TacOps Gazette
MajorH1
awful losses against that dug-in gauntlet...>>
There is no perfect solution because the computer has a number of
different opening setups. However...
Generally this scenario will not be true gauntlet unless one dawdles and
thus surrenders the initiative to the defenders. If one moves quickly the
defense will usually be found to be one or two thin crusts.
Study the mission. In this scenario the US wins by penetrating and
exiting so avoid the temptation to get sidetracked into deliberatly
assaulting and clearing every OPFOR unit on the map. Concentrate just on
the enemy units that you encounter that can effect your mission. Fight
individual enemy positions for only as long as they are a threat to your
penetration.
Study the enemy situation. In this sceanrio OPFOR has to at least
initially string its forces out in a thin line across the whole North
South axis of the map. Since you can choose where your pentration attempt
will take place, you should be able to achieve local superiority at that
point, especially if you move quickly once initial contact is made. You
can generally expect an initial contact with a very thin OPFOR outpost
line a kilometer or two west of where their main line will be. Blast thru
that screen quickly. If you pause your advance and set about methodically
assaulting these outposts you are just making yourself an easy target for
OPFOR arty and especially for the dreaded Multiple Rocket Launcher
Battalion.
Study the terrain. The penetration is a situation where you don't
necessarily need or want observation of large areas of the map. You
especially don't want your forces to be observable from large areas of the
map. Choose a route that maximizes use of blocking terrain to limit enemy
long range line of sight into your leading and overwatching forces while
still allowing you to concentrate return fire on the units that pop up in
your narrow "tunnel" of movement/observation.
Choose one axis of advance and keep all of your forces on it. Advance your
forces by either bounding or rolling overwatch, until the time arrives to
actually penetrate the main line of resistance. Lead with a third to a
quarter of your force and choose a covered avenue of approach that lets
most of the rest of your force overwatch the leading elements. This may
be a scenario where bunching up your forces (especially those in
overwatch) is an acceptable risk. Your leading units are going to get
nailed periodically - that is the price of penetration. Your objective
should be to position your overwatching force so that you are able to
quickly annihilate with only a couple of volleys any enemy armored units
that fire on your leading elements.
Once you have contact with OPFOR's outpost line, begin leading your
advance with a rolling arty barrage. OPFOR at that time will know where
you are anyway, so start hitting with HE any likely hides for OPFOR ATGMs
overlooking your avenue of approach. When you acutally spot ATGMs or armor
then switch to ICM. Once you think you have identifed the OPFOR main
line, then immediately burn up all your ICM on the narrow area that is to
be your actual penetration point or on targets overlooking that area.
Smoke your flanks. This will eleminate the ability of many enemy units to
spot for arty. Even thermal equipped units will lose a bit of their
direct fire accuracy when firing out of smoke. Absolutely do not smoke
your own postions during a penetration action. Speed is essential and
driving through smoke reduces your speed greatly.
As you are working through the OPFOR main line, be alert for a
counterattack from your flanks or rear. The counterattack force will
usually be tanks, maybe supported by BRDM-ATs. If they appear, you may
have to momentarily stop part of your penetration to deal with them. Stop
the portion of your force that is nearest to the counterattack, put them
in defilade and spin their fronts toward the counterattack - keep the more
distant units moving directly toward their penetration goal if possible.
Once you have pentrated the OPFOR main line, smoke your rear and race off
the map. As you move farther east, continue to smoke your flanks because a
counterattack force may still be in pursuit. The smoke will at least slow
them down.
Best regards, Major H.
(I. L. Holdridge for Arsenal)
Henri H. Arsenault
>
> Choose one axis of advance and keep all of your forces on it. Advance your
> forces by either bounding or rolling overwatch, until the time arrives to
> actually penetrate the main line of resistance.
Do you mean that moving units in the game fire less accurately than
stationary ones? I guess that would be the case in real life...
Henri
--
Henri H. Arsenault
ars...@phy.ulaval.ca