Patrolling the DMZ along the Utrek-Remedia border would be a huge undertaking, even with patrols reduced to the bare minimum to maintain the integrity of the DMZ the DDS estimated they would need at least 38 ships, with half of these ships to come from the Dinos, Aritans and Starbotians. Unfortunately all these plans are up in the air now after the DDS' allies said they couldn't guarantee the commitment.
First of all the Dinos said they could not guarantee providing 15 ships because of their commitments elsewhere and because they had a heavy refit programme to undertake. They said no more than 12 could be guaranteed at any one time. Then the Aritans has problems when 2 of their Intrepid II class destroyers developed engine faults (thought to be due to poor maintenance routines). This meant the Aritans did not have enough ships to maintain their own patrols and allocate 4 ships to the DMZ task (2 on station and 2 others either on the way or returning). With the 2 broken down Intrepids they only have 8 ships available in their fleet as 2 of the donated Solaris II have yet to join their fleet.
Because of this the DDS had the choice of either adding more ships themselves or changing their plans on how to maintain the DMZ. It is thought they will look at maintaining 3 rapid response task forces plus long-range sensor platforms. The 3 forces would each consist of a cruiser and 2 or 3 escorts. Long-range scanners would detect incursions by Utrek ships and then a fast fleet would be sent to intercept. With this plan its not sure if the DDS will involve the allies. It is thought the DDS are not happy with the Dinos as they think the Dinos could easily maintain the commitment. The Aritan fleet is too slow for a rapid response force but they could be asked to take over some DDS patrols near their space thus releasing DDS ships for other duties.
