Fulda

[MikeJ19]

Having finished up my last game, I'm going to try a new challenge. Fulda 1985. In the Operational Art of War game, there is a fun scenario based upon the Fulda gap. Hopefully, this one will be just as interesting and fun.

Here is a look at a portion of my orders.

[MikeJ19]

The area of operations (AO) is very hilly and forested with urban areas doting the terrain.

There is a major highway (A7) that runs North--South along the edge of FULDA. There are a couple of major roads that run both N-S and E-W.

There is a small river in the northern part of the centre of the AO. There are three bridges along the river.

There is also a river that goes through the western edge of FULDA and then splits both to the South and East. There are lots of bridges that cross this river.

The engineers have been very busy and there is a long obstacle belt. In many cases there are two layers to the belt. It is also supplemented by the forests, hills and the river. Finally, there is a layer along the NE side of FULDA.

The engineers have also built a lot of improved positions. They cover gaps in the obstacle belt, key road junctions and choke points.

The Soviets have three main avenues of approach – coming out of the NE. When they get through the obstacle belt, there are a couple of more westward focused approaches.

Deductions/thoughts

May want to blow bridges – there is no real need to keep them standing as all my forces are on the friendly side of them. Destroying them will also strengthen the obstacle belt.

Taking out Soviet engineering assets would be very good (I know that engineer play is limited)

I want to cover as much of the obstacle belt with direct fire and observation as possible. The Soviets will get stuck in it which will make it easier to destroy them.

Some of the improved positions are not going to be easy to leave – no clear routes back from them, or slow routes. Therefore, timing moves out of these locations – and providing cover – is going to be very important.

In studying the obstacle belt, it looks to me like it is trying to funnel the Soviets towards A2, which is the shallowest part of the belt and a direct route into FULDA.

There are lots of places where I should be able to set up ambushes of the Soviets – by getting my forces into position where it will be hard for the Soviets to engage, or observe, them until the last minute.

[CapnDarwin]

Save and reload often with the huge Fulda scenario to help avoid a out of resources crash.

[MikeJ19]

Jim,

Thanks for letting me know. It looks like an interesting scenario.

[MikeJ19]

Here is an overview of the Soviet intentions and force

[MikeJ19]

There are a lot of VPs available in this scenario. 100,000 VPs worth.

They are set up in four belts.

The first belt with seven VP locations each worth 5000 points is set along the obstacle belt. It is worth 35,000 VPs.

The second belt has seven VP locations, each worth 4000 points and is set just a little back from the first line. It is worth 28,000 VPs.

The third belt is split into two and contains a further 12 locations each worth 2000 points. This belt is deeper than the first two. This belt is worth 24,000 points.

The final belt contains 13 locations each worth 1000 points. It is the last line of locations and covers the most terrain. This belt is worth 13,000 points.

[MikeJ19]

First Soviet Option

Concept

79th GTD will attack with 2 TR in the first echelon with the intent to push rapidly through the initial defence and unleash the second echelon elements to seize the crossings South of FULDA.

Pro

Depth to the attack
Lots of firepower in the first echelon
Concentrating force on two axis
Could dislocate some of the US defences North of FULDA
Avoids FULDA

Con

Very congested routes – over congested terrain

[MikeJ19]

Second Soviet Option

Concept

79th GTD will attack with 2 TR and an MRR in the first echelon with the intent to push rapidly through the initial defence and unleash the second echelon elements to seize the crossings South of FULDA.

Pro

Width of the attack
Lots of firepower in the first echelon
Avoids FULDA
When weakness found, forces available to exploit

Con

Very congested routes – over congested terrain
Firepower spread out

[MikeJ19]

Third Soviet Option

Concept

79th GTD will attack with a TR and a MRR in the first echelon with the intent to push rapidly through the initial defence and unleash the second echelon elements to seize the crossings South of FULDA. The Independent TB will block near WISSELS to prevent US forces NE of FULDA from interfering in the advance SW

Pro

Depth to the attack
Lots of firepower in the first echelon
Concentrating force on two narrow axis
Could dislocate some of the US defences North of FULDA
Avoids FULDA

Con

Very congested routes – over congested terrain

[MikeJ19]

Here are my units

[MikeJ19]

Initial Thoughts

For once, I have most of my forces right from the start. Very nice.

I have lots of Artillery. Of course, it will not be enough.

Based on the locations of the VPs, I’m likely going to have to defend forward. Losing that first belt of VPs would make victory difficult to achieve. Or I have to be ready/able to counterattack later to retake terrain and VP locations.

I would like to strip the Soviets of:
HQs – to make it harder for them to control their troops,
AD units – to give my aviation and air support freer reign, and
Artillery – to lessen their fire power.

I have lots of improved locations that I can use to build my defense line.

I need a reserve – not evident what unit is best for that.

Here is option 1

Concept

The intent is to hold the front line (1-11 ACR) for as long as possible. The Arm Bn provides depth to the defence and will destroy any forces that leak through.

Pro

Depth
Clear areas for both Bns
Should be able to use the improved positions

Con

Very reactive
Potentially three separate battles involving both Bns
I suspect that this scenario might start slower than most – if my orders are correct. However, I need to make sure that I’m ready in case they come right away.

[MikeJ19]

Option 2

Concept

Each Bn has an area to defend and hold. The intent remains to defend as far forward as possible, covering the obstacle belt. Each Bn defends in depth and reacts individually to pressure.

Pro

Depth
Clear areas for both Bns
Should be able to use the improved positions

Con

Very reactive
If one Bn gets pushed back, the other may end up dislocated

[MikeJ19]

Option 3

Concept

The intent is to show a solid defence line in the East and draw the Soviets across the river in the North into a large engagement area. 1-11 ACR blocks to the East, forcing the Soviets North and West. 1-68 Arm Bn allows the Soviets to cross the river and then engages they get the first main body across.

Pro

More pro-active – trying to force the Soviets to flow where we want
Clear areas for both Bns
Can use the river to separate Soviet echelons to make it easier to destroy them.

Con

If Soviets flow too well, the defence could get overwhelmed.
Not much depth, especially on the right.
The Northern company could easily be cut off or attacked from multiple locations.

[MikeJ19]

I had a fourth option, but decided that the command and control problems would make it very difficult in real life - and likely in the game as well.

Time to think about the three options above and decide which one to go with.

Any thoughts?

[fluidwill]

Vs the AI I would go Option 2, vs a human Option 3, basically you're not going to fake out the AI but humans, oh boy.

I'm playing a scen as the WarPac PBEM currently and Nato has slaughtered my feint and is feeling pretty good about themselves, my main push is currently unspotted and 3 hexes from a bunch of VP's and driving hard. Nato is never getting back in time....

[MikeJ19]

Decision

I’m going with Option 2 – 2 up. Part of me really wants to try Options 3, but as Fluidwill matrix points out, it is tough to fake out the AI.

Where possible, I will use the improved positions.

I want to try to use the ICM from my Artillery when the Soviet tanks are stuck in the obstacle belt. The Mines will be used to either, plug a Soviet push or to replenish the obstacle belt after one Soviet group gets through – trying to separate the echelons and maybe even just the Bns. The MLRS should be very potent against Soviet tanks stuck in the obstacle belt

It is a long time until my AH show up, so I will not plan for them yet. They will be used to shore up my defence, exploit a Soviet hole and attack their depth or to add to the defence to take out Soviet units in an engagement area.

If the Soviets do lead with recce, I want to strip in out quickly and then potentially, move my defence a little.

Here is a general picture of my defence.

[MikeJ19]

A close up of the 1-11 ACR

[MikeJ19]

A close up of the Arm Bn

[MikeJ19]

A close up of the reserve

[MikeJ19]

Soviet recce takes a hit.