The_Red_Rage

Yeah +1 on giving modding community more freedom with visual aspect of the game. While CMSF doesn't seem to attract as many modders, my CMBB/CMBO/CMAK mod folders were over a gig each with some truly amazing work there. Modders transformed an ugly duckling with amazing gameplay into a pretty atmospheric simulation with amazing gameplay (sorry BFC, but unmodded CMBB was quite ugly:)) Possibility for adding layered textures for basic damage representation would be exellent. If such possibility was presented, I'm sure we'd have 10 damage packs released within a week

I think it's not just the vihicles, it's accurate TO&Es that BFC attempts to simulate as well. And those things take time to properly research and implement. For CMSF2 i would be contempt with NATO/Russia/China/Uncon faction (for scenarios). Skipping Russia would be just silly, considering the level of IFVs and new upgrades coming out of there (BMP-T, BTR-T, Sprut... the list goes on), plus all the variety. China, while mostly unexciting AFV wise, it is a huge market for BFC... I agree that storyline is rudimentary and not needed with CM titles, but I think they took the approach just to focus theatres more.

I think the appeal of modern theme has more to do with the fact that we can relate alot more to what is going on. Instead of playing with museum peices, we get to play with that ERA covered T-55 we just saw on a news report. Never before CMSF i got to play with realistically modelled T-72s or witness a convincing ATGM launch! And while i agree that Blue vs Red is not that exciting, Red vs Red has tons of potential and plays out in very WW2 way (tanks miss, infantry gets supressed, need to think about overwhelming enemy with firepower and etc.). CMx2 hopefully will equilize the sides abit:)

Steve, I disagree with the statement that Russia did not resort to diplomatic channels before resorting to military response due to several factors: 1) Attempting to settle anything though international channels would be blocked by U.S. for obvious reasons 2) Saaskashvili was being portrayed as warm and fuzzy, a new leader for a new Georgia and etc. While Putin's reputation was of an evil dictator comparable to Hitler. 3) A peace conference in Russia-Georgia-S.Ossetia-Abkhazia format was scheduled for Aug. 8, the day following the attack 4) Numerous statements by Saaskashvili that he would not resort to force 5) Numerous warnings from Putin that Russia will respond 6) The fact that Putin was at Olympics opening and Medvedev is not a strong-man that will start a war, but rather a business man. He presided over Gazprom board before gaining the Presidency, last thing he wanted to do was to start a war. 7) Russia's requiest for an emergency UN council meeting on the night of the attack was vetoed by U.S. (and that was before Russian troops crossed Roki) - To buy saaskashvili time? (if you add complete silence from Westerm media sources until Georgian army was in rout, picture becomes pretty clear...) 8) Hasty nature with which 58th army deployed - outdated armor, broken down units, draftees being thrown into fighting because they were on exercise nearby (only contract soldiers are supposed to participate in combat operations), commander of 58th riding in front of the column and getting wounded, and etc.

To get a discount, introduce yourself as a leader of a young and struggling African dictatorship.

In 1991 Russia signed alot of things that it shouldn't have, giving away lands that took Czars hundreds of years to aquire. Considering those agreements 100% legally binding is unfair considering the revolutionary state of Russia in 1991 - no clear thinking nation would sign those things. South Ossetia being part of Georgia is completely artificial creation, same as Abkhazia (Beria's brainchild), same as Crimea being Ukraine (Krushchev's legacy). Pretty much the whole idea if Ukranian nationalism is artificial as well, as historically there is no such thing as Ukranian nation. Crimea was always Russian, with Russian population and great naval tradition, giving it to Ukrane was the dumbest move of entire Soviet collapse. Well the ownership if unfortunate and hopefully temporary... The whole animosity is not towards Ukraine, but towards the orc in power (supported by whopping 5% of population) as well as certain ultra-nationalist Western Ukranians (followers of a "new" national hero - Stepan Bandera). Another interesting fact - vast majority of Ukranians reject NATO, so why Ushenko, being the pillar of democracy that he is, insists of dragging the country into the Alliance? I think most of Ukraine finally realized that the Orange was not quite ripe, and once Ushenko is gone relations should get better. After all, every Russian family has Ukranian blood in it, and vice versa - there is no reason to hate each other.

According to the video they did get composite upgrade. During the part where 7-ton up armored Humvee is being driven around, the commentator mentions special alloys with chemicals additives that are going to be studied. From other noteworthy trophees, American artillery spotter "briefcase" unit was captured intact as well as a variety of observation and communication equipment. So far, American ergonomics and user friendliness seem to impress Russian troops alot more than actual combat characteristics (notice the admiration for easy and responsive engine starter switch as well as automatic tranny).

Dobro pozhalivat' "what i want to speak on first is the number of dead georgian soldiers (can't call them warriors) in South Ossetia -- near !!!7 000!!! " :eek: Comments? I have a question with regards to popular [in certain cicrles] allegations that Georgian attack was actually a giant Russian provocation, an Russian military operation was prepared months in advance. Considering that entire 58th army passed through N.Ossetia, did you get a sense that it was an operation planned in advance or rather a hasty mobilization to respond to a threat? I've read that many units had been hastily thrown together with significant amount of armor breaking down on the way, is it true? What is the general attitude in the region towards Russia? Georgia? EU? US? Regards, Sasha

As far as i know some pretty modern stuff was utilized during first Chechen war. T-80s were quite common, BMP-3s were there as well. But considering that Most of the Russian units were composite units and even so not always fully manned it is hard to determine exact composition. But during urban assaults BMP-2 would certainly take place of BTR. IF you are planning any Moutain or Blockpost scenarios BTR will fit right in. Looking at first map i would suggest adding some smaller 1-2 story houses to make it feel more cramped. Adding more enemies will help as well (so far I'm quite far into the city with 2 minor firefights when in reality i would have to fight for those 2 apartment complexes. Increase time to 2 hours. To make firefights fun, increase the experience level to veteran of motorized inf units and crack/vet for recce and other special units. You can simulate "rear echelon" troops with Green setting for ambush scenarious and such. During first Chechen war, Chechen forces armed themselves by appropriating Soviet military property, and it included armor in significant amounts. It is totoally OK to give Chechen forces BMP-1s and T-62s ERA to spice things up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH7UP2mONUs&feature=related

It was more for dramatic effect than actual events. But from what i've read from veteran responses it recreated the atmosphere and visual horror of the assault quite well. There is a mini-series that was described as quite accurate(look up "Chest' Imeyu" on the tube) and is based on a book of actual veteran accounts, I recommend it as well (based on early second Chechen war). Playing the first campaign mission atm. So far - The Good: i'm liking the landscape with destroyed apartment blocks; good "L" shaped layout To Improve: Green infantry and Red on Red don't mix - to make it fun at least Veteran is recommended (and Russian MTR infantry is much better quality than Syrian green anyways); Immersive briefings (if there is a great lesson to learn from PaperTiger's work it is how important good briefing are, not only as information tools but also storyline setters); BMPs were used much more frequently than BTRs as commanders don't regard BTR as anything more than a transport - so not very realistic to have it for assaults. Keep it up! I love the choice of topic!

And to set you all in the mood for Grozny: "Chistilishe" (The Purgatory) - very controversial movie in Russia based on real events around the battle for hospital complex in Grozny. All in Russian but plotline is simple: A T80 tank is trapped in enemy territory and Chechens offer the tank commander to swtich sides, when he refuses they crusify him. An encircled motorized Infantry unit augmented with a spetsnaz "hunter" team attempts to rescue the tank crew and break out. Confusing parts: Female sniper team are mercenaries from Estonia; guy with ponytail is the Chechen commander; armour clad guys are spetsnaz; orange cans being broken in the beginning are home made alcohol to prevent troops from drinking; balck english speakers are mercenaries/jihadists. Warning: VERY graphic and hard to watch film (I had to come back 5 times to finish it, but low quality vid will lessen the effect somewhat): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utWfAnC-bsc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Uy6CSL5nEc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGC2wlUl21Q&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PLjX8dBvTs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8ufzZjmzkQ&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUJmfss8SWc&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK5UV6S6rtw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZFFJDK2dyM&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5M22dEgdh4&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjL82T-Tffs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9_hoQCvKYk&feature=related And some reading, part of (not very good) translation of V. Mironov's book "Assault on Grozny Downtown": http://artofwar.ru/m/mironow_w_n/text_0180.shtml

Quite a few people should enjoy this one:

Yeah The Barrier was enother one i forgot to mention. As is it is my least favorite scenario - too saturated with forces and requires alot of "terrain crawling" at ground level to find that perfect hull down position (for 20+ BMPs and their infantry). Once found, there are two perfect spots that block both enemy advances with minimal casualties, making the scenario a tiresome micromanagement exercise. I'm more of a fan of scenarios like Strong Stand (absolutely love it), Buying the Farm, both Sundaras, possibly Hasrabit (something is missing atm though that is keeping it from being a great scenario) - so maybe it's just not my type of scenario... Can't wait to see what you have in store next (I don't know what I'm more excited for, your camapign or Marines ).

Or a cute little bear:

3 videos of the same airstrike, which i had mentioned in my previous post? You're going to have to do better than that. Why are you insisting that Ossetians are rebels? Ossetia was NEVER a part of Georgia - defending your land is an act of rebellion now? As for provocations, Georgians had plenty on their sides, from mortar attacks to things like turning off running water in S.Ossetia. Why is Georgia trying to take what does not belong to it and does not want to belong to it? And why "peacekeepers" with ""? They were there under UN mandate and did not fire unless in self-defense. My 1600 claim was based on previous reports, so i take it back for now (however Ossetians are still maintaining 1480 figure). Seeing 30 mins of Tschinkval wound and seeing the damage i do not believe 100-200 killed figures. I've seen what heavy artillery does sitting in a trench 300m behind and it is truly devastating. Fired on civilian districts of medium to dense population density will cause very heavy casulaties with extreme bodily damage (up to the point of nothing remaining from a person). I am not the "fanboi" of the Russians: 1) I am Russian born and bred, so dont call me fanboi 2) I disagree with alot of what is going on in Russia (how Chechnya was approached, profiteering off oil instead of restoring industry, oligarchy, powers given to enforcement agencies and etc.), but this time i believe Russia is 100% justified and did what every self-respecting nation would do. I bet if it was 17 Dutch peacekeepers murdered you would be singing a different tune, and if it was American soldiers then Tbilisi would be a parking lot by now. 3) I am also a Canadian (and quite proud to be one), so i have full access to objective information and understanding of Western perspective. I also did 5 years with Canadian Forces as part of a Para infantry regiment and cross-trained with Brits, Germans, and Americans and have utmost repect for them as soldiers and human beings. Seeing what Georgians did, I have zero repect for them and most of my friends in service are of the same opinion.

AI counter-attack that attempts to throw off recce platoon in Sundara pt.2 usually has diastorous consequences for the AI as well, so some tweaking might be needed there. If recce is positioned on the side hill to the right of initial starting position AI gets slaughtered without a single friendly casualty.

Links for the evidence of indiscriminate civilian bombings please. Pictures would be nice. And Georgians HAVE been shooting into basements, civilian houses, and other shelters where civilians hid indiscriminately. If they cared about the fate of Ossetians so much, then why did they lob grenades into shelters that did not return fire? Coming back to the 11 year old example - 11 is old enough to know what you are doing (and carry weapon in some places). I'm just curious - what is your standpoint on this? Should Russian just have waited for Georgia to take over Ossetia? Or pushed Georgia to their original lines with a "Come again!" message? Proper U.N. channels of resolution did not work by the way - U.S. blocked the emergency meeting motion initiated by Russia on the night of the attck...

Is any real evidence of "aerial bombings of civilian targets"? (links) What has been confirmed are mostly military targets or targets that could be used for military purposes: - Radar station - Port infrastucture + boats in Poti - Demolished military bases in Gori and Poti - Bombed air fields - One apartment building in Gori (shown 50 times over) - Su-25 upgrade facility near Tbilisi - Vezami base near Tbilisi -AA sites and force concentrations Noone was dropping bombs on Tbilisi downtown, or shooting up building with open sights in Gori. Civilians were not the intented targed - Georgian military capability was. The only reason why Georgians did not slaughter entire Tshinkvali was because they got smacked on the nose and could not supress 300 defenders of the city in time (with 15 to 1 supriority just in menpower). Speed with which Gerogian soldiers turned their tail also idicates that they felt a certain degree of justified reprisal was coming, many ditched their uniforms and were later written off with civilian casualties. Two brigades ceased to exist, so i doubt their casulties are in 130 number that they proided. Why weew so many Georgian troops wearing masks? Haven't seen masked personnel on Russian side, even GRU's "Vostok" did not cover their faces. On a sidenote, on a basic every-day life level, if an 11 year old bully was beating a 4 year old wouldn't you knock him the **** out so hard that he'd never do it again ?

Nothing has been finalized yet. Quote from the article you provided: "The prosecutors reported finding many hastily dug graves in gardens - and said it would not be clear how many more dead were buried there until thousands of refugees return home. The death toll from the war and its aftermath has yet to be independently determined. " And another article: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=10004 Somehow i doubt HR watch went to every house, interviewed every family, and dug into every backyard/basement/destoryed home (too dirty, they don't like to get out of their Land Rovers). Damage to the city, looking at videos, is very heavy Btw, you don't actually need to kill anyone to committ genocide. Definition of Genocide is "deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group." Considering that 95% of Ossetians rejected Georgia, and Ossetia and Abkhazia have nothing to do with Georgian "territorial integrity" since they were never parts of Georgia and are populated by ethnically destinct groups. So Georgia had a clear intent to "solve the Ossetian problem" with use of force - and that is genocide. Even if Russia killed 1000 Gergian civilians in this campaign they would still be more justified - there was no intent to wage war against Gergians as ethnicity. It was a precise military operation, while Gergians had a 2 days of bombing a city with Artillery and throwing grenades in basements. Show me a video of Russian troops driving through Gori yelling "woohoo" and shooting at everything that moves or executing a civilian in the middle of the road. p.s.: you're from Netherlands, probably still pissed off about EuroCup

Doubt any war crimes tribunal will happen with current Eurounion stance (which can be compared to mass schizophrenia). Worst Saaskashvili will get is cushy placement in Prineceton University PolSci department. However, noone cancelled blood feuds in Caucasus, and Mad Mike (and his entire family for that matter) has 1600 families to answer to. Best example of how far blood feud can reach: http://www.kommersant.com/p-11625/r_530/Kaloev_back/http://www.kommersant.com/p-11625/r_530/Kaloev_back/ Some more humor - "How Saaskashvili and Yushenko Went to NATO": *Signs on doors - "To stay alive" and "Closed until further notice"

More vidoes - i'm speechless again. I'm surprised U.S. servicemen are not protesting that scum like that wears their uniform. In these two Georgians act like Somali militia with U.S. equipment: - look! U.S. instructors taught them "Woohoo!"... anther 80 million dollars and they'll master yelling "Yippie Kayay Mother@@!$" while tossing grenades in basements full of civilians. Very democratic of them... "Tshinkvali - First days" documentary (a must watch IMHO) - very graphic stuff, so you've been warned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6nOCK-Dgzo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLrAZKQDLTk&feature=related

I agree 100%. Going back to the events of the last 30 years we see the same pattern. For example, a wealth of Soviet experience in Afghanistan was simply ignored by Russian command during the 1st Chechen war, when everything was "re-learned" through massive casualties. Even though the country had plenty of people with Afghan experience, it chose to send 18 year old draftees with 15 rounds of live fire range and not a vaguest idea of what urban or mountaneous terrain combat was all about. and while commanders admitted that troops performed admirably considering the circumstances, 90% of casulties could be avoided by augmenting units with experienced personnel. Those who survived first few weeks in Grozny gained more CQB experience than the best SWAT teams in the world - a deadly "fast track" training. Now, if we look at S.Ossetia ("a big war") - both Afghan and Chechen experiences were utilized, with front line units as well as command consisted almoast 100% of veteran units. Result was a lightining victory and a complete rout of enemy forces on their own (very difficult) terrain. Interestingly, comments similar to those about the Japanese, were made about the Georgians as well, who seemed "easy" after fighting lightly armed Chechen formations.

Pakistan holds one of the two air corridors for supporting the mission in Afghanistan with 40% of the cargo going through there. The other one is provided by Russia. Both partners are alienated now, with potentially grave consequences for Afghan mission. However, There is interest involved on both sides (that's why the corridors are still open) - Russians are interested in keeping Taliban in check right on their border to avoid Tadjikistan part 2; Pakistanis, as Islamic extremist as they are, still like to consider themselves "an important US ally in the region" (safer the the regime), they make a alot of moolah on "lost" cargo (30-40% of cargo going through Pakistan never makes it), plus all the military support of course.

The one in particular i was thinking about is some sort of "Follow" command that can be given to infantry with waypoint being a friendly vihicle. After the command is given, infantry is to move very close behind the vihicle and basically follow it using it as cover. Option to shift to either side of the vihicle would be nice as well. This is what i mean : This is a very legit urban combat tactic and it would help immensely to coordinate vihicle and infantry movement in a realistic and immersive way. We are also getting "smarter" infantry in Marines which will be able to fire on the move, so an ability to follow vihicles should fit right in. Thoughts?

Upped RPG damage might lead to some unexciting combat though. Personally, I tend to enjoy prolonged firefights with multiple RPG shots flying in both directions - it's just more exciting than "Boom! You're all dead". Same issue with adding a realistic Apache - in order to give Syrian side any sort of chance we'll need to give them AA assets to shoot those Apaches down, and that will present quite a bit of coding (I suspect that's why ZU and ZSU units are not in the game, since Syrians have more of them than BMPs or T72s). What fun will it be to observe an imaginary helicopter shoot off 8 Hellfires 3 km away from the map destroying all Syrian tanks... no thanks, i want those tanks for myself!