Jager 7

Thanks for the reply WB. That decision making element in CM has led me to wonder at the possible professional uses for CM or an "up dated" CM module for military training. Small unit leaders could be put through their paces and critiqued by instructors who have a "canned" training scenario or scenarios. A few years back we in the Marine Corps were encouraged by the Commadant to play S&T games on the computer as they were found to improve real world decision making etc. Back then they told us it was fine if we had Steel Panthers or TAC OPs on our office systems. I was curious as to whether anyone has inquired about doing such a thing. In these times of trimmed-to-the-bone training budgets the services are all looking for ways to maintain readiness through simulations and stay within the budget. IMHO the potential benefit from utilizing CM in a training mode (perhaps with a modern weapons mod) is almost limitless. Put it in the hands of the "trigger pullers" and their lieutenants, project it up on a big screen in a classroom, and see what happens. Just an idea. Have a great day! Out here....

I haven't DLed the mods yet but am interested. I read last week where they might slow up my system. Any truth to that Matt? I'm running a PII 350 with 96MB RAM and a 16MB Video card. Thanks in advance. Out here...

Wild Bill, I'll give it a try. So far I have found each scenario I've played to be a nail biter at some points. (Will soon need something else to chew on ) I just cannot get over how each scenario is so much different presenting a new set of challenges for the player. CM models the uncertainty faced by combat leaders to an amazing degree. Should I defend that hill....attack along this axis...will he come this way through the town or might he have armor??? I am constantly asking and evaluating these questions each time I play as I'm sure everyone else does too. I just don't remember a wargame getting this close to reality where the player finds himself in the "boots" of the on-site historical leader and leaders. Real world considerations and tactics are very much a part of this amazing game. Have a great day...I must depart so I can solve some more harrowing tactical issues. Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Quote: "While heavy artillery inflicted severe losses in human life during World War II; it was actually the infantry motar more than any other weapon (I.E. 60mm), that caused the greatest number of casualties" Boeman, Call me a skeptic if you will but I would like to see some stats to validate that statement. Or direct me so I can do the research myself. I have never seen anything like it. Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Yes, CM does make one appreciate being single. I plan my weekend like this....ok..must mow the lawn...maybe...should buy groceries...maybe...could clean up the house a bit...naw.....should buy some beer...ok....will have lets see....all weekend to play CM and check out the forum....works for me. I can chase women next weekend...maybe. Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

What a great topic! Ok...so I'm a little biased. Wild Bill, BTS, and Bullethead, among others had it right. They don't call Arty the King for nothing. Before CM came along no game accurately portrayed arty fire nor even came close IMHO. Now we have a game that models the true devastating nature of real world artillery and some are questioning the validity. I think it is that many of us are used to all those other games doing such a poor job and not giving "The King" his due. Charles and Steve along with the scenario designers have done their homework and produced a tremendous game that does in fact model the awesome effects of artillery. It is well researched and has obviously been reviewed and tweaked by those who know, in many cases, first hand what they are talking about. Once again I give a hand to everyone involved to bringing this game to life. Have a great day. Out here...

I have yet to try an operation. I'm having too much fun playing against AI in regular scenarios. I highly recommend Pegasus Bridge and La Fiere! I will try the Villers Bocage Op as soon as I can get through La Fiere...only 14 turns to go and man is it exciting! Have a great day....out here....

Have played through 3 scenarios so far. I found each of them to be great! The AI is really amazing. We only got a taste of it in the demo. Also, I'd like to take my hat off to the scenario designers. They did their homework and produced some very fine examples of Post D-day combat. The excitement and immersion levels are simply amazing! Thanks again to Steve and Charles for a monumental game! PS. I have sampled the quick computer generated battles too and was very happy to see they are outstanding. They will provide limitless gaming and yes, thousands of hours of contemplation and fun. Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Manx, Very nice site...I hope to be visiting it alot. Out here....

Just recieved. I preordered last month. For those players abroad, hang on I'm sure it will be arriving soon! Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Mark IV, Didn't mean to come off too strong. Yes, you had some good comments and I noted that it was your opinion. A little curious about the Dodge Dakota 4x4 though...might you not consider a Ford Expedition...large vehicle, enclosed...lots of power....just a consideration? I do enjoy the discussions on this board and the give and take from everyone. Have a great day and weekend! Out here....

MarkIV you kill me...LOL It's as if no one else here has ever studied these things, or USED them for real. You can debate book figures and stats all day long and all it ends up looking like is Ford better than GMC or Chevy. It is all a huge matter of opinion. My basis for the "antiquated" BAR was based on my interviews with WWII Marine vets who happened to use them and by the way, swear by them, on the islands during WWII. That's good enough for me. It was heavy and it only had 20 rounds...but it served a very useful purpose and was quite well liked by those who carried them. I am quite well versed in the "intermediate cartridge" development starting before the much loved MP 44...and going down the line to the AK-47, AKM, M-16, Galil, et al...and I understand all the reasoning behind adopting an intermediate vice a full powered cartridge. Years ago, I went through a phase where everything WWII German was cool and "better". I have learned that is just not so.

Thanks, Already DLd it...now waiting patiently for the game to arrive....sigh.

The radio is it...an FO's tool of the trade. If German I'd have to go with the MP-40, light, short range and looks too cool for words. If Allied, BAR then M1 Garand. BAR is heavy but it barks as well as bites. M1 is just reliable, accurate and the best semi auto rifle of the war. By the way..someone wondered what the M1 chambered.... .30-06 not .308. FYI. Out here...

I just posted and as a former Mac guy I am very happy that you guys have got a decent wargame for that wonderful machine. Cheers! Out here. ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

As for me; SPR Cross of Iron Bridge too Far Stalingrad Gettysburg Braveheart And for Hollywood action war movies with little basis in reality... Where Eagles Dare Guns of Navarone Tobruk Out here...

Lee, I find the arty and FO's in CM quite well done. I think it is the first game I've ever seen that handles appropriate and credible artillery effects. I've had some debates on this forum with some folks who think the arty is too responsive but I find it a very accurate portrayal. WWII arty was very responsive provided the FO's had comm...(some things never change). It's also very good to see a game that simulates FO's and makes the player have to think about their employment. In CM a good FO with a clear LOS can wreak havoc on a lot of bad guys...just as in the real world. Have a great day...out here and Semper Fi. ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

GySgt H., Active duty 0861, currently Marine Artillery Scout Observer Instructor Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Before that - 2/11, Camp Pendleton Before that - Okinawa 6 years (12th Marines, 31st MEU) Before that - 29 Palms and Pendleton, Overseas with 1/9 Semper Fi Marines!!!

MarkIV, Interesting what if scenario. IMHO the loss of Moscow would not have been a show stopper for the Soviets. It would have been a serious setback but one from which they could have recovered. Everything I've read from the German point of view stresses the over extended supply lines they had to deal with created by the sheer vastness of the Russian stepps. I doubt the Germans would have been able to capitalize on the capture of Moscow for more than a couple years before they found themselves in the same situation they were historically in 43-45...on the strategic defensive and losing. Yet it is fun to speculate isn't it? Mikester, yes, Gunny here. This is a great forum for learning and for discussing things that are obviously of interest to many of us. As for fact checking...I got my a** handed to me on this forum a couple weeks ago because I talked off the top of my head. I was only half right and boy was someone quick to point that out. Now if I can't find a fact and source to support my post I keep my fingers well clear of the keyboard Have a great day and I'm looking forward to some PBEM when you get back. Out here...

I read something somewhere about TacOps and found the Battlefront website and all the scoop about CM. Never thought much about TacOps after that. Out here...

Greetings, I've only played VOT 50/50 and have won both ways...although the times I played Germans I only got a minor Axis victory..and that was touch and go for most of the game. Upping the odds by 25% might add some adventure. Abrams, the immersion level is amazing and I can relate to staying up for hours playing CM. We are all going to need help when the full version ships. I see counceling centers set up around the world just to deal with CM "vets". Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Mikester, I agree the majority of Lend-lease aid went directly to the UK and helped them considerably. The Soviets however did recieve quite a bit of it also. They would likely have still defeated Hitler without it...IMHO it would have taken longer and cost them more. You make a good point though that had Hitler not changed objectives from Moscow to the south things may have been different. I still think the Russians would have prevailed in the end even had they lost Moscow. Here's something I dug up: "American strategists knew that only the Red Army could defeat Hitler on the ground, and Lend-Lease helped do just that. It constituted only about 7% of what the USSR itself produced during the war, but did allow the Soviets to concentrate their production where they were most efficient." Source: The Oxford Companion to WWII - by Dear & Foot, Oxford University Press 1995, p 681 Out here...

Mikester, Man, that was a long post... Anyway, I think you underestimated the effects of American war materiel output on every aspect of the war. By bringing the U.S. into the war via Pearl Harbor America was able to focus on winning the war. That began by cranking up the industy at all levels. Check the figures on how much lend-lease was shipped to the Soviet Union and Britain before the U.S. ever put troops on the ground and then how much was still shipped after that time. Certainly it is possible the Soviets may have been able to defeat Hitler on their own given a few more years. After all, no one has invaded Mother Russia and gotten away with it. By entering the war in Europe and North Africa on the ground and in the air the U.S. was only continuing something that had been begun previously. The deciding factor was still the industrial might of America being divied up among the allies. In the Pacific the American troops began in '42 but it was still a "side show" compared to the effort that was focused on Europe. ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Interesting thought John. Equiping the Japanese with PFs would have made a difficult situation even worse. If you check the stats on how many tanks the Japanese were able to knock out in places like Saipan and especially Okinawa you will see that they did quite well without German help. The 47mm AT gun Model 1 was quite effective against Shermans. It's high velocity and accuracy coupled with the Japanese talent for fire discipline and comouflage took its toll on Marine and army armor. As as example on April 19, 1945 during a XXIV Corps-wide attack against the Japanese defense in and around Kakazu Ridge and the Urasoe Escarpment, 30 tanks and SPs from the 27th Infantry Division attacked through a saddle between Kakazu Ridge and Nishihara Ridge at 0830 that morning. By 1330 only 8 tanks were left of the original 30. Several tanks were lost to mines, some more to anti-tank suicide squads and still more to 47mm AT fire, arty and mortars. Right after the attack began four tanks were knocked out from 1 47mm firing from a covered position with 16 shots fired....without receiving any return fire from the tanks. Ref: Okinawa the Last Battle - Appleman, Burns, et al. pp 203-204 The battles in the Pacific in WWII were some of the most savage fought during the war and well worth study. They are often overlooked in favor of the more "glamorous" campaigns of Europe and North Africa. ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian

Rommel22, Get hold of a copy of Michael Reynolds' STEEL INFERNO - 1st SS Panzer Corps in Normandy. It's great reading, well balanced and very informative. Out here... ------------------ When the situation is obscure....attack! CGen. Heinz Guderian