James Bailey

Smart people that know things about technology, I am looking into buying a flat panel monitor (18" or 19") and I am having problems understanding if I should buy one of those digital jobs (DVI) or if I should save the $200 and go with the analog. I have (will have) one of those DVI out video cards. I'm primarily considering the NEC's. My major graphic application is CM (everything else is spreadsheets). Thanks much for any advice, James Bailey [ October 18, 2002, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: James Bailey ]

Hey, Where do you guys buy all this stuff? I have been browsing around looking for a new computer for my home for several months -- primarily at Dell.com. I don't have any skill with computers so I need to buy something and have it work after taking it out of the box and hooking several wires together. I can buy a fairly beefy system from Dell (2.5 GHz, lots of RAM, big hard-drive, fancy graphics card, nice 18" Flat Panel) for about $1,200. Having something that works (and plays CMBB w/ fog) is more important to me than saving a few hundred bucks. Any suggestions? Thanks much in advance.

Schrullenhaft, thanks very much for sharing your knowledge with us tech idiots ! I have a Compaq Presario 5461 (bought it two or three years ago). I know it has Windows 98. I just looked at my spec sheet and it says I only have 56 MB of RAM and a 475 MHz Processor... so my video card many not be the only issue? Again, a big thanks to you from all the folks you are helping out here -- if you are ever in Washington DC, I'll buy you a beer!

Schrullenhaft and Wyatt, thanks for the help - I think I will buy a new video card rather than jerry-rig that old 8MB'er. If I wanted to get one for $30 to $50, what name/type would you recommend? ...and if I have any problems installing it, I will pester Wyatt. Again, thanks for advice. Bravo Zulu! [ September 03, 2002, 10:32 PM: Message edited by: James Bailey ]

Hey Wyatt, hope you are well. Looking forward to seeing some of your Russia maps ! Schullenhaft, I have Windows 98, with an unknown video card -- whatever Compaq put in their middle of the road PCs two years ago. Regarding getting a new card, I'm not tight on cash, just on computer knowledge: I don't know if I could put in a new card... Is it difficult? I guess that 'software rendering' solution suggested is not feasible?

have all the other nuts and bolts - DirectX 8.1, 800x600, etc - but 8MBs on video card short of minimum. Game hangs up during the 'loading 3-D graphics...' stage, preventing any game play. Possible to jerry rig those 8MBs and get CMBB going? thanks

Jake, I would certainly be attending but I unfortunately am up in NYC on business next week, and I only be returning to DC until late Friday night. If you guys are going to get together again - please post! Thanks, James.

Senor Beef, I am the head guy over at CMMC and wanted to share some of our thoughts. Our basic mission at CMMC is to add an operational dimension to CM to allow large multiplayer campaigns on the Divisional, Corps and even Army levels. Towards this objective, we have done a CPX (Command Post eXercise), US Inf Div vs. a German PzG Div in a meeting engagement. This was a 30 player game over 60 hours of game time. And we are just starting CMMC1, with over 125 players. The first CM battles of this one are underway. The motivation and knowledge people bring to CMMC is really amazing - lots of folks that really know operations and WW2 history. Of course, supporting this effort is a cadre of GMs that resolve action, maintain FOW, built CM scenarios, etc, etc, etc. We have, and are, developing tools like COCAT and COMES to support the GM's life. However, none of them have come close to replacing the GM 'sweat' factor. Organization tools (like COCAT) are great and building/adding feature to these are very helpful (for instance, we are adding a arty fireplan tool which is a huge step forward). And there are clearly things that BTS could do to make CM more 'campaigner' friendly. However, the key operating weakness of CMMC is the GM to Player communication process. This process is the means by which Players learn what happens to their units and what is happening around their units. Because WW2 combat operations are inherently very complex events, with lots of activity on a host of levels, proper GM to Player communication takes A LOT of effort. As we have established the work load right now, 1 GM is responsible for 1 Div (about 10 to 12 players) - this translates into a lot of work. Add to that the fact that players can interpret a written email in different fashions and that we require players to master certainly skills sets (like understanding how to explain their locations using Grid References), the workload increases again. Now, looking at things from the opposite direction, i.e. the traditional wargame in which unit interaction is entirely explained by a system of rules (and therefore largely GM free): this system lacks flexibility because you are removing the key advantage of the GM - imagination and intuition. So I would think that the best of all worlds would be a computer program that takes care of the admin while allowing a knowledgable GM to swiftly make the decisive decisions would be great. The program would then translate this into communication, which would be ease to produce for the GM and ease to for the player. Of course, the devil is in the details. I have had some of my GMs thinking about ways in which we could approach BTS with a list of simple, yet very useful additions to make CM2 more campaigner-friendly. I would be very interested to discuss these with you, as well as additional thoughts on the operational dimension of CM. You can email me at jbailey@resolutecapital.com or reply to this thread. thanks, James Bailey

Michael, I would love to give it a try. Sign me up for German vs. AI. Will you email it to me? James. [ 04-12-2001: Message edited by: James Bailey ]

Mac Programmers! I represent CMMC (Combat Mission Mega Campaign). We are currently running a 100+ player operational-level campaign with tactical combat resolved in CM. We have designed software that allows us to track combat units on a 1:50,000 military grid map including TOEs, positions, orders, chain of command etc. Those in the know compare it with the battlefield nav system on the current US M-1 MBT. This program is done in Visual Basic and is only accessible by PC user at the current time. I am looking for a motivated Mac programmer who could convert this wonderful piece of software to a Mac program (in REALbasic, as I understand things, but I could be wrong). The pay is terrible, the only being many, many thanks from all involved in CMMC. We intent to make it shareware available on our website, so you will have the satisfication of keeping yet one more program available to Mac users! Anyone interested, please contact me at jbailey@resolutecapital.com Thanks in advance, James Bailey CMMC OIC

General, Email on the way!

1. All folks looking to join now go on to a 'reserve list'. 'Reserves' will be used to fill vacant active positions as active players (1) go on vacation, (2) get fired, (3) quit. 2. Goanna - you should have received an email from Matt with the "roll call" on it. If not email me at jbailey@resolutecapital.com 3. COCAT into Mac - we hope someone will be able to do this conversion. We have folks in the CPX who are Mac users and they are left hanging and the need only gets greater adding more people. 4. CombatCourier (CC) - CC was drop for a several of reasons. It was a great idea, but we are focusing efforts elsewhere at this point.

To: Gaming Public, CMMC Players' list From: James Bailey, CMMC OIC Distribution: BTS Forum, CMMC Players' List, CMMC Website RE: CMMC Status Briefing – 17FEB01 This briefing is to bring the public up-to-date on developments and go-forward plans for CMMC. A lot has happened, and a lot more is going to happen. For additional details see our website http://cmhq.tzo.com/cmmc/cmmcfront.htm 1. WHAT IS CMMC? CMMC (Combat Mission Mega Campaign) is a multiplayer, operational level (battalion and up), role-playing campaign series that utilizes CM for combat resolution. The effort is run by a cadre of GMs (Game Masters) and players are organized into military-style chains of command. CMMC stresses historical details and accurate operational outcomes. 2. CPX. A selected group of players have been busy planning, resolving and fighting a Command Post eXercise (CPX). The CPX’s objective is to test rules and processes in a small player environment (15 players / side) before leveraging into larger CMMC (50 + players / side). The experience gained has been essential. A complete “Lessons Learned” Briefing will be issued at the conclusion of the CPX debrief. In addition, the CPX online forums will be opened to the public, so everyone can read at the “archives from the battlefield”. Right now, you can read about the action in the two CMMC newspapers (“The Forward Observer” and “Der Adler”), available at our website. The CPX was started SEPT 2000, and its projected completion date is mid MAR. 3. COMPUTER TOOLS. We have two major computer tools that are being developed to support CMMC (and which will have use in other potential multi-player campaigns). These tools are: 3a. COCAT – COCAT is an operational map program that allows users to input unit symbols, locations, waypoints, areas of operations, orientation, TO&E’s, etc. To download this tool, see the website. At some point, COCAT will support user-defined maps. 3b. COMES – COMES is a GM tool for movement, intel, and engagement resolution. User inputs movement and other orders and the tool resolves all of the various unit actions simultaneously, generating an “event log” for all units. This tool is still under development, but will greatly leverage GM time, allowing them to focus on adding creative color instead of worrying about the basic details. 4. CMMC SCENARIO #1. The first CMMC scenario has been determined and planning is on going. The basic theme is a historically based “what if” that speculates what might have happened if the Germans had retreated after the US breakout at St. Lo instead of counterattacking at Mortain. The basic FOW details are as follows: a. Time: mid August 1944. Game to last 4 to 5 CMMC days. b. Forces Involved: UK Corps vs. German Corps (3 to 5 divisions on each side). Both will have armor, but good combined arms ops. will be more important. c. Area of Operations: Near Seine River, Evreux/Vernon area. Decent tank country, good road network, several rivers. We are using the AUTHENIC 1:50,000 maps that were used in WW2. d. Objective: Control Evreux & Seine River Crossings. e. Weather: Clear skies (yes, the 2d TAF will be active …). f. Players per side: 50 to 60 including all staff positions. 5. PLAYERS. All players who applied for CMMC and were selected will be invited to join the CMMC #1. They will be contacted shortly and asked to “report” for duty. Those failing to “report” will be placed into a reserve pool. The 1st step of “in-processing” (getting ready for CMMC) will be establishing roles and responsibilities on your Chain of Command. If you are interested in getting involved, but have not applied yet, there will be opportunities to get involved. Stay tuned. 6. RULES. The Version 1.0 rulebook is currently being revised based on rule changes from CPX. The Version 2.0 rulebook will be clearer and better organized with a lot more supporting historical detail. 2.0 rules will be issued to website soon. 7. QUESTIONS? ·Mod Maker Questions: PeterNZ [dynamo@pobox.com] ·Map Maker Questions: Rene Lloyd [rene.lloyd@post2.tele.dk] ·Rule Questions: Stefan Sheckells [s.s.sheckells@verizon.net] ·COCAT Questions: Pål Woje [paaar@online.no] ·GM Questions: James Bailey [jbailey@resolutecapital.com] ·Personnel Questions: Matt Hyra [loyalcitizen@home.com] Issued 17FEB01 [This message has been edited by James Bailey (edited 02-17-2001).]

BH, I haven't had time to play Kohima Ridge yet, and was wondering what side I should play vs. AI? I generally enjoy playing against the AI when it is on the offensive (I think it handles offensive tactics in a more realistic fashion), so I was leaning towards playing as the Brits. This decision was reinforced by a quick scan of the above discussion, but I wanted to get your thoughts on it. Also, I thought the map looked excellent -- not as good as your Volcano, but a close second! Thanks, James

Buddy, There is lots of stuff going on with the CMMC for the lucky few folks that are fighting battles in the CPX (Command Post eXercise). This CPX is a test that allow us to test systems and rules developed on a smaller scale in front of the real show. You can check out what's going on via two websites: the CMHQ-CMMC Site at: http://cmhq.tzo.com/cmmc/cmmcfront.asp and a temp CPX players site at: http://www.geocities.com/cmmc_gm/CPX/cpx.html Check out the work that the Press Corps has been doing - its very creative! Charlie Mike, James.

Croda, Thanks for remembering us ... I really would have enjoyed a day off today, a cold beer and a resolution to all this election confusion. James Bailey Operation Restore Hope, Somalia

Buddy, The CMMC community is currently testing the rules and systems in a Command Post eXercise (CPX). We have about 15 GM's and 30 players working on the CPX, and we are learning a lot (bad AND good stuff). You can monitor what's going on with the CPX and CMMC in general at our website (which is attached the CMHQ-Annex) : http://cmhq.tzo.com/cmmc/cmmcfront.asp You can monitor just CPX events at the CPX Players Website : http://www.geocities.com/cmmc_gm/CPX/cpx.html Stay tuned to these sites (particularily the CMHQ-Annex site) for all the details on events. I would encourage you to check out the work our Press Corps has done because its excellent (down load Acrobat viewer to view the FO, its worth it!) Thanks, James Bailey CMMC GM

Popper, Sounds great! Welcome to the world of modern military tactics - Establishing and maintaining local fire superiority! Now link that up with superior maneuver and you are ready to conquer the world. I think CM does a wonderful job of teaching correct battlefield tactics (WWII tactics) and folks around here are really doing a great job of learning.

Parson, What are the tactics that are giving you trouble? Instead of trying to figure out the specifics that will win one battle (I need to put my tank right in this spot to take out the tank that will come over this ridge at this time), it is better to understand tactics in general that can be applied universally.

Yes, I agree... Even without a CMMC player attempting the gamey tactic of advancing into a GM setup CM battle and then retreating out to it turn 1, players will, over time, comply extremely detailed and accurate OoB's of the OPFOR. And, the intel officer at Division will get 5 to 10 of these detailed reports a turn; the Corps Intel OIC will get 20 to 25; and Army will get 40 to 50! This will allow tactical intelligence of limited value to quickly become operational intelligence affording an extermely accurate view of the entire battlefield. This One CMMC turn = Comprehensive Picture is way beyond even today's intelligence collection capabilities. This huge inaccuracy undermines a lot of the historical spirit CMMC was designed with. So please help us out BTS! Thanks, James.

I tried to view several of these films with my Real Player V. 7 but only got sound - no video. Anyone know what is wrong? Thanks, James.

Gatsby, I don't know the answer to your question exactly, but can point you to a source that will answer: "GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph of the American Infantry Division, 1941-45" by Peter Mansoor, Kansas U press, 1999. That subject is one of the major themes he deals with in the book. He believes the relatively low number of Infantry Division forced American Division to remain in line much too long. The reliance on a very robust replacement system allowed the Division to maintain TO&E manpower strength, but failed to keep morale, experience and training levels high. I have the book, but can't find it right now (damn). I will look again later. Check it out if no one here can give you an answer.

Sarge, I will check those books out. Thanks. The Lorraine was the wrong place for Hitler to counterattack - 4 AD was one of the best in USA, terrain is tight and rugged (reducing the German L/R advantage and increasing the slow turret weakness), mornings are very foggy (same effect) and those Pz Bdes. were not ready to conduct offensive ops (having just been rebuilt in July/Aug 44). Manteuffell failed miserably in massing his armor, instead attacking the US lines piecemeal without proper infantry support. Lots of German CO's lost their jobs during/after this one. Also, American artillery was a decisive presence, rapidly responding with overwhelming firepower at the correct point. This campaign could provide some very interesting scenarios... can CM players match the 4 AD's performance?

One of the first concepts you learn in Infantry School is movement to contact. The basic idea is all tactical movement (that is movement within CM) should be done with a "overwatch" position. An "overwatch" is basically firepower waiting to respond to any contact resulting from the movement. MGs are great overwatch tools, as are tanks, AT/IG guns. Take some time practicing this process. There was a great piece on infantry tactics by "Los" that is archived at CMHQ. "Los" is a professional infantryman (at least I believe he is based on that work) and knows his stuff... try that piece for more detail.

Sorry to hear that Dan... Drop us a line when are are back up!