Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops radio conversations

This article is a list of optional radio conversations in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, which can be either humorous, or contain additional information that is not revealed during normal gameplay.

Sigint explains ARPA's history to Snake
To initiate this conversation, simply contact Sigint while playing as Naked Snake Sigint: You know, Snake, the reason I decided to help you on this one is because I hear this new weapon uses rocket technology.. I kind of felt like it was...fate or something. Snake: Fate? Sigint: You know I'm working at ARPA, right? Well, do you know the story of how ARPA was founded? Snake: No, not exactly. Sigint: In 1957, the Soviet Union succeeded in launching the Sputnik satellite. The Pentagon feared we were trailing behind in space technology. So the next year they founded ARPA as a research institute to compete with the Soviets. So when I heard they used rocket technology in this new weapon, I knew I had to be here--for the good of the country and all. Snake: I see... Sigint: I wonder what kind of weapon it is. Capabilities, control systems--design specs, too. Man, I can't stop thinking about it. Snake: (You just want to see the new toy, don't you...?) Sigint: Hm? You say something? Snake: Nope... Good to have you on board.

Snake's special person
Roy Campbell: Snake, do you have... you know, someone special? Snake: A woman...? I dunno. I guess there is someone I'd kind of like to see... Roy Campbell: Aha. That means there must be somebody. OK, I'll give you my secret recipe for getting the girl of your dreams. Snake: Uh... no thanks, I'm fine. Roy Campbell: Don't be shy. See, in psychology there's a principle called Bossard's Law. It says that the closer you live to sombody, the more likely the two of you will work out as a couple. Snake: ...Law? Roy Campbell: In other words, if you want to get in with this girl, you need to see her as often as possible. Snake: ...I can't see her. Roy Campbell: Huh? Snake: She disappeared years ago, and I don't know where she is now. I tried looking for her, but I couldn't find a trace. I don't even know whether she's still alive. Roy Campbell: ...I'm sorry to hear that. Snake: ... Roy Campbell: You feeling down, Snake? Snake: Nah... Roy Campbell: Ah... I just remembered. There's another principle in psychology called the Romeo and Juliet Effect. It says that the tougher the conditions faced by two lovers, the stronger their bonds of affection become. So don't give up yet, Snake. As long as she's not like some agent from an enemy country who's on the run because she screwed up her last mission, I'm sure you two will find each other somehow. Uh... Snake? Snake: Do me a favor. Just leave me alone for a while...

Dirty Harry
Para-Medic: Snake, have you ever used a .44 Magnum? Snake: .44 Magnum? You mean the M29? Para-Medic: Right. I think that's the name. Snake: Nope, never used one myself... Hey, since when did you become a gun nut, anyway? Para-Medic: I saw a detective using one in San Francisco. It really packed a punch. Snake: A detective? Packing an M29 in the city? But it's a hunting handgun... Para-Medic: Well, he sure knew how to handle it. Snake: Knew how to handle a revolver, huh... But wait... If he shot a suspect with a gun like that, he'd end up killing the guy. And the recoil and discharge sounds are too big. Doesn't sound very practical to me. Para-Medic: Well... Yeah, I guess. But you don't have to take it so seriously. It was a movie. Snake: A movie? Para-Medic: A detective drama called "Dirty Harry." It just came out this year. You should go see it when you get back to the States. Snake: ...IF I get back to the States.

Snake's Change in Equipment
The change in equipment that Snake is talking about is in reference to the PSP Sigint: Yo Snake. It's been a while since you've been out in the field... Starting to get the ol' killer instinct back? The place where you are now has a lot of common with the location of your last mission. So your earlier experience should come in handy this time around, don't you think? Snake: Yeah... the experience will help, I guess. But I'm still not used to the change in equipment. Sigint: "Change in equipment"? Huh, I don't think there's anything especially new out there. What exactly is it that's different? Snake: Let's see... First of all, I feel like everything's gotten lighter and more compact overall. Sigint: Hmm... A lot of military rifles lately are using lighter, more compact 5.56mm x 45 and 9mm rounds instead heavier, bulkier 7.62mm x 51 or 45 caliber. Snake: And it seems like the controls are different, too. Sigint: Yeah, well, the layout has changed a little bit. Snake: ...But I do like how you can carry and use it outside. Sigint: What good is military equipment if you can't use it outdoors...? I don't know what you're talking about, Snake, but good luck, man.

Snake lectures Campbell on fear
Roy Campbell: Snake, there's something I've been meaning to ask you... Snake: What's that? Roy Campbell: Do you ever feel...afraid in battle? Snake: Of course I do. Roy Campbell: No kidding... I didn't even think you knew the meaning of the word "fear." Snake: Being afraid in battle isn't a bad thing. The right amount of fear, if properly controlled, can sharpen the senses and improve muscle performance. It's also important to maintain a healthy level of tension because it helps you detect danger ahead in time. Roy Campbell: Really... So a little cowardice can be a good thing. I'll have to remember that. Snake: Yeah, well, it doesn't do you any good if you're too scared to do anything. Roy Campbell: Being a chicken... is a good thing... Got it. Snake: Hey... Campbell... Did you hear what I just said?