ncc1701e

Hello all,
About seven years ago the computer I was using to play CMSF1 had a severe crash and I lost everything associated with the game. I had several login names as I was purchasing these great games but over time I had forgotten them. I sent in a ticket to the Support Team and John really helped me. So, I just wanted to say thank you to him and the outstanding service he provided me. I just wish more of the gaming companies took care of their customers in the same way Battlefront does theirs.
Chris.

MINUTE 18
My halftrack continues some area fire to pin down the enemy.

The 10,5cm shell of this turn is bad. Four teams impacted... Argh!!! 😡

Looks like our old friend, the armored car, is back.

Meanwhile my mortar team is starting a fire mission to add more casualties to the guys in front of me in the woods.

This time, my halftrack is able to spot the enemy car and starts firing. 🎅

I hope it will be neutralized now. 😃

A little zoom on my mortar team currently firing.

I have a small team doing recon of the main objective. No shots at all. Where is the enemy?

Never be complacent with a newbie. It is helping him to learn from his mistakes. I am learning a lot thanks to you Joe... And, did you already forget how you crushed me last time? 😅

You know when, during a walk in the countryside, you look at the windows of one house and evaluate the best angle of attack to take it, looking at cover and concealment, and where to place the fire support team...
AND
You know when your wife rolls her eyes when you explain her your last turn...

I was never particularly pleased with it, but the improved muzzle blast for tanks is growing on me...
 

Hello all,
As it's rumored that this game is expecting several DLCs, I take this opportunity to make a plea for a French DLC, or a LDC including the French. Why should the French be included in a DLC over other nations ?
First, let's look at the setting. Game setting is placed in Ukraine, at the border of Europe in 2017/2018. France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, it's the third world's nuclear power, and the first military power of Europe (if Russia doesn't count as Europe). Diplomatically, France has been at the forefront of the discussion on Ukraine, being at the initiative of the Minsk II agreements, and is as such very involved on this matter. Historically, France is a very active military power and has significantly taken part in all the majors conflicts since the end of the Cold War : Gulf War, Yougoslavia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Lybia, Mali, Syria, etc. Furthermore France is regularly (and currently) involved in NATO and bilateral military exercises in Eastern Europe which show its commitment to the security of this region. Lastly, France would probably be able to come very quicly into the theater with significant amount of troops having a very high readiness and being located in continental Europe. All those elements make it almost certain that France would get involved in a conflict in Ukraine.
On a gameplay point of vue, we would get a ton of exotic toys. Most of French gear and vehicles are indegenously devlopped. It would be also very refreshing as French military very rarely depicted in the Video Game industry (at the exception of the Warhame series). French army is also very modern and would be balanced with US and Russian military. Interesting fact, French army is the only to have fielded operationally its future soldier system program. French army also has an orginal doctrine which differs from the US or Russian one: emphasis on mobility, flexbility, and initiative, even at the lower echellons, which comes from its exprience in irregular warfare. It influenced many of its military design, with, for example, an emphasis of wheeled vehicles. As such, many asks, how would this system fare in a more conventionnal context ? CM:BS gives us the opportunity to test it. Here is a link about French Doctrine https://wavellroom.com/2017/11/30/the-french-intervention-in-mali-a-lesson-in-mission-command/
Moreover, as I said, French armed forces are very rarely depicted in video games, and French video games market is very dynamic one with 4,3 billion euros of revenue in 2017. So it would probably attract many French players eager to play their national forces (even if they're not very vocal on english speaking forums) while also attracting players from all around the world interested in brand new faction. Lastly, French forces are the only major military power never depicted in a modern CM game. We had the US, Russia, Canada, UK, Germany, Netherlands, but not France.
 
Operationnal structure :
The basic infantry combat squad is made of 8 soldiers: 1 squad leader, 1 marksman, 1 300m fire team with 1 team leader and 2 AT4 soldiers and 1 600m team with 1 team leader, 1 minimi soldier and 1 light mortar soldier. There is 3 combat squad in a platoon as well as one support squad made of 1 squad leader and 2 Eryx teams, which can exchange the Eryx against M240 MGs. Lastly, the platoon is led by a 4 men command team with one platoon leader and its deputy, one radio operator and one medic.
3 infantry platoons are supported by a weapon platoon with two 81mm mortars teams and two MILAN atgm teams, those teams can also be armed with .50 calls or .30 calls. This makes a company.
The French cavalry platoon is made of 4 tanks (Leclerc or AMX10RC) and 4 armoured scout cars (VBLs). There is also a recon platoon made of 8 scout cars with different equipments (Milan, .50, .30, etc)
The compagny is the center of an infantry centric French operationnal Battlegroup. Then, it receives several reinforcements from other arms. Usually, a cavalry platoon, an artillery battery, a engineer platoon, a recon platoon as well as support elements (Snipers, JTACs, Commandos, Logistics, Transmission, Health and Oil services, etc). If the battlegroup is cavalry centric, then, its made around a Cavalry squadron, with the support of an infantry platoon, etc. There is also the possibilty of mixing it up with two infantry platoons and two cavalry platoons, etc.
Those battlegroups are part of a broader battallion  which can either use them dispersed or together. Usually it's made of 3 infantry compagnies and 1 tank  squadron and the support elements. The proportion between tanks and infantry varies in the same fashion as in BG depending of the need. Nowadays, French troops are always deployed in Battlegroups or Battallions. Regiments, Brigades and Division are only used as adminsitrative command levels in metropolitan France.
 
As of 2017, here is a list of indigenous French army armament :
- Leclerc MBT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMX_Leclerc ; http://www.military-today.com/tanks/leclerc.htm
- AMX 10 RCR wheeled tank: http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/France/AMX-10-RC-RCR.php
- VBCI IFV: http://www.military-today.com/apc/vbci.htm
- VAB line of vehicles, including ULTIMA version with remote .50 cal, Mephisto version with HOT missiles, 20mm version, etc: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Véhicule_de_l'Avant_Blindé
- VBL scout vehicle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Véhicule_Blindé_Léger
- PVP liaison vehicle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petit_Véhicule_Protégé
- 120mm Rifled Mortar, its rifling permits to fire bigger shells (similar effect than 155mm shells) at longer ranges than regular mortars: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortier_120mm_Rayé_Tracté_Modèle_F1
- CAESAR 155mm SPG: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAESAR_self-propelled_howitzer ; https://www.army-technology.com/projects/caesar/ ; http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product1470.htm
- 81mm Mortar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LLR_81mm
- FAMAS assault rifle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAMAS
- FRF2 and HECATE II sniper rifles: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR_F2_sniper_rifle ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PGM_Hécate_II
- MILAN 3, ERYX and HOT 3 ATGMs: https://www.army-technology.com/projects/milan/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ERYX ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOT_(missile)
- Mistral MANPAD: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistral_(missile)
- Tiger HAD and HAP attack helicopters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_Tiger
- Gazelle HOT scout helicopter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aérospatiale_Gazelle
- Rafale fighter-bomber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Rafale
- Mirage 2000D bomber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Mirage_2000N/2000D
 
France interesting bits of kit :
- Rifle Grenades, both anti-tank and HE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC58 ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APAV40
- Infantry mortars: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance-grenade_individuel_Mle_F1_(LGI_Mle_F1)
- BONUS anti-tank shells: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bofors_155_Bonus
- SPACIDO precision fuse: http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/press/528-spacido-la-france-engage-la-phase-finale-de-la-qualification-du-premier-systeme-dartillerie-a-correction-de-trajectoire-de-nexter-munitions-et-junghans ; http://basart.artillerie.asso.fr/article.php3?id_article=1341
- FELIN system, with special optics and improved situation awarness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FÉLIN
- AASM self propelled stand-off bomb, with a low altitude launch range of 15km, which allows the plane to escape long range anti-air missile while staying out of range of SHORAD systems: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AASM
 
Here are some videos where you can see most of the gear I talked about :
 
In 2017 in Estonia, where you can how would look like a French Battlegroup in CM:BS  :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9tzEyWL-zo&
 
Combat actions in Mali where you can see VBCI, VAB, AMX10RC, shoulder launched Eryx, Rifle grenades, infantry mortar, Hecate II, Tiger, etc
 
So, as you saw, lots of interesting and cool stuff could get added into the game with a French DLC. I hope it will convince you ! DOn't hesistate if you have any question.
 
Here is a last video to convince you of the awesomeness of the French Army
 

Really nice work!

Here's a video of the second beta in action...
 

MINUTE 18
My halftrack continues some area fire to pin down the enemy.

The 10,5cm shell of this turn is bad. Four teams impacted... Argh!!! 😡

Looks like our old friend, the armored car, is back.

Meanwhile my mortar team is starting a fire mission to add more casualties to the guys in front of me in the woods.

This time, my halftrack is able to spot the enemy car and starts firing. 🎅

I hope it will be neutralized now. 😃

A little zoom on my mortar team currently firing.

I have a small team doing recon of the main objective. No shots at all. Where is the enemy?

MINUTE 18
My halftrack continues some area fire to pin down the enemy.

The 10,5cm shell of this turn is bad. Four teams impacted... Argh!!! 😡

Looks like our old friend, the armored car, is back.

Meanwhile my mortar team is starting a fire mission to add more casualties to the guys in front of me in the woods.

This time, my halftrack is able to spot the enemy car and starts firing. 🎅

I hope it will be neutralized now. 😃

A little zoom on my mortar team currently firing.

I have a small team doing recon of the main objective. No shots at all. Where is the enemy?

You know when, during a walk in the countryside, you look at the windows of one house and evaluate the best angle of attack to take it, looking at cover and concealment, and where to place the fire support team...
AND
You know when your wife rolls her eyes when you explain her your last turn...

MINUTE 17
@IanL yes it was exciting and now the calm after the storm... I continue some area fires on my left wing.


My plan is now the following:
I will advance on the left and destroy the remaining opposition in the woods, Then, I will move my guys toward the main objective in the center of the map. 
 

You know when, during a walk in the countryside, you look at the windows of one house and evaluate the best angle of attack to take it, looking at cover and concealment, and where to place the fire support team...
AND
You know when your wife rolls her eyes when you explain her your last turn...

One thing I have been wondering: would it be unrealistic if your units got some basic intelligence data from helicopters when helicopters are doing an air strike to some area where your units do not have line of sight?  I mean situations like when your own units are located on one side of a hill, the helo air strike happens to the other side of the hill that your units can't see. If helicopters can target enemy units there couldn't they share something about what they see on the other side of the hill?   Like "3 tanks and some infantry". And this would add enemy symbols to the map, the same way as when recon drones fly over some area.

MINUTE 17
@IanL yes it was exciting and now the calm after the storm... I continue some area fires on my left wing.


My plan is now the following:
I will advance on the left and destroy the remaining opposition in the woods, Then, I will move my guys toward the main objective in the center of the map. 
 

One fine day in the middle of the night
two dead men got up to a fight
back to back they faced each other
drew their swords and shot each other

MINUTE 16
This turn was exciting. To avoid losing my halftrack, I have ordered it to advance a little while I am sending my tank into a search and destroy mission against this armored car.

The armored car is indeed trying to destroy some of my men near the halftrack.

But, the cavalry arrives...

And the unthinkable happens. The Stug III is spotted surely also looking after the halftrack.

Meanwhile, one of my squad in the woods on my right wing is firing with a bazooka against the armored car.

I think that is what we call a near miss. 😕


Luckily for me, my Sherman has seen the Stug III and is aiming at it.

Too late, the Stug III is firing... 😨

But, a micro second later, my Sherman also fires. The two shells are under the green arrow.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Stalemate...

The Stug III is out of order as well as my lonely Sherman...

Exciting indeed 😅

MINUTE 16
This turn was exciting. To avoid losing my halftrack, I have ordered it to advance a little while I am sending my tank into a search and destroy mission against this armored car.

The armored car is indeed trying to destroy some of my men near the halftrack.

But, the cavalry arrives...

And the unthinkable happens. The Stug III is spotted surely also looking after the halftrack.

Meanwhile, one of my squad in the woods on my right wing is firing with a bazooka against the armored car.

I think that is what we call a near miss. 😕


Luckily for me, my Sherman has seen the Stug III and is aiming at it.

Too late, the Stug III is firing... 😨

But, a micro second later, my Sherman also fires. The two shells are under the green arrow.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Stalemate...

The Stug III is out of order as well as my lonely Sherman...

Exciting indeed 😅

MINUTE 16
This turn was exciting. To avoid losing my halftrack, I have ordered it to advance a little while I am sending my tank into a search and destroy mission against this armored car.

The armored car is indeed trying to destroy some of my men near the halftrack.

But, the cavalry arrives...

And the unthinkable happens. The Stug III is spotted surely also looking after the halftrack.

Meanwhile, one of my squad in the woods on my right wing is firing with a bazooka against the armored car.

I think that is what we call a near miss. 😕


Luckily for me, my Sherman has seen the Stug III and is aiming at it.

Too late, the Stug III is firing... 😨

But, a micro second later, my Sherman also fires. The two shells are under the green arrow.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Stalemate...

The Stug III is out of order as well as my lonely Sherman...

Exciting indeed 😅

MINUTE 16
This turn was exciting. To avoid losing my halftrack, I have ordered it to advance a little while I am sending my tank into a search and destroy mission against this armored car.

The armored car is indeed trying to destroy some of my men near the halftrack.

But, the cavalry arrives...

And the unthinkable happens. The Stug III is spotted surely also looking after the halftrack.

Meanwhile, one of my squad in the woods on my right wing is firing with a bazooka against the armored car.

I think that is what we call a near miss. 😕


Luckily for me, my Sherman has seen the Stug III and is aiming at it.

Too late, the Stug III is firing... 😨

But, a micro second later, my Sherman also fires. The two shells are under the green arrow.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Stalemate...

The Stug III is out of order as well as my lonely Sherman...

Exciting indeed 😅

MINUTE 16
This turn was exciting. To avoid losing my halftrack, I have ordered it to advance a little while I am sending my tank into a search and destroy mission against this armored car.

The armored car is indeed trying to destroy some of my men near the halftrack.

But, the cavalry arrives...

And the unthinkable happens. The Stug III is spotted surely also looking after the halftrack.

Meanwhile, one of my squad in the woods on my right wing is firing with a bazooka against the armored car.

I think that is what we call a near miss. 😕


Luckily for me, my Sherman has seen the Stug III and is aiming at it.

Too late, the Stug III is firing... 😨

But, a micro second later, my Sherman also fires. The two shells are under the green arrow.

Boom!!! Boom!!! Stalemate...

The Stug III is out of order as well as my lonely Sherman...

Exciting indeed 😅

MINUTE 15
The halftrack starts an area fire on the suspected enemy position. 🤗

It reveals that some people are fleeing. 🎅

The German on my right wing are too far away to provide any kind of support.

The 10,5cm round of the turn... No casualty this time. I really think this is one harass mission.

And a little surprise, a recon armored car is showing up.


And it looks like it is after my halftrack... 😨

Strangely enough, I am observing more suppressive fire than expected and I realize my tank is also after something.


Ouch! One of my men was a little too exposed and is hit.

Ah and a smoke potting round, my assault is near.

MINUTE 14
Crossing the road again to reach the house on the left of the screen. This time I am using a Fast command.

And, suddenly, one 10,5cm shell drops. Three casualties but the one in the red circle is a little hard to believe. I have replayed the sequence but this is indeed the shrapnel. 😕


In the wood on my left wing, my men are watching while my halftrack is arriving. Hope it will surprise a little the Germans next turn.

MINUTE 15
The halftrack starts an area fire on the suspected enemy position. 🤗

It reveals that some people are fleeing. 🎅

The German on my right wing are too far away to provide any kind of support.

The 10,5cm round of the turn... No casualty this time. I really think this is one harass mission.

And a little surprise, a recon armored car is showing up.


And it looks like it is after my halftrack... 😨

Strangely enough, I am observing more suppressive fire than expected and I realize my tank is also after something.


Ouch! One of my men was a little too exposed and is hit.

Ah and a smoke potting round, my assault is near.

In the middle, one AFV was able to spot an MG team at the end of the last turn. I gave them a target light order and they spend the turn hosing the building down. 

The rest of D company was trading a few pot shots with some of RH's men. Nothing serious happened until the last few seconds of the turn. A large HE round hit the front of the houses in support of the church. One man was hit, a guy all the way behind the house, completely out of harms way, or so I thought. I assumed a shingle fell off the roof and onto his head.

This is the situation at the end of the turn. The areas circled in red are where I know his men to be. I have started to call in some 81mm mortar fire onto his strong points and will be slowing the combat down if I can, while I wait for those rounds to come in, approximate call time of 6 minutes. I have also ordered a couple more of the AFV's to begin moving in support of C company. Hopefully the mortars and AFV's can suppress his men long enough for me to flank and then destroy them.