Module 1, Scenario 1. Plan by Pergite!

[Real and Simulated Wars]

Editor's note: The text in italics is part of Pergite's submission e-mail. I add it here as I think it is important to understand his plan.
Here are my Bn orders for Scenario 1. I usually play with realistic order
delays, so that has sort of influenced the planning process somewhat, mainly
in the shape of the absence of timings and coordinations.

OPORDER Scenario 1

GROUND:
I have derived by deduction that the best initial transit route for the
following division forces is through BENDVILLE and keep to the NORTH side of
the RED RIVER. For the 9th Recon Bn this route also offers good mobility and
cover of the forests (from enemy AT guns, and visual observations from
inside the village) and a good avenue of aproach for an assault on
BRIDGEVILLE. There are some insecurities over the status of the BENDVILLE
crossing given the speed aspects, but I still belive that the ground north
of the RED RIVER is vital if my force should be able to clear BRIDGEVILLE in
time. There is just one river to cross and the terrain offers alternetive
(incerclement) actions should the enemy be to well fortified.


1. SITUATION

Enemy forces:
There is no fresh intelligence on the enemy strength at BRIDGEVILLE.


Most Probable Course of Action:

The enemy will most likely concentrate his forces around BRIDGEVILLE and
deny our forces from using major roads and crossing points.


Most Dangerous Course of Action:

That the enemy keeps his forces well dug in and have armor or other heavy
weapons in reserve to counterattack our forces before we have consolidated
on our objectives. This is dangerous to us because our force lacks the
firepower to withstand attacks by enemy armour without abandoning our key
objectives.

Friendly Forces:
9th Bn HQ, 1/9 AC Coy, 2/9 AC Coy, 3/9 Krad Coy, 4/9 Hvy Wpns Coy, Mot AT
plts

Higher Units concept of operations:
Our division's mission is to dash west via BRIDGEVILLE and to take an
objective 55 km west of the edge of the map, no later than D1, 22:00. We
have to keep our momentum! Speed, speed, speed...!
The advance guard of the division is 10 km east of your position. It is
entangled in extremely close terrain and is expected to arrive at the east
edge of the map approximately on D1, 15:00. 9th Recon battalion is to clear
enemy defensive positions in Bridgeville in order to facilitate our
Division's advance.


2. MISSION:

9th Recon Bn will secure vital crossings and roads in order to enable quick
tranist for the rest of the Division arriving D1 15:00.


3. EXECUTION

My intent for this operation is that 9th Recon Bn will secure the BENDVILLE
crossing and clear the town in order to secure our advance towards
BRIDGEVILL (Phase 1)

We will then move to a FUP NORTH of BRIDGEVILLE in order to be able to
exploit the terrain and cover to get the best effect out of our forces. We
will then assault BRIDGEVILLE from the NORTH, clear the village from enemy
and secure the crossings in order to enable quick tranist for the rest of
Division (Phase 2)

When BRIDGEVILLE is secure we will send elements to probe ahead up the
HIGHWAY NORTH (Phase 3b), while the rest of Bn stays firm and dig in at
BRIDGEVILLE in order to repell any counterattacks (Phase 3a).

The end state of this operation is when the we control BRIDGEVILLE and have
secured its vital crossings. The enemy is routed or in other way incapable
of counterattacking over the river into BRIDGEVILLE.

Commanders note: There is no need to recon the enemy situation at
BRIDGEVILLE due to the time table at hand. The mission is crystal clear:
"clear enemy defensive positions in order to facilitiate advance". Well at
BRIDGEVILL the entire force will gain and reatain enemy contact, effectively
ending reconnaissance and comitting to an all out assault. The Bn will move
as one during the operation retaining all firepower at one place in order to
be able to deal with contacts of strong opposition.


Tasks to Maneuver Units:

Phase 1

1/9 AC coy will lead the initial assault and secure the crossing at
BENDVILLE and then clear the village.

2/9 AC coy will follow 1/9 coy over the crossing and exploit the gain to
advance further W and take up positions along road in nearby forest in order
to delay any counterattacks.

3/9 Krad Coy will act as an reserve for the crossing and then advance up to
same position as 2/9 in order to delay any counterattacks.

4/9 Hvy Wpns Coy and Mot AT plt will take up positions on hill SOUTH of
BENDVILLE in order if needed to support by fire the advance of 1/9, 2/9 and
3/9 coys. Prepare to cross the river in order Mot AT plt then 4/9 coy when
all other elements are over.


Phase 2

1/9 AC coy will be at the left flank of the assault on BRIDGEVILLE. From FUP
advancing from N along S road into BRIDGEVILLE. Use maximum force and speed
in order to quickly rout any oposition in the village. If road is blocked,
then withdraw and follow on behind 4/9 Coy and advance into the village from
N.

2/9 AC coy will be at the right flank of the assault on BRIDGEVILLE. From
FUP advancing from north along E forest edge S into the village. Use maximum
force and speed in order to quickly rout any oposition in the village.

4/9 Hvy Wpns Coy will be at the center of the assault on BRIDGEVILLE. From
FUP advancing from north over open ground in order to during advance supress
enemy positions in the village.

Mot AT Plt will take up positions behind advancing units in order to support
by fire and supress enemy positions in BRIDGEVILLE.

3/9 Krad Coy will take up reserve position in rear near road intersection in
order to quickly reinforce breakthroughs in any enemy positions. Prepared to
overtake contact with enemy forces along the road leading into BRIDGEVILLE
if 1/9 withdraws.


Phase 3a

1/9, 2/9, 4/9 and Mot Plt wil no later than D1 15:00 have cleared last
remaining enemy postions and secure the bridges (leading E-W) in BRIDGEVILLE
in order to enable freedom of movement for folllow on forces


Phase 3b

3/9 Krad Coy will advance and probe along the HIGHWAY N out of BRIDGEVILLE
up to river crossing in order recon status of crossing and road fo follow on
forces.


4. SERVICE SUPPORT

As per SOP


5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

9th Recon Bn HQ will lead combat operations from positions along the axis of
advance during phase 1 and 2. Bn HQ command post will during Phase 3 be
established in BRIDGEVILLE.


Signed / Major Pergite
9th Aufklärungs Bn HQ / 9th Pz Div

[Pergite!]

Posting missing pictures for the plan

[Hoplomachia]

Pergite,

Good plan. This way you achieved superior forces against the enemy outposts, you avoided the bridges, which cost my recon units some unnecessary casualties, and hit Bridgeville with all units at your disposal. Nice.

[kneecaps]

Great detail in your plan! I had much the same attach plan on Bridgeville, but I totally omitted to plan any kind of attack to secure Bendville before moving to Bridgeville. I kind of just assumed that Bendville would be lightly/undefended (which is silly of me given its tactical significance of allowing a flank attack on bridgeville).