drop (High Deterrence) | High |
| Troop Surge | 6,500 National Guard | Operational Control | Very High |
Step-by-Step: Achieving Operational Control
To secure the border and win the scenario, follow this optimized progression path. This method moves from critical damage control to long-term stability.
Assess the Threat
Identify that the border is under siege. Recognize that standard patrols are insufficient. Acknowledge this as a national security issue requiring military-level support.
Mobilize the Guard
Deploy 6,500 National Guard troops immediately. Do not deploy piecemeal. Concentrate forces on the Tucson sector first to stop the "bleeding."
Implement Yuma Protocols
Roll out the Yuma pilot program nationwide. Switch from "catch and release" to detention and prosecution. This legal deterrent is as effective as physical walls.
Expand Capacity
While troops hold the line, build infrastructure to hold detainees. You cannot prosecute if you have no capacity to keep them.
Maintain Control
Keep troop levels high until operational control is achieved. Do not withdraw forces prematurely, or the porous borders will return.
You have achieved operational control when illegal crossings in sectors like Yuma are down tremendously and the Tucson sector is no longer porous.
Defense Checklist
Use this checklist to track your progress in securing the border. Ensure all items are checked before declaring the mission complete.
Operational Security Objectives:
- Deploy 6,500 National Guard troops to the border
- Secure the porous Tucson Sector
- Implement prosecution policy in Yuma Sector
- Eliminate 'Catch and Release' procedures
- Achieve operational control of the border
Policy Impact Metrics
Tracking the success of your policies is essential. Use the data below to guide your decisions.
| Metric | Before Troops | After Troops/Policy | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Crossings (Yuma) | High | Tremendously Low | ▼ Decrease |
| Sector Security | Porous | Secure | ▲ Increase |
| Prosecution Rate | Low | 100% (Pilot) | ▲ Increase |
| National Guard Active | 0 | 6,500 | ▲ Increase |
Advanced Tactics and FAQ
Once you have established basic control, you must maintain it. The situation remains volatile as long as it is treated as a political issue rather than a security one.
We must act like it is a national security issue. This mindset shift justifies the use of troops and changes the rules of engagement to favor the defender.
Q: Why are 6,500 troops specifically needed?
Estimates indicate this is the minimum number required to provide true security. Lower numbers result in a porous border where people slip through in large numbers, particularly in the Tucson sector.
Q: What is the 'Yuma Pilot Program'?
It is a strategy where National Guard troops and Border Patrol agents no longer catch and release. Instead, they **detain and prosecute** illegal crossings. This has led to a tremendous drop in crossings in that area.
Q: Which sector should I prioritize?
The **Tucson Sector** is the most critical. It is described as 'very porous' with large numbers of people coming through. Securing Tucson is the first step to operational control.
Q: Does 'Catch and Release' work?
No. Data from the Yuma sector suggests that stopping catch and release in favor of prosecution is the only way to significantly reduce illegal crossings.