RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!)

RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (Full Version)

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Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 1:49:23 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads Oh well, it sure got interesting for a bit! Time to prepare for the inevitable US next phase, then. I am moving my MMG platoons to a sector just out of line of sight of the US units out there. I have four MMG units, so plenty of Op Fire to fire back. I double check: yes, Opportunity Fire at Helicopters set at Medium range. With a firing range of 5 hexes (1250 meters) for my MMGs, Medium range will fire at them at two, three hex distance. That by the way includes both the distance of the hex a helo is at, and then its flight level: Helo, two hexes from me, Nap of Earth: 2 hex firing distance Helo, two hexes from me, Low: 3 hex firing distance Helo, two hexes from me, High: 4 hex firing distance. Light arms Fire results at High level are penalised, so don't want to fire at that height anyway. Should be a good setup. (Wish I had SAMs, they excel at High flight level!) So there's the Anti-aircraft setup I have. Highlighted here with selecting the AA NATO symbol from Toolbar Highlights group. There's plenty of higlight options, from Anti-tank to Engineers to Disrupted or Fixed units, the lot. That's the end-of-play situation. Spread out, no overstacking anywhere (more than 12SP in a hex), hoping desperately to down a gunship or three next turn! [image]local://upfiles/32195/AFD1394D24BA4C4980122927B1DC530F.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 1:53:19 PM)
Here's then the busy End of Play NVA Turn #8 screenshot. With the losses I've taken, it is getting hot here. I did take out some US strength as well, so not too bad when it comes to Kill Ratio itself. See the Event points, though. If the US Event Points Reward is indeed 100 Event Points per holding LZ Albany for four consecutive turns, I need to do something about that! quote: hoping desperately to down a gunship or three next turn! The US Side A player is often heavily penalised for losing Helicopter crews out there, so all is not yet lost. File sent to John / Big Ivan. "Oh, gunships. So that's why I have these MANPAD units!" Ha, that won't scare him. Gotta try, though. [image]local://upfiles/32195/18923EBE84BC4F20907A7C5C8E0E8713.jpg[/image]

devoncop -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 4:34:21 PM)
Can't beat a bit of psychological warfare. [:)] It raises a good point actually : The stealthy nature of this conflict and the way it is so well portrayed in this game actually creates it's own psychological pressure on the French/US player in particular I am finding. I have to actively push myself to take risks to try and complete missions and take objectives when my instinct (much like many ARVN commanders back in the day) is to worry about "what's out there" in the jungles and paddies :-)

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 7:38:52 PM)
I should have taken my SMEAC literally, this time around. ”Go at’em. Do mind the Hogs.” All’s pointing to quite a lively finale here. If only my machinegunners could discourage them a bit to keep their distance and not hover NoE next to my units.

berto -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 9:20:02 PM)
TBH, I do think you were too cautiously methodical at the start. You should have hit them hard as fast as you can.

Jason Petho -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/22/2022 9:20:52 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: berto TBH, I do think you were too cautiously methodical at the start. You should have hit them hard as fast as you can. +1

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/23/2022 5:01:53 AM)
Umm, you guys have not paid attention, have you. It was not me, it was the previous Political Officer. We had him shot.

Jason Petho -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/23/2022 5:10:20 AM)
Hahaha! Of course!

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/23/2022 3:58:03 PM)
NVA Turn #9 of 12 A new turn in, I won't have the time to play it today, but let's watch the replay! quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads No Close Air Support missions this time around either ... I would not assume they'd been saving their CAS for so long? Surely not? Mmm. Close Air Support. It is real. [8\|] Plenty of Huey Hogs around as well, my machinegunners reacted well, but seems the Medium range against Helicopter is too far. They fire at three hex distance, with flight levels, there's not much impact. Reminder to set AA Range to Short, for now on. I am stopping counting casualties. I am a Political Officer, after all. After some hard fighting against the imperial intruders. People's Army of North Vietnm is happy to report the American capitalists are being teached a hard lesson! Lesson being: air power is awesome. On good news, I got lots of Disruption recoveries, so get to go again. Let us fight them arm and tooth until the end! On another news, my Artillery Supply isn't that bad, but due to bad die rolls I remain with just one 60mm supporting. Despite of not using them last turn. (To be continued) [image]local://upfiles/32195/A76D782201E747B4929A3D57A5BA36F3.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 2:37:03 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads NVA Turn #9 of 12 ... (To be continued) Back to the jungles, then. I used to like these parts of the forest before all those American tourists showed up, with their noisy toys... To do something about them, I thought to focus on that flagpole they've planted in the middle of my little opening. Moving in with my two suffering platoons from west, I fire at them, hoping for results. Then, not a text book assault this time around either, but an all-in one with the four rifle platoons I have in the perimeter. Assault! And they fall! Nice touch with Event Points, my hard suffering men receive an immediate Morale boost! I deny that having to do with the little opium garden we had there... A shout from the Headquarters, too. People's Army is happy! [image]local://upfiles/32195/15826BCF90BB43BE8E307B27EFFC206A.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 2:39:27 PM)
Boldened by this success, I try to take that ridge top with similar tactics, but the Assault does not win the day there. No friendly losses though, so it might have been a close thing. [image]local://upfiles/32195/F85D5815917C451AA7AE7A9E0AA56549.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 2:42:46 PM)
NVA End of Play Turn #9 Let us finish with a tabletop view of the battlefield Albany. Look at those US Event Points! Oh, the High Command must not have been happy. They've gained their 100 Event Points every four turns, now I am assuming they were stripped 100 Event Points. Kill Ratio, while losses on my side have mounted, is brutal for the US side. They pay a high price for each loss taken. Let us try to keep that up. File sent over! [image]local://upfiles/32195/C70A0A43C19D4D04AF12FC392C3B86DB.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 2:45:02 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads Kill Ratio, while losses on my side have mounted, is brutal for the US side. They pay a high price for each loss taken. Let us try to keep that up. Well, it is brutal for me too. I took 15 Strength Points of losses this turn, during his phase, and mine. They lost 5 steps. Yet, hope springs eternal. May there be many Blue on Blue situations come next turn, I mean, they are packed with Artillery and Close Air Support!

devoncop -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 3:41:00 PM)
Wow...nice work. I imagine that the success of that assault came as a nasty shock to Ivan....chaotic scenes in and around the LZ just as historically was the case. When I reach this scenario it will be with a sense of trepidation that I arrive as the US !

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 5:42:42 PM)
I have a feeling 7th Cav will live to fight another day here but this has been most fun. There is quite a ”We Were Warriors” vibe here [:)]

devoncop -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 6:39:13 PM)
Yes I was definitely getting that vibe too reading the AARs.🙂

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 7:59:21 PM)
I often have this sort of roleplaying mindset with my little digital troopers out there. They've given their best despite the shambles they were led into. I will start to have them disappear to jungle in turn 11. I just know the next turn will be just brutal for them. Enough. They finally took the LZ if just for one turn. One more turn at the enemy, men! Then head home. (Those who are still walking that is)

devoncop -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/24/2022 8:15:52 PM)
I do the same. Heroic stands and desperate assaults are what makes the game very cinematic for me. I think your boys did you proud....(if not your long forgotten predecessor as polital Officer)[:)]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/26/2022 4:58:42 PM)
NVA Turn #10 of 12 And so it goes. quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads I have a feeling 7th Cav will live to fight another day here but this has been most fun. There is quite a ”We Were Warriors” vibe here [:)] No airstrikes this turn, lots of artillery, lots of direct fire. John's doing a very good job at disrupting my men, but with Morale of 8, they recover very well, especially as this battleground consist of hexes with good concealment, and their Leaders are stacked with them as well. 13 disruptions would have normally meant I am toast, but 10 of them recover. Wow. Still, lost another eight strength points. Ouch. At this stage we're like two tired boxes, exchanging blows, but not able to get much done. "Two units low on ammo". That would be my Mortar park [:(] [image]local://upfiles/32195/52DE048F7EF049F19BD3212AFB3DA4CD.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/26/2022 5:02:04 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads At this stage we're like two tired boxes, exchanging blows, but not able to get much done. Or maybe not? Let us try to assault that vulnerable stack holding high ground here... Suppressing fire from three hex sides, then an Assault from three hex sides. This is looking promising. No. No dice. Firing at everyone on my turn then, cycling through all his units one by one. To keep him from attacking or assaulting me come next turn. quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads At this stage we're like two tired boxes, exchanging blows, but not able to get much done. Name of the game! [image]local://upfiles/32195/5949E860A15D498F9928DDE82A8B73E8.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/26/2022 5:06:04 PM)
End of play for NVA Turn #10 sees us having killed five US strength points. Heavy casualties on both sides. I snipped the information box from Unit list too, I am running out of Supply points, as often typical in Vietnam. Supply in the Jungles is difficult, unless you have dedicated Supply capable units available, heading your way. Generals study Logistics, and all that. We just eat it. I think I will stick to my plan on starting a retreat come turn 11. It will be brutal again, with his CAS, Artillery, Hogs, Direct Fire hitting my weary troopers. Over to him! No sneaky remarks on email anymore. Why can't we all just be friends. [image]local://upfiles/32195/D65FA1E7485F4B7D8BB6F9EBF8AEE269.jpg[/image]

berto -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/26/2022 9:12:52 PM)
This match is playing out rather like the Real Life historical engagement.

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/27/2022 2:46:47 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: berto This match is playing out rather like the Real Life historical engagement. At this stage, I am too afraid to check the historical details as how it panned out. Did they walk back to another LZ, or did they clear out this one? They cleared out LZ Albany at the end, IIRC... [sm=duel.gif]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/27/2022 2:50:25 PM)
And with that, it is time for... NVA Turn #11 of 12 Another replay, another 10 Strength Points blown to kingdome come... This time around one of the US artillery fire missions drifted on top of them, at least a retreat. Blue on Blue! As it turns out, looking at the Victory Status as the very first thing again, no US losses on their phase. Their Objective Points tally keeps ticking down with my NVA soldiers securing the Landing Zone for this turn as well. So the objective does yield 10 points per turn for me, good news that! What else? My artillery park is finally back, hooray! [image]local://upfiles/32195/B511AF3817754BAEB79F1CAB995EF552.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/27/2022 2:53:39 PM)
So, let us try to do some damage, again. That isolated US position at their western edge looks so tempting. Maybe I can capture them come this turn? I don't have that much strength left, with Disrupted units unable to participate in the Assault. I have the Disrupted ones do the suppressing fire, then: Assault! Nada. I take one step loss to add an injury to insult. [image]local://upfiles/32195/4FE9A4837D8F4D42B793BBBC30465A94.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/27/2022 2:58:52 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads So, let us try to do some damage, ... part two the sequel. First, with my main assault completed, there's not much my depleted units can offer here. Again, I start cycling his units in each stack, firing at them, hoping for Disruptions. I must say I quite like the new Enhanced Fog of War! Previously, you'd see which enemy units are disrupted, which ones are not. No more! Much more intriguing this way. Among the round of firing I am doing, their Recon section scored a Retreat dieroll. It is quite vulnerable, I have the Direct firepower there to probably kill it, but let us assualt it instead! Assaults are intimidating, everytime you hear the assault sound playing in the replay, you fear that your full stack is gone, next. This is just a Recon section, but here we go. Assaulting from severeal hex sides this time... Assault! Captured! Looking at the Victory Status, it was just a depleted, one step Recon unit. Victory for People's Army, though! They will make songs about us in Hanoi [sm=character0077.gif] [image]local://upfiles/32195/9CF17BA05C164CD4975E8537A87C87BA.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/27/2022 3:04:27 PM)
End of play NVA Turn #11 quote: ORIGINAL: Crossroads At this stage, I am too afraid to check the historical details as how it panned out. Did they walk back to another LZ, or did they clear out this one? They cleared out LZ Albany at the end, IIRC... Here's the sitrep in tabletop view for a change, again, with Highlight Disrupted Units. Looking at my depleted units securing the LZ, I just know there's no way they can stand up for I am sure Big Ivan will just absolutely throw everything and kitchen napalm at them! CAS, Artillery, Hogs, Direct Fire. Yet, I just can't call artillery on top of that hex, in case my men survive there (they won't). Instead, I plot the two thich US stacks there. Don't tell the Party or they'll have me shot next... Sitrep to People's Army Headquarters: People's Army of North Vietnam continues victoriously against the imperialistic invaders. I can report 17 enemy helicopters shut down during this turn only, with eigth tanks and two armored cars destroyed, in addition. Our line continues to hold. Send us money. Political Officer Second Grade Xroads. [image]local://upfiles/32195/AE557E7E4F414ADC8140BE007EACB2DD.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/28/2022 4:26:00 PM)
NVA Turn #12 of 12 - AND SO IT ENDS! Watching the replay, as bad as they come. Artillery landing on my guys, then Hogs doing their things. No CAS though, he must have run out of them. Direct fire, lots of it. Ugh. But what do you know, lots of noise, low casualties! Also, all my six Disrupted units recover, I have a full - albeit very depleted! - roster available for the last turn. One final push, lads! [image]local://upfiles/32195/B04A4FD6E9A94431A0A367385601A281.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/28/2022 4:30:55 PM)
What the replay was also showing was the 7th Cav bugging out. And why not, the last phase of the last turn has the advantage of knowing the game is ending, so can do silly things leaving his troops in positions otherwise not chosen. Something to keep in mind if you have the first phase of the last turn. There's two US positions isolated there still, though. What to do? Assault! Assault is what we do! No preparing fire available, just an all-in charge with those who are still standing. Dang! Captured everyone there! Six Strength Points! A full platoon worth of men, in other words. [image]local://upfiles/32195/1FDD5C6E489E4AD88F7E999E6287A726.jpg[/image]

Crossroads -> RE: DAR as NVA: Battle of LZ Albany 11/17/1965 (No peeking Big Ivan!) (1/28/2022 4:35:00 PM)
With that fresh in my troops mind, let us charge that another hex too, with all we've got! And... Assault! Nope. Took a loss, looking at Victory Dialog immediately after, he too. Was a close one... No rest for the weary 7th Cav though, I fired at him with units available, followed him as he scored a retreat dieroll, rinse, repeat. Looking at Victory Dialog, no losses for him though. Someone's counting their blessings for certain. And so it ends... Draw! Not bad, after all that's happened. [image]local://upfiles/32195/E245292356C64D9894898C63460B8BF3.jpg[/image]

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