STURM-FAKTION

it's the 6.Panzerarmee not division.

Well Artkin...I said they were "elite" to Russians standards. Which is the case. Elite too get wiped and reformed. Especially by Russians standards. I though it was clear enough when calling it sh**. But sad truth is: No western armies could have done better than what Russia did. What I mean is; in a similar conflict, same ground, same ennemies. I'm pretty sure that every countries would have failed the same. Russia was just too dumb to try it.

@Sgt Joch "I also do not think it is relevant to focus on squad size. A squad is not supposed to fight in isolation. If a point unit runs into a superior enemy force, SOP should be to retreat and bring up other forces to deal with the threat. For example in Vietnam, you had several situations where a U.S. infantry platoon on point ran into a NVA company/battalion. Typically, the platoon would retreat/go defensive, call in artillery/air strikes and bring up the rest of the company/battalion/other battalions, as required to deal with the threat." - what a strange example you are serving here...At first I thought you were about to talk about how a squad of under-equipped Viet Cong ambushed and dealt with an entire US company. You know...talking about terrain and all. But no. Well; in that case, why not talking about how a single forward observer can rout an entire regiment ?

@Artkin-" VDV units have an extremely limited mission. They are not "elite" troops either. They are pretty much the only contracted professional soldiers in the entire Russian military. So they're "regulars". If I recall correctly Spetsnaz follows as second but is still nowhere near the VDV " -I am talking about what's on the ground. So yes, VDV are "elite" to Russian standards. And "Spetsnaz" is a generic term. You have "Spetsnaz" everywhere. They are just ****. -" I highly doubt BMD's are more armored than contemporary BMP's, considering they're supposed to be air deployable. " I wasn't clear enough; my fault. But yes they are. What is really issue on the ground to a division or brigade is generally BMP-2 and BTR80. By now, it's even BMP-1 and BTR-D. Contemporary BMP-3 are rare. But BMD-2 was widely issued to dedicated troops. Just as the BMD-4 for airborne. -"The ak12's aren't desirable weapons either. They've already been revised since the invasion with the 2 round burst being recalled. The internet is full of ak12 reliability issues." Ukrainians fights with the same Kalashnikov as Russians. Both sides have a lot of model and era. That's why I said I wasn't talking about "fancy". -"A report just came out on The Thread(R) saying that >75% of Ukrainian casualties were caused by artillery or mrls. So yeah, the support assets are still king of the battlefield and light infantry retain the mission of taking and holding territory." Artillery casualties were counted for 50 or 60% of the total losses in WW2. I'm sure 75% is a bit too much; even for a drone-era war. But yes artillery rules. -"The real failure of the VDV during the 2022 Hostomel airport attack was because the Russian ground forces didn't have adequate time to link up at Hostomel, which meant the first wave of airborne troops were wiped out. Despite the size of their squads light infantry without a logistics trail (airborne troops) are not going to stand up to a mechanized attack being supported by high power (203mm) artillery. VDV toe is very lacking in support assets" I wasn't specific about Hostomel airport battle. And VDV were also deployed in the south. Anyway, you are right about it. And the 72nd mech.brigade is "elite" to this war standards. Everything was wrong about Russian plan. But your picture of Russian TOE is not that great. I've seen it already. It doesn't show any of the sub-units attached to a battalion for example. Could be mortars, could be PKP machine-gun. BTW, Ukraine TOE is not that much different everywhere you look at it. Truth is: despite the 2008 reform in Russian ground forces, they still are organized as soviet era. Just as Ukrainians. And just as Ukrainians are riding BMP-1 and T-64. Overall, what really worked at the beginning was this "panzerfaust" tactic. With Javelin and NLAW. Still; Russia is missing manpower.

@Sgt Joch can't agree with your phrase here: "That said, there is not much of a difference in the combat effectiveness of a Battalion at 85-90% strength. A Battalion will derive most of its firepower from its heavy weapons, MMGs, HMGs, AFVs, mortars, artillery, air power. Having squads with 6-7 rather than 8 soldiers will limit some missions, but won’t have much of a material impact." -This is exactly why Russian VDV (Airborne) been wiped out at the beginning of Ukraine's invasion. They were elite soldiers compared to others Russian ground forces standards; but still got horribly surprised and almost annihilated in first weeks...if not days. Although equipped with better IFVs and AFVs than regular infantry (a BMD of any type got more firepower, mechanics, armor than every BTR, as well as BMP). VDV forces were also better supplied, and being thrown from Belarus is way shorter than deep in Russian territory. All those airborne forces had the best equipment. From weapon, uniforms, logistics to radar...I'm not talking about fancy things only issued in ridiculously small amount. I'm talking about day to day man equipment. Like having a squad equipped with AK12 instead of AK74. Or simply PKP instead of RPK74. -But still go wiped out for a simple fact: They didn't had the necessary manpower from lowest echelon in infantry. When dismounted; a VDV squad is 5 men (7 if taking in account both driver and gunner). 15 dismounted men for a platoon at full strength is pretty damn few. Even for today's standards. -A mechanized Ukrainian squad is 9 men. On a pre-set up defensive positions, you are more likely to have just the gunner inside the vehicle. And the rest dismounted. Just take down a russian at first fire exchanges and you outnumbered your enemy by being twice as him. But yes airborne VDV, had everything from heavy weapons to AA or AT. Same MG or Grenadier in squad. Even a greater number of RPO-A Shmel. With almost one for every dismounted soldier. From Brigade, to Division. Just not enough infantry to manned it. So I guess it matters a bit :-))

@Dynaman216 I didn't made myself clear about these figures. I mean; yes you're right. I read few places that the average Russian BTG were ranging from 62 to 78% the day before the invasion. Considering 2 BTG's are made of a brigade that should have 3 battalions; it means 78% of an already downed 66% brigade. Meaning 51,48% for a full brigade in this example. https://defence24.com/armed-forces/land-forces/russia-losing-22-battalion-tactical-groups-is-btg-a-myth-or-is-it-truly-effective-in-combat-analysis https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Estimation-of-Weapons-and-Vehicles-in-a-Battalion-Tactical-Group-circa-2014-2015-5_fig1_369920711 https://www.ausa.org/publications/reflections-russias-2022-invasion-ukraine-combined-arms-warfare-battalion-tactical

mmmh... reminds me of this pirate: "One-eyed Joe" because he had one eye.

aj, Imagine you have 3 battalions: all fully manned and equipped. After a few days, there is casualties. What you have is: I.Battalion is at 85% strength; II.Battalion is 82% strength; III.Battalion is 90% strength. IRL even 10% casualties could results in dramatic operational dilemma. Does battalions tends to merging like this ? I.Battalion 100% ; II.Battalion 100% ; III.Battalion 57% With the third acting as a reserve ? And a reservoir to feed the two others ? I mean, it's pretty bad to mix units... I just wanted to have your opinions. I'm not even talking about Ukraine. Because in that case, Russians for example; never been at full strength even at start. All the things we saw about Battalion Tactical Group (BTG) is partially because of this. Like divisions or brigades organizing around 2 BTS's. i know all of it depends on many things; and top of that is probably how much you can or not stretch you positions depending on how much terrain you must hold. thanks

aj, I think i'm done with WW2 for now... and I realize how ignorant I am concerning a lot of vehicles and material from the the cold war to mid/late-90's. RUSSIANS I MEAN Does anyone have in mind any ressources where to find any informations about uniforms; like who wear what...Spetsnaz, pilote... + organization of a Motorized Rifle Regiment (BTR)... (...) thanks a lot (any good source of informations about first and second chechen war is highly appreciated !)

Aj, Simple question, but I fear the response already. Is there any one still playing CMBB on a regular basis ?

I COULD HAVE BET THAT I WAS GOING TO INSPIRE PEOPLE HERE ! It's crazy that no one did that or something similar in the past 20 years. I admit, I was also a bit confuse that clearly no veterans players or grognards encouraged me after I post my 18 x 12 KM map. Especially as a first contribution to this community. Definitely, this is not about the whole campaign issue...This is about using 400 Km2 of playable area that makes one big.

ok so i can't post more.why restrictions I do not understand. Registration time limit ? Day ? Can't attach anything more...

Picture 2: Axis Korps and divisions involved.

Aj, I just designed 9 maps (each of 6x4 Km), making one continuous map of 18x12 Km. Making the whole area, a total of 216 Km2 playable. Each one of these, linked to the others to the very tiles. They form one single map designed for an operation(a series of op.)I will challenge, and then report in detailed AAR. I already have the Corps and divisional briefings. The narrative purpose, and precise OOB for all units involved. (Experience, fitness, even portraits...). For both camps. I have also created a full-set of rules to make it readable from the outside if anyone have interest on it. But I will create another dedicated thread in a few days when the operation starts. Of course the maps are topographic, and the result is realistic. For comparison; the real Operation Südwind was fought over 200Km2. The real Operation Frühlingserwachen was fought over more like 400Km2. But in reality, most of it concerned the different Panzer Korps engaged. Reducing the area to the actual size of my map if you focus on the SS, and not in the rear. Elements of 1 & 12 SS managed a brief breakthrough 24Km in depth, but the very most of the operation hold in a 18x12 area. Picture 1: THE MAP. I will post others infos right now, but first...I'm requesting help from the CM Community. WILL SOMEONE ? LIKE A VETERAN ? EXPERIENCED-SUPERIOR THINKER ? WILL SOMEONE STEP UP AND AGREE TO BUILD ME A REALISTIC SOVIET PAKFRONT ? SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTAND WELL THE MECHANISM OF DEFENSE IN DEPTH AND ECHELONED LINE OF DEFENSE ? I will manage the Axis forces. What I need is someone I could send my maps. I will join the AT Guns, trenches, and set of AT / AP mines allowed to cover the area. If this someone is ready to do so, then, he'll have to organize a coherent networks of nest and fortifications with the idea to hold an armored operation. To handle the AI on defense, this I can. To handle a 3, 4 times superior AI counter-attacking, this I can. To let the AI set-up their own defenses...I can't. By doing it myself, it will spoil the conclusion on battlefield. well, now the pictures. thanks a lot

aj, Supposing; in editor when creating an operation: I only attribute one and only one small square for each side as their set-up zone. Like one ridiculous green corner in the rear. And instead, every units are set-up by me AND PADLOCKED FOR START. ---> Then at battle 2, and especially if the scenario is an Assault. Every units on both side will be considered advanced behind enemy zone ? And padlocked in their own deployment area ? Even if it results in no resupply and so...? Am I clear ? In others words...Can a solo play cheat the AI, and force the AI to "Play as they lay" with him ? thanks

aj, you should try inside your folder with BMP, Open Play Modules, PBEM (...) -There's a dxcfg.exe -Taking you to DirectX Configuration: Display Mode, Presentation, Aspect Ratio Correction (...) of your choice. And here you have Enhancements. >> with Anisotropic Filtering , and Antialiasing. (Enabled AF-16x ; Enabled MSAA-8x (...))

i just tried in vain. Was a sort of window supposed to showed up ? In my case, nothing happened

Aj, not the worse of thing; but definitely annoying. Using Ctrl + click to put landmarks, I just can't insert any of these symbols. Same thing for special name in unit editor. I'm sure that the game generate such names as KÖRNER, FÜCHS, SCHÄFER. But I just can't do the same. Concerning landmarks; I can't recall of a precise one, but my guess is I saw that already. I tried almost every combinations with Ctrl, Wind, Maj, Alt, FN, padlock... I don't even thing of ß or ø Thanks a lot

Thanks for all links George ! Although very informative for many aspects I didn't even look for; plus, good for jumping from one article to another... I didn't find my answer on lonesentry. still thanks

Aj, this is one of my wonderings; but unfortunately I can't find a definitive answer in any of my scholar's. Was the Wehrmacht artillery operating alongside the one from SS ? More precisely, I know they were deployed on same fronts; and it happened that SS were on direct orders from Oberkommando (OKW). Still, they operated on different guns or mortars. -Even if SS division, understrength battalions were subordinated to any Wehrmacht command, they had for the most part their independence on field. But what about artillery ? Did they divided the zone into area ? Was operating officier from the Wehrmacht able to call for fire from a 105mm from the SS ? If we assume such SS force was at disposition. In a situation like the Dniepr for example. thanks; any books/universitarian sources about SS artillery welcome btw.

Still, I need to write down statistics with such points calculations. In a very dense operation like the one ongoing. I would really appreciate the results showing a percentage of recovery between 15% or 20%. Maybe, up to a quarter and it'll still be acceptable. As it is now, it can gives the Chain of Command another interesting impact. And importance to maintain units well connected.

Aj, I will engage a long Op. including a 8x6km map or so; and both sides with 30.OOO points each. Since it’ll be a mix of Wehrmacht and SS forces, with armors; there’ll be many possibilities and different combined arms HQ. Including a lot of role-playing such as-two trucks dedicated as embarking and evacuating wounded to a specific point(church) on map. The two trucks will be followed by a Kübelwagen supposed to act as the one carrying the battalion surgeon or alike. *As previously in a similar scenario I experienced many sporadic crews ; here and here, successive to heavy bombardments; then an idea of rulesets come to me. I’ve made tests and this is great. >The rules are very simple. And this is important so you can quickly do the maths without switching to anything. It consists on only three additions of things. Plus, a bonus. >The rules also have their «logic». As numbered crews are more likely to re-engage fighting one way or the other. And the sole survivor are more likely to quit. >The rules take count on the experience level of those bailed out soldiers. But it also take count of their direct environment for an hypothetical recover. >The rules matches perfectly with role-playing and others house rules. They are also likely to create unique situation and humanize the survivors. Giving a side story inside the battlefield where each have a side story. Threads are referring to annoyances due to crews making suicidal recon; waves of small arms; interferences with armors like turrets being disturbed(…)so: HERE ARE THE SET-RULES FOR «BAILED OUT CREWS» AND «SERVANTS SURVIVORS»: Once crews have bailed out; or left their guns as servants/ they all have a base points which is determined by their numbers as survivors: Crews number left alive: 5=+5 points 4=+4 3=+3 2=+2 1= 0 Then, you add a couple of points related to their experience: Elite= +3 points Crack= +2 Veteran= +1 Regular= 0 Green= -1 Conscript: -1 Third step; is checking if the survivors have a LOS to any friendly units around. If they have LOS to such ranks or equivalent; add: Maj= +4 Hauptmann= +3 Oberleutnant= +2 Other friendly unit= +1 YOU NEED AN OVERALL 6/12 TO RECOVER & FIGHT-BACK ! Finally add last bonuses: Survivor(s) is(are) part of SS= +1 Survivor had a leadership abilities of Morale= +1; +2 Sighted friendly have a leadership abilities of Command= +1; +2 PS: I insist on the fact; only Morale count for the survivor, and only Command for the sighted unit you may rally. AND THAT’S ALL : - ) *With all combined, it creates both a logical but uncertain issue to survivors to fight-back. As a well experienced Hauptmann with intrinsic/personal value of (+2) in Morale will be more likely to re-engage, will try to be brave, have a high points rate, but still…finally can’t see any friendly around him. Which is the only thing he needed to stand again. >Plus; since crews reduced to a lesser number have a base points which is smaller; then it gives more chance that you obtain a lone soldier to failed the points calculation and then he’d stay put. Then you can role play a bit and imagine he is in such a shock state that he can’t move anymore. And only toss his head through the sky, or mechanically aim his gun at a close direct treat moving towards him. >A crews unit consisting of two mens failing the points calculation can moves to the rear. And then you have now a brotherhood kind of act where one is helping the other to walk. >Or again, they can stay put; but now, one administer morphine to the other. >Three mens failing the points calculation are now a priority for field doctors or surgeon. And if as a house rule, you decided to dedicated specifics trucks for battalion first aid; then the truck may come to them for embarkation. And it makes more sense moving an emergency vehicle through battlefield for a group of three instead of one. - Or maybe, give priority to this failed officier ? -Of course, you’ll have more «failed» crews units consisting of Conscripts, Green and Regular. And it makes sense. >And on the other hand…A lone Green/Conscript will only recover and back to fight if he is in LOS of a Major with a leadership abilities +2 AND if he get the +1 bonus from being part of the SS, Volkssturm, or fanatical scenario. Then, this soldier really founds the guts in himself. Or maybe the fear from being looked at by a high officier. (I’m a bit unaware how fanatical works, I know you don’t know who specifically is; but I don’t know if the info about one side or the other being fanatic is displayed). Precise situations: >>>After bailing out from a Panther D; the sole survivor SS-Obersturmführer will regain fight after he cooled his burns by plunging his hand into snow. See ? -Obersturmführer with (+2) in Morale= +2 -Experience level, Elite= +3 -Lone= 0 -Additional bonus from SS= +1 =6/12 -Yes. You needs really strong combinations of points to obtain such a result. But it’s worth it. If an Elite SS officier, all on his own can’t do that ? Then who ? What you’ve now is an heroic man still standing. Still, it will not be the vast majority of crews units. Far from it. >>-In a quite similar situation; then you get a totally different result and role-play perspective. -A Panther D is hit. Crews bailed out. It’s not crews. You have a last man standing here; emerging from below the steal carcass. His name is Neumann. -He’s a veteran= +1 -Lone= 0 -Additional bonus from SS= +1 =2/12 And now, hope strikes our guy. He can see his SS.Hauptsturmführer (+3 points). This precise officier which with he went through Kursk. This is the moment. Though, Steiner is not the noblest officier in service, still he have this charismatic tone in his voice (+1 Command). They wave at each other. And Neumann rejoins the gruppe. Overtaking everything around him, he now truly embraces the new man he is. =6/12 See now ? -And what about this other Oberstleutnant ? Panzer IVH knocked out. Lone survivor. He’s an Elite (+3). He got this magnificent (+2) Morale. After seconds to escape the tank, his mind totally avoiding these young men all over him, he finally got to sit and breath in the snow. He knows he can found the strength and get back. And with such a rank, he can’t just give it up. But thoughts comes to him. Where’s his officier cap ? Left in the tank…Gone and burned like the others guys. He could walk to a friendly unit. But he’s alone. No one in sight. (then no bonuses from anyone around)/ He sat and wonders: Wife. Little daughter. He meant to one day, give his cap to a future son…Enough war. =5/12 Part of all this; comes to my mind after I looked at my screenshots from @George MC I had a tough moment with the mere hero from the series: Strachwitz. During Strachwitz at Dubno; I had the main protagonist crawling in the woods after he escaped his enflamed armored horse. Then, in great poetry; others rallied to him as Hyazinth Graf von Strachwitz in person became for a brief moment the leader of an infantry assault. I promised to myself; to never loose him during the whole series. But leaving him in rear was not something I would endure. Max Wünsche in Kharkiv during Peiper’s series was a thing again… I would really enjoy any of your feedbacks; thanks.

Alas ! this was exactly my point. Jumping to it, a bit quick; I didn't noticed at first... But you're gone too. Like a year ago. And that's exactly what I'm talking about.

@Streety AH AH AH ! WHO ARE YOU ? But sure, I know where you're from with your copyrights ****. *sneaking* *the law is the law* *stand your ground* pfff...This is hilarious. Who are you afraid of ? For modifying some .bmp files through paint or an old PhotoShop version that will bug any modern computer. I'm glad I downloaded every files from CMAK, CMBB, CMBO available at Internet archives. Even if I only own CMBB for now. The series began now; more than 20 years ago. Most of the modders, players, scenarios designers ARE JUST GONE. SOME ARE EVEN GONE FOR GOOD. dead. As totally new to it, I discovered it the hard way. Like when I tried a dozen times to thanks any contributors of the game I played. With the so called author's e-mail or whatsoever you're talking about...So far, they are all dead links, abandoned address, ghost hosted websites that now redirect me into some japanese porn. yeah I swear there's a link like this also on this forum I'm using both Philip and DenHost list of ranked scenarios. AND I'M GLAD SOMEONE DID IT. AND I'M GLAD DENHOST EXPLICITLY SAID HE DON'T CARE ABOUT OTHERS SAYING THEY WERE NOT ASKED FOR. yes, yes, on this little .txt so few are reading. otherwise, I would play a very different game. Glad this exists. for all mods. Be sure I will "disseminate" your mod.

Aj, It seems the whole forum "searching tool" changed one or two days ago. Am I the only one to find it ; way less convenient ? This forum is a goldmine. Especially for classic Combat Mission. As I only play CMBB, having access to more than 20 years of data is priceless. But now, as the searching tool changed; it is definitely harder to hit the right archives. Lots of possibilities before...Like "all my search terms words" / "any of my search terms words" / "this forum" / "everywhere" / "title only" / "date" / "most relevant" / "author" / (...) Thus, it seems now that I constantly hit the same old threads... Any thoughts of others ?