Combatintman

Lee, congrats on your decision to jump into the editor and have a go at scenario making. You're right that putting a scenario together is more than just focusing on force ratios. To get it right you really need to have a clear idea of what the narrative is and what the outcomes are. So as Raptorx7 says, 3:1 is a good starting point but it shouldn't be your absolute rule. If you are designing for H2H as an example, you will probably need to aim for closer force parity to make the scenario challenging for both players.



 
If you haven't done so already - check this thread out

 

http://community.battlefront.com/topic/109190-the-sheriff-of-oosterbeek-–-a-scenario-design-daraar/

 

Although I've got a few CMSF scenarios under my belt, I keep coming back to this thread before I start any new project, this is less for the mechanics of the editor and more for reasons of design philosophy and the scenario narrative. I think another useful tip is to read a few AARs and I'll shamelessly plug mine (which is an ongoing planning tutorial with an AAR following) here:

 

http://community.battlefront.com/topic/120527-no-plan-survives-first-contact-with-the-enemy-planning-tutorial/

 

If you look at the planning part of this, you get an insight as to how I have tried to solve the problem set by the scenario designer. Additionally, I use some of these techniques in my own scenario design – have a close look at the resourcing part of the thread (Question 5). By looking at AARs you get insights as to how players tackle their battles which again can add value to the scenario design process. You can then use all of this information to inform your force picks and balancing.

0720 TO 0725 HOURS – TURNS 20-25
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250722Jun44.
Location of contact: Exact location NK, IVO wood Grid 157224.
Location of observer: Crossing field Grid 157224.
Target description: UNK, friendly forces engaged by small-arms, assessed as Enemy rifle section.
Action by target: Engaging with deliberate fire.
Action by own forces: Have exited contact area and intent is to observe before continuing on task.
 

 
Additional activity – fire orders were received by my mortars at 0721 hrs and spotting has commenced. First round impacted approximately 50m South (in Grid square 156223) of designated target area (Obj FRITZ) at 0722 hrs.
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250723Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 154226.
Location of observer: Grid 156220.
Target description: Single HMG in foxhole.
Action by target: Engaging half-tracks with burst fire.
Action by own forces: Will switch fire to suppress.
 

 
Additional activity – 2 Zug HQ radio operator KIA from HMG fire.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Enemy use of HMG was not part of assessed COAs, however it is sited in a location consistent with initial assessment. COA 1 remains the assessed most likely COA based on this and other identified contacts. Enemy HMG possibly replaces previously assessed 3 x LMG teams. According to TO&E, each HMG team comprises 4-5 x soldiers and 1 x HMG. Options are that this is a single HMG team in a Rifle Company or that this will be from one of the two HMG platoons from the Rifle Battalion. The platoon comprises 3 x HMG teams. I assess the latter to be the most likely COA.
 
Here is the updated kill tracker - I've reorganised the scratch pad, updated the overall assessed numbers and combat effectiveness percentages. Keeping on top of your planning and tracking documents is key during execute - they are 'living' documents - and there is no point having them if you don't update them continuously
 

 
Mortar on target 0724 hrs
 
Situation as at 250725Jun44 (End Turn 25)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and manoeuvring to suppress building at Grid 158228.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158224 and 159225. They are still being engaged by the enemy IVO Grid 157224.
2 Zug is in the process of concentrating IVO the small copse at Grid 159222. Once firm there, 2 Zug  will advance mounted to Line EVA. 2 Zug has now suffered 2 x MG gunner KIA in engagements with the Enemy HMG at Grid 154226. Additionally, 1 x soldier from 2 Section is KIA from the same contact.
1 Zug has moved to Line EVA at Grid 159227. Sections are dismounting in preparation to commence assault on Obj BERLIN.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220 preparing to move to Line EVA.
1 Mortar Team embarked on truck on Line EVA at Grid 159227. 2 Mortar team at Grid 153220 engaging identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223. On completion of mission, mortar team will embark on a truck and join 1 Mortar team IVO Line EVA.
 

 
Updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Synch Matrix Update
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Apart from the appearance of the HMG (and I had considered it as a possibility in Question 1), the enemy laydown is pretty much conforming to my assessed COA 1 which gives me confidence in terms of how the rest of the laydown will look and also that the plan to defeat the enemy is therefore fit for purpose. I’m just surprised that the HMG took so long to unmask – had it done so earlier I would certainly have allocated one of my mortars to start stonking Obj DIETER. It also seems to be my luck in this battle that just as I think – time to get moving, another threats unmasks. Murphy’s law of combat is strong with me in this one.
 
It goes without saying that it is disappointing that I haven’t hit my timelines but from an instructional and planning perspective my tardiness has illustrated the value of Decision Points/Decision Lines and branch planning. As I said earlier when discussing my decision – I am determined to see the original plan through to demonstrate the value of planning although I have to admit that clearing Obj HERMANN is going to be difficult to achieve due to time and space considerations. Although hope is not a viable course of action, if I can force a surrender then it becomes a moot point.
 
My casualties, while obviously disappointing, are light and I have no real concerns about combat effectiveness or being able to resource and therefore complete the CLEAR and SECURE of Main Wood and I should be poised along Line EVA ready to start that task in the next five minutes or so.

0715 TO 0720 HOURS – TURNS 15-20
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250716Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155224.
Location of observer: Grid 156223.
Target description: 1-2 x Enemy infantry in foxhole assessed as scout team.
Action by target: Preparing to engage friendly forces.
Action by own forces: Have pushed to a firing position and will suppress.
 

 
Situation as at 250716Jun44 (End Turn 16)
1 MG Team dismounted and returned to Grid 154200 to engage Enemy IVO Obj FRITZ.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158223, 157222 AND 156223.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks have moved south and are short of a small copse at Grid 159222. Half-tracks are suppressing this feature and embarked sections are dismounting with the intent of clearing this feature. Remaining 2 Zug half-tracks are at Grid 156220, 1 x half-track is engaging enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and other half-track is engaging suspected position Grid 157224.
1 Zug is now moving south to pass through 2 Zug, centre of mass is Grid 157220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220 and setting up.
 

 
Situation as at 250720Jun44 (End Turn 20)
1 MG Team at 154200 to engage Enemy IVO Obj FRITZ.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 157223 and 158223.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks continued suppressing the small copse at Grid 159222 to cover the clearance of the feature by the two embarked sections. Both sections are now on this feature having discovered no enemy located there. The remaining 2 Zug half-tracks remain at Grid 156220 engaging the enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and a templated position at Grid 157224.
1 Zug is firm in dead ground with the centre of mass at Grid 157220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220 and preparing to fire a fire mission called in at 250718Jun44. This is a linear fire mission intent on suppressing/destroying the identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223 and 155224.
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I now realise it has been a mistake to send Blind Pew as my lead scout – they still persistently refuse to see anything. However they continue to make good progress and although still suffering from being prone to tiring/tired they are at least still moving and they are all still alive.
 
I am pleased that there was nothing in the small copse at Grid 159222 as it is one less thing to fight for and one less potential threat to my flanking manoeuvre to worry about.
 
Now … onto the flanking manoeuvre. It is now H+20 and I know from my Synchronisation Matrix and Decision Support Overlay that I need to make a decision. This graphic is the DSO overlaid onto the Situation Map and the thing we are interested in is Decision Line 1 (the line between the two stars numbered 1). For those that don’t recall, these are the decision criteria for either continuing with the original plan or launching Branch Plan 1:
 

 
So how it will work is that at H+20 if any or all of the following conditions have been met:
 
I have less than a platoon across Decision Line 1 (I have 2/3rds of a platoon across DL 1).
I have lost three half tracks before crossing Decision Line 1 (I have lost no half-tracks).
I have dropped to 75% Combat Effectiveness (75% CE) before crossing Decision Line 1 (I am at 100% CE).
 
So strictly speaking I should can the plan and go with the Branch Plan. I’m not going to for a number of reasons:
 
1. I think you’d feel cheated if I executed anything other than the plan I meticulously put together and it would blow a hole in my assertion that planning is generally a good thing.
 
2. I have only just failed to get a platoon across DL 1 and I know that within the next few minutes that criteria will be met.
 
3. I still have confidence in my plan and think I can still defeat the enemy despite falling slightly behind my timeline (and I am aware of it because I have a Synchronisation Matrix).
 
4. Just because there is a Decision Line, it is ultimately the Commander who makes the decision and so this is a reminder to him with a recommended course of action/decision to make.
 
Bottom line though is that I really need to get my skates on with this outflanking manoeuvre.
 
So, what about the Sdkfz 251/17 and its 20mm rapid firing love?  Some of you are probably wondering why I haven’t committed it yet. I am asking myself the same question and this boils down to my sense of caution and wanting to make sure it is available for brassing up Objs DIETER, OTTO and HERMANN later on in the mission. I have decided that it will not cross the potential engagement areas in Grids 156220, 157220 and 1568220 until I am reassured that some Red Army comedian with an anti-tank rifle won’t whack it … or if I just need to crack on move.
 
As discussed previously – I am employing a single mortar to suppress the identified enemy in Obj FRITZ, in terms of synchronisation my plan is that as soon as the rounds are on target, I will lift the MG fire from the half-tracks and scoot along Axis ROT. Likewise MG Team 1 will up sticks and embark on a truck. The Sdkfz 251/17 will either move to a fire position to suppress any remaining enemy on Obj FRITZ or will just crack on and I will take the chance that over 15 minutes of MG fire and mortar fire will have sorted out the enemy there.
 
Finally – some enemy and battle tracking matters.
 
First up the enemy – the contact report of 0716 hours doesn’t change anything for me. While the location of the enemy is not exactly where I had it templated, it is still within Obj FRITZ where overall for enemy COA 1, I was expecting groupings to include an anti-tank rifle team (seen), a scout team (seen) and an LMG team (not seen). As a reminder that was identified in the initial event matrix here:
 
http://community.battlefront.com/topic/120527-no-plan-survives-first-contact-with-the-enemy-planning-tutorial/#entry1626428
 
So this is the updated tracker:
 

 
That's it until next time ...

0720 TO 0725 HOURS – TURNS 20-25
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250722Jun44.
Location of contact: Exact location NK, IVO wood Grid 157224.
Location of observer: Crossing field Grid 157224.
Target description: UNK, friendly forces engaged by small-arms, assessed as Enemy rifle section.
Action by target: Engaging with deliberate fire.
Action by own forces: Have exited contact area and intent is to observe before continuing on task.
 

 
Additional activity – fire orders were received by my mortars at 0721 hrs and spotting has commenced. First round impacted approximately 50m South (in Grid square 156223) of designated target area (Obj FRITZ) at 0722 hrs.
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250723Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 154226.
Location of observer: Grid 156220.
Target description: Single HMG in foxhole.
Action by target: Engaging half-tracks with burst fire.
Action by own forces: Will switch fire to suppress.
 

 
Additional activity – 2 Zug HQ radio operator KIA from HMG fire.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Enemy use of HMG was not part of assessed COAs, however it is sited in a location consistent with initial assessment. COA 1 remains the assessed most likely COA based on this and other identified contacts. Enemy HMG possibly replaces previously assessed 3 x LMG teams. According to TO&E, each HMG team comprises 4-5 x soldiers and 1 x HMG. Options are that this is a single HMG team in a Rifle Company or that this will be from one of the two HMG platoons from the Rifle Battalion. The platoon comprises 3 x HMG teams. I assess the latter to be the most likely COA.
 
Here is the updated kill tracker - I've reorganised the scratch pad, updated the overall assessed numbers and combat effectiveness percentages. Keeping on top of your planning and tracking documents is key during execute - they are 'living' documents - and there is no point having them if you don't update them continuously
 

 
Mortar on target 0724 hrs
 
Situation as at 250725Jun44 (End Turn 25)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and manoeuvring to suppress building at Grid 158228.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158224 and 159225. They are still being engaged by the enemy IVO Grid 157224.
2 Zug is in the process of concentrating IVO the small copse at Grid 159222. Once firm there, 2 Zug  will advance mounted to Line EVA. 2 Zug has now suffered 2 x MG gunner KIA in engagements with the Enemy HMG at Grid 154226. Additionally, 1 x soldier from 2 Section is KIA from the same contact.
1 Zug has moved to Line EVA at Grid 159227. Sections are dismounting in preparation to commence assault on Obj BERLIN.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220 preparing to move to Line EVA.
1 Mortar Team embarked on truck on Line EVA at Grid 159227. 2 Mortar team at Grid 153220 engaging identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223. On completion of mission, mortar team will embark on a truck and join 1 Mortar team IVO Line EVA.
 

 
Updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Synch Matrix Update
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Apart from the appearance of the HMG (and I had considered it as a possibility in Question 1), the enemy laydown is pretty much conforming to my assessed COA 1 which gives me confidence in terms of how the rest of the laydown will look and also that the plan to defeat the enemy is therefore fit for purpose. I’m just surprised that the HMG took so long to unmask – had it done so earlier I would certainly have allocated one of my mortars to start stonking Obj DIETER. It also seems to be my luck in this battle that just as I think – time to get moving, another threats unmasks. Murphy’s law of combat is strong with me in this one.
 
It goes without saying that it is disappointing that I haven’t hit my timelines but from an instructional and planning perspective my tardiness has illustrated the value of Decision Points/Decision Lines and branch planning. As I said earlier when discussing my decision – I am determined to see the original plan through to demonstrate the value of planning although I have to admit that clearing Obj HERMANN is going to be difficult to achieve due to time and space considerations. Although hope is not a viable course of action, if I can force a surrender then it becomes a moot point.
 
My casualties, while obviously disappointing, are light and I have no real concerns about combat effectiveness or being able to resource and therefore complete the CLEAR and SECURE of Main Wood and I should be poised along Line EVA ready to start that task in the next five minutes or so.

0720 TO 0725 HOURS – TURNS 20-25
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250722Jun44.
Location of contact: Exact location NK, IVO wood Grid 157224.
Location of observer: Crossing field Grid 157224.
Target description: UNK, friendly forces engaged by small-arms, assessed as Enemy rifle section.
Action by target: Engaging with deliberate fire.
Action by own forces: Have exited contact area and intent is to observe before continuing on task.
 

 
Additional activity – fire orders were received by my mortars at 0721 hrs and spotting has commenced. First round impacted approximately 50m South (in Grid square 156223) of designated target area (Obj FRITZ) at 0722 hrs.
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250723Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 154226.
Location of observer: Grid 156220.
Target description: Single HMG in foxhole.
Action by target: Engaging half-tracks with burst fire.
Action by own forces: Will switch fire to suppress.
 

 
Additional activity – 2 Zug HQ radio operator KIA from HMG fire.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Enemy use of HMG was not part of assessed COAs, however it is sited in a location consistent with initial assessment. COA 1 remains the assessed most likely COA based on this and other identified contacts. Enemy HMG possibly replaces previously assessed 3 x LMG teams. According to TO&E, each HMG team comprises 4-5 x soldiers and 1 x HMG. Options are that this is a single HMG team in a Rifle Company or that this will be from one of the two HMG platoons from the Rifle Battalion. The platoon comprises 3 x HMG teams. I assess the latter to be the most likely COA.
 
Here is the updated kill tracker - I've reorganised the scratch pad, updated the overall assessed numbers and combat effectiveness percentages. Keeping on top of your planning and tracking documents is key during execute - they are 'living' documents - and there is no point having them if you don't update them continuously
 

 
Mortar on target 0724 hrs
 
Situation as at 250725Jun44 (End Turn 25)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and manoeuvring to suppress building at Grid 158228.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158224 and 159225. They are still being engaged by the enemy IVO Grid 157224.
2 Zug is in the process of concentrating IVO the small copse at Grid 159222. Once firm there, 2 Zug  will advance mounted to Line EVA. 2 Zug has now suffered 2 x MG gunner KIA in engagements with the Enemy HMG at Grid 154226. Additionally, 1 x soldier from 2 Section is KIA from the same contact.
1 Zug has moved to Line EVA at Grid 159227. Sections are dismounting in preparation to commence assault on Obj BERLIN.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220 preparing to move to Line EVA.
1 Mortar Team embarked on truck on Line EVA at Grid 159227. 2 Mortar team at Grid 153220 engaging identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223. On completion of mission, mortar team will embark on a truck and join 1 Mortar team IVO Line EVA.
 

 
Updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Synch Matrix Update
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Apart from the appearance of the HMG (and I had considered it as a possibility in Question 1), the enemy laydown is pretty much conforming to my assessed COA 1 which gives me confidence in terms of how the rest of the laydown will look and also that the plan to defeat the enemy is therefore fit for purpose. I’m just surprised that the HMG took so long to unmask – had it done so earlier I would certainly have allocated one of my mortars to start stonking Obj DIETER. It also seems to be my luck in this battle that just as I think – time to get moving, another threats unmasks. Murphy’s law of combat is strong with me in this one.
 
It goes without saying that it is disappointing that I haven’t hit my timelines but from an instructional and planning perspective my tardiness has illustrated the value of Decision Points/Decision Lines and branch planning. As I said earlier when discussing my decision – I am determined to see the original plan through to demonstrate the value of planning although I have to admit that clearing Obj HERMANN is going to be difficult to achieve due to time and space considerations. Although hope is not a viable course of action, if I can force a surrender then it becomes a moot point.
 
My casualties, while obviously disappointing, are light and I have no real concerns about combat effectiveness or being able to resource and therefore complete the CLEAR and SECURE of Main Wood and I should be poised along Line EVA ready to start that task in the next five minutes or so.

0720 TO 0725 HOURS – TURNS 20-25
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250722Jun44.
Location of contact: Exact location NK, IVO wood Grid 157224.
Location of observer: Crossing field Grid 157224.
Target description: UNK, friendly forces engaged by small-arms, assessed as Enemy rifle section.
Action by target: Engaging with deliberate fire.
Action by own forces: Have exited contact area and intent is to observe before continuing on task.
 

 
Additional activity – fire orders were received by my mortars at 0721 hrs and spotting has commenced. First round impacted approximately 50m South (in Grid square 156223) of designated target area (Obj FRITZ) at 0722 hrs.
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250723Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 154226.
Location of observer: Grid 156220.
Target description: Single HMG in foxhole.
Action by target: Engaging half-tracks with burst fire.
Action by own forces: Will switch fire to suppress.
 

 
Additional activity – 2 Zug HQ radio operator KIA from HMG fire.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Enemy use of HMG was not part of assessed COAs, however it is sited in a location consistent with initial assessment. COA 1 remains the assessed most likely COA based on this and other identified contacts. Enemy HMG possibly replaces previously assessed 3 x LMG teams. According to TO&E, each HMG team comprises 4-5 x soldiers and 1 x HMG. Options are that this is a single HMG team in a Rifle Company or that this will be from one of the two HMG platoons from the Rifle Battalion. The platoon comprises 3 x HMG teams. I assess the latter to be the most likely COA.
 
Here is the updated kill tracker - I've reorganised the scratch pad, updated the overall assessed numbers and combat effectiveness percentages. Keeping on top of your planning and tracking documents is key during execute - they are 'living' documents - and there is no point having them if you don't update them continuously
 

 
Mortar on target 0724 hrs
 
Situation as at 250725Jun44 (End Turn 25)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and manoeuvring to suppress building at Grid 158228.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158224 and 159225. They are still being engaged by the enemy IVO Grid 157224.
2 Zug is in the process of concentrating IVO the small copse at Grid 159222. Once firm there, 2 Zug  will advance mounted to Line EVA. 2 Zug has now suffered 2 x MG gunner KIA in engagements with the Enemy HMG at Grid 154226. Additionally, 1 x soldier from 2 Section is KIA from the same contact.
1 Zug has moved to Line EVA at Grid 159227. Sections are dismounting in preparation to commence assault on Obj BERLIN.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220 preparing to move to Line EVA.
1 Mortar Team embarked on truck on Line EVA at Grid 159227. 2 Mortar team at Grid 153220 engaging identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223. On completion of mission, mortar team will embark on a truck and join 1 Mortar team IVO Line EVA.
 

 
Updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Synch Matrix Update
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Apart from the appearance of the HMG (and I had considered it as a possibility in Question 1), the enemy laydown is pretty much conforming to my assessed COA 1 which gives me confidence in terms of how the rest of the laydown will look and also that the plan to defeat the enemy is therefore fit for purpose. I’m just surprised that the HMG took so long to unmask – had it done so earlier I would certainly have allocated one of my mortars to start stonking Obj DIETER. It also seems to be my luck in this battle that just as I think – time to get moving, another threats unmasks. Murphy’s law of combat is strong with me in this one.
 
It goes without saying that it is disappointing that I haven’t hit my timelines but from an instructional and planning perspective my tardiness has illustrated the value of Decision Points/Decision Lines and branch planning. As I said earlier when discussing my decision – I am determined to see the original plan through to demonstrate the value of planning although I have to admit that clearing Obj HERMANN is going to be difficult to achieve due to time and space considerations. Although hope is not a viable course of action, if I can force a surrender then it becomes a moot point.
 
My casualties, while obviously disappointing, are light and I have no real concerns about combat effectiveness or being able to resource and therefore complete the CLEAR and SECURE of Main Wood and I should be poised along Line EVA ready to start that task in the next five minutes or so.

Brevity isn't your strong point is it, or did you want this to be a one post thread?
 
There isn't too much to disagree with but I'm not seeing much here that I can directly apply to a QB, scenario or campaign, why not try breaking this up a bit into manageable chunks?

0715 TO 0720 HOURS – TURNS 15-20
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250716Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155224.
Location of observer: Grid 156223.
Target description: 1-2 x Enemy infantry in foxhole assessed as scout team.
Action by target: Preparing to engage friendly forces.
Action by own forces: Have pushed to a firing position and will suppress.
 

 
Situation as at 250716Jun44 (End Turn 16)
1 MG Team dismounted and returned to Grid 154200 to engage Enemy IVO Obj FRITZ.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158223, 157222 AND 156223.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks have moved south and are short of a small copse at Grid 159222. Half-tracks are suppressing this feature and embarked sections are dismounting with the intent of clearing this feature. Remaining 2 Zug half-tracks are at Grid 156220, 1 x half-track is engaging enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and other half-track is engaging suspected position Grid 157224.
1 Zug is now moving south to pass through 2 Zug, centre of mass is Grid 157220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220 and setting up.
 

 
Situation as at 250720Jun44 (End Turn 20)
1 MG Team at 154200 to engage Enemy IVO Obj FRITZ.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 157223 and 158223.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks continued suppressing the small copse at Grid 159222 to cover the clearance of the feature by the two embarked sections. Both sections are now on this feature having discovered no enemy located there. The remaining 2 Zug half-tracks remain at Grid 156220 engaging the enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and a templated position at Grid 157224.
1 Zug is firm in dead ground with the centre of mass at Grid 157220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220 and preparing to fire a fire mission called in at 250718Jun44. This is a linear fire mission intent on suppressing/destroying the identified anti-tank rifle team and assessed scout team IVO Obj FRITZ at Grids 155223 and 155224.
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I now realise it has been a mistake to send Blind Pew as my lead scout – they still persistently refuse to see anything. However they continue to make good progress and although still suffering from being prone to tiring/tired they are at least still moving and they are all still alive.
 
I am pleased that there was nothing in the small copse at Grid 159222 as it is one less thing to fight for and one less potential threat to my flanking manoeuvre to worry about.
 
Now … onto the flanking manoeuvre. It is now H+20 and I know from my Synchronisation Matrix and Decision Support Overlay that I need to make a decision. This graphic is the DSO overlaid onto the Situation Map and the thing we are interested in is Decision Line 1 (the line between the two stars numbered 1). For those that don’t recall, these are the decision criteria for either continuing with the original plan or launching Branch Plan 1:
 

 
So how it will work is that at H+20 if any or all of the following conditions have been met:
 
I have less than a platoon across Decision Line 1 (I have 2/3rds of a platoon across DL 1).
I have lost three half tracks before crossing Decision Line 1 (I have lost no half-tracks).
I have dropped to 75% Combat Effectiveness (75% CE) before crossing Decision Line 1 (I am at 100% CE).
 
So strictly speaking I should can the plan and go with the Branch Plan. I’m not going to for a number of reasons:
 
1. I think you’d feel cheated if I executed anything other than the plan I meticulously put together and it would blow a hole in my assertion that planning is generally a good thing.
 
2. I have only just failed to get a platoon across DL 1 and I know that within the next few minutes that criteria will be met.
 
3. I still have confidence in my plan and think I can still defeat the enemy despite falling slightly behind my timeline (and I am aware of it because I have a Synchronisation Matrix).
 
4. Just because there is a Decision Line, it is ultimately the Commander who makes the decision and so this is a reminder to him with a recommended course of action/decision to make.
 
Bottom line though is that I really need to get my skates on with this outflanking manoeuvre.
 
So, what about the Sdkfz 251/17 and its 20mm rapid firing love?  Some of you are probably wondering why I haven’t committed it yet. I am asking myself the same question and this boils down to my sense of caution and wanting to make sure it is available for brassing up Objs DIETER, OTTO and HERMANN later on in the mission. I have decided that it will not cross the potential engagement areas in Grids 156220, 157220 and 1568220 until I am reassured that some Red Army comedian with an anti-tank rifle won’t whack it … or if I just need to crack on move.
 
As discussed previously – I am employing a single mortar to suppress the identified enemy in Obj FRITZ, in terms of synchronisation my plan is that as soon as the rounds are on target, I will lift the MG fire from the half-tracks and scoot along Axis ROT. Likewise MG Team 1 will up sticks and embark on a truck. The Sdkfz 251/17 will either move to a fire position to suppress any remaining enemy on Obj FRITZ or will just crack on and I will take the chance that over 15 minutes of MG fire and mortar fire will have sorted out the enemy there.
 
Finally – some enemy and battle tracking matters.
 
First up the enemy – the contact report of 0716 hours doesn’t change anything for me. While the location of the enemy is not exactly where I had it templated, it is still within Obj FRITZ where overall for enemy COA 1, I was expecting groupings to include an anti-tank rifle team (seen), a scout team (seen) and an LMG team (not seen). As a reminder that was identified in the initial event matrix here:
 
http://community.battlefront.com/topic/120527-no-plan-survives-first-contact-with-the-enemy-planning-tutorial/#entry1626428
 
So this is the updated tracker:
 

 
That's it until next time ...

MOS:96B2P, yes the scratch pad is exactly for that purpose. While I do think that I am vaguely good at my job, I will be astounded if my assessment exactly matches what is on the ground. I am less fussy about enemy elements within the ORBAT - the first guys that I see that I think are part of a rifle section will automatically be marked off in the '1 Section' part of the kill chart. From that point on I will try and mark elements that would be part of that same section as 1 Section based on where I see them. After all, it is not really very important whether they are members of 1, 2, 3 or whatever section. The important thing is the casualty track and being able to deduce which elements of the enemy grouping might be close to becoming combat ineffective based on either hard or soft factors.

0710 TO 0715 HOURS – TURNS 10-15
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 250711Jun 44 (End Turn 11)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156220 and 156221 heading south
2 Zug main body at Grid 154220
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 and mortars heading south Grid 152220
 
250712Jun44 = End Turn 12
 
Situation as at 250713Jun44 (End Turn 13)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156221, 157221 and 158221 heading SE
2 Zug main body embarked on half-tracks Grid 155220. Half-tracks firing on suspected enemy positions Grid 155223 and 157224
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars heading south through woods at Grid 153220
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250715Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155223.
Location of observer: Grid 155220.
Target description: Enemy anti-tank rifle.
Action by target: Engaging.
Action by own forces: Exiting contact area South.
 

 
Situation as at 250715Jun44 (End Turn 15)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, ceased engaging suspected position and embarking on truck.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158223, 157222 AND 156222.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks have moved south out of contact area to Grid 157220. 1 x half-track has damaged radio, otherwise functioning. Remaining half-tracks are at Grid 156220, 1 half-track is engaging enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and other half-track is engaging suspected position Grid 157224.
1 Zug is firm at Grid 154220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220
 

 
Notes: Reaction to contact, intent is to redeploy 1 MG team back to original fire position and deploy mortars IOT neutralise the identified enemy ATR team at Grid 155223, prior to move of 1 Zug along Axis ROT. 2 Zug will continue its move SE along Axis ROT.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Position of ATR team at Grid 155223 indicates a variant of COA 1 ‘Defend Forward’. Nearest positions to Axis ROT assessed as:
 
Outpost at Grid 157224
Section strength position at Grid 158226
 
These are illustrated in the following graphic – the top half being my Enemy COA Situation Template and the bottom half being the contact identified.
 

 
While we’re at it – time to start populating the fancy kill chart.
 

 
The convention I am using is:
 
Sighted = single diagonal red line
Killed = red cross
Unsure = do nothing and wait for the picture to develop
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
The contact at Grid 155223 brought feelings of both elation and frustration. Frustration because, Murphy’s Law of combat intervened in that the moment that I decided I’d done enough hosing down of that general area with MG Team 1 the anti-tank rifle team popped up. Also frustration because I’ve been hammering away at the area with 7.92mm for just shy of 10 minutes and I don’t seem to have had any effect. Elated because I have identified one of the enemy main threat weapon systems early (and not lost a vehicle doing so) but most importantly in a place that I had templated it to be in. Given that my forum username reflects my day job, I feel reassured that I am vaguely good at it (now to convince my Boss to read this thread!!!!).
 
Otherwise, my scouts are making good progress, even if they’re not seeing much but movement is taking it out of them (they are pretty much hitting tiring/tired status at the end of three  moves). I am using mainly quick moves although there is always at least one scout team stationary working on the one foot on the ground while the other is moving principle. So long as none of them hit exhausted I’m happy as things are – although of course it would be nice if they did some of that finding the enemy/scouting stuff!!!
 
The mortars did arrive on time so I am obviously pleased about that and I want to use them early to deal with the identified and possibly templated threats to Axis ROT. I also want to see how long they take to get into action and how good my HQs are at calling fire in. This will help me to make decisions about what to target as the plan unfolds (eg if they are not very accurate I will not be calling in danger close missions and if they take an age to call in then I will have to factor in early calls for fire or depth targets).

0710 TO 0715 HOURS – TURNS 10-15
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 250711Jun 44 (End Turn 11)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156220 and 156221 heading south
2 Zug main body at Grid 154220
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 and mortars heading south Grid 152220
 
250712Jun44 = End Turn 12
 
Situation as at 250713Jun44 (End Turn 13)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156221, 157221 and 158221 heading SE
2 Zug main body embarked on half-tracks Grid 155220. Half-tracks firing on suspected enemy positions Grid 155223 and 157224
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars heading south through woods at Grid 153220
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250715Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155223.
Location of observer: Grid 155220.
Target description: Enemy anti-tank rifle.
Action by target: Engaging.
Action by own forces: Exiting contact area South.
 

 
Situation as at 250715Jun44 (End Turn 15)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, ceased engaging suspected position and embarking on truck.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158223, 157222 AND 156222.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks have moved south out of contact area to Grid 157220. 1 x half-track has damaged radio, otherwise functioning. Remaining half-tracks are at Grid 156220, 1 half-track is engaging enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and other half-track is engaging suspected position Grid 157224.
1 Zug is firm at Grid 154220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220
 

 
Notes: Reaction to contact, intent is to redeploy 1 MG team back to original fire position and deploy mortars IOT neutralise the identified enemy ATR team at Grid 155223, prior to move of 1 Zug along Axis ROT. 2 Zug will continue its move SE along Axis ROT.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Position of ATR team at Grid 155223 indicates a variant of COA 1 ‘Defend Forward’. Nearest positions to Axis ROT assessed as:
 
Outpost at Grid 157224
Section strength position at Grid 158226
 
These are illustrated in the following graphic – the top half being my Enemy COA Situation Template and the bottom half being the contact identified.
 

 
While we’re at it – time to start populating the fancy kill chart.
 

 
The convention I am using is:
 
Sighted = single diagonal red line
Killed = red cross
Unsure = do nothing and wait for the picture to develop
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
The contact at Grid 155223 brought feelings of both elation and frustration. Frustration because, Murphy’s Law of combat intervened in that the moment that I decided I’d done enough hosing down of that general area with MG Team 1 the anti-tank rifle team popped up. Also frustration because I’ve been hammering away at the area with 7.92mm for just shy of 10 minutes and I don’t seem to have had any effect. Elated because I have identified one of the enemy main threat weapon systems early (and not lost a vehicle doing so) but most importantly in a place that I had templated it to be in. Given that my forum username reflects my day job, I feel reassured that I am vaguely good at it (now to convince my Boss to read this thread!!!!).
 
Otherwise, my scouts are making good progress, even if they’re not seeing much but movement is taking it out of them (they are pretty much hitting tiring/tired status at the end of three  moves). I am using mainly quick moves although there is always at least one scout team stationary working on the one foot on the ground while the other is moving principle. So long as none of them hit exhausted I’m happy as things are – although of course it would be nice if they did some of that finding the enemy/scouting stuff!!!
 
The mortars did arrive on time so I am obviously pleased about that and I want to use them early to deal with the identified and possibly templated threats to Axis ROT. I also want to see how long they take to get into action and how good my HQs are at calling fire in. This will help me to make decisions about what to target as the plan unfolds (eg if they are not very accurate I will not be calling in danger close missions and if they take an age to call in then I will have to factor in early calls for fire or depth targets).

0710 TO 0715 HOURS – TURNS 10-15
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 250711Jun 44 (End Turn 11)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156220 and 156221 heading south
2 Zug main body at Grid 154220
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 and mortars heading south Grid 152220
 
250712Jun44 = End Turn 12
 
Situation as at 250713Jun44 (End Turn 13)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156221, 157221 and 158221 heading SE
2 Zug main body embarked on half-tracks Grid 155220. Half-tracks firing on suspected enemy positions Grid 155223 and 157224
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars heading south through woods at Grid 153220
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250715Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155223.
Location of observer: Grid 155220.
Target description: Enemy anti-tank rifle.
Action by target: Engaging.
Action by own forces: Exiting contact area South.
 

 
Situation as at 250715Jun44 (End Turn 15)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, ceased engaging suspected position and embarking on truck.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 158223, 157222 AND 156222.
2 x 2 Zug half-tracks have moved south out of contact area to Grid 157220. 1 x half-track has damaged radio, otherwise functioning. Remaining half-tracks are at Grid 156220, 1 half-track is engaging enemy ATR team in Grid 155223 and other half-track is engaging suspected position Grid 157224.
1 Zug is firm at Grid 154220.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 firm at Grid 154220
Mortars firm at Grid 153220
 

 
Notes: Reaction to contact, intent is to redeploy 1 MG team back to original fire position and deploy mortars IOT neutralise the identified enemy ATR team at Grid 155223, prior to move of 1 Zug along Axis ROT. 2 Zug will continue its move SE along Axis ROT.
 
Enemy Situation:
 
Position of ATR team at Grid 155223 indicates a variant of COA 1 ‘Defend Forward’. Nearest positions to Axis ROT assessed as:
 
Outpost at Grid 157224
Section strength position at Grid 158226
 
These are illustrated in the following graphic – the top half being my Enemy COA Situation Template and the bottom half being the contact identified.
 

 
While we’re at it – time to start populating the fancy kill chart.
 

 
The convention I am using is:
 
Sighted = single diagonal red line
Killed = red cross
Unsure = do nothing and wait for the picture to develop
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
The contact at Grid 155223 brought feelings of both elation and frustration. Frustration because, Murphy’s Law of combat intervened in that the moment that I decided I’d done enough hosing down of that general area with MG Team 1 the anti-tank rifle team popped up. Also frustration because I’ve been hammering away at the area with 7.92mm for just shy of 10 minutes and I don’t seem to have had any effect. Elated because I have identified one of the enemy main threat weapon systems early (and not lost a vehicle doing so) but most importantly in a place that I had templated it to be in. Given that my forum username reflects my day job, I feel reassured that I am vaguely good at it (now to convince my Boss to read this thread!!!!).
 
Otherwise, my scouts are making good progress, even if they’re not seeing much but movement is taking it out of them (they are pretty much hitting tiring/tired status at the end of three  moves). I am using mainly quick moves although there is always at least one scout team stationary working on the one foot on the ground while the other is moving principle. So long as none of them hit exhausted I’m happy as things are – although of course it would be nice if they did some of that finding the enemy/scouting stuff!!!
 
The mortars did arrive on time so I am obviously pleased about that and I want to use them early to deal with the identified and possibly templated threats to Axis ROT. I also want to see how long they take to get into action and how good my HQs are at calling fire in. This will help me to make decisions about what to target as the plan unfolds (eg if they are not very accurate I will not be calling in danger close missions and if they take an age to call in then I will have to factor in early calls for fire or depth targets).

0700 TO 0710 HOURS – TURNS 1-10
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
The first 10 minutes …
 
Situation as at 250705Jun44 (End Turn 5).
1 MG Team Grid 154220. Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug moving through woods Grid 153220.
2 Zug scouts crossing open ground Grid 154220 heading south.
 

 
Situation as at 250706Jun44 (End Turn 6)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug moving through woods Grid 153220
2 Zug scouts crossing open ground Grid 154220 heading south.
1 Zug and Kompanie HQ crossing Line ANJA in IVO woods Grid 150220.
 

 
SIGNIFICANT EVENT 0708 hours (Turn 8)
Sdkfz 251/17 bogged
 

 
Situation as at 250710Jun44 (End Turn 10)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156220 and 156221 heading south
2 Zug main body firm at Grid 154220
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 and crossing road Grid 152220
 

 
So my thoughts on the first ten minutes …
 
First of all I am pleased that 1 Zug has arrived at the specified arrival time, while their arrival time plus or five minutes was never going to be a showstopper to my plan, an arrival time of plus five minutes for the mortars could be a problem. So I am working on the premise that because this first reinforcement has arrived on time, I should see my mortars arrive on time too.
 
The bogging of the Sdkfz 251/17 was a major fright. It is one of my key equipments/capabilities. While I may lose it further down the track I do not want to have lost it without putting it to some use. Fortunately it is unbogged and I am breathing a huge sigh of relief.
 
No enemy contacts yet, I am not too bothered about this but I would rather see an anti-tank rifle and deal with it before it sees one of my vehicles. This is one of the reasons I’m putting suppression down on templated enemy positions closest to Axis ROT.
 
Looking ahead, my main concerns are:
 
Moving my vehicles across the ground between Grids 156220 and 159220. This is a likely engagement area for enemy elements I have templated close to Axis ROT. Additionally, the small copse in Grid 159222 is sowing seeds of doubt. While any enemy located there would effectively be on a suicide mission because there are no covered escape routes, it is an excellent position with coverage of the large open field. I have no enemy templated there but the more I look at it (from a scenario design rather than a doctrinal perspective) I am concerned that there may be an MG team and an anti-tank rifle there.

0700 TO 0710 HOURS – TURNS 1-10
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
The first 10 minutes …
 
Situation as at 250705Jun44 (End Turn 5).
1 MG Team Grid 154220. Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug moving through woods Grid 153220.
2 Zug scouts crossing open ground Grid 154220 heading south.
 

 
Situation as at 250706Jun44 (End Turn 6)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug moving through woods Grid 153220
2 Zug scouts crossing open ground Grid 154220 heading south.
1 Zug and Kompanie HQ crossing Line ANJA in IVO woods Grid 150220.
 

 
SIGNIFICANT EVENT 0708 hours (Turn 8)
Sdkfz 251/17 bogged
 

 
Situation as at 250710Jun44 (End Turn 10)
1 MG Team Grid 154200, Firing on suspected enemy position Grid 155223.
2 Zug scouts at Grids 156220 and 156221 heading south
2 Zug main body firm at Grid 154220
1 Zug main body traversing wood Grid 153220
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 and crossing road Grid 152220
 

 
So my thoughts on the first ten minutes …
 
First of all I am pleased that 1 Zug has arrived at the specified arrival time, while their arrival time plus or five minutes was never going to be a showstopper to my plan, an arrival time of plus five minutes for the mortars could be a problem. So I am working on the premise that because this first reinforcement has arrived on time, I should see my mortars arrive on time too.
 
The bogging of the Sdkfz 251/17 was a major fright. It is one of my key equipments/capabilities. While I may lose it further down the track I do not want to have lost it without putting it to some use. Fortunately it is unbogged and I am breathing a huge sigh of relief.
 
No enemy contacts yet, I am not too bothered about this but I would rather see an anti-tank rifle and deal with it before it sees one of my vehicles. This is one of the reasons I’m putting suppression down on templated enemy positions closest to Axis ROT.
 
Looking ahead, my main concerns are:
 
Moving my vehicles across the ground between Grids 156220 and 159220. This is a likely engagement area for enemy elements I have templated close to Axis ROT. Additionally, the small copse in Grid 159222 is sowing seeds of doubt. While any enemy located there would effectively be on a suicide mission because there are no covered escape routes, it is an excellent position with coverage of the large open field. I have no enemy templated there but the more I look at it (from a scenario design rather than a doctrinal perspective) I am concerned that there may be an MG team and an anti-tank rifle there.

Before we get into it, I will first of all show you some orientation images as you haven’t had a detailed look at the ground yet. The reason for this was deliberate as I didn’t want to get into the minutiae of looking at specific arcs and suchlike in the planning phase – this is strictly tactical business and is up to the platoon commanders to decide. As we were planning as the company commander it would be an unnecessary imposition, and I think leads to the temptation to leap straight into a scheme of manoeuvre.
 
So first up a look at some of the named features:
 

 
At this point, as I alluded to before, I will be referring to grid references throughout the AAR. The following should serve to orientate those of you whose map reading skills are a bit rusty.
 
Objective HERMANN is in Grid 151225
Objective DIETER is in Grid 154227
Objective OTTO is in Grid 154225
The top end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155225
The bottom end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155223
 
Finally for this post, this is the screenie of the setup relative to some of the named objectives and initial orientation arrows for Axis ROT
 

 
So into the breach ….

Before we get into it, I will first of all show you some orientation images as you haven’t had a detailed look at the ground yet. The reason for this was deliberate as I didn’t want to get into the minutiae of looking at specific arcs and suchlike in the planning phase – this is strictly tactical business and is up to the platoon commanders to decide. As we were planning as the company commander it would be an unnecessary imposition, and I think leads to the temptation to leap straight into a scheme of manoeuvre.
 
So first up a look at some of the named features:
 

 
At this point, as I alluded to before, I will be referring to grid references throughout the AAR. The following should serve to orientate those of you whose map reading skills are a bit rusty.
 
Objective HERMANN is in Grid 151225
Objective DIETER is in Grid 154227
Objective OTTO is in Grid 154225
The top end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155225
The bottom end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155223
 
Finally for this post, this is the screenie of the setup relative to some of the named objectives and initial orientation arrows for Axis ROT
 

 
So into the breach ….

Before we get into it, I will first of all show you some orientation images as you haven’t had a detailed look at the ground yet. The reason for this was deliberate as I didn’t want to get into the minutiae of looking at specific arcs and suchlike in the planning phase – this is strictly tactical business and is up to the platoon commanders to decide. As we were planning as the company commander it would be an unnecessary imposition, and I think leads to the temptation to leap straight into a scheme of manoeuvre.
 
So first up a look at some of the named features:
 

 
At this point, as I alluded to before, I will be referring to grid references throughout the AAR. The following should serve to orientate those of you whose map reading skills are a bit rusty.
 
Objective HERMANN is in Grid 151225
Objective DIETER is in Grid 154227
Objective OTTO is in Grid 154225
The top end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155225
The bottom end of Objective FRITZ is in Grid 155223
 
Finally for this post, this is the screenie of the setup relative to some of the named objectives and initial orientation arrows for Axis ROT
 

 
So into the breach ….

THE OPERATIONS ORDER
 
The long planning journey has ended and the output is the Operations Order (OpO or OPORD). I have made this a pdf and it is attached to the bottom of the post. The main reason I’ve done this is to give you an easy reference to follow the execute part of the mission.
 
In terms of putting it together, it is a pretty simple task because you already have all of the data and it is in a set format so it is just a case of plugging the data in to the right paragraph or annex. Like most things in this process, I have tried to keep it fairly short (as an example there is no enemy forces annex and I haven’t bothered with an intelligence collection plan) but I have tried to strike a balance of showing you what one looks like with the appropriate amount of detail. The acid test will be for you to put yourself in the shoes of one of the platoon commanders, read through it and think ‘could I make a plan and execute from this?’ The answer I’m looking for is ‘yes’ by the way!!! As I said from the start, I’m no expert in this but I have been around the process so it is by no means something that would pass muster at a staff college – but hey, we’re doing this for our own enjoyment.
 
So some thoughts about planning, firstly I hope you’ve found it interesting and informative. From my perspective, this was something I’d always wanted to do with Combat Mission but had just been waiting for the right time and the right scenario to come along.
 
Secondly, I have really enjoyed putting this together and for the most part it was pretty easy, until I got to Question 5. That was a real struggle to put together. Coming up with the draft COAs/schemes of manoeuvre was pretty easy but I created a problem for myself by making the main wood a single TAI which meant refining it back down using some of the work I had frontloaded from Question 1.
 
The most pleasant surprise for me was arriving at the COA (COA 3 – Unhinge). This was because I would never have considered it if I had not gone through the intellectual rigour of the planning process. When I first looked at the map and the problem I figured that I was either going to do the small village first or go at the woods from the bottom LH corner. That is not to say they are bad COAs as I’m sure they would work if resourced and synchronised effectively, it is just COA 3 is bold, aggressive and creates surprise. If you take nothing else away from this thread - don't rush into a scheme of manoeuvre, have a good think about the enemy, your resources and the things you need to do to win THEN COME UP WITH THE SCHEME OF MANOEUVRE.
 
I will shortly be moving into execute, you now have the Operations Order and associated matrices and control measures to follow it (in the attached pdf). However I will also be using some other products to battle track as follows:
 
The map with grid overlay (I shall be referring to grid references in my AAR).
 

 
A friendly force combat effectiveness tracker
 

 
An enemy force kill tracker
 
So, while my platoon commanders are now going through their planning process, I will let you go through the products and the next time I post battle will have commenced.
Operation Order.pdf

Thanks for the comments on the trackers gents - I came up with the idea of generating them after having been exposed to quite a few of them in my day job and also because when playing at the harder difficulty levels I always found myself looking at an enemy contact and asking myself 'what was there again?
 
I think these are going to be really useful as I go through execute, if for no other reason than they will tell me how much risk I can take and (hopefully) how close the enemy is to capitulating.
 
Anyway, execute starts soon - the platoon commanders are doing their rehearsals ....

Bud_B, I wouldn't be too hard on yourself - I have plenty of moments when I think to myself ... now why did I do that again? or how come I made that mistake AGAIN?
 
This thread is great entertainment, well put together and easy to follow - you are a good story teller and despite the setbacks you think you're having, you won't know what's on the other side of the hill until the game is over - some of those rounds you're putting downrange may be causing your opponent plenty of hurt.

THE OPERATIONS ORDER
 
The long planning journey has ended and the output is the Operations Order (OpO or OPORD). I have made this a pdf and it is attached to the bottom of the post. The main reason I’ve done this is to give you an easy reference to follow the execute part of the mission.
 
In terms of putting it together, it is a pretty simple task because you already have all of the data and it is in a set format so it is just a case of plugging the data in to the right paragraph or annex. Like most things in this process, I have tried to keep it fairly short (as an example there is no enemy forces annex and I haven’t bothered with an intelligence collection plan) but I have tried to strike a balance of showing you what one looks like with the appropriate amount of detail. The acid test will be for you to put yourself in the shoes of one of the platoon commanders, read through it and think ‘could I make a plan and execute from this?’ The answer I’m looking for is ‘yes’ by the way!!! As I said from the start, I’m no expert in this but I have been around the process so it is by no means something that would pass muster at a staff college – but hey, we’re doing this for our own enjoyment.
 
So some thoughts about planning, firstly I hope you’ve found it interesting and informative. From my perspective, this was something I’d always wanted to do with Combat Mission but had just been waiting for the right time and the right scenario to come along.
 
Secondly, I have really enjoyed putting this together and for the most part it was pretty easy, until I got to Question 5. That was a real struggle to put together. Coming up with the draft COAs/schemes of manoeuvre was pretty easy but I created a problem for myself by making the main wood a single TAI which meant refining it back down using some of the work I had frontloaded from Question 1.
 
The most pleasant surprise for me was arriving at the COA (COA 3 – Unhinge). This was because I would never have considered it if I had not gone through the intellectual rigour of the planning process. When I first looked at the map and the problem I figured that I was either going to do the small village first or go at the woods from the bottom LH corner. That is not to say they are bad COAs as I’m sure they would work if resourced and synchronised effectively, it is just COA 3 is bold, aggressive and creates surprise. If you take nothing else away from this thread - don't rush into a scheme of manoeuvre, have a good think about the enemy, your resources and the things you need to do to win THEN COME UP WITH THE SCHEME OF MANOEUVRE.
 
I will shortly be moving into execute, you now have the Operations Order and associated matrices and control measures to follow it (in the attached pdf). However I will also be using some other products to battle track as follows:
 
The map with grid overlay (I shall be referring to grid references in my AAR).
 

 
A friendly force combat effectiveness tracker
 

 
An enemy force kill tracker
 
So, while my platoon commanders are now going through their planning process, I will let you go through the products and the next time I post battle will have commenced.
Operation Order.pdf

THE OPERATIONS ORDER
 
The long planning journey has ended and the output is the Operations Order (OpO or OPORD). I have made this a pdf and it is attached to the bottom of the post. The main reason I’ve done this is to give you an easy reference to follow the execute part of the mission.
 
In terms of putting it together, it is a pretty simple task because you already have all of the data and it is in a set format so it is just a case of plugging the data in to the right paragraph or annex. Like most things in this process, I have tried to keep it fairly short (as an example there is no enemy forces annex and I haven’t bothered with an intelligence collection plan) but I have tried to strike a balance of showing you what one looks like with the appropriate amount of detail. The acid test will be for you to put yourself in the shoes of one of the platoon commanders, read through it and think ‘could I make a plan and execute from this?’ The answer I’m looking for is ‘yes’ by the way!!! As I said from the start, I’m no expert in this but I have been around the process so it is by no means something that would pass muster at a staff college – but hey, we’re doing this for our own enjoyment.
 
So some thoughts about planning, firstly I hope you’ve found it interesting and informative. From my perspective, this was something I’d always wanted to do with Combat Mission but had just been waiting for the right time and the right scenario to come along.
 
Secondly, I have really enjoyed putting this together and for the most part it was pretty easy, until I got to Question 5. That was a real struggle to put together. Coming up with the draft COAs/schemes of manoeuvre was pretty easy but I created a problem for myself by making the main wood a single TAI which meant refining it back down using some of the work I had frontloaded from Question 1.
 
The most pleasant surprise for me was arriving at the COA (COA 3 – Unhinge). This was because I would never have considered it if I had not gone through the intellectual rigour of the planning process. When I first looked at the map and the problem I figured that I was either going to do the small village first or go at the woods from the bottom LH corner. That is not to say they are bad COAs as I’m sure they would work if resourced and synchronised effectively, it is just COA 3 is bold, aggressive and creates surprise. If you take nothing else away from this thread - don't rush into a scheme of manoeuvre, have a good think about the enemy, your resources and the things you need to do to win THEN COME UP WITH THE SCHEME OF MANOEUVRE.
 
I will shortly be moving into execute, you now have the Operations Order and associated matrices and control measures to follow it (in the attached pdf). However I will also be using some other products to battle track as follows:
 
The map with grid overlay (I shall be referring to grid references in my AAR).
 

 
A friendly force combat effectiveness tracker
 

 
An enemy force kill tracker
 
So, while my platoon commanders are now going through their planning process, I will let you go through the products and the next time I post battle will have commenced.
Operation Order.pdf

Bud_B, I wouldn't be too hard on yourself - I have plenty of moments when I think to myself ... now why did I do that again? or how come I made that mistake AGAIN?
 
This thread is great entertainment, well put together and easy to follow - you are a good story teller and despite the setbacks you think you're having, you won't know what's on the other side of the hill until the game is over - some of those rounds you're putting downrange may be causing your opponent plenty of hurt.

Again thanks for the comments gents - c3k, I'm not sure you would want me to plan your battles, I lose/draw more than I win. Anyway onwards ...
 
QUESTION 7 – WHAT CONTROL MEASURES DO I HAVE TO IMPOSE?
 
So what does this mean – in CM terms it has little meaning because you as the Commander have a privileged view and can control every single friendly element on the battlefield. However for the purposes of education we will touch on control measures. So what are they?
 
‘Control Measures are the means by which the commander and his staff coordinate
and control what is going on in the battlespace’.
 
This is stuff like boundaries, routes, report lines and the like. They are there to ensure things like:
 
Units stay within their assigned areas.
Avoidance of fratricide (this fits into the above point but there are many means of doing this such as using report lines, designating no fire areas and establishing limits of exploitation for example.
Rules of Engagement.
 
The schematic below are my control measures – remember these are very light on and I’m doing this for the purposes of illustration more than anything else.
 

 
To explain then:
 
All of my TAIs have been turned into named objectives, using boy’s names. You will also note that what was TAI 5 has been broken up into a series of smaller named objectives and this is the essence of my control measures (note that I have stripped out the NAIs – this is because they aren’t control measures but don’t worry they will be covered when I do the DSO and DSM). Fighting in woods and forests presents huge command and control challenges so by creating these smaller objectives I can facilitate command and control and reduce the chance of fratricide.
 
As an example, 1 Zug in my scheme of manoeuvre is clearing south of Axis BLAU while 2 Zug is clearing East of it. When 1 Zug comes on the radio and tells me that he is clearing Obj BERLIN I know where that element is.
 
I have created some report lines (using girl’s names) to assist with this command and control of which Line FRIEDA is the best example. Let us say that 1 Zug is racing ahead and has cleared BERLIN and COCHEM but 2 Zug is struggling. To synchronise the attack, I can say to all callsigns that they are not to cross Line FRIEDA until ordered to do so. I can now wait until 2 Zug have sorted themselves out and when they say they are ready to push on I can issue the order to cross Line FRIEDA.
 
Note that there is no requirement to name your TAIs or turn them all of them into objectives, whether you do so or not will depend on the effect required in the TAI. The general rule of thumb I employ is that if it requires a physical presence then I would turn it into an objective.
 
Also, a quick word on the methodology for breaking TAI 5 into small objectives, all I have done is mark off areas within the former TAI 5 that are enclosed by easily recognisable terrain features which in this case are paths, tracks and the wood boundary.
 
Now to clear up the DSO and DSM (remember this is unfinished business from Question 6)
 
I also need to finalise my Decision Support Overlay and Matrix. The draft DSO and DSM are tested and refined in Question 6 – it is one of the main reasons for wargaming. As I have previously stated, I should have finalised this at Question 6 but I have left it until now because the way I have carved up the AO for my control measures means that I can use those control measures as named TAIs and so it makes laying out the DSO a lot simpler. Also there was quite a lot to digest in Question 6 already!!!!
 
Here is what my Decision Support Overlay and Matrix look like:
 

 
Now you are probably a little confused right now because the graphic is quite busy and because there are now 7 NAIs compared to the 4 NAIs that I had when you last saw them. First off, I’ve coloured the NAIs red for no other reason than to make the graphic easier to understand. The reasoning behind adding NAIs is this:
 
NAI 5, I had originally identified in Question 1, but for some reason (human error) it dropped off as I moved through the planning process. Luckily, this oversight was picked up in the wargame and it is another reason for doing a wargame (ie, to highlight oversights and refine the plan).
 
NAIs 6 and 7 cover areas that were originally identified in Question 1 and have been added at this stage because of the scheme of manoeuvre. What I mean by this is that I am coming at the enemy from his rear and therefore I need some means of confirming his COA. As things stand I would only get indications from what I see in Obj FRITZ and NAIs 4 and 5.
 
All of my TAIs as explained earlier are named objectives.
 
In case it is not obvious, the way I have allocated the assets column in the Decision Support Matrix is derived from the scheme of manoeuvre (eg 2 Zug is advancing through Obj AACHEN and NAI 1 so it is logical that 2 Zug is allocated as an asset because 2 Zug can put eyes on it).
 
Finally I will explain the Decision Line (this is marked as a star with the number 1 on the Decision Support Overlay). Decision Lines or Decision Points are where the Commander has to make a decision. Usually the big decision he needs to make is when to commit his reserve but other decisions are when to trigger/cue manoeuvre (such as a counterattack or a block) or when to execute a branch or sequel. This is not an exhaustive list but covers some of the important ones.
 
So about my Decision Line …
 
From the Decision Support Matrix I see that the decision is to ‘Execute Left Hook’ – this is the branch plan that was identified in wargaming. Remember the premise is that I get bogged down during my initial flanking manoeuvre leaving me insufficient time to get all the way around the back of Main Wood. So this is all about time and ability to get around the rear of the enemy.
 
Placement of the Decision Line is derived from the analysis done way back in Question 1 (remember the Event Matrix?) and refined in the wargame. The conditions that I have specified in the remarks column of the Decision Support Matrix obviously relate to time but also vehicle losses (I need those half tracks to get my guys to Line EVA).
 
So how it will work is that at H+20 if any or all of the following conditions have been met:
 
I have less than a platoon across Decision Line 1.
I have lost three half tracks before crossing Decision Line 1.
I have dropped to 75% Combat Effectiveness (75% CE) before crossing Decision Line 1.
 
I should decide whether to continue with my plan or consider executing Branch Plan 1 – Left Hook.
 
So that is it in a nutshell, WE HAVE A PLAN the next steps are to refine the products and write the order.
 
Which predictably will come next ....
 
 

QUESTION 6 CONTINUED
 
With the decision made it should be a matter of leaping straight into Question 7, but not quite. The wargame that I mentioned earlier is an opportunity to identify branches and sequels to a plan. A branch is defined as:
 
‘The contingency options built into the basic plan. A branch is used for changing the mission, orientation, or direction of movement of a force to aid success of the operation based on anticipated events, opportunities, or disruptions caused by enemy actions and reactions’.
 
A sequel is defined as:
 
‘A major operation that follows the current major operation. Plans for a sequel are based on the possible outcomes (success, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current operation’.
 
For the purposes of CM, branching is the only thing we need to consider here.
 
So in my notional wargame activity I have identified a single branch:
 
Branch 1 What I will call ‘Left Hook’
 
The premise of this is that I get bogged down during my initial flanking manoeuvre leaving me insufficient time to get all the way around the back of Main Wood. The branch plan then envisages hooking into the wood on a broad front with all of my manoeuvre elements in line abreast.
 
The scheme of manoeuvre looks something like this:
 

 
 
Now strictly speaking I should fully resource this branch plan but I’m not going to mainly because I have shown you the techniques already (you apply the same steps) but also I’m guessing you’re itching to see me actually cross the start line and execute the plan.
 
I also need to refine my synch matrix (I’m not going to do this because the one I have is good enough for government work) and my Decision Support Overlay (DSO) and Decision Support Matrix (DSM). The only thing I’m going to do with the Synch Matrix is add a Decision to it. This is related to my Branch Plan identified above. It is marked as a star with the number ‘1’ in it. I will explain the mechanics of this in Question 7 (although it should be done here,I am explaining it later for reasons of clarity). So the refined Synch Matrix looks like this:
 

 
Although I should refine my DSO and DSM here, I’m not going to. There are two reasons for this, one is that there has been quite a lot to digest in Question 6 and two, the way I’m going to implement my control measures actually plugs into my DSO and DSM. I think it will be clearer to you all if I explain my control measures first and then show you the DSO and DSM.
 
Question 7 (and the tidying up of Question 6 as discussed above) will be coming soon ...