kbluck
27 Apr 04, 15:43
Well, since NORAD issued a challenge and all to see who could
beat Death Valley Attack, here it is: how to decisively beat DVA.
First, some game details. I presume CPT Proctor's AAR was done
on the "stock" Database1 version of the scenario. This one is
done on my kbDataModern reimport version, titled Death Valley
Attack (KB). Not the one I totally rejiggered, just the original
with my database merely substituted. I did this because I
believe aggressive use of dismounts is key to defeating the
enemy in this scenario, and such missions are largely impossible
using the Database1 statistics, as in that version all your
infantry generally gets killed by Spandrels long before they can
close with anything. The only good uses for infantry in
Database1 that I can find are as artillery spotters and
as "ammunition sinks" in hopes the enemy will use up all his
missiles killing infantry before you bring out your tanks.
One other significant difference is the artillery ammo levels.
You might notice that the M109s now have a lot more ammo listed.
This is to simulate the FAASV being colocated with the howitzer,
which I decided to do for various reasons that I will discuss
elsewhere if anybody is interested. However, in keeping with the
spirit of the original scenario, I voluntarily will adhere to
the original artillery ammo limitations; that is, although (for
example) they actually have 12 smoke each, I will only actually
fire a maximum of 4 each. I think you'll see that I am being
fairly diligent at conserving ammo in my operation.
All the kbDataModern-reimported stock scenarios are located
here (http://www.wargames.warfarehq.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302), if you are interested in following along.
***SPOILER ALERT!****
What follows is essentially a recipe on how to win this
scenario, complete with pictures. If you want to beat this
scenario by your own devices, do not read any further. Once you
have read this AAR, you will have an excellent idea of where
everything is and how to kill it. Do not read this AAR unless
you have already beaten it, don't care about beating it by
yourself, or have lost all hope and wouldn't play it again
anyway.
******SPOILERS FOLLOW ****
First, I read the order.
Tip: The "view order" window is kind of restricted. It is much
easier to review and refer back to the order if you print it.
Right click on the order window and select "Print" from the
popup menu.
First, I review the brigade's mission. It is to attack in zone
and seize terrain, destroying the enemy first echelon in the
process. There is no particular time limit mentioned for end
condition. Next, I review the commander's intent. He wants to
deceive the enemy into thinking my task force is the main
attack, so that he commits his reserve against me. My brother TF
2-5 will then exeucte the *real* attack.
There are some implications here in my reading of the
commander's intent. First, my main job isn't so much to attack
as it is to demonstrate. I am to make a lot of ruckus, while
keeping the enemy in the dark as to my actual strength as long
as possible, the point being to make him think I'm the big push
and to commit all his reserves against me. That leads to the
second point --- if I succeed, I'm going to be receiving a
substantial counterattack at some point in the near future. That
means I'd better have enough combat power left over after this
fight to repel it.
Now I review the concept of the operation. Again, I note there
are no particular time constraints. Basically, I have as long as
I need to secure TEXAS (within reason), at which point the
remainder of the brigade's operation will proceed. If this was a
time-sensitive operation, surely the CO would have made that
clear. So, ultimately I gather that what my CO wants is for me
to make a lot of noise, hand the enemy some serious damage, grab
some ground, but to conserve my own strength in the process and
not to make any precipitous moves.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Sittemp.jpg
I looked at the ground overlaid with the SITTEMP. The obvious
axis was up the valley floor and make a left turn into the
objective. I didn't like that option at all, for two main
reasons. First, the enemy was undoubtedly expecting it.
Certainly, the S-2 thought so, since he'd templated just about
everything the enemy had as covering that avenue of approach,
and that's probably where all his obstacles were to boot.
Second, was that left turn onto the objective. As if
running right through the kill sack wasn't bad enough, I'd be
doing it with my flanks presented to the enemy the whole time
and have to make a big wheeling maneuver under fire. No, the
valley floor was nice and roomy for maneuver, but actually
getting all the way down it was going to be bloody work.
So, I looked around for options. As I studied the map, I did see
an alternative. There was an infantry strongpoint situated on
some high ground south of the objective. It appeared that the
enemy didn't regard it as a practical avenue of approach, and
was merely using it as an elevated platform to give his infantry
some range. But, doing a bit of terrain analysis, it looked
trafficable to me. It was a bit narrow; probably only one
company could pass at a time. I didn't think that was a fatal
flaw, though, given the enemy's difficulty in seeing what was
going on up there if his strongpoint was neutralized. There was
a lot of rough ground in front of it, which offered a reasonably
covered approach to it; certainly the enemy wouldn't be able to
target me the whole way as I dipped in and out of the terrain
folds. It also offered several options to get onto the
objective. I could turn right and follow the edge of the valley
floor, I could go straight north into the objective, or I could
turn left through a little pass to enter the objective from
behind. Best of all, the enemy's main battle positions couldn't
see me as I approached. I'd be able to breach through whatever
obstacle was there and move into a position commanding the
valley floor and they'd be completely impotent to engage me with
direct fire; that is, unless they were willing to leave their
holes and come get me, which would largely neutralize their
defender's advantage.
There were three flies in the ointment. There was, of course the
infantry strongpoint, which clearly would have to be reduced.
Undoubtedly bristling with ATGMs. Then there was the CSOP right
in the middle of the rough ground. Finally, there was an AT
firing line to the northwest. They couldn't range me, but they
could see me. They'd have to go. Besides, taking them out would
be a useful diversion to the enemy's attention.
All three had a fatal flaw, though. They were in rough ground
with little or no overwatching support, and covered avenues of
approach nearly right to their doorsteps. Perfect targets for an
infantry infiltration.
So, my initial plan. First, I would advance my scouts cautiously
from the LD to perform counterrecon and to get a picture of the
enemy outposts. I would infiltrate my dismount infantry along a
covered avenue. The infantry would advance on foot to engage and
destroy the CSOP and the AT firing line. The CSOP infantry would
continue forward to locate obstacles and possibly engage the
infantry strongpoint, but more likely call for fire if the enemy
was really in company strength. The AT Line infantry would
continue over the ridges to get a good look into the objective
and possibly engage some enemy there as a diversion. Finally, my
heavy forces would breach any obstacle found, charge through the
strongpoint and assault the objective.
Thinking a bit about the timeline, I could see the critical path
was going to be the infantry operations. I estimated they'd have
to walk 5 or 6 kilometers before they were done. That's about 90
minutes of movement. Add some time for combat, and I estimated
about two hours for them to do their thing. The scouts would
need about an hour up front for their operations, and the final
assault would probably occupy another hour. So, I estimated the
following timeline for the phases:
1. Recon/counterrecon: 0655-0800
2. Infiltration: 0800-0845
3. Reduce outposts: 0845-0915
4. Reduce strongpoint: 0915-1030
5. Advance to assault: 1000-1030
6. Breach 1030-1100
7. Assault/consolidate: 1100-1130
I initially set up in a cautious stance, since I fully expect
the enemy has left OPs in my assembly area. As the game begins,
the artillery is deep in a hide area down a canyon in the BDE
area. I have my two infantry platoons on patrol in the rugged
high ground on either side of the AA, those seeming like the
most likely spots for enemy OPs. My engineers are concealed
behind a small range of hills, and my mech elements are laagered
in preparation for a quick move. The scouts are on line just
behind the LD, ready to scout forward.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Setup.jpg
When the clock kicked off, Bravo flushed an OP and dispatched
them within a few seconds in a hail of machinegun fire. Charlie
on the other hill also had an OP in their sights but had not yet
closed to engagement range. Preferring not to give them any more
sightseeing time than necessary, they called for fire. Alpha
battery queued up for three volleys of HE. At the same time,
Charlie battery set up to deliver illumination for the two
infantry platoons, to help ensure all the enemy OPs in the area
were spotted.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Startup.jpg
Tip: I've noticed that artillery goes in on target more reliably
when you aim 10m south and west of the actual center point of
the target. Not a big deal for 155, but can make a real
difference when targeting small-burst weapons like mortars. I'm
not sure why this is, but there it is. See picture for an
example.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Aimpoint.jpg
Doing a quick LOS analysis, I decided that my engineers and
artillery were probably undetected by those two OPs, but my
maneuver elements should probably reposition a bit to throw off
any incoming. So, they moved to the side about 500 meters just
before any enemy fire missions might be expected to arrive,
about 90 seconds in.
Meanwhile, the scout platoon began a cautious advance towards PL
Chuck, leapfrogging forward by sections.
As the maneuver companies performed their sidestep, the first
volley came in on the enemy OP. It was an accurate shot and
wiped them out. The following two volleys were cancelled. The
flares also popped, but no additional OPs were noted. The
dismounts begen moving back to their rally points to rendezvous
with their Bradleys.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Illum.jpg
About 0700 scouts noted a possible OP near the south boundary
about halfway to CHUCK. They immediately called for fire, one
battery three volleys of HE, and monitored the situation, making
frequent small repositioning moves. Shortly thereafter, the
northern team of scouts also spotted an OP and repeated the
performance. The wisdom of their frequent short relocations was
proven when some enemy artillery came roaring in, landing
harmlessly in already-vacated positions. The first volleys of US
artillery came in off-target at well. The OPs realizing more was
probably on the way, picked up and moved out of the impact zone.
The scouts, seeing the movement, clicked off their safeties and
opened up. A dangerous game of cat-and-mouse now ensued, as the
scouts worked to keep them under fire while avoiding enemy
incoming artillery and staying just out of range of the OP's
weapons. After several minutes of simultaneous running
firefights, punctuated by the thunder of impacting artillery
from both sides, the scouts finally prevailed and the OPs would
present no further threat.
The scouts now resumed their advance towards PL CHUCK. Since
they were approaching the limits of the artillery's ability to
support them, 1-82 FA bounded Bravo and Charlie batteries
forward to positions just behind the LD, just far forward enough
to cover the projected enemy CSOP and AT firing lines with
DPICM. Alpha remained on call should the scouts need any quick
fire.
At 18:36 the scouts noted some enemy vehicle activity in the
approximate area of the projected CSOP. I decided to develop the
situation before engaging with artillery, and so I simply noted
their grid locations and the scouts continuted to maneuver for a
better picture. Since it seemed likely there would be BMPs or
other ATGM vehicles located nearby, I gave it a wide berth.
During their continued maneuver, the scouts picked up another OP
in the center of sector just beyond PL CHUCK. Since it was out
of range of conventional HE, Alpha battery engaged it instead
with HE-RAP. As they continued to maneuver, the scouts picked up
a second and third OP closer to the boundaries. Those were also
targeted with HE-RAP by Alpha battery. Meanwhile, some more
enemy arty came down, missing the constantly repositioning
scouts by a wide margin. One after another, the enemy OPs were
put out of action by the impacting HE-RAP, and gradually the
incoming enemy artillery died out.
The scouts now busied themselves finding the best possible
vantages to eyeball the enemy. After some careful shuffling,
they had identified six likely vehicles near the projected CSOP,
and three dug-in vehicles near the AT firing line. It was
looking like the S-2 got those backwards; 6 undug vehicles was
very suggestive of an AT battery, while three dug-in vehicles
felt a lot like a CSOP. At any rate, the scouts were now unable
to approach any more closely without unacceptable risk of taking
ATGM fire, and so we weren't going to get a good look into OBJ
TEXAS for the time being. We had a good fix on their advance
elements, though, so the infantry would have a pretty good idea
of what they were getting into. Once the dismounts had done
their thing, we'd be able to pull the scouts closer to PL STEVE
and get a good look at the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Recon.jpg
With 28 minutes to go before LD time (0800 per OPORD) it was
time to get saddled up and prepare for the infiltration phase.
Bravo and Charlie batteries were closing on their new position
areas, and Alpha was ready to follow suit once they did. The
infantry had returned from their patrols and mounted their
Bradleys. I decided that each of the twin infiltration missions
would proceed with one tank platoon up front and the Bradley
platoon trailing a few hundred meters behind to the dismount
point, in case any unexpected ATGM nests were to present
themselves. The remaining two tank platoons would remain in
reserve behind PL CHUCK. Once the infantry was dismounted, the
tanks and Bradleys would rendezvous with the left-behind tank
platoons behind CHUCK and bide their time, remaining responsive
should a counterattack emperil the dismounts. They would
continue to reposition periodically to avoid becoming artillery
targets and to keep the enemy guessing as to where they might
ultimately intend to go. The artillery would remain on call
should the need arise, but it was my intention to destroy the
enemy outposts entirely with direct fire from the infantry, so
as to conserve ammunition for the final assault.
Upon sunrise at 0735, the situation in TEXAS clarified
considerably. The scouts were now able to identify 8 more hull-
down positions forward of the objective. Together with the
apparent CSOP, that's 12 vehicles, about a company's worth.
Given the strength estimate in the order, that left about 8 more
maneuver vehicles unaccounted for. Either they weren't
immediately visible but in the same general vicinity, or they
were in a hide position as a reserve --- probably a combination
of both. There are probably some more AT assets lurking about,
as well. They also positively IDed one of the 6 vehicles in the
south as a 9P148 ATGM vehicle, so it seemed more certain that
the CSOP and AT line indeed had traded places. The new evidence
made it seem more likely that the S-2 was correct that the enemy
is weighting his vehicle strenth into the valley, using his
dismounts to cover the flank of the battle line. The plan of
attacking through infantry strongpoint seemed to be holding as
the best course. If I could manage to reduce that strongpoint
prior to hitting it with my tanks, I could conduct my breach in
a fairly sheltered location, inasmuch as the dug-in vehicles
wouldn't be able to cover it. I could then attack straight north
over the hills, directly through the strongpoint location, and
thus hit the enemy line squarely in his right flank.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ReconDawn.jpg
The key was getting those enemy infantry rooted out. However, I
also still wanted to eliminate the CSOP, since it had a good
view of my approach. It would also be imperative to get a good
view into the objective, to see what might be lurking to the
rear and to give advance warning of any reinforcing movements.
The mountains around the (real) CSOP would be a great vantage
point for that purpose. They might also be able to snipe a
couple of enemy vehicles on that side of the battlefield, too.
So, my original plan was still basically the same; one platoon
of infantry down each axis. It was feeling like a good plan.
My only accomodation was to reinforce the southern axis a bit. I
had 3/Bravo send over one of its squads of dismounts to Charlie,
since they were looking at more combat. Everybody came on line,
all three artillery batteries finished their redeployments, and
at precisely 0800 TF 2-8 crossed the LD to kick off the
infiltration phase. My arty batteries also leapfrogged forward
about 4 klicks to cover the enemy's main defensive line.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Kickoff.jpg
At about 0813, my scouts noted some movement across TEXAS. It
appeared the missing reserve was deploying and positioning
itself on the slope overlooking TEXAS to the east. They were
clearly expecting me to attack TEXAS along the canyon bottom. So
much the better; I'd be able to take them in the rear when I
stormed through the infantry strongpoint.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Movement.jpg
By 0815, my companies were in position to begin the infiltration
mission, and my batteries were emplaced to cover the area of
immediate interest.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Coverage.jpg
I had each company drop off one tank platoon to remain in
reserve. The companies lined up with tanks forward and Brads
behind to advance to their dropoff points. They remained in a
cautious stance, watchful for any ATGM fire. (Hold Fire). The
object was to run in as close as possible, kick out the
dismounts, and beat it back to PL CHUCK before attracting any
enemy artillery. I wasn't at all worried about Charlie in the
north, as they had a nice covered route that had already been
cleared by scouts. Bravo was a bit more puckerish, as it was
rather rough ground with some funky LOSes, and the scouts
weren't able to clear it for sure. We'd probably picked up all
the vehicles, but there could well be enemy dismounts lurking in
wait that wouldn't be seen until they fired. We'd have to count
on quick reflexes and thick armor to see us through.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-P2Advance.jpg
As it happened, the terrain analysis proved accurate and both
insertions went smoothly with no enemy interference. Both
dismount platoons were dropped off about two klicks away from
their targets and moving to contact by 0830. The carriers and
tanks withdrew and returned to PL CHUCK without incident, to
wait in reserve should the enemy counterattack and otherwise
await developments.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-DropoffB.jpg
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-DropoffC.jpg
At 0845, 3/Charlie claimed its first victim, a 9P148 BRDM ATGM
carrier. They also noted some dismounted activity in the
vicinity; apparently the enemy had some infantry sprinkled in as
well. 3/Bravo continued its strenous hike over the ridgelines to
their firing position behind the enemy CSOP. At 0903 they
identified a T-80 tank, but decided to continue to their
planned firing position to engage the CSOP platoon all at once
and prevent any escape should they realize their compromised
position and try to run away.
At 0910 3/Charlie snuck up behind another BRDM and bushwhacked
them. After a brief exchange of fire with the panicked crew,
they destroyed it with an AT-4 rocket. At about the same time,
they identified a Spandrel team and took them under fire with
their SAWs. Without any supporting infantry of their own, the AT
team was hopelessly outclassed and soon succumbed as well.
Without missing a beat, a third BRDM was eliminated with a
Javelin. A few minutes later yet another BRDM suffered a severe
allergic reaction from eating an AT-4 rocket. 3/Charlie rallied
up and began stalking their next hapless victims in the next
grid square. I was sort of surprised the remnants of the battery
didn't realize by this time the deep doo-doo they were in and
try to flee, but it wouldn't have done any good if they had;
they were within Javelin range and running away over the rough
ground surely would have skylined them at some point, at which
time they'd have become Javelin magnets. By 0925, the last two
BRDMs were history. After taking some scattered mortar fire,
3/Charlie flushed out a second Spandrel team and destroyed it in
a brief firefight. 3/Charlie proceeded towards the obstacle line
with no further contacts in that area.
Meanwhile, the sweaty troops of 3/Bravo reached their firing
point at 0945. Settling in, they found themselves with a
commanding view of the CSOP. They opened fire with their
Javelins, and two volleys later, the CSOP was only a bad memory.
Pausing only briefly for a quick water break, they picked up
once again and headed over the ridge a short distance away to
have a look into the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-CSOP.jpg
The scouts also seized the opportunity afforded by the
destruction of the CSOP and AT firing line to reposition into
more advantageous positions. Soon, a rather complete picture of
the objective came into view. They also picked up an OP on a
hill just out of sector south of PL Steve, which was promptly
engaged and destroyed by 155mm HE.
3/Charlie found themselves under mortar fire anytime they
paused. Probably, some dismounts were looking down at them from
the projected strongpoint. They resolved to keep moving to stay
out from under the mortars as much as possible and nail that
enemy infantry to the wall. But first, they had to see if they
could find an obstacle.
At about 1000 3/Bravo started coming over the ridge and
identifying targets in the objective. They settled down,
apparently undetected, into firing positions and waited for the
opportune moment to fire their remaining Javelins at targets
east of TEXAS. I began to regret not sending at least one more
Javelin team to that side.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Ridge.jpg
A few minutes later 3/Charlie started picking up dug-in infantry
positions near the strongpoint location. Since their primary
concern at the moment was finding an obstacle, they called for
fire. They didn't want to get hung up in an obstacle with enemy
observers calling mortars on them if at all possible. Because
they were dug-in, I called for three battery volleys of HE on
each target as they appeared.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Strongpoint.jpg
My final assault plan was now taking shape. I was going to run
Bravo as the breaching force more or less due north from PL
STEVE up over the hilltop where the strongpoint was located.
3/Bravo would expend their Javelins against nearby positions
within range, while the arty concentrated on the two hillside
positions in TEXAS. Bravo would pause at a good vantage point to
engage enemy positions east of TEXAS while still masked from
anything deeper in the objective. Meanwhile, Charlie would
follow them through the breach and attack through to the north
into TEXAS, engaging any enemy found behind the objective. Bravo
would then follow up to the northeast to finish clearing the
other side of the valley, assisted by 3/Charlie who would spend
their last Javelins on any enemy within range. Observing the
progress of 3/Bravo, I set 1030 as the kickoff time to cross
CHUCK. In preparation, I set Charlie and the engineers into
motion to form up behind Bravo for the big push. I also began
shifting artillery forward a bit more to completely cover the
objective, leaving one battery behind to support 3/Bravo on
short notice.
As 1030 approached and 3/Bravo crossed PL STEVE and started into
the strongpoint, I began to feel a distinct sensation of glee.
No obstacle! Unless the enemy had done something weird and stuck
an obstacle over the top of a hill, which seemed unlikely, I
might have lucked out and found the soft underbelly. I still
wasn't taking any chances and keeping engineers close at hand,
but I might just charge onto the objective with no need for a
breach at all. To be sure, the best breach is always the one
that you don't have to do.
1030 rolled around and it was time to kick off the assault.
Bravo, engineers, and Charlie formed up and moved out, in that
order. At the same time, I kicked off the artillery preparation,
firing DPICM volleys by platoons at targets capable of menacing
my advance. I added a bit of smoke at one point on their route
which I couldn't be sure the enemy couldn't see with their
ATGMs. I also scheduled a battery of smoke on the hill for when
Bravo was to start climbing.
With the arty prep under way, 3/Charlie decided to finish up its
Javelin allotment to see if they could spare the artillery any
work, and expended their last four missiles. They killed two
9P148 BRDMs but unfortunately missed a BMP. Meanwhile, 3/Bravo
encountered and engaged another Spandrel team, but also
attracted the attention of a BMP which also brought them under
fire. Some incoming mortar made the situation very
uncomfortable. Dropping smoke from the M203 GLs, they beat a
hasty retreat and began maneuvering to bring Javelins to bear on
the offending BMP. Luckily avoiding any serious casualties, it
was a reminder to check the terrain for cover when operating
near enemy forces and to stay in motion when observers might be
watching.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Firefight.jpg
As the arty prep proceeded and 3/Bravo maneuvered, the situation
gradually came together. The artillery knocked out 1 T-80 and 4
BMPs, while 3/Bravo, firing on the move or from very brief
halts, unleashed their firepower and took care of 2 Spandrels,
one BMP, one T-80, and an unlucky BAT-2 earthmover. As the smoke
went in around 1053, the heavy equipment of Bravo company came
storming up the back of the mountain.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Arrival.jpg
By 1055 the Bravo tanks had arrived in their ABF position under
cover of smoke and assumed defilade positions. At the smoke
drifted away and unmasked enemy targets one by one, they opened
fire, while the arty shifted back to DPICM by platoon and began
suppressing all visible targets. The first to die was a T-80.
Although he went down swinging, he never had a chance against a
full tank platoon with his range dialed in.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ABF1.jpg
As the destruction proceeded apace, Charlie company arrived as
planned and passed to the rear of Bravo, aiming at the little
pass onto the high ground overlooking the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ABF2.jpg
It was now merely a matter of grinding down the last remnants of
the enemy's combat power. With artillery targeted to suppress
and the massed firepower of a company available, it was easy
pickings. The final two targets were a bit too far to identify
for destruction, so I simply dialed up the arty and sent Bravo's
tank platoons out after them. Their reprieve didn't last long.
Charlie debouched onto the high ground without taking a single
shot and proceeded towards the objective. They came across a
couple of T-80s on the hillside and dispatched them forthwith
with a bit of assistance from the artillery. The enemy was
finished, and so was this scenario.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Final.jpg
beat Death Valley Attack, here it is: how to decisively beat DVA.
First, some game details. I presume CPT Proctor's AAR was done
on the "stock" Database1 version of the scenario. This one is
done on my kbDataModern reimport version, titled Death Valley
Attack (KB). Not the one I totally rejiggered, just the original
with my database merely substituted. I did this because I
believe aggressive use of dismounts is key to defeating the
enemy in this scenario, and such missions are largely impossible
using the Database1 statistics, as in that version all your
infantry generally gets killed by Spandrels long before they can
close with anything. The only good uses for infantry in
Database1 that I can find are as artillery spotters and
as "ammunition sinks" in hopes the enemy will use up all his
missiles killing infantry before you bring out your tanks.
One other significant difference is the artillery ammo levels.
You might notice that the M109s now have a lot more ammo listed.
This is to simulate the FAASV being colocated with the howitzer,
which I decided to do for various reasons that I will discuss
elsewhere if anybody is interested. However, in keeping with the
spirit of the original scenario, I voluntarily will adhere to
the original artillery ammo limitations; that is, although (for
example) they actually have 12 smoke each, I will only actually
fire a maximum of 4 each. I think you'll see that I am being
fairly diligent at conserving ammo in my operation.
All the kbDataModern-reimported stock scenarios are located
here (http://www.wargames.warfarehq.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302), if you are interested in following along.
***SPOILER ALERT!****
What follows is essentially a recipe on how to win this
scenario, complete with pictures. If you want to beat this
scenario by your own devices, do not read any further. Once you
have read this AAR, you will have an excellent idea of where
everything is and how to kill it. Do not read this AAR unless
you have already beaten it, don't care about beating it by
yourself, or have lost all hope and wouldn't play it again
anyway.
******SPOILERS FOLLOW ****
First, I read the order.
Tip: The "view order" window is kind of restricted. It is much
easier to review and refer back to the order if you print it.
Right click on the order window and select "Print" from the
popup menu.
First, I review the brigade's mission. It is to attack in zone
and seize terrain, destroying the enemy first echelon in the
process. There is no particular time limit mentioned for end
condition. Next, I review the commander's intent. He wants to
deceive the enemy into thinking my task force is the main
attack, so that he commits his reserve against me. My brother TF
2-5 will then exeucte the *real* attack.
There are some implications here in my reading of the
commander's intent. First, my main job isn't so much to attack
as it is to demonstrate. I am to make a lot of ruckus, while
keeping the enemy in the dark as to my actual strength as long
as possible, the point being to make him think I'm the big push
and to commit all his reserves against me. That leads to the
second point --- if I succeed, I'm going to be receiving a
substantial counterattack at some point in the near future. That
means I'd better have enough combat power left over after this
fight to repel it.
Now I review the concept of the operation. Again, I note there
are no particular time constraints. Basically, I have as long as
I need to secure TEXAS (within reason), at which point the
remainder of the brigade's operation will proceed. If this was a
time-sensitive operation, surely the CO would have made that
clear. So, ultimately I gather that what my CO wants is for me
to make a lot of noise, hand the enemy some serious damage, grab
some ground, but to conserve my own strength in the process and
not to make any precipitous moves.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Sittemp.jpg
I looked at the ground overlaid with the SITTEMP. The obvious
axis was up the valley floor and make a left turn into the
objective. I didn't like that option at all, for two main
reasons. First, the enemy was undoubtedly expecting it.
Certainly, the S-2 thought so, since he'd templated just about
everything the enemy had as covering that avenue of approach,
and that's probably where all his obstacles were to boot.
Second, was that left turn onto the objective. As if
running right through the kill sack wasn't bad enough, I'd be
doing it with my flanks presented to the enemy the whole time
and have to make a big wheeling maneuver under fire. No, the
valley floor was nice and roomy for maneuver, but actually
getting all the way down it was going to be bloody work.
So, I looked around for options. As I studied the map, I did see
an alternative. There was an infantry strongpoint situated on
some high ground south of the objective. It appeared that the
enemy didn't regard it as a practical avenue of approach, and
was merely using it as an elevated platform to give his infantry
some range. But, doing a bit of terrain analysis, it looked
trafficable to me. It was a bit narrow; probably only one
company could pass at a time. I didn't think that was a fatal
flaw, though, given the enemy's difficulty in seeing what was
going on up there if his strongpoint was neutralized. There was
a lot of rough ground in front of it, which offered a reasonably
covered approach to it; certainly the enemy wouldn't be able to
target me the whole way as I dipped in and out of the terrain
folds. It also offered several options to get onto the
objective. I could turn right and follow the edge of the valley
floor, I could go straight north into the objective, or I could
turn left through a little pass to enter the objective from
behind. Best of all, the enemy's main battle positions couldn't
see me as I approached. I'd be able to breach through whatever
obstacle was there and move into a position commanding the
valley floor and they'd be completely impotent to engage me with
direct fire; that is, unless they were willing to leave their
holes and come get me, which would largely neutralize their
defender's advantage.
There were three flies in the ointment. There was, of course the
infantry strongpoint, which clearly would have to be reduced.
Undoubtedly bristling with ATGMs. Then there was the CSOP right
in the middle of the rough ground. Finally, there was an AT
firing line to the northwest. They couldn't range me, but they
could see me. They'd have to go. Besides, taking them out would
be a useful diversion to the enemy's attention.
All three had a fatal flaw, though. They were in rough ground
with little or no overwatching support, and covered avenues of
approach nearly right to their doorsteps. Perfect targets for an
infantry infiltration.
So, my initial plan. First, I would advance my scouts cautiously
from the LD to perform counterrecon and to get a picture of the
enemy outposts. I would infiltrate my dismount infantry along a
covered avenue. The infantry would advance on foot to engage and
destroy the CSOP and the AT firing line. The CSOP infantry would
continue forward to locate obstacles and possibly engage the
infantry strongpoint, but more likely call for fire if the enemy
was really in company strength. The AT Line infantry would
continue over the ridges to get a good look into the objective
and possibly engage some enemy there as a diversion. Finally, my
heavy forces would breach any obstacle found, charge through the
strongpoint and assault the objective.
Thinking a bit about the timeline, I could see the critical path
was going to be the infantry operations. I estimated they'd have
to walk 5 or 6 kilometers before they were done. That's about 90
minutes of movement. Add some time for combat, and I estimated
about two hours for them to do their thing. The scouts would
need about an hour up front for their operations, and the final
assault would probably occupy another hour. So, I estimated the
following timeline for the phases:
1. Recon/counterrecon: 0655-0800
2. Infiltration: 0800-0845
3. Reduce outposts: 0845-0915
4. Reduce strongpoint: 0915-1030
5. Advance to assault: 1000-1030
6. Breach 1030-1100
7. Assault/consolidate: 1100-1130
I initially set up in a cautious stance, since I fully expect
the enemy has left OPs in my assembly area. As the game begins,
the artillery is deep in a hide area down a canyon in the BDE
area. I have my two infantry platoons on patrol in the rugged
high ground on either side of the AA, those seeming like the
most likely spots for enemy OPs. My engineers are concealed
behind a small range of hills, and my mech elements are laagered
in preparation for a quick move. The scouts are on line just
behind the LD, ready to scout forward.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Setup.jpg
When the clock kicked off, Bravo flushed an OP and dispatched
them within a few seconds in a hail of machinegun fire. Charlie
on the other hill also had an OP in their sights but had not yet
closed to engagement range. Preferring not to give them any more
sightseeing time than necessary, they called for fire. Alpha
battery queued up for three volleys of HE. At the same time,
Charlie battery set up to deliver illumination for the two
infantry platoons, to help ensure all the enemy OPs in the area
were spotted.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Startup.jpg
Tip: I've noticed that artillery goes in on target more reliably
when you aim 10m south and west of the actual center point of
the target. Not a big deal for 155, but can make a real
difference when targeting small-burst weapons like mortars. I'm
not sure why this is, but there it is. See picture for an
example.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Aimpoint.jpg
Doing a quick LOS analysis, I decided that my engineers and
artillery were probably undetected by those two OPs, but my
maneuver elements should probably reposition a bit to throw off
any incoming. So, they moved to the side about 500 meters just
before any enemy fire missions might be expected to arrive,
about 90 seconds in.
Meanwhile, the scout platoon began a cautious advance towards PL
Chuck, leapfrogging forward by sections.
As the maneuver companies performed their sidestep, the first
volley came in on the enemy OP. It was an accurate shot and
wiped them out. The following two volleys were cancelled. The
flares also popped, but no additional OPs were noted. The
dismounts begen moving back to their rally points to rendezvous
with their Bradleys.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Illum.jpg
About 0700 scouts noted a possible OP near the south boundary
about halfway to CHUCK. They immediately called for fire, one
battery three volleys of HE, and monitored the situation, making
frequent small repositioning moves. Shortly thereafter, the
northern team of scouts also spotted an OP and repeated the
performance. The wisdom of their frequent short relocations was
proven when some enemy artillery came roaring in, landing
harmlessly in already-vacated positions. The first volleys of US
artillery came in off-target at well. The OPs realizing more was
probably on the way, picked up and moved out of the impact zone.
The scouts, seeing the movement, clicked off their safeties and
opened up. A dangerous game of cat-and-mouse now ensued, as the
scouts worked to keep them under fire while avoiding enemy
incoming artillery and staying just out of range of the OP's
weapons. After several minutes of simultaneous running
firefights, punctuated by the thunder of impacting artillery
from both sides, the scouts finally prevailed and the OPs would
present no further threat.
The scouts now resumed their advance towards PL CHUCK. Since
they were approaching the limits of the artillery's ability to
support them, 1-82 FA bounded Bravo and Charlie batteries
forward to positions just behind the LD, just far forward enough
to cover the projected enemy CSOP and AT firing lines with
DPICM. Alpha remained on call should the scouts need any quick
fire.
At 18:36 the scouts noted some enemy vehicle activity in the
approximate area of the projected CSOP. I decided to develop the
situation before engaging with artillery, and so I simply noted
their grid locations and the scouts continuted to maneuver for a
better picture. Since it seemed likely there would be BMPs or
other ATGM vehicles located nearby, I gave it a wide berth.
During their continued maneuver, the scouts picked up another OP
in the center of sector just beyond PL CHUCK. Since it was out
of range of conventional HE, Alpha battery engaged it instead
with HE-RAP. As they continued to maneuver, the scouts picked up
a second and third OP closer to the boundaries. Those were also
targeted with HE-RAP by Alpha battery. Meanwhile, some more
enemy arty came down, missing the constantly repositioning
scouts by a wide margin. One after another, the enemy OPs were
put out of action by the impacting HE-RAP, and gradually the
incoming enemy artillery died out.
The scouts now busied themselves finding the best possible
vantages to eyeball the enemy. After some careful shuffling,
they had identified six likely vehicles near the projected CSOP,
and three dug-in vehicles near the AT firing line. It was
looking like the S-2 got those backwards; 6 undug vehicles was
very suggestive of an AT battery, while three dug-in vehicles
felt a lot like a CSOP. At any rate, the scouts were now unable
to approach any more closely without unacceptable risk of taking
ATGM fire, and so we weren't going to get a good look into OBJ
TEXAS for the time being. We had a good fix on their advance
elements, though, so the infantry would have a pretty good idea
of what they were getting into. Once the dismounts had done
their thing, we'd be able to pull the scouts closer to PL STEVE
and get a good look at the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Recon.jpg
With 28 minutes to go before LD time (0800 per OPORD) it was
time to get saddled up and prepare for the infiltration phase.
Bravo and Charlie batteries were closing on their new position
areas, and Alpha was ready to follow suit once they did. The
infantry had returned from their patrols and mounted their
Bradleys. I decided that each of the twin infiltration missions
would proceed with one tank platoon up front and the Bradley
platoon trailing a few hundred meters behind to the dismount
point, in case any unexpected ATGM nests were to present
themselves. The remaining two tank platoons would remain in
reserve behind PL CHUCK. Once the infantry was dismounted, the
tanks and Bradleys would rendezvous with the left-behind tank
platoons behind CHUCK and bide their time, remaining responsive
should a counterattack emperil the dismounts. They would
continue to reposition periodically to avoid becoming artillery
targets and to keep the enemy guessing as to where they might
ultimately intend to go. The artillery would remain on call
should the need arise, but it was my intention to destroy the
enemy outposts entirely with direct fire from the infantry, so
as to conserve ammunition for the final assault.
Upon sunrise at 0735, the situation in TEXAS clarified
considerably. The scouts were now able to identify 8 more hull-
down positions forward of the objective. Together with the
apparent CSOP, that's 12 vehicles, about a company's worth.
Given the strength estimate in the order, that left about 8 more
maneuver vehicles unaccounted for. Either they weren't
immediately visible but in the same general vicinity, or they
were in a hide position as a reserve --- probably a combination
of both. There are probably some more AT assets lurking about,
as well. They also positively IDed one of the 6 vehicles in the
south as a 9P148 ATGM vehicle, so it seemed more certain that
the CSOP and AT line indeed had traded places. The new evidence
made it seem more likely that the S-2 was correct that the enemy
is weighting his vehicle strenth into the valley, using his
dismounts to cover the flank of the battle line. The plan of
attacking through infantry strongpoint seemed to be holding as
the best course. If I could manage to reduce that strongpoint
prior to hitting it with my tanks, I could conduct my breach in
a fairly sheltered location, inasmuch as the dug-in vehicles
wouldn't be able to cover it. I could then attack straight north
over the hills, directly through the strongpoint location, and
thus hit the enemy line squarely in his right flank.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ReconDawn.jpg
The key was getting those enemy infantry rooted out. However, I
also still wanted to eliminate the CSOP, since it had a good
view of my approach. It would also be imperative to get a good
view into the objective, to see what might be lurking to the
rear and to give advance warning of any reinforcing movements.
The mountains around the (real) CSOP would be a great vantage
point for that purpose. They might also be able to snipe a
couple of enemy vehicles on that side of the battlefield, too.
So, my original plan was still basically the same; one platoon
of infantry down each axis. It was feeling like a good plan.
My only accomodation was to reinforce the southern axis a bit. I
had 3/Bravo send over one of its squads of dismounts to Charlie,
since they were looking at more combat. Everybody came on line,
all three artillery batteries finished their redeployments, and
at precisely 0800 TF 2-8 crossed the LD to kick off the
infiltration phase. My arty batteries also leapfrogged forward
about 4 klicks to cover the enemy's main defensive line.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Kickoff.jpg
At about 0813, my scouts noted some movement across TEXAS. It
appeared the missing reserve was deploying and positioning
itself on the slope overlooking TEXAS to the east. They were
clearly expecting me to attack TEXAS along the canyon bottom. So
much the better; I'd be able to take them in the rear when I
stormed through the infantry strongpoint.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Movement.jpg
By 0815, my companies were in position to begin the infiltration
mission, and my batteries were emplaced to cover the area of
immediate interest.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Coverage.jpg
I had each company drop off one tank platoon to remain in
reserve. The companies lined up with tanks forward and Brads
behind to advance to their dropoff points. They remained in a
cautious stance, watchful for any ATGM fire. (Hold Fire). The
object was to run in as close as possible, kick out the
dismounts, and beat it back to PL CHUCK before attracting any
enemy artillery. I wasn't at all worried about Charlie in the
north, as they had a nice covered route that had already been
cleared by scouts. Bravo was a bit more puckerish, as it was
rather rough ground with some funky LOSes, and the scouts
weren't able to clear it for sure. We'd probably picked up all
the vehicles, but there could well be enemy dismounts lurking in
wait that wouldn't be seen until they fired. We'd have to count
on quick reflexes and thick armor to see us through.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-P2Advance.jpg
As it happened, the terrain analysis proved accurate and both
insertions went smoothly with no enemy interference. Both
dismount platoons were dropped off about two klicks away from
their targets and moving to contact by 0830. The carriers and
tanks withdrew and returned to PL CHUCK without incident, to
wait in reserve should the enemy counterattack and otherwise
await developments.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-DropoffB.jpg
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-DropoffC.jpg
At 0845, 3/Charlie claimed its first victim, a 9P148 BRDM ATGM
carrier. They also noted some dismounted activity in the
vicinity; apparently the enemy had some infantry sprinkled in as
well. 3/Bravo continued its strenous hike over the ridgelines to
their firing position behind the enemy CSOP. At 0903 they
identified a T-80 tank, but decided to continue to their
planned firing position to engage the CSOP platoon all at once
and prevent any escape should they realize their compromised
position and try to run away.
At 0910 3/Charlie snuck up behind another BRDM and bushwhacked
them. After a brief exchange of fire with the panicked crew,
they destroyed it with an AT-4 rocket. At about the same time,
they identified a Spandrel team and took them under fire with
their SAWs. Without any supporting infantry of their own, the AT
team was hopelessly outclassed and soon succumbed as well.
Without missing a beat, a third BRDM was eliminated with a
Javelin. A few minutes later yet another BRDM suffered a severe
allergic reaction from eating an AT-4 rocket. 3/Charlie rallied
up and began stalking their next hapless victims in the next
grid square. I was sort of surprised the remnants of the battery
didn't realize by this time the deep doo-doo they were in and
try to flee, but it wouldn't have done any good if they had;
they were within Javelin range and running away over the rough
ground surely would have skylined them at some point, at which
time they'd have become Javelin magnets. By 0925, the last two
BRDMs were history. After taking some scattered mortar fire,
3/Charlie flushed out a second Spandrel team and destroyed it in
a brief firefight. 3/Charlie proceeded towards the obstacle line
with no further contacts in that area.
Meanwhile, the sweaty troops of 3/Bravo reached their firing
point at 0945. Settling in, they found themselves with a
commanding view of the CSOP. They opened fire with their
Javelins, and two volleys later, the CSOP was only a bad memory.
Pausing only briefly for a quick water break, they picked up
once again and headed over the ridge a short distance away to
have a look into the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-CSOP.jpg
The scouts also seized the opportunity afforded by the
destruction of the CSOP and AT firing line to reposition into
more advantageous positions. Soon, a rather complete picture of
the objective came into view. They also picked up an OP on a
hill just out of sector south of PL Steve, which was promptly
engaged and destroyed by 155mm HE.
3/Charlie found themselves under mortar fire anytime they
paused. Probably, some dismounts were looking down at them from
the projected strongpoint. They resolved to keep moving to stay
out from under the mortars as much as possible and nail that
enemy infantry to the wall. But first, they had to see if they
could find an obstacle.
At about 1000 3/Bravo started coming over the ridge and
identifying targets in the objective. They settled down,
apparently undetected, into firing positions and waited for the
opportune moment to fire their remaining Javelins at targets
east of TEXAS. I began to regret not sending at least one more
Javelin team to that side.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Ridge.jpg
A few minutes later 3/Charlie started picking up dug-in infantry
positions near the strongpoint location. Since their primary
concern at the moment was finding an obstacle, they called for
fire. They didn't want to get hung up in an obstacle with enemy
observers calling mortars on them if at all possible. Because
they were dug-in, I called for three battery volleys of HE on
each target as they appeared.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Strongpoint.jpg
My final assault plan was now taking shape. I was going to run
Bravo as the breaching force more or less due north from PL
STEVE up over the hilltop where the strongpoint was located.
3/Bravo would expend their Javelins against nearby positions
within range, while the arty concentrated on the two hillside
positions in TEXAS. Bravo would pause at a good vantage point to
engage enemy positions east of TEXAS while still masked from
anything deeper in the objective. Meanwhile, Charlie would
follow them through the breach and attack through to the north
into TEXAS, engaging any enemy found behind the objective. Bravo
would then follow up to the northeast to finish clearing the
other side of the valley, assisted by 3/Charlie who would spend
their last Javelins on any enemy within range. Observing the
progress of 3/Bravo, I set 1030 as the kickoff time to cross
CHUCK. In preparation, I set Charlie and the engineers into
motion to form up behind Bravo for the big push. I also began
shifting artillery forward a bit more to completely cover the
objective, leaving one battery behind to support 3/Bravo on
short notice.
As 1030 approached and 3/Bravo crossed PL STEVE and started into
the strongpoint, I began to feel a distinct sensation of glee.
No obstacle! Unless the enemy had done something weird and stuck
an obstacle over the top of a hill, which seemed unlikely, I
might have lucked out and found the soft underbelly. I still
wasn't taking any chances and keeping engineers close at hand,
but I might just charge onto the objective with no need for a
breach at all. To be sure, the best breach is always the one
that you don't have to do.
1030 rolled around and it was time to kick off the assault.
Bravo, engineers, and Charlie formed up and moved out, in that
order. At the same time, I kicked off the artillery preparation,
firing DPICM volleys by platoons at targets capable of menacing
my advance. I added a bit of smoke at one point on their route
which I couldn't be sure the enemy couldn't see with their
ATGMs. I also scheduled a battery of smoke on the hill for when
Bravo was to start climbing.
With the arty prep under way, 3/Charlie decided to finish up its
Javelin allotment to see if they could spare the artillery any
work, and expended their last four missiles. They killed two
9P148 BRDMs but unfortunately missed a BMP. Meanwhile, 3/Bravo
encountered and engaged another Spandrel team, but also
attracted the attention of a BMP which also brought them under
fire. Some incoming mortar made the situation very
uncomfortable. Dropping smoke from the M203 GLs, they beat a
hasty retreat and began maneuvering to bring Javelins to bear on
the offending BMP. Luckily avoiding any serious casualties, it
was a reminder to check the terrain for cover when operating
near enemy forces and to stay in motion when observers might be
watching.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Firefight.jpg
As the arty prep proceeded and 3/Bravo maneuvered, the situation
gradually came together. The artillery knocked out 1 T-80 and 4
BMPs, while 3/Bravo, firing on the move or from very brief
halts, unleashed their firepower and took care of 2 Spandrels,
one BMP, one T-80, and an unlucky BAT-2 earthmover. As the smoke
went in around 1053, the heavy equipment of Bravo company came
storming up the back of the mountain.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Arrival.jpg
By 1055 the Bravo tanks had arrived in their ABF position under
cover of smoke and assumed defilade positions. At the smoke
drifted away and unmasked enemy targets one by one, they opened
fire, while the arty shifted back to DPICM by platoon and began
suppressing all visible targets. The first to die was a T-80.
Although he went down swinging, he never had a chance against a
full tank platoon with his range dialed in.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ABF1.jpg
As the destruction proceeded apace, Charlie company arrived as
planned and passed to the rear of Bravo, aiming at the little
pass onto the high ground overlooking the objective.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-ABF2.jpg
It was now merely a matter of grinding down the last remnants of
the enemy's combat power. With artillery targeted to suppress
and the massed firepower of a company available, it was easy
pickings. The final two targets were a bit too far to identify
for destruction, so I simply dialed up the arty and sent Bravo's
tank platoons out after them. Their reprieve didn't last long.
Charlie debouched onto the high ground without taking a single
shot and proceeded towards the objective. They came across a
couple of T-80s on the hillside and dispatched them forthwith
with a bit of assistance from the artillery. The enemy was
finished, and so was this scenario.
http://www.netce.com/atf/dva/DVA-Final.jpg