Bil Hardenberger

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

@PEB14, might I humbly offer my Combat Mission tactics blog The goal for my blog was teaching the application of real world tactics in the CM games. Look for the Tactical Toolbox along the left side of the page. Bil

Thanks Miguel I’ll do that. Also, feel free to pass this along if you guys think someone might be a good fit.

@Vacillator The skill-set could be flexible... ...sadly the citizenship and security clearance requirements are not.

We are looking for a wargame developer at Quantico Virginia. If you have US citizenship (or a green card), a Secret clearance, and are in any way interested, please read the below, and PM me with any questions. Bil Link to job posting Job Description At BAE Systems, we promote a strong, collaborative culture and provide our employees with the tools and skills they need to succeed. We are all about trust, camaraderie and a shared ambition to lead the world in defense technologies and national security services. We offer flexible work environment to support the balance in your life and keep you performing at your best. Be a part of a company that is part of the community, driven to improve our future, protect our freedom – and what matters. We are seeking a Wargame Developer in support of a government contract for wargaming. Position located in Quantico, VA. Responsibilities include: Conducting research and developing wargame scenario products, including orders of battle, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace, and system capabilities Assisting Game Designers by developing, adapting, and refining wargame mechanics and rules Developing and producing wargame components, including physical maps, unit tokens, and references materials Developing, operating, maintaining, and archiving simulations databases in support of wargames and events, with government-provided Model & Simulation tools Troubleshooting issues with input, retrieval, or modification of simulations databases Test M&S, terrain data, and scripts Operate M&S tools during wargame execution Develop a Program of Instruction for M&S tools Using the developed Program of Instruction, provide operator training and over the shoulder training to government players Provide data for government and other contractor analysts Required Education, Experience, & Skills •Qualified candidates must have a current and active Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI •BA/BS in related field •Must have experience with Model & Simulation tools •Must have more than 12 years of related work experience •Ability to work in collaborative team/staff environments •Strong interpersonal skills. •Knowledge of military affairs and/or foreign policy. •MS Office, especially ability to build professional PowerPoint presentations Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills •Experience in wargaming •Experience in Department of Defense M&S •Background and understanding of military operations and future concepts, especially for the Marine Corps. About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems Intelligence & Security, based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels. That’s BAE Systems. That’s Inspired Work. Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Gender Expression. To see Inspired Work in action, visit www.baesystems.com and follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/baesystemsintel.

I like how the Pentagon has decided not to shoot it down... and determined it has "limited intelligence value". Too funny. CNN Story

Hate to disappoint, but sorry, no winter or snow in this module. I could get into the reasons for this, but would hate to bore you all... basically, we can only demand so much of Battlefront's operations before Steve tells us to EFF off. Bil

We wanted to concentrate on the British Army of the Rhine and Canadians first, mainly for selfish reasons and also because we have a couple people on the team who are experts on the British Army so it was the obvious choice for us. We do have plans for the German Army too, but that will unfortunately have to wait. Bil

Upon further review.. I think you're right Warren. Actually it looks like all three rounds may be coming from the same location.. so maybe only one weapon is involved.

The first hit looked like an RPG to me... you can clearly see the shell in flight prior to impact. The other two though... those definitely looked like something else.

I guess that's the kind of war they are in where they attack a CASEVAC op... brutal stuff... Brimstone perhaps?

Looks like they just stuck the new turret on an old T-72 hull... without bothering to refurbish it first. At that rate of fire they would need resupply in about.. oh another 30 seconds of firing... there is probably one minute of firing in that two minute video... and it only carries 1.5 minutes of ammo for those twin 30s. Typical Russian design... prioritizing mass over precision. Bil

That's a common misunderstanding, the Chinese military has actually been trying to remake itself using the Western model as a guide, see: China's Desert Storm Education. Though they have a long way to go to be in the same league as the US military they are getting there... need I say that I have a professional interest in the PLA? Bil

100% agree with this. This is most likely the main purpose of the CNN article for sure... and if the Ukrainians actually heed the advice... the Russians will be in a world of hurt when the weather gets warmer and the mud starts to dry out.. say in about three months.

Finally had a chance to fully read this article. Sounds a lot like the noise the US was making when they were touting the offensive around Kherson when the real attack was around Kharkiv. Is Russia stupid enough to fall for the same trick twice?

Regarding the above, I agree with JonS's comments below... These actions are too small and localized to really have a lasting impact on this war. I expect these types of actions to continue until the ground conditions and the new Brigades are both ready... in the meantime it makes sense for the Ukrainians to block, delay, and cause as many Russian casualties that they can... I only hope they are able to rotate units as this type of warfare has to be a dreary and thankless job.

...and this is exactly how they should be used in an environment like this. The Ukrainians have thus far been pretty adept at setting up the environment for a breakout battle.. best seen in the offensive around Kharkhiv in September-October. Brilliant use of armor.. it was not on the front line but was used for penetration and breakout once the light infantry had prepped the battle-space. There is definitely a place in my mind for the Ukrainian Army to use western MBTs and IFVs to immediate and startling effect.. will they lose some? Of course... but there will then be a mismatch that the Russian army, even with their ATGMs will find very hard to deal with... as long as we give them enough to actually be effective.. 20 or even 50 of one type will not be sufficient. they need hundreds. Bil

They grow up so fast... we really need to get off our *** (ahem) and finish up that DLC.

Has it really been two years?

I do wish these videos would show the actual engagement, without edits. These edited videos, which skip from the early fight to the aftermath, without the interesting bit in-between are frustrating.

There is potential for some very interesting Pacific war situations.. Khalkhin Gol and the early war from 1935 up to 1942-43 has some very interesting situations, the Japanese fought the Soviets, the Brits and Commonwealth, and the US.. how can that not be enticing? But this is not my area of expertise, and thus not really on my radar as a subject, though I do think there would be a market for it... if done right. Bil

Interesting analysis Steve. I had bought the SOF explanation, but this makes a lot of sense. Do you think the ammo depot that was hit in Crimea shortly after the Saki strike could have the same explanation? That was also briefed as a SOF attack. Bil

Looks like they need to break out CMBS, visit my Battle Drill blog and brush up on their basic movement and react to contact drills. Bil

Sooo.. after reading this thread the past few days it appears, to me, that the UA culminated in their counter-attack around Kharkiv a few days ago... I now believe that Kherson was a feint and never had, and still doesn't have, enough combat power to close the sack. They are maintaining the pressure though... but they haven't cracked the Russian line yet, not that I've seen. Perhaps they are already doing it and that's why it appears like progress has slowed, but I think this is the point for consolidating and reassessing the next area to concentrate on. These grinding recon ops that we are seeing now are costly and probably aren't giving the Ukrainians much in return, other than fixing the Russians in place, which might be their intent. Hopefully they are readjusting as we speak and another offense will kick off in the next week or two with another major breakthrough. That is what I suspect anyway. Bil

I had the same thoughts... I thought it was weird that information like this would get leaked during the op.. but if it was disinformation and I believe it had to be, then it was brilliant. I think the Ukrainian information war has a lot to teach the rest of the world. Bil