General T-800 at McPherson Ridge

[Tripoli]

I'm still playing around with the idea of using AI in wargaming, and for training purposes.  And I know that Jarhead is waiting for someone to post some kind of review of Scrouge of War.  And even if he isn't, I'm saying he is to give me an excuse to play it.  So here's what I came up with: Using "GPT-4 Turbo with Memory", (which ChatGPT assures me is a competent military planner), I am going to refight McPherson's Ridge, with the AI in the role of General Buford.  It's a relatively short and simple scenario, so it shouldn't be too difficult for the AI.  My goal is to 1) determine if the AI can come up with reasonable planning documents and execute the plan based on my inputs and 2) whether this method would be an interesting way to train young officers, ie, have them come up with a set of planning documents and compare them to the AI and discuss the differences. And if none of this works out, at least I'll have fun doing it.  Comments on all of this are very welcome. I especially would like comments on the AI planning. 

A couple of notes: 1) I'll probably do a Youtube video on this experiment, so any critique here is welcome, as I'll incorporate/steal your comments for use in the video; 2) I will save the entire chat with the AI, but will not necessarily incorporate into this AAR, as that might be a bit boring.  If you have any questions about my conversations with the computer, I'll be happy to answer them.

[Tripoli]

Note: AI comments are in BOLD.  My requests are in plain text

Me to the AI: You are going to act as General John Buford of the US Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The Date is 1 July 1863, and the time is 7:30 AM. You are in command of two brigades of cavalry, consisting of Gamble's Brigade and Devin's, Brigade. You also have Battery A of the 2nd US artillery under the command of 2nd Lieutenant Calef. The location of the battle is McPherson Ridge. The opposing force is a Confederate Division. Do the following: Write an "Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield" (abbreviated IPB) using the proper format, which can be found here: https://home.army.mil/wood/application/files/8915/5751/8365/ATP_2-01.3_Intelligence_Preparation_of_the_Battlefield.pdf. Attempt to research the information you need to complete the IPB. However, if you can not find needed information, ask me and I will provide it.

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)
Date: July 1, 1863
Time: 0730 hrs
Location: McPherson Ridge, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Commander: Brig. Gen. John Buford
Forces:
•   Union:
o   Gamble's Cavalry Brigade
o   Devin's Cavalry Brigade
o   Battery A, 2nd U.S. Artillery (Lt. Calef)

•   Confederate:
o   Division under Maj. Gen. Henry Heth (A.P. Hill's Corps)
________________________________________
Step 1: Define the Operational Environment
Area of Operations (AO):
The immediate vicinity of McPherson Ridge, including:
•   Herr Ridge: Approximately 1.5 miles west of Gettysburg.
•   McPherson Ridge: Key defensive position west of Gettysburg.
•   Seminary Ridge: East of McPherson Ridge, leading into Gettysburg.
•   Chambersburg Pike: Primary east-west route into Gettysburg.
•   Willoughby Run: Natural obstacle west of McPherson Ridge.
•   Railroad Cut: Unfinished railroad bed north of Chambersburg Pike.Wikipedia+1NPS History+1Army HomeWikipedia+3Wikipedia+3gdg.org+3
Area of Interest (AI):
Approach routes from Cashtown and the surrounding road network that could be utilized by Confederate forces advancing toward Gettysburg.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
________________________________________
Step 2: Describe Environmental Effects on Operations
Terrain Analysis (OAKOC):
•   Observation and Fields of Fire:
o   McPherson Ridge offers excellent visibility to the west, allowing early detection of enemy movements.
o   The open fields between Herr Ridge and McPherson Ridge provide clear fields of fire for artillery and small arms.NPS History+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

•   Avenues of Approach:
o   Chambersburg Pike: Main route for Confederate advance from the west.
o   Mummasburg Road: Potential northern approach.
o   Willoughby Run crossings: Limited crossing points may channel enemy movements.The Inglorius Padre Steve's World+5Wikipedia+5acwscots.co.uk+5

•   Key Terrain:
o   McPherson Ridge: Control is vital to delay enemy advance and protect Gettysburg.
o   Seminary Ridge: Provides a fallback position if McPherson Ridge is lost.
o   Cemetery Hill: Strategic high ground south of Gettysburg; essential for long-term defense.

•   Obstacles:
o   Willoughby Run: Natural barrier that may slow enemy movement.
o   Fences and woodlots: Can impede cavalry maneuvers but offer cover for dismounted troops.

•   Cover and Concealment:
o   Wooded areas along ridgelines provide concealment for dismounted cavalry and artillery positions.

Weather:
Clear skies with good visibility. No significant weather impacts anticipated.Flickr+28Pinterest+28American Civil War Forums+28142ndpainfantry.blogspot.com+14Scribd+14Barnes & Noble+14
________________________________________
Step 3: Evaluate the Threat
Enemy Composition:
•   Division under Maj. Gen. Henry Heth:
o   Brigades led by Brig. Gens. James J. Archer and Joseph R. Davis.
o   Estimated strength: Approximately 7,000 infantry.
o   No cavalry support reported.Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

Enemy Capabilities:
•   Superior numbers compared to Union cavalry.
•   Likely to attempt rapid advance along Chambersburg Pike to seize Gettysburg.
•   Lack of cavalry may limit reconnaissance and flank security.Barnes & NobleWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

Enemy Tactics:
•   Direct assault along main avenues of approach.
•   Possible deployment into line formations upon encountering resistance.Wikipedia
________________________________________
Step 4: Determine Threat Courses of Action (COAs)

Most Likely COA:
Confederate forces will advance along Chambersburg Pike, deploying into line upon contact, aiming to push through Union cavalry positions to seize Gettysburg before Union infantry reinforcements arrive.

Most Dangerous COA:
A rapid flanking maneuver north or south of McPherson Ridge to envelop Union positions, cutting off retreat routes and capturing key terrain before Union reinforcements can establish a defensive line.
________________________________________
Recommended Actions:

•   Delay and Disrupt:
o   Utilize dismounted cavalry tactics to maximize defensive capabilities.
o   Employ artillery to target enemy formations during their advance.

•   Maintain Situational Awareness:
o   Monitor enemy movements for signs of flanking maneuvers.
o   Utilize elevated positions for observation.

•   Coordinate with Reinforcements:
o   Communicate with approaching Union infantry to synchronize defensive efforts.
o   Prepare fallback positions on Seminary Ridge if necessary.

[Tripoli]

Duplicate post

[Tripoli]

Note: Without prompting, the AI subsequently modified the IPB to the following final version:

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) - Battle of Gettysburg
General John Buford, US Army
Date: July 1, 1863
Time: 7:30 AM
Location: McPherson Ridge, Gettysburg

Forces: Gamble's Brigade, Devin's Brigade, Battery A (2nd US Artillery, Lt. Calef)

1. Define the Operational Environment (OE)The operational environment consists of McPherson Ridge and the surrounding terrain near the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The terrain includes rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields, which offer both strategic high ground and potential obstacles for maneuver. The town of Gettysburg is a hub of multiple roads, providing key access points for Confederate forces advancing from the west and north.

Key terrain features include:
McPherson Ridge – A dominant ridge providing defensive high ground.
Seminary Ridge – A secondary defensive position to the rear.
Chambersburg Pike – The main route of Confederate approach from the west.
Railroad Cut – A potential ambush site for defensive action.

The weather on July 1, 1863, is reported to be clear, with visibility favoring long-range reconnaissance and artillery placement.

2. Describe Environmental Effects on Operations

Terrain: The elevated positions on McPherson Ridge provide a clear field of view over the advancing Confederate columns. Woods to the north and west limit visibility but can conceal Confederate movements. The open fields are ideal for cavalry maneuvers but also expose forces to artillery fire.

Weather: Clear skies and dry conditions allow for optimal observation and the effective employment of artillery.
Civil Considerations: Civilian structures in Gettysburg and surrounding farmsteads may be used for observation posts or defensive strongpoints.

3. Evaluate the Threat
The Confederate Division approaching from the west likely consists of Heth's Division from A.P. Hill's Corps, with supporting artillery. This force is advancing along the Chambersburg Pike and has the intent of seizing Gettysburg to control the road network and establish a foothold in Union territory.

Enemy Composition:
Infantry brigades in column formation
Supporting artillery, potentially massed for breakthrough
Cavalry elements conducting reconnaissance

Enemy Capabilities:
Offensive action aimed at seizing high ground
Artillery bombardment of defensive positions
Flanking maneuvers to dislodge Union cavalry

4. Determine Threat Courses of Action (COA)
Primary COA: Assault McPherson Ridge directly to dislodge Union forces and secure high ground for artillery placement.
Secondary COA: Conduct flanking maneuvers north and south of McPherson Ridge to encircle Buford's cavalry.
Tertiary COA: Probe along the Chambersburg Pike to assess Union strength before committing forces.

[Tripoli]

Me: That is good. Now, I want you to create a defensive plan, and communicate it in a "Five Paragraph Order" format. The time is 9:50 AM. Consider the following: Calef's battery consists of six 3-inch rifled cannons, and is currently located on McPherson's ridge. Gamble's Brigade totals 1596 men, and consists of the following units: 8th Illinois Cavalry, with 470 men, 12th Illinois Cavalry with 233 men, 8th New York Cavalry with 580 men, and the 3rd Indiana with 313 men.

The left flank of Gamble's Brigade is held by the 8th New York, supported by two guns of Calef's battery. These units are located approximately 150 yards east of a creek called "Willoughby Run" and 100 yards south of the Herbst Woods. (Note: these woods are also known as either the "McPherson Woods" or the "Reynolds Woods".) Herbst Woods blocks the line of sight from these units and the rest of the Union forces. The 8th and 12th Illinois Cavalry are located north of the Herbst Woods, but on the south side of the Chambersburg Pike road, along a fence located approximately 150 yards from Willoughby Run and parallel to it. This fence line extends north and continues across Chambersburg Pike, paralleling Willoughby Run. This fence provides some cover for these units.
 
To the north of Chambersburg Pike, there is a deep ditch called "the rail cut" that parallels Chambersburg Pike. The 3rd Indiana Cavalry is the right flank of Gamble's Brigade. This unit is located north of Chambersburg Pike, along the fence line, with its left flank on the rail cut.

Devin's Brigade totals 1106 men, and consists of the following units: the 9th New York Cavalry with 367 men, the 6th New York Cavalry with 218 men, the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry with 464 men and the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry with 59 men. It is deployed as follows: the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry is on the right flank of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry, 150 yards east of Willoughby Run along the fence line. This is the left flank of Devin's Brigade. Devin's right flank is on the Mummasburg Road, approximately 0.75 miles north of Chambersburg Pike, and is held by the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Between these units is the 9th New York Cavalry. The 6th New York Cavalry is located as a reserve approximately 200 yards behind the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry.

There is another fence to their east near the crest of McPherson Ridge that can act as a fallback position to defend McPherson Ridge.

At 9:50 AM, Confederate forces are arrayed as follows: An estimated one brigade is spotted advancing down Herr Ridge on the south side of Chambersburg Pike. They are located approximately 400 yards west of Willoughby Run, moving east, with their right flank probably resting on Herbst Woods. What appears to be a second Confederate brigade is located on the north side of Chambersburg Pike, approximately 600 yards west of Willoughby Run, and is also advancing east towards McPherson Ridge. A battery of Confederate artillery is located on Herr Ridge, just north of the Chambersburg Pike. No other Confederate brigades are visible, but they could be hidden by or in Herbst Woods, or behind Herr Ridge. All Confederate Divisions in the Confederate Army have at least three brigades, and most have four. A small number of Confederate Divisions have five Brigades. It is unknown how many brigades the division you are facing has.

Based on this information and the IPB you prepared earlier, write a five-paragraph order for this battle.

[Tripoli]

Note: This is the first draft of the AI's plan:

Five Paragraph Order - Defensive Plan
General John Buford, US Army
Date: July 1, 1863
Time: 9:50 AM
Location: McPherson Ridge, Gettysburg
Forces: Gamble's Brigade, Devin's Brigade, Battery A (2nd US Artillery, Lt. Calef)
________________________________________
1. Situation
Enemy forces are advancing from Herr Ridge towards McPherson Ridge. They are organized into at least two visible brigades with artillery support positioned on Herr Ridge. One brigade advances south of the Chambersburg Pike towards Herbst Woods, while a second brigade advances north of the Pike towards McPherson Ridge. Additional Confederate forces may be concealed behind Herr Ridge or in the woods.
Friendly forces consist of:
•   Gamble's Brigade: 1596 men deployed along Willoughby Run with left flank held by 8th New York Cavalry, supported by two guns of Calef's Battery. The 8th and 12th Illinois Cavalry hold positions north of Herbst Woods, parallel to Chambersburg Pike. The 3rd Indiana Cavalry secures the right flank north of Chambersburg Pike.
•   Devin's Brigade: 1106 men with the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry aligned with the 3rd Indiana. The 9th New York Cavalry covers the center, with the 17th Pennsylvania holding the right flank along Mummasburg Road.
•   Calef's Battery: Six 3-inch rifled cannons positioned on McPherson Ridge.
Key terrain includes McPherson Ridge, Herbst Woods, and the Rail Cut, which provide both observation and defensive barriers. Visibility is clear, favoring long-range artillery.
________________________________________
2. Mission
At 10:00 AM, Gamble's and Devin's Brigades will execute a defensive operation to hold McPherson Ridge and delay Confederate forces long enough for the arrival of I Corps. Calef's Battery will provide artillery support to disrupt Confederate advances and protect the flanks of Gamble's and Devin's positions.
________________________________________
3. Execution
Commander's Intent: Prevent the Confederate breakthrough on McPherson Ridge by maintaining defensive positions and inflicting maximum casualties on the enemy, disrupting their momentum.
Concept of Operations:
•   Main Effort: Hold McPherson Ridge and prevent Confederate forces from advancing past Willoughby Run.
•   Supporting Efforts:
o   Calef's Battery will fire upon Confederate artillery on Herr Ridge and disrupt advancing brigades.
o   The 8th New York and 12th Illinois will secure the left flank, with additional skirmishing to slow southern advance.
o   The 3rd Indiana and 3rd West Virginia will maintain the right, using the Rail Cut for cover and ambush opportunities.
o   The 6th New York Cavalry will act as a mobile reserve, positioned near the fence line on McPherson Ridge.
Coordinating Instructions:
•   Use skirmish lines to draw Confederate forces forward and expose them to artillery.
•   Employ the Rail Cut for enfilade fire against northern advances.
•   Calef's Battery to conserve ammunition for massed Confederate advances.
________________________________________
4. Sustainment
•   Ammunition: Priority of resupply to Calef's Battery and 3rd Indiana Cavalry.
•   Medical Evacuation: Casualties to be moved to rear positions on McPherson Ridge.
•   Logistics: Limited, rely on local foraging if necessary.
________________________________________
5. Command and Signal
•   Command Post: McPherson Ridge, near Calef's Battery.
•   Signal: Flag signals for movement; bugle calls for attack and withdrawal; messenger riders for urgent communication.
________________________________________

[Uberhaus]

Shouldn't Arnie be part horse as well?

The IPB looks more thorough than the amateur METT-TC I performed for a Second Front scenario and from what I remember about Buford holding McPherson's Ridge until the arrival of the main Union Force, my (amateur) opinion is that it is an excellent report on which to make plans.  What is your professional opinion, please?  What has it done well and has it done anything badly so far? 

[Tripoli]

The AI then built a Decision Support Template and Decision Support Matrix.  It was refined over several iterations to incorporate new aspects of the plan.  However, the following plan is 95% entirely AI-generated:

[Tripoli]

Me: One last question: In the event I receive no guidance from higher headquarters, what criteria should I use to determine on when to withdraw or even if I should withdraw?  Is this position so important I should have my two brigades destroyed in order to delay the Confederates?


ChatGPT said:
That is an excellent and critical question—one that every commander must confront. The decision to withdraw or hold can determine the outcome not just of the immediate engagement, but of the broader campaign.

Criteria for Deciding to Withdraw or Hold:
Mission Objective:

Your primary mission, as outlined in the Five Paragraph Order, is to delay Confederate forces long enough for Reynolds' I Corps to arrive and consolidate the Union defense.

If your current defensive posture is successfully delaying Confederate advances without significant losses, there is no need to withdraw.

If Confederate forces breach your lines and the delay is no longer effective, maintaining your position could become merely sacrificial without strategic benefit.

Force Preservation vs. Delay:

Cavalry, particularly dismounted cavalry, is not designed to hold ground against massed infantry attacks for extended periods.

If you assess that maintaining your position will result in the destruction of Gamble's and Devin's Brigades without achieving a meaningful delay, then a controlled, phased withdrawal to Seminary Ridge is strategically sound.

Preservation of your brigades allows for continued skirmishing and disruption during the Confederate advance.

Situational Awareness and Intelligence:

If new Confederate brigades are observed moving in (indicating 4 or 5 brigades instead of 2), it may exceed your defensive capacity.

Constant communication with Reynolds is critical. If he is delayed or unable to provide timely support, your window to withdraw safely shrinks.

Terrain and Defensive Advantage:

McPherson Ridge is valuable for delaying the enemy, but Seminary Ridge is a stronger defensive position. If McPherson Ridge becomes untenable, Seminary Ridge provides:

Higher elevation.

Better artillery positions.

More defensible ground for infantry.

An organized fighting withdrawal allows you to set up skirmishers, destroy bridges, and slow pursuit while avoiding encirclement.

Communication with Higher Command:

If no orders are received from higher command, you must act under the assumption that your mission remains to delay the Confederates while preserving your force for future engagement.

Buford's historical perspective was that his role was to delay, not die in place—ensuring Reynolds could arrive and take up the defense.

Recommendation:
If Confederate forces outnumber your brigades by more than 3:1 and Reynolds is not within sight, execute a phased fighting withdrawal to Seminary Ridge. Use your cavalry's mobility to harass and slow the Confederate advance.

If Reynolds arrives, communicate directly and assess whether McPherson Ridge can be reinforced to hold the line.

Monitor Herbst Woods and the Rail Cut; these are the critical points where a Confederate breakthrough could force your hand.

Note: These criteria were then added to the plan.

[Tripoli]

Ultimately, the AI produced the following Consolidated Defense Plan:

[Tripoli]

The AI also put it into a Briefing format:

[Tripoli]

Shouldn't Arnie be part horse as well?

The IPB looks more thorough than the amateur METT-TC I performed for a Second Front scenario and from what I remember about Buford holding McPherson's Ridge until the arrival of the main Union Force, my (amateur) opinion is that it is an excellent report on which to make plans.  What is your professional opinion, please?  What has it done well and has it done anything badly so far? 

I haven't actually executed the plan yet.  What I am planning on doing is playing the scenario in five minute increments, give a summary to the AI and let it make decisions.  I'll take notes on what I would do at the same point and compare the two.  IMHO, the AI's plan looks complete, but I need to drill down on it a bit.  I haven't double-checked where it thinks its regiments are versus where they actually are.  I think it might also be a little confused on the size of the Confederate forces.  I told it that Confederate Divisions were at least 3, and maybe 5 brigades in size. Still, it seems to believe that there may be only the two brigades that are currently visible (which, technically speaking, is a possibility, but not likely). I am impressed with the fact that the AI has done a fairly workman-like job.  It is aided by the fact that this is a well-known battle, so it grabbed information off the internet to help it.  I'm unsure how it would do if it had to evaluate a hypothetical scenario.   

I'll probably execute this on Monday, mostly to give everyone here a chance to review and comment on the AI plan.  I also am interested in what y'all's opinion is on using this as a training technique for students (or any other comments you may have)

[Tripoli]

Here is what I've got done thus far.  I'm also doing a video, but that will take longer
 Me: I've got everything set up according to the plan.  Here is the situation at 8:56 AM: The left flank of Gamble's Brigade is held by the 8th New York, supported by two guns of Calef's battery. These units are located approximately 150 yards east of a creek called "Willoughby Run" and 100 yards south of the Herbst Woods.  It does not see any Confederate forces.  Its view of Herr Ridge to the NW is blocked by the Herbst Woods.
The 12th and 8th Illinois Cavalry are deployed along the fence line overlooking Willoughby Run, with their right flank on Chambersburg Pike. They have taken no casualties.  One or two Confederate Brigades, consisting of a total of five regiments, are visible and deploying with two Regiments forward, three regiments back. The forward edge of this formation is located approximately 400 yards west of Willoughby Run,  and is outside of rifle range. The right flank of this confederate unit may be advancing towards Herbst Woods.  Calef's battery has engaged this unit and has inflicted some losses on it.
A probable brigade of three Confederate Regiments is visible north of Chambersburg Pike.  This brigade is advancing with two regiments forward and one back about 200 yards.  The right flank of this regiment rests on Chambersburg Pike. The center of the brigade appears to be advancing towards the railroad cut.  The forward edge of the Confederate brigade is approximately 50 yards from  Willoughby Run.  This brigade appears to have taken minor losses, of approximately 30 soldiers.  Opposing them is Devin's Brigade.  The 3rd Indiana and 3rd West Virginia cavalry are deployed along the fence line, northeast of the rail cut.  They are beginning to skirmish with the Confederates and have taken insignificant losses.  The 9th New York Cavalry forms the right flank.  There are no Confederates opposite it, so it is forming up behind the 3rd West Virginia cavalry. The 6th New York Cavalry is deployed as a reserve near the crest of McPherson Ridge, with its left flank resting on the rail cut. The 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry is located 0.75 miles away on Mummasburg Road.  It does not see any Confederate forces coming down the road.

Chat GPT:

[Tripoli]

Me: Two Confederate batteries totaling eight guns are deployed on Herr Ridge. They have opened fire, but their fire thus far has been ineffective. General Reynolds reported that he was approaching the battle area with the lead brigade of Wadsworth's Division, with the rest of the division coming up. Reynolds has been advised of the Confederate deployments. I am estimating that this brigade will be at Herbst Woods at approximately 9:30 AM.

ChatGPT:



Situation South of Chamberburg Pike at 0955



Situation North of Chamberburg Pike at 0959

[Tripoli]

Me: Just to clarify: there is no reverse slope for the 8th New York unless it pulls back up to the East of the crest of McPherson Ridge.   Right now, it is unobserved by Confederate artillery.  If it were to shift into Hebst Woods, it would likely remain relatively concealed from artillery and be able to help stop a Confederate flanking movement through Hebst Woods, as well as support the left flank of the 12th Illinois.

ChatGPT