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Everything posted by Bil Hardenberger
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Q on using the hull down command...
Bil Hardenberger replied to Magnum50's topic in Combat Mission - General Discussion
Here is my post on the subject: https://battledrill.blogspot.com/2013/09/movement-technique-005-hull-down.html -
Bill, classic delay op... the key will be to ensure your tanks are hull down and if possible in key hole positions... this will maximize your chances that you will spot the enemy before they can spot you. If it looks like you are spotted (starting to receive fire) move under as much concealment as possible and get to a new position. Always try to set up with overlapping fields of fire On my blog specifically look for the hull down, key hole, masked movement, and alternate firing positions posts... repeat this process as much as the terrain and enemy actions allow. If you see a chance to counter attack, or better to launch a spoiling attack, go for it, then fall back into your defensive positions.
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Bill, take a look at my blog, gives a good basic run down on using real world tactics in CM. https://battledrill.blogspot.com/?m=0 Look for the Tactical Toolbox on the left side of the screen Edit: changed the link to the web version
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Open or Closed Hatch, That Is The Question
Bil Hardenberger replied to Bannon's topic in Combat Mission Cold War
Rule of thumb that I use.. Tank has thermal sights: STAY BUTTONED - do NOT expose the tank commander (TC) NO thermal sights: UNBUTTON - expose the TC -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
My day job is developing wargames for the USMC, and I wanted to address the bolded part above. Computer simulations are great, but they do not answer all the objectives of professional wargames, in fact many time the result is not even that important, many times the discussion and insights learned from going through the process are all that we are after. Computer sims also have a way of stifling this conversation, trust me when you have 50 professional Marine, Army, and/or Navy officers in a room, a table top game is the best tool for the job if you want to invite conversation and in-depth topic discussions. There is also a dopamine hit players get from the tactile nature of a map and counter wargame and rolling dice that you rarely get from a computer simulation. That also has a value to get player buy-in, interaction, and enjoyment. Simulation based professional wargames are great when the results are important, testing a new tactical organization, weapon system integration, etc., but they usually turn into a series of in-depth planning sessions with a simulated vignettes occuring for flavor. There is also a stovepipe mentality with these types of games with different player cells huddled around their machines that is absent in table top games. I've seen it all and there is value for all types of wargames in the professional setting and which is used depends on the objectives and research questions we are trying to answer. Table top games in professional wargames will not be going away anytime soon. Bil -
CMSF as a tool for simulating USMC squad assaults
Bil Hardenberger replied to MHW's topic in Combat Mission Shock Force 2
If you know anything about me, you know that I will never argue with someone harping on the value of the wise use of terrain. -
CMSF as a tool for simulating USMC squad assaults
Bil Hardenberger replied to MHW's topic in Combat Mission Shock Force 2
Finally was able to read through this.. luckily for me, this is in line with what I do for a living so its billable. I do have some feedback however: I found it interesting that he defined "Fire & Movement" as what the assault squad is doing, where the standard historical definition is for an attack consisting of two elements, a Support Element providing suppressive fire, and an Assault Element closing with and destroying the enemy. True, the Assault Squad could be conducting a Squad level Fire and Movement Battle Drill during its Assault movement, so maybe it's right? Seems odd to me though. Platoon level assaults versus a 3 or 4 man position seemed excessive to me, but that is the American way of war! I would expect a Squad to be able to deal with an enemy of that size alone, without the rest of the Platoon. I am surprised that there seemed to be little to no reconnaissance to find the enemy, you know, the first F in the Four Fs (Find him, Fix him, Flank him, Finish him)... The assault was launched before the enemy was located, this led to more casualties than necessary. This premature launching of an assault is the one thing I preach against over and over on my blog... you must find the enemy before you decide how you are going to deal with him. In several of the runs the assault squad was caught by surprise, or suppressed in the open. Neither of these would have happened if a scout team (or three) had been sent forward to recon and locate the enemy... only THEN deciding how to deal with them. The Support element seemed to be really a separate part of the action, where to increase effectiveness they needed to be working as a team, and they needed to be mutually supporting, not something I thought was happening as I read through the AARs. All in all a very interesting series of posts, appreciate you linking it @MHW, but I can't help but think that I am left underwhelmed by this, and that I could have provided guidance that would have helped them close with the enemy with zero (or close to it) failed assaults, based on the forces involved and the support provided. Bil -
CMSF as a tool for simulating USMC squad assaults
Bil Hardenberger replied to MHW's topic in Combat Mission Shock Force 2
Thanks for the heads up... haven't seen this and its now on my reading list... I can't help but think that he could have saved some time if he'd read my blog. Seriously, a study like this just hammers home how accurate and realistic this game can be. I wonder is the good LTC (retired) works at Quantico. I might have to reach out to him. Bil -
@drewshotsfan I will be interested to pick your brain, after all of this experience with the Hard Cat Rules, in your impressions and thoughts on the system. Mainly how it worked, where it frustrated you, etc. FYSA: @IanL
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How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
The losses are concerning, but a lot of this Ukraine counter-attack force is green and they are still learning, mistakes are going to be made. I would only start to really get concerned if this trend continues.. but I have faith that they are smart enough to make the adjustments required in order to succeed. This is a very small part of the entire force in action and is in a very concentrated area... I would suggest standing by and letting things play out; I suspect a lot of good news is going to come our way very soon. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
As we sit and wait for the Ukrainians to kick off their offensive, I am reminded of how Miyomoto Musashi handled a couple duels... he would arrive very late, letting his opponent stew and really mess with their heads. Could this be what is happening here? I don't think you can discount it, the Russians have to be pissing themselves with anticipation right now. Bil -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Can’t say I’m surprised about this: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/05/politics/russia-jamming-himars-rockets-ukraine/index.html Jamming GPS is a very effective tactic versus UAVs, interesting that the Russians are using it effectively versus HIMARS and Excalibur. Bet the Russians are losing a ton of jammers now. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
There must be a second or so lag from the video transmission; so the last second or two (up to impact) are never transmitted because the warhead detonated. Makes sense that this would cause the effect we are seeing, with the static just prior to impact. -
A Summer Stroll DAR (Part 1)
Bil Hardenberger replied to drewshotsfan's topic in Combat Mission Fortress Italy
I will take a gander at this tomorrow. Also, these rules were developed in partnership with @IanL, aka the Canadian Cat, hence the naming. I am happy to see another AAR using these rules. Bil -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
They were arrogant, and for good reason... what they did as a team against massive odds along the Chir River is legendary. They definitely provide a good model to base a defense against long odds. Balck is one of my inspirations and favorite Generals from WW2. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Not to be "that guy".. but the proper designation for this UAV is MQ-9. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Without a doubt.. you can even make out, if you look close enough, the bore evacuator in the middle of the barrel. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
The guy manning that DShK has played his Vlad the Loader card! -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
A lot to unpack in that video. Very nice Battle Drill display. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Sounds to me that they ran the Ukrainians through a bunch of Tactical Decision Games (TDG), a method of which I thoroughly support. From the article: Bil -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Really short on infantry... each Assault Company comes with what looks like two Assault Platoons of 10 to 11 men on four BMP/BMD, etc. and 12 flamethrowers (actually these units are equipped with the RPO hand held thermobaric launchers) which I'm sure ideally would be spread throughout those 20-22 infantrymen... which would give the Battalion sized Assault Detachment from 60-66 infantry... thin. I doubt the ability of this formation to really hold any ground it might take. At least the Russians are trying to adjust to the conditions, but I have doubts as to how successful it would be. There must be a higher level HQ over these Battalion sized Assault Detachments... did I miss that somewhere in that link? Where are they getting their ISR from? Coordination with neighboring formations? Logistics coordination? @kevinkin let us know how your experiments go. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Warren, as an old school maneuverist and die-hard Boyd School mission command advocate this was a very interesting write up. Probably my favorite post of yours in the entire thread. You have actually given me some things to think about, rare for you. The future of the tactical and operational battlefield is an exciting thing. We are lucky to have something like Combat Mission to enable experimentation. Bil -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
Just one soldier, doing the job of an entire squad... no wonder the Ukrainians are winning most of these engagements. Fascinating video, thanks for posting it @akd... you can feel the fear and panic, you don't need to understand the language, but that man carries on. True bravery in action. -
How Hot is Ukraine Gonna Get?
Bil Hardenberger replied to Probus's topic in Combat Mission Black Sea
If true, this is the sort of information that I think is a violation of OPSEC and unwise to disclose. I suspect some misdirection here aimed squarely at the Russian's sense of insecurity; "...look we have fuel from all over the world and you can't touch it!" I hope it is simply another example of Ukraine's outstanding Information War, which has been running circles around the Russians since the beginning. Bil