SHOALWATER BAY TRAINING AREA, Australia -- The sun rose over the horizon as the villagers crept out of their tents. Slowly, they made their way into the forest toward the holy sanctuary where they received scripture from Hakuna Matata, the village’s religious leader, and praised their “almighty one.” Every morning began this way in the village of Waratah.
Waratah Village was a mock community designed to train service members how to establish a relationship with a population not accustomed to foreign aid.Little happened in the isolated community located deep within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. More than 40 citizens strolled around the village all day, half of them from second platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and the other half from different branches of the Australian Defence Force.
Each citizen had a persona they were assigned and were required to commit to the role. Every player wore special attire depending on their role. Role-players simulating female characters wore pink shirts, while players simulating children wore yellow shirts. Raggedy blue jumpsuits indicated those given the role to provide security as policemen. Those meant to cause harm to the village wore untucked, casual dress attire. As every citizen went about his or her day, the marketplace opened.
“8:30 a.m. everyday we open the market, and we trade whatever we have for whatever we can get,” said Australian Army Lance Cpl. Michelle Pinnecamp, a 26-year-old marketplace vendor. “Supply runs to other villages are scarce, and we’re running low on supplies. We must stick to our beliefs and hope someone comes along to help.”
As citizens traded small items for various goods, a child attempted to steal a sandwich from one of the vendors. Several policemen pursued the boy as he attempted escape. The child was disciplined in the center of the marketplace to be made an example of for other criminals. After the disciplinary action, the vendors packed up their shops and citizens returned to their tents and continued the rest of their day.The disciplined child visited the village doctor after noticing blood dripping from a gash above his right eye. Due to scarce supplies, the child was denied medical treatment.
“It’s difficult to treat the sick and injured if I’m forced to turn away patients because I lack the supplies,” said Australian Army Sgt. Chris Owen, a 34-year-old village doctor. “I’m becoming increasingly disgruntled that the police force and the Camarians have promised to help us, but haven’t so far.”
The policemen were the guardians of the village yet reeked of corruption, and became more aggressive after the arrival of Camarians (Australian forces) in the area after discovering the village while on patrol. The Camarians, an elite-looking force wearing spotted green uniforms, paint marks on their faces and carrying advanced weaponry, navigated their way into the Waratah Village.
“We’ve become agitated with the Camarian forces coming into our village,” said U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Dan Wood, a 21-year-old policeman. “Even though they’ve only recently arrived, I feel like they’re forcing their way of life on us."
The foreigners met with the mayor of Waratah and the religious leader to discuss the beginning of a mutual friendship. The mayor seemed accepting of the offer during the meeting with the liaison officer, but Hakuna Matata thought differently.
“The Camarians blocked off our supply route to the other villages, so of course I don’t trust them,” said Australian Army Lance Cpl. Jim Jones, the 28-year-old religious leader. “The mayor is too trusting of them, but we’ll see what happens with the Camarians and their false promises.”
Meanwhile, another group of foreigners planned to attack the village, hiding in plain sight. They never got the opportunity.
“We blend in with the locals and do everything they do,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zachary Shinavar, a 21-year-old insurgent. “We’re very observant, watching everything that takes place within the village and looking for weaknesses. We’re waiting for the best opportunity to strike against the Camarian forces.”
The village leaders concluded their meeting with the Camarian forces and invited the foreigners back into the village for another meeting the following day. The liaison officer shook the mayor’s hand and they parted ways. As the Camarian forces left, children ran behind them in an attempt to grab pieces of their combat gear. The Camarians continued their patrol in the opposite direction of Waratah Village as the sun began to set along the horizon.