View Full Version : Initial recon deployment.
Comrades,
Let us discuss the initial recon deployment here.
Artur.
I posted that in the other thread already:
I think we shoud use two companies of Recon units and one Company of Tanks.
Thus we would have a very good Agressive recon force, able to counteract enemy recon.
A possible unit would consist of:
A company of East German SPW40-P, some (or all?) with RPG teams.
- they're fast and small and with RPGs are a good unti to penetrate the enemy's rear area.
Another recon unit. Or a BTR Company to match the speed of the SPW40/BRDMs
A company of Tanks. Most preferably T-72/64.
- gives a good offensive punch.
----> I planned to attach my T-72 comapny to my Recon Batallion, as I think it is very practical to ho have a fast recon unit, able to deliver a punch into the tactical rear area of the enemy. Scouting with the Recon vehicles and evading with the tanks to get them into the rear to kill ADA or Artillery...
I can see two approaches regarding initial recon deployment.
What is the common in both approaches that I want the forward elelments to survive:
1. Hiding and observing
We deploy 3 light recon companies in a dispersed fashion. In the first Operational Turn we disperse them even more by sending platoons to neighbouring hexes. When contact is made these units hide, observe and report and withdraw if necessary.
Pros
-We cover a large area
-Some of the units will survive longer time
-Less risky
Cons
- This recon force will most likely die a slow death where the main forces will not arrive.
2. Putting up a stronger force trying to hunt down NATO forward units.
Here we put 3 strong companies forward as near to each other as we can. We try to destroy weaker forces and run away from stronger ones. We gain intel by the contacts established.
Pros
-We may damage NATO forward elements and deny intel from them.
Cons
-Only a small area is covered. (If we disperse them they will be weak and still cannot hide with them as well.)
-Risky. If we get cought by heavy ATGM troops we are in trouble.
I tend to lean towards option 1 but I am open to other ideas. These 3 forward companies would be the companies of the East German Recon battalion.
Attaching tanks is a different thing, I think it is not good hidong with them. Pannonicus, as the intel responsible what is your opinion about this? We may build up recon companies as small combined arms forces as well but then we cover less area. What do you think which form will provide better probability of survival for our troops? (Some training battles would help do decide about it...)
Everybody please hear your opinion/advice.
Artur.
In my opinion, the purpose of recon units is reconnaisance obviously enough. Therefore they should disperse, hide, and report. Intelligence of enemy location, force and movement is more important than blinding him. Option 1 seems superior. Discovered enemy recon forces can be interdicted by our helo/air assault troop/ artillery if need be.
Gun_go_Boom
30 Nov 05, 22:48
In my opinion, the purpose of recon units is reconnaisance obviously enough. Therefore they should disperse, hide, and report. Intelligence of enemy location, force and movement is more important than blinding him. Option 1 seems superior. Discovered enemy recon forces can be interdicted by our helo/air assault troop/ artillery if need be.
In addition to this as posted by Tanker, lets also consider an additional and common use for recon elements: route recon. By that I mean first identifying the easiest route to use in reaching our objectives (i.e. enemy supply depots, cities, etc.) and then advancing ahead of the main body of an assaulting force, and to let the main body know what type of enemy concentrations, if any, they can expect along that route.
Just my two lil pennies to throw into the pot on this topic.
Hmm for me a main question is how good our 'strategic' recon is. If we can track down general enemy troop position we could use our Recon assets as an Agressive force.
If that's not the cas 'see without being seen' is the better option.
I still lean towards the more agressive version, as we could use our Recon elements in strong connection to some heavy unit's, using the Recon units only for scouting and counting of enemy assets and move some heavier force into the rear, to get a grip at possible arty or AAA units.
I think that recon forces should stay hidden and just recon, not at least put tanks there because we need every one of them in the major offensive move. But if we want some power to the recon force, how about if we put a few SP ATGMs there ?
Not many, only a few. When located properly, they could knock out for example Nato SP SAM units or something as valuable, after firing they could drive fast to core force.
Pannonicus
02 Dec 05, 15:37
Even better to mount inf ATGMs on recon vehicles. If set up on roads right, they can punch the nose of the capitalists, without being noticed.
Tanks should follow these light forces 1-3 km behind. If the enemy is light, they can run forward, destroy them, then retreat. They should not be kept closely together with light recon vehicles.
Pannonicus
02 Dec 05, 15:38
Hmm for me a main question is how good our 'strategic' recon is..
We will have good one.
We will have good one.
Hmm allright, then I assume we will have a 'light' recon unit consisting of units of the GDR recon batallion. We must now decide what forces we will deploy in detail.
Comrades,
While we are debating the initial recon deployment, we forgot about the most important thing to do for it: that is having a good operational plan. Recon has an important part of it, and recon has to be deployed in harmony with the plan.
We have one week to do it. I suggest everyone to set up the COCAT tool or at least take a look at the operational map and the OOBs. We must know:
1. Which units are for "holding the line" and in what form?
2. Which are our offensive units?
3. Which units are our reserves and where/how to place them?
4. How maby supply units shall we have and where?
5. Where shall we place our ADA units?
6. Which objective shall we attempt to take first?
7.Where should we attack/defend?
8. Some alternative plans variations.
9.Then we shall know how the recon fill fit into all that.
Doubledeuce PLEASE make a new forum for operational planning. Thanks.
Artur.
Double Deuce
05 Dec 05, 15:49
Doubledeuce PLEASE make a new forum for operational planning. Thanks.Done. You should all see it now.
I suggest the recon companies to be the GDR recon BN companies + 1/3rd of the GDR BTR weapons company. That company will be disbanded but GDR forces will be comphensated for that.
See thread about operational recon concept in the operational planning forum.
Opinions?
Artur.
I suggest the recon companies to be the GDR recon BN companies + 1/3rd of the GDR BTR weapons company. That company will be disbanded but GDR forces will be comphensated for that.
See thread about operational recon concept in the operational planning forum.
Opinions?
Artur.
I second that deployment. I gives us the recon assets, and a fast 'fist' if needed.
jadpanther
18 Dec 05, 22:05
Where to get Cocat?
Where to get Cocat?Go here: Combat Campaigns (http://www.combat-campaigns.com/spmbt/nato_wp/) and go to Cocat Utility
vBulletin® v3.7.0, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.