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Combatintman

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  1. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Blazing 88's in New Mission - Chervone   
    How do you think I tested this ... 
  2. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from 37mm in New Mission - Chervone   
    More than getting there ... it is up:
    CMBS – Chervone (thefewgoodmen.com)
     
  3. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from dan/california in New Mission - Chervone   
    Getting there .... here are the designer notes:
    Overview
    The genesis of this mission was the various discussions about what a dispersed light infantry force augmented with good ISR able to cue indirect fire assets was capable of.  As such, some might contend that this is not a scenario at all but more a test of the concept fielded by the Ukrainian military.
    With that in mind, this, “mission/scenario” may not be to everyone’s taste but I’m pretty sure ISR types, targeteers and “dropshorts” (gunners) will love it.  For those of you not in any of those categories, there is still something in the mission for you.  Potential takeaways being:  learning how to plan ISR and cue fires against a fairly predictable enemy which of course, at that stage of the conflict, the Russians were at the tactical level; seeing how important so-called “soft factors” (training and morale) are in warfare; and, I hope to get a sense of how the war was fought during that particular phase of the conflict.
    Map
    Chervone is a real place, and I chose it because when I started making this mission in May, there seemed every chance that a Russian BTG would venture south along the road which runs through Chervone as part of an attempt to drive south to Barvinkove as part of the wider operation to take Sloviansk.  I also wanted a large map to give the player plenty of space to work in with a mix of terrain types.  Chervone, although it never ended up being contested, fitted the bill.
    Units
    According to a few sources, the units named in the scenario were in the area at this time and could plausibly have fought over this piece of ground in May 2022, but I make no claims for accuracy in this regard.  37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, according to one source was T-72 and BMP-2 equipped so the major equipment types for the Russians are more or less correct.  Due to the limitations of picks in the editor, I have had to use US UAVs and their controllers for the Ukrainian side and the overall Ukrainian force structure was designed more or around testing the agile light infantry supported by ISR and indirect fire assets concept than any attempt to model an actual TO&E.  As we saw so much of the Stugna ATGM in a lot of early footage, I opted to include these rather than the better-known US Javelin.  The advantage of this of course is that it avoids another slightly untidy US substitution.  The named units; therefore, are simply to give a narrative and backdrop to the scenario.
    Dedication and Thanks
    I cannot finish without mentioning “that thread” on the Battlefront Forum.  Some have been critical of the time devoted to it but without it, this mission would not have been possible.  While it is true that some of the discussions have gone down rabbit holes, it is a treasure trove of resources and links for scenario makers and special thanks go to our friends from the conflict zone for their invaluable insights, unearthing content in both Russian and Ukrainian, and helping outsiders like me make sense of it.  As a dedication and a reminder that war is a visceral endeavour that affects real people, I dedicate this mission to my friend and erstwhile colleague Alex, who I will not name in full for obvious reasons.  He left Kabul on 25 February to return home and ensure that his wife and young child got to safety before joining a Ukrainian Territorial Force unit.  Very much a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and I am pleased to say that his family are safe in a third country.  He is currently a JTAC and as of a fortnight ago was supporting offensive operations in the Kharkiv area.  This one is for you mate and I very much hope to be working with you again in the near future.  Otherwise, as with all of my stuff, I hope you find the fruits of my labour enjoyable.  Regards Combatintman.
  4. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from 37mm in New Mission - Chervone   
    So here are the draft orders - this is a Blue vs Red AI mission only:
    Situation
    It is 1100hrs on 07 May 2022, two Russian brigades (5 Separate Guards Tank Brigade and 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade) have recently arrived in occupied territory to the north of Barvinkove.  Russia remains committed to pushing south from the general direction of Izium with the intent of securing Sloviansk.  Weather conditions are generally favourable to friendly operations with a slightly overcast sky, cool temperatures, a gentle west to east wind and damp ground conditions.
    Mission
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is to delay 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s advance on Barvinkove in the vicinity of Chervone no later than 1200hrs 07 May 2022 in order to allow for the completion of defensive positions.
    Tasks – refer to the operational graphic.
    Friendly Forces
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is commanded by 81 Reconnaissance Company HQ and centred on a single platoon from the company which has been allocated 3 x Stugna ATGM teams.  Also attached to the team are three unarmed UAV detachments and a single armed Bayraktar UAV detachment.  Offensive support available comprises an organic off map 82mm mortar platoon, all of these assets are immediately available.  The 1st Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion/81 Brigade Artillery Group (18 x 2S1 122mm howitzers) is currently setting up and will be available from 1105hrs.  Four Target Reference Points to assist in cueing your fires have already been registered.
    Enemy Forces
    An assessed motor rifle battalion tactical group preceded by elements of 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s reconnaissance company was identified heading south from Velyka Komyshuvakha towards Chervone earlier this morning.  Multiple source reporting from loyal citizens and UAV coverage tracking the enemy column south confirms a motor rifle heavy tactical group equipped with T-72 and BMP-2.  Lead elements of this column have just entered the area of operations in the following order of march:  3 x BMP-2 and 2 x BRM-1K (assessed as brigade reconnaissance elements) and, approximately five minutes away, a column led by 3 x T-72 followed by 8 x BMP-2 and, after that, three other elements at approximately five-minute intervals.  Total enemy strength is approximately 50-60 vehicles, mostly BMP-2.  The enemy is expected to repeat the mistakes seen since the start of the invasion by remaining road bound and attempting to secure Chervone by a simple brute force frontal attack.
    Plan
    The choice is yours commander but your plan should treat the intelligence information as reliable and plan to make best use of your UAVs, indirect fire and long-range anti-armour assets in order to minimise close range engagements which will put you at severe disadvantage.  Getting your setup right in terms of acquiring anti-tank weapons, organising your dismounts and deploying them is important.  Of greater importance will be placing your four Target Reference Points as well as ensuring your surveillance assets have comprehensive coverage of the main road into Chervone in order to give you the best chance of success.  Although the mission length is one hour, you can cease fire as soon as your last unit has exited the map anywhere along the exit zone along the southeast, south and southwest areas indicated.  Note that any of your units remaining on the map at mission end will accrue points to the enemy.
    Notes
    LINE ZUBKOV (Named after Lieutenant Ivan Zubkov who was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine on 09 June 2015 for calling artillery on himself during the battle for Donetsk Airport) is an exit zone for enemy forces which means that enemy forces should be prevented from exiting the map in order for you to gain maximum points in relation to your Destroy objectives shown on the operational map graphic under “Tasks”.
    Here are the associated graphics:
    Strategic Map

    Operational Map

    Tactical Map

     
  5. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from dan/california in New Mission - Chervone   
    As stated in @kohlenklau's Christmas 2022 Scenario Thread ....
    My offering is set during the current Ukraine conflict.  The scenario is fictional but set in a real place and was certainly an action that could have been fought had Russian forces made a serious attempt to push south to Barvinkove in May this year.  The scenario is centred on Chervone on a 4.8km x 3.6km map:
    Topo Overlay

    Google Earth Overlay

    The Combat Mission Editor View

    The Combat Mission 3D Map Preview View

    More details to follow ...
     
     
     
  6. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from 37mm in New Mission - Chervone   
    I have the battlepack but I thought that the battlepack was just battles which is why I didn't specify it as a requirement.  I'll check mate and amend accordingly - thanks for the heads-up.
  7. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from domfluff in Christmas 2022 Scenario Challenge   
    My scenario is up ... details on the dedicated thread here:
     
  8. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from A Canadian Cat in How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?   
    A shameless plug for my latest scenario in which my designer notes pay tribute to the benefits of this thread and which I hope provides more input to the discussion point which @The_Capt has raised regarding the utility of light agile forces and a potential new paradigm in land warfare.  A link to the scenario is in the thread linked below:
     
     
  9. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from A Canadian Cat in Combat Mission Red Thunder Battle Pack 1 pre-orders are now open   
    Apart from the fact that George is not the only person involved in the process.  Sure, nothing is going to happen until he's done his bit, and his work forms the bulk of the release, but others have bits and pieces to do as well.
  10. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from George MC in Combat Mission Red Thunder Battle Pack 1 pre-orders are now open   
    Apart from the fact that George is not the only person involved in the process.  Sure, nothing is going to happen until he's done his bit, and his work forms the bulk of the release, but others have bits and pieces to do as well.
  11. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from Aragorn2002 in Combat Mission Red Thunder Battle Pack 1 pre-orders are now open   
    George builds the scenarios - other people do stuff like the mission graphics, coding it to package it, allocate licence keys upload it, host it and if it is going on Steam (and I'm not saying it is because I can't recall the plan for Steam releases) then Matrix have to their stuff etc etc ...
  12. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from George MC in Combat Mission Red Thunder Battle Pack 1 pre-orders are now open   
    George builds the scenarios - other people do stuff like the mission graphics, coding it to package it, allocate licence keys upload it, host it and if it is going on Steam (and I'm not saying it is because I can't recall the plan for Steam releases) then Matrix have to their stuff etc etc ...
  13. Thanks
    Combatintman got a reaction from Blazing 88's in New Mission - Chervone   
    Getting there .... here are the designer notes:
    Overview
    The genesis of this mission was the various discussions about what a dispersed light infantry force augmented with good ISR able to cue indirect fire assets was capable of.  As such, some might contend that this is not a scenario at all but more a test of the concept fielded by the Ukrainian military.
    With that in mind, this, “mission/scenario” may not be to everyone’s taste but I’m pretty sure ISR types, targeteers and “dropshorts” (gunners) will love it.  For those of you not in any of those categories, there is still something in the mission for you.  Potential takeaways being:  learning how to plan ISR and cue fires against a fairly predictable enemy which of course, at that stage of the conflict, the Russians were at the tactical level; seeing how important so-called “soft factors” (training and morale) are in warfare; and, I hope to get a sense of how the war was fought during that particular phase of the conflict.
    Map
    Chervone is a real place, and I chose it because when I started making this mission in May, there seemed every chance that a Russian BTG would venture south along the road which runs through Chervone as part of an attempt to drive south to Barvinkove as part of the wider operation to take Sloviansk.  I also wanted a large map to give the player plenty of space to work in with a mix of terrain types.  Chervone, although it never ended up being contested, fitted the bill.
    Units
    According to a few sources, the units named in the scenario were in the area at this time and could plausibly have fought over this piece of ground in May 2022, but I make no claims for accuracy in this regard.  37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, according to one source was T-72 and BMP-2 equipped so the major equipment types for the Russians are more or less correct.  Due to the limitations of picks in the editor, I have had to use US UAVs and their controllers for the Ukrainian side and the overall Ukrainian force structure was designed more or around testing the agile light infantry supported by ISR and indirect fire assets concept than any attempt to model an actual TO&E.  As we saw so much of the Stugna ATGM in a lot of early footage, I opted to include these rather than the better-known US Javelin.  The advantage of this of course is that it avoids another slightly untidy US substitution.  The named units; therefore, are simply to give a narrative and backdrop to the scenario.
    Dedication and Thanks
    I cannot finish without mentioning “that thread” on the Battlefront Forum.  Some have been critical of the time devoted to it but without it, this mission would not have been possible.  While it is true that some of the discussions have gone down rabbit holes, it is a treasure trove of resources and links for scenario makers and special thanks go to our friends from the conflict zone for their invaluable insights, unearthing content in both Russian and Ukrainian, and helping outsiders like me make sense of it.  As a dedication and a reminder that war is a visceral endeavour that affects real people, I dedicate this mission to my friend and erstwhile colleague Alex, who I will not name in full for obvious reasons.  He left Kabul on 25 February to return home and ensure that his wife and young child got to safety before joining a Ukrainian Territorial Force unit.  Very much a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and I am pleased to say that his family are safe in a third country.  He is currently a JTAC and as of a fortnight ago was supporting offensive operations in the Kharkiv area.  This one is for you mate and I very much hope to be working with you again in the near future.  Otherwise, as with all of my stuff, I hope you find the fruits of my labour enjoyable.  Regards Combatintman.
  14. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from George MC in New Mission - Chervone   
    So here are the draft orders - this is a Blue vs Red AI mission only:
    Situation
    It is 1100hrs on 07 May 2022, two Russian brigades (5 Separate Guards Tank Brigade and 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade) have recently arrived in occupied territory to the north of Barvinkove.  Russia remains committed to pushing south from the general direction of Izium with the intent of securing Sloviansk.  Weather conditions are generally favourable to friendly operations with a slightly overcast sky, cool temperatures, a gentle west to east wind and damp ground conditions.
    Mission
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is to delay 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s advance on Barvinkove in the vicinity of Chervone no later than 1200hrs 07 May 2022 in order to allow for the completion of defensive positions.
    Tasks – refer to the operational graphic.
    Friendly Forces
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is commanded by 81 Reconnaissance Company HQ and centred on a single platoon from the company which has been allocated 3 x Stugna ATGM teams.  Also attached to the team are three unarmed UAV detachments and a single armed Bayraktar UAV detachment.  Offensive support available comprises an organic off map 82mm mortar platoon, all of these assets are immediately available.  The 1st Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion/81 Brigade Artillery Group (18 x 2S1 122mm howitzers) is currently setting up and will be available from 1105hrs.  Four Target Reference Points to assist in cueing your fires have already been registered.
    Enemy Forces
    An assessed motor rifle battalion tactical group preceded by elements of 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s reconnaissance company was identified heading south from Velyka Komyshuvakha towards Chervone earlier this morning.  Multiple source reporting from loyal citizens and UAV coverage tracking the enemy column south confirms a motor rifle heavy tactical group equipped with T-72 and BMP-2.  Lead elements of this column have just entered the area of operations in the following order of march:  3 x BMP-2 and 2 x BRM-1K (assessed as brigade reconnaissance elements) and, approximately five minutes away, a column led by 3 x T-72 followed by 8 x BMP-2 and, after that, three other elements at approximately five-minute intervals.  Total enemy strength is approximately 50-60 vehicles, mostly BMP-2.  The enemy is expected to repeat the mistakes seen since the start of the invasion by remaining road bound and attempting to secure Chervone by a simple brute force frontal attack.
    Plan
    The choice is yours commander but your plan should treat the intelligence information as reliable and plan to make best use of your UAVs, indirect fire and long-range anti-armour assets in order to minimise close range engagements which will put you at severe disadvantage.  Getting your setup right in terms of acquiring anti-tank weapons, organising your dismounts and deploying them is important.  Of greater importance will be placing your four Target Reference Points as well as ensuring your surveillance assets have comprehensive coverage of the main road into Chervone in order to give you the best chance of success.  Although the mission length is one hour, you can cease fire as soon as your last unit has exited the map anywhere along the exit zone along the southeast, south and southwest areas indicated.  Note that any of your units remaining on the map at mission end will accrue points to the enemy.
    Notes
    LINE ZUBKOV (Named after Lieutenant Ivan Zubkov who was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine on 09 June 2015 for calling artillery on himself during the battle for Donetsk Airport) is an exit zone for enemy forces which means that enemy forces should be prevented from exiting the map in order for you to gain maximum points in relation to your Destroy objectives shown on the operational map graphic under “Tasks”.
    Here are the associated graphics:
    Strategic Map

    Operational Map

    Tactical Map

     
  15. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Vergeltungswaffe in Christmas 2022 Scenario Challenge   
    My scenario is up ... details on the dedicated thread here:
     
  16. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Artkin in New Mission - Chervone   
    More than getting there ... it is up:
    CMBS – Chervone (thefewgoodmen.com)
     
  17. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from 37mm in New Mission - Chervone   
    How do you think I tested this ... 
  18. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from Phantom Captain in New Mission - Chervone   
    So here are the draft orders - this is a Blue vs Red AI mission only:
    Situation
    It is 1100hrs on 07 May 2022, two Russian brigades (5 Separate Guards Tank Brigade and 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade) have recently arrived in occupied territory to the north of Barvinkove.  Russia remains committed to pushing south from the general direction of Izium with the intent of securing Sloviansk.  Weather conditions are generally favourable to friendly operations with a slightly overcast sky, cool temperatures, a gentle west to east wind and damp ground conditions.
    Mission
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is to delay 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s advance on Barvinkove in the vicinity of Chervone no later than 1200hrs 07 May 2022 in order to allow for the completion of defensive positions.
    Tasks – refer to the operational graphic.
    Friendly Forces
    81 Reconnaissance Company Team is commanded by 81 Reconnaissance Company HQ and centred on a single platoon from the company which has been allocated 3 x Stugna ATGM teams.  Also attached to the team are three unarmed UAV detachments and a single armed Bayraktar UAV detachment.  Offensive support available comprises an organic off map 82mm mortar platoon, all of these assets are immediately available.  The 1st Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion/81 Brigade Artillery Group (18 x 2S1 122mm howitzers) is currently setting up and will be available from 1105hrs.  Four Target Reference Points to assist in cueing your fires have already been registered.
    Enemy Forces
    An assessed motor rifle battalion tactical group preceded by elements of 37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade’s reconnaissance company was identified heading south from Velyka Komyshuvakha towards Chervone earlier this morning.  Multiple source reporting from loyal citizens and UAV coverage tracking the enemy column south confirms a motor rifle heavy tactical group equipped with T-72 and BMP-2.  Lead elements of this column have just entered the area of operations in the following order of march:  3 x BMP-2 and 2 x BRM-1K (assessed as brigade reconnaissance elements) and, approximately five minutes away, a column led by 3 x T-72 followed by 8 x BMP-2 and, after that, three other elements at approximately five-minute intervals.  Total enemy strength is approximately 50-60 vehicles, mostly BMP-2.  The enemy is expected to repeat the mistakes seen since the start of the invasion by remaining road bound and attempting to secure Chervone by a simple brute force frontal attack.
    Plan
    The choice is yours commander but your plan should treat the intelligence information as reliable and plan to make best use of your UAVs, indirect fire and long-range anti-armour assets in order to minimise close range engagements which will put you at severe disadvantage.  Getting your setup right in terms of acquiring anti-tank weapons, organising your dismounts and deploying them is important.  Of greater importance will be placing your four Target Reference Points as well as ensuring your surveillance assets have comprehensive coverage of the main road into Chervone in order to give you the best chance of success.  Although the mission length is one hour, you can cease fire as soon as your last unit has exited the map anywhere along the exit zone along the southeast, south and southwest areas indicated.  Note that any of your units remaining on the map at mission end will accrue points to the enemy.
    Notes
    LINE ZUBKOV (Named after Lieutenant Ivan Zubkov who was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine on 09 June 2015 for calling artillery on himself during the battle for Donetsk Airport) is an exit zone for enemy forces which means that enemy forces should be prevented from exiting the map in order for you to gain maximum points in relation to your Destroy objectives shown on the operational map graphic under “Tasks”.
    Here are the associated graphics:
    Strategic Map

    Operational Map

    Tactical Map

     
  19. Upvote
    Combatintman reacted to BarendJanNL in New Mission - Chervone   
    Just played the scenario, great fun!
    Especially the focus on targeting was super to experiment with.
    Thanks for your work on this one
  20. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Phantom Captain in New Mission - Chervone   
    How do you think I tested this ... 
  21. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from 37mm in New Mission - Chervone   
    Getting there .... here are the designer notes:
    Overview
    The genesis of this mission was the various discussions about what a dispersed light infantry force augmented with good ISR able to cue indirect fire assets was capable of.  As such, some might contend that this is not a scenario at all but more a test of the concept fielded by the Ukrainian military.
    With that in mind, this, “mission/scenario” may not be to everyone’s taste but I’m pretty sure ISR types, targeteers and “dropshorts” (gunners) will love it.  For those of you not in any of those categories, there is still something in the mission for you.  Potential takeaways being:  learning how to plan ISR and cue fires against a fairly predictable enemy which of course, at that stage of the conflict, the Russians were at the tactical level; seeing how important so-called “soft factors” (training and morale) are in warfare; and, I hope to get a sense of how the war was fought during that particular phase of the conflict.
    Map
    Chervone is a real place, and I chose it because when I started making this mission in May, there seemed every chance that a Russian BTG would venture south along the road which runs through Chervone as part of an attempt to drive south to Barvinkove as part of the wider operation to take Sloviansk.  I also wanted a large map to give the player plenty of space to work in with a mix of terrain types.  Chervone, although it never ended up being contested, fitted the bill.
    Units
    According to a few sources, the units named in the scenario were in the area at this time and could plausibly have fought over this piece of ground in May 2022, but I make no claims for accuracy in this regard.  37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, according to one source was T-72 and BMP-2 equipped so the major equipment types for the Russians are more or less correct.  Due to the limitations of picks in the editor, I have had to use US UAVs and their controllers for the Ukrainian side and the overall Ukrainian force structure was designed more or around testing the agile light infantry supported by ISR and indirect fire assets concept than any attempt to model an actual TO&E.  As we saw so much of the Stugna ATGM in a lot of early footage, I opted to include these rather than the better-known US Javelin.  The advantage of this of course is that it avoids another slightly untidy US substitution.  The named units; therefore, are simply to give a narrative and backdrop to the scenario.
    Dedication and Thanks
    I cannot finish without mentioning “that thread” on the Battlefront Forum.  Some have been critical of the time devoted to it but without it, this mission would not have been possible.  While it is true that some of the discussions have gone down rabbit holes, it is a treasure trove of resources and links for scenario makers and special thanks go to our friends from the conflict zone for their invaluable insights, unearthing content in both Russian and Ukrainian, and helping outsiders like me make sense of it.  As a dedication and a reminder that war is a visceral endeavour that affects real people, I dedicate this mission to my friend and erstwhile colleague Alex, who I will not name in full for obvious reasons.  He left Kabul on 25 February to return home and ensure that his wife and young child got to safety before joining a Ukrainian Territorial Force unit.  Very much a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and I am pleased to say that his family are safe in a third country.  He is currently a JTAC and as of a fortnight ago was supporting offensive operations in the Kharkiv area.  This one is for you mate and I very much hope to be working with you again in the near future.  Otherwise, as with all of my stuff, I hope you find the fruits of my labour enjoyable.  Regards Combatintman.
  22. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Panserjeger in How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?   
    A shameless plug for my latest scenario in which my designer notes pay tribute to the benefits of this thread and which I hope provides more input to the discussion point which @The_Capt has raised regarding the utility of light agile forces and a potential new paradigm in land warfare.  A link to the scenario is in the thread linked below:
     
     
  23. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from Chibot Mk IX in New Mission - Chervone   
    More than getting there ... it is up:
    CMBS – Chervone (thefewgoodmen.com)
     
  24. Like
    Combatintman got a reaction from LongLeftFlank in How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?   
    A shameless plug for my latest scenario in which my designer notes pay tribute to the benefits of this thread and which I hope provides more input to the discussion point which @The_Capt has raised regarding the utility of light agile forces and a potential new paradigm in land warfare.  A link to the scenario is in the thread linked below:
     
     
  25. Upvote
    Combatintman got a reaction from George MC in New Mission - Chervone   
    Getting there .... here are the designer notes:
    Overview
    The genesis of this mission was the various discussions about what a dispersed light infantry force augmented with good ISR able to cue indirect fire assets was capable of.  As such, some might contend that this is not a scenario at all but more a test of the concept fielded by the Ukrainian military.
    With that in mind, this, “mission/scenario” may not be to everyone’s taste but I’m pretty sure ISR types, targeteers and “dropshorts” (gunners) will love it.  For those of you not in any of those categories, there is still something in the mission for you.  Potential takeaways being:  learning how to plan ISR and cue fires against a fairly predictable enemy which of course, at that stage of the conflict, the Russians were at the tactical level; seeing how important so-called “soft factors” (training and morale) are in warfare; and, I hope to get a sense of how the war was fought during that particular phase of the conflict.
    Map
    Chervone is a real place, and I chose it because when I started making this mission in May, there seemed every chance that a Russian BTG would venture south along the road which runs through Chervone as part of an attempt to drive south to Barvinkove as part of the wider operation to take Sloviansk.  I also wanted a large map to give the player plenty of space to work in with a mix of terrain types.  Chervone, although it never ended up being contested, fitted the bill.
    Units
    According to a few sources, the units named in the scenario were in the area at this time and could plausibly have fought over this piece of ground in May 2022, but I make no claims for accuracy in this regard.  37 Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, according to one source was T-72 and BMP-2 equipped so the major equipment types for the Russians are more or less correct.  Due to the limitations of picks in the editor, I have had to use US UAVs and their controllers for the Ukrainian side and the overall Ukrainian force structure was designed more or around testing the agile light infantry supported by ISR and indirect fire assets concept than any attempt to model an actual TO&E.  As we saw so much of the Stugna ATGM in a lot of early footage, I opted to include these rather than the better-known US Javelin.  The advantage of this of course is that it avoids another slightly untidy US substitution.  The named units; therefore, are simply to give a narrative and backdrop to the scenario.
    Dedication and Thanks
    I cannot finish without mentioning “that thread” on the Battlefront Forum.  Some have been critical of the time devoted to it but without it, this mission would not have been possible.  While it is true that some of the discussions have gone down rabbit holes, it is a treasure trove of resources and links for scenario makers and special thanks go to our friends from the conflict zone for their invaluable insights, unearthing content in both Russian and Ukrainian, and helping outsiders like me make sense of it.  As a dedication and a reminder that war is a visceral endeavour that affects real people, I dedicate this mission to my friend and erstwhile colleague Alex, who I will not name in full for obvious reasons.  He left Kabul on 25 February to return home and ensure that his wife and young child got to safety before joining a Ukrainian Territorial Force unit.  Very much a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and I am pleased to say that his family are safe in a third country.  He is currently a JTAC and as of a fortnight ago was supporting offensive operations in the Kharkiv area.  This one is for you mate and I very much hope to be working with you again in the near future.  Otherwise, as with all of my stuff, I hope you find the fruits of my labour enjoyable.  Regards Combatintman.
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