US Campaign - Hunting Bears

[Jagger2002]

In the campaign game, units and losses carry over into the following scenarios. Between scenarios, you can trade time and/or victory points for replacements. So suicide defenses or offenses can have a long term impact.

[MikeJ19]

Jagger2002,

Thanks for the very useful information. I thought that they might...

I'm really enjoying this scenario - it starts with a bang and makes me think.

Have a good day,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

Decision time for A Company 3rd Inf Bn

During my planning, I expected one or maybe two Bns would be going through Buchholz. Right now, I think that the Soviets are going to have at least 3 Bns in Buchholz. The river is a great obstacle, especially with all the bridges blown, but I have found in past scenarios that the Soviets can cross rivers very quickly.

Here are my options.

1. Let A Company stay in place, use the obstacle and fight. They may get mauled, but they will do lots of damage to the Soviets and slow them down. My reinforcements are trickling in, so buying more time would be good.

2. I can leave A Company in place for 30-45 minutes. Enough time to inflict some damage and to slow the Soviets down - buying me more time. Hopefully, they would get away with little casualties.

3. Move A Company soon. Either right away or once the Soviets hit the river. This would mean that they should not take many casualties and have a bit more time to get into their next location.

I'm going to think about this overnight

[Stimpak]

Blowing the bridges isn't a move you make to deny the Soviets, it's to buy yourself time. You've blown the bridges and infantry is most effective when enemy tanks are right on top of them rather than 500 meters or 1km away, so it's probably better to move A Company. There's some good opportunities for reverse slope positions near the 800 VP markers to the west, so that's a good place to hold.

As for timing, I think it's better to move right away. When enemy tanks have good cover, you'll bleed light armor like APCS/IFVs really fast. Better that A company gets there with their Bradleys (And thus their precious TOWs) than trying to hump it there on foot.

[MikeJ19]

Stimpak,

Thanks for the input and suggestion.

I was thinking along the same lines, so switched the two Southern platoons to Screen tasks and was going to do the same for the third platoon after the next cycle. As you can see below, they two platoons with Screen tasks did not move back as the Soviets got to the river - and have taken some casualties from both direct and indirect fire. I'm actually trying to move them to the woods to the Northwest of Buchholz in the hope that they can help push the Soviets to the South and get some good flank shots in.

I have now given them move orders, so hopefully they will start withdrawing soon!

As I say on the slide, I'm going to use my Arty against troop concentrations. This is one of the first times in playing this game where I have such a good view of the Soviet forces moving forward. So, one M109 Platoon is going to hit targets in depth and the other is going to go after the Soviets pushing against the 3rd Inf. As usual, I wish I had more guns - like a regiment worth and maybe some MLRS....

Have a good evening,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

That was very frustrating and disappointing - my losses that turn are very significant - I loss 6 of my M109s along with some AD and HQ units. This is a big loss and will affect the rest of the game.

I was unable to get A company out of Buchholz, so they are going to die a hard death once the Soviet tanks get across the River.

Oh well, we shall see if things get better this turn...

[MikeJ19]

The Soviets are crossing the River in numbers...

[MikeJ19]

I've rechecked the time for D Company to start moving and it is closer to 30 minutes. I'm going to plot their moves South and we will see if I actually send them South.

[Jagger2002]

Almost as bad as having a Tiger by the tail, you have a Bear by the tail. Better hang on, you have got a tough battle on your hands.

[MikeJ19]

Jagger2002,

Not sure if I have a bear by the tail or am sticking my head in his mouth...

The last cycle went a little better...

[MikeJ19]

Likely my last post for a while. I'm heading south to enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean and to get away from the radio reports from A and C Company...

[CapnDarwin]

Enjoy your vacation!

[MikeJ19]

Capn Darwin,

Thank you!

Managed to get one last turn in...

[bootlegger267]

I played this campaign thru the "Wolf's Lair" scenario. "Hunting Bears" is by far the most difficult.

You can track your battle side by side with mine (its here in this forum). Just stay behind my time frames so you don't see any spoilers!

Bootlegger267

[Mad Russian]

Hunting Bears is one of the toughest scenarios I've ever created because of the resources the Soviets have. I tried for the impact a US unit would experience in their first encounter with the Steamroller. I believe the scenario sets the tone for that 'boots on the ground' feeling.

Good Hunting.

MR

[bootlegger267]

ORIGINAL: Mad Russian

Hunting Bears is one of the toughest scenarios I've ever created because of the resources the Soviets have. I tried for the impact a US unit would experience in their first encounter with the Steamroller. I believe the scenario sets the tone for that 'boots on the ground' feeling.

Good Hunting.

MR

I do believe you did good with this one. It's a bitch!

BL267

[Jagger2002]

Have fun! Keep your eyes open for Jimmy Buffet. He knows all the hot spots.

[MikeJ19]

Hi Guys,

Mad Russian, I believe you, this one is tough. It is rough watching your units die... Oh well, I'm hopeful that I can turn it around ...

Bootlegger267, I will take a look at your battle, I will enjoy seeing how someone else fought it... Thanks for letting me know.

Jagger2002, I will keep my eyes open - I have a bunch of books - including Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising to enjoy while I'm down south trying to stay in the shade.

All the best,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

Good day all,

After a very good vacation, I'm looking forward to getting back at this scenario. I'm going to move a platoon of tks to reinforce B company.

All the best,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

The rain is getting heavier and the visibility is dropping. Feels good to be playing again!