OK, I better read this. I started my next post last night and have been working on it this morning. I interrupted my writing last night because I had rented "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit."
I really enjoyed this movie. I've been a Kevin Costner fan for decades and have taken to Chris Pine over the past 10 years. He was an excellent choice for James T. Kirk and does a great Jack Ryan too. But more than that, I have been a Kenneth Branagh fan since the 1980s when he directed/produced the Shakespeare movies. I was pleasantly surprised to find him playing the villain in this movie as well as the Director. If you like Cold War Spy thrillers, you'll like this movie. It pits the CIA v. former FSB agents in a high tech thriller. Very well done, Mr. Branagh.
This morning I interrupted by writing for church.
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Summer break begins today!
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I will continue to be one of the oldest members of this community in August.
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If you are a fan of Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar, let me know. Maybe we can put together an RP. I play Ironjawz & Kruleboyz in AOS and Salamanders & Drukhari in 40K.
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Happy holidays, everyone!
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Summer break is almost over. Back to work/school and all that non-fun stuff.
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Bio
I am a veteran of the United States Army and the US Army National Guard. I spent three years on Active Duty serving in the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Ft. Carson, CO, and the 3rd Armor Division at Kirch Göns, West Germany. I spent 18 years in the Army National Guard with the 26th Infantry Division "Yankee" and 29th Infantry Division (Light), "The Blue and the Gray". I was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 29th ID (L) in 2001 - 2002. I have also been reading military history articles and books since I was 10 years old. I do prefer Military Role Plays over all other genres, primarily because I have a vast knowledge of the subject including personal experiences. At the very least, my characters are always veterans.
I have been writing for pleasure for at least 35+ years but only got into forum-based Role Playing about eighteen years ago. I do enjoy Nation Role Plays and get into minute detail when designing my military. The only reason I enjoy excruciating detail in my militaries is because for me, it is fun. My education and experience on this subject afford me the insight to see the depth of the structure. It is not just a General and a large pile of soldiers. If someone wants assistance in designing an army, navy, or air force, please send me a PM. I will help. Please specify what level (echelon) or depth you would like me to go. When I say echelon, I mean Army, Corps, Division, Brigade/Regiment, Battalion/Squadron, Company/Troop/Battery, Platoon, and Squad/Section.
When I was a student in High School, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, I have been DMing a 5e campaign of my creation for my son and his friends. 5e is so much less cumbersome than earlier editions of D&D. I do have an interest in Tolkien-esque fantasy-styled Role Plays as well. Time travel has always been a fun genre for me, but to do it well, one must have a firm grasp of historical facts.
There are only a few fanfictions I will participate in; Star Wars and Star Trek are two of them. I want to do an exclusively Klingon RP one of these days. I also avoid Canon characters.
I have real-world martial arts experience. I would love to write an RP about hand-to-hand combat, no fantasy magic chit, just hands elbows, knees, and feet. Maybe the occasional head butt thrown in to mix things up. I trained in Krav Maga for six and a half years. I earned a first-degree black belt in Krav Maga on 3 June 2017.
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art form that employs practical self-defense techniques drawing forms & techniques from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwando. It is very brutal, demanding, and aggressive. During the seven years I trained, I have bruised two ribs, sustained several muscle pulls, and various lacerations and bruises over my body. I have received a sprained ankle and a fractured wrist. Before the first black belt test, I received a bone bruise to my right shin; where my roundhouse kicks impact. Yet, I am stupid enough to continue training. [Regardless of the physical pain, it is more fun than any other physical activity I have engaged in. Fortunately, the bone bruise healed up prior to the third and final test. EDIT: I did leave the sport over five years ago. :(]
Over two years ago I completed my first novel, a science fiction set in the 24th century. It focuses on a Private Military Corporation solely employed by the earth government. I started a second book in November 2022 and hope to work on that this summer when I have more time.
Send me a PM for a Role Play or if you would like to see what sort of an army I could build for you.
--Gunther (AKA: Old School)
Gunthers Cast of Hooligans
I have been writing for pleasure for at least 35+ years but only got into forum-based Role Playing about eighteen years ago. I do enjoy Nation Role Plays and get into minute detail when designing my military. The only reason I enjoy excruciating detail in my militaries is because for me, it is fun. My education and experience on this subject afford me the insight to see the depth of the structure. It is not just a General and a large pile of soldiers. If someone wants assistance in designing an army, navy, or air force, please send me a PM. I will help. Please specify what level (echelon) or depth you would like me to go. When I say echelon, I mean Army, Corps, Division, Brigade/Regiment, Battalion/Squadron, Company/Troop/Battery, Platoon, and Squad/Section.
When I was a student in High School, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, I have been DMing a 5e campaign of my creation for my son and his friends. 5e is so much less cumbersome than earlier editions of D&D. I do have an interest in Tolkien-esque fantasy-styled Role Plays as well. Time travel has always been a fun genre for me, but to do it well, one must have a firm grasp of historical facts.
There are only a few fanfictions I will participate in; Star Wars and Star Trek are two of them. I want to do an exclusively Klingon RP one of these days. I also avoid Canon characters.
I have real-world martial arts experience. I would love to write an RP about hand-to-hand combat, no fantasy magic chit, just hands elbows, knees, and feet. Maybe the occasional head butt thrown in to mix things up. I trained in Krav Maga for six and a half years. I earned a first-degree black belt in Krav Maga on 3 June 2017.
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art form that employs practical self-defense techniques drawing forms & techniques from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwando. It is very brutal, demanding, and aggressive. During the seven years I trained, I have bruised two ribs, sustained several muscle pulls, and various lacerations and bruises over my body. I have received a sprained ankle and a fractured wrist. Before the first black belt test, I received a bone bruise to my right shin; where my roundhouse kicks impact. Yet, I am stupid enough to continue training. [Regardless of the physical pain, it is more fun than any other physical activity I have engaged in. Fortunately, the bone bruise healed up prior to the third and final test. EDIT: I did leave the sport over five years ago. :(]
Over two years ago I completed my first novel, a science fiction set in the 24th century. It focuses on a Private Military Corporation solely employed by the earth government. I started a second book in November 2022 and hope to work on that this summer when I have more time.
Send me a PM for a Role Play or if you would like to see what sort of an army I could build for you.
--Gunther (AKA: Old School)
Gunthers Cast of Hooligans
Most Recent Posts
I attended a TOW Trainer Course in 1991. I was hoping they would impart some tactical deployment techniques, but alas, that was not to be. The course had more to do with the specifics and capabilities of the weapon. It is actually quite slow compared to a HEAT round fired from a MBT. On an average encounter, a T72 could get off 3 shots before the missile strikes their tank. They may not be well aimed shots, but nevertheless, they rounds will go down range. The best the tank crew can hope for is to disrupt the aim of the gunner. One too many flinches and the missile could go flying off into the heavens. But as of 1983, no WARSAW Pact tank crews know this.
I like your post so far what I have read. It looks good. I used Molln as the left end of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Armor Division (US). You can face US 4th Battalion, 41st IN (M) in Molln and Deutshces Bundeswehr on the north side of town.
When I post, I will detail the Combat reconnaissance Patrol (CRP), then the next wave of East Germans and then the main body trying to cross either at route 5 into Lautenburg or the lake to the north and eventually falling back onto Rare's 498th FSB int he Brigade Support Area.
Rare hasn't introduced his character yet, but he's taking the Battalion Commander for my Brigade's Forward Support Battalion. This would be a good time for Kingkonrad's Airborne unit to insert at Naturschutzgebiet Boberger Niederung, a small airfield southeast of Hamburg. This is where Rare's FSB and the Brigade's BSA is located.
When I post, I will detail the Combat reconnaissance Patrol (CRP), then the next wave of East Germans and then the main body trying to cross either at route 5 into Lautenburg or the lake to the north and eventually falling back onto Rare's 498th FSB int he Brigade Support Area.
Rare hasn't introduced his character yet, but he's taking the Battalion Commander for my Brigade's Forward Support Battalion. This would be a good time for Kingkonrad's Airborne unit to insert at Naturschutzgebiet Boberger Niederung, a small airfield southeast of Hamburg. This is where Rare's FSB and the Brigade's BSA is located.
Soviet Doctrine calls for masses of Artillery upon the enemy. This is contrary to Western Maneuver based doctrine. There is an element known as the Regimental Artillery Group (RAG) which consists of three batteries of Artillery (18 guns) and a Division Artillery Group (DAG) which consists of three battalions of Artillery (54 guns). Each Regiment has a RAG and each Division has a DAG. There are also Corps level Artillery Brigades containing three to five battalions of Artillery, just larger than a DAG; 54 - 72 guns per BDE. The Soviets and E. Germans will target grid squares (1Km x 1Km) areas with Artillery. They hope to overwhelm the enemy with artillery and Air Interdiction missions to keep them off balance.
The west prefers to use their line companies to maneuver around the enemy to get on a flank and hit them where they are least prepared. They use artillery to attrit the enemy and break up his defenses or confuse them as to where friendly units are attacking from.
The first element across the 1K zone will be the Interceptors conducting Air Control (AC) missions in order to eliminate enemy air in hopes of achieving either Parity or Air Supremacy. In conjunction with the AC mission is the Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD). This is a 2-ship team with an Electronic Warfare (EW) variant aircraft flying in high searching for enemy Air Defense Radars and an attack aircraft flying in low ahead of the EW aircraft. When the EW aircraft detects radar emissions, he jams them first and then sends their location to the attack aircraft who should already be in position. The Attack aircraft pops up and fires a missile or drops a bomb into the objective area in order to Suppress Enemy Air Defense (SEAD).
Behind this first wave of SEAD and AC aircraft are additional AC and Air Interdiction Aircraft (AI). AI aircraft are attack aircraft with the intent on attacking ground targets. They are looking for enemy airfields, military bases, assembly areas or any other targets of opportunity. They strike Deep targets far behind the Line of Departure/Line of Control (LD/LC). The LD/LC is the line where friendly and enemy forces are in contact with one another.
Behind this 2nd wave would be your Air Assault objectives. Ideally, the Air Assault or Airborne unit would request Attack Aircraft conduct an AI on their objective prior to their insertion. This way, any ADA units int he area would be suppressed prior to arrival.
Once ground units arrive in contact with enemy, they can then coordinate Close Air Support (CAS) missions wtih other Attack aircraft to attack tactical units that are immediately to their front. In order to control a CAS mission, you need a Forward Air Controller (FAC) or Air Control Party (ACP). The USAF FAC or RAF ACP controls the actions of Attack aircraft in their sector. I don't know what the soviets called their equivalent of a FAC. It would be an airforce unit and the lowest you would see a FAC in the Soviet Army is Regiment. You won't see them at Battalion or Company. For NATO, you will see a FAC or ACP at Battalion level.
The Soviet Army conducts battle drills up to Battalion level. If contact is established, the leadership will call out a predesignated pro-word to his unit. The unit will react by turning toward the enemy and attacking in whatever formation they are in. They do not try to maneuver around a flank, they simply attack head on into the enemy. The Soviets hope that their artillery has weakened the enemy sufficiently and they can simply overwhelm any survivors.
The E. Germans who come in contact with the British Lancers on the border will be buttoned up. They may be behind hull/turret defilade defensive positions, but you will not find dismounted cavalry in Defensive fighting positions. Because they are all buttoned up inside their vehicles, the High Explosive rounds dropped by your RAGs and DAGs will have minimal effect on them. Possibly taking out a track. The occasional AI mission may have spotted a Recce squadron and dropped some ordnance on them taking out a few vehicles. The Queen's Lancers are there to report what they see to Army and Corps headquarters. So the Corps G2 can paint of picture of what sort of enemy he is facing. They do not want to become decisively engaged but they do want to slow down the E. Germans and Soviets. They will fire ont eh enemy, they will call in artillery and CAS missions, but then run like hell to the rear into supplementary pre-planned positions and continue to do the same thing over and over again. It will be frustrating because you won't see them. They are there, firing at you, then they are running away. YOu deploy your infantry, try to attack and then stop to mount your infantry over and over again. This process could happen 30 times over the first three days before you come in contact with Line NATO units dug in further to the west. The Cavalry simply wants to slow you down and assess your strength. When they reach friendly lines, they conduct a passage of lines, go to the rear, receive replacements for losses in personnel and equipment, get a shower and a hot meal and then conduct an attack or counterattack into the enemy.
The west prefers to use their line companies to maneuver around the enemy to get on a flank and hit them where they are least prepared. They use artillery to attrit the enemy and break up his defenses or confuse them as to where friendly units are attacking from.
The first element across the 1K zone will be the Interceptors conducting Air Control (AC) missions in order to eliminate enemy air in hopes of achieving either Parity or Air Supremacy. In conjunction with the AC mission is the Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD). This is a 2-ship team with an Electronic Warfare (EW) variant aircraft flying in high searching for enemy Air Defense Radars and an attack aircraft flying in low ahead of the EW aircraft. When the EW aircraft detects radar emissions, he jams them first and then sends their location to the attack aircraft who should already be in position. The Attack aircraft pops up and fires a missile or drops a bomb into the objective area in order to Suppress Enemy Air Defense (SEAD).
Behind this first wave of SEAD and AC aircraft are additional AC and Air Interdiction Aircraft (AI). AI aircraft are attack aircraft with the intent on attacking ground targets. They are looking for enemy airfields, military bases, assembly areas or any other targets of opportunity. They strike Deep targets far behind the Line of Departure/Line of Control (LD/LC). The LD/LC is the line where friendly and enemy forces are in contact with one another.
Behind this 2nd wave would be your Air Assault objectives. Ideally, the Air Assault or Airborne unit would request Attack Aircraft conduct an AI on their objective prior to their insertion. This way, any ADA units int he area would be suppressed prior to arrival.
Once ground units arrive in contact with enemy, they can then coordinate Close Air Support (CAS) missions wtih other Attack aircraft to attack tactical units that are immediately to their front. In order to control a CAS mission, you need a Forward Air Controller (FAC) or Air Control Party (ACP). The USAF FAC or RAF ACP controls the actions of Attack aircraft in their sector. I don't know what the soviets called their equivalent of a FAC. It would be an airforce unit and the lowest you would see a FAC in the Soviet Army is Regiment. You won't see them at Battalion or Company. For NATO, you will see a FAC or ACP at Battalion level.
The Soviet Army conducts battle drills up to Battalion level. If contact is established, the leadership will call out a predesignated pro-word to his unit. The unit will react by turning toward the enemy and attacking in whatever formation they are in. They do not try to maneuver around a flank, they simply attack head on into the enemy. The Soviets hope that their artillery has weakened the enemy sufficiently and they can simply overwhelm any survivors.
The E. Germans who come in contact with the British Lancers on the border will be buttoned up. They may be behind hull/turret defilade defensive positions, but you will not find dismounted cavalry in Defensive fighting positions. Because they are all buttoned up inside their vehicles, the High Explosive rounds dropped by your RAGs and DAGs will have minimal effect on them. Possibly taking out a track. The occasional AI mission may have spotted a Recce squadron and dropped some ordnance on them taking out a few vehicles. The Queen's Lancers are there to report what they see to Army and Corps headquarters. So the Corps G2 can paint of picture of what sort of enemy he is facing. They do not want to become decisively engaged but they do want to slow down the E. Germans and Soviets. They will fire ont eh enemy, they will call in artillery and CAS missions, but then run like hell to the rear into supplementary pre-planned positions and continue to do the same thing over and over again. It will be frustrating because you won't see them. They are there, firing at you, then they are running away. YOu deploy your infantry, try to attack and then stop to mount your infantry over and over again. This process could happen 30 times over the first three days before you come in contact with Line NATO units dug in further to the west. The Cavalry simply wants to slow you down and assess your strength. When they reach friendly lines, they conduct a passage of lines, go to the rear, receive replacements for losses in personnel and equipment, get a shower and a hot meal and then conduct an attack or counterattack into the enemy.
Doskonała wiadomość towarzysz Kingkonrad! :)
Excellent post, sir!
Excellent post, sir!
I use Google maps. The impression I got of the East Germans is slightly better in comparison to the Vichy French during WWII. You have some units that hard core and super motivated by the Soviet friendship and others that just might throw down their pieces and give up. As far as joining their West German brothers? Probably not going to happen.
"I have some Eastern Germans rifles for sale. Never been fired and only dropped once."
The Poles on the other hand are a different breed. They don't like the Russians either, but they have just as much hatred for the Germans. They won't defect.
"I have some Eastern Germans rifles for sale. Never been fired and only dropped once."
The Poles on the other hand are a different breed. They don't like the Russians either, but they have just as much hatred for the Germans. They won't defect.
I had to put two posts into one, making for one very long post.
I had been working on an introductory post of out characters before actually, getting into the fight.
I had been working on an introductory post of out characters before actually, getting into the fight.
Lucius D. Clay Kaserne
Garlstedt, Germany
Four days earlier...
"Monday I want everyone in the motor pool. We need to make sure the tracks are at a hundred percent. We are participating in Operation Able Archer in two weeks," Captain Stewart addressed the assembled group including the company executive officer, first sergeant, platoon leaders, and platoon sergeants in his office on a Friday afternoon. B Company, was one of four line companies in 3rd Battalion 41st Infantry (Mechanized) in the 2nd Armor Division (Forward) or 3rd Brigade assigned to the Kaserne in Northern Germany. The Brigade was planning to travel to their General Deployment Position (GDP) and fight a BLUFOR - OPFOR battle with some of the other NATO units in Northern Germany.
"As you all know, we will initially act as OPFOR for the Dutch 41st Armor Brigade, a Bundeswehr Panzergrenadier Brigade and a British Armor Brigade. Then three weeks into the rotation, we move to BLUFOR and the Germans assume the role of OPFOR. I want all our equipment squared away. Use this time to take care of business." OPFOR is the acronym used for Opposing Forces and BLUFOR represents Friendly forces. Often times, units act as OPFOR for one another during Force on Force training in order to provide realism to the training. The units plan to use the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) in order to determine hits and misses during training. MILES works two-fold; first, each soldier wears a harness with several receptacles on the torso and helmet and each vehicle mounts side straps with receptacles attached. An onboard computer determines what type of weapon fires at it and informs the crew if their vehicle is disabled. There is a yellow light attached to the top of the vehicle which flashes if the vehicle is disabled or destroyed. The crew, if they perish, remains with the vehicle until an Observer/Controller (O/C) has cleared them to move back toward friendly lines. The other aspect of MILES, is a laser transmitter is attached to the barrel or muzzle of a weapon system and transmits a laser beam every time a high intensity noise passes it. The loud noise is generated by blank cartridge for rifles and machine guns and a special Hoffman tank gunfire simulator for tank main guns. Blank cartridges and Hoffman simulators create the sound emitted by the weapon system and trigger the laser for the MILES transmitter. The Observer/Controllers are either battalion or brigade primary and special staff officers and NCOs.
Captain Stewart went on to discuss Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Reports (NCO-ERs) that were due to Battalion as soon as possible (ASAP) and briefly touched on a planned training meeting coming up next week to discuss the next training cycle. When the meeting was over, the assembled officers and NCOs, stood, rendered a hand salute to the "Old Man" and left the room.
"First Sergeant?" Captain Stewart called to his Company First Sergeant. At 29 years old, Captain Stewart was referred to as the Old Man an American expression for a unit commander dating back to the 18th or 19th century. The US Army is steeped in tradition.
"Yes, sir," First Sergeant Marsh clicked his heels, simulating coming to the position of attention. Something he did not have to do, but did anyway. At 35 years old, First Sergeant Marsh was the oldest man in the Company, the senior NCO, who actually ran the company. The Old Man simply got the credit for everything his NCO corps did and the blame for what they failed to do.
"First Sergeant, have you spoken with Sergeant Carlson yet?"
"Sir, I intend to speak to him in the next thirty minutes," the first sergeant responded. They were talking about an NCO who they recently discovered, received a positive report on a recent random Urinalysis test. The US Army implemented a random drug search and urinalysis system to help stop the drug problem plaguing many of the American Army units stationed in Germany in 1983. Drug sniffing dogs, guided by Military Police Officers conducted random searches of the soldiers' barracks while they slept. The dogs sniffed wall lockers, looking for drugs and the Drug Control Officer, first lieutenant Cole would administer a urinalysis test at random times throughout the year. Sergeant Carlson received a positive result. The problem with this, the Army's policy on an NCO receiving a positive report meant he was automatically separated from service and would receive a less than honorable discharge, which could be upgraded to Honorable six months after discharge if the soldier wished to do so. For lower enlisted soldiers, they were counseled, received an Article 15 and given time to rehabilitate themselves. An Article 15 is a non-judicial punishment including the loss of one month's pay and loss of one pay grade. If a soldier failed an additional urinalysis, they would then be separated from the Army.
"Thanks, top. Keep me informed," The CO stated and then the first sergeant went to his office.
Three Days Later...
"Did you hit all those lube points?" Staff Sergeant Beaudoin asked, referring to the lubrication points on the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier the soldiers of his Section would need to push grease into with a grease gun.
"Yes, Staff Sergeant," Specialist Mark Rose of Biloxi, Mississippi answered. "We was going to break some track and replaced those worn pads."
"OK, Rose. Why don't you let those other fud puckers do that, you come with me." Specialist Rose fell in with Staff Sergeant Beaudoin and headed off to speak with the Lieutenant.
After they left, Private First Class Antoin Thomas of Baltimore, Maryland asked the other soldiers of his team, "Did you hear what happened to Sergeant Carlson?"
"No man, what that niggah do now?" Private Felton, an African American from Atlanta, Georgia asked.
"He popped hot on a piss test. He's gone, bro."
"Straight up?"
"Word."
"Shit. That's some fucked up shit, man."
"You tellin' me." The two African American soldiers along with the other three soldiers worked on replacing track pads on their M113, bumper # B-13. They were member of Staff Sergeant Robert Beaudoin's 1st Team, 2nd Section.
Meanwhile,
"Specialist Rose, you are going to be TC on the Lieutenant's fifty when he dismounts." The section sergeant referred to the position of Track Commander and the fifty caliber machine gun mounted on the track.
"What happened to Sergeant Carlson?"
"Consider him ETS'd," the section sergeant responded.
"I hear he popped hot on a piss test."
The Staff Sergeant looked at Specialist Rose with a smile, "See, you're smarter than you look, Corporal."
Mark Rose didn't pick up on the word, Corporal right away and asked, "Why did the Lieutenant pick me?"
"Three reasons, you keep your nose clean, you just re-enlisted for another three years and he trusts you," Staff Sergeant Beaudoin told it straight to the 21-year old infantryman.
"Wait, Corporal!?" Mark Rose finally picked up on the section sergeant calling him by the new rank.
Contact, Action Right!
The first indication something was afoot was the number of combat aircraft taking to the skies over East Germany and Czechoslovakia shortly after 0130 hours. 7th Army Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany received the report at 0136 which was logged immediately. The American 7th Army Commander was notified along with his staff. The Battle Captain in the 7th Army Operations Center contacted VII Corps, V Corps and 2nd Armor Division (Forward) at Garlstedt, Germany by landline (telephone) of the alert. This was no drill. Each of the Corps Commands would notify their divisions and the Division Operations Centers would notify their Brigades and on down the Chain of Command.
Captain Stewart received a phone call from LTC Mason to put his company on alert. He grabbed his call list and started calling platoon leaders, Charge of Quarters at the barracks and the First Sergeant. By 0220 hours, everyone in the chain of command was notified. For the soldiers of B Company 3rd Battalion 41st IN (M), SSG Garrison was on CQ duty. He would knock and open each door in the barracks and yell, "Lariat Advance! Lariat Advance!" This warning alerted all soldiers of the company that they were to wake up, get dressed, grab their ruck sacks and duffel bags and head to the Motor park. The ruck sack would go on their tracked vehicle with them while the duffels would be stacked on the company deuce and half.
The order had been issued, the Soviets and their East German lackies were coming across the one K zone. Everyone was to move to their General Deployment Positions. All personal possessions not going to the front were locked in a footlocker to be shipped home at the earliest convenience. Spouses and all non-essential personnel were cleared out of the housing area and sent back to the United States of America. The day we all have been waiting for, finally arrived. the US and the USSR were at war.
By 0900, the 3rd Battalion was in its GDP awaiting instructions. By 1000 hours, B Company was ordered to report to the Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 66th Armor, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Funari. By 1400 hours, Captain Stewart was instructed to give up his 3rd Platoon and by 1430 hours, 2nd Lieutenant Frances Leahy of Worcester, Massachusetts reported to Captain Tom Stewart of Boston. Lieutenant Leahy brought four M60A3 Main Battle Tanks with him. Captain Stewart gave the 22-year old lieutenant a place on the line to cover. The S2 said it would be still another 60 - 70 hours or more before the East Germans reached their positions north of Lauenburg on the north edge of the Elbe River. By 1600 hours, Staff Sergeant Ray Nolan, 3rd Squad Leader, 3rd Platoon, D Company, 17th Engineers reported for duty. He would begin working on an obstacle plan as soon as possible. By 1730 hours, 1st Lieutenant Greg Butanowicz, Fire Support Officer for the newly formed Team Bravo, 3-41 IN (M) was ready for action. The Battalion staff for the 2-66 AR would be ready to issue their Operations Order at 1800 hours. Captain Stewart would attend with first Lieutenant Joel Cole (XO), Lieutenant Butanowicz (FSO), SSG Nolan (ENG) and First Sergeant Marsh (Co 1SG).
It was almost 2100 hours when the meeting was over and LTC Funari had a solid plan for the Battalion Task Force which included three companies of Armor, one company of mech infantry, a 4.2" mortar platoon and its inherent Scout Platoon. C Company, 2-66 AR had been detached to 3-41 IN (M). Team Alpha would be main effort with three platoons of Armor, one platoon of Mech Infantry (3/B/3-41 IN), FIST and a squad of Engineers. Team Tank consisted of two platoons of B Company, 2-66 AR and one platoon of M901 Improved Tow Vehicles from 3-41 IN (M), D Company (-) consisted of two platoons of Armor with no attachments. The Mortar Platoon, Scout platoon and 3rd platoon, D Company would be retained under Battalion Task Force Control.
During the ride back to Team Bravo's GDP, Captain Stewart came up with a tentative plan based on the operations order. He issued a Warning Order and Fragmentation Order immediately upon arrival at the Company Command Post (CP) and by 2300 hours, Team Bravo was moving to their assigned Battle Position. During the trip there, Captain Stewart worked on the Operations Order in the back of the M113 while Corporal Rose manned the .50 caliber Machine Gun in the TC's seat.
By zero dark thirty, the Company Team arrived at their Battle Position north of Lauenburg. Captain Stewart began assigning sectors to the platoons instructing them not to dig in yet. Once the company was in position, the three Platoon leaders, three Platoon sergeants, FSO, Engineer squad leader, supply sergeant, XO and Company First Sergeant all met at the rear of the Commander's track to listen to his hastily thrown together Operations Order. The Company Team would begin digging in at 0300 hours, 24 hours after the alert had gone out. Even in a Lightning strike, it takes time for all the components to move into place. Besides the East Germans moving across the 1K zone were currently tied up with The 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers were keeping the East Germans busy in five squadron formations composed of Chieftain FV4201 Main Battle Tanks and FV432 Armoured Personnel Carriers which were supported by RAF Hawks and Harriers as well as West German F-104 Starfighters and F4 Phantoms and of course American F16s and A-10s which would provide Close Air Support and Air Interdiction missions along their route of advance with American, German and British Interceptors flying Air Control Missions over the Area of Operations (AO).
North of Lauenburg along the Kanal, 0545 Hours 13 Nov 83
Stand To
Team Bravo established a battle position overlooking the north south canal leading north from the Elba River. The rest of 3rd Brigade or 2nd Armor Division (Forward) deployed to their right and left from the Elbe River to Mölln in the north. Captain Stewart placed his tanks on the high ground overlooking the canal. They would be able to fire down on any crossing point the enemy chose to make. 1st Platoon dismounted and occupied defensive fighting positions near the southern bridge at Lanzer See in order to prevent the enemy from crossing the bridge. 2nd Platoon defended the Route 5 Bridge leading into Lauenburg from the east. A Company occupied the city of Lauenburg and D Company defended to the north of Lanzer See.
The Battalion Scout Platoon would conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of the region on the east side of the canal and assist the British Recce squadron in conducting its passage of friendly lines. The Battalion Scouts would cross with the British Recce and occupy one of the three Battle Positions on order. The Battalion Commander with the Tactical Operations Center (TAC) would occupy the battle position with Team Bravo's tanks in the center in order to best observe the enemy's crossing of the canal. The Battalion's Tactical Operation Center (TOC) would occupy a position inside the town of Bergedorf. The Combat Trains contained the battalion's Medical Evacuation Section, four ambulances, four Vehicles, Tracked Recovery (VTR), four Maintenance Contact Teams and the Administration and Logistics Operations Center - Forward (ALOC - Fwd). The Combat Trains was located on the western edge of Lauenburg. The Field trains consisting of the battalion's mess section, supply sergeants, Maintenance platoon and POL sections was located about 30 kilometers to the west in the southeast edge of Hamburg near an old airfield. This is the site of the Brigade Support Area (BSA) which contained all the logistics support for 3rd Brigade, 2nd Armor Division (Forward).
By the time the East German Combat Reconnaissance Patrol neared the Elbe River and the north south canal, the Battalion Task Force was dug in and conducting routine Recon and Security patrols across the canal. The patrols consisted of platoon-sized elements of mechanized infantry and armor. At night, the infantry conducted squad sized dismounted patrols consisting of 8 - 12 soldiers per patrol.
Garlstedt, Germany
Four days earlier...
"Monday I want everyone in the motor pool. We need to make sure the tracks are at a hundred percent. We are participating in Operation Able Archer in two weeks," Captain Stewart addressed the assembled group including the company executive officer, first sergeant, platoon leaders, and platoon sergeants in his office on a Friday afternoon. B Company, was one of four line companies in 3rd Battalion 41st Infantry (Mechanized) in the 2nd Armor Division (Forward) or 3rd Brigade assigned to the Kaserne in Northern Germany. The Brigade was planning to travel to their General Deployment Position (GDP) and fight a BLUFOR - OPFOR battle with some of the other NATO units in Northern Germany.
"As you all know, we will initially act as OPFOR for the Dutch 41st Armor Brigade, a Bundeswehr Panzergrenadier Brigade and a British Armor Brigade. Then three weeks into the rotation, we move to BLUFOR and the Germans assume the role of OPFOR. I want all our equipment squared away. Use this time to take care of business." OPFOR is the acronym used for Opposing Forces and BLUFOR represents Friendly forces. Often times, units act as OPFOR for one another during Force on Force training in order to provide realism to the training. The units plan to use the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) in order to determine hits and misses during training. MILES works two-fold; first, each soldier wears a harness with several receptacles on the torso and helmet and each vehicle mounts side straps with receptacles attached. An onboard computer determines what type of weapon fires at it and informs the crew if their vehicle is disabled. There is a yellow light attached to the top of the vehicle which flashes if the vehicle is disabled or destroyed. The crew, if they perish, remains with the vehicle until an Observer/Controller (O/C) has cleared them to move back toward friendly lines. The other aspect of MILES, is a laser transmitter is attached to the barrel or muzzle of a weapon system and transmits a laser beam every time a high intensity noise passes it. The loud noise is generated by blank cartridge for rifles and machine guns and a special Hoffman tank gunfire simulator for tank main guns. Blank cartridges and Hoffman simulators create the sound emitted by the weapon system and trigger the laser for the MILES transmitter. The Observer/Controllers are either battalion or brigade primary and special staff officers and NCOs.
Captain Stewart went on to discuss Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Reports (NCO-ERs) that were due to Battalion as soon as possible (ASAP) and briefly touched on a planned training meeting coming up next week to discuss the next training cycle. When the meeting was over, the assembled officers and NCOs, stood, rendered a hand salute to the "Old Man" and left the room.
"First Sergeant?" Captain Stewart called to his Company First Sergeant. At 29 years old, Captain Stewart was referred to as the Old Man an American expression for a unit commander dating back to the 18th or 19th century. The US Army is steeped in tradition.
"Yes, sir," First Sergeant Marsh clicked his heels, simulating coming to the position of attention. Something he did not have to do, but did anyway. At 35 years old, First Sergeant Marsh was the oldest man in the Company, the senior NCO, who actually ran the company. The Old Man simply got the credit for everything his NCO corps did and the blame for what they failed to do.
"First Sergeant, have you spoken with Sergeant Carlson yet?"
"Sir, I intend to speak to him in the next thirty minutes," the first sergeant responded. They were talking about an NCO who they recently discovered, received a positive report on a recent random Urinalysis test. The US Army implemented a random drug search and urinalysis system to help stop the drug problem plaguing many of the American Army units stationed in Germany in 1983. Drug sniffing dogs, guided by Military Police Officers conducted random searches of the soldiers' barracks while they slept. The dogs sniffed wall lockers, looking for drugs and the Drug Control Officer, first lieutenant Cole would administer a urinalysis test at random times throughout the year. Sergeant Carlson received a positive result. The problem with this, the Army's policy on an NCO receiving a positive report meant he was automatically separated from service and would receive a less than honorable discharge, which could be upgraded to Honorable six months after discharge if the soldier wished to do so. For lower enlisted soldiers, they were counseled, received an Article 15 and given time to rehabilitate themselves. An Article 15 is a non-judicial punishment including the loss of one month's pay and loss of one pay grade. If a soldier failed an additional urinalysis, they would then be separated from the Army.
"Thanks, top. Keep me informed," The CO stated and then the first sergeant went to his office.
Three Days Later...
"Did you hit all those lube points?" Staff Sergeant Beaudoin asked, referring to the lubrication points on the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier the soldiers of his Section would need to push grease into with a grease gun.
"Yes, Staff Sergeant," Specialist Mark Rose of Biloxi, Mississippi answered. "We was going to break some track and replaced those worn pads."
"OK, Rose. Why don't you let those other fud puckers do that, you come with me." Specialist Rose fell in with Staff Sergeant Beaudoin and headed off to speak with the Lieutenant.
After they left, Private First Class Antoin Thomas of Baltimore, Maryland asked the other soldiers of his team, "Did you hear what happened to Sergeant Carlson?"
"No man, what that niggah do now?" Private Felton, an African American from Atlanta, Georgia asked.
"He popped hot on a piss test. He's gone, bro."
"Straight up?"
"Word."
"Shit. That's some fucked up shit, man."
"You tellin' me." The two African American soldiers along with the other three soldiers worked on replacing track pads on their M113, bumper # B-13. They were member of Staff Sergeant Robert Beaudoin's 1st Team, 2nd Section.
Meanwhile,
"Specialist Rose, you are going to be TC on the Lieutenant's fifty when he dismounts." The section sergeant referred to the position of Track Commander and the fifty caliber machine gun mounted on the track.
"What happened to Sergeant Carlson?"
"Consider him ETS'd," the section sergeant responded.
"I hear he popped hot on a piss test."
The Staff Sergeant looked at Specialist Rose with a smile, "See, you're smarter than you look, Corporal."
Mark Rose didn't pick up on the word, Corporal right away and asked, "Why did the Lieutenant pick me?"
"Three reasons, you keep your nose clean, you just re-enlisted for another three years and he trusts you," Staff Sergeant Beaudoin told it straight to the 21-year old infantryman.
"Wait, Corporal!?" Mark Rose finally picked up on the section sergeant calling him by the new rank.
The first indication something was afoot was the number of combat aircraft taking to the skies over East Germany and Czechoslovakia shortly after 0130 hours. 7th Army Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany received the report at 0136 which was logged immediately. The American 7th Army Commander was notified along with his staff. The Battle Captain in the 7th Army Operations Center contacted VII Corps, V Corps and 2nd Armor Division (Forward) at Garlstedt, Germany by landline (telephone) of the alert. This was no drill. Each of the Corps Commands would notify their divisions and the Division Operations Centers would notify their Brigades and on down the Chain of Command.
Captain Stewart received a phone call from LTC Mason to put his company on alert. He grabbed his call list and started calling platoon leaders, Charge of Quarters at the barracks and the First Sergeant. By 0220 hours, everyone in the chain of command was notified. For the soldiers of B Company 3rd Battalion 41st IN (M), SSG Garrison was on CQ duty. He would knock and open each door in the barracks and yell, "Lariat Advance! Lariat Advance!" This warning alerted all soldiers of the company that they were to wake up, get dressed, grab their ruck sacks and duffel bags and head to the Motor park. The ruck sack would go on their tracked vehicle with them while the duffels would be stacked on the company deuce and half.
The order had been issued, the Soviets and their East German lackies were coming across the one K zone. Everyone was to move to their General Deployment Positions. All personal possessions not going to the front were locked in a footlocker to be shipped home at the earliest convenience. Spouses and all non-essential personnel were cleared out of the housing area and sent back to the United States of America. The day we all have been waiting for, finally arrived. the US and the USSR were at war.
By 0900, the 3rd Battalion was in its GDP awaiting instructions. By 1000 hours, B Company was ordered to report to the Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 66th Armor, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Funari. By 1400 hours, Captain Stewart was instructed to give up his 3rd Platoon and by 1430 hours, 2nd Lieutenant Frances Leahy of Worcester, Massachusetts reported to Captain Tom Stewart of Boston. Lieutenant Leahy brought four M60A3 Main Battle Tanks with him. Captain Stewart gave the 22-year old lieutenant a place on the line to cover. The S2 said it would be still another 60 - 70 hours or more before the East Germans reached their positions north of Lauenburg on the north edge of the Elbe River. By 1600 hours, Staff Sergeant Ray Nolan, 3rd Squad Leader, 3rd Platoon, D Company, 17th Engineers reported for duty. He would begin working on an obstacle plan as soon as possible. By 1730 hours, 1st Lieutenant Greg Butanowicz, Fire Support Officer for the newly formed Team Bravo, 3-41 IN (M) was ready for action. The Battalion staff for the 2-66 AR would be ready to issue their Operations Order at 1800 hours. Captain Stewart would attend with first Lieutenant Joel Cole (XO), Lieutenant Butanowicz (FSO), SSG Nolan (ENG) and First Sergeant Marsh (Co 1SG).
It was almost 2100 hours when the meeting was over and LTC Funari had a solid plan for the Battalion Task Force which included three companies of Armor, one company of mech infantry, a 4.2" mortar platoon and its inherent Scout Platoon. C Company, 2-66 AR had been detached to 3-41 IN (M). Team Alpha would be main effort with three platoons of Armor, one platoon of Mech Infantry (3/B/3-41 IN), FIST and a squad of Engineers. Team Tank consisted of two platoons of B Company, 2-66 AR and one platoon of M901 Improved Tow Vehicles from 3-41 IN (M), D Company (-) consisted of two platoons of Armor with no attachments. The Mortar Platoon, Scout platoon and 3rd platoon, D Company would be retained under Battalion Task Force Control.
During the ride back to Team Bravo's GDP, Captain Stewart came up with a tentative plan based on the operations order. He issued a Warning Order and Fragmentation Order immediately upon arrival at the Company Command Post (CP) and by 2300 hours, Team Bravo was moving to their assigned Battle Position. During the trip there, Captain Stewart worked on the Operations Order in the back of the M113 while Corporal Rose manned the .50 caliber Machine Gun in the TC's seat.
By zero dark thirty, the Company Team arrived at their Battle Position north of Lauenburg. Captain Stewart began assigning sectors to the platoons instructing them not to dig in yet. Once the company was in position, the three Platoon leaders, three Platoon sergeants, FSO, Engineer squad leader, supply sergeant, XO and Company First Sergeant all met at the rear of the Commander's track to listen to his hastily thrown together Operations Order. The Company Team would begin digging in at 0300 hours, 24 hours after the alert had gone out. Even in a Lightning strike, it takes time for all the components to move into place. Besides the East Germans moving across the 1K zone were currently tied up with The 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers were keeping the East Germans busy in five squadron formations composed of Chieftain FV4201 Main Battle Tanks and FV432 Armoured Personnel Carriers which were supported by RAF Hawks and Harriers as well as West German F-104 Starfighters and F4 Phantoms and of course American F16s and A-10s which would provide Close Air Support and Air Interdiction missions along their route of advance with American, German and British Interceptors flying Air Control Missions over the Area of Operations (AO).
North of Lauenburg along the Kanal, 0545 Hours 13 Nov 83
Stand To
Team Bravo established a battle position overlooking the north south canal leading north from the Elba River. The rest of 3rd Brigade or 2nd Armor Division (Forward) deployed to their right and left from the Elbe River to Mölln in the north. Captain Stewart placed his tanks on the high ground overlooking the canal. They would be able to fire down on any crossing point the enemy chose to make. 1st Platoon dismounted and occupied defensive fighting positions near the southern bridge at Lanzer See in order to prevent the enemy from crossing the bridge. 2nd Platoon defended the Route 5 Bridge leading into Lauenburg from the east. A Company occupied the city of Lauenburg and D Company defended to the north of Lanzer See.
The Battalion Scout Platoon would conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of the region on the east side of the canal and assist the British Recce squadron in conducting its passage of friendly lines. The Battalion Scouts would cross with the British Recce and occupy one of the three Battle Positions on order. The Battalion Commander with the Tactical Operations Center (TAC) would occupy the battle position with Team Bravo's tanks in the center in order to best observe the enemy's crossing of the canal. The Battalion's Tactical Operation Center (TOC) would occupy a position inside the town of Bergedorf. The Combat Trains contained the battalion's Medical Evacuation Section, four ambulances, four Vehicles, Tracked Recovery (VTR), four Maintenance Contact Teams and the Administration and Logistics Operations Center - Forward (ALOC - Fwd). The Combat Trains was located on the western edge of Lauenburg. The Field trains consisting of the battalion's mess section, supply sergeants, Maintenance platoon and POL sections was located about 30 kilometers to the west in the southeast edge of Hamburg near an old airfield. This is the site of the Brigade Support Area (BSA) which contained all the logistics support for 3rd Brigade, 2nd Armor Division (Forward).
By the time the East German Combat Reconnaissance Patrol neared the Elbe River and the north south canal, the Battalion Task Force was dug in and conducting routine Recon and Security patrols across the canal. The patrols consisted of platoon-sized elements of mechanized infantry and armor. At night, the infantry conducted squad sized dismounted patrols consisting of 8 - 12 soldiers per patrol.
Modern tanks do travel at 50MPH. But this is not Call of Duty or any other video Game. If the lead tank, takes off at 50MPH, no one will be able to keep up with him. The Queen's Lancers will be able to kill each tank one by one as they come through the 1K zone. The reason they travel at a slower speed is to increase unit integrity, cohesion and so that they can support one another if they do get surprised on the road heading west.
Once the tanks get into a firefight a T-72 might need to "sprint" forward or laterally in order to cover a flank or take advantage of a penetration. Since they are using Bound and Overwatch movement tecnhique, a tank will sprint forward to a covered position and sit still, watching for enemy vehicles while a platoon mate advances. The three tanks in the platoon would take turns leapfrogging forward once enemy contact is suspected. If they just ride all willy nilly, hanging ten, letting the breeze blow through their hair, they will get killed. I guaran-God-damn-tee it as a matter of fact!
As far as at what time during the advance they are detected? Well that would be as soon as they depart their bases. It would not be once they cross the 1K zone into West Germany. There are plenty of East Germans working for the BRD government to keep NATO informed.
Once the tanks get into a firefight a T-72 might need to "sprint" forward or laterally in order to cover a flank or take advantage of a penetration. Since they are using Bound and Overwatch movement tecnhique, a tank will sprint forward to a covered position and sit still, watching for enemy vehicles while a platoon mate advances. The three tanks in the platoon would take turns leapfrogging forward once enemy contact is suspected. If they just ride all willy nilly, hanging ten, letting the breeze blow through their hair, they will get killed. I guaran-God-damn-tee it as a matter of fact!
As far as at what time during the advance they are detected? Well that would be as soon as they depart their bases. It would not be once they cross the 1K zone into West Germany. There are plenty of East Germans working for the BRD government to keep NATO informed.
Goldmarble said
And thick, boggy mud is no friend to armored vehicles?
We don't want to make it easy, right? :)
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