3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2]

3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (Full Version)

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Seer -> 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 1:18:00 PM)
Fought another battle over the weekend, another bloody affair. Slowly learning the nuances of the Red Army. As others have observed, standing off and shooting is what NATO excels at; if you allow them to do that your forces will disintegrate. Also, to paraphrase Zhukov, the most direct route isn't necessarily the most dangerous -- a massive attack against an obstacle can be overcome with fewer casualties than trying to maneuver around it. The slow command cycle makes adjustments ponderous: and that's dangerous. Indeed, NATO excels at maneuvering due to their shorter command cycles, but that can be partially negated by hunting down their regiment HQs. For the Reds, closer is better; otherwise, don't present a target. Should also add I fight every battle 'blind' in that it's a first attempt. Played a few before I began writing AARs, going from the bottom: Purple One to Dawn's First Light. Anyway, onto the show. Phase 1 The plan was as follows: a mechanized rifle regiment (MRR) from the southeast were to seize Lauterbach and move across the river to hold the bridges. Air Defense were to set up on a wooded hill to its northeast. From the north, a T-80BV tank regiment (TR) accompanied by a MRR were to advance towards Wallenrod via the wooded plateau to its immediate east and swinging through the town of Maar. They were to interdict any advancing NATO forces, giving time for those in Lauterbach to dig in, and if possible occupy Wallenrod and hold it. Far to the south, a small recon detachment were to blow the last bridge near Lautertal and thus funnel NATO forces towards the bridge at the town of Frischborn, which was to be held by a separate MRR. Hinds were kept in reserve, because it was unknown where NATO would deploy their own rotary wing (RW) forces. The initial deployment went without issue. Then NATO RW fores showed up. Accompanied by Kiowas, an initial force of Apaches hovered over the Western bank of the river. Air Defense, a platoon of Buks (or Gadflys), were not yet in position due to the difficult terrain, and so for now the Apaches had free reign. Soviet forces approaching from the road leading to Angersbach fared better than those who emerged from the wooded terrain overlooking Lauterbach: the Apaches shot them to pieces. The northern force avoided a catastrophe by splitting between roads L3161 and L3140; they ran parallel to one another, but L3140 was well within shooting range of the Apaches and casualties were suffered as a result. Those travelling L3161 advanced without incident, even if it was slower. Once within line of sight, the Buks opened fire and downed one Apache but the rest of their missiles failed to hit, and they were forced to halt and reload. Behind the advance forces of T-80BVs and BMP-2PGs came a platoon of Tunguskas. Their firepower forced NATO RWs to draw back somewhat, suffering casualties, allowing advancing MRRs to arrive and hold at their objectives. As the northern force arrived at the elevated terrain east of Wallenrod, it quickly became obvious that they were running straight into the NATO spearhead: multitudes of M1A1(HA)s, M2A2 Bradleys, and the rest of the Kiowa and Apache RWs were swarming around the depression containing the town. Any hope of advancing was quickly blunted by the sheer firepower concentrated by advancing NATO forces, the Apaches, again, distinguishing themselves by their effectiveness. As the Tunguskas were still too far away, 203mm Malkas were ordered to neutralize the hovering RWs. After a thunderous barrage all but one of the Apaches were destroyed, giving the northern Soviet force some breathing room. They moved to the woods and resolved to hold against the advance, doing as much damage as possible. [image]local://upfiles/71585/754475C2C6664A0687F3D5B4C9819FE7.jpg[/image]

Seer -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 1:20:46 PM)
Phase 2 The MMRs and recon regiments advancing through the woods south of Lauterbach found it slow going but they emerged without incident. From there things took a turn for the worse. While one company of BMP-2PGs crossed and entered the town of Frischborn, and the others prepared to cross the bridge, a regiment of M1A1(HAs) powered towards the victory point. They caught two BMP-2PG companies in open terrain and set about destroying them. The BMPs and their troops fought back but suffered terrible casualties; despite this, around two platoons worth managed to make the crossing and contest the victory point. The first company held their ground as even more NATO forces were closing in. Around the same time, Hind RWs, who had been ordered to face their NATO counterparts, arrived and cleared out the remaining Kiowas and Apaches. From there they maneuvered around the areas NATO forces were advancing through, picking off whoever they could, but not without suffering casualties of their own. During this time strike missions were being flown by supporting MiG-23MLs and Su-24s, both of which proved highly effective due to the dearth of NATO AA, and, of course, the Malkas fired upon any foolish enough to stand still. Nonetheless, the 3rd Armored Division were proving themselves deadly adversaries as Soviet casualties mounted everywhere except for Lauterbach itself. This would soon change. [image]local://upfiles/71585/9598B12B3D224E4E98D109475363599D.jpg[/image]

Seer -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 1:24:32 PM)
Phase 3 The final thrust of the NATO attack occurred on the western banks of the river, just south of the victory points in Lauterbach. The BMP-2PG company holding in Frischborn was wiped out; only a few sections of their MRR remained, so it was necessary to divert a company from Lauterbach to try and retake the victory point. The recon forces who blew the bridge were destroyed while attempting to cross the river, and unfortunately the mechanized company attempting to relieve Frischborn ran afoul of NATO forces attempting to break into Lauterbach. As they were preparing for the assault they were engaged and suffered significant casualties. Not enough to prevent the assault, however, as those who survived moved south and, supported by rotary and fixed wing forces, managed to finish off the remaining NATO forces and retake it. Meanwhile, NATO forces moved into Lauterbach itself and a fight ensued. With a high concentration of supporting arty fire the attack failed. By this time the 3rd Armored Division's strength was all but spent. As its last strike forces had tried to take Lauterbach, the remains of the T-80BV TR and MRR in the north took Wallenrod unopposed. NATO stragglers elsewhere were mopped up by Soviet air strikes and soon after the battle ended. [image]local://upfiles/71585/855ED248BD1F4A528A78726B8AE892A3.jpg[/image]

Seer -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 1:28:51 PM)
Victory was achieved with significant casualties for the Soviet Union. Lauterbach and much of its surrounds were secured. Several units received citations for effectiveness or awards for valor and sacrifice. quote: Greetings from the Inspectorate of the General Staff - To: General Voronin, commanding 1st Guards Tank * In the battle of "WL_AS 3rd Herd1" [a user scenario] your forces worth 8,080 points secured 72% (20202 vs 7807) of awarded victory points against an enemy force worth 12,247 points. The Inspectorate congratulates you and rates your performance as excellent. * Your force has claimed 35 Recce, 8 Helo, 44 Tank, 52 APC, 48 Inf, 12 SP AT, 7 AT, 33 HQ, 2 AD, 3 SPArty and 4 Utility enemy subunits. * By outnumbering the surviving enemy at the end of the engagement by four times or more you have secured possession of the battlefield. The enemy has had to abandon all fallen out subunits that it otherwise could have recovered. * Remaining force tally - Active: 6 Recce, 4 Helo, 6 Tank, 12 APC, 22 Inf, 28 HQ, 12 AD, 18 SPArty, 17 Arty, 28 Utility and 7 Air. Fallen out: 4 Recce, 17 Tank, 42 APC, 28 Inf, 3 SP AT, 3 HQ and 2 AD. Destroyed: 5 Recce, 10 Helo, 19 Tank, 45 APC, 40 Inf, 6 SP AT, 5 HQ, 3 AD, 1 Arty, 3 Utility and 1 Air. * By the end of the battle your units had a 86% average readiness and a command cyle duration of 24 minutes. * Your force took very heavy - 34% - permanent losses and must refit for for a considerable time to recover the 99 subunit(s) that have fallen out. Staff evaluation complete. Estimated state of forces at present time: - Soviet Forces: ť 2B9 Vasilek (Towed Mortar) - 18 starting, 1 destroyed. ť 2S6 Tunguska (Self Propelled Flak) - 4 starting, no losses or exits. ť 2S7M Malka (Self Propelled Artillery) - 18 starting, no losses or exits. ť 30mm AGS GL (Grenade Launcher Unit) - 9 starting, 1 fallen out, 5 destroyed. ť BMP-2PG [gm] (Tracked APC) - 99 starting, 42 fallen out, 45 destroyed. ť BMP-Ksh (Command Vehicle) - 20 starting, no losses or exits. ť BRDM-2 [g] (Recon Unit) - 6 starting, 4 fallen out, 2 destroyed. ť BRDM-2 AT-4 Spigot (Self Propelled Anti-Tank) - 9 starting, 3 fallen out, 6 destroyed. ť BRM-1K Korshun (Recon Unit) - 6 starting, 3 destroyed. ť GAZ-66 (Wheeled Utility Vehicle) - 25 starting, 2 destroyed. ť Headquarters (Command Unit) - 16 starting, 3 fallen out, 5 destroyed. ť Ka-29 Helix (Attack Helicopter-Gun/ATGM/Rkt) - 2 starting, no losses or exits. ť Mechanized Rifle (Infantry Unit) - 81 starting, 27 fallen out, 35 destroyed. ť Mi-24V Hind (Attack Helicopter-Gun/ATGM/Rkt) - 12 starting, 10 destroyed. ť MiG-27M Flogger (CAS Aircraft-Gun/CBU/FAE) - 4 starting, no losses or exits. ť MT-LBu 1V12 (Recon Unit) - 3 starting, no losses or exits. ť SA-11 Gadfly (Self Propelled SAM) - 4 starting, no losses or exits. ť SA-14 Gremlin (SAM Infantry Unit) - 9 starting, 2 fallen out, 3 destroyed. ť Su-24 Fencer (CAS Aircraft-Gun/PGM) - 4 starting, 1 destroyed. ť T-80BV [m] (Main Battle Tank) - 42 starting, 17 fallen out, 19 destroyed. ť UAZ Jeep (Wheeled Utility Vehicle) - 6 starting, 1 destroyed. Despite their overwhelming strength the 3rd Armored Division had been completely destroyed. In particular, their lack of AA left them almost defenseless against Soviet rotary and fixed wing air strikes. This critical weakness cost the lives of many brave and capable soldiers. quote: Greetings from the Inspectorate of the General Staff - To: General, commanding 3rd Herd * In the battle of "WL_AS 3rd Herd1" [a user scenario] your forces worth 12,247 points obtained just 28% (7807 vs 20202) of awarded victory points against an enemy force worth 8,080. You should be aware that the Inspectorate considers your performance, on balance, to be disasterous. * Your heroic death in battle saddens us all. * Your force has claimed 9 Recce, 10 Helo, 36 Tank, 86 APC, 62 Inf, 9 SP AT, 6 HQ, 3 AD, 1 Arty, 3 Utility and 1 Air enemy subunits. * The enemy outnumbered you at the end of the engagement by four times or more and so has secured possession of the battlefield. You have been forced to abandon all fallen out equipment that otherwise could have returned to duty over time. * Remaining force tally - Active: 1 Recce, 3 Inf, 2 AT, 1 HQ, 9 SPArty and 1 Utility. Fallen out: 23 Inf and 27 HQ. Destroyed: 35 Recce, 8 Helo, 44 Tank, 51 APC, 19 Inf, 12 SP AT, 7 AT, 4 HQ, 3 SPArty and 4 Utility. * By the end of the battle your units had a 38% average readiness and a command cyle duration of 64 minutes. * Your force took Pyrrhic - 74% - permanent losses and has essentially ceased to exist as an effective combat formation. * In recognition of your efforts your surviving family will receive a testimonial plaque. Staff evaluation complete. Estimated state of forces at present time: - American Forces: ť 40mm Mk 19 GL (Grenade Launcher Unit) - 9 starting, 7 fallen out, 2 destroyed. ť AH-64A Apache (Attack Helicopter-Gun/ATGM/Rkt) - 4 starting, 4 destroyed. ť AH-64A Apache (Attack Helicopter-Gun/Rkt) - 4 starting, 4 destroyed. ť Dragon (Anti-Tank Infantry Unit) - 9 starting, 7 destroyed. ť Headquarters (Command Unit) - 14 starting, 11 fallen out, 2 destroyed. ť Heavy MG (Support Infantry Unit) - 9 starting, 2 fallen out, 5 destroyed. ť M1026 HMMWV (Wheeled Utility Vehicle) - 5 starting, 4 destroyed. ť M106A2 (Self Propelled Mortar) - 12 starting, 3 destroyed. ť M113A1 (Tracked APC) - 10 starting, 10 destroyed. ť M150 (Self Propelled Anti-Tank) - 12 starting, 12 destroyed. ť M1A1(HA) Abrams (Main Battle Tank) - 44 starting, 44 destroyed. ť M2A2 Bradley [m] (Tracked APC) - 41 starting, 41 destroyed. ť M3A1 Bradley [m] (Recon Unit) - 12 starting, 12 destroyed. ť M577A2 C2V (Command APC) - 18 starting, 16 fallen out, 2 destroyed. ť Mechanized Rifle (Infantry Unit) - 27 starting, 14 fallen out, 12 destroyed. ť OH-58A Kiowa (Scout Helicopter) - 12 starting, 12 destroyed. ť Scout (Infantry Unit) - 12 starting, 11 destroyed. [image]local://upfiles/71585/26DE1C692DD345E580985803F3576E57.jpg[/image]

MikeJ19 -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 2:43:03 PM)
Seer, Well done, thanks for sharing. Playing the Soviets is not for the faint of heart. I have not done it much, but the long command cycle and the grouping at company level makes it a very interesting challenge. All the best,

Seer -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 3:40:24 PM)
Thanks Mike, can't wait until the forum will finally allow me to embed images and use links, will make things much easier! Good hunting yourself

MikeJ19 -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/13/2020 6:10:28 PM)
Pictures make it much easier to tell the story. Good luck in your next battle.

CapnDarwin -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/14/2020 3:01:36 AM)
Seer, you should be good after 10 posts, but you will need to have some form of image hosting to link the images. MikeJ may have a better idea of that with how he does his AARs.

Seer -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (5/14/2020 10:07:58 AM)
Yeah, the forum told me that repeatedly as I tried to embed the attached images. [8D] I have an imgur account so I should be able to use that in future.

dvphimself -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (2/2/2021 6:31:46 AM)
Well played!

HeinzBaby -> RE: 3rd Herd AAR [Soviet #2] (2/3/2021 7:44:10 AM)
Geez, how did I miss this gem, I've played this numerous times but never gone 'over the top' through the Maar - Wallenrod detour. Well played Comrade! great AAR.

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