Thoughts
Speed is going to be important, at least initially, to close the Pocket. However, closing the pocket is only part of the problem. I need to destroy HQ units. Thus, I need to close up with the enemy forces and focus attacks on their HQ units.
Dislocation. In this case, that means I want to attack from multiple directions and close the pocket quickly. I want to give the Germans too many different problems, which will make it hard to focus on one objective.
Disruption. I suspect that the Germans will be racing to the East and will likely defend the Eastern ends of the pocket very strongly.
So, I need to break through the defences at the Eastern end quickly and set up barriers to the rushing German units.
As I mentioned earlier, I will look at bringing down some bridges (Although this may be a little unfair as the Allies would not have wanted to take out a bridge as it would hurt them in the long run.)
I will be using some of my Air Force to conduct Interdiction attacks – again this will slow the Germans down.
Advancing my faster units further into the pocket should also slow down the Germans from ZOC and attacking them.
I need to command all the main roads and road network nodes.
My Int says that the Germans will attack from the East to keep the pocket open, so I need to have forces protecting the Eastern flanks of the pocket
Preempt. I could attack the German forces in the East that are going to attack me. Or as said above, have forces in place ready to respond to an attack from the East.
I need to find the German HQ units. This is not going to be easy and then they need to be the focus of my attacks.
I looked at the manual and there are some key impacts to night turns. Supply will be reduced and it will be easier for units to disengage. It also says that the four day turns are pre-dawn, morning, afternoon and night with dawn and night occurring at night. The scenario starts in the morning.
My supply situation is quite good, which is a relief and will allow me to push my units hard.
Weather – the forecast is for a storm to hit on the 19th. It is not sure how long the storm will last. This will give my Air Force a break as they can rest, but it will make it harder to find and slow down the Germans.
The defence in the Northern part of the pocket looks stronger than in the South, so, I need the Americans to move farther to close the pocket.
Here is a look at potential objectives
