Desert Warfare Tactics

[Kool Kat]

Hi Gents: :)

I have not played many JTCS desert scenarios, but did want to share with club members some of the tactics I find works well for your forces in the North African desert. Hopefully, other armchair generals will add their knowledge to this thread!

Recon is king!

Desert forces are usually blessed with a pheothra of armored cars (ACs). Get these units on the flanks to screen and select line of sights (LOS) that allow large areas of terrain to be kept under observation. Try to keep your ACs operating in packs (2-3 units) so they may be used to ambush enemy ACs and transport - especially loaded transport! Keep working to get your ACs around and behind enemy lines to attack artillery and HQ units. Use your high movement factors to get into key positions and to get out of trouble quickly.

LOS is critical!

Always be checking LOS for your units. Click on the binoculars and check out the LOS of potential defensive positions. Plan ahead for several turns. Look for those "sneaky" LOS that give you a look at key enemy positions and be ready to call in artillery bombardments. If the enemy can't see your troops, he can't attack them!

Speed is... fast!

Keep the majority of your forces moving each turn, unless you are defending key victory hexes. Movement keeps the enemy from zeroing in with artillery on your forces and allows you to manuever into other positions. Remember that units can move faster and farther in the nearly "empty" desert. Enemy units can be among your troops in only a few turns, so plan your defensive positions with overlapping fields of fire and in depth. Ensure that you keep your flanks guarded at all times!

Use terrain to your advantage!

Desert has a lot of open and barren terrain. Look for any terrain like rock outcrops, depressions, the ocassional village, scrub, catus, etc. that can give your forces some cover or blocked LOS to screen your advancing troops. Know that you will need to operate "in the open" for the majority of the scenario and plan accordingly. Use the scenario visability range to your advantage to keep your units "hidden" until you can close the distance to your targets.

Protect key units!

For high value units like HQs and loaded transport, you may wish to assign an AC or light AFV for protection / convoy duties. An anti-tank gun makes for a good defender once your HQ becomes stationary for several turns. Remember; especially with non-mobile artillery, select hidden / covered terrain and be sure to check the direct LOS to your selected defensive position. You don't want your unlimbered guns to be caught in the open by roving enemy ACs!