US Campaign - Battle Royal

[MikeJ19]

I'm starting to plan for the final battle of the US Campaign - Battle Royal.

[MikeJ19]

A very urban battlefield. We have worked our way along the A1 to Bremen. No where to go now!

[MikeJ19]

As usual, the VP locations are important.

[MikeJ19]

Here is what I know about the Soviet forces...

[MikeJ19]

My breakdown of their objectives in this battle ...

[MikeJ19]

Soviet Option 1

[MikeJ19]

Soviet option 2

[MikeJ19]

And Soviet option 3...

[MikeJ19]

Soviet – Thoughts/Deductions

The Soviets need to get at least 11,000 from the VP locations to secure a win in this scenario – or they need to destroy a significantly higher portion of my troops than I do theirs. To get to 11,000, they need to get Sagehorn and then push forward. Option 3 gives them the best chance of this, but I think that they will go with the more balanced option.

Most likely – Option 1
Most dangerous – Option 3

I’m not convinced that I need to race for Sagehorn. I’m thinking that I can let the Soviets take it, and even maybe, the forward VP locations in the South. Victory would then balance on the losses each side takes.

I think that I have overestimated the size of the Soviet push. They may have only 3 TRs, but with more fire support and maybe AHs.

It will be interesting to see if the Soviets are still in BTRs or if they have found some more BMPs. The Soviets have taken a pounding since crossing into West Germany.

As usual, taking out the Soviet Arty – there most powerful weapon in the 1st scenario – and their HQs is important. Also, separating their Inf from their tanks would be a good idea.

[MikeJ19]

A look at my forces...

[MikeJ19]

Thoughts

Overall, my force morale is good, some units need to resupply right away – or at least early on.

To win, I need to control probably around 15,000 to 20000 points for the VP locations. If I can minimize my losses, the lower end above will likely work. There are 13,500 points from VP locations that are fairly easily in my reach and 2-6000 that will be up for grabs.

Some motherhood statements:

Need to get recce out fast and as far East as possible – selecting observations points to help confirm the Soviet attentions.

Sagehorn may be the key location. Getting to it first and holding it, would likely ensure a really good result.

The low ground (valley) along the Wumme Sudarm river is intriguing. I would love to be able to get 2nd Armd Bn there and then attack the Soviets from the North.

I need to make sure that I do not unnecessarily send Inf out to hold ground without support. I’ve done that too much …

Ideally, I would let the Soviets come to me and then counter move to secure enough VP locations to get the win. Although, it can be very difficult to move the Soviets off a VP location once they have it. Thus, I need to think about quick counter moves to recapture ground (VP locations) lost to the Soviets, or I need to advance quickly and take the fight to the Soviets – get them off their game…

I would like to find a way to shape the battlefield to my advantage, pushing the Soviets into areas where I can hit them from their flanks and at a distance.

I like the rain – as I think that poor visibility is an advantage for me. Likewise, the night will be good for me, so slowing down the Soviets enough that the major battles are fought at night would be good.

I need to keep my AD elements forward – Soviets have used Hinds early in the last 3 scenarios.

I need to keep my HQs up with their units – not leading them into battle though.

I want to do better at keeping my arty units in play all game long. I want to use FASCAM and ICM early, to slow the Soviets down and reduce their power.

The last 3 scenarios have been over quickly. In each of them the balance of forces has been 1 to 1 or slightly in my advantage. In this scenario, the Soviets have a slight advantage which may mean that the battle will be more drawn out.

I need to remember what I have learned about movement. My initial moves may be assault orders – with some recce elements using hasty movement to get to their locations. The river in the South may mean that my Southern forces have a protected flank.

Looking at the river, if the Soviets wanted to be sneaky, they could push units across the 2nd bridge from the East and run them on the South side of the river – this would not likely help them with securing VP locations, but could help with exiting forces…

[Lowlaner2012]

Looking forward to his Mike, I am on the 2nd mission of the campaign, enjoying it, I like how methodical your planning is...

Cheers

[Lowlaner2012]

Hey Mike, are you playing the German or Russian campaigns next?

Cheers

[MikeJ19]

highlandcharge,

Good question. I'm not sure. There are a couple of interesting scenarios out there that I will likely try before another campaign.

I'm glad that you enjoy these AARs. They really help me with my planning and are fun to do.

All the best,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

US Option 1 - Forward defence

[MikeJ19]

US option 2 - let's be aggressive

[Galahad78]

ORIGINAL: MikeJ19

highlandcharge,

Good question. I'm not sure. There are a couple of interesting scenarios out there that I will likely try before another campaign.

I'm glad that you enjoy these AARs. They really help me with my planning and are fun to do.

All the best,

Mike

I'd vote for the Red Hammer campaign. I'm planning for the 1st scenario and need some ideas [:D]

[MikeJ19]

Galahad78,

I think that before I try a campaign as the Soviets, I would need to try some of the scenarios. I have never tried to manoeuvre such large forces - let alone tried to fight with the long command times associated with the Soviets - that is a huge challenge.

I think I will try some of the stand alone ones next.

Thanks,

Mike

[MikeJ19]

After too much time away, here is the 3rd US option

[MikeJ19]

And the comparison of the options



I posted this one too quick and had not finished with the slide...