M1 Tank Platoon II
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| Introduction Preface Single Battles Single Battles - NATO Single Battles - The Gulf War 73 Easting Wadi Al-Batin Highway 8 Medina Ridge Kuwaiti Airport Contents and Related Links |
Before discussing the rationale concerning the conduct of battle in M1 Tank Platoon II, it may be wise to consider, in somewhat condensed form, the concepts of "AirLand Battle - Future (Heavy)" (ALB - F [H]) as envisioned by today's military planners. Central to this doctrine are the concepts of "deep battle" and "extended close combat" (ECC). In the former case, indirect fire support and air units are used to retard the progress of the follow-on units, causing friction in the enemy rear, while units located along the "forward line of troops" (FLOT) engage, destroy, or blunt the enemy's vanguard forces. In the latter case, units typically at the corps, division, or brigade level, are inserted behind the enemy's FLOT in an effort to "refuse to allow the enemy to unfold his attack or defense in the sequence he is attempting to achieve."1
Moreover, the underlying tenets of AirLand Battle - Future (Heavy) are based on a subset of factors, including initiative, depth, agility, synchronization, and endurance, which are discussed in detail in several recent US Army briefs as well as Mr. Leonhard's work. Essentially, today's ground forces must be trained to:
1) Seize the initiative at the earliest possible moment in a developing battle.
2) Utilize fire and maneuver to achieve primary and secondary objectives (seeking either to destroy the enemy with overwhelming firepower or weaken their resolve to fight by outmaneuvering them).
3) Remain agile on foot, even in the face of overwhelming odds, by positioning units where they're needed most.
4) Employ synchronized fire with all available combat assets.
5) Seek to preserve their cohesiveness and effectiveness throughout each stage of the battle.
References will be repeatedly made to various military terminology, such as launching hasty and deliberate attacks, movement to contact, and overwatch tactics, as well as "plotted intended movement" (PIM), and grid points. Each of these terms has been described in detail in the game's manual, as have several other important concepts. I will therefore refrain from discussing these items further and assume that the reader is already familiar with the fundamental concepts of armored warfare and the military jargon used to describe each aspect of battle.
Mission: Your team is to destroy any enemy units attacking in their given sector. Primary objective is the destruction of the enemy attackers with minimum casualties while preventing enemy breakthroughs.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: This is certainly one of the more difficult missions to win. The enemy assault force is composed of several dozen rapidly advancing tanks and BMPs bolstered by ample artillery support and prowling HIND gunships. On the other hand, your defending force consists of a single M1 tank platoon, a handful of Bradleys, and a couple of antitank vehicles, backed up by some artillery, an attack helicopter section, and a flight of Thunderbolts. To succeed, you must dissipate the overall impact of the enemy's battle group, using deep battle tactics to slow the arrival of the enemy's main assault force and a synchronized response to deal with its leading elements.
At the start of the battle, have all of your units quickly move from their line of departure (LOD) at Phase Line 70-74 South to grid point 960 725 at the forward edge of your assigned defensive sector. Simultaneously dispatch your attack helicopters and send them to grid point 970 730 to search for and engage the enemy's follow-on units, which are trailing behind the advanced guard. Keep your Thunderbolts on call and in support of the attack choppers as soon as they've successfully identified the main enemy force's axis of advance. The main assault force will likely be filtering onto the map along the eastern edge near grid point 015 735. Meanwhile, have your IFVs unload the infantry teams and deploy them into the tree line at grid point 960 725. Make sure you orient all of your infantry and armored units to face east in line-abreast formation. As soon as contact is made with the enemy's scouting force (grid points 975 745 and 965 725), call in artillery support, have all of your units create smoke, then engage the enemy from extreme range. Once the enemy's vanguard has been blunted, shift your fire support against the enemy's main assault group. As the enemy force approaches your defensive positions, your units will have to conduct a slow fighting withdrawal back to your assigned sector using bounding overwatch tactics and terrain to help mask their whereabouts.
Kuwaiti Airport
Mission: Your force is to destroy any enemy units attacking the Division's TOC located at grid 017 049. Primary objective is to defend this command center with minimum casualties while causing maximum damage to the enemy units.
Friendly Forces:
Relieving Units:
Defending Units:
Support Units:
Have your relieving force assume a staggered column formation then move it at maximum speed to the TOC. As they near the beleaguered defenders, they can then adopt a more defensible echelon right formation atop the nearby hillside to ward off the enemy armor rolling down from the north. Meanwhile, concentrate your mortar battery against the enemy armor, pinching off the TOC from the west while the attack helicopter section deals with the armor in the northwest quadrant. The TOC may have to relocate to avoid an enemy artillery bombardment. Once the bombardment lifts, they can then return to their original location.
Black Horse Cav
Mission: Your team is to engage any enemy units attacking in their given sector. Primary objective is to ensure the safe withdrawal of the 7th Panzer Division with minimum casualties while preventing enemy breakthrough. The protection of any command post, artillery, logistics, or air defense units in your sector should be considered as a mission objective.
Friendly Forces:
Relieving Force:
Withdrawing Force (7th Panzer Division):
Support Units:
Execution: To cover 7th Panzer Division's orderly withdrawal and ensure its safety, your forces will have to be split into two separate battle groups to deal with several enemy assault forces. One group, composed of the M1 tanks and the antitank section, should immediately move northwest towards grid point 065 270 to blunt the enemy's drive that will emanate from grid point 060 235. This battle group should be supported by your attack helicopter section, which should immediately be sent north to scout ahead of your ground units. Your second battle group, composed of the two CFV platoons, should be repositioned to grid point 090 280, where they will await the arrival of a second enemy assault force. Allocate the MLRS to provide fire support for the CFVs.
As soon as the scenario begins, you must accelerate the withdrawal of the 7th Panzer Division. Otherwise they'll be taken from the rear by another rapidly advancing assault force. Have each platoon move at maximum speed along the north-south highway, with the Panzers and IFVs forming the rearguard, while the command and self-propelled artillery elements take the lead. Once the threat posed by the western assault force has been eliminated, you should re-task the MLRS battery to help cover 7th Panzer's retirement.
Downtown
Mission: Your team will operate in the zone defined by the following phase lines: Left and right boundary lines are shown as Phase Lines Leopard and Cheetah.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Note that in this scenario, no specific terrain or military objectives have been delineated. Instead, your battle groups' task is to engage and destroy as many enemy units as possible, operating within the bounded region. The enemy is deployed in prepared positions, one element situated at grid point 353 630 and the other at 337 637. These enemy forces are reinforced with several artillery batteries, which will continually pour indirect fire on your positions.
Your task, then, is to conduct a movement to make contact, rallying at waypoint one, then engaging the enemy with standoff fire. Allocate one aviation unit and one artillery battery against each enemy bastion, moving your ground forces into alternative firing positions to skirt the enemy's artillery fire. Avoid a battle of attrition with the enemy, ordering your forces to fall back should they begin to suffer heavy casualties.
Entrenched
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Cobra. Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy defending units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Another difficult mission to win. With only one tank platoon at your disposal, meager artillery support, and just one air support element, you must nevertheless rise to the occasion and inflict heavy losses on the enemy. Fortunately, the enemy defenses are spread out and can therefore be engaged one at a time. The problem, however, is that the enemy has plenty of artillery support, not to mention low-flying Su-25 Frogfoot ground attack aircraft as well as Ka-50 Hokum attack helicopters.
When the scenario begins, order up your A-10 Thunderbolts and use them to scout ahead of your advancing armor. Your tank platoon should trail behind in wedge formation, generating smoke to help mask its location. Have it advance along the PIM denoted on the map. When the enemy ground units (grid points 282 317, 285 337, 270 327, and 255 325) are located, suppress those units defending Objective Cobra first, shifting fire to the more remote locations once your armor has closed to within direct fire range of the primary objective. When your forces reach Objective Cobra, have them disperse to avoid succumbing to enemy artillery fire. Don't bother attempting to advance any further beyond the objective area. The enemy is far too numerous and well entrenched to eliminate en masse.
Heavy Metal
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Storm. Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of defending enemy units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Since the seizure of terrain plays a less important role than the destruction of the enemy's forces, your principal goal should be the conduct of a deliberate attack, using bounding overwatch tactics to protect each advancing armored element. Place both tank platoons into wedge formation with their smoke generators switched on. While they advance, they will do so cautiously, pressing forward at one-third speed so that the smoke will have a maximum effect.
The enemy is deployed in the following grid points: 537 675, 565 683, 545 660, 555 660, and 545 650. When the scenario commences, dispatch the attack helicopter section, charging them with the elimination of the enemy's forces arrayed on your right flank. Afterwards, call in fire support missions against the enemy positions situated between grid latitudes 660 and 675. Remember you don't need to destroy every enemy unit on the map or seize Objective Storm. Rather, your goal is to preserve the integrity of your forces while dealing the enemy a mortal blow.
Highway 8
Mission: You are to attack the enemy units defending An-Nasiriyah at grid 271 491 and the Tallil airfield at grid 330 481. Primary objective is to ensure that terrain objectives are clear of any enemy and not under enemy fire with minimum casualties. Destruction of enemy units is a secondary objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Your combat assets run the gamut, from fast-moving recon units to thin-skinned M113 APCs. Throw in a single tank platoon and two batteries of supporting artillery fire, and your combat team is ready to seize the Tallil airfield and the village to the west.
The thinking here is to advance cautiously, pushing north towards Phase Line 52, then consolidate your forces along the ridgelines. The enemy is spread out along an east-west axis, deployed in penny packets around the village, the airfield, and the following grid points: 275 505, 285 495, 325 495, 270 480, and 305 510. With no supporting fire, your forces can stand off and fire from extreme range, while the two Paladin self-propelled batteries pummel each position. Make sure your APCs don't crest the hills along Phase Line 52. Instead, have them disgorge the infantrymen on the reverse slopes so that the hillside protects the carriers. The infantry teams can then creep up to the top of each hill, adding their supporting fire to those of the tanks and TOW teams. Once the enemy's defenses have crumbled, you can then send in the armor to mop up, with infantry advancing on foot and keeping a watchful eye out for enemy antitank teams.
Into the Breach
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Badger at grid 045 330. Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy defending units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Don't be overly alarmed by the mission at hand. Your goal isn't to penetrate the phase lines but to destroy as much enemy equipment as possible without suffering undue casualties. The enemy is situated in prepared positions at grid points 065 325, 060 330, 035 325, 045 330, and 045 315 with a flight of Su-25 Frogfoot ground attack aircraft in support. Your task then is to conduct a movement to contact, eliminate the enemy's forward elements, then call for fire support against the remaining troop concentration points situated between Phase Lines 35 and 45 West.
Since the most immediate threat will arise on your right flank, it is suggested that your tank platoon and IFV platoon swap places, putting the tanks on the right and the IFVs on the left. The accompanying air defense vehicles should bring up the rear, keeping pace with the forward line of troops (FLOT) but remaining several meters back to avoid falling victim to marauding long-range antitank fire. Have the M1 tanks assume an echelon right formation while the IFVs advance in line-abreast formation further south. As soon as the scenario begins, call in artillery fire at grid point 065 325 to suppress the enemy armored concentration. Have your tanks cautiously advance, generating smoke as they near the enemy units. Keep your air support in reserve, ready to deal with the Frogfoots or stand off and fire upon the enemy units at grid points 060 330 and 035 325. Remember: Keep your casualties to an absolute minimum, and your forces will prevail.
Medina Ridge
Mission: Alpha Company is to attack the enemy units defending Phase Line 27 East. Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy defending units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Although the enemy possesses far superior numbers, your two tank platoons and single Bradley IFV platoon, supported by two batteries of self-propelled artillery and an attack helicopter section, are more than able to deal with the Medina Division. The enemy's forces are strung out in a wide arc along the following grid points: 200 025, 250 028, 260 020, 255 045, 265 050, 270 060, 285 058, 265 070, 270 090, and 270 100.
Your units will advance in a line-abreast formation, with the two tank platoons arrayed on either shoulder of the armored thrust. As your units press forward, heading in an easterly direction, have the two artillery batteries bombard each of the aforementioned grid points. Meanwhile, leave the attack helicopter section on call, ready to stymie the enemy armor, which will be pushing southeast from grid point 200 025. Once the enemy's counterattacking armor has been dealt with and the initial enemy defenses have been breached, shift your artillery fire against the enemy positions situated along the central portion of Phase Line 27 East. Your advancing armor should have no trouble picking off the remaining Iraqi tanks deployed along the fringes of the MLR. Remember your objective in this scenario is to fix and destroy the enemy. Methodically smash through the center of the Iraqi defenses then eliminate any lingering threats posed by any remaining pockets of resistance.
Night in Armor
Mission: Your team is to transit the given operational area and neutralize all enemy opposition encountered. Once Phase Line Storm is reached, the team will halt and await further orders. Phase lines are for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy advanced elements with minimum casualties. Destruction of any command post, artillery, logistics, or air defense units should be considered as a secondary objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Don't be misled by the mission briefing. In actuality, your forces will be coming under immediate attack by substantial enemy forces advancing along three different march routes. On the left flank, the enemy will be pushing south along Phase Line 125; in the center, additional forces will be driving south along Phase Line 160; while on the right, a third enemy battle group will be heading south along Phase Line 190.
Your initial plan of action should be a redistribution of assets, placing one M1 tank platoon on the left flank, the CFV platoon in the center, and the other M1 tank platoon on the right. Have the M1 tank platoons assume echelon formations, while the CFV platoon realigns into line-abreast formation. Keep the recon section in reserve, ready to blunt any enemy breakthroughs. Next, move all available forces onto the 750 latitude grid line, taking up hull-down positions behind the ridgeline. The enemy has been allocated several artillery batteries to support their attack, so it behooves you to remain under cover for as long as possible before engaging the enemy onslaught. Order the attack helicopter section to cover the left flank, keeping your artillery battery in reserve to deal with the threat posed to your right flank. Once the flanking assault groups have been neutralized, you can concentrate your remaining forces against the enemy force pressing down in the center against the CFVs. Afterwards, you can resume your multipronged advance towards Phase Line Storm.
They Shall Not Pass
Mission: You are the advance guard of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, recently landed in Norway. You are to advance and secure the pass, grid reference 420 570, Objective Tarawa. You are to destroy any enemy units attacking Objective Tarawa. Primary objective is to maintain Tarawa clear of enemy and not under enemy fire with minimum casualties. Destruction of enemy units is a secondary objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Although you command a fairly well-rounded battle group, the enemy is similarly equipped and lavishly supported by several batteries of artillery as well as an assortment of fixed-wing and attack helicopters. Moreover, the enemy will attack in multiple directions and is therefore much harder to contain. As a result, defending the pass (Objective Tarawa) will require the employment of every available asset at the crucial moment of attack, testing your resolve and patience under extraordinary battlefield conditions.
To win, your ground forces must attempt to defend the ridgeline in the middle of the map, well forward of the pass. Have all four of your Marine platoons wheel west at maximum speed towards the ridgeline, careful to skirt the artillery bombardment the Soviet artillery will undoubtedly be pouring down on the pass. The enemy's forces will be assembling at grid points 405 550, 415 570, and 395 540, with air support rolling in from both the southern and northern map edges. Resist the urge to call in your own air support until the enemy ground forces have been clearly identified. To stem the Russian advance, your two artillery batteries will have to suffice, calling in the helos and Harrier jump jets when the Russians are within point blank range. Remember your ultimate goal is to prevent the enemy from transiting the pass. The upper echelon will tolerate heavy combat losses as long as you achieve that result.
Fire in the Sky
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Lion. Primary objective is to ensure terrain objectives are clear of enemy and not under enemy fire with minimum casualties. Destruction of enemy units is secondary objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: This is one of those situations where fulfillment of the mission goals demands that you eliminate all of the enemy units within range of the objective area even though their destruction has been deemed a secondary objective. The enemy defenses are spread out across the map at grid points 570 415, 585 410, 580 380, 595 385, 575 395, and 615 400.
Your forces, buttressed by several supporting artillery batteries, must launch a deliberate attack, aimed first at destroying all of the enemy forces within Objective Lion then those in the outlying areas. Have your forces advance at one-third speed, in wedge formation, towards the ridgeline due west of Objective Lion. As they crest the first hill, they'll be able to observe most of the enemy positions, thereby letting them call in an accurate fire mission. Send the Apache section towards the southeastern quadrant, tasking them with the destruction of the enemy defenses south of the objective area. As your forces approach the objective area, begin shifting your artillery fire against the enemy positions along the eastern map edge. You should be able to fulfill all of the mission parameters with minimal loss.
73 Easting
Mission: Eagle Troop is to transit the given operational area and neutralize all enemy opposition encountered. Once Phase Line 70 Easting is reached, the team will halt and await further orders. Phase lines are for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy advanced elements with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
None
Execution: During the planning phase, Eagle Troop should immediately redeploy its Bradley scouts (CFV Battery 4 and 8), withdrawing them to support both shoulders of the main advance. Battery 4 should assume an echelon left formation while Battery 8 should transition to an echelon right formation. Meanwhile 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tank Platoons should adopt line-abreast formations, with 1st Platoon located in the center and its two supporting tank platoons positioned at either flank. No supporting artillery fire or air strikes are available, so the attack must be borne by the armor alone. Initial transit of the operational area will require all elements to move in unison at moderate speed until they reach the first ridgeline. Thereafter, all units will execute a movement to contact, providing mutually supporting fire until reaching optimal firing positions at the second ridgeline located just short of 73 Easting.
Once Eagle Troop's advance gets under way, you can expect light enemy resistance astride the east-west road on the southern portion of the map. Your platoon of Bradleys (Battery 8) operating along the right flank should possess sufficient firepower to deal with these weak forward elements without having to divert units away from the main thrust. However, the Iraqi's main line of resistance is situated at grid reference 730 980, primarily composed of 30 or so T-72 M1 battle tanks. It's recommended that Eagle Troop immediately deploy all of its elements into hull-down positions along the reverse slope of the ridge situated near grid point 680 980. All three tank platoons should form up into line-abreast formation. The two Bradley platoons, one on the left and the other on the right, should immediately unload their infantry squads, then deploy into echelon formation to provide flanking protection. Have all of the armored units generate smoke to mask their location, acquiring and engaging the enemy armor first with long-range standoff fire. Once the threat has waned, detach the second tank platoon from the main body and have them advance due east towards Phase Line 73 Easting. The balance of Eagle Troop can provide overwatch fire for the advancing 2nd Platoon should any remaining enemy units attempt to engage them.
Speed Bump
Mission: Your team will operate in a zone defined by the following phase lines: Left and right boundary lines are shown as Phase Line St. Lo and Phase Line Omaha.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Don't let the title of this scenario intimidate you. Although the enemy battle group is indeed formidable, your task force should be able to weaken the enemy force sufficiently to trigger the victory conditions. When the scenario begins, send your tanks in earnest into the western tree line situated along Phase Line 832. Simultaneously send the IFVs and ITOW vehicles to take concealed positions in the eastern tree line along the same phase line. Have the air defense section bring up the rear, ready to ward off low-flying enemy air units.
The enemy's assault groups will be filtering onto the map at grid points 290 785, 335 775, and 285 810, with accompanying air support operating in the eastern battle zone. Deep battle tactics must be initiated to slow down the enemy assault force before it can deploy from march formation into battle order. Therefore, you must immediately send your attack helicopter squadron towards the middle of the map, fixing and engaging the central enemy force before it can engage your armor. The attack helicopter section should also be able to spot the other battle groups as they begin to appear on the map. Once these units have been located, use your MLRS rocket battery to slow their progress. Avoid getting into a running battle with the remaining enemy forces, falling back on the air base when casualties start to mount.
Steel Avalanche
Mission: Your team is to destroy any enemy units attacking within their given sector. Primary objective is the destruction of the enemy attackers with minimum casualties while preventing an enemy breakthrough.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Three enemy battle groups are filtering down from grid points 491 593 and 475 585, launching a hasty attack in your assigned sector. In addition, enemy air support is operating in the northeast, seeking to roll up your right flank. To deter the enemy's drive, your small force must establish a new FLOT just ahead of the given sector, placing units atop the hillsides in line-abreast formation.
As soon as the scenario begins, move all three platoons in staggered column formation until they reach their new PIM. Be advised that the enemy will likely use indirect fire support to disrupt this movement. Once they have arrived at their destination, redeploy all of the units into line-abreast formation and begin popping smoke. At this point, your forces will undoubtedly be able to spot some of the enemy units advancing on their position. Slow the impetus of their assault by calling in artillery support, making sure to plot the impact point just ahead of the enemy units' advance. At this point, your units will have to engage the enemy from extreme range to pare down their numbers, perhaps withdrawing back to the edge of the assigned sector to make a final stand.
Stick in the Eye
Mission: Your mission is to attack the enemy units defending Podlaska (Objective Thunder at grid 297 266) and the Podlaska airfield (Objective Lightning at grid 317 286). Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy defending units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Main Body:
Elements of the British 7th Armored Division:
Support Units:
Execution: The enemy is hunkered down in prepared positions situated along two defensive belts. The forward defensive line is composed of assorted enemy units at grid points 295 295, 285 245, and 285 255, while the MLR consists mainly of tank formations located at 315 255, 305 270, and 325 295. The enemy has on hand several artillery batteries as well as a flight of low-flying HIND helicopters. While your task is formidable, the breakthrough of the British 7th Armored Division arriving on the northern map edge will help divert much of the enemy's forces.
Have each American platoon advance towards the PIM outlined on the map, maintaining a steady advance to avoid enemy artillery fire. Use your self-propelled battery to soften up the enemy's defenses at grid point 295 295, while your attack helos remain on call to deal with the Soviet helicopter threat. Thereafter, place your units in concealed terrain, behind tree lines and along the reverse slopes of the nearby hills. Let the British units pinch off the Soviet salient from the northwest, charging them with the burden of breaking the Soviet defenses, while the American units shoot from well-concealed, standoff positions. Once the British have broken the backs of the Soviets, your units can resume their advance and eliminate any remaining pockets of resistance.
Sucker Punch
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Guadalcanal. The objective terrain is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: In some respects, this mission is very similar to the previous mission, only this time around your forces are facing a much more determined foe while possessing far less artillery support. The enemy forces are arrayed at grid points 553 203, 575 215, 583 205, 555 185, and 565 190 with ample artillery support to impede the progress of your attack.
Again, the primary objective is the destruction of as many enemy forces as possible while minimizing your own losses. Therefore, you should employ a deliberate attack, proceeding at a slow pace along the route of advance delineated by the PIM. Place your tank platoon in wedge formation in the center while the IFV platoons adopt echelon left and echelon right formations on either shoulder. Have all units pop smoke and advance cautiously towards the first waypoint, calling in air support to identify and strike the enemy's MLR while your lone artillery battery adds its firepower to suppress the enemy's armor. When the enemy's positions have been discovered, halt the advance and engage the enemy at long range, resuming the advance once the enemy units have been eliminated.
Timing Is Everything
Mission: Your team is to attack the enemy units defending Objective Guadalcanal. Primary objective is to ensure terrain objectives are clear of enemy and not under enemy fire with minimum casualties. Destruction of enemy units is secondary objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: This is not a very difficult mission to win. Fairly weak enemy formations are located at grid points 160 285 and 160 295 with fairly ineffective artillery support held in reserve. Your forces are more than up to the task with a lavish supply of artillery and air support bolstering your assault force.
When the scenario begins, immediately order up your helicopter section to help scout out the positions of the enemy forces. Once they're located, order two artillery batteries at a time to suppress these enemy positions while your combat team advances. Follow the PIMs indicated on the map until Objective Guadalcanal has been reached. During the transit phase, you can bypass any remaining pockets of resistance as long as you seize the objective area. Your tank platoon should advance in wedge formation while the APCs shift to an echelon left formation and the IFVs adopt an echelon right formation.
The Valley of Death
Mission: Your team is to destroy any enemy units attacking in their given sector. Primary objective is the destruction of the enemy attackers with minimum casualties while preventing an enemy breakthrough.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: In this battle, the enemy will be launching a multipronged attack against your assigned sector with forces emanating from grid points 005 543, 028 525, and 000 550. In addition, enemy ground attack aircraft are operating on the western portion of the map. You can also expect heavy enemy artillery concentrations aimed at suppressing your forces during the initial movement to contact phase.
Fortunately, your battle group should be up to the task, capable of denying the enemy force access to the given sector while minimizing its own losses in the process. The brunt of the attack will be borne along the left flank, where a Bradley IFV platoon has been stationed. Your M1 tanks should switch places with the IFVs, thereby placing the tanks in the path of the enemy's main assault instead of the lighter IFVs. Meanwhile your IFVs and TOW vehicles can safeguard the center and right flank, thrown out in a wide arc to cover the other fronts. Reposition your battle group into positions at the edge of the assigned sector as indicated on the PIM. As soon as the enemy forces come into view, dispatch your attack helicopter section and A-10 Thunderbolts, sending them into the southern quadrant to both slow down the impetus of the enemy drive and keep their air support busy. When the enemy assault finally begins to slow, call in artillery support to further hamper the enemy's progress. Lastly, make sure your armored units have popped smoke to help mask their location, bringing their guns to bear against the remaining enemy units.
The Vice
Mission: Your team is to destroy any enemy units attacking Objective Guadalcanal. Primary objective is to clear Objective Guadalcanal of enemy units and keep away enemy fire with minimum casualties. Destruction of enemy units is secondary objective. In addition to the primary objective, the protection of any command post, artillery, logistics, or air defense units in your sector should be considered as a mission objective.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: You don't need to worry about protecting any supporting units, since there are none located within the vicinity of Objective Guadalcanal. Instead, your principal goal is to stop the enemy onslaught, which will be heading towards the objective region from three different directions. A platoon of armored units is situated atop the hill at grid point 225 482. In addition, two powerful enemy assault groups, one initially located at grid point 183 455 and the other at 260 468, are converging towards the objective area.
Your goal should be the immediate seizure of the high ground at grid point 215 495. Lay down artillery fire against the enemy position at 225 482 to flush out the concealed enemy forces, thereby exposing them to direct fire attack. Once they have been neutralized, orient your IFVs along the western slope of the hill with your armor in support. Call in artillery support to help blunt the enemy drive emanating from the northwest corner. Once this threat has been eliminated, shift your forces toward hill 225 482 to acquire the remaining enemy force that has been slowly moving south from the northeast quadrant. Again, call in artillery support to soften up the enemy armor, following up the barrage with long-range fire from your remaining armored units.
Wadi Al-Batin
Mission: Delta Company is to attack the enemy units defending Phase Line 48 East. Terrain objective is for orientation purposes only. Primary objective is the destruction of enemy defending units with minimum casualties.
Friendly Forces:
Support Units:
Execution: Order both tank platoons into staggered formation so that they may provide mutually supporting fire in case one or both elements fall victim to enemy fire. Both platoons will advance towards plotted intended movement (PIM) point 260 460, where they will immediately assume hull-down positions behind the crest of the hill. During the initial movement to contact phase, continually request artillery fire support, thereby suppressing enemy positions located at grid reference points 480 230 and 500 250.
Note that as the battle unfolds, the enemy will attempt to call in artillery fire on your positions. Therefore, it would be wise to have a contingency plan in mind to immediately displace your armored units into alternative firing positions along the ridgeline. You should also be aware that the enemy has elected to split up its forces, with its main line of resistance (MLR) situated along the ridgeline at grid points 500 250, 480 230, and 480 220. In addition, the enemy has deployed several tank platoons due west of the MLR along the valley floor near the PIM. In effect, the enemy plans to launch a preemptive attack, aimed at disrupting your advance before it can reach Phase Line 48 East. Therefore, plan to call in artillery fire against grid points 480 270, 470 260, 460 250, 450 250, and 440 240, while your armored units stand off and eliminate what's left of these forward units. Once these units have been destroyed, shift your artillery fire back towards the MLR, while your armored forces advance under the cover of night and smoke towards Phase Line 48 East.