This will be a little bit different. We started this game in
Dec and are currently on turn 12. This is a very complicated scenario and took us a couple of tries just to get started and mobilized. I am just going to give a general run-down of the sitution and then attach a couple of "news" reports that I included in the email with the game turn running down the situation.
Basically this was your basic both sides mobilize and then the Warsaw Pact Attacks.
Nato Player (me) mobilized the following on turn 1:
NATO
US Pacific Forces
US Centcom
Japan
Israel
Egypt
Gulf nations on turn 2
Pakistan
Warsaw Pact mobilized on turn 1:
Warsaw Pact North, West Southwest, South, Kurdish Rebels
General Flow of Game so far:
The war started on turn 3. Warsaw achieved both air and ground shock, but Nato was able to contain and hold the line in Germany. Counter-attacks inflict significant losses on the Warsaw Pact. Israel attacks Lebanon and Warsaw Pact mobilizes Syria. Israel crushes both and by turn 8 or so both countries are out. The Warsaw Pact attacks Finland and Norway. Nato is able to defend Norway and Finland holds out until turn 9 or so. The Warsaw Pact attacks into Austria as well and captures Vienna, not sure if Austria will withdraw from the war.
The Soviet fleets have been crushed and Nato has total control of the seas.
In Turkey and Greece. The Turks hold their own and even advance into Bulgaria. Greece conquers Albania with some help from the Italians. Libya falls to Spanish Marines (turn 10) and Egyptian forces. The Soviets make some success in the Caucaus Mountains but the Turks should be able to hold.
Iran and Iraq have not entered the war and much of Centcom is supporting Turkey. With Israel basically out of the war now that Syria and Lebenanon have been captured. I do not think Iraq and Iran will come into the war. The Gulf states are mobilized but will probably not participate.
In the Pacific theatre not too much is happening just a large amphibiuos raid on the Soviet coast by the Marines.
Here is a listing of some news dispatches - gives more detail of what is happening. I know this is cheesy but I was bored.
News:
Turn 3:
The Battle of Atlantic saw heavy losses to the Soviet Red Banner fleet. I wish the naval part of the game was modeled better – the one thing this games lacks.
My attacks against your airfields did not go as well as I had hoped. The “Air Shock” that I am under because you achieved strategic surprise made the loss factors fairly close when you look at the number of aircraft you have vs. what I have. What really hurts is the 56 F-16’s and 25 F-15’s that I lost. I can not keep up that pace of losses for long.
The US 6th Fleet wiped out the Soviet Med Squadron and the 23rd MEU made an amphibious landing and captured Tripoli. Beirut is cut-off (the first combat round took 70% of the turn – furious air battles) and will fall next turn.
Turn 4:
Helsinki falls to the Soviets.
In Germany the NATO solidifies its line and gets ready to counter-attack.
Turn 5:
Well the valiant Finns recapture Helsinki, but probably will not be able to hold on for long. Massive air losses on both sides but I think I am gaining the advantage. Your amphibious invasion of Turkey is interesting – are these units in supply? I do not think Syria can hold out for long. I am pretty happy about what is happening in Central Europe, in a couple days I think I will pretty well have my defenses solidified. I am surprised on the Austria move, and at how weak the Austrians are. I thought their army was better than that, but who knows. I am toying with the idea of activating Yugoslavia and Sweden, but we will see how things develop.
Turn 6:
Turn 7:
Dateline Salzburg:
US Military Officials have notified the press pool that a major counter-offensive is underway in southern Germany as the US III Corps, elements of the Italian V Corps, and Austrian Army units mount an attack on the Czech 1st and 4th Armies in the southern part of the line. Deep penetrations in the rear area have been reported. Meanwhile US and French units counterattack around Regensburg. In conjunction with US, German, Dutch, and Spanish Special Forces and Airborne Units, elements of the Soviet 4th Guards Army have been surrounded. Unfortunately we are told that the Spanish Foreign Legion has been utterly destroyed in an airborne attack in conjunction with the assault.
Meanwhile in Northern Germany, the German port of Lubeck has been recaptured by the Spanish Urgell Mountain Division and the German 27th Airborne Brigade. The Soviet 207th Motor Rifle Division withstands repeated attacks by the German III Corps and the US 24th Mechanized Division southeast of Hamburg.
In other news from Turkey the 1st Turkish Army in conjunction with the 82nd Airborne surround and destroy the Rumanian 7th Motor Rifle Division, the Bulgarian 7th Motor Rifle Division, and a Bulgarian Border guard unit. The line is broken completely open and Turkish officials believe they will penetrate deeply into Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas has been captured. In the meantime the US 9th Infantry Division has landed at Izmit to help support the Turks opposing the Soviet invasion on the Black Sea Coast. We are told that some Egyptian Divisions are moving to support Turkey in the Southeast.
In Syria, Israeli forces continue to battle guerrilla insurgents and consolidate their hold on Damascus. We are told they are awaiting to see if Syria will offer terms for surrender.
In a report from Norway we are told the surrounded Soviet 36th Naval Infantry Brigade has surrendered and that the Norwegian 12th Infantry Brigade has landed unopposed and recaptured the port of Hammerfest.
The valiant defenders of Helsinki continue to hold out against the Soviets and are making pleas for aide from NATO.
Turn 8:
Turn 9:
Dateline Salzburg:
Kent Brockman here reporting from Salzburg, where the US offensive into Czechoslavakia has met with a set-back. The US 1st Mech Division was on the out-skirts of Prague when Czech and Polish reinforcements moved into the area. In a sharp battle the US 5th Mech division was forced to retreat SE of Prague and the entire eastern flank of the offensive was thrown into peril. At the same time elements of the 1st Hungarian Army captured Vienna before NATO reinforcements could arrive. A decision was made to withdraw and reform the battlelines. During the withdrawl the Czech 19th Motor Rifle Division, which had moved in on the western flank of the offensive was surrounded and destroyed. US officials report that close to 12,000 prisoners were taken.
Meanwhile in the hills east of Regensburg, surrounded elements of the Czech 1st and 4th Armies continue to hold out but have suffered heavy losses. Elements of the Soviet 4th Guards Army surrounded north of Regensburg have been completely wiped out and over 20,000 prisoners taken.
In the northern sector near Hamburg, German, US, English, Spanish and French forces make multiple attacks on the surrounded Soviet Divisions inflicting heavy losses and taking some 15,000 prisoners. We are told airborne and airmobile units have been dropped behind the lines to extend the breakthrough of the Pact lines. Nato commanders warn, however, that the Warsaw Pact is moving up heavy reinforcements as their Category II and III divisions mobilize.
In Norway, US and Norweigen forces continue to advance. We are told the Soviet 63rd Guards Motor Rifle Division is cut-off and in danger. Also breaking news, Sweden concerned over the reported war crimes being committed by Soviet forces in Finland has decided to enter the war in an effort to prop up the valiant Finnish government. Helsinki has withstood 8 days of assaults but we are told they will not hold out much longer. A Danish Mechnized Brigade, which is the only Nato reinforcements that have been able to reach Helsinki was destroyed in combat today. We are told that the Soviets killed most of the Danish prisoners in frustration. War Crimes such as these are sure to be a topic in any negotiations to end the hostilities.
Greek and Italian forces continue their offensive in Albania and it is hoped that soon Albania will surrender to Nato forces. The Greeks also have made some minor success in the mountains north of Salonika against the Bulgarian 1st Army.
In Turkey additional US and Egyptian forces are moving into the area and the US 1st Marine Division has entered the lines east of Instanbul. In Turkey-in-Europe Turkish forces still continue to hold their own, but satellite recon shows heavy reinforcements moving into the area. Of special concern is the Caucus mountain area where Soviet forces continue to push the valiant Turks back.
In Syria, the Syrian army is collapsing under repeated assaults. The Israeli Defense Force spokesman has stated that Israeli offensive operations are over and they are hoping for a negotiated peace with a new Syrian government that does not support terrorism.
Egyptian forces are getting ready for an assault from Libya.
Turn 10:
Dateline Regensburg:
Kent Brockman here, reporting from Regensburg. NATO forces announced today that the Czech 4th Army surrounded in the mountains east of here, have surrendered after heavy fighting. Meanwhile the US III Corps continues its withdrawal in the face of heavy Soviet, Polish and Hungarian reinforcements. US and NATO reinforcements are rushing to the area, but NATO officials hold out little hope they will be able to recapture Vienna anytime soon. Meanwhile the Austrian government in exile has relocated to Salzburg and is considering terms with the Warsaw Pact. This could be a heavy blow to NATO as the Austrian army holds key parts of the line.
Meanwhile in the northern sector of the line NATO forces continue there counter-attack destroying several Soviet divisions and taking thousands of prisoners. Prisoners are becoming a real logistical problem because troops have to be detached to guard them and feed them. It is estimated that in 10 days of fighting some 100,000 to 250,000 Warsaw Pact soldiers have been taken prisoner.
The offensive near Hamburg has been quite successful, however, Nato officials tells us that heavy reinforcements are moving into the area and the offensive has all but accomplished its goals of recapturing the port of Lubeck and destroying several frontline Soviet Divisions. NATO forces have suffered heavy losses with some divisions having lost between 30% to 50% of their assigned tank strength.
In Norway, NATO forces announce the surrender of the Soviet 63rd Guards division and it is thought that only light Soviet forces remain. Swedish forces have moved into Northern Finland to secure airfields and ports that will be needed for any counter-offensive to recapture Helsinki. As expected for many days now the Finnish forces in Helsinki were forced to surrender. We are hearing that the Soviets executed all members of the elite Finnish special forces since they gave them so many problems.
Greek and Italian forces continue their attack on Albania and expect the city of Tirane to fall soon. Meanwhile on the Bulgarian front Greek forces engage in sharp clashes with the Bulgarian 1st Army. In a disaster the poorly lead Greek 6th Infantry Division disintegrated in battle after the Division HQ sustained a direct hit. Reportedly hundreds of Greek soldiers are wondering in the mountains and the military police are rounding them up.
Turkish forces in a joint operation with the 82nd Airborne Division have surrounded the Romanian 4th Tank Division. The Romanians withstood several assaults. Heavy Warsaw Pact reinforcements are moving into the area so the division may break free. Meanwhile the 1st USMC Division, the 9th Infantry Division in conjuction with Turkish forces started a counter-offensive against the forces that landed at Zondugalk. The Turkish 14th Mech Brigade recaptured Zondugalk yesterday and withstood an amphibious assault from a Soviet MRD today. If they hold the port this may be another Soviet force that can be destroyed in the field. USMC F-18’s sank or drove off all the amphibious transports.
On the Caucus front Turkish forces continue to hunt down Kurdish guerillas and a trickle of reinforcements are moving into the area. The Warsaw Pact is still advancing but there is hope that they can be stopped. In addition to the US 7th Infantry Division, Egypt has sent the 2nd Mechanized and 4th Mechanized Divisions as well as some air assets and commando. This marks the first time that Egyptian troops have operated outside of Egypt, Israel, and North Africa since WWI.
On the Libyan front elements of the Egyptian 2nd and 3rd Armies crossed the border and engaged a Libyan Armored division with inconclusive results. But in bigger news the Spanish Marine Regiment with cover from the Spanish and Portuguese Navy and elements of the US 2nd fleet made a surprise assault and captured Tripoli which was lightly guarded. It has been reported that Khadafi was killed in the fighting but they are still sorting through the rubble. It is hoped that this bold move will knock Libya quickly out of the war.
On the Pacific front, in a closely guarded operation the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Marine Division made an amphibious landing at the Soviet city of S.Gavan and captured this key port city. The division spokesman described the action as an extended amphibious raid.
Ok this was a real long one.
Dec and are currently on turn 12. This is a very complicated scenario and took us a couple of tries just to get started and mobilized. I am just going to give a general run-down of the sitution and then attach a couple of "news" reports that I included in the email with the game turn running down the situation.
Basically this was your basic both sides mobilize and then the Warsaw Pact Attacks.
Nato Player (me) mobilized the following on turn 1:
NATO
US Pacific Forces
US Centcom
Japan
Israel
Egypt
Gulf nations on turn 2
Pakistan
Warsaw Pact mobilized on turn 1:
Warsaw Pact North, West Southwest, South, Kurdish Rebels
General Flow of Game so far:
The war started on turn 3. Warsaw achieved both air and ground shock, but Nato was able to contain and hold the line in Germany. Counter-attacks inflict significant losses on the Warsaw Pact. Israel attacks Lebanon and Warsaw Pact mobilizes Syria. Israel crushes both and by turn 8 or so both countries are out. The Warsaw Pact attacks Finland and Norway. Nato is able to defend Norway and Finland holds out until turn 9 or so. The Warsaw Pact attacks into Austria as well and captures Vienna, not sure if Austria will withdraw from the war.
The Soviet fleets have been crushed and Nato has total control of the seas.
In Turkey and Greece. The Turks hold their own and even advance into Bulgaria. Greece conquers Albania with some help from the Italians. Libya falls to Spanish Marines (turn 10) and Egyptian forces. The Soviets make some success in the Caucaus Mountains but the Turks should be able to hold.
Iran and Iraq have not entered the war and much of Centcom is supporting Turkey. With Israel basically out of the war now that Syria and Lebenanon have been captured. I do not think Iraq and Iran will come into the war. The Gulf states are mobilized but will probably not participate.
In the Pacific theatre not too much is happening just a large amphibiuos raid on the Soviet coast by the Marines.
Here is a listing of some news dispatches - gives more detail of what is happening. I know this is cheesy but I was bored.
News:
Turn 3:
The Battle of Atlantic saw heavy losses to the Soviet Red Banner fleet. I wish the naval part of the game was modeled better – the one thing this games lacks.
My attacks against your airfields did not go as well as I had hoped. The “Air Shock” that I am under because you achieved strategic surprise made the loss factors fairly close when you look at the number of aircraft you have vs. what I have. What really hurts is the 56 F-16’s and 25 F-15’s that I lost. I can not keep up that pace of losses for long.
The US 6th Fleet wiped out the Soviet Med Squadron and the 23rd MEU made an amphibious landing and captured Tripoli. Beirut is cut-off (the first combat round took 70% of the turn – furious air battles) and will fall next turn.
Turn 4:
Helsinki falls to the Soviets.
In Germany the NATO solidifies its line and gets ready to counter-attack.
Turn 5:
Well the valiant Finns recapture Helsinki, but probably will not be able to hold on for long. Massive air losses on both sides but I think I am gaining the advantage. Your amphibious invasion of Turkey is interesting – are these units in supply? I do not think Syria can hold out for long. I am pretty happy about what is happening in Central Europe, in a couple days I think I will pretty well have my defenses solidified. I am surprised on the Austria move, and at how weak the Austrians are. I thought their army was better than that, but who knows. I am toying with the idea of activating Yugoslavia and Sweden, but we will see how things develop.
Turn 6:
Turn 7:
Dateline Salzburg:
US Military Officials have notified the press pool that a major counter-offensive is underway in southern Germany as the US III Corps, elements of the Italian V Corps, and Austrian Army units mount an attack on the Czech 1st and 4th Armies in the southern part of the line. Deep penetrations in the rear area have been reported. Meanwhile US and French units counterattack around Regensburg. In conjunction with US, German, Dutch, and Spanish Special Forces and Airborne Units, elements of the Soviet 4th Guards Army have been surrounded. Unfortunately we are told that the Spanish Foreign Legion has been utterly destroyed in an airborne attack in conjunction with the assault.
Meanwhile in Northern Germany, the German port of Lubeck has been recaptured by the Spanish Urgell Mountain Division and the German 27th Airborne Brigade. The Soviet 207th Motor Rifle Division withstands repeated attacks by the German III Corps and the US 24th Mechanized Division southeast of Hamburg.
In other news from Turkey the 1st Turkish Army in conjunction with the 82nd Airborne surround and destroy the Rumanian 7th Motor Rifle Division, the Bulgarian 7th Motor Rifle Division, and a Bulgarian Border guard unit. The line is broken completely open and Turkish officials believe they will penetrate deeply into Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas has been captured. In the meantime the US 9th Infantry Division has landed at Izmit to help support the Turks opposing the Soviet invasion on the Black Sea Coast. We are told that some Egyptian Divisions are moving to support Turkey in the Southeast.
In Syria, Israeli forces continue to battle guerrilla insurgents and consolidate their hold on Damascus. We are told they are awaiting to see if Syria will offer terms for surrender.
In a report from Norway we are told the surrounded Soviet 36th Naval Infantry Brigade has surrendered and that the Norwegian 12th Infantry Brigade has landed unopposed and recaptured the port of Hammerfest.
The valiant defenders of Helsinki continue to hold out against the Soviets and are making pleas for aide from NATO.
Turn 8:
Turn 9:
Dateline Salzburg:
Kent Brockman here reporting from Salzburg, where the US offensive into Czechoslavakia has met with a set-back. The US 1st Mech Division was on the out-skirts of Prague when Czech and Polish reinforcements moved into the area. In a sharp battle the US 5th Mech division was forced to retreat SE of Prague and the entire eastern flank of the offensive was thrown into peril. At the same time elements of the 1st Hungarian Army captured Vienna before NATO reinforcements could arrive. A decision was made to withdraw and reform the battlelines. During the withdrawl the Czech 19th Motor Rifle Division, which had moved in on the western flank of the offensive was surrounded and destroyed. US officials report that close to 12,000 prisoners were taken.
Meanwhile in the hills east of Regensburg, surrounded elements of the Czech 1st and 4th Armies continue to hold out but have suffered heavy losses. Elements of the Soviet 4th Guards Army surrounded north of Regensburg have been completely wiped out and over 20,000 prisoners taken.
In the northern sector near Hamburg, German, US, English, Spanish and French forces make multiple attacks on the surrounded Soviet Divisions inflicting heavy losses and taking some 15,000 prisoners. We are told airborne and airmobile units have been dropped behind the lines to extend the breakthrough of the Pact lines. Nato commanders warn, however, that the Warsaw Pact is moving up heavy reinforcements as their Category II and III divisions mobilize.
In Norway, US and Norweigen forces continue to advance. We are told the Soviet 63rd Guards Motor Rifle Division is cut-off and in danger. Also breaking news, Sweden concerned over the reported war crimes being committed by Soviet forces in Finland has decided to enter the war in an effort to prop up the valiant Finnish government. Helsinki has withstood 8 days of assaults but we are told they will not hold out much longer. A Danish Mechnized Brigade, which is the only Nato reinforcements that have been able to reach Helsinki was destroyed in combat today. We are told that the Soviets killed most of the Danish prisoners in frustration. War Crimes such as these are sure to be a topic in any negotiations to end the hostilities.
Greek and Italian forces continue their offensive in Albania and it is hoped that soon Albania will surrender to Nato forces. The Greeks also have made some minor success in the mountains north of Salonika against the Bulgarian 1st Army.
In Turkey additional US and Egyptian forces are moving into the area and the US 1st Marine Division has entered the lines east of Instanbul. In Turkey-in-Europe Turkish forces still continue to hold their own, but satellite recon shows heavy reinforcements moving into the area. Of special concern is the Caucus mountain area where Soviet forces continue to push the valiant Turks back.
In Syria, the Syrian army is collapsing under repeated assaults. The Israeli Defense Force spokesman has stated that Israeli offensive operations are over and they are hoping for a negotiated peace with a new Syrian government that does not support terrorism.
Egyptian forces are getting ready for an assault from Libya.
Turn 10:
Dateline Regensburg:
Kent Brockman here, reporting from Regensburg. NATO forces announced today that the Czech 4th Army surrounded in the mountains east of here, have surrendered after heavy fighting. Meanwhile the US III Corps continues its withdrawal in the face of heavy Soviet, Polish and Hungarian reinforcements. US and NATO reinforcements are rushing to the area, but NATO officials hold out little hope they will be able to recapture Vienna anytime soon. Meanwhile the Austrian government in exile has relocated to Salzburg and is considering terms with the Warsaw Pact. This could be a heavy blow to NATO as the Austrian army holds key parts of the line.
Meanwhile in the northern sector of the line NATO forces continue there counter-attack destroying several Soviet divisions and taking thousands of prisoners. Prisoners are becoming a real logistical problem because troops have to be detached to guard them and feed them. It is estimated that in 10 days of fighting some 100,000 to 250,000 Warsaw Pact soldiers have been taken prisoner.
The offensive near Hamburg has been quite successful, however, Nato officials tells us that heavy reinforcements are moving into the area and the offensive has all but accomplished its goals of recapturing the port of Lubeck and destroying several frontline Soviet Divisions. NATO forces have suffered heavy losses with some divisions having lost between 30% to 50% of their assigned tank strength.
In Norway, NATO forces announce the surrender of the Soviet 63rd Guards division and it is thought that only light Soviet forces remain. Swedish forces have moved into Northern Finland to secure airfields and ports that will be needed for any counter-offensive to recapture Helsinki. As expected for many days now the Finnish forces in Helsinki were forced to surrender. We are hearing that the Soviets executed all members of the elite Finnish special forces since they gave them so many problems.
Greek and Italian forces continue their attack on Albania and expect the city of Tirane to fall soon. Meanwhile on the Bulgarian front Greek forces engage in sharp clashes with the Bulgarian 1st Army. In a disaster the poorly lead Greek 6th Infantry Division disintegrated in battle after the Division HQ sustained a direct hit. Reportedly hundreds of Greek soldiers are wondering in the mountains and the military police are rounding them up.
Turkish forces in a joint operation with the 82nd Airborne Division have surrounded the Romanian 4th Tank Division. The Romanians withstood several assaults. Heavy Warsaw Pact reinforcements are moving into the area so the division may break free. Meanwhile the 1st USMC Division, the 9th Infantry Division in conjuction with Turkish forces started a counter-offensive against the forces that landed at Zondugalk. The Turkish 14th Mech Brigade recaptured Zondugalk yesterday and withstood an amphibious assault from a Soviet MRD today. If they hold the port this may be another Soviet force that can be destroyed in the field. USMC F-18’s sank or drove off all the amphibious transports.
On the Caucus front Turkish forces continue to hunt down Kurdish guerillas and a trickle of reinforcements are moving into the area. The Warsaw Pact is still advancing but there is hope that they can be stopped. In addition to the US 7th Infantry Division, Egypt has sent the 2nd Mechanized and 4th Mechanized Divisions as well as some air assets and commando. This marks the first time that Egyptian troops have operated outside of Egypt, Israel, and North Africa since WWI.
On the Libyan front elements of the Egyptian 2nd and 3rd Armies crossed the border and engaged a Libyan Armored division with inconclusive results. But in bigger news the Spanish Marine Regiment with cover from the Spanish and Portuguese Navy and elements of the US 2nd fleet made a surprise assault and captured Tripoli which was lightly guarded. It has been reported that Khadafi was killed in the fighting but they are still sorting through the rubble. It is hoped that this bold move will knock Libya quickly out of the war.
On the Pacific front, in a closely guarded operation the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Marine Division made an amphibious landing at the Soviet city of S.Gavan and captured this key port city. The division spokesman described the action as an extended amphibious raid.
Ok this was a real long one.
