Size of MRD Operating Area

[Double Deuce]

One of the next things I need to do is finalize the actual Campaign area. Depending on the format of the Movement system this will determine the work needed for map creation.

Does anyone have a recomendation/guidance on the size of area needed for a Motorized Rifle Division to maneuver. I need to know;


Size in Kilometers using a Freeform Movement system (COCAT). I am thinking 32km N-S x 24km E-W. Would require 16 160x120 hex maps in WinSPMBT. BUT, is 32x24 km large enough?
Size in hexes using a Hex Based Movement system. I am thinking at least 20x20 (5km each Hex). This would require 400 100x100 hex maps in WinSPMBT.
I am leaning toward using the Freeform/COCAT format BUT this means at least 1 player on each team will need to be proficient with it, otherwise movement orders cannot be given. This will be a lot easier on my upfront Map Admin time.

[Pannonicus]

A mechanized infantry battalion is usually assigned 1-3 km (depending on exact conditions) in defense, on average European terrain. You can use it as the basis for calculations.

[Double Deuce]

I am leaning toward using the Freeform/COCAT format BUT this means at least 1 player on each team will need to be proficient with it, otherwise movement orders cannot be given. This will be a lot easier on my upfront Map Admin time.Using this format also means that when determining Tactical Battles I have to be somewhat selective in what gets included. This means that a unit who is nearby might not be included in the battle even if in RL it could have been called at the last minute on the radio and moved to the combat area.

Using hexes allows the Tactical Battles to be more easily determined as to what units are fighting what units. BUT it is harder to simulate breakthoughs, flanking attacks and such.

[Pannonicus]

Radios can break down, commanders sometimes have bad decisions - I would vote for the Freeform.

[John Osborne]

One of the next things I need to do is finalize the actual Campaign area. Depending on the format of the Movement system this will determine the work needed for map creation.

Does anyone have a recomendation/guidance on the size of area needed for a Motorized Rifle Division to maneuver. I need to know;


Size in Kilometers using a Freeform Movement system (COCAT). I am thinking 32km N-S x 24km E-W. Would require 16 160x120 hex maps in WinSPMBT. BUT, is 32x24 km large enough?
Size in hexes using a Hex Based Movement system. I am thinking at least 20x20 (5km each Hex). This would require 400 100x100 hex maps in WinSPMBT.
I am leaning toward using the Freeform/COCAT format BUT this means at least 1 player on each team will need to be proficient with it, otherwise movement orders cannot be given. This will be a lot easier on my upfront Map Admin time.
Well according to my OPFOR Battle Book :)

An Army of from two to four divisions will defend a sector from 100 to 150 kilometers wide and 100 to 150 kilometers or more deep. An MID in an offense has a frontage of 15 to 30 kilometers wide (depends also on the type of mission, frontal attack, deep envelopment and double envelopment).

OPFOR Defensive Frontage
Division 20-30km frontage, 10-20km depth
Brigade 10-15km frontage, 7-10km depth
Battalion 3-5km frontage, 1.5-2.5km depth
Company 1-1.5km frontage, up to 1km depth
Platoon up to 500m frontage, up to 200m depth
Squad up to 150m frontage, N/A depth

Hope this help. Mike I can send to you the updated OPFOR Battle Book if you want it :)

JohnO

[Pannonicus]

What kind of units, on what terrain? Differences can be quite big, depending on these factors.

[Double Deuce]

How does having 2x2km hexes on the Operational Map. This should allow a for up to BN size units to be placed in a hex (although maybe a little tight). I am considering that size hex and a BN size unit stacking level.

Using 20 160x120 hex SPMBT maps this gives an operational coverage area of 32km x30km and a 16x15 hex Operational Map.

Is this enough maneuver room for our currently identified OOB's?

[Pannonicus]

In a non-nuclear environment yes. In case of nuclear threat, both sides would disperse forces so that a single tactical warhead can only wipe out a battalion maximum.

On the other had, if you take WW2, Soviet divisions sometimes attacked on a quite narrow front, with overwhelming power. In that sense, it is even too much.

I think we can go ahead with this. If not enough, we can later extend the area of operations, can't we?