If You Ain't Cav #2 AAR

[22sec]

If You Ain't Cav #2
1-1 Cav/1 AD
August 1985

When leave was cancelled is when the worry began. Now, in the blink of an eye the US Army's 1st Armored Division's division cavalry squadron (1-1 Cav) has been in contact with Soviet forces as they stream across the border near the cav's border post, Camp Pitman. C Troop was deployed near Pitman at the start of the shelling, since then they've begrudingly gave ground as the remainder of the squadron races to provide relief.

Mission: C Troop is delaying the lead Soviet forces as best as it is able to. Link up the squadron with C Trp. secure the objectives, and stop the lead Soivet regiment. Time needs to be bought, and don't bleed the squadron dry on day one. The division commander expects you to fight in the proud and honored tradition of the US Army Cavalry.

Support: A flight from the division's air cavalry should arive approximately H+1. You have your mortars, but no other indirect fire support available.

Since just before dawn C Troop of 1-1 Cav/1AD had been battling the lead units of a Soviet division that struck across the border in to West Germany. By 0930 the troop was repositioning to the southwest along the B15 Highway, in an effort to link up with the rest of the cavalry squadron that comprised the eyes and ears for America's armored division in Bavaria.

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[22sec]

I begin by trying to position A Troop to set up a blocking position along the wooded high ground straddling the highway. I want C Troop to continue it's delaying action and begin to tie in to the right flank of now forming defensive line. B Troop is given the task of securing the objectives along the autobahn. I expect the Soviets to continue their pursuit of C Troop soon, and need the units locked at the start along the interstate to quickly pass through the positions the rest of the troop have established to cover their withdraw.

[22sec]

Right on cue (thankfully) the lead Soviet units resume their advance.

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[22sec]

[22sec]

The Soviets came roaring down the highway, nearly two companies spotted headed towards a already bloodied C Troop. The ensuing fight sees both sides suffer casualties, but I don't have as many to lose. C Troop was not built to stand up toe to toe with a tank battalion, and I loose all the troops M-60's in a fruitless attempt to do just that.

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[22sec]

It isn't long before B Troop is hard pressed by the Soviet formation. My hope is the the thick wooded terrain will help to slow the communist forces. I need to buy some time.

D Company, the squadron's tank force has finally closed up with the main force. Also, the air cav has finally arrived. I go ahead and order them to move into an a staging area over W...bach.

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