US Campaign - Battled Tested

[MikeJ19]

Having completed the first scenario of the campaign, it is time to move onto the second one. It will be interesting to see how the previous battle affects my forces, as I have the same core elements moving forward.

[MikeJ19]

A look at the battlefield

[MikeJ19]

Now, the objectives...

[MikeJ19]

I'm not sure if I am facing 2nd echelon forces or the same basic Soviet force. Either way, the Soviets have less firepower this time.

[MikeJ19]

Soviet options..

[MikeJ19]

Soviet Option 2

[MikeJ19]

Soviet Option 3

[MikeJ19]

Thoughts on the Soviets

The Soviets do not like getting into the woods, which is going to be difficult in this scenario.

Most likely – Option 1
Most dangerous – Option 3

I think that the Soviets are going to push hard and fast – they always seem to do that.

All three options have a focus on the area in the centre of the map – there are lots of VPs up for grab there and there is going to be a race to get there. I will have trouble mounting an attack to take the Soviets away from any VP locations they have captured

[MikeJ19]

Thoughts

I will have trouble mounting an attack to take the Soviets away from any VP locations they have captured. So, I will likely have to rush my forces into position.

The area around Sittensen and Kalbe is key. I need to get my forces there early – see above.

I lost a lot of my forces in the first scenario when I placed them in the way of Soviet advancing and not so many when they were off to the flank – not sure how to place more forces on the flanks for this battle. I need to consider this.
The readiness levels of my forces are good, morale and ammo vary considerably – even within the same company. I will have to watch this as I deploy my forces.

This battle will be fought during the day – but it starts with heavy rain. This is a good thing for me. I hope the weather stays bad…

[MikeJ19]

My first option

[MikeJ19]

Option 2

[MikeJ19]

Option 3...

Now, I need to think about which option I like best...

[MikeJ19]

I'm not overly happy with the options that I have put together, So, I have come up with a fourth option.

This one is similar to the 3rd option, but 2nd Armd is deployed to the North. I started this option by putting together the blue zones - those areas I want to be covering with fire.

Back to thinking... Time to make a selection.

[MikeJ19]

I’m going to go with Option 4

I think it gives the best overall coverage and there is less riding on racing into position.

As usual, I would like to target Soviet HQs and if possible their artillery resources.

I need to be careful with my HQs – need to remember to move them… Same thing with my guns, I lost a bunch of them very quickly last game.

I want to use my FASCAM early on the initial main approach for the Soviets to try and disrupt the attack.

[Mad Russian]

Something for you to keep in mind is that the AI can 'see' FASCAM. When it can't 'see' normal mines. This means that you get double usage for FASCAM; it will attack like a minefield, and the AI will avoid going into the mines if it can.

Good Hunting.

MR

[MikeJ19]

Mad Russian,

Very good points. I will try to remember them when I decide to place the mines.

Did you make this scenario - it is looking good.

All the best,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

The battle begins...

[Mad Russian]

ORIGINAL: MikeJ19

Mad Russian,

Did you make this scenario - it is looking good.

All the best,

Mike

Yes. I made all the scenarios in this campaign. I'm glad it is playing well for you.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Enigma6584]

Looking forward to this. Beautiful briefing! [&o]

[MikeJ19]

RedCharlie65

Thanks. I wish I had more time to play - life is getting in the way of gaming... Damn.

The last 13 minutes was very eventful.