THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

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THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

[center]THE WAR COLLEGE [/center]


DEDICATION

This After Action Report is dedicated to Monty Earl Montagne, Sr. (02/26/23-02/19/99).

My father enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 28, 1942 at Omaha, Nebraska. He served his country during WWII until his discharge at Long Beach, California on September 13, 1945. His pay rate at the time of discharge was $119.70 month.

He is entitled to the American Theater of Operations Ribbon, European Theater of Operations ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations ribbon and at discharge was issued a Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Discharge button, blue Honorable Service lapel button, and travel pay at the rate of five cents per mile ($91.55) for travel from Long Beach back to Omaha.

He held the following ratings: Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 2c, Seaman 1c, Sonarman 3c, Sonarman 2c, and Sonarman 1c. He completed Sound Operation School and he turned down a promotion offered to him because he didn’t want to boss his buddies around (*laughing*).

His tour of duty is as follows:

07/28/42: Enlistment date
08/08/42: CGTS Alameda, California
10/19/42: USCGC Haida, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean
04/01/45: CG Bks, New Cham St., New York City, New York
04/03/45: Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, New York
04/05/45: U.S.S. Chambers (DE-391, Edsell Class), North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
09/11/45: U.S.C.G. Discharge Center, Long Beach, California
09/13/45: Honorably Discharged

My pa had a close call one time while on Sonar duty. He tracked a torpedo that went right under his ship. I can’t remember where he was when this happened, but by looking at his tour of duty record, I suspect that he was aboard the USCGC Haida.

The USCGC Haida was built in 1921 at Oakland, California at a cost of $775,00.00. The length was 240 feet, the beam 39 feet, and the displacement 1,780 tons. It had a steel hull.

After the war, my pa received a Bachelors degree in biology from South Dakota State and was a Wildlife Biologist for the United States Forest Service managing the wildlife and their habitat on the Lassen, Tahoe, and Los Padres National Forests. Pa worked hard to help preserve the following species: The Lahotten Cutthroat Trout, California Condor, and Hybrid Double Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard.

Rest in peace, pa.

________________________________________________________________________


[center]PBEM[/center]

Opponents

I (Rio Bravo) will be playing the Allies. El Lobo will be playing the Japanese. If you’d like to learn a bit more about Les and myself, you can read my thread under The War Room entitled “Introducing Myself.”

For you Evil Empire fans, El Lobo will have a companion AAR entitled “The Gamiest Game in Town.”

I have invited El Lobo to stop by and say hi to everyone at The War College until May 2, 2015 (This coming Saturday); the date our war commences.

Settings & House Rule

WITPAE Scenario 2
Fog of War On
Advanced Weather Effects On
Allied Damage Control Off
Player Defined Upgrades On
December 7 Surprise Off
Historical First Turn Off
Reliable USN Torpedoes Off
Realistic R&D On
Unit Withdrawals On

Only One House Rule: Victory Points and Victory Conditions do not apply.

[center]A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL[/center]

I have had fun reading everyone’s AARs and War Room antics. I thank each of you for your efforts, good information and for providing hours of fantastic entertainment. I also thank the creators and developers of WITPAE. You did an awesome job!

Everyone is welcome to follow The War College AAR.

[center]END NOTE[/center]

This AAR is entitled “The War College” for a most suitable purpose. I am hoping all allied War Cabinet members, Generals, and troops will meet with me so we can put our heads together and discuss the mechanics of the game, strategies, and tactics as we proceed to dismantle and destroy the Rising Sun!

Best regards,

-Terry











"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by el lobo »

Hi Everyone,

I hope this is going to be a real Wild West shoot-out.

Rio is a very intelligent, aggressive game player who has played board games of this type since way back when they were really board games. You know, those big maps with little hex pieces of paper and stuff. He would be a tough opponent for anyone but will be doubly tough for me since I have never played a game of this type. On top of that, I have never been able to beat him at any game. I think came close to a draw with him in chess, once. That is one reason he was so nice in giving me Scenario 2 because I will need all of the advantages I can get.

Terry and I have been friends for over fifty years now. I knew his dad well and a +1 to his dedication. I would also like to +1 his “Thank You.” and an added thanks to the Devs. Rio and I are one time zone away from living on opposite sides of the world and with-out PBEM this game would not be possible.

We have had nothing but fun playing the games mentioned above and this is going to be no different. Win, loose, or draw, our goal will be as always, to have fun. (I say that out loud but deep down I am thinking that I hope I kick his butt all over the board.)

Now I don't want any of you to think that I think Rio is a nice guy. He is a sneaky, low-down, bush-whacking, horse-thieving SOB who will ambush me the first chance he gets. That is why I am going to try to be an even sneakier, lower-down, more bush-whacking, horse-thieving and cattle rustling SOB than he is.

So Rio, pick-up those six-guns, and good luck to you. (That sound you just heard was me cambering a round in my ol' Model 55 Winchester.) For those of you who were able to slog through all the old west metaphors, I hope you will join us.

El Lobo

ps: BTY, I hope you all get “Fs” in War College.
[font="Arial"][/font]
El Lobo (J) vs Rio Bravo (A)
Rio Bravo's AAR - "The War College"
tm.asp?m=3851786

Gamey is not a game style. It is someone's definition.
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

El Lobo-

Pretty kind words about me coming from a scoundrel lower than a rattlesnake in a wagon wheel rut.

*sitting off a thousand yards, watching El Lobo load his peashooter and sighting in with the Hawkins 50 caliber*

Duck, good friend...lead is coming your way.

-Rio Bravo

"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by el lobo »

Well Rio my friend all well deserved.

I'll take your advise and duck, for now, but turn one in coming-up and then and there-after there will be a lot of ducking by both of us.

I am going to butt-out now. See you back here in a couple of years.

I will be posting my opening soon, drop-by and say hi, and then, get outta Dodge.

El Lobo
El Lobo (J) vs Rio Bravo (A)
Rio Bravo's AAR - "The War College"
tm.asp?m=3851786

Gamey is not a game style. It is someone's definition.
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by witpqs »

Good luck, guys! [:)]
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Good luck, guys! [:)]

Thanx,witpqs.

"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Bif1961 »

Have fun and enjoy. I know I will while reading your AAR.
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by DOCUP »

Good luck.
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Have fun and enjoy. I know I will while reading your AAR.


Outstanding, Bifi.

Welcome to the War College Cabinet.
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Good luck.


Thanx, Docup. Welcome aboard.
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

December 7, 1941


WE ARE AT WAR GENTLEMEN

I was minding my own business this morning, having a mug of fresh, steaming hot coffee and trying to come up with a good excuse to tell the fiance as to why I couldn’t mow the lawn today when I received Intel’s Combat Report.

I am advised Vigan and Laoag have fallen. Two of the three destroyers out of Hong Kong have been sunk and the third heavily damaged and on fire. The CL Boisie ran into an armada of Japanese warships and transports; she set seven on fire, including a CA, three DDs, and three transports. After taking twelve hits, the Boisie slipped beneath the waves. It appears that we have also lost a few transports and a couple support ships.

Two midget subs at Pearl Harbor were unsuccessful.

Additional details are sketchy at this point, however my coffee seems to have lost a bit of its flavor.

FULL STEAM AHEAD…AWAY!

All ships and all aircraft West of the Line Islands, that are capable of attempting to evade the Rising Sun’s onslaught, have been ordered to either head East to Colombo or South to Adelaide. Upon consolidation of these ships at their destinations, decisions will be made for transports and tankers to head for Cape Town, Aden, or Abadan for fuel, supply, aircraft, and troop transport purposes (primarily, everything from Cape Town, Aden, and Abadan will go to India).

All ships in the vicinity of the Line Islands and East thereof have been ordered to Pearl Harbor. Those on the USA West Coast are loading fuel and supplies and will head to Pearl Harbor.

Most of the unrestricted troops in the USA and those to be bought out are heading to San Diego for initial transport to Pearl Harbor with the exception that some are heading to Prince Rupert for deployment in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

All USA unrestricted aircraft, including but not limited to the II U.S. Fighter squadrons and the V U.S. Bomber squadrons are heading for San Francisco for transport to Pearl Harbor.

The transport ships in the vicinity of the Elice Islands are heading for Tahiti.

All restricted troops and aircraft in Malaysia, Philippine, Luzon, DEI, and those in that vicinity will remain in place and fight where they are until withdrawal to a nearby location seems more prudent. These troops and aircraft will fight and no doubt all die. Efforts are being made to try to get out some of the unrestricted troops and all of the unrestricted aircraft.

All Australian armor units are heading to Perth to be bought out into I Australian Corps to be shipped to India. All I Australia Corps troops will eventually group in India.

The three troop transport task forces carrying troops located in ports along the India Coast are unloading the troops in those ports. The Cape Town task force carrying troops are heading for Bombay.

All Hong Kong troops have been loaded for an amphibious invasion and are presently directed to head to Batavia to be rerouted from there to India (will take massive luck to get to their destination in tact).

Chinese troops are primarily heading West to escape the Japanese lines and form up in the woods with other Chinese troops already North and West of the Japanese. High Command is indecisive as to whether to march some Chinese to India.

All Burma troops are heading Northwest into India.

For the time being, all Indian troops remain in place.

END NOTE FOR DECEMBER 7, 1941

I will soon provide a general synopsis of a potential allied grand strategic plan.

However, as much as this potential Allied Strategic Plan interests me, it is not engraved in gold as to pursue this particular strategy might very well end in decimating the Allies versus accomplishing what I hope it would accomplish.

Accordingly, I will toss out the potential strategy for the War College to dissect, analyze, and provide comment, including but not limited too, either helping to provide solutions for massive problems involved or for scrapping the strategy all together.

I will now switch from coffee to a scotch on the rocks to lick my wounds.

Your humble War College friend and colleague,

-Terry





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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Lowpe »

Boise!

Brings a smile every time she slips under. Sorry, unrepentant JFB here.[:)]

You are bold trying to evacuate troops from Hong Kong! You might be better off sending them to Wenchow if you can.

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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by BBfanboy »

Sounds like Boise gave the escorts in that transport group a solid fight. Where are Houston, Marblehead, and the old 4 stacker DDs? Can they take advantage of low ammo stocks on that escort and hit the transport TF again? Can the Dutch CLs and DDs? Nothing blows the IJ timetable like losing an entire TF of troops!

I like your idea of sending the Australian armoured units to India. It leaves Oz naked but India is more important, and offers the chance of land advances toward Burma/China later on, but before the Allies have command of the sea.

Good luck with the next few turns!
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Boise!

Brings a smile every time she slips under. Sorry, unrepentant JFB here.[:)]

You are bold trying to evacuate troops from Hong Kong! You might be better off sending them to Wenchow if you can.

*coughs and stammers out* Kinda hard to welcome you considering you're right pleased I lost my precious Boisie. *laughing*

I did look at lots of places to evacuate the Hong Kong troops...somewhere in China for sure. I chose not to because during my test games against the AI, I always had trouble having enough supply just for the Chinese much less some odd Brits and Canadians. Also, I think El Lobo will make a big deal out of China, want all of China, and most likely take it before I can cure my hangover...In which case those Hong Kong Brits and Canucks would die side by side with the Chinese.

Nonetheless, your sage and experienced advice is always appreciated and most welcome. thank you, Lowpe.

Ah, what the hell...welcome, Lowpe.

Regards-

-Terry

"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Sounds like Boise gave the escorts in that transport group a solid fight. Where are Houston, Marblehead, and the old 4 stacker DDs? Can they take advantage of low ammo stocks on that escort and hit the transport TF again? Can the Dutch CLs and DDs? Nothing blows the IJ timetable like losing an entire TF of troops!

I like your idea of sending the Australian armoured units to India. It leaves Oz naked but India is more important, and offers the chance of land advances toward Burma/China later on, but before the Allies have command of the sea.

Good luck with the next few turns!


Yes BBfanboy, from the Combat Report it looked like the Boisie gave that Evil Empire Armada a few shells of her own.

I didn't save a copy of my first turn I sent to El Lobo and I can't remember where the Houston, Marblehead, and indicated DDs are. When I get El Lobo's second turn back I will look for them along with the Repulse and POW and perhaps visit those Empire ships that sunk the Boisie (good idea, good advice, thank you).

The CVL Ryujo with three accompanying CAs has been reported to be in the vicinity of Jolo. And, at this point, I have no idea where the big KB is, nor whether it is a big KB or smaller ones.

Lastly, in a couple to a few hours I will be posting a grand strategy I would love to try (note: at this point it is extremely debatable whether it will be implemented) that involves one prong that heads from India to Korea through China and Manchuria(so, yes...China!).

Regards BBfanboy,

-Terry
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

OPERATION TENDERFOOT

(December 1, 1942 through December 31, 1943)


Opening Note

Gentlemen, I am both intrigued and excited about presenting Operation Tenderfoot to you for your valued consideration and comment. I am aware of several major obstacles that presently appear to be unsolvable in order for Operation Tenderfoot to succeed. And, I am sure there are several additional major obstacles that I haven’t even thought of yet. I am optimistic that the combined mental strength of The War College can address and find solutions to hurdle these obstacles so that we may implement Operation Tenderfoot.

El Lobo’s Expansion of the Japanese Empire

El Lobo will be extremely aware of Japan’s dire need to acquire and maintain a steady flow of oil to Japan proper for a lengthy period of time. He will also be extremely aware that he must preserve as many of his war machine assets as possible for the end game. Accordingly, El Lobo will pay fastidious attention to detail and he will be efficient and conservative with his expansion of the Empire, with one exception.

That one exception is that El Lobo will want to do something BIG! Accordingly he will earmark substantial assets to invade somewhere. I believe that somewhere will be China. I think El Lobo will take all of China.

Synopsis of Operation Tenderfoot

Besides hopefully providing interesting fun and perhaps a few new adventures for all of us, the main objective of Operation Tenderfoot is to blockade Japan proper from receiving oil.

Operation Tenderfoot will attempt to dissect the IJA through Allied domination and control of a primarily East-West line running from the U.S.A. West Coast through Hawaii, the Marianas Islands, Uhibi Island, Yap Island, Formosa, Hong Kong, and ending in Chung King.

The objective of Operation Tenderfoot is to be achieved by December 31, 1943.

Phase One

Timeline: December 7, 1941 through October 31, 1942.

1.) Secure and hold the following objectives: Anchorage, Seward, Kodiak Is., Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Umnak Is., Adak Is., Amchitka Is., Attu, Is., Marcus Is., Midway Is., Wake Is., Hawaiian Islands, Johnston Is., Palmyra Is., Fanning Is., Christmas Is., Baker Is., Canton Is., Pago Pago Is., Wallis Is., Penryn Is., Raiatea Is., and Tahiti.

2.) Set up reconnaissance network (i.e., search planes, subs, and ships) at above locations and endeavor to determine IJA strength at Phase Two invasion locations.

3.) Accomplish all the preparation and training for Phase Two (i.e., pilot training, ship commander selections, troop objectives, positioning of all troops, aircraft, and ships, build fuel and supply at key “jump-off locations, etc.). Basically, be ready to commence Operation Tenderfoot on November 1, 1942.

4.) Diversion: Building up the Aleutian Islands with the hope El Lobo thinks the Allies intend to invade Hokkaido early-on.

Phase Two

Timeline: November 1, 1942, launch Operation Tenderfoot‘s simultaneous two-pronged offensive as follows:

Prong One: From India, invade Burma and push into China to secure a north-south line from Chung King to Hong Kong.

Invasion force: The saved Burma Corps, Indian, British, Australian (supplemented with tank brigades bought out in Australia…all of them), ABDA, five U.S. Army Divisions (each Division supplemented with either a tank brigade or anti-tank brigade, two artillery units, sufficient Base Forces, and a Seabee Unit…additionally two combat engineers and three or four EAB units). I estimate the total assault value strength that will enter China will be around 7,500. All available aircraft saved from Malaysia, the Philippines, Sumatra, and Java, the Tenth US squadrons, and numerous other British aircraft from Australia. All British, Australian, and Dutch submarines and Bombardment ships.

Prong Two: From the Hawaiian Islands, invade every single Marianas Island, Uhibi Island (I want this Island as it can support a size 9 port), and Yap Island (I want Yap as it can support a size 9 airfield to help protect Uhibi).

Invasion Force: All elements of the U.S. Marines (including all defense battalions) supplemented with sufficient supporting forces including Seabees, combat engineers, Base Forces, EABS, artillery, etc. I estimate the total Assault Value of these troops to be around 2,200. All II U.S. Fighter Squadrons and all V. U.S. Bomber squadrons. All sea craft used in Prong Two except for the PT type boats.

Phase Three

Timeline: Commence this phase no later than June 1, 1943.

Prong Three: From the Marianas Islands simultaneous invade all six Japanese bases on Formosa, Pescadores Is., and Orchid Is.

Invasion Force: The balance of all available U.S. Army troops with sufficient supporting units (i.e., Base Forces, headquarter units, artillery, engineers, coastal defense units, Seabees, EABs, etc.). I estimate the t Assault Value of these troops to be around 2,700. All Seventh aircraft. All carriers (including British carriers), all U.S. subs, all U.S. Bombardment ships. The U.S. Seventh squadrons.

Note: I value Formosa to not only close the Blockade of Japan Proper, but also to supply Hong Kong to supply Prong One forces in China.

A Few Notes

1.) Obviously there is a lot more detail concerning Operation Tenderfoot, but I hope I have given you enough information to have a good idea of tentative plans.

2.) I am sure there are things I have not accounted for and haven’t even thought of yet.

3.) I think it would be great fun battling a huge land war in China, Manchuria, and Korea.

4.) I think it would be exciting landing in the Marianas and on Formosa so early.

5.) Once Operation Tenderfoot commences I think it will be fun for all of us.

6.) Lastly, if Operation Tenderfoot is successful by the end of 1943, during 1944 the Allies should be in a good position to jump up the China Coast and into Manchuria and Korea; invade Okinawa; and even consider invading Hokkaido.

End Note

Operation Tenderfoot is now open to be analyzed with a fine tooth comb. Everything is open for discussion, including but not limited too, Allied asset assignments for the three prongs.

I call upon all those that wish to join The War College to begin by tossing out obstacles. I will keep a list of all obstacles and in the near future, will list them. At some point, we can take one obstacle at a time and attempt to find a reasonable and feasible solution.

The best of luck to all of us in making Operation Tenderfoot work. If we can’t, we will need to come up with a Plan B, of which, at this time, I have no Plan B. *laughing*

Regards,

-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by obvert »

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

OPERATION TENDERFOOT

(December 1, 1942 through December 31, 1943)


Opening Note

Gentlemen, I am both intrigued and excited about presenting Operation Tenderfoot to you for your valued consideration and comment. I am aware of several major obstacles that presently appear to be unsolvable in order for Operation Tenderfoot to succeed. And, I am sure there are several additional major obstacles that I haven’t even thought of yet. I am optimistic that the combined mental strength of The War College can address and find solutions to hurdle these obstacles so that we may implement Operation Tenderfoot.

El Lobo’s Expansion of the Japanese Empire

El Lobo will be extremely aware of Japan’s dire need to acquire and maintain a steady flow of oil to Japan proper for a lengthy period of time. He will also be extremely aware that he must preserve as many of his war machine assets as possible for the end game. Accordingly, El Lobo will pay fastidious attention to detail and he will be efficient and conservative with his expansion of the Empire, with one exception.

That one exception is that El Lobo will want to do something BIG! Accordingly he will earmark substantial assets to invade somewhere. I believe that somewhere will be China. I think El Lobo will take all of China.

Synopsis of Operation Tenderfoot

Phase One

Timeline: December 7, 1941 through October 31, 1942.

1.) Secure and hold the following objectives: Anchorage, Seward, Kodiak Is., Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Umnak Is., Adak Is., Amchitka Is., Attu, Is., Marcus Is., Midway Is., Wake Is., Hawaiian Islands, Johnston Is., Palmyra Is., Fanning Is., Christmas Is., Baker Is., Canton Is., Pago Pago Is., Wallis Is., Penryn Is., Raiatea Is., and Tahiti.

2.) Set up reconnaissance network (i.e., search planes, subs, and ships) at above locations and endeavor to determine IJA strength at Phase Two invasion locations.

3.) Accomplish all the preparation and training for Phase Two (i.e., pilot training, ship commander selections, troop objectives, positioning of all troops, aircraft, and ships, build fuel and supply at key “jump-off locations, etc.). Basically, be ready to commence Operation Tenderfoot on November 1, 1942.

4.) Diversion: Building up the Aleutian Islands with the hope El Lobo thinks the Allies intend to invade Hokkaido early-on.

All fine, but the Japanese can still inhibit these plans early. If he wants Cent Pac he'll take it and hold it. The KB can move in to stop anything you're doing before late 43.
Phase Two

Timeline: November 1, 1942, launch Operation Tenderfoot‘s simultaneous two-pronged offensive as follows:

Prong One: From India, invade Burma and push into China to secure a north-south line from Chung King to Hong Kong.

Invasion force: The saved Burma Corps, Indian, British, Australian (supplemented with tank brigades bought out in Australia…all of them), ABDA, five U.S. Army Divisions (each Division supplemented with either a tank brigade or anti-tank brigade, two artillery units, sufficient Base Forces, and a Seabee Unit…additionally two combat engineers and three or four EAB units). I estimate the total assault value strength that will enter China will be around 7,500. All available aircraft saved from Malaysia, the Philippines, Sumatra, and Java, the Tenth US squadrons, and numerous other British aircraft from Australia. All British, Australian, and Dutch submarines and Bombardment ships.

Prong Two: From the Hawaiian Islands, invade every single Marianas Island, Uhibi Island (I want this Island as it can support a size 9 port), and Yap Island (I want Yap as it can support a size 9 airfield to help protect Uhibi).

Invasion Force: All elements of the U.S. Marines (including all defense battalions) supplemented with sufficient supporting forces including Seabees, combat engineers, Base Forces, EABS, artillery, etc. I estimate the total Assault Value of these troops to be around 2,200. All II U.S. Fighter Squadrons and all V. U.S. Bomber squadrons. All sea craft used in Prong Two except for the PT type boats.

Very few games show the Allies moving forward in Burma before 43, and most it's 44 before significant territory is gained. You need to look at devices, replacements and airframes very carefully. Your replacements for the Commonwealth troops are shit poor for the duration. The troops won't be scary until their 43 upgrades, so after the time of this intended move, when Indian/Brit troops go from about 22 anti-armor to 75. Other devices like AT and other arty significantly improve but you have to be someplace where you can get these upgrades done and it's a lot of work, let me tell you, you're first time through it.

You don't have the fighters to even begin this kind of offensive until mid-43. The Tojo will wipe you out in 42-43 if you try to move on the offensive.

For your Pacific side, forget it. The KB is too strong this early, plus you don't have the troops if five US Army divs are in Burma. On top of that you don't even have the Hellcat yet, and you don't even want to think about taking all of the KB without this plane.

In 44, with all of the tools the Allies get, it still takes over a month of siege, and sometimes more, for each of the islands. Say you want to invade the three biggest, Saipan, Tinian and Guam. You'll need 3 divisions on the ground for each, well supported with tanks and arty, and you'll have to be able to bombard regularly. You can't at this stage because you'll have no bases to replenish your BBs within a week's trip. The KB will move in and decimate your landings, sink half of your fleet and push your timeline back two years if you try the Marianas so early. In addition you won't have the invasion shipping for this (not enough APA/AKA/LSD/LST) to even lift and land the troops you need.
Phase Three

Timeline: Commence this phase no later than June 1, 1943.

Prong Three: From the Marianas Islands simultaneous invade all six Japanese bases on Formosa, Pescadores Is., and Orchid Is.

Invasion Force: The balance of all available U.S. Army troops with sufficient supporting units (i.e., Base Forces, headquarter units, artillery, engineers, coastal defense units, Seabees, EABs, etc.). I estimate the t Assault Value of these troops to be around 2,700. All Seventh aircraft. All carriers (including British carriers), all U.S. subs, all U.S. Bombardment ships. The U.S. Seventh squadrons.

Note: I value Formosa to not only close the Blockade of Japan Proper, but also to supply Hong Kong to supply Prong One forces in China.

A Few Notes

1.) Obviously there is a lot more detail concerning Operation Tenderfoot, but I hope I have given you enough information to have a good idea of tentative plans.

2.) I am sure there are things I have not accounted for and haven’t even thought of yet.

3.) I think it would be great fun battling a huge land war in China, Manchuria, and Korea.

4.) I think it would be exciting landing in the Marianas and on Formosa so early.

5.) Once Operation Tenderfoot commences I think it will be fun for all of us.

6.) Lastly, if Operation Tenderfoot is successful by the end of 1943, during 1944 the Allies should be in a good position to jump up the China Coast and into Manchuria and Korea; invade Okinawa; and even consider invading Hokkaido.

It's great to think big, but remember your opponent may have other ideas. Your SIGINT is really important and can tell you where he's strong and where he's not. By all means if you prep troops and see the KB in the IO in mid 43, go for the Marianas, but remember it may be a short window of opportunity. You may have to do more work to decieve your opponent into thinking you'll move elsewhere before this.

It's a lot of fun, but consider you'll be doing this in a year or two in real time, you have a long time to plan and learn the game.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
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Rio Bravo
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by Rio Bravo »

[center]OPERATION TENDERFOOT IS ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE[/center]

I have reviewed Obvert’s experienced, knowledgeable, reasonable, and considered comments regarding Operation Tenderfoot. His advice is well taken and appreciated.

Of a sudden, quite earlier than I had anticipated, my feet have become quite sore!

It now seems evident to me that I have severely underestimated the number and capability of ships, aircraft, and troops required to achieve each goal set forth by Operation Tenderfoot by the dates presented therein. If one prong fails, then Operation Tenderfoot’s primary objective to blockade Japan proper by the end of 1943 fails.

I am not one to beat a dead horse.

Operation Tenderfoot is hereby filed under “South End of a North Bound Jackass.” In other words, “Operation Tenderfoot is Scrapped.”

Thank you to Obvert for being courageous enough to enlighten me.

My apologies to The War College for wasting your time with Operation Tenderfoot.

Upon formation of an entirely new Allied Grand Strategy, I will present the same to the War College.

Regards,

-Terry
"No one throws me my own guns and tells me to run. No one."

-Bret (James Coburn); The Magnificent Seven
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by obvert »

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]OPERATION TENDERFOOT IS ALL HAT AND NO CATTLE[/center]

I have reviewed Obvert’s experienced, knowledgeable, reasonable, and considered comments regarding Operation Tenderfoot. His advice is well taken and appreciated.

Of a sudden, quite earlier than I had anticipated, my feet have become quite sore!

It now seems evident to me that I have severely underestimated the number and capability of ships, aircraft, and troops required to achieve each goal set forth by Operation Tenderfoot by the dates presented therein. If one prong fails, then Operation Tenderfoot’s primary objective to blockade Japan proper by the end of 1943 fails.

I am not one to beat a dead horse.

Operation Tenderfoot is hereby filed under “South End of a North Bound Jackass.” In other words, “Operation Tenderfoot is Scrapped.”

Thank you to Obvert for being courageous enough to enlighten me.

My apologies to The War College for wasting your time with Operation Tenderfoot.

Upon formation of an entirely new Allied Grand Strategy, I will present the same to the War College.

Regards,

-Terry

As Allies I also got a bit overenthusiastic about my capabilities and learned the hard way that there are good reasons the war took as long as it did. The game has been really well balanced in this respect. The Allies, especially Commonwealth, are slow to build, and very fragile at first. Have a look at your divisional leader options for the Brits and Indians. Abyssmal early. Experience in the 30s for many important units. Brits and Aussies don't get good tanks until mid-late 42 and they're slow to fill out. Brit airframe replacements are a trickle.

This part of the game, the upgrades and preparation for battle, has been the most challenging for me. It's good to plan, and the kind of things you've set out to do could be possible, just add about a year to your dates! [:)]
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
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RE: THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

Post by BBfanboy »

It is good to have a rough idea of where you want to have your main approach to Japan, but you must be quite flexible on the particulars because where you will end up attacking depends on where you find weaknesses in his bloated perimeter. Bypassing strongpoints is a necessary strategy to prevent tying up your limited land forces with long and bloody battles. You must neutralize the strong points with air power, bombardments and naval blockade but you do not have to eliminate all the troops entrenched in forts.

The best strategies I have seen concentrate on securing logistics bases at several points along the Japanese perimeter and scouting for weak spots - with a few raids to keep him guessing. Once the Allies get the tools - like Essex class CVs, fast battleships, Cleveland CLs, Fletcher DDs, working torpedoes, Hellcats, Avengers, Corsairs, and Thunderbolts - they can start rolling against any weak spots along any vector they choose and move fast enough to prevent the Japanese from reinforcing heavily.

Good luck!
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
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