NGP85 "81: Better Dead than Red v1.1"

[JDR Dragoon]

This is an AAR of the (old) 81: Better Dead than Red v1.1 scenario by CapCav

I will play as NATO. It´s 1981, so no Thermal Sights, no Abrams, Leopard 2 or Bradleys (at least not in my sector anyways). Just plain old M60s, infantry in M113s and West Germans driving Leopard 1s. This against WAPA driving T64s and BMP infantry carriers. My opponent was burroughs. The game had to end early due to physical disability, before a clear decision was reached.

The (made up) timeline is as follows:

Autumn 1980: In an attempt to stop the trafficking of weapons and fighters into Afghanistan, the USSR invades the border regions of Pakistan and Iran in order to clear them of fighters and support. Iranian counterattacks into the southern soviet republics serves to broaden the war and draw in additional soviet forces. As a consequence of the ongoing Iran-Iraq conflict (launched by Saddam in order to take advantage of the Soviet attack), the Soviet intervention serves to oust the regime in Tehran, which is replaced by a Soviet puppet under the leadership of Iranian communists. The war between Iraq and Iran continues, with Iran heavily supported by the USSR and gaining ground.

Winter/spring 1980/1981: In order to safeguard the oilfields from Soviet intervention, the US, France and Great Britain deploys expeditionary troops in support of the Iraqi army in order to insure, that the Iranians will not threaten the Gulf States any further. This serves to drive the Iranian forces back, with the soviet support increasing to compensate.

April 1981: As a consequence of the worsening international situation, GSFG troops are retained in East Germany beyond the expiration of their tour of duty when it ends in April. As a consequence, NATO collectively moves to the level of Military Vigilance (serving personnel confined to quarters, all leave cancelled, absent personnel recalled/reactivated).

Late-April 1981: The movement of troops from the western military districts of the USSR into Eastern Germany and Czechoslovakia is detected. NATO declares a state of Simple Alert. Germany recalls reservists of the Field Army (Feldheer, 12 divisions) in order to bring active divisions up to war strenght. The United States implements REFORGER in order to bring units in West Germany up to their full war strenght. Units already in Germany are spread into assembly areas outside their peacetime garrisons in order to lessen the effects of a WAPA attack. In an attempt to implement "crisis management" and in order to assure the Warsaw Pact that NATO does not harbor any offensive design, implementation of the deployment parts of the General Defence Plans are put off for the moment in the hope that the Warsaw Pact is merely posturing in order to leverage a political advantage. Intensive shuttle diplomacy between the respective parts.

Early May 1981: The movement of Polish troops into E. Germany has been detected as well, but so far the Warsaw Pact has declined to mobilize their forces in E. Germany (consisting of the E. German Army (Nationale Volkarmee) plus the soviet troops of the GSFG) and move them into assembly areas, which strenghtens the assumption that WAPA is merely posturing. NATO declares Reinforced Alert, with Germany going to total mobilization and the US federalizing National Guard units and calling up reserves. It is still hoped that diplomacy might be able to save the day like during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, if only both sides refrain from overt threatening military moves.

Mid-day, 9th of May 1981: The movement of WAPA troops into forward asembly areas has been detected. East Germany and Poland starts mobilizing their reserves. War is now imminent and likely to happen within 48 hours. NATO declares General Alert and mobilized units finally starts to roll towards their General Defense Positions within an hour of the alert being given.

CENTAG Five-Paragraph Order to follow....

[JDR Dragoon]

091600ZMay1981

FROM: COMAFCENT
TO: COMCENTAG

1. Situation:

A. Enemy Forces:

WAPA forces estimated at between 20-25 divisions in 4-5 armies have assembled opposite the northern parts of NATOs CENTAG.

WAPA forces have moved out from their barracks and assembly areas and started to move towards the border. It is estimated that they will reach their jump-off positions within the next 24-36 hours. It must be expected that these units will be supported by airmobile and parachute units plus infiltrators working behind our lines. In addition heavy enemy air activity must be expected with both rotary and fixed wing assets present.

Enemy most likely course of action will be to attack with 3-4 armies (á 5 divisions each approximately), supported by airborne and airmobile units, in their first echelon against the northern 3 corps of CENTAG. This to be followed up by a second echelon of 1-2 armies (á 5 armies each aprox.). Enemy most dangerous COA will be to rupture one or more of NATOs frontline corps, exploiting the breach and pushing on to the Rhine river and beyond.

B. Friendly Forces:

It is the intent of SACEUR that NATO defends as far forwards as possible in accordance with the strategy of "Forward Defence".

CENTAG will be bordered by NORTHAG along the determined boundary line north of Kassel and will have its southern flank anchored on the Austrian border. Neighbouring units to the far south is SOUTHAG in northern Italy. CENTAG will be supported by tactical aircraft of 4. ATAF and US Special Forces.

C. Attachments/Detachments.

CENTAG will be reinforced with planned REFORGER units plus additional reinforcements flown in from CONUS. In addition the French 1st Army (3 corps) is expected to pass under the control of CENTAG following transfer of control.



2. Mission

NATO must defend as far forwards as possible, only yielding ground grudgingly and vigorously try to regain lost ground through counterattacks. GDP positions must be reached and prepared no later than 100100ZMay 1981 in order to be in a position to deter WAPA from starting aggression by an overwhelming show of NATO force and solidarity.


3. Execution

CENTAG Corps must move their units into their respective sectors and create defensive positions as per the GDP. Each corps must create a maneuver reserve of at least divisions strenght in order to close down any enemy penetrations by vigorous counterattacks and offensive action. Following transfer of control, the French 1st army and the Canadian 4th Brigade Group will act as a final uncommitted maneuver reserve behind CENTAGs frontline Corps.

It is my intent to stop WAPA as far forward as possible in order to prevent their further advance into the industrial and population centers of West Germany. Air assets will be especially dedicated to interdicting enemy second echelon forces and attacking their artillery and headquarters. Subordinate units should plan accordingly.

4. Logistics

Units will stay in contact with their higher HQs, thus ensuring adequate service support. HQs will stay close to major roads in order to facilitate easier resupply.

5. Signals

HQs will stay as far away from observed enemies as possible in order to diminish the risk of being detected by enemy EW efforts.

[JDR Dragoon]

FROM: COMCENTAG

TO: COM GE III Korps, COM US V CORPS, COM US VII CORPS.


Terrain:

From the north the terrain is dominated by the Weser river, running S-N in the GE III Korps sector scant kilometers from the border. The Weser river valley is extremely mountanous and an obstacle to any attacker. Further to the South the Fulda river, which runs into the Weser near Kassel, dominates the terrain, surrounded by forested hills and low mountains.



Near the town of Fulda the eponymous gap starts, leading to Frankfurt am Main to the west. East of the Fulda river and the Vogelsberg mountains the terrain opens up somewhat, with clear going towards the Rhine river for most of the way. There are several excellent E-W running major roads in this area, facilitating a rapid advance.




South of the town of Fulda itself, the forested Rhön mountain range and the lack of any major E-W running roads makes enemy advances difficult in this area. To the south of the Rhön is the so called Meiningen Gap, which leads W to the Spessart mountain range, and the town of Mannheim on the Rhine river beyond, and towards the town of Würzburg on the river Main to the SW.



Between Meiningen and the city of Coburg the terrain is ideal for the defender, who can rely on both the Main river and the low mountains of the Steigerwald. Obvious invasions routes running towards Bamberg and Schweinfurt originates near Coburg, where many W, SW and S running roads originate, yet the defence here is also buttressed by the Main River and the forested heights of the Frankenwald.




Furthest to the E lies the town of Hof, where the so called Hof-gap leads SW towards Bayreuth (off map), but also gives another major road W through the Frankenwald towards Bamberg and the open terrain beyond the Steigerwald.

[Fhil]

Maybe without hex outlines, it would like softer for eyes, at least I do so.
 Looking forward to follow this

[JDR Dragoon]

082000ZMay1981

FROM: COMCENTAG

TO: COM GE III Korps

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: Enemy composition, strenght and disposition.
WAPA forces, likely comprising at least an Army of some five divisions, with a possiblity of 2 armies with a total of some 10 divisions, can be expected to attack within the German III Krops sector within the next 36 hours, likely accompanied by attacks from enemy special forces infiltrators and airmobile units on our rear areas. Even a full scale airborne insertion of divisional scale cannot be ruled out in your sector. The capabilities of the enemy forces will vary: While soviet units will be equipped with tanks and APC/IFVs that are equal and even better than ours, the E. German and polish forces will likely be sporting older and inferior equipment. Soviet airborne troops are especially dangerous due to BMD IFVs. In addition major enemy air activity, including both rotary and fixed wing assets can be expected.

2: Enemy Capabilities and Limitations.
The enemy is capable of rapid ground maneuver along the major roads and in open terrain due to their mechanization, but possesses limited ability to move cross-country.

3: Enemys most likely course of action.
The enemys most likely course of action in this sector will be an attack in two prongs, one through the so called "Göttingen Corridor", through Munden (crossing the Fulda/Weser in the process), taking Kassel and breaking into the open terrain beyond. The other prong will be an attack towards Hann. Munden, crossing the Fulda and breaking into the open terrain south of Kassel. Either of these thrusts might be supported by airmobile and airborne units.








B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
It is the intention of SACEUR that CENTAG will defend as close to the border as feasible in order to preserve the industrial, demographic and territorial integrity of W. Germany.

2: Adjacent Units.
Adjacent unit to the north will be the Belgian I Corps (off map), adjacent unit to the south will be the US V Corps (3rd Armored Division). Adjacent unit to the west will be forces from Territorialkommando Süd (Wehrbereichskommando IV), who will secure the rear areas and lines of communication from enemy infiltrators and airborne landings.

3 Supporting:
In support will be fixed wing assets from 4. ATAF. US Special Forces from the 10th Special Forces Group might be operating in the Korps sector as well.


C: Attachments/Detachments.

As of 082100ZMay1981 GE III Korps immediately relinquishes control of 12. Panzer Division, which US VII Corps will receive in OPCON.



MISSION:

GE III Korps consists of the 2. Panzergrenadierdivision (comprising 2xPanzergrenadier Brigades (4th and 5th) plus 1 Panzer Brigade (6th). Divisional troops consists of Engineer Battalion, Reconnaisance Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Regiment and Artillery Regiment) plus the 5th Panzer Division (as above, but with 1 Panzergrenadier Brigade (13th) and 2 Panzer Brigades (14th, 15th) instead) and Corps Troops (consisting of an Airlanding Brigade (airmobile, using helicopters), a LRRP Company, Artillery Brigade, Engineer Brigade plus an Antitank Helicopter Regiment).

GE III Korps must defend its assigned Corps sector, between Münden and Rothenburg an der Fulda, stopping any enemy penetrations across the Fulda, defending the major city of Kassel in the proces. In addition the Corps must screen parts of the belgian Corps sector along the Weser, in case of enemy attacks cutting in behind the belgian frontline farther to the east and northeast (off map). GE III Korps must be prepared to defend its sector no later than 100100ZMay 1981 and hold untill reinforced, relieved or the enemy attack is decisively broken, in order to safeguard the major population and industrial centres lying further to the west.



EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

It is the intent of GE III Korps to defend its sector with the 2. Panzergrenadier forwards, with the 4. Panzergrenadier Brigade to the north, defending Kassel and Münden, and the 5. Panzergrenadier Brigade to the south, defending Hann. Munden and the low mountains along the Fulda to the south. The 6th Panzer Brigade will be in divisionsal reserve in a central position N of Kassel, after initially being a part of the covering force. The entire 5th Panzer Division (minus the brigade that is initially part of the covering forces) will be in Corps reserve, along with the Airlanding Brigade, ready to intervene against any enemy breakthrough.

B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
The forward battle area will consist of a Covering Force area, E of the Fulda/Weser rivers, and a Main Battle area aimed at defending this riverline. The Main battle area will primarily be held by the 2. Panzergrenadier Division, backed up by the 5. Panzer Division. The Covering Force will consist of the Reconnaisance Battalions of both divisions, reinforced by two Panzer Brigades (the 6th and the 14th) and the Corps Antitank Helicopter Regiment. Once the Covering Force task has been done, these units will return to general reserve. If necessary, 13. Panzergrenadier Brigade will move forward to reinforce either of the two Panzergrenadier Brigades of the 2. PzG. Div. in their defense of the river. In case of an enemy incursion into the belgian Corps sector, the Airlanding Brigade will serve as an initial reaction reserve, untill further units can be deployed north and the incursion shut down before the enemy crosses the Weser river.

2: Fire Support Plan.
Long range artillery and airpower will specifically target located enemy HQs and artillery units in order to disrupt and wear them down. Corps and divisional artillery units will serve to reinforce the fire of organic brigade artillery.

C: Tasks.
Engineer operations in the following priority: minefields, defensive earthworks, bridge demolition. Units occupying defensive positions along expected enemy axis of advance will ge priority on engineer services. Electronic Warfare Units will try to elucidate the position of enemy HQs and jam them if possible. Artillery locating units will try do the same with regard to enemy artillery.

D: Coordinating Instructions.
5. Panzergrenadier Brigade/2 PzG Div. will coordinate with the US 3rd Armored Division/V Corps as regards the Corps southern boundary line.



LOGISTICS:

Units will remain in contact with higher HQs, thus facilitating resupply.



SIGNALS:

A: Signals.
HQs will retain signal communications with superior and subordinate units, while at the same time trying to minimize their exposure to enemy jamming and sgnals reconnaisance.

B: Command.
HQ GE III Korps will be near Arolsen. HQ 2. PzG Div will be NW of Kassel. HQ 5. Panzer Div. will be near Fritzlar.

[JDR Dragoon]

082000ZMay1981

FROM: COMCENTAG

TO: COM US V Corps

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: Enemy composition, strenght and disposition.
WAPA forces, likely comprising at least an Army of some 5 divisions, with a possiblity of 2 armies with a total of some 10 divisions, can be expected to attack within the US V Corps sector within the next 36 hours, likely accompanied by attacks from enemy special forces infiltrators and airmobile units on our rear areas. Even a full scale airborne insertion of divisional scale cannot be ruled out in your sector. The capabilities of the enemy forces will vary: While soviet unts will be equipped with tanks and APC/IFVs that are equal and even better to ours, the E. German and polish forces will likely be sporting older and inferior equipment. Soviet airborne troops are especially dangerous due to their high degree of mechanization. In addition major enemy air activity, including both rotary and fixed wing assets can be expected.

2: Enemy Capabilities and Limitations.
The enemy is capable of rapid ground maneuver along the major roads and in open terrain due to their mechanization, but possesses limited ability to move cross-country, which will seriously limit their ability to extend their combat power to its fullest, something which the use of airmobile infantry might be used to alleviate.

3: Enemys most likely and most dangerous course of action.
The enemys most likely course of action in this sector will be an attack in two prongs, one in the north, on the axis Bad Hersfeld (crossing the river Fulda)-Alsfeld, attacking Frankfurt from the NE. The other prong will be an attack towards the town of Fulda, breaking into the open terrain west of the Vogelsberg. Either of these thrusts might be supported by airmobile and airborne units. The most dangerous enemy course of action is if both of these thrusts succeed, which will split the defence and allow the introduction of a 2nd echelon army, which will push towards Frankfurt.





B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
It is the intention of SACEUR that CENTAG will defend as close to the border as feasible in order to preserve the industrial, demographic and territorial integrity of W. Germany.

2: Adjacent Units.
Adjacent unit to the north will be the GE III Korps (2nd PzG. Div.), adjacent unit to the south will be the US VII Corps (12th Panzer Division). Adjacent unit to the west will be forces from Territorialkommando Süd (Wehrbereichskommando IV), who will secure the rear areas and lines of communication from enemy infiltrators and airborne landings.

3 Supporting:
In support will be fixed wing assets from 4. ATAF. A COY/1st BN from the 10th Special Forces Group will be operating in the Corps sector as well. In case of a major enemy breakthrough, adjacent units will provide reinforcements. In case of breakthroughs or airborne landings in an adjacent Corps sector, V Corps might be ordered to counterattack into the sector in order to restore the situation.


C: Attachments/Detachments.

The Corps will receive the 1st BN/75th Ranger Regiment in OPCON, once it arrives in theatre in aprox. 24 hours.



MISSION:
US V Corps consists of the 3rd Armored Division (comprising 3 brigades (1-2-3) with 6 armor and 5 mech. inf. battalions between them (one inf. btn. airmobile though)). Divisional troops consists of Engineer Battalion, Cavalry Squadron, Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Attack Helicopter Battalion and Divisional Artillery plus the 8th Infantry Division (as above, but with 5 armor and 6 mech inf btns.) and the 4th Infantry Division (as above, but with 4 brigades (1-2-3-4) with 5 armor and 7 mech battalions between them). 3 brigades of the 4th Infantry Division (w. 4 armor and 5 mech. inf btns.) plus most of the divisional troops are REFORGER and will arrive near Kaiserslautern in 36-60 hours. Corps Troops consisting of two Artillery Brigades, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (3xSquadrons plus Attack Helicopters), Engineer Brigade plus an Attack helicopter Battalion, will also be in attendance.

US V Corps must defend its assigned Corps sector, between Rothenburg an der Fulda and Bad Kissingen, stopping any enemy penetrations across the Fulda river. US V Corps must be prepared to defend its sector no later than 100100ZMay 1981 and hold untill reinforced, relieved or the enemy attack is decisively broken, in order to safeguard the major population and industrial centres lying further to the west.



EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

It is the intent of the US V Corps to defend its sector with the 3rd Armored Division (to the north of the town of Fulda) and the 8th Infantry Division (in and south of the town of Fulda) forwards. with the 4th Infantry Division as Corps reserve. Each of the forward divisions will defend with 2 brigades (each of 3 battalions) forwards, retaining a five battalion strong brigade as divisional reserve.

B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
The forward battle area will consist of a Covering Force Area, E of the Fulda river, and a Main Battle Area aimed at defending this riverline, the town of Fulda itself and the Rhön mountains to the south. The Main battle area will primarily be held by the 3rd AD and 8th ID, backed up by the 4th ID. The Covering Force will consist of the 11th ACR, the Cavalry Squadrons and Attack Helicopter btns. of both divisions, plus the Corps Attack Helicopter btn, all backed up by the two reserve brigades from each forward division. Once the Covering Force task has been done, these units will return to general reserve. Any enemy breakthrough will be met by the reserve brigade of the affected division and if necessary, by a multi-brigade counterattack by 4th ID.


2: Fire Support Plan.
Long range artillery and airpower will specifically target located enemy HQs and artillery units in order to disrupt and wear them down. Corps and divisional artillery units will serve to reinforce the fire of organic brigade artillery.

C: Tasks.
Engineer operations in the following priority: minefields, defensive earthworks, bridge construction, bridge demolition. Units occupying defensive positions along expected enemy axis of advance will ge priority on engineer services. Electronic Warfare Units will try to elucidate the position of enemy HQs and jam them if possible. Artillery locating units will try do the same with regard to enemy artillery.

D: Coordinating Instructions.
2nd Brigade/3rd AD will coordinate with the 5. Panzergrenadier Brigade/2 PzG Div. as regards the northern Corps boundary. The 3rd Brigade/8th ID will do likewise with the 35. Panzergrenadier Brigade/12. Panzer Div as regards the southern Corps boundary.



LOGISTICS:

Units will remain in contact with higher HQs, thus facilitating resupply.



Signals:

A: Signals.
HQs will retain signal communications with superior and subordinate units, while at the same time trying to minimize their exposure to enemy jamming and signals reconnaisance.

B: Command.
HQ US V Corps will be near Bad Nauheim. HQ 3rd AD will be E of Alsfeld. HQ 8th ID. will be E of Fulda. HQ 4th ID will be W of Lauterbach, HQ 11 ACR will be south of Lauterbach.

[JDR Dragoon]

082000ZMay1981
FROM: COMCENTAG
TO: COM US VII Corps

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: ENY composition, strenght and disposition.
WAPA forces, likely comprising at least an Army of some five divs, with a possiblity of 2 armies with a total of some 10 divs, can be expected to attack in the US VII Corps sector within the next 36 hours, likely accompanied by attacks from enemy special forces infiltrators and airmobile units on our rear areas. Even a full scale airborne insertion of div. scale cannot be ruled out in this sector. The capabilities of the enemy forces will vary: While soviet unts will be equipped with tanks and APC/IFVs that are equal and even better to ours, the E. German and polish forces will likely have older and inferior equipment. Soviet airborne troops are especially dangerous due to their high degree of mechanization. In addition major ENY air activity, including both rotary and fixed wing assets can be expected.

2: ENY Capabilities and Limitations.
The ENY is capable of rapid ground maneuver along the major roads and in open terrain due to their mechanization, but possesses limited ability to move cross-country, which will seriously limit their ability to extend their combat power to its fullest, something which the use of airmobile infantry might be used to alleviate.

3: ENY most likely and most dangerous course of action.
The ENY most likely course of action in this sector will be an attack in three prongs, one in the north, on the axis Bad Kissingen-Würzburg, attacking towards Mannheim on the Rhine. The other prongs will be attacks towards the town of Bamberg, utilizing either the Coburg or Hof Gap, and then onwards towards the Rhine. The most dangerous ENY course of action is if the attack in the Meiningen Gap succeeds, which will allow the introduction of a 2nd echelon army, which will push across the Spessart mountains and onto the Rhine.







B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
It is the intention of SACEUR that CENTAG will defend as close to the border as feasible in order to preserve the industrial, demographic and territorial integrity of W. Germany.

2: Adjacent Units.
Adjacent unit to the north will be the US V Korps (8th ID), adjacent unit to the south will be the GE II Korps. Adjacent unit to the west will be forces from Territorialkommando Süd (Wehrbereichskommando V and VI), who will secure the rear areas and lines of communication from enemy infiltrators and airborne landings.

3 Supporting:
In support will be fixed wing assets from 4. ATAF. A company (B Coy/1st BN) from the 10th Special Forces Group will be operating in the Corps sector as well. In case of a major ENY breakthrough, adjacent units will provide reinforcements. In case of breakthroughs or airborne landings in an adjacent Corps sector, VII Corps might be ordered to counterattack into the sector in order to restore the situation.


C: Attachments/Detachments.

The Corps will receive the 194th Armored Brigade in COCOM, once it arrives in theatre in aprox. 90 hours. As of 092100ZMay1981 US VII Corps will receive the GE 12. Panzer Div. in OPCON.


MISSION:
US VII Corps consists of the GE 12. Panzer Division (comprising 1xPanzergrenadier Brigades plus 2xPanzer Brigade. Divisional troops consists of Engineer Battalion, Reconnaisance Battalion, Anti-Aircraft Regiment and Artillery Regiment, the US 3rd Infantry Division (comprising 3 brigades (1-2-3) with 6 armor, 4 mech. inf. battalions and 1 airmobile inf. btn.). Divisional troops consists of Engineer Battalion, Cavalry Squadron (with Attack Helicopters), Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Attack Helicopter Battalion and Divisional Artillery, plus the 1st Infantry Division (as above, but with 4 armor, 5 mech inf and 1 airmobile inf btn.) 2 brigades (w. 3 armor and 4 mech. inf btns.) plus most of the divisional troops are REFORGER and will arrive near Landau in 66-82 hours. Corps Troops consisting of Artillery Brigade, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2xSquadrons plus Attack Helicopters), Engineer Brigade(-) will also be in attendance.

US VII Corps must defend its assigned Corps sector, between Bad Neustadt and Bamberg, stopping any enemy penetrations across the Main river. US VII Corps must be prepared to defend its sector no later than 100100ZMay 1981 and hold untill reinforced, relieved or the enemy attack is decisively broken, in order to safeguard the major population and industrial centres lying further to the west.



EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

It is the intent of the US VII Corps to defend its sector with the 12. Panzer Div. (to the north of the town of Schweinfurt) and the 3rd ID (in and south of the town of Schweinfurt) forwards, with the 1st Infantry Division as Corps reserve. Each of the forward divisions will defend with 2 brigades forwards, retaining an armor heavy brigade as divisional reserve. The Corps Screening Force will consist of the 2nd ACR.

B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
The forward battle area will consist of a Covering Force Area, E of the Main river, and a Main Battle Area aimed at defending this riverline, and the town of Bad Neustadt. The Main battle area will primarily be held by the 12. Panzer Div. and 3rd ID, backed up by the 1st ID. The Covering Force will consist of the 2nd ACR, the Cavalry Squadron/Reconnaisance Battlion of both divisions and an Attack Helicopter btn., all backed up by the two reserve brigades from each forward division. Once the Covering Force task has been done, these units will return to general reserve. Any enemy breakthrough will be met by the reserve brigade of the affected division and if necessary, by a multi-brigade counterattack by 1st ID.

2: Fire Support Plan.
Long range artillery and airpower will specifically target located enemy HQs and artillery units in order to disrupt and wear them down. Corps and divisional artillery units will serve to reinforce the fire of organic brigade artillery.

C: Tasks.
Engineer operations in the following priority: minefields, defensive earthworks, bridge construction, bridge demolition. Units occupying defensive positions along expected enemy axis of advance will get priority on engineer services. Electronic Warfare Units will try to elucidate the position of enemy HQs and jam them if possible. Artillery locating units will try do the same with regard to enemy artillery.

D: Coordinating Instructions.
12. Panzer Div. will coordinate with the 1st Brig/8th ID. as regards the northern Corps boundary. 1st AD (off map, along with the remainder of the Corps Troops) will do likewise with regard to the southern boundary.


LOGISTICS:

Units will remain in contact with higher HQs, thus facilitating resupply.



Signals:

A: Signals.
HQs will retain signal communications with superior and subordinate units, while at the same time trying to minimize their exposure to enemy jamming and signals reconnaisance.

B: Command.
HQ US VII Corps will be near Würzburg. HQ 12. Panzer Div. will be near Bad Kissingen. HQ 3rd ID. will be S of Schweinfurt. HQ 1st ID will be E of Würzburg, HQ 2nd ACR will E of Bamberg.

[JDR Dragoon]

082000ZMay1981

FROM: COMCENTAG

TO: COM Territorialkommando Süd

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: Enemy composition, strenght and disposition.
Enemy special forces in platoon to company strenght will be operating in the rear areas. In addition there is a danger of enemy airborne and airmobile landings, in battalion to division strenght. If WAPA manages to break through the front line, enemy operational maneuver groups of between regimental and divisional strenght will be operating in the rear areas as well.

2: Enemy Capabilities and Limitations.
Enemy special forces will operate both covertly and overtly, trying to hinder the movement of reinforcements and supplies to the front, while simultaneuosly attempting to destroy HQs, airfields and nuclear delivery means. It is also possible that special forces, in conjunction with airlanded/airborne enemy troops will attempt to seize key terrain such as bridges, passes and heights.

3: Enemys most likely and most dangerous course of action.
The enemys most likely course of action in this sector will be attacks by scattered attacks by special forceson vulnerable targets in the rear areas. The most dangerous enemy course of action is a division sized airborne drop on a peice of vital terrain, which then links up with an operational manuever group that has broken through, thus rendering any attempt at reestablishing a coherent frontline impossible.



B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
It is the intention of SACEUR that CENTAG will defend as close to the border as feasible in order to preserve the industrial, demographic and territorial integrity of W. Germany.

2: Adjacent Units.
Adjacent unit to the east will be the GE III Korps, US V Corps, the US VII Corps, and the GE II Korps.


3: Supporting:
In support will be fixed wing assets from 4. ATAF, but you do not have priority. In case of breakthroughs or airborne landings in an adjacent Corps sector, Territorialkommando Süd might be ordered to second units in TACOM to the Corps in question, in order to restore the situation.


C: Attachments/Detachments.

None.



MISSION:
Territorialkommando Süd consists of:

Wehrbereichskommando IV, comprised of the 54th Heimatschutzbrigade (2xPzG. btn, 1xTank btn, 1xartillery btn.), the 64th Heimatschutzbrigade (2xMotinf btn, 1xTank btn, 1xartillery btn.), the 74th 84th and 94th Heimatschutzregiment (each 3xMotinf btn.), Artilleriekommando 104 (2xartillery btn) plus Pioneerbrigade 114 (3xEng. btn.).

Wehrbereichskommando V, comprised of Heimatschutzregiment 85 (3xMotinf btns).

Wehrbereichskommando VI, comprised of Heimatschutzregiment 76 (3xMotinf btns)

(Further units of Wehrberbereichskommando V and VI are off map to the south and thus not relevant)

Territorialkommando Süd must secure the rear areas behind the NATO Corps fighting in front from any incursions by enemy special forces infiltrators, fifth column activity, airlanded airborne enemy troops, and enemy regular units that have broken through the front line corps and are heading for political and military targets in the rear areas. Territorialkommando Süd must, if necessary, second one or more of its mobile brigades, in TACOM, to a frontline NATO Corps.



EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

It is the intent of Territorialkommando Süd to defend vital political, military and infrastructure objects in the rear areas using the infantry of the Heimatschutzregiments, retaining the Heimatschutzbrigades and the artillery brigade as mobile reserves.

B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
The Heimatschutzregiments and their infantry will be widely spread in order to secure vital objects, HQ installations and nuclear delivery means. The Heimatschutzbrigades will act as a central reserve (vic. Frankfurt) and will, if necessary, be seconded to the Corps fighting in front in order to reinforce them or in order to help contain an enemy breakthrough or airborne incursion.

2: Fire Support Plan.
Artillery and airpower will serve to reinforce whatever object or unit seems most threatened by enemy action.

C: Tasks.
Engineer operations in the following priority: minefields, defensive earthworks, bridge construction, bridge demolition. Units occupying defensive positions along expected enemy axis of advance will get priority on engineer services.

D: Coordinating Instructions.
Territorialkommando Süd will coordinate with the NATO Corps fighting in front as regards the support it is asked to provide.


LOGISTICS:

Units will remain in contact with higher HQs, thus facilitating resupply.



Signals:

A: Signals.
HQs will retain signal communications with superior and subordinate units, while at the same time trying to minimize their exposure to enemy jamming and signals reconnaisance.

B: Command.
HQ Territorialkommando Süd will be near Bad König. HQ Wehrbereichskommando IV will be W of Frankfurt.

[JDR Dragoon]

Maybe without hex outlines, it would like softer for eyes, at least I do so.
 Looking forward to follow this

Well, these screenshots were made a long time ago, and only posted now that the game has ended. No possibility of re-doing I´m afraid 8-)

[JDR Dragoon]

092200Z May 1981

FROM CENTAG G2
TO COMCENTAG

RE: Recent developments in the intelligence picture in the GE III Korps sector.

During the last 18 hours, since 0400 this morning, alarming developments have been taking place in front of CENTAG. Similar reports have also filtered in from NORTHAG and BALTAP. The following intelligence has mostly been gleaned from signals reconnaisance, but also from ground and air search radar, in some cases coupled with direct observations by our ground units near the border.

The first report is from 0400 this morning and shows what we believe to be WAPA divisional headquarters moving towards the border. Peculiarities in language leads us to believe that we are dealing with Polish units.



During the following four hours even more HQs are detected moving towards the border. The transmission frequency and strenght allows us some guesses towards their nature.




At 1000, West German helicopters observe a polish reconnaisance unit that seems to be initiating the demolition of the border obstacles.





During the next 8 hours this picture intensifies. Not only is an increasing number of HQs being identified close to the border, but a BMP equipped Motorrifle unit has been positively identified in the process of dismantling the border defences near Witzenhausen.












With the coming of darkness at 2000, direct observation of the border becomes impossible, but the latest signals and radar intelligence suggests that WAPA HQs continue to deploy closely towards the border.






Based on the above, the immediate threat to the West German III Korps seems to consist of a Polish army, with 2-3 divisions in its first echelon, ready to advance from assembly areas near Mühlhausen and Heiligenstadt. It is estimated that each major axis of advance (which seems to coinside with the major roads) will consist of at least one division, possibly two in the assembly area near Heiligenstadt. It is estimated that these units are capable of initiating an attack with only the most minimal warning.