Typhoon of Steel: John vs. Bill--RA 3.0

[FatR]

Looks like suprise is achieved and the Allied forces are being destroyed piecemeal. You might succeed where I failed thanks to delays and Allied SigInt.

[John 3rd]

Hi Stanislav.

I've got a major Post coming up over in the new Mod area. Did a ton of reading regarding London and the Treaty. Felt like a historian again!

Things do look promising at the moment. Surprise is definite. This is the day a vulnerability. Cannot risk the CVs moving into the Kona hex so must rely on LR CAP. If nothing stops or attempts to stop the Landing then I'll have achieved what is immediately needed. The real hope is to take Kona with little damage and NONE to the shipping and then move on to Hilo and Lahaina. Once I have multiple bases then I the build-up can begin. I will make Pearl Harbor a deathtrap for anything still in it. Figuring he will try to withdraw his damaged BBs (remember every PH BB took at least 3 Torps five weeks ago) I'm thickening my SS cordon by deploying 7 more SS raising the number to over 20. If Kona falls fast then the 4 CV shall move NE ASAP for interdiction.

Two more BB with escorts arrived at Christmas Isle last turn. They refueled and start north on the next turn.

[House Stark]

I feel this AAR might have an effect on AFBs player sort of similar to Canoerebel's recent popularization of Fortress Palembang on JFBs. Now if I play Allies I'm going to have to debate whether or not to send the crippled BBs across the sea with high systems damage, or wait to repair them and hope the KB doesn't come back for round 2. Not to mention the speed at which you've threatened Hawaii barely 5 weeks into the game...

[SoliInvictus202]

well I think there are basically two approaches to the Hawaiian Islands:

1) an early conquest with the "knowledge" that they, most likely, won't have been heavily reinforced - however it is highly unlikely that the Allied player will commit his carriers....

2) a later conquest (as FatR has analyzed it is recommended to still attempt it during the "invasion bonus") which might get the Japanese player the so much desired decisive battles, on his terms and without the involvement of much LBA, still during the time of Japanese Naval Aviation supremacy....however there are several aspects (especially the wish for a decisive battle) that would call for an invasion even after March '42


with more and more people trying this approach more and more AFBs will think about heavily reinforcing Christmas Island and actually moving the Inf Rgts at San Francisco to PH to rebuild the Divisions at some stage... (which is SOP anyway mostly by some) -

having looked at a possible PBEM with Reluctant Admiral as the Japanese myself I have come to the simple conclusion that PH is the one location anywhere on the map, where you can predict an Allied counter-invasion at some point. now of all places the Hawaiian Islands have the huge advantage that there is no way, whatsoever that the Allied player will bring in LBA support without considerable prior warning (recapture of MI or CI) - thus it is a very favourable spot to defend even later in the war...

now having read many approaches to this PH invasion, written by John 3rd or FatR or even the late war ideas of Nemo, I have become convinced that a move onto Hawaii is the one operation that will force the Allied player in a VERY costly counteroffensive at some stage....

I have considered others as well, like Perth, Ceylon, Australia, New Zealand (some operations must accompany the invasion of PH, as supporting operations).... but none of these are as necessary as Pearl Harbor...I stand corrected, but I am pretty convinced that I am right there....

just a few thoughts on this PH-business - sorry for hijacking the AAR, John 3rd

PS: if the invasion of PH does not delay the Allied player somewhere in the Indian Ocean, then it will seriously hamper any offensive moves in CenPac and SoPac - if accompanied by other invasions like Perth and/or Noumea/Marquesas/Fiji/Pago Pago even more possible axis of advance can be eliminated

[guctony]

ORIGINAL: SoliInvictus202

well I think there are basically two approaches to the Hawaiian Islands:

1) an early conquest with the "knowledge" that they, most likely, won't have been heavily reinforced - however it is highly unlikely that the Allied player will commit his carriers....

2) a later conquest (as FatR has analyzed it is recommended to still attempt it during the "invasion bonus") which might get the Japanese player the so much desired decisive battles, on his terms and without the involvement of much LBA, still during the time of Japanese Naval Aviation supremacy....however there are several aspects (especially the wish for a decisive battle) that would call for an invasion even after March '42


with more and more people trying this approach more and more AFBs will think about heavily reinforcing Christmas Island and actually moving the Inf Rgts at San Francisco to PH to rebuild the Divisions at some stage... (which is SOP anyway mostly by some) -

having looked at a possible PBEM with Reluctant Admiral as the Japanese myself I have come to the simple conclusion that PH is the one location anywhere on the map, where you can predict an Allied counter-invasion at some point. now of all places the Hawaiian Islands have the huge advantage that there is no way, whatsoever that the Allied player will bring in LBA support without considerable prior warning (recapture of MI or CI) - thus it is a very favourable spot to defend even later in the war...

now having read many approaches to this PH invasion, written by John 3rd or FatR or even the late war ideas of Nemo, I have become convinced that a move onto Hawaii is the one operation that will force the Allied player in a VERY costly counteroffensive at some stage....

I have considered others as well, like Perth, Ceylon, Australia, New Zealand (some operations must accompany the invasion of PH, as supporting operations).... but none of these are as necessary as Pearl Harbor...I stand corrected, but I am pretty convinced that I am right there....

just a few thoughts on this PH-business - sorry for hijacking the AAR, John 3rd

PS: if the invasion of PH does not delay the Allied player somewhere in the Indian Ocean, then it will seriously hamper any offensive moves in CenPac and SoPac - if accompanied by other invasions like Perth and/or Noumea/Marquesas/Fiji/Pago Pago even more possible axis of advance can be eliminated

It seems very rational to PH in RA scenario. I tried it with a very good opponent. At first war seemed like over. 4 allied CVs down in 4 month time along with 13 BBs. A line From PH to Suva drawn. But in the end the lower amounth of fuel and supply had diminished my effort. And for a clever Allied player you put a big dent to your defence posture. Look at Witp AE map as your pc desktop image. In game map the distances are not so much but in reality PH is way way too far away to effectively follow double front quick reaction business.

[John 3rd]

I was just running my turn with Bill when I found these Posts. Excellent thinking and commentary as always. My views:

1. The thoughts regarding a counterpoint with Dan's work in Fortress Palembang cannot be denied. THAT move scared the heck out of this JFB! It did the work so well that I delegated two Fleet CVs and an entire Inf Div to take it BEFORE the Fortress could even be started.

2. It seemed to me that I wanted to provoke a controlled/forced American counterstroke against my Fleet in a location of my choice. After my botched attempt to grab India in Lew and I's game it seems to me that this is the only place where one CAN provoke an attack. This is a naval war game. I hate the Allied move of immediately pulling all CVs to one place and combining the British and American carriers. That is SOOOOOOO unrealistic but quite popular to do. Certainly understand the benefits just think its gamey...

3. This offensive could be done in ANY Scenario. Remember that I am only using 4 CVs and units that I have had to buy or move acrost the entire Pacific. None of these units are new or different then those in Scenario One. All it takes is the vision to make a serious attmept at it.

What do people think?

PS Big action last turn but not where we expected it. The Aleutians sees the arrival of two American CTF! Oh, my... Tune for the next entry to detail this 'interesting' development.

[ny59giants]

I hate the Allied move of immediately pulling all CVs to one place and combining the British and American carriers. That is SOOOOOOO unrealistic but quite popular to do. Certainly understand the benefits just think its gamey...

Why is this 'gamey?'

It does not exploit anything in the game engine. It is not moving forces across a national border (Chinese into Vietnam without spending PP). Not setting B17 at 1000' and wiping out KB. Please explain yourself, Sir John. [&:]

[SoliInvictus202]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I hate the Allied move of immediately pulling all CVs to one place and combining the British and American carriers. That is SOOOOOOO unrealistic but quite popular to do. Certainly understand the benefits just think its gamey...

Why is this 'gamey?'

It does not exploit anything in the game engine. It is not moving forces across a national border (Chinese into Vietnam without spending PP). Not setting B17 at 1000' and wiping out KB. Please explain yourself, Sir John. [&:]

if I may: in real war there were several reasons why the Americans didn't want to team up with the British if I'm not mistaken, speed and range just being 2 of them.... - furthermore the British wouldn't have sent their CVs willingly into the Pacific in the early stages of the war...

[ny59giants]

Following the reasoning here, what percentage of the USA economy would have been devoted to the Pacific vs Europe if Hawaii had been successfully invaded and isolated in January '42?? The game does not model what the American reaction would have been to this. Once the first turn is resolve, any resemblance to RL goes out the window. Again, this a mod and some forces are set up for a quicker expansion by Japan.

IMO, 'gamey' is mostly an exploitation of the game engine or doing something that your opponent is unable to verify.

[John 3rd]

OK. I will rephrase to say impractical.

Soli hit the nail on the head. The British would have kept their CV/CVLs in the IO or supporting Australia. The only time this was used in the Pacific was when we were desperate and they loaned us Victorious (I think) for a short while to cooperate with Saratoga. This was not a very good experience due to differing doctrine, ship needs, and personnel clashes. Even when the game was up in late-44/45 the British still operated on their own in their own Task Group in the DEI and further north.

Have to go over to my Father's in an unplanned visit so I will update the days action in Hawaii and the Aleutians when I get home in a while.

[FatR]

Strange that the concept of Fortress Palembang is only widely noticed now. Maybe I just had the benefit of seeing how catastrophically simple destruction of Palembang's facilities in my game against Michael affected Japanese. Since then I landed at Palembang within the first 10 days in both of my Japanese PBEMs.

As about Hawaii, Guctony has a point - holding them is logistically difficult for Japanese, particularly in case of actually attempting to interdict Allied communications from there. It is a good target, but not a complete gamechanger. The biggest impact of PH loss on Allies is forcing them to make all major repairs to most ships above a cruiser on the West Coast (Sydney can only handle CA, and some of the smaller CVs). Whish is admittedly pretty big. Logistically they are not that hard to go around (although in this game, where Japanese also hold Christmas Island, it will be considerably harder), with Allies' nigh-unlimited merchant tonnage.

[John 3rd]

January 22, 1942

This turn sees battle but not in the manner I expected. When I commenced the Aleutians Adventure I had stated that my hope was to draw some forces away from Hawaii to help pave the way for the invasion there. It is well established that THIS aspect of the plan worked. With only 4 CVs to cover the Hawaiian Invasion, I feared meeting up with the remaining US CVs--or worse--just their aircraft flying out of Hawaiian bases. The sinking of USS Enterprise ("No bloody A, B. or C") helped to bring US strength down to 2 CVs. A pitched battle of 4 on 2 made me nervous. As hoped the the American Fleet diverted forces north. I just didn't expect BOTH CVs to go!

The Aleutians
The morning passes fine as my Cold Bay Invasion Force reached Dutch Harbor in preparation for lifting the 4 SNLF present to assault this base farther to the east. CVEs Hosho and Taiyo were 3 hexes SW of DH along with a pair of AOs. In the afternoon my search planes luckily spot the American TF two hexes due east. As soon as I realized there was a CV I have to admit I was elated! The CVEs have 30 Z, 12 V, and 6 K which would be enough to make a fight of it vs. one CV.

My hope collapsed when I saw the incoming strike made up of 33 F4F, 57 SBD and 13 TBD. CRAP! A woefully small CAP intercepted with 8 Zeros. To give them credit these fighters managed to shoot down 5 F4F, 3 SBD, and 3 TBD at a cost of 4 of themselves. I prepared for the worst by opening a bottle of wine. Amazingly the first 26 planes MISSED--no hits--but then 3 1,000lb hit poor Hosho. A Torpedo struck Taiyo but--THANK GOODNESS--it was a dud! Down goes Hosho with 11 of her 15 planes moving to Taiyo. How about that??!! I bet Bill was not happy with his plane's marksmanship!

The CVs launch 6 Zero, 9 Val, and 4 Kate against the American TF. Unfortunately the Vals get lost and never find their target. The remaining 13 planes do and they are met by 20 Wildcats. Surprisingly only 2 Zero and 1 Kate fall to the fighters while they shot down 4 F4F. The remaining torpedo planes choose to attack the long flank of USS Saratoga and--quite sadly--miss. DRAT! Wish those Vals hadn't gotten lost.

A second of 11 TBD attack the Invasion Fleet to the north and they have to fight their way through 3 Zero on LR CAP. The Zero knock down 3 TBD and flak bags a 4th. No hits.

End of day. Thank goodness!

Orders:
1. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

2. In an attempt to surprise Bill I order the Taiyo TF SOUTH at full speed towards Midway. She is now carrying 30 planes after picking up Hosho's lonely Sea Eagles.

3. My AOs, AKs, and smaller shipping break cover and race NW, W, and SW.

4. Showing some guile, I create 3 small STF at Dutch Harbor (1 CL--3DD, 4DD, and 4 DD) and send them towards the US TFs to attempt a night engagement. These are old ships and perhaps they will get lucky...

Hawaii
In a sign of probable desperation, the Americans attack the Japanese landing force at Kona with night attacks by 12 PBY and 5 B-17s. No hits scored. S-18 and S-23 try to attack shipping but both are hit and damaged solidly by ASW forces within the TFs. The TF begins landing. A mine causes damage to CL Tatsuta and sinks an AP (37 cas) but that is it for the entire day.

Orders:
1. The troops are fully disembarked and so I order the Cover Force and Invasion Force to move south while I take the base.

2. Sensing weakness, I decide to create a FTF of 2 CA, 3 CL, 11 DD to carry 2/3 of the South Seas Force to try to grab Lahaina in a Coups-de-Main. I give the operation about a 50-50 chance.

3. The KB will swing North to a position NE of PH to interdict anything now trying to flee the area.

Other Actions:
Java continues to be mopped up as Problinggo (Sp?) is taken. I have 3 TK REg on the island as well as two Inf Regiments grabbing bases while I prepare to blast the Javanese out of their base SE of Batavia.

Padang, Sumatra falls to the 2 SNLF Para units and a Naval Guard. Only two bases left in Sumatra.

[Cribtop]

A tactical annoyance, a strategic victory. And fun to read.

[John 3rd]

January 22, 1942

A wild turn that spans the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans. The might and glory that is the Kaigun displays itself. Certainly Grand Admiral Bill is frightened by this grand power! OK. Maybe he is at least scratching his head... [8D]

North Pacific
The Japanese shipping in this region executes an advance in all directions. This would never be considered RUNNING FOR YOUR LIFE! Just ask the USS Saratoga.

During the night the Saratoga with escorts CA Pensacola, CL Honolulu, and 5 DD are rudely awakened to find CL Yura and DD Kagero launching a surprise attack upon them. Before the Americans can respond, 3 Japanese shells slam into Saratoga. NO Torps hit but the 7 round contest allows the Japanese to display their knife-fighting skills as more hit are landed on Sara, Pensacola, and Honolulu. NEITHER Japanese ship gets hit.

Round Two sees the Japanese tenaciously try to slip into the American formation again. Two more hits on the carrier (total 7) and 4 on the CA are quite impressive work. Both Japanese ships get hit several times but then they smack DDs Benham and Worden. Nice work.

Daylight sees the Americans launch strikes in all directions:

--18 F4F, 42 SBD, and 9 TBD attack a group of 4 DD placing a single 1,000lb bomb onto two of them. Both are not in bad shape and head for Attu.

--6 F4F and 8 TBD sink an empty AK near DH.

--15 SBD smack Yura and Kagero sinking the plucky CL with 3 hits. There is no justice for a brave performance earlier in the day.

--A last strike of 25 F4F and 12 SBD finish off Kagero during the afternoon.

The Fleet losing Yura, Kagero, an AK, and has 2 DDs moderately damaged. It could be worse! CVE Taiyo makes good her escape as well as the 2 AOs.

Hawaii
The Americans use a night attack of 26 PBY and 3 Bolo in an attempt to damage the Fast TF loading troops for Lahaina. All miss and 3 are shot down.

Kona falls to a 624-1 attack. BANZAI. No damage to the Port or AF. Begin expanding the AF ASAP. 33 Zero fly in to provide CAP. The Sendai Division and 90th Inf Reg are shifted to movement mode and head for Hilo.

The Fast TF arrive off Lahaina to find a large US Base Force and an Inf Bat. The CD is nasty with nearly 100 shots fired. Two CL and 2 DD are hit moderately. The South Seas Force lands, will rest 1 day and then attack. Barring a fast reaction by my opponent this base will fall.

Not to compete with the 2 US CVs up north, but the KB swings NE of PH and launches two massed attacks on a TF trying to reach PH:

Raid 1: 42 Zero, 78 Val, and 24 Kate sink AP Burrows, an AK, and DD Shaw while damaging another couple of ships and inflicting nearly 600 casualties.

Raid 2: 49 Zero, 70 Val, and 39 Kate hit the same area and sink an AP, an AG, and DD Conyngham.

My bombing was TERRIBLE. Beginning to see just what lowering the Japanese pilot experience in the IJN means...

Perth, Australia
Culminating CV activity is the KB-2 making its presense known west of Perth by sinking all 6 AK in a convoy. This was accomplished by 27 Zero, 25 Val, and 27 Kate. Tomorrow the TF closes with the Port and will launch a Port Strike on anything located there.

Other News:
A. Java
--A bombardment by 2 CA and a CL does moderate damage at Tjilitjap.
--Djokjakarta falls

B. Malaya
--The last units on the peninsula surrenders. An Indian Brigad egives it up NE of Temoluh.
--the Imperial Guards, 5th ID, 38th ID, and another (I cannot remember its number) will cross to the city in about 4 days.

Pretty crazy day with action everywhere!

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

January 22, 1942

A wild turn that spans the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans. The might and glory that is the Kaigun displays itself. Certainly Grand Admiral Bill is frightened by this grand power! OK. Maybe he is at least scratching his head... [8D]

North Pacific
The Japanese shipping in this region executes an advance in all directions. This would never be considered RUNNING FOR YOUR LIFE! Just ask the USS Saratoga.

During the night the Saratoga with escorts CA Pensacola, CL Honolulu, and 5 DD are rudely awakened to find CL Yura and DD Kagero launching a surprise attack upon them. Before the Americans can respond, 3 Japanese shells slam into Saratoga. NO Torps hit but the 7 round contest allows the Japanese to display their knife-fighting skills as more hit are landed on Sara, Pensacola, and Honolulu. NEITHER Japanese ship gets hit.

Round Two sees the Japanese tenaciously try to slip into the American formation again. Two more hits on the carrier (total 7) and 4 on the CA are quite impressive work. Both Japanese ships get hit several times but then they smack DDs Benham and Worden. Nice work.

Daylight sees the Americans launch strikes in all directions:

--18 F4F, 42 SBD, and 9 TBD attack a group of 4 DD placing a single 1,000lb bomb onto two of them. Both are not in bad shape and head for Attu.

--6 F4F and 8 TBD sink an empty AK near DH.

--15 SBD smack Yura and Kagero sinking the plucky CL with 3 hits. There is no justice for a brave performance earlier in the day.

--A last strike of 25 F4F and 12 SBD finish off Kagero during the afternoon.

The Fleet losing Yura, Kagero, an AK, and has 2 DDs moderately damaged. It could be worse! CVE Taiyo makes good her escape as well as the 2 AOs.

Hawaii
The Americans use a night attack of 26 PBY and 3 Bolo in an attempt to damage the Fast TF loading troops for Lahaina. All miss and 3 are shot down.

Kona falls to a 624-1 attack. BANZAI. No damage to the Port or AF. Begin expanding the AF ASAP. 33 Zero fly in to provide CAP. The Sendai Division and 90th Inf Reg are shifted to movement mode and head for Hilo.

The Fast TF arrive off Lahaina to find a large US Base Force and an Inf Bat. The CD is nasty with nearly 100 shots fired. Two CL and 2 DD are hit moderately. The South Seas Force lands, will rest 1 day and then attack. Barring a fast reaction by my opponent this base will fall.

Not to compete with the 2 US CVs up north, but the KB swings NE of PH and launches two massed attacks on a TF trying to reach PH:

Raid 1: 42 Zero, 78 Val, and 24 Kate sink AP Burrows, an AK, and DD Shaw while damaging another couple of ships and inflicting nearly 600 casualties.

Raid 2: 49 Zero, 70 Val, and 39 Kate hit the same area and sink an AP, an AG, and DD Conyngham.

My bombing was TERRIBLE. Beginning to see just what lowering the Japanese pilot experience in the IJN means...

Perth, Australia
Culminating CV activity is the KB-2 making its presense known west of Perth by sinking all 6 AK in a convoy. This was accomplished by 27 Zero, 25 Val, and 27 Kate. Here bombing by CarDiv1 is excellent. Tomorrow the TF closes with the Port and will launch a Port Strike on anything located there.

Other News:
A. Java
--A bombardment by 2 CA and a CL does moderate damage at Tjilitjap.
--Djokjakarta falls

B. Malaya
--The last units on the peninsula surrenders. An Indian Brigad egives it up NE of Temoluh.
--the Imperial Guards, 5th ID, 38th ID, and another (I cannot remember its number) will cross to the city in about 4 days.

Pretty crazy day with action everywhere!

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

January 22, 1942

A wild turn that spans the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans. The might and glory that is the Kaigun displays itself. Certainly Grand Admiral Bill is frightened by this grand power! OK. Maybe he is at least scratching his head... [8D]

North Pacific
The Japanese shipping in this region executes an advance in all directions. This would never be considered RUNNING FOR YOUR LIFE! Just ask the USS Saratoga.

During the night the Saratoga with escorts CA Pensacola, CL Honolulu, and 5 DD are rudely awakened to find CL Yura and DD Kagero launching a surprise attack upon them. Before the Americans can respond, 3 Japanese shells slam into Saratoga. NO Torps hit but the 7 round contest allows the Japanese to display their knife-fighting skills as more hit are landed on Sara, Pensacola, and Honolulu. NEITHER Japanese ship gets hit.

Round Two sees the Japanese tenaciously try to slip into the American formation again. Two more hits on the carrier (total 7) and 4 on the CA are quite impressive work. Both Japanese ships get hit several times but then they smack DDs Benham and Worden. Nice work.

Daylight sees the Americans launch strikes in all directions:

--18 F4F, 42 SBD, and 9 TBD attack a group of 4 DD placing a single 1,000lb bomb onto two of them. Both are not in bad shape and head for Attu.

--6 F4F and 8 TBD sink an empty AK near DH.

--15 SBD smack Yura and Kagero sinking the plucky CL with 3 hits. There is no justice for a brave performance earlier in the day.

--A last strike of 25 F4F and 12 SBD finish off Kagero during the afternoon.

The Fleet losing Yura, Kagero, an AK, and has 2 DDs moderately damaged. It could be worse! CVE Taiyo makes good her escape as well as the 2 AOs.

Hawaii
The Americans use a night attack of 26 PBY and 3 Bolo in an attempt to damage the Fast TF loading troops for Lahaina. All miss and 3 are shot down.

Kona falls to a 624-1 attack. BANZAI. No damage to the Port or AF. Begin expanding the AF ASAP. 33 Zero fly in to provide CAP. The Sendai Division and 90th Inf Reg are shifted to movement mode and head for Hilo.

The Fast TF arrive off Lahaina to find a large US Base Force and an Inf Bat. The CD is nasty with nearly 100 shots fired. Two CL and 2 DD are hit moderately. The South Seas Force lands, will rest 1 day and then attack. Barring a fast reaction by my opponent this base will fall.

Not to compete with the 2 US CVs up north, but the KB swings NE of PH and launches two massed attacks on a TF trying to reach PH:

Raid 1: 42 Zero, 78 Val, and 24 Kate sink AP Burrows, an AK, and DD Shaw while damaging another couple of ships and inflicting nearly 600 casualties.

Raid 2: 49 Zero, 70 Val, and 39 Kate hit the same area and sink an AP, an AG, and DD Conyngham.

My bombing was TERRIBLE. Beginning to see just what lowering the Japanese pilot experience in the IJN means...

Perth, Australia
Culminating CV activity is the KB-2 making its presense known west of Perth by sinking all 6 AK in a convoy. This was accomplished by 27 Zero, 25 Val, and 27 Kate. Here bombing by CarDiv1 is excellent. Tomorrow the TF closes with the Port and will launch a Port Strike on anything located there.

Other News:
A. Java
--A bombardment by 2 CA and a CL does moderate damage at Tjilitjap.
--Djokjakarta falls

B. Malaya
--The last units on the peninsula surrenders. An Indian Brigad egives it up NE of Temoluh.
--the Imperial Guards, 5th ID, 38th ID, and another (I cannot remember its number) will cross to the city in about 4 days.

Pretty crazy day with action everywhere!

[John 3rd]

Sorry about the quote above. The entry did that and I feel silly.

[8|]

[John 3rd]

Sorry about no Posts recently. The family and I are up in Gould, CO for the week. We've got some serious mountain R&R going on where it is 9,500Ft, 80* for a high, and 40* for a low, and NO humidity. Put me in coach!

We'll be back on Friday and I will catch-up at that point.

[John 3rd]

Today marks the first time five years that the Cochran House has no kids in it during the day due to my youngest beginning Kindergarden! It is time to polish up the resume, do cover letters, and start the job search in earnest. Additionally ([:D]) I can also catch-up my AAR and continue work on the Perfect War Mod. COOL!

[John 3rd]

The last Post above was for January 23, 1942. I just sent Bill the February 13th turn. This means there is a ton of ground to cover. Think the best route is a region-by-region description of events and description of deployed forces as well as planning. Wherever possible we'll add screenshots to show the current situation. Another area I'd like to explore for discussion and debate (as well as education) is the greatest nemesis I face in AE: The Japanese ECONOMY!


Don't expect to get this all done today but we'll get started and have things caught up by tomorrow (I hope).