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After Action Reports => Digital Gaming AARs => Topic started by: Crossroads on February 19, 2017, 12:28:46 PM

Title: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on February 19, 2017, 12:28:46 PM
Libya 1985: Crisis in Sirte, a Battle in IV Parts

Getting closer to having CS Middle East 2.0 in BETA status, and while on ALPHA level yet, how about showing the game's latest incarnation by doing another During Action Report.

The scenario chosen is from the new content to 2.0, albeit available for test plays already at Matrix CS Middle East forum.

Having done a 1967 DAR with The Crossroads (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=15700.0), a 1973 DAR with Into Africa! (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=14980.0), it is time to move into 1980s with a hypothetical Brits vs Libyans situation under the Crisis in Sirte set of games.

We're playing n:o 3 Riptide, depicting a strong Libyan counterattack against the British Quick Reaction Force bridgehead.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9926%3Bimage&hash=3c55e9b6802ef4f932023ac52a455038ccd7b19e)

Here's the briefing in full:

QuoteCrisis in Sirte: 3. Riptide

6 August, 1985  [Sirte, Libya] [H2H] [FIC] [CSL]:

Having completed their first phase of the operation, the exhausted British Quick Reaction Force settled in for the night, pulling back to the vicinity of Sirte. "Shire" level targets all secured, it had not been
a bad first day at the office.

Using the cover of the night, elements of the Libyan Mech Bde closed in, determined in their knowledge that if they ever want to throw the invasion force back into sea, now is the time.

On 6 August 1985 at 0430 hrs the British alarms went off: Libyans are on the move! Now they must put all they have learned on mobile defense into use, if they are to survive.

[Note: British Gunships deliberately without a HQ. Once they've spent their 4 missile loads, they're done.] [ALL: OPT AF]

Here's what supposedly happened before:

[spoiler=Crisis in Sirte: Prelude to Breakout]
QuoteCrisis in Sirte: 1. Prelude

5 August, 1985  [Sirte, Libya] [H2H] [FIC] [CSL]:

Tensions flew high even before Colonel Gaddafi again claimed the Gulf of Sidre as Libyan territorial waters, sinking a British merchant to make the point. After having witnessed a set of retaliatory air strikes against his military bases, he then stormed the British Embassy in Tripoli, taking the surviving personnel hostages. Not to give in to Gaddafi's demands, the United Kingdom soon deployed one of her Quick Reaction Forces into Mediterranean.

With part of Libyan Army now in revolt, it was quickly decided an incursion into Sirte would be called. The plan called first to secure the Port of Sirte as a location to land further reinforcements, with the final
aim of securing the Ghardabiya Air Base as a base for further strikes against forces still loyal to Gaddafi.

Soon, the elements of the QRF Air Assault Regt embarked their Chinook transports in Malta, to quickly secure Gaddafi's home city, believed to be guarded with only a weakened element of a Libyan Mech Bde
as all eyes were on events taking place in Tripoli. 

With gunships on their flanks, the Chiinooks took off towards Sirte, flying low under the Libyan radar and missile cover.

[Note: British Gunships deliberately without a HQ. Once they've spent their 4 missile loads, they're done.][ALL: OPT AF]


Crisis in Sirte: 2. Breakout

5 August, 1985  [Sirte, Libya] [H2H] [FIC] [CSL]:     

With Port of Sirte secured,the pressure was on to expand and secure the bridgehead before the forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi can react. Without a delay, the elements of the Air Assault Regt were ordered to secure the vital road networks next to city of Sirte. At the same time, the landing crafts disembarked their load into the port facilities, unloading elements of the QRF Mech Bde, with orders to push further on.

First target: the various hamlets under code name "Shire". Then,  "Umbria" and "Kent", if possible.     

The surprised Libyan Armed Forces were now putting together a first coherent attempt at a counter attack, under strict orders by Gaddafi to throw the enemy to the sea. Yet, the commander of the Libyan
Mech Bde was aware he was still reacting  to events, and was pondering whether to contain the bridgehead, rather  than to go all out on the British mechanized forces now streaming out of the city.

[Note: British Gunships deliberately without a HQ. Once they've spent their 4 missile loads, they're done.] [ALL: OPT AF]
[/spoiler]

After the current scenario, there'd be the endgame between the forces, literally:

[spoiler=Crisis in Sirte: Endgame]
QuoteCrisis in Sirte: 4. End Game

7 August, 1985
[Sirte, Libya] [H2H] [FIC] [CSL]:

Having survived the fierce Libyan counter attack, if just barely, the now reinforced Mech Bde of the British Quick Reaction Force moved again into attack. Not allowing the enemy any chance to catch their breath, they took immediately towards the Ghardabiya Air base. Surely, with the beating they took, there can't be many Libyan units left to defend the vital airport?

Answering to the now critical situation at the sector, the surviving elements of the Libyan Mech Bde formed smaller task forces, and sent them into hull down positions around the basin.

[Note: British Gunships deliberately without a HQ. Once they've spent their 4 missile loads, they're done.] [ALL: OPT AF]
[/spoiler]

So here goes, here's the set-up:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9912%3Bimage&hash=0692dfd18c00221f318e5d7a127e354ff306874b)

- Fog of War, at high level, on.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9914%3Bimage&hash=a46ad8931fe03aa2dcd0522ef01921a427c3c88a)

In addition,
- Indirect Fire by the Map, so I can plot artillery even without spotters. It will not be accurate then, but at least possible.
- Extreme Fog of War, to hide enemy unit info par their strength.
- Extreme Assault, not so extreme imho, just not the simple Overrun mechanism that is the default.
- Adaptive A/I, for additional setting variety under die rolls.
- Armor Facing Effects OFF, as I prefer it. Just don't like it. Many do, so play it as you wish, I set it Optional under scenario play suggestions.
- Command Control, for penalties unless you keep your coys together under bn, and bns together under their command.
- Variable Visibility, for a die roll of +/-1 change in visibility per turn.

And here's the first view of the battle map:

[spoiler=The new 2D Zoom-in View with a new option of unit images on counters](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9916%3Bimage&hash=a98cf4a01cd97c9989fb228e144580a0b415c8bd)[/spoiler]

Scimitars! Chieftains! Lynx Gunships! What's there not to like   :knuppel2:  :smitten:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 20, 2017, 02:18:15 PM
Turn 1: Battle Plan

Here's the Strategic Zoom-Out View of the map:

[spoiler=THE CUNNING PLAN](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9918%3Bimage&hash=f0ec846074a3fa1c7155821ba09d60243386a27d)[/spoiler]

The British Quick Reaction force is well spread out after their first full day, having first secured the Sirte ports with scenario #1: Prelude, then secured the bridgehead perimeter in scenario #2, Breakout. With a small screening force towards south, where strong Libyan mechanized elements still secure the vital Ghardabiya Air Base, the QRF has settled for the night, securing a perimeter outside Sirte.

Their next day would call for a finishing strike against Ghardabiya. Instead, a strong Libyan counter attack is exptected imminently, as the approaching Libyan mech force is first spotted by night patrols.

The Yellow arrows show the expected enemy arrival routes, while the orange ellipses mark my (or rather: their) Objective Locations.

Victory points show a Minor Victory at this stage, I am sitting at 700 VP worth of objectives, so the attrition will make it or break it at the end. I will adapt a very cautious strategy for the first turns, of which three first turns are night turns. As the situation becomes clearer, I hope I can then rely on my mighty Chieftains to destroy anything bold enough to appear in front of their gun sights.

Indeed, my concern is not their T-72 MTBs  but rather the various ATGM equipped forces, not least the Hind Gunships that will have an infinite supply of rockets at their air base.

I, too, have a Lynx flight of two Lynx sections 2 helos each, but no supply, so once they have emptied their rocket pods, I am out.

For this build, we are experimenting with a new tweak for SAM's, where they can reach Low altitudes (two hexes from ground, ie 250-500m), previously they were able to hit High altitude (three hexes+, ie 500m+). That will in effect force me to stay on Nap of Earth level only, as Libyans have SAMs, I don't. My tracked Rapiers won't appear until next day! And not for this scenario, but scenario four....
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 20, 2017, 02:48:34 PM
Turn 1: Battle stations!

Playing it safe, time to get out of harms way with my forward recon!

[spoiler=SCOUTS OUT, SCOUTS IN](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9920%3Bimage&hash=a4991a1b7832b56a6d03dbfb8156a129e48566b3)[/spoiler]

Next, eyes to the front... Again, with Libyan SAMs able to fire at Low, my aerial recon capabilities are severely hindered here.

[spoiler=HUNTING HIGH AND LOW. SAM, THAT IS](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9922%3Bimage&hash=9a50b5a410964c3202fb033d20672f103cdaab1c)[/spoiler]

Here's the situation at the EOP of British turn #1.

[spoiler=EOP BRITISH TURN #1](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9924%3Bimage&hash=d202cd749f17e1e53887c73408e8e61afdfc8469)[/spoiler]

What I've done in addition to above, I've

- had most infantry digging in IPs
- brought my MANPAD teams forward
- spread the few Scimitars to scouting missions.

And that's it. Being a bit passive here, but hey these guys were supposed to have been taken by surprise so here goes: Over to Berto!  :knuppel2:





Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: -budd- on February 20, 2017, 03:41:08 PM
Nice O0 .....map looks familar
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Staggerwing on February 20, 2017, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: -budd- on February 20, 2017, 03:41:08 PM
Nice O0 .....map looks familar

No doubt. There's not too many places that saw both the Afrika Korps and ISIL come through.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Con on February 20, 2017, 10:13:58 PM
What about the first US invasion force in the first Barbary Wars where the US Marines were the first to fly a US flag over captured territory outside of the United States when they took the Tripolitian city of Derna.

(pre1941 version) Marine Corp Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
On the land as on the sea;
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 25, 2017, 07:13:16 AM
Quote from: Staggerwing on February 20, 2017, 09:47:22 PM
Quote from: -budd- on February 20, 2017, 03:41:08 PM
Nice O0 .....map looks familar

No doubt. There's not too many places that saw both the Afrika Korps and ISIL come through.

Indeed! DAK, ISIL, and this one in-between!  :timeout:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 25, 2017, 07:31:01 AM
Into Turn #2

Having received the PBEM file from Berto, having watched his turn Replay (nothing there but night crickets), time to continue the preparations for withstanding the wall of steel heading my way...

First, Global Opportunity Fire settings...

Hard Vehicles: I rarely set my tanks to fire at Long, but these are Chieftains  :knuppel2: I see you, you're dead baby! No use to fire at anything else but the juicy targets. Takes the oomph off from any fishy moves like milking my best units to fire at his trucks or some other low value units the opponent wants to use for having my units reveal themselves.

AT: With ATGMs, I am happy to fire at Medium. Again, no use wasting the precious missiles on anything less!
AAA: Set to only fire at enemy Helos. Libyan Hinds are a major threat in this scenario!

[spoiler=Global Op Fire Settings](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9952%3Bimage&hash=68aae675e1be170959aad7fb8d5ef8807ab57432)[/spoiler]
Other firing units: mostly infantry, but notably, Helos too. Tanks are priority target. With LAWs and other short range stuff, it is important to set the OpFire against enemy armor at Long. Shorter for other targets. Note: I am assigning Op Fire individually for my Helos, don't want to have them operate on these global ones.

Short Term Plan, or ramblings. Whichever.  :D

- Get the recon out. That is what they are here for. Dawn is breaking, daylight in turn 4.
- Mech Infantry: find your vital ground, dig in. Fight.
- AT assets: prepare kill zones. Hide. Then Kill.
- MPAD teams. Screen out. Hide.
- Paras, still worn out, as depicted here, as they bore the grunt of fighting during the past two days (Sirte 1. Prelude, Sirte 2. Breakout.): Consolidate. Maybe a mobile reserve? Plenty of APCs to go around.

- No retreat! I order my men to finish the scenario holding all objectives. Tactical retreat, yes. To be followed with hard counter attacks. Sirte Port must be secured, there's all the reinforcement to appear for Sirte 4. Endgame, to make the decisive push to Ghardabiya Air Base.

Here's the Para Bn consolidation in progress. I hit the Highlight Org icon to have them stand out, while selecting their HQ.

[spoiler=Paras on the Move](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9954%3Bimage&hash=0c2f745a3c5cc8b36a42b1913e195611a2697589)[/spoiler]

And here's the part where I wrote "AT assets: prepare kill zones. Hide". In addition to finding hexes with a good Concealment factor, I place them to bottom of stacks, so they don't stand out so much. No doubt Berto will study all stacks in his fronts carefully, but anything for even a slight advance go for it right.

[spoiler=You first! No, you!](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9956%3Bimage&hash=9c55aca9626c895c666185bd4ac863f5237a4706)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 25, 2017, 08:28:41 AM
The Last Stand of Outpost "Yorkshire"

Quote from: Crossroads on February 25, 2017, 07:31:01 AM

- No retreat! I order my men to finish the scenario holding all objectives. Tactical retreat, yes. To be followed with hard counter attacks. Sirte Port must be secured, there's all the reinforcement to appear for Sirte 4. Endgame, to make the decisive push to Ghardabiya Air Base.

Here's a snippet of the goings at "Yorkshire". I'm moving a platoon with a recon mission forward to the Rubble hex there, with close support by a Scimitar platoon. Behind, I am digging in at "Yorkshire".

[spoiler=recon is what recon does](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9958%3Bimage&hash=8dfb5834d942527a4447af8ad6989706e82f4817)[/spoiler]
Last stand! Need to prepare well. There's a couple of new, nifty feature in the latest Alpha build to assist me with that, let us have a look at them closer.


Terrain Effect Modifiers: You want all the advantage you can to Combat Result die rolls, right. Now you can see the TEM factor hex by hex. Rubble stands out with a 0.65 modifier. Nice.

[spoiler=errain Effect Modifiers](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9960%3Bimage&hash=6ef5866253b8aea7db732fa9b4d8fe17d417f440)[/spoiler]

Concealment: Similarly, you can now have a look at each hex and its Concealment factor. Gotta love the Rubble here again  :smitten:

[spoiler=Concealment](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9962%3Bimage&hash=f17167d1521edd58691c8a431c23d2e342b654c0)[/spoiler]

Morale: So if you're nicely secured, they can't see you, that should be good for your Morale? Yessir! Everyone's favorite here? Rubble  :bd:

[spoiler=Morale](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9964%3Bimage&hash=bb9ebaaedf93a177a53c9a93e8a189a65b23d1b1)[/spoiler]
See how being in the Open is a Generally Bad Idea, Morale included.

I guess that settles it: I am digging in, in all that Rubble that lies around, after the heavy fighting of the last two days  O0
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 25, 2017, 08:40:15 AM
EOP British Turn #2

So there we go. Having moved about, consolidating, no idea what the opponent is doing, a few finishing moves with Recon spreading out. I am setting their Op Fire to None, so hopefully, they see but are not seen.

[spoiler=Recon Op Fire None](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9966%3Bimage&hash=dc80e1a7702ebb012b41b0d35182e1c81424f98f)[/spoiler]

And that's it. Here's the overall look at end of Brit Turn #2. Closing in, preparing to mass my firepower to sectors where I wish to fight. Looking at this, I really should have send one Platoon towards Outpost "Kent" as well. If it would look occupied, maybe it would cost Berto a few precious turns as he'd prepare to close in expecting a hard fight. Maybe there's time to do it next turn? Let us see...

By the way I've moved back to NATO symbols on Standard Counters look. I prefer it when looking at an overview. Once the Libyans start to close in, I am moving back to 3D unit images on Alternate Counters, to observe all the details the unit pictures provide.

[spoiler=EOP British Turn #2](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9968%3Bimage&hash=eb0441cb68d6420aadb5a40275e8fedda31d59f3)[/spoiler]

That's it, over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 27, 2017, 03:23:17 PM
British Turn #3

Game turn arrived. Still no idea what Berto's doing... nothing out there but them night cricket yet again...

So let us enjoy the beautiful Libyan desert nights then. We've added a new set of Night tiles to the game to cover the whole terrain and vegetation set of tiles. During the night turns, everything's covered with a green hue, a quite nice effect, within my obviously biased eyes of course.

[spoiler=the night was young we were bold](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9972%3Bimage&hash=2bc7e3a9196343a4ccfacdf790a42fdb2f0a3db7)[/spoiler]

The new Zoom-in 3D tiles are not there yet to showcase, but how's this for an effect with the existing 3D 100% view.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.matrixgames.com%2Fforums%2Fupfiles%2F32195%2F0EBFB3D21BE243B9A2F27D9775B51174.jpg&hash=0e823c73be9594847e70c20c6a735abe268f490f)

Neat, eh  :)

Preparations continue with my QRF. MPAD teams are out now, ATGM teams hiding out there. I've also consolidated my two Chieftain Coys together for a maximum shock and awe. One troop is out there, but the rest of them hide in the orchards.

I've moved the Paras to the western edge of Sirte now, but waiting to see what Berto does before committing them anywhere. The Para Coy at Outpost "Devonshire" is a bit isolated, I am afraid they will go out of Combat Efficiency once the going gets tough, so I am preparing to move them to Sirte as well, while moving the one Mech Coy in Sirte there to replace them.

Here's the Highlight HQ showing the Paras on the map. Gotta move them closer together. Also on the show are the finished NATO symbols with all the details in there now. Counter edges sharpened as well.

[spoiler=highlight hq](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9974%3Bimage&hash=6952ff342f5db7af44fb31e5d61eed27ea762267)[/spoiler]

On the other hand, the 1980's UK Bn C&C Range is pretty awesome. I could actually move their HQ a tad East, and it could have the easternmost Paras yet within the C&C limits. Options!

Here's another little detail featuring for the first time: HQ Range not only shows the range as it used to, but now also shows the C&C values as they continue to drop off. The 50% sector used to be the only info out previously, as the outline of the range, now this too can be calculated with more details.

[spoiler=hq range](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9976%3Bimage&hash=d814c43e548270ce245ddf22fb536a574191b724)[/spoiler]

Not much to do but dig deeper and wait for the onslaught. Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 28, 2017, 08:52:11 AM
So what do you guys think about the use of Spoilers to hide the screenshots? Would you rather see the pictures without them, or do you like to read, then open the relevant pictures, as was my idea behind posting like this?
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: mirth on February 28, 2017, 08:53:50 AM
I like your use of the spoiler tags.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: -budd- on February 28, 2017, 09:10:01 AM
I like the spoiler thing
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on February 28, 2017, 09:22:21 AM
Thanks, I'll keep at it then!

In before anyone else opinions the opposite  8)
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Sir Slash on February 28, 2017, 11:18:14 AM
I like what you're doing now. And love the night-look. It looks like...... night.  :o
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Commander Cody on March 02, 2017, 03:24:24 AM
Like the spoilers. And looking forward to some action.

Cheers,
CC
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2017, 12:20:49 PM
Quote from: Commander Cody on March 02, 2017, 03:24:24 AM
Like the spoilers. And looking forward to some action.

Cheers,
CC

Thanks! And wait no further!

British Turn #4

Replay: Libyan Turn #3

The cover of the night during the first three turns is not quite that, talking about concealment here. The Soviet gear Libyans are running were forerunners with Night Vision (IR) equipment, and it tells. My dithering with having eyes at Outpost "Kent" clearly sent a Scimitar troop to harms way, for they never knew what hit them.

One moment they were there, speeding towards their objective...

[spoiler=now you see them](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9986%3Bimage&hash=25aab96ca8f5c8a5038521aa84a5f920a3b639aa)[/spoiler]

Next moment, they're gone.

[spoiler=now you dont](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9988%3Bimage&hash=ffe19eaa716a9aeb8b324083c952db20ca2ea5ec)[/spoiler]

Modern battlefield is a lethal place  :(  Something fired at them from "Kent", as told by muzzle flashes.

Meanwhile, with visibility at two hexes (500m), a Libyan T-72 troop arrives next to my recon platoon at "Cumbria"!

Are there more of them out there? I guess I will find out, as the sun is about to rise in turn 4...
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2017, 12:41:56 PM
Turn #4 - Dawn's Early Light

Oh say can you see, ... A Libyan Tank Compan-ee! (I get my coat)

Seems they, in turn, were not expecting outpost "Cumbria" occupied, and since I had a forward platoon with eyes on that ravine, I caught them on a neat marching order. No sign of any AA assets either.

Good thing I brought my Gunship sections forward! At Nap-of-Earth, they consume quite a lot of Action Points on movement, but the target is so close now.

Let us plan this carefully. I cannot lose them at this early stage, so no room for mistake.

First I select the forward platoon and toggle on the Visible Hexes (Binoculars with Hex superscript).

Then, I toggle on Contours (Map with contours symbol), and Elevation labels (Map with "1" label).

The peaceful desert terrain can now be seen in a devilish manner that it is. I have my Helos at Nap-of-Earth, at a reverse slope (or thereabouts), so I will risk flying forward, staying close to friendlies to ensure I don't haplessly fly over a hostile unit that can fire at the earth hugging helos.

[spoiler=View to a kill](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9990%3Bimage&hash=6d510f9d85141af4e3756b924b90e76b81a8aa37)[/spoiler]

The last shades of doubt cast aside, I will engage first with the Lynx section closer to target.

What I did first here I selected the first Lynx section, clicked at Save AP for Firing (AR with a Lock superscript). To make sure the action took place, check the little bullet icon in the Unit Infobox,

Next, I  clicked at Reachable Hexes (Moving Truck with Hex superscript).

Here the high cost of Nap-of-Earth maneuvering can be seen, as I barely will have the Action Points to engage the target and then to reach back to safety.

[spoiler=there and back](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9992%3Bimage&hash=2e8e87ef2f4491b97cd7582b92ab225f5164af3f)[/spoiler]

Engage! Now, I toggled to Visible Hexes (Binoculars), and while having Save AP for Firing still ON, I can now move (without a fear of using too many AP to be able to fire), hex by hex, check the visibility, and stop to fire once I see the target(s).

Here we go. Fire! "Firing"... "Target Destroyed" (obviously I had not fired yet at the time of the screenshot, but pasted the Damage Report for effect  :smitten: ) And back to safety.

[spoiler=first Lynx section engaging](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9994%3Bimage&hash=b0bbd336fbce9e57bd5e8dfccec69278b8ef413c)[/spoiler]

Rinse and repeat for the other section. "Firing..." "Target Destroyed" (See the leading Libyan tank platoon now missing, and the first Lynx section safely back at reverse slope position)

[spoiler=second Lynx section engaging](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9996%3Bimage&hash=e3e8a487fe97bf90b80836ad69d5c7085592d83d)[/spoiler]

Tick six T-72s off the Libyan armor  :knuppel2:

Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2017, 12:54:45 PM
Turn #4 - Scimitars Forward

With the fresh wreck markers depicting the burning T-72s, I then go about tucking the Mech and Para Infantry platoons with their Support Platoon sections to their places. While doing that I almost missed there's a Libyan recon section approaching outpost "Devonshire" from the east. I have my Scimitar section in place, so time to pay back. Ensuring they are within range, I toggle on the Weapon Range indicators (AR with Hex superscript).

They are, so I open fire immediately without moving, as that might have triggered their Op Fire. Firing... One enemy vehicle destroyed, the other one pushed back!

[spoiler=giving it back](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D9998%3Bimage&hash=48c9fac5ac28431e468900cc3dc99fdf20131078)[/spoiler]

I decide to Fire again, but to no effect this time. I just have the APs to retreat a bit myself, just outside their LOS. So I do just that. Having shot, time to scoot!
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2017, 01:03:48 PM
British EOP Turn #4

Time for the finishing moves. I decide to mass more firepower forward, so I bring the single Chieftain Tank Company at my command forward. The terrain here provides for excellent reverse slope tactics, so I do just that.

Two Lynx Gunship sections (circled in white) and five Chieftain troops (circled in pink) at your service! To support them, several ATGM teams (brown circles) and importantly, MANPAD teams (blue circles) are around for perimeter defence.

I also spotted two 81mm mortar missions next to "Cumbria". I don't have any other artillery here, so will have to do with them.

[spoiler=reverse slope](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10000%3Bimage&hash=a982bf49afdbb475e5766c043fcd686d3d493444)[/spoiler]

Despite of the early success, definitely no room to get cocky here. Libyans have their Hinds too, and recon Helos too, and enjoy the fact that they've got SAM batteries securing the airspace.

I mentioned earlier, that we tweaked the SAM behavior a bit, now there's a modified chance they can hit the Low air level as well. I will showcase this in more detail in coming postings.

But not now. Did You Know? Brits introduced hot water boilers to their Scimitars (and Chieftains too I believe), so time for a fresh brew!

Here's the EOP #4 from the British point of view. The Butcher's Bill, as it goes, says:

Brits:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2017, 03:51:31 PM
At this stage I should apologize for my English, not a native speaker so please bear with me  O:-)

To add to that, I realise military terminology varies from country to country. I am trying to stick to British terminology here, so the Chieftains of the Royal Tank Regiment and its A Squadron present here form Troops, not Platoons.

In a similar fashion, the Lynx attack helicopters of the Army Air Corps Regiment are two Sections of 2 Westland Lynx AH.1 ATGM armed helicopters, so half a Flight I believe. Four Sections to one Flight.

As for the British OoB present here, I formed the British Quick Reaction Force from elements of the British Army on Rhine formation, as seen here.

There's quite a few things under the hood of what forms a scenario in CS Middle East, all available within the full set of Editors that ship with the game: Map Editor, Organizations Editor, and Scenario Editor to combine the two.

Here's a snippet of the 1985 BAOR TO&E from Org Editor:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 05, 2017, 10:08:29 AM
Turn 5 Opening

Ping, says the email as Berto sent over his move.

"Still no sign of the enemy, or little of them (you).  That will soon change, I am sure.", he reports.

The problem is I see him, as that's how the LOS in the game works. You don't spot on the arriving turn, as any hostile units that lose their concealment become visible the beginning of next turn.

Daybreak continues, Visibility improved a bit this turn, to 7 hexes (1 750 meters).

Here's what my forward units report on hostiles on their LOS. Despite the obvious areas where I don't see anything (and it is not guaranteed I see everything on my LOS either), another Libyans Tank Coy is spotted southwest of Cumbria, by my recon Helo section.

[spoiler=Sitrep: more hostiles!](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10019%3Bimage&hash=31ba82346b76a55b2bf33598761504ad8a9ccdee)[/spoiler]

Libyans continue their cavalry charge with tanks at vanguard, so let us plan accordingly.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 05, 2017, 10:19:01 AM
Gunships Forward!

I will first deal with the newly spotted Libyan TC (tank coy).

With visibility now at 7, I just need to pop up a bit over the slope I am hiding behind. I don't see any danger anywhere, apart from the fact they've got their Hind Gunship at NoE airlevel, so there's a risk it Op Fires at me. For that reason I try to stay just outside its LOS, and attack the tank troop farthest from it.

Here's the flight plan. Highlighted hexes reveal my movement range at NoE, with Save Ammo toggled ON:

[spoiler=Lynx One Mission plan](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10021%3Bimage&hash=917a17c8fb176a80e4bf8156cc122f35c93c10bf)[/spoiler]

Here's the execution of the flight plan. Now the highlighted hexes reveal my LOS. I will only fly just to the edge of my visibility, fire, then return. I believe I got one T-72, with two of them retreating out of my LOS. It is not always a slam and dunk. But this is good, I am not complaining, they are quite in a rush to get shot so more chances I am sure.

[spoiler=Lynx One firing](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10023%3Bimage&hash=0a692b58317e697f4ee12145675ce94eefc83250)[/spoiler]

And here's the Lynx section safely back, hovering just behind that reverse slope.

[spoiler=lynx one mission complete](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10025%3Bimage&hash=3bce41d3ab1240fa7d64dcd063b834db59b0b69a)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 05, 2017, 10:32:18 AM
Outpost "Cumbria"

Next, let us deal with the Libyan TC that introduced themselves to us, uninvitedly I might add, the previous turn. My forward platoon at Cumbria continues to have eyes on the ground, so I have all the advantage here.

First, Milan team: Three T-72s at 1250, behind infantry, prepare to fire. "Ready to fire!". Fire! "Firing... Three tanks destroyed!".

Oh my, that was a lucky die roll, I expected to get one or two at max, and a retreat perhaps.

[spoiler=Milan team getting some](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10027%3Bimage&hash=89cd2ed696d5b896fcc6f01397d8efbb65200aee)[/spoiler]

Lynx Two begin their turn at a perfect firing position, as NoE is <25 meters, and elevation delta in this map is 20 meters. They literally are hugging the earth there, yet able to see the level in front of them.

Lynx Two, you are good to go!  "Target acquired" ... "Firing..." Target destroyed".

[spoiler=Lynx two good to go](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10029%3Bimage&hash=ba18ecee0848163fa48d74048621db257808deb6) [/spoiler]

I then order them retreat one reverse slope further, as the Libyans are edging closer. I don't want these assets to be visible to Libyans, and I still have just the little room for maneuver I need. They, too, are now down to two ATGM loads.

[spoiler=lynx two mission completed](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10031%3Bimage&hash=12a27261c81e1e0537db35ff6f2467631e9b948b)[/spoiler]

In addition, the forward platoon at "Cumbria" opened with their LAWs (or whatever they carry), fired twice at the T-72 Coy HQ tank, no hits.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 05, 2017, 10:50:14 AM
Turn 5 Ending Moves

Another good turn for the Brits here, just what they trained for at gunnery range. Here's a few thoughts behind their early success:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Sir Slash on March 06, 2017, 11:08:43 AM
Pass the popcorn. This is getting good.  :hide:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 06, 2017, 12:54:45 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 06, 2017, 11:08:43 AM
Pass the popcorn. This is getting good.  :hide:

Berto's quite the history buff, and he for instance gave me a proper spanking in our West Bank 1967 battle for Jenin. I am not sure he's really looked at these 1980s hypotheticals, so the brutality of the modern weapon systems must come as a bit of a rude awakening to him. He's got some neat gear too though, I just need to hope he doesn't get into positions to use them   :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 09, 2017, 12:18:39 PM
Turn 6 Opening

"No payback yet!", said Berto's email, with the PBEM turn attached. And how could it be, as I had moved my units out of his LOS. I'm sure there's tons of other interesting developments though, as he's had yet another turn to maneuver his units to position. It will be interesting to see if there's a change of plan, a retreat and regrouping of a sorts? I am not sure he quite expected the wall of British steel that landed on his vanguard during the first two immense turns of action.

Time to find out!

Here's the Sitrep my recces tell me:

Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 09, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Battle for the Main Supply Route Objective

So let us have a closer look at the Libyan western vanguard. There's a fresh Tank Coy with two 3 track platoons, and their command unit. Supporting them are what seem Sagger armed BMP-1s. Op Fire in CS is always a bit of an enigma, if you want to rely on it you typically want to have so many gun tubes pointing at the enemy he'd rather back off than try his luck. That is what Berto did here, not sure I want to have my single Chieftain troop lift their turrets above the crest to face that fire power.

Visibility from various hexes varies a lot too, due to elevation changes, and the shorter visibility. Here's my plan to dent the newly spotted threat:

Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 09, 2017, 12:50:43 PM
The Cunning Plan. Blackadder would've been proud

First, the Milan team duly plans their move. With Save AP for Firing and Reachable Hexes both toggled ON, they confirm they can move forward and fire. Milan team: one T-72 at 1500 meters, go at'em! "Firing position reached, firing... Deflection!" A Disrupt, but no kill. Not good.

[spoiler=Step One](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10065%3Bimage&hash=af79f649aba20026a078c6df33b4f216fd965714)[/spoiler]

And it gets worse. Scimitars now report the intel's been wrong. To fire at the BMP-1 platoon, they can fully expect Op Fire not only from the disrupted T-72, but from a full strength T-72 platoon as well. Scimitars: Break Off! Break Off!

[spoiler=Step Two](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10067%3Bimage&hash=b5587cda0af0e59667cd39411234a71219d80a6a)[/spoiler]

But I want that Strength 3 T-72 off the books this turn. So while I planned to have Lynx One save their remaining two ATGM loads for later, I order them to wipe out the BMP-1s instead.

With Lynx One, there's no surprises, the professionals they are. "Target locked. Firing... Target destroyed!" And back to reverse slope they go.

[spoiler=Step Three](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10069%3Bimage&hash=dd6f909272f28855e21d30c2a6031c28bfc2a3ab)[/spoiler]

Next, Enter the Chieftain! Finally first blood with those mighty battle tanks! Now, if you paid attention, and I surely did not, in my Cunning Plan post I marked the hex where'd they engage the T-72s from. The only problem? The bloody hex is not visible from there! So having moved to the firing position, they report no LOS to the target, and in general are quite :tickedoff: about this.

Not prepared to let the Libyans get away this easy, I order them to move about a bit to find a proper firing position. As they do that, they are Op Fired by the very same T-72 platoon they are after, and roll a Retreat on the battle result.

Interim report on Cunning Plan: Lynx One down to one last ATGM load, Scimitars still in harms way, and Chieftains stuck in the open ground, in front of the elements of the Libyan Tank Battalion, and no Action Points remaining to go anywhere.

[spoiler=Step Four](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10071%3Bimage&hash=d13c5fdcc8d927cbc8193a1f280fd041403518c2)[/spoiler]

Man, they are so toast now. I might start writing letters home already  :-\

Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 09, 2017, 01:03:53 PM
Cunning Plan, cont'd

Trying to give the Chieftain Troop even a small fighting chance, I order my Milan team at "Cumbria" to step forward and destroy the other BMP-1 platoon, just one hex outside they LOS. They duly obey, and report the BMP-1s are not visible from there, as they're on a reverse slope. The Milan team is quite  :tickedoff: as well, for they are now left in the open. At least they've got the Action Points to Op Fire if something comes close enough to them.

[spoiler=Step five](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10073%3Bimage&hash=347273be2e0d68ffe03dc676e097392c09c6b4dc)[/spoiler]

Sheesh. Never enforce a lost cause, time to call it a day...

The FV432s of the Outpost "Cumbria" forward platoon are ordered to make a hasty retreat to safety. "Cumbria", you're on your own now!

[spoiler=step six](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10075%3Bimage&hash=6044921dc575c4a0e375564a985afa6ec685be17)[/spoiler]

And that's how the Cunning Plan played out... Having ordered my Javelin team to retreat behing another reverse slope, my troops are all neatly tucked to withold the Libyan push on this sector. All but the Chieftain Troop.

[spoiler=step seven](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10077%3Bimage&hash=429abc9b152f8f36d3627334c06649e4996f564a)[/spoiler]

The Chieftain Troops position looks so suspect, maybe Berto expects a trap, and calls a general retreat here?  :crazy2:

And that's it for today, other sectors to be played and reported tomorrow! Here's hoping they will go better!
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 09, 2017, 01:11:45 PM
Saving their hinies

Picking up where I left, I reluctantly order Lynx Two to use one of their remaining two ATGM loads to assist the stranded Chieftain troop. Anything to better the odds of even one of those MBTs surviving to fight another day.

Professionals they are, they close in...

[spoiler=Lynx Two Mission 3/(4)](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10085%3Bimage&hash=563cef848923ca7c271aab786b683cd95c13717d)[/spoiler]

... and return from their mission with two more T-72s knocked out. One got away, hopefully Disrupted, so less likely to cause grief come next turn.

[spoiler=Lynx two mission complete](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10087%3Bimage&hash=64530fab446e0fd2a6b5c1770b86514a1efc9e1e)[/spoiler]

In addition, I've got the Mortar APC with eyes on the ground, can't recall if I can fire a smoke mission as Direct Fire, that would be great. Alas, I can't, smoke is always an indirect mission with smoke available from next turn.

Too bad.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 10, 2017, 11:43:37 AM
First Blood for the Chieftains

Word of the stranded Chieftain troop got around quickly, everyone's quite moody about that, so I order the 2d Troop to knock of the Libyan AC on a recce mission. That they do. No one's feeling any better really, but everyone agrees it's fun to blow things up.

[spoiler=Strike one to Chieftains](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10089%3Bimage&hash=30836b0e6af374730f6ef64c231eebf126c69707)[/spoiler]

And that's it. Things are certain to really heat up soon. I move any soft targets to rear area, and check the situation with my recces.

Oh, the western flank. I move the lone Scimitar section a few hundred meters forward, only to have the other track go up in smoke. Looks like a Sagger armed BRDM-2. The surviving Scimitar track quickly retreats behind the reverse slope.

[spoiler=trouble in the west flank](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10091%3Bimage&hash=f3dd70812bff45dc9fb0ff2a19e35070a5b3d2c0)[/spoiler]


What a proper finishing act for the turn that was not quite what it was meant to be.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 10, 2017, 11:51:53 AM
EOP British Turn 6

Finally, checking everyone's outside Libyans LOS, time to finish the turn. Gained new ground with VPs, but could have dealt quite a crushing blow but did not.

The noise about the imminent loss of one Chieftain troop of three tanks seems maybe an exaggeration, but the Brits are really walking a thin line here. I mean, there's only 13 of them to begin with.

But, there's lot to be happy about too. Had the Libyans taken more time to learn about my troop positions, and used their Hind section to the same effect I've used my two Lynx sections, the overall situation might be perhaps quite a different one. And their Gunships don't run out of ammo, they can always retreat to Ghardabiya Air Base for reloads...

[spoiler=EOP Brit turn 6](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10093%3Bimage&hash=5458de2ab8c0cb97eb2493f10bfb695e164287b3)[/spoiler]

So at the end of the turn: we are here because we're here. Turn over to Berto!

He should still not have many targets besides my stranded Chieftain troop, so perseverance is the order for their day. Once I've ran out of reverse slopes to hide, once they close in, well, we'll see how it will go.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tankmuseum.com%2Fsingle%2Fbeltring.jpg&hash=4b0e5b8dc13c963ce853393d0ff6ce36564e5890)

I will miss my Chieftains though :'( Button up guys, button up! Incoming!
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: mirth on March 10, 2017, 12:07:19 PM
Good stuff, Crossroads.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 05:16:01 AM
Quote from: mirth on March 10, 2017, 12:07:19 PM
Good stuff, Crossroads.

Thanks  :)  The fun here is pretty much the non existent margin for error. The Brits continue to rule the battle field to the point they don't, just need to prolong that time as far towards the end of the scenario as possible.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 05:24:00 AM
Turn 7 Opening Sitrep

Talking about margins of error, let us see then what happened. I fully expected to see this: a Chieftain graveyard

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Well_used_tanks%5E_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1521684.jpg)

Amazingly that is not how it turned out. Hostiles left right and center, but in the middle, standing their ground: the stranded Chieftain troop  :o

I believe it was fired by two T-72 platoons and by a Sagger armed BMP-1, at 1 000 meter distance, they had the luck of the Irish. No kills, no disruptions, not even a retreat.  :hide:

This will be know as The Miracle of Cumbria. Too much of good luck? We're playing with betas, I need to check what happened. More of that later.

Meanwhile, unexpectedly, a full blown attack from the East. See my Scimitars hiding there, with Op Fire set to None. They observed the formation go by, but amazingly were not bumped into.

We'll have a full blown tank duel this turn, I'll have my Tank Coy heading to meet them, especially as I believe I noticed the Libyan Hind section (white circle with a "?" on it) leave the area to support the push in the middle?

What else? Oh yes, the Redeye MPAD team at Outpost "Devonshire" had the Libyan Mi-2 recce section (white circle with a Helo chit on it) at their sights, but did not score a hit. Libyans took off, fast, though, so mission accomplished. Trying to keep them blind as much as I can. Visibility is up to 9 (2 250 meters), so less chances to hide though.

[spoiler=Opening Sitrep Turn 7](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10111%3Bimage&hash=c3418f847bc2cc031c8cddbcbfb27785cccae94b)[/spoiler]

Middle sector will need to hold, I'll leave them to close in, I have the Milan teams and the surviving Chieftain troop to snipe at them. I'll have Lynx One and Lynx Two pull back, saving their final ATGM loads for a near term crisis I am sure is soon to break out.

We're on! One third of the scenario down, two thirds to go.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 05:36:45 AM
Quote from: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 05:24:00 AM
Turn 7 Opening Sitrep

Talking about margins of error, let us see then what happened. I fully expected to see this: a Chieftain graveyard

Amazingly that is not how it turned out. Hostiles left right and center, but in the middle, standing their ground: the stranded Chieftain troop  :o

I believe it was fired by two T-72 platoons and by a Sagger armed BMP-1, at 1 000 meter distance, they had the luck of the Irish. No kills, no disruptions, not even a retreat.  :hide:

This will be know as The Miracle of Cumbria. Too much of good luck? We're playing with betas, I need to check what happened. More of that later.

Well I decided not to wait, but created a quick Test Bed with Scenario Editor, using the existing Sirte MAP and ORG files as a basis.

Here we are, three Libyan Tank Coys with one BMP-1 bottom of stack, facing four Chieftain troops at 3 and 4 hexes (750 and 1000 meters, respectively).

And this is how it played out:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 05:40:19 AM
To be continued later today, or tomorrow latest with counter attacking their attack  :)
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: -budd- on March 12, 2017, 05:55:44 AM
Crossroads I'm having a little trouble believing those scrimtars weren't spotted. Is this the case of they didn't fire or get bumped into and Berto doesn't spot until next turn. Man I have hard time fixing that idea in my head, so when moving during your own turn you will spot nothing unless they fire on you or you bump into them..Is that a correct interpretation,Just trying to explain the scrimtars.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 07:02:27 AM
Quote from: -budd- on March 12, 2017, 05:55:44 AM
Crossroads I'm having a little trouble believing those scrimtars weren't spotted. Is this the case of they didn't fire or get bumped into and Berto doesn't spot until next turn. Man I have hard time fixing that idea in my head, so when moving during your own turn you will spot nothing unless they fire on you or you bump into them..Is that a correct interpretation,Just trying to explain the scrimtars.

Budd, my guess is that during the previous turn where visibility was 6 both sides had at least that much space between them. I did not see anyone in front of me, I am assuming Berto neither. I take care to move outside LOS of any enemy Recce out there, or where possible eliminate that Recce which has eyes on my units.

When Berto moved ahead for his #6 turn, during the turn he moves to new positions he does not spot from the destination hex(es) until from the beginning of their next turn, not during the movement turn. 

My Scimitar on the other hand stayed put, and as the Libyans moved into its LOS it was able to spot what it did, and beginning my turn #7 the replay shows any units that passed my LOS, in addition to what stayed there. Hence I saw the Hind flightpath.

Scimitar section had its Op Fire set to None against all target types so did not fire at anything thus revealing itself (firing units are spotted in most cases), and was lucky enough to be not bumped into. If you bump into something in a manner you were to move to that hex, or beyond, the unit that stands there is spotted. If you just move next to one, but do not have the AP to move over the unit, or do not try that, you don't see it.

Since you can see both DAR reports, you can perhaps see what happened. First, check my EOP #6, then check Berto's opening view to his turn #6 as he moves second. Then check his EOP#6 view, and my opening #7 view.

I hope this makes sense.
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 07:07:28 AM
So yes, during the turn #6 IGOUGO timespan, he did not see me in the beginning of his turn, did not bump into me (somehow!), and I did not fire at him  :hide:
Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 10:51:29 AM
Chieftains Nine Lives

Shaken from all the shelling, but saved by the deflections, the Chieftain troop considers their odds.

The Libyan TB as that's what seems to be making the noise here has now deployed into battle formations. Screened by infantry, if only by one hex at this time, they've got two Shilka platoons protecting them against enemy air activity (the other one is below the two T-72 platoon chits).

Chieftain troop has visuals to the lone T-72, the BMP-1 platoon, and the Sagger team hastily deploying in for protection. I will not loiter too much around, I'll take my chances the T-72 has already used its Action Points last turn (so no Op Fire but full AP as of their beginning of turn), I am guessing the Sagger team just rushed in and won't be available either, so will take out the BMP-1s and retreat to reverse slope the friendly Javelin team is occupying, and then get the hell out of there and quickly.

[spoiler=shoot and scoot!](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10117%3Bimage&hash=25f92d22cd4ee40d1f00569347523fc92f72580c)[/spoiler]

And so it played out. The thin skinned BMP-1s stood no chance.

I then use the Double Time option to get the Javelin team out of there as well.

Here they all are, neatly tucked behind my main defense line, as the reverse slope provides it.

[spoiler=getting outta there part II](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10119%3Bimage&hash=b1e7fd9652ded2a41db0053ea40dd453e13eaa26)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte, a Libya 1985 what-if
Post by: Crossroads on March 12, 2017, 10:57:31 AM
The Great Tank Battle

I'll just have the time to have a look at the unexpected Libyan TC flanking me from the East.

My, if it wouldn't have been those Scimitars, I'd have no idea what would be coming from there! The guys at outpost Devonshire don't see a thing moving in that plateau the Libyans are arriving from.

Again, I have the initiative to strike first. What rotten luck for the Libyans. They were doing everything right here. Leading with their Recce, keeping their distance to hit at anything the Recce spots.

[spoiler=They dont get a break do they...](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10121%3Bimage&hash=31ebc716767f53333f9285a4f4acdb9c02229949)[/spoiler]

To be continued.
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 13, 2017, 11:04:56 AM
Let us continue then. I actually watched the Libyan Turn #6 replay again to see what happened there next to my Scimitars. Well, sh*t happened, if you ask the Libyans. They actually arrived from the north, deployed right next to my recces lying low there on a defilade, and made an about-turn towards west and towards my lurking Tank Coy.

Sometimes when it rains it pours.

[spoiler=Units OFF map view](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10123%3Bimage&hash=ae7fb94aefbc3ca3aec84bda239c7b3afd4d0c82)[/spoiler]

So, let us engage the sudden opportunity then. A neat way to study the terrain is to turn the Units OFF, for a better look of map without any chits (or 3D Unit Images if you're playing 3D) on them. The plateau is clear, all I need to do is order my tankers to engage the T-72s before they come any closer. Seems no BMP-1 support, just the T-72s there.
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 13, 2017, 12:02:24 PM
Refusing the Flank

Assessing the situation, let us engage them one by one. One of the troops only has two tracks, they started the hostilities by knocking out the recce section nearest to them, firing from where they stood. Then, the accompanying troop with three tracks leap frogs them to meet'n greet the three T-72s behind them.

[spoiler=First in first out](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10125%3Bimage&hash=34700e4285585cc2061498d20c1d3595a68e1697)[/spoiler]

That done, the next three tracks leap frog again, engaging the next three T-72s, at 2000 meters. Only now the HQ sections react by Op Firing back, and from that distance, to no avail.

[spoiler=the carnage continues](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10127%3Bimage&hash=48be7b24fa468b36fad8ab9f8bd1d4311980cd84)[/spoiler]

I would have the Action Points to fire again, but since the plan is to play the long game (it is only turn 7 now!), I have them retreating to their next firing positions. That is the last reverse slope I have before the Sirte city gates.

[spoiler=move and fire. fire and move](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10129%3Bimage&hash=a4013056092c8d87e7d8d0bb2ac0a631891a12e9)[/spoiler]

Situation deemed to be under control, my HQ section of two tracks speeds off to assist the lone Chieftain troop in the middle section.

[spoiler=ready for the next round](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10131%3Bimage&hash=2936468d71b0f584a87a5606597d33da056ac30d)[/spoiler]

The modern battlefield. Swift and Brutal. All gone quiet again.
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 13, 2017, 12:38:44 PM
A Day in the Life of a Scimitar Section

So what now for the Scimitars, lying on a defilade under camo nets. As far as I can tell the Libyan tankers all exhausted their Op Fire. Only one way to find out. SCOOT!

[spoiler=from fire to frying pan ](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10133%3Bimage&hash=2b4dedc6b1baa479fb6302e5059ba9d729ffdcad)[/spoiler]

Holding my breath, i have them jump off a click towards east. No firing, they're safe! Better leave a further click or two between them and the peeved Libyan tankers. This should see them safe...

[spoiler=and they pulled it off. wheew!](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10135%3Bimage&hash=8f010f20cfc30927534a9c143409121029a1621d)[/spoiler]

Maybe, they can even sneak back to friendly lines. Maybe.
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 13, 2017, 12:51:04 PM
EOP British Turn #7

With all action over in minutes, time to continue to play the long game. Lynx One and Two are told to fall back a bit to ensure they're out of harms way, and to wait for their final mission. Only one ATGM load left for each of them.

[spoiler=f-f-f-falling](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10139%3Bimage&hash=2d4bc3dbd557deda184a7f93b1d7192b0898fd37)[/spoiler]

It's all gone quiet again... I hope. No one here but us tumbleweed... Mi-2 section hovering in the distance can only observe the dust clouds in the direction the Brits went, with the red ellipse depicting the current Visibility of 9 hexes (2 250 meters).

Apart the lone Chieftain troop that did not have the AP to move behind the reverse slope. If I observed right, Libyan Hinds moved quite far off, so maybe they don't have the Action Points to get back in. We'll find out.

[spoiler=Its oh so quiet](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10137%3Bimage&hash=e16c9a8836b7ccbc55e02bd5f2555be211a931b1)[/spoiler]

That done, time to send the turn back to Berto.

The Libyans been a bit stirred and shaken here before any of their infantry has had a chance to even engage yet. It is only turn 7 now, but I am feeling the worst sting of the Libyan attack must be wearing off. Good news no doubt, as I have pretty much used the little room for maneuvering I had. Soon, the Mi-2 should be able to report on my units to the remaining Libyan task force, be they behind slopes or not.

Visibility settings in this scenario depict a Dawn attack, soon the visibility will be up to 12 hexes or three clicks, no hiding from the sun after that.

[spoiler=one sided love affair](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10141%3Bimage&hash=0c7f62a980f4a8c8e707aa5176bf1add07ecd9fc)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: JasonPratt on March 16, 2017, 11:31:59 AM
Coming in late, but  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 16, 2017, 12:04:25 PM
Thank you Sir. I only do Platoons and Operational. Must be because I grew up with Panzer Leader and 3rd Reich  :smitten:
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 17, 2017, 11:08:32 AM
Let us hear it for the next 450!

While waiting for Berto's next turn, let us hear it for our NATO military symbols library, which just passed the 450 mark (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=4254936)! Our very own @Warhorse who does all the 3D Unit Images for vehicles, also holds the master copy of those. Playing a Platoon scaled game, and often with Extreme Fog Of War ON, it's good to have as much information about those hostile chits as possible.

During this DAR I spotted the Libyan BMP-1s were on a "wrong" symbol, which indicated a tracked armored infantry fighting vehicle only, instead of being amphibious, and at worst armed with ATGMs as well. See those BMP-1s on the hill slope. Missile mark in the symbol, better steer clear of them  :knuppel2:  Compare to my FVT 432 APCs, which don't swim nor shoot missiles when aggrivated.

[spoiler=500 here we come](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10157%3Bimage&hash=3a285e7d2eda433e2724d0bade05c830f2071088)[/spoiler]

Also, Mike delivered the recentered British Unit Images that are used on top of the chits, vive la small differences. Chieftains were a bit off for instance, so much better now. Some of the Infantry types got a one, two px nudge as well.

[spoiler=Brits, recentered](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10155%3Bimage&hash=7f8cf7ff3374052ea3b3ef81cf372cef88200a2c)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Giving Gaddafi His Due - CS: Middle East - Crisis in Sirte'85 (Libya Hypoth.)
Post by: Crossroads on March 18, 2017, 02:26:18 AM
Next Stop Ghardabiya Airbase

Ping, said the email, with a message the eerie, empty battlefield has thus rattled the Libyan commanders they decided to retreat to fight another day.

A bummer, in a way, as the Brits were just getting their tank engines revved up. But as I had observed during the previous turns, Libyans enjoyed the worst of luck during the few key moments so far. When it rains, it pours.

So here's the situation from British QRF point of view at the end of the hostilities. There's the forward defense at the reverse slope by the southern most Objective location, with the final stand a click further towards Sirte, that was not tested here.

The losses table together with the Victory status paint a grim story. I had designed this one to allow Libyans a 200VP deficit from battles to capture all the objectives for a Minor Win. Major Win, and Loss, I hope to include something to truly have gone wrong or right, so there's an extra level to get there.

But maybe, for the scenario releases in CS:ME2.0, I shave off some 50VP from those Victory levels, and provide Libyans with a couple support troops more, like a couple of more MPAD sections to protect them from the air. We'll see.

[spoiler=Situation at the (almost) end of play Sirte: 3. Riptide](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D18934.0%3Battach%3D10159%3Bimage&hash=8b8563dc93eb9b0d5a04c33e91ff569908c41790)[/spoiler]

(PS: Not the quite last situation, but my last save available before sending over to Berto, which turns the encryption ON from me opening the file at that stage anymore)

I have now looked at Berto's DAR entries, I will next (maybe tomorrow) write an After Action Report covering the my side of events. Here's some first thoughts:

Seems the decision to employ the Lynx One and Two fully from the beginning made a difference, they certainly managed to rattle the Libyans. They tend to do that.

At the same time, playing the long game and using the limited maneuvering space from the beginning, falling back before forced to do so, was a good tactic. Libyans continuously had nothing to shoot back, which unnerved them too.

Winner of the day? Recce.

Medals to everyone at the brave forward outpost "Cumbria", who stood the ground and delivered spot-on intel on the middle sector events opening up in front of their eyes. The Scimitar section saved outpost "Devonshire" from a well played flanking move that I was totally unprepared for.

The decision to keep my Tank Coy together seemed to have worked too, as they were able to wipe out a Libyan TC the minute they were spotted.

Special thanks to Berto who was outside his comfort zone here, in a modern hypothetical set up. I on the other hand am a fool for the era (among many other eras I am a fool for  :uglystupid2: ), so it was not an even battle in that aspect either, given this was a scenario I had done and was thus familiar with too.