As a result of the Joes' actions last issue, an island has been raised outside of the three-mile territorial limit of the U.S. The Joes have been ordered to kick off Cobra before they can claim sovereignty over it, but fail due to the C.G.'s (disguised as lawyers) actions under the Commander's orders while the battle is happening, which makes the island now part of Cobra, and in turn makes them a sovereign nation.