WW3 – 1985 – A project

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Benin

UN Report [classified]

Armed forces: 2100 men. Gendarmerie 1100. With 2 infantry Battalions, 1 Recon squadron and an artillery battery. 1 “Para-Commando” company. French old equipment, with some with USA origin from the WWII.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Internal tribal stresses.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (3).

In-game diplomatic situation: USSR minor. 10% mobilization.

In-game Events: None planned for now.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Bolivia

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 17.000 men. 10 administrative “Divisions” with 4 Cavalry regiments (I recall that I read somewhere that some could be still mounted, or partially mounted, need to check, for curiosity sake, here for game purposes I will take them as armoured recon), 1 Mechanized regiment, 13 Infantry Regiments, 1 Motorized Regiment, 2 Ranger Regiments, 1 Parachute Battalion, 3 artillery Regiments, 6 Engineer Battalions.
Air Force under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Internal Co-In operations against communist guerrillas (1966-1967, Ñancahuazú Guerrilla).

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 4 Garrisons (5), 1 Infantry Brigade (7).

In-game diplomatic situation: USA minor. 10% mobilization.

In-game Events: If Bolivia enters the war against USSR, the Soviets will have the option to finance guerrilla operations.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Botswana

UN Report [classified]

Armed forces: Approx. 1000 in the Botswana Defence Force. Armed police of 1200 men.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: High.

Conflicts: The country was involved in the South African Border War (1966-1991), since Botswana is the refuge of some ANC groups. There was a raid on Gaborone, the capital, on the 14th of June, 1985.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: USSR minor, 5%.

In-game Events: If South Africa declares war there will be a strong international unfavourable reaction: African Sub-Saharan Countries, Indonesia, India, China, Non-Aligned... that will be even stronger if the South Africans approach or take the Capital. If the Botswana Defense Forces are destroyed in Gaborone, they reconstitute in Maun, if it isn’t occupied. ANC guerrillas may help Botswana.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Brazil
KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 180.000 men. 4 Zones, 11 Military Regions: 8 Divisions, each up to four brigades, with support arms and services. Brigades are armoured, mechanized or motorized. 2 Independent Infantry Brigades. 1 Parachute Brigade, with the Air Force with sufficient transport aircraft to lift one battalion at any one time. 5 Light “Jungle” battalions.

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium/High.

Conflicts: The Brazilian Army joined forces with USA Marines in the Dominican Republic (1965). Urban guerrillas warfare (1968 to middle 1970’s).

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 HQ (3), 1 SAM – Roland (3), 4 Corps – Military Zones (6), 1 Paratroops (2), 1 Rangers (5), 4 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: USA minor. 10% mobilization.

In-game Events: None planned for now.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Brunei

See also: United Kingdom (country merged with the UK).

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 2500 men. 1700 Police. 2 Infantry Battalions, 1 Armoured Recon Squadron, 1 Engineer Troop, 1 Special Boat Squadron. The UK is responsible for the defence and foreign relations and maintains 1 Gurkha Infantry Battalion in the territory.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Confronts with Indonesia in the 1960’s.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 British Garrison – Royal Brunei Land Force + 1 Gurkha Battalion + Police (6, with 1 Exp.).

In-game diplomatic situation: Incorporated in the UK.

In-game Events: None planned for now.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile:Bulgaria

CIA Report [classified]

Armed forces: 115.000 men. With a People’s Militia of 150.000. 8 Motor Rifle Divisions, 5 Tank Brigades. 1 Parachute Regiment. 4 Artillery Regiments. 3 AA Regiments. 3 SSM Regiments. 3 SSM Regiments. 2 Recon Battalions.

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Intervention Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 HQ (4), 4 Mechanized (6), 1 Tank (4), 1 SAM (4), 1 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: Warsaw Pact Member. USSR minor. 99% Mobilization.

In-game Events: The country will switch sides a few weeks after fully conquered for a MPP cost.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Burundi

See also: Non-Aligned Movement (country merged in this “country”/organization).

UN Report [classified]

Armed forces: 7000 men. 2000 Gendarmerie. Most of the equipment is French, or old USA WWII.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Low.

Conflicts: The country is independent since 1962, it had two revolts, one in 1972 the other in the following year. There are frequent internal troubles.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: Neutral, 0% Mobilization. Belongs to the Non-Aligned Movement.

In-game Events: See Non-Aligned Movement.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Burma

UN Report [classified]

Armed forces: 153.000 men. People’s Police Force, 35.000. 3 Infantry Divisions, 2 armoured battalions, 16 TOCs (Brigades), 5 artillery Battalions. Most of the equipment if from the UK, dating the WWII. Some G1 MGs and G3 rifles, both imported from West Germany and made locally.

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Low.

Conflicts: Rebel movements inside the country.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 3 Infantry Divisions (7, Rangoon with 8), 5 Garrisons (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: Burma left the Non-Aligned Movement in 1979, but continued in a neutral policy independent of the two world powers.

In-game Events: Partisans activities may begin if the country enters in the war.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Cameroon

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 5500. Gendarmerie, 5000. 4 Battalions, 1 parachute company, 1 recon company, some engineers and signallers. Most of the equipment is French, or old WWII from the USA and UK.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Some rebellions after the independence in the 1960’s.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison in the Capital (5), another in Douala (3).

In-game diplomatic situation: France minor, 10% mobilization.

In-game Events: The country will switch sides a few weeks after fully conquered for a MPP cost.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Canada

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 28500 men. 2 Infantry Brigade Groups, 1 Mechanized Brigade Group (in West Germany), 1 Special Service Force. 1 Battalion is permanently assigned to the NATO’s AMF (L).

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: High.

Conflicts: Canada participated in the UN missions, particularly in Cyprus.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 HQ (3), 1 SAM (3), 1 Paratroop (5), 2 Brigades (5), 2 Garrisons (5). (for more info see Events, 1 Armoured Recon can be deployed in West Germany).

In-game diplomatic situation: NATO member. NATO minor. 99% mobilization.

In-game Events: As soon as it enters in the war with NATO it has the possibility to deploy 1 Armoured Recon (9) in West Germany, or in Canada (5).

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Central African Republic

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 1100. Gendarmerie 1400. 1 Battalion. Most of the equipment is French (some may be ex-USA, from WWII). It is not considered an effective force; its main task is to defend the presidential palace.

There is a French Military Base in Camp Leclerc (Bouar).

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Internal unrest.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (3).

In-game diplomatic situation: French minor. 25% Mobilization.

In-game Events: The country will switch sides a few weeks after fully conquered for a MPP cost. If the Soviet Bloc conquers the country and the French Base they may begin to use it (change possession).

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Chad

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 4800. Paramilitary Forces 6000. 3 Infantry Battalions, some para-trained for rapid deployment. Almost all the equipment is French.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Since the independence from France, in 1960, the government fights the Moslem FRONILAT rebellion in the North, supported by Libya. Often Libyan troops entered Chad, that had the support of France.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (4), 1 Brigade (3).

In-game diplomatic situation: French minor. 25% Mobilization.

In-game Events: Guerrillas active in the North (Bardaï) if the country enters in the War siding with France.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Chile

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 50.000 men. 30.000 Carabineros. 6 divisional HQ, 3 Armoured Regiments, 3 Cavalry Regiments, 20 Infantry Regiments (most with 3 battalions, and including 9 motorized Rgm and 3 mountain Rgm), 6 Artillery Regiments, various AA and support units.

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: The Army organized coup in 1973.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 4 Divisions (5); 1 Mechanized (6, Santiago); 1 Mountain (4, Valdivia);

In-game diplomatic situation: USA minor. 10% Mobilization.

In-game Events: The country will switch sides a few weeks after fully conquered for a MPP cost.

[Tulius Hostilius]

And the first Major player:

Country Profile: China

CIA Report [classified]

Armed forces: 3.250.000 men and women in the PLA. There was a huge reform that begun in 1987, downsizing and modernizing the army. By these dates it was considered that the army had good defensive capabilities but lacked offensive ones, as it was demonstrated in the several conflicts that participated (from Korea, to the wars with India and particularly with Vietnam): 11 Armoured Divisions, 115 Infantry Divisions, 3 Airborne Divisions, 40 Artillery Divisions, 150 independent regimental formations, +40 engineer, railway and construction Divisions. Local forces up to 80 Infantry Divisions and 130 Independent Regiments (1981). By 1987 that slightly changed. The Main Forces included about 35 group armies (actually were “Corps”), with 13 armoured divisions (+2), 118 infantry divisions (+3), and 33 artillery and antiaircraft artillery divisions (-7), plus 71 independent regiments and 21 independent battalions of mostly support troops. Regional forces consisted of 73 divisions of border defence and garrison troops plus 140 independent regiments (basically the same that in 1981).

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981 (and 1987).

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Invasion of Tibet (1950); Korean War (1950-1953); Dispute with South Vietnam (1974); Sino-Vietnamese War (1979); Sino-Indian War (1962, 1967); Sino-Soviet border conflict (1969);

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27 ... ound_Force), Library of Congress Country Studies (Warden, Robert L.; Savada, Andrea; Dolan, Ronald; Library of Congress, Federal Research Division (1988). "China: A Country Study". pp. 543-594).

In-game armed forces proposal I: It is not easy to represent such a huge army, for now the best possibility seems to represent it with 35 Corps (the Field Armies in the Chinese designation, with 3 Divisions of 12.000 men), but without further elements since the corps incorporated armour, artillery and support services. After 1987 the Chinese will have an event to reorganize the army and allow them to have other kind of units. Plus 17 Garrison (Militia and Regional) units. It seems an impressive number but when distributed to the country in defensive positions, it isn’t that much. Only playtesting we will see.

In-game diplomatic situation: China is a major; begins neutral, with its mobilization at 20%, leaning to the Soviet Bloc.

In-game Events: India and China can’t be in the same bloc; China decisions influence positively in diplomatic terms Albania, Pakistan, Tanzania, Yugoslavia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. If China enters in the war in the Soviet Bloc, North Korean moral rises, if it enters on the opposite side, North Korean moral drops; If China enters in the war on the NATO and Allies side, Taiwan refuses to fight side by side with China (demobilizes the army); If the Soviets attack Albania, China tends 10% to the NATO and Allies; If NATO and Allies attack Albania, China tends 10% to the Soviet Bloc; If the Soviets attack Pakistan, China tends 20% to the NATO and Allies; If NATO and Allies attack Pakistan, China tends 20% to the Soviet Bloc; China has trade routes with USSR and USA, except if its mobilizations rises to more than 50%, in that case ceases to trade with the other faction; 1987 Army reorganization; WIP.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Colombia

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: 80.000; 10 Infantry Brigades; 1 Battalion Presidential Guard; 1 Ranger Battalion; 1 Airborne Battalion; 1 Artillery AA Battalion; 20 Mechanized Infantry Battalions; 5 Mechanized Artillery Battalions; 6 Engineer Battalions.

Air Force and Navy under study.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Participation in UN Missions, including the Korean War, and internal conflict with the guerrillas of the FARC.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 3 Infantry Divisions (5), 1 Armoured Recon (5), 1 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: USA minor. 10% Mobilization.

In-game Events: If Colombia enters in the war siding with the USA, the FARC is present in the South and can intensify their struggle with funding from the Communist Movements.

[Tulius Hostilius]

An "experience", other major:

Country Profile: Communist Movements (alternative designation: Insurgent Movements)

CIA Report [classified]

Armed forces: n/d

Last data: n/d

Reliability: n/d

Conflicts: Several around the Globe (they can only be activated if the respective country is at war); Argentina (Urban Guerrilla); Bolivia; Brazil (Urban Guerrilla); Burma; Chad (FRONILAT); Chile (Urban Guerrilla); Colombia (FARC); Ecuador; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Iraq (Kurds); Israel (PLO); Italy (Red Brigades); Japan (Urban Guerrilla); Lebanon; Malaysia; Mexico; Morocco (Western Sahara, POLISARIO); Peru; Philippines; Somalia; South Africa (ANC; SWAPO); Spain (ETA); Sri Lanka, Sudan; Thailand; Uganda; United Kingdom (Northern Ireland); Uruguay (Urban Guerrilla); Venezuela (Urban Guerrilla); Zaire…

In-game armed forces proposal I: None at the first turn. They are created through guerrilla spots; Events and Decisions of financing with MPP costs, as soon as the countries enter in the war or, the war is declared. Since “Communist Movements” is a major, “independent” of the USSR, it allows it to be at war with solely some other majors, and not all.

In-game diplomatic situation: Major. 100% Mobilized.

In-game Events: WIP.

Note: This “country” faction was created as a proxy of Soviet Union. It can help in diplomacy and research. The Capital is “off-map”. The faction surrenders if USSR surrenders, unless there is other major still fighting (India or China). The objective of this “faction” is to spread communism and revolution around the world. If other majors declare war to this faction, there are negative diplomatic repercussions among some “neutrals” and “non-aligned”. And as a major, this faction can be at war with other major that USSR isn’t. Still trying to see how this can work.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Congo

CIA Report [classified]

Armed forces: 6500. 1 armoured Regiment. 1 Infantry Battalion. 1 “Paracommando” Battalion. Most of the equipment is Soviet and more recently Chinese. There still in use some old equipment provided by French. There are 850 Soviet military advisors in the country, 960 Cubans, and 15 East Germans.

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: Medium.

Conflicts: Internal turmoil.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (5).

In-game diplomatic situation: USSR minor. 25% Mobilization.

In-game Events: The country will switch sides a few weeks after fully conquered for a MPP cost.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Costa Rica

KGB Report [classified]

Armed forces: No army. 3000 Civil Guard (Fuerza Pública).

Last data: 1981.

Reliability: High.

Conflicts: Troubles in the border with Nicaragua. The Contras have sanctuaries in the territory.

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 1 Garrison (3).

In-game diplomatic situation: USA minor. 10% Mobilization.

In-game Events: If Nicaragua enters in the war, the mobilization of Costa Rica will rise. WIP.

[Tulius Hostilius]

Country Profile: Cuba

CIA Report [classified]

Armed forces: 160.000 to 200.000 men. 10 Infantry Brigades (slightly smaller than the Soviet Motor Rifles Divisions). 3 Armoured Regiments, 8 Independent Infantry Regiments. 3000-4000 Airborne troops. SAM. Many units have combat experience.

The Cuban Air Force has some 200 MIGs, 21 and 23, with 2 Squadrons of MIG-23 Floggers. And SA-6 and SA-3 SAMs.

The Navy has 2 Foxtrot-class Submarines; 1 Koni-class Frigate; Osa and Komar-class missile attack boats, Turya-class hydrofoil torpedo boats, Yevgenya-Class inshore minesweepers and 1 Sonya-class minesweeper.

There are Cuban units and advisers in Angola (8000), Ethiopia (6900), Nicaragua (3200), Libya (3000), Iraq (2200), Mozambique (1000), Congo (950), South Yemen (800), Guinea (280), Algeria (170), Afghanistan (100), Tanzania (95), Madagascar (55), Peru (10), Syria (5). While there are 12.000 Soviet advisors in the country.

Last data: 1982.

Reliability: Medium/High.

Conflicts: Many; Cuban Revolution (1953–1959); Invasion of Panama (1959); Invasion of the Dominican Republic (1959); Bay of Pigs (1961); Invasion of Venezuela (1963); Sand War, Algeria (1963–1964); Congo Crisis (1964); Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (1964–1974); Ñancahuazú Guerrilla (1966–1967); Machurucuto Incident, Venezuela (1967); Yemenite War (1972); Angolan Civil War (1975–1991); Ogaden War (1977–1978); Ethiopian Civil War (1977–1991); Eritrean War of Independence (1977–1991); Invasion of Grenada (1983).

Sources: Jane’s Pocket Book (1981), Global Security, Wikipedia, Library of Congress Country Studies, CIA.

In-game armed forces proposal I: 3 Corps (9, one in each city), 1 SAM (9), 1 Mechanized (7, in reserve); 1 Paratroops (4, in reserve); 2 Garrisons (5, one in reserve): 2 Interceptors (9). 1 Patrol Boat (10).

Land and air Forces deployed in Angola and Ethiopia on the first 2 turns: 1 Mechanized (8) and 1 Fighter Bomber (9) (Angola); and 1 Mechanized (6) in Ethiopia.

In-game diplomatic situation: USSR minor. 100% Mobilization.

In-game Events: Intense guerrilla activity if conquered. WIP.

[The Land]

Good luck with this!

A few thoughts. It's important to firm up the list of country IDs and majors as early in development as possible - particularly majors. Also the engine requires each major to be assigned to one of two sides, it's impossible to have a major that can go either way between Axis/Allies or NATO/Pact. (Of course the major need never be active, but it must be one or the other). There may be a way around this involving surrenders, but it would be complicated.

Also I would suggest thinking carefully about land units, particularly what's the difference between a Corps, a Mechanized and a Tank unit in this era, which of course is the peak for mechanization and heavy kit on the whole. In the Northern Europe theatre most Corps were made up of tank divisions and mechanised divisions... what is a Tank counter representing vs a Mech vs a Corps?