This version of the scenario is designed for Human vs Soviet AI. I will have a rebalanced scenario shortly designed for PBEM human vs human. I am not sure yet whether I will do a Human vs NATO version or not. I suspect the offense may be a little too complicated in this scenario for the AI.
I had a lot of fun playing this scenario against the AI. On defense, it was able to give me a run for my money in a wild battle.
Here is the scenario description:
Fight for Gensungen-Melsungen
Scenario Size: Medium to Large
Best Played as NATO vs AI
Date: 21 July 1979
Time: 0500 Hours, ends 1300. 8 Hours.
Location: Near Gensungen, West Germany
Weather: Clearing with max visibility. Chance of precipitation.
Options: Tested with all options checked except A and F.
US Task Force Hudson's objective is to attack and hold a chokepoint along the A7 autobahn in the Gensungen-Melsungen area. Elements of a BTR regiment are currently in the area. Red tank formations to the north are moving west but could potentially intervene if the Soviet Command realizes the danger to the A7 autobahn. The Soviets will not give up the Gensungen and Melsungen area without a fight.
This is a pre-thermal image scenario in which smoke is very useful for both Red and US forces.
In 1979, modern tank forces were composed of T-64s and T-55s facing American armor of M-60 Pattons and M-48s, The BMP-1 with Sagger supplemented the BTR60 while American infantry made do with the M113. The Sagger/RPG and the TOW/LAW were beginning to challenge the MBT while the Recoiless Rifle continued to find use on the field. Even though A-10 Warthogs, Cobras and Mig-24a's were rightly feared, artillery was still a devastating force on the field. So ready for a trip back to 1979?
Here is the US Briefing:
Fight for Gensungen-Melsungen
Scenario Size: Medium to Large
Best Played as NATO Player
Date: 21 July 1979
Time: 0500 Hours, Ends 1300. 8 hours.
Location: Near Gensungen, West Germany
Weather: Clearing with max visibility. Chance of precipitation.
Options: Tested with all options checked except A and F.
Task Force Hudson is tasked with capturing Gensungen, Melsungen and surrounding areas.
Task Force Hudson is composed of 3 M-60A3 companies and 3 M-113 Mech companies with supporting AA, SPAT and SPA elements. Particularly important are 3 batteries of 155mm SPA. Air support will be made available throughout the day including Cobras, Warthogs and F-105s. Units arrive throughout the day.
Defending Red forces are composed of elements of a BTR regiment. Typically BTR regiments have substantial heavy artillery, AT/AA assets and an organic T-55 formation. An A class armored formation with T-64As and BMP-1s is located north of Gensungen and may intervene. We don't expect much air opposition but certainly a possibility.
Player Notes:
1979 is pre-thermal imaging. Therefore Smoke is now very useful for both Soviet and US forces in assaults, retreats and masking maneuvers.
A 2nd line BTR regiment may not have much offensive capability but can be very stubborn in defense. BTR infantry have a potent AT capability composed of substantial quantities of Recoiless Rifles, Sagger guided missiles and RPG's backed up with a mobile force of T-55s. In addition, the BTR regiment has excellent towed, heavy caliber artillery and mortars which can shred any spotted offensive force which lingers too long in one place.
If the northern formation supports the BTR regiment, expect to face first line equipment such as T-64As and BMP-1s with Saggers. They would be a potent counterattack force.
Player Hints: The US has very little infantry compared to the Soviets. So I recommend first locate and immobilize enemy infantry, then reduce Red infantry formations with your artillery and air assets before assaulting.
Note the US has multiple attack approaches available. The setup is just one possible attack approach. It may or may not be the best line of attack. You decide what approach offers the best possibility of success.
Good luck!