RE: Operation Man Trap

RE: Operation Man Trap (Full Version)

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Sangeli -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/4/2015 5:41:46 PM)
I don't think Australia is nearly as hard to hold as people claim, especially in this game. Australia is going to have a huge buffer zone to the east meaning the only defenses you really need are the garrisons. The garrison requirement isn't all that bad either. I think its about 1/2th what you need for India and it has more industry as well. Not to mention that the VPs for destroying Australian militia are the same as destroying US Marines. And the convoys are pretty easy to manage I think since Perth is fairly close to the DEI and obviously the Australian rail system is superb. The trick for Australia I think is doing it with minimal units even if it means it takes longer to wrap up. I would not commit the 8-10 divisions for Australia. I would commit 4-5 divisions at first with the option of landing a few more in the second phase of the campaign. The first phase is to secure everything this side of the line of emergency reinforcements and the second phase is to secure the rest. That way you can change your mind and pull out without having gone all in like you suggest. The goal of course is to grind up the Australian units before having committed to taking the whole thing since its so hard to move them out of heavy urban terrain. If Michael sees only 2-3 divisions in NE OZ he may get the idea in his head that he can actually stop you and leave the big urban cities to defend a MLR. And that's when he becomes vulnerable.

John 3rd -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/4/2015 8:59:38 PM)
There is an interesting thought in this discussion. Michael KNOWS I HATE CHINA. Moving an army of 3-4 ID and support troops there to augment an offensive is actually a fairly interesting idea that would truly surprise him. Am ALWAYS thinking about PSYOPS! Australia is takeable. I know Michael brought both Aussie IDs into India and NOT Kangarooland. Bet the Brit 18th is in India too...

Cap Mandrake -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/4/2015 11:39:12 PM)
What? "Operation Man Trap"? I click on it expecting to see a discussion of a Doris Day movie and instead find Allied carriers becoming artificial reefs. False advertising I say!

John 3rd -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/5/2015 12:39:52 AM)
Sorry about your PROFOUND disappointment Capt! Next Operation to be named after a Star Trek Episode: The Best of Both Worlds Whom Gods Destroy Devil in the Dark Operation Annihilate Darmok We're looking for votes and/or nominations!

Mike McCreery -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/5/2015 2:22:13 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John 3rd Sorry about your PROFOUND disappointment Capt! Next Operation to be named after a Star Trek Episode: The Best of Both Worlds Whom Gods Destroy Devil in the Dark Operation Annihilate Darmok We're looking for votes and/or nominations! The trouble with tribbles....

HansBolter -> RE: Operation Man Trap (8/5/2015 10:55:22 AM)
What about City on the Edge of Forever? Has very important implications for WWII.

John 3rd -> Operation COTEOF (8/8/2015 10:59:33 PM)
Thank You Hans. City on the Edge of Forever it is! Sorry for no Postings. Life has been pretty busy as we prepare to get the boys off to school starting Monday. Working every day this week and that does not help my loving disposition...

John 3rd -> Colorado Suffle (8/8/2015 11:07:50 PM)
Combat Report May 31, 1942 SS Lines off San Diego It is dangerous for American ships to move SW out of San Diego. USS Saratoga and USS King's Mountain have both eaten single TTs from Japanese I-Boats. There are always 7-10 SS operating with at least 4 of them being Glen Boats. This day finds I-15 lurking... Glens pick-up a massed set of convoys moving SW out of San Diego. Two American CVs are spotted as well as a whole BUNCH of warships and merchants. Looks like the Eastern American Death Star is moving south. I-15 spots enemy ships approaching and dives. Twenty minutes later she raises her periscope and spots the USS Colorado sailing along at 1,200 Yds distance. A full salvo of Torps is launched and TWO strike the battleship's flank. Not enough to kill her but certainly enough damage to provide a companion in the yards with USS Saratoga. NICE! [image]local://upfiles/18041/19A83098F56343E793A3A8A0EA0707EC.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> Operation Fizzbin (8/9/2015 12:41:09 AM)
Combat Report May 30, 1942 Operation Fizzbin The Allied resistance on Cold Bay ends on May 30th. The troops are driven out of the hex and nearly 3,000 become casualties. A Fast TF is put together to grab the .dot hex NW of Cold Bay so there is no retreat path left for the survivors. The Karafuto Brigade is dispatched NE to catch the enemy and then force them to surrender. The SNLF Para Assault Brigade goes to rest mode. It will be picked up and taken back to Umnak. From Umnak it will be used to capture Nome and Bethel. Goal is to make Michael nervous that perhaps I am headed up in this direction... [image]local://upfiles/18041/0619DB12DB834B84B7267BA72A4FA3D8.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> SS Action (8/9/2015 12:46:46 AM)
Combat Report May 28-June 1, 1942 Australia Michael is now trying to move his vulnerable shipping out of Esperance and Albany. My I-Boats have been having a pretty good set of days. Japanese boats have sunk an AM, PC, AK, and AKL with damage to four more ships. Should bag some more before they reach comparative safety in Melbourne. [image]local://upfiles/18041/5EF0038A7296443CB215E57EC627B711.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> Kido Butai (8/9/2015 12:58:39 AM)
Combat Report June 1, 1942 Kido Butai June means upgrades for Japanese carriers Hiryu/Soryu and Shokaku/Zuikaku. These four CVs head for Singapore for their upgrade. CARDIV1 (Akagi--Amagi), CV Junyo, 3 CVL, 4 BC, 2 CAV, a CL, and 10 DDs depart Soerabaja for Pago Pago. En route they will meet up with the spanking new Hiyo and 4 shiny new DDs. This powerful TF will meet up in Pago Pago and attempt to catch the convoys that have to be moving between Capetown and Australia. The combined TF should easily be able to handle whatever CVs are moving south with that collection of merchants and warships. There are already 3 CVE down there looking for bad guys. I have an entire SNLF Assault Brigade on Fast Transport about to take Tahiti. This LCU is 100% prepped and there is only a pair of small units on the island. I don't want to keep it, just want to force Michael into taking it sometime later... Should serve to also DRIVE HIM NUTS! [sm=00000436.gif] [image]local://upfiles/18041/0AB29F7ADF00485D805646CBED5891C0.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> The Chinese (8/9/2015 9:35:08 PM)
Combat Report June 3, 1942 China I rarely report on China because I KNOW it is an evil place with lots of ghosts and demons in this game. Michael has forced me to maintain a strong air presence here since he has all of the AVG as well as 1-2 P-40 Squadrons from the Philippines. We've played tag with him bushwhacking me several times. I've only managed to CAP Trap him once but today is pretty sweet. Have been doing recon and smacked his Chinese bomber base for two days at the end of May. He was forced to relocate his bombers after losing 3-5 on the ground. The Japanese then shifted back to their normal runs over Changsha for 3-4 days. The Allied fighters are based out of Chungking and always appear to be 100% training. We take a risk this day and Sweep the skies with 31 Zero. No enemy in the air. The afternoon brings a massed Japanese attack with 29 Fighters and 82 Sally hitting the AF. Over 118 fighters are on the ground and they get SMACKED! The totals are 15 planes destroyed and dozens damaged. The AF jumps to 40% damaged. We're going to hit it again tomorrow, however, if he chooses to get all those Fighters int he air it could be pretty exciting. Add to the Zero Sweep another 84 Oscars for FUN! Bring in a Chutai of 12 Zeros to add to the escorts and we should see an interesting day tomorrow. [image]local://upfiles/18041/68AD12FBDDF6461CBF1F5E8F218ECC62.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> The Campaign (8/9/2015 9:52:32 PM)
Though we have LOTS of attacks on going within the campaign, my mind lingers more and more on setting the lines for the inevitable counterattack. Have been giving lots of thought as to where Michael will go and what I need to defend in those areas. Here is some of my thinking on three of the favored regions: 1. NOPAC--Michael WILL Launch an offensive up here. Plan on that. He tends to obsess in this region. Japan currently has an ID, two Brigades, and an SNLF Assault Brigade. The 6th ID goes up here as well and it is finishing filling out in Tokyo. Intend to garrison Umnak and Adak with the IDs and place brigades at Akutan and Cold Bay. With full prep and supplies, these outer bases will force the full commitment of at least one ID to take the base back. Umnak and Adak will require much more. With the AF build-up going on up here, enough air shall remain in this region to give him pause and cause issues if he tries to grab something sooner then later. 2. BURMA--The inevitable counter-punch here may already be moving as troops are spotted moving up the coast from Chittagong. Currently there is only a single Japanese ID on the coast. Will reinforce that with another and seek to hold Cox's Bazar. Akyab is building up nicely but I would prefer to use that as my support base keeping Cox in the fight as long as possible. Cox's Bazar just went to Fort-4 so it is in pretty good shape. A Brigade will move into Akyab so a cheap behind-the-lines attack cannot occur easily. The interior of Burma is a challenge. I've got most of an armored division present and two ID. Another is on the way. Intend to launch a two ID assault from Lashio towards western China once everything is in place north of Hanoi to aid in the offensive. 3. Sumatra--Already have Naval Garrison units present in each western coast base. At least one engineer or base force is present and the ONLY THING they are doing is digging Forts. No AF or Port expansion! We learned a lesson with Canoerebel's epic assault in late-1942. Not to happen again. A ready reserve of two ID will be kept back at Singers or Palembang for quick response time. Cocos is a key here in that its garrison is presently at sea with a Brigade, CD unit, two Base Forces, and an engineer. Cocos closes the Sumatran door from the south. Japanese air and naval harassment flows from here. It will be quite useful.

John 3rd -> RE: The Campaign (8/13/2015 1:31:31 PM)
My boys started school this week. Do many of you remember when you couldn't wait for school to be out and then couldn't wait for school to START??!! Two bickering boys (11 and 9) who cannot be with each other but cannot be apart are now back in the confines of the educational system (such as it is...). The good news with this development is that I will have several mornings a week to do actual AAR work. Tomorrow will see a crapload of Posting and catch-up work. It appears that Michael is GIVING me western Aussieland. Most troops have departed and I can have it if I want it. Do I? Wasn't my real intention once I ambushed his CVs...

Lowpe -> RE: The Campaign (8/13/2015 1:52:24 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John 3rd It appears that Michael is GIVING me western Aussieland. Most troops have departed and I can have it if I want it. Do I? Wasn't my real intention once I ambushed his CVs... You are like the energizer bunny - you just won't stop expanding! Is that a serious question?[;)] I think we all know what you want to do. Your far flung operations have me at a total loss. I have no clue that Japan could operate like this and keep on going, and going, and going. But will you crash? I don't know, but I hope you know!

John 3rd -> RE: The Campaign (8/13/2015 4:04:01 PM)
I agree with you. Need some serious down time with the fleet so my logistics can catch up. Presently have a decent chunk sitting in Singers refitting. Another large portion is near Truk and then headed for Pago Pago. Just moved 18 Emily to Tahiti to start air search. Looking for juicy targets in about ten day's time. Western Aussieland would be an easy grab at this point. I took Meekatarra with Paras because I found a DESERTED SIZE SIX AF! Why expand that AF into a massive construction then leave without a fight? Have troops roughly halfway to Geradlton from Carnavon.

Sangeli -> RE: The Campaign (8/13/2015 4:30:17 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: John 3rd Need some serious down time with the fleet so my logistics can catch up. Presently have a decent chunk sitting in Singers refitting. Another large portion is near Truk and then headed for Pago Pago. Just moved 18 Emily to Tahiti to start air search. Looking for juicy targets in about ten day's time. Thoughts on a grabbing a deep base in the Marquesas? Even if you only use it for patrol planes it could prove very useful as it gives you coverage all the way to the map edge. I know you WANT Michael to contest you in the SoPac but from what I have seen so far grabbing a deep and exposed base may actually provoke the counter aggression you want in order to reopen the convoy routes. Normally a fight in that part of the Pacific is BAD news for Japan but with PH under your control I think it really changes the calculus for you.

paullus99 -> RE: The Campaign (8/13/2015 6:41:25 PM)
I may be a broken record here, but if John is able to just keep expanding like this, I'd say there is something seriously wrong with this mod (and perhaps the game as a whole).

John 3rd -> RE: The Campaign (8/14/2015 4:03:56 PM)
Sangeli: I have the Marquesas. Paullus: I do believe that my recent Posts have been clearly stating I need some down time for logistics to catch-up. My CV may move at 28-31 Knots but those tankers DO NOT!

John 3rd -> Status Reports (8/14/2015 4:05:35 PM)
OK. I have some time before going into work so we'll try to hit the hot spots and provide a good visual of where things are at presently.

John 3rd -> NORPAC (8/14/2015 4:11:59 PM)
Status Report Northern Pacific June 11, 1942 The capture of Cold Bay was good. That base's fall leaves just Dutch Harbor to grab. At that point we'll be done up here. Action: 1. The Karafuto Brigade is pursuing survivors to induce a surrender. 2. 14th ID is at 49% for landing prep at Dutch Harbor. I plan to land at the end of the month. Planning: Once we have Dutch Harbor then we set-up for the inevitable counter-attack by Michael up here. I've already stated troop dispositions so I'll not spend time rewriting here. My major bases are Akutan (Cold Bay serves as a speed bump), Umnak, and Adak. Am giving serious consideration to basing the Fleet up in this region because I truly believe Michael will be back before the winter rules kick in. Figure he MUST land by October 1st. Will probably look at bringing the Fleet up about August 15th. A good number of SS and some lite surface forces are currently present here. [image]local://upfiles/18041/B322D4C0B9C2425D883A29FE53737757.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> SEPAC (8/14/2015 4:26:56 PM)
Status Report Southeast Pacific June 11, 1942 As seen in the screen shot we have Tahiti and the Marquesas. There are two 12-15 plane Emily Chutai operating out of this area. Michael will have to come by this route if he wants to reinforce or supply Australia. We've seen two CVs heading south along the edge of the map board. Numerous warships traveled along with the transports and cargo vessels. Figure he will move EVERYTHING in one big group. I want that mass of ships when it sails. Each of the two bases nave minimal protection. A Naval Guard for Ua Hiva and an SNLF Assault Brigade at Tahiti. Each base has a Base Force and Construction unit. Nothing else. They are well supplied presently and expendable. The Emilys are key. At Pago Pago we have CV Hiyo and 3 CVE with a fairly stout surface contingent. They shall stay there until the Big Boys get there. The major portion of the KB arrived at Truk this turn. We have 3 CV: Akagi--Kaga--Junyo, 3 CVL, 2 CAV, and 4 BC. They will refuel at Truk and then move to PP. Air Groups are training. The ships will disband at PP and WAIT. Don't have enough fuel to carried away so we'll get all system damage fixed and let the pilots improve themselves. This force, combined with Hiyo should easily crush any American TF of up to three CVs. To potently provoke a reaction out of Michael, I plan to invade Nadi on July 1st. Two and half ID are at Tabiteuea and will be 100% prepped by July 1st for that target. Taking this base and Suva will widen and strengthen my salient so I have the ability to fall back in a semi-controlled manner whenever his offensive appears... [image]local://upfiles/18041/641FB3061FEA4685BDE6C8836353469E.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> Australia (8/14/2015 4:35:59 PM)
Status Report Australia June 11, 1942 Australia is an interesting area presently. It appeared Michael was prepared to fight for western Kangarooland but the naval defeat appears to have changed his plans. How far to go remains the pertinent question. We have troops advancing down the coast heading to Geraldton. That spear point is only one ID. Troops have reached Tennant Creek. While it is just a Tk Reg and two Armored units, Michael is bugging out. I have an ID, two Art units, and two base Forces coming south to TC. Planning: West: We'll take Geraldton and add another ID and Brigade into this prong of the attack. If Michael chooses to fight then we stop. If he doesn't... Central: Will take Tennant and then advance on Alice Springs. If we can take Alice then life is good for quite some time. If not then TC will be excellent for our forward base here. [image]local://upfiles/18041/A26D3C6281464D09A5939382F4E4117C.jpg[/image]

vicberg -> RE: Australia (8/14/2015 4:41:24 PM)
I don't believe the mod is broken nor the game itself. John knows the internals of this game having written multiple mods for it. He probably knows it better than anyone other than developers and from what I'm reading, they may be no longer around. He obviously knows how to execute not just a single operation (PH) but sustained operations. Compare him to me and I'm struggling to do basic operations, understand mechanics, etc... Also from what I've read, John's weakness is the economy and my guess would be that it's not doing great. If he's willing to run Japan dry in 42, Japan can take as much as it wants in 42 in virtually any mod (scen 1, etc). It's a smart move, IMO to take as much as you can as Japan. For me, it's a struggle to coordinate and plan everything out that's required for these types of operations. John makes it look easy.

John 3rd -> CBI (8/14/2015 4:47:03 PM)
Status Report CBI Theatre Operation Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) June 11, 1942 Burma is stable presently. Michael advanced some troops out of Chittagong to check for a reaction from me. I didn't. He returned his troops. He has BOTH Aussie IDs and the 18th ID plus all that armor at Chittagong. One cannot ignore that! Planning: Burma--A second ID is presently unloading at Akyab. There is now one at each base. Once I get a Brigade to Akyab, then the ID will advance to Cox's to provide a serious roadblock of 2 IDs behind (presently) Sz-4 Forts. Am moving some BBs to Singers and then to Pt Blair. They will bombard the HELL out of any troops moving down the coast. Operation Best of Both Worlds--Three ID will advance on western China from Lashio. From the South will advance 3-4 more ID along with 3 Tk Reg and a Cav Reg. The goal here is to take Kunming. The armor will swing out to the east and cut the road to block/delay any reinforcements. Six IDs SHOULD be enough to take these targets and grab Kunming. There is a chance for real operational surprise here. For me to launch a REAL offensive in China will stun Michael. I will bring a bunch of aerial help including transports to air drop supplies when things get thin. This will be the centerpiece ground action for the fall of 1942. Ideas and comments are welcome gang! [image]local://upfiles/18041/6654D587F2874C66B3ECCB81C55346E2.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> RE: CBI (8/14/2015 4:49:19 PM)
That is it for Postings...

John 3rd -> RE: Australia (8/14/2015 7:34:07 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: vicberg I don't believe the mod is broken nor the game itself. John knows the internals of this game having written multiple mods for it. He probably knows it better than anyone other than developers and from what I'm reading, they may be no longer around. He obviously knows how to execute not just a single operation (PH) but sustained operations. Compare him to me and I'm struggling to do basic operations, understand mechanics, etc... Also from what I've read, John's weakness is the economy and my guess would be that it's not doing great. If he's willing to run Japan dry in 42, Japan can take as much as it wants in 42 in virtually any mod (scen 1, etc). It's a smart move, IMO to take as much as you can as Japan. For me, it's a struggle to coordinate and plan everything out that's required for these types of operations. John makes it look easy. That is a very nice thing to say and a good summation. Operational work is all about planning (as well as improvising periodically). I came into this match with a solid strategic plan and it has gone pretty well. Have certainly had to be flexible but it has worked. Operational work is my FAVORITE thing within this wonderful monster of a game. The economy is going OK. Good thought Mr. Vicberg. I will do some Posting tonight on where the empire sits rpesently and see what people think... Thanks again Sir.

John 3rd -> Economy (8/14/2015 7:41:31 PM)
Grabbed a quick screenshot for the 'big picture' on the economy: [image]local://upfiles/18041/33FB25E6C415417888011DA9CE0CEB39.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> Campaign State (8/14/2015 7:43:45 PM)
Here is Victory Points: [image]local://upfiles/18041/D39AFD96184C4815BCB8477ED55DB6B8.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> Rat FARTS! (8/16/2015 2:14:38 PM)
June 14, 1942 Well...crap on a stick... Kido Butai departs Truk after a complete refuel and is headed for Pago Pago when four Torpedoes zip right past CV Akagi. No damage--GOOD. Fleet spotted--BAD! What will Michael make of it? Will he see that Australia is a sham? Will he delay sending any convoys along the south side of the map? Hmmm... [image]local://upfiles/18041/A7E07FB1F5B24FD4B95AB5BB78D1061F.jpg[/image]

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