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Having stopped the Soviet advance in Battle Tested, the 3rd Brigade has moved South along the B75 to refit and prepare to defend again.

We have been tasked to set up a new defensive line along the in the heart of the Wumme River valley - an area called the Wolf's Lair. Should be fun!

Before defending, I went under refit. Not sure of the impact to the scenario or the campaign, I took the maximum time and VPs to rebuild my force.

Here is a look at the Area of Operations (AO)

Here is a look at the VP locations...

Here is what I'm told about the Soviet strength facing me...

I'm trying a slightly new approach when looking at the Soviet options. I've grouped the VP locations into Soviet objectives that can be used when developing their options.

I added some more info to the last slide - here it is again.

The first Soviet option

Their second option

And the third...

Soviet – Thoughts/Deductions

The first half of the battle is at night, which reduces the vulnerability, somewhat, of the open terrain. It also is a disadvantage overall for the Soviet forces.

Most likely – Option 2
Most dangerous – Option 1

In these scenarios, as in Soviet doctrine, the Soviets have favoured attacks across the front, so I expect them to attack 3 up. I think that they lack the resources for a strong 2nd echelon.

To have success in this battle, I need to get lots of VPs, both from kills and from the VP locations.

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.

Here is a look at the 3rd Armd Bde

Thoughts

The first half of this battle will be fought at night – which is an advantage for me.

Morale varies across my force, so I need to be aware of that when I assign tasks to my units. This time everyone starts with a full ammo load, thankfully.

To win, I need to control most of the VP locations and destroy a lot of the Soviet force. This means that I will have to be aggressive. There are 29,000 points for VP locations A tactical success needs 80%, which means that I should be aiming to hold around 24,000 worth of points. It also means that I need to do this without taking to many losses.

Some motherhood statements:

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

Scheebel is very important. It is worth 4,000 VPs and leads to more. It also controls the B75 and a lot of the surrounding countryside. Finally, the Soviets will be gunning for it!

I would like to get my M1s into places where they can take flank shots on the advancing Soviets.

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. Problem is that if the Soviets lose their forces too quickly, but have success in seizing VP locations, I may get caught not having enough VPs for a win. 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 need to keep my AD elements forward – Soviet AH have already been identified.

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.

First Option

Second Option - still working on the third...

Final option.

Looking forward to your AAR, your planning is very good, my planning is a lot more chaotic...

Cheers

Highlandcharge,

Thanks! I really enjoy the mental challenge provide by these scenarios. It is really fun when the plan works!

Have a good day,

Mike

A comparison of the options...

Thoughts

I like all three options. I would love to go with the second option – it looks like fun. However, I think that the 3rd option is the one that gives me the best chance to win. I like the idea of fighting ahead of the VP locations and even if I do not get my M1s all the way out to their locations, they will start reducing the Soviet force early.

I keep thinking that at least some Soviet forces will come in from the East – even though Intel does not show that. That is why my reserve is more to the East. I will also use some recce forces to observe the eastern approach. I know that Mad Russian has something up his sleeve...

Although I want recce out front, in many cases they will move out initially with the M1 companies, which will give them some cover and support.

I’m going to try the same movement technique with my Bn and Bde HQ – I’m going to give them move orders up front with long delays at the way points. Hopefully, this will help keep them alive and avoid arty fire on their locations.

Based on the last two scenarios, the Soviets are going to come quickly and in force – I need to remember this and not be surprised.

Eager to see how this develops! I like a lot your planning process [&o]