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If you want to apply Soviet Dual Command doctrine...
No, I'll wait till a spot opens up.
Right. Let me get a rough idea of what people are doing here:
So:
SQ1: ?
SQ2: ?
SQ3: N11
SQ4: C4
SQ5: J12 (Consider this my order for the 5th move, but there will be an actual post for it soon.)
SQ6: B11 (detached squad @ C11)
SQ7: ?
That leaves the following positions from that list vacant: O4, E3, and the LZ.
(That took me a bit to figure out ..)
So:
SQ1: ?
SQ2: ?
SQ3: N11
SQ4: C4
SQ5: J12 (Consider this my order for the 5th move, but there will be an actual post for it soon.)
SQ6: B11 (detached squad @ C11)
SQ7: ?
That leaves the following positions from that list vacant: O4, E3, and the LZ.
(That took me a bit to figure out ..)
GM: reis, for Operation Puckapunyal you are in command of 2nd Platoon. I'm also nominating your platoon as the second force to enters the tunnels, but I'll have some info for both you and Morrell up soon.
Thanks for the thanks, as well. I'll add my thanks for everyone's contribution so far, commendable. Luckily I can confirm that the actual Vietnam operations will start on the next Op. The plan was to have a third training exercise, but everyone gets along with the system.
Thanks for the thanks, as well. I'll add my thanks for everyone's contribution so far, commendable. Luckily I can confirm that the actual Vietnam operations will start on the next Op. The plan was to have a third training exercise, but everyone gets along with the system.
Lieutenant Stuckenschmidt and Staff Sergeant Newman were standing around at the LZ.
"Brigade is late with the new orders, Sarge."
"Kommt Zeit, kommt Rat, Sir."
The Lieutenant rolled his eyes and turned his attention toward the other Platoon Commanders.
"Brigade is late with the new orders, Sarge."
"Kommt Zeit, kommt Rat, Sir."
The Lieutenant rolled his eyes and turned his attention toward the other Platoon Commanders.
"Red One-Six, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Alpha, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Alpha, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Charlie, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six, this is Red Six. What is your SitRep? Over."
OOC: A VC-buttercookie for the first one to post the reference.
"Red One-Six, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Alpha, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Alpha, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six Charlie, this is Red Six. Over."
"Red One-Six, this is Red Six. What is your SitRep? Over."
OOC: A VC-buttercookie for the first one to post the reference.
Poz
A Sergeant stood with two flares next to the guarded tunnel, waving in a Huey helicopter. It's nose lifted up, and the green beast touched the ground gently before rocking forward. Right next to it this was repeated with a second, and then third, chopper. Both carried squads of fresh soldiers from Second, and they burst from the Hueys as if expecting a enemy machine gun to open up on them right there and then.
Rather the tiring soldiers from First Platoon trudged past with amused expressions, and friendly guns relaxed in the trees surrounding the now chaotic landing zone. Backpack laden engineers heaved their way forward, and piled their tools in a mess nearby, while medical staff jumped from a quick insertion. A red cross tent was soon setup nearby as well, and grinning mates lifted their comrades to the station.
“Cheers, mate.” The friend would crow, and soon all the soldiers were ready next to the tunnels – rearmed and restocked from the new supply dump being carefully created by the engineers.
Lieutenant Morrell shook hands with the newly appointed Lieutenant reis, and they both turned towards the buzz of a landing Little Bird and the exit of the Brigadier.
“Lieutenants, I want you to take four troops each, and yourselves, and move down there. We need the system cleared out of OPFOR presence. Clear?” Eight more troops were summoned, and soon they were hauled open the trapdoor and with feigned excitement, slipped down into the darkness, leaving behind the chaotic energy of medical zones, yelling officers and the chatter of faroff battle.
They appeared in a subdued atmosphere of pitch black. The rock walls were roughly crafted and the walls dripped with hidden moisture. In the blackness in front, faint chipping and whistling noises wafted towards the ten soldiers. The Lieutenants dropped towards the back of the section, and moved towards the front of the unit.
Every soldier was extremely nervous. Every footstep echoed, every nervous cough rumbled. The fidgeting with the suddenly unreliable Owen guns seemed to ask for every OPFOR eye towards them. Now was the time for the two officers to take command. Down here, it was there command only.
The Personal Operation Zone
Let's try something different here.
This 'game within a game' applies (for here) only to Lieutenants Morrell and reis. But, for future reference, everyone is welcome to watch the proceedings. It is the 'POZ'.
In the same way the normal VWG operates, this will involve more 'personal' decisions. Essentially, each of the participants will control the one character only, which is the Lieutenant character. They make decisions, which will inevitably affect those following, but mainly in self interest. These decisions will not be 'Move platoon thirty metres north', but personalised decisions such as, 'Creep down corridor with flashlight on, gun out.'.
The actual task is to advance to the end of the tunnels and clear them of OPFOR. Achieve this by directing your characters, as previously explained. So, let's move on.
POZ Orders
Lieutenants Morrell and reis. You have a series of potential problems and courses to be careful of, and follow.
There is pitch black before you. You have no idea how far the tunnel runs, how deep it goes, or even if there are turns ahead. All you know is that you have eight soldiers and a single beam of light from daylight. Oh, and eight SMGs as well as your own handguns (M1911).
You have both just appeared in the tunnel system. Consider...
Shall you advance into the tunnels at once?
Your soldiers are nervous, you might consider...
You must also consider yourselves...
So, what will you do next? I need movement orders/answers to these, as well as any additional thoughts. A simple response is all that is required, and we will move forward with the situation.
Apologies for the (second) extra long wait. Unfortunately I suffered a personal tragedy recently and haven't had the clearest of minds, which is my reason for the uninspired writing! Deadline will be 24 hours again for the two Lieutenants. Everyone else is free to sit back and watch.
Intermission
A Sergeant stood with two flares next to the guarded tunnel, waving in a Huey helicopter. It's nose lifted up, and the green beast touched the ground gently before rocking forward. Right next to it this was repeated with a second, and then third, chopper. Both carried squads of fresh soldiers from Second, and they burst from the Hueys as if expecting a enemy machine gun to open up on them right there and then.
Rather the tiring soldiers from First Platoon trudged past with amused expressions, and friendly guns relaxed in the trees surrounding the now chaotic landing zone. Backpack laden engineers heaved their way forward, and piled their tools in a mess nearby, while medical staff jumped from a quick insertion. A red cross tent was soon setup nearby as well, and grinning mates lifted their comrades to the station.
“Cheers, mate.” The friend would crow, and soon all the soldiers were ready next to the tunnels – rearmed and restocked from the new supply dump being carefully created by the engineers.
Lieutenant Morrell shook hands with the newly appointed Lieutenant reis, and they both turned towards the buzz of a landing Little Bird and the exit of the Brigadier.
“Lieutenants, I want you to take four troops each, and yourselves, and move down there. We need the system cleared out of OPFOR presence. Clear?” Eight more troops were summoned, and soon they were hauled open the trapdoor and with feigned excitement, slipped down into the darkness, leaving behind the chaotic energy of medical zones, yelling officers and the chatter of faroff battle.
They appeared in a subdued atmosphere of pitch black. The rock walls were roughly crafted and the walls dripped with hidden moisture. In the blackness in front, faint chipping and whistling noises wafted towards the ten soldiers. The Lieutenants dropped towards the back of the section, and moved towards the front of the unit.
Every soldier was extremely nervous. Every footstep echoed, every nervous cough rumbled. The fidgeting with the suddenly unreliable Owen guns seemed to ask for every OPFOR eye towards them. Now was the time for the two officers to take command. Down here, it was there command only.
The Personal Operation Zone
Let's try something different here.
This 'game within a game' applies (for here) only to Lieutenants Morrell and reis. But, for future reference, everyone is welcome to watch the proceedings. It is the 'POZ'.
In the same way the normal VWG operates, this will involve more 'personal' decisions. Essentially, each of the participants will control the one character only, which is the Lieutenant character. They make decisions, which will inevitably affect those following, but mainly in self interest. These decisions will not be 'Move platoon thirty metres north', but personalised decisions such as, 'Creep down corridor with flashlight on, gun out.'.
The actual task is to advance to the end of the tunnels and clear them of OPFOR. Achieve this by directing your characters, as previously explained. So, let's move on.
POZ Orders
Lieutenants Morrell and reis. You have a series of potential problems and courses to be careful of, and follow.
There is pitch black before you. You have no idea how far the tunnel runs, how deep it goes, or even if there are turns ahead. All you know is that you have eight soldiers and a single beam of light from daylight. Oh, and eight SMGs as well as your own handguns (M1911).
You have both just appeared in the tunnel system. Consider...
Shall you advance into the tunnels at once?
- What stance shall your squad take? (Offensive, Assault, Defensive, Passive, etc)
- Do you need flashlights on?
- Shoot to kill?
Your soldiers are nervous, you might consider...
- Will you lead from the front?
- Send forward a scout?
- Offer some encouragement/morale?
You must also consider yourselves...
- How do your characters feel? Nervous? Excited? Careless?
- How will you proceed?
- What is your personal stance?
So, what will you do next? I need movement orders/answers to these, as well as any additional thoughts. A simple response is all that is required, and we will move forward with the situation.
Apologies for the (second) extra long wait. Unfortunately I suffered a personal tragedy recently and haven't had the clearest of minds, which is my reason for the uninspired writing! Deadline will be 24 hours again for the two Lieutenants. Everyone else is free to sit back and watch.
Is my platoon already named? If not, then it shall be the 2nd "Darwin" Platoon.
As for the mission, I suggest defensive stance, who knows what Charlie left there waiting for us. Too bad we don't have a flamethrower. Use of deadly force should be authorized, don't want to risk any of my boys. Flashlights should be off, we still got some natural light, and we should attempt to not give ourselves away to any potential enemy.
As Lt. Reis picked his men from the 2nd "Darwin" Platoon, he could not help but wonder if he made the right choices. They were all fine men, but they were still green, this was only their second war exercise. Nevertheless, they were some of the finest recruits that he had the pleasure to lead, and if they could not fulfill the mission, nobody could. They would see it through.
Aight, listen up, men! The Major has asked for volunteers to clear out the tunnels, and we are going to show them why the 2nd is the best! We must secure the tunnels to prevent any possible counterattack coming from our backs, and do not expect them to be undefended, our enemy wouldn't just abandon this easily defensible spot so easily without any plan in mind.
Remember Room Clearing 101. If in doubt, toss a grenade, better safe than sorry. Peek around corners, and don't be afraid to use blind SMG fire around cover if you get pinned, as we have abundant ammo supplies in HQ. Watch the ground, too, mines and tripwire may be encountered. Try to stay in cover while moving forward if possible. If there is a large space without cover in our path of advancement, we shall pop some smoke before proceeding.
As for the mission, I suggest defensive stance, who knows what Charlie left there waiting for us. Too bad we don't have a flamethrower. Use of deadly force should be authorized, don't want to risk any of my boys. Flashlights should be off, we still got some natural light, and we should attempt to not give ourselves away to any potential enemy.
As Lt. Reis picked his men from the 2nd "Darwin" Platoon, he could not help but wonder if he made the right choices. They were all fine men, but they were still green, this was only their second war exercise. Nevertheless, they were some of the finest recruits that he had the pleasure to lead, and if they could not fulfill the mission, nobody could. They would see it through.
Aight, listen up, men! The Major has asked for volunteers to clear out the tunnels, and we are going to show them why the 2nd is the best! We must secure the tunnels to prevent any possible counterattack coming from our backs, and do not expect them to be undefended, our enemy wouldn't just abandon this easily defensible spot so easily without any plan in mind.
Remember Room Clearing 101. If in doubt, toss a grenade, better safe than sorry. Peek around corners, and don't be afraid to use blind SMG fire around cover if you get pinned, as we have abundant ammo supplies in HQ. Watch the ground, too, mines and tripwire may be encountered. Try to stay in cover while moving forward if possible. If there is a large space without cover in our path of advancement, we shall pop some smoke before proceeding.
Right lads! This is our moment to show the brigadier what we are made of! We'll be working in unison with the second so we won't be alone. I want you all in the assault posture, we want to take these OPFOR wankers quickly and quietly. Flashlights off! Feel against the wall to keep yourself oriented! If you think there is an enemy ahead, lob some grenades. Also watch for traps, I saw some OPFOR training how to make them few days ago.
Peterson! Jacobs! You two are on point, I'll be right behind you with the rest of the squad.
Before the squad moved forward, Lt. Morrell lit and threw a flare into the darkness to see how far the tunnel went.
OOC: Warluster, could you tell me the results of the throwing of the flare. I'm sorry that you had your personal tragedy.
Peterson! Jacobs! You two are on point, I'll be right behind you with the rest of the squad.
Before the squad moved forward, Lt. Morrell lit and threw a flare into the darkness to see how far the tunnel went.
OOC: Warluster, could you tell me the results of the throwing of the flare. I'm sorry that you had your personal tragedy.
For someone in those kind of circumstances you are doing really, really well Warluster. The amount of effort you're putting into this is nothing but laudable.
And .. my condolances, should that be the appropriate term.
The VWG News
B - 52 strategic bombers continue to bombard North Vietnam in dedicated bombing runs operating continually since 1964, and the famous 'Gulf of Tonkin' events. The crash and thunder of these thousands of tons of explosives can be felt shuddering, politically, all the way into Canberra. The Australian Federal Government begins preparations for war in utmost secrecy, the uncontrollable fear of Communism and the North prompting Sir Robert Menzies, Prime Minister for Australia, to accept a request for assistance from the South Vietnamese Government.
"... we're going to bomb them back to the Stone Age!" - Curtis LeMay, 1964.
Rumours are swirling through both Canberra and Puckapunyal. While 1RAR begins field training in Australia's most famous training grounds, Headquarters is not even attempting to quell whisperings amongst the readying RAAC of deployment. The wireless crackles as they ready their Saracens, morbid speeches from the Prime Minister, and Minister for Defence Paltridge, and the artillery boys prepare their field guns for action soon. The RAAF squadrons oil and clean their Hueys, while the RAN begans to summon several Navy ships towards Sydney. War was on the move, and 1RAR was aflame with rumour.
While controversy prepares itself, 1RAR waits in the fields of Puckapunyal, immune to the political reality. While C Company fortifies their vulnerable position, the ground beneath them rattles. The trapdoor at the LZ flashes with muzzle flashes, while screams and yelling waft upwards from the below. The soldiers ignore this underground battle, though the medical teams exchange nervous glances.
They wait impatiently.
B - 52 strategic bombers continue to bombard North Vietnam in dedicated bombing runs operating continually since 1964, and the famous 'Gulf of Tonkin' events. The crash and thunder of these thousands of tons of explosives can be felt shuddering, politically, all the way into Canberra. The Australian Federal Government begins preparations for war in utmost secrecy, the uncontrollable fear of Communism and the North prompting Sir Robert Menzies, Prime Minister for Australia, to accept a request for assistance from the South Vietnamese Government.
"... we're going to bomb them back to the Stone Age!" - Curtis LeMay, 1964.
Rumours are swirling through both Canberra and Puckapunyal. While 1RAR begins field training in Australia's most famous training grounds, Headquarters is not even attempting to quell whisperings amongst the readying RAAC of deployment. The wireless crackles as they ready their Saracens, morbid speeches from the Prime Minister, and Minister for Defence Paltridge, and the artillery boys prepare their field guns for action soon. The RAAF squadrons oil and clean their Hueys, while the RAN begans to summon several Navy ships towards Sydney. War was on the move, and 1RAR was aflame with rumour.
While controversy prepares itself, 1RAR waits in the fields of Puckapunyal, immune to the political reality. While C Company fortifies their vulnerable position, the ground beneath them rattles. The trapdoor at the LZ flashes with muzzle flashes, while screams and yelling waft upwards from the below. The soldiers ignore this underground battle, though the medical teams exchange nervous glances.
They wait impatiently.
GM: The POZ reports are going to be messaged directly to those involved. (Morrell, could you also clear your inbox ). reis, it appears Nasrallah has gone 'AWOL'. I've sent him some messages, but unless he reports in before the next phase starts, it appears Second Platoon is all yours. Congratulations.
And thanks for the kind words. The current POZ reports will only probably last another 24 - 48 hours. Stuckenschmidt, I do know the source for that quote, very apt.
). reis, it appears Nasrallah has gone 'AWOL'. I've sent him some messages, but unless he reports in before the next phase starts, it appears Second Platoon is all yours. Congratulations. And thanks for the kind words. The current POZ reports will only probably last another 24 - 48 hours. Stuckenschmidt, I do know the source for that quote, very apt.
Transcript of communications on ... 11:55AM, 15th February, 1965.
between C Company, 1st Battalion, 1RAR
and 1 Squadron, RAAF.
"C Company, this is squadron October, over"
"Go ahead, October."
"C Company, we are currently flying towards your last reported position, stop. We're seeing what appears to be..."
[static]
"... that's affirmative. We've got confirmed sightings of OPFOR moving north to you now, over."
[pause]
"Roger that, October. Can you validate the strength of that formation, over."
"Affirmative, C Company. You've got at least a battalion, but my co - pilot says possibly a regiment, over."
"Bloody hell."
[pause]
"October, have you got news from command about the armoured deployment, over."
"Roger that, C Company. The tankies are loading up now and will be at your current position in an hour, over."
"Affirmative, October. Over and out."
between C Company, 1st Battalion, 1RAR
and 1 Squadron, RAAF.
"C Company, this is squadron October, over"
"Go ahead, October."
"C Company, we are currently flying towards your last reported position, stop. We're seeing what appears to be..."
[static]
"... that's affirmative. We've got confirmed sightings of OPFOR moving north to you now, over."
[pause]
"Roger that, October. Can you validate the strength of that formation, over."
"Affirmative, C Company. You've got at least a battalion, but my co - pilot says possibly a regiment, over."
"Bloody hell."
[pause]
"October, have you got news from command about the armoured deployment, over."
"Roger that, C Company. The tankies are loading up now and will be at your current position in an hour, over."
"Affirmative, October. Over and out."
OOC: A regiment. I say we get the f out of here. At least it would be suicidal to be in the northern wood.
6th Platoon will deploy at E3 instead of B/C11
6th Platoon will deploy at E3 instead of B/C11
OOC: Im for extract to. Even with Napalm, Huey cover and armour, we can't hope to hold a Battalion, let alone a Regiment.
Will the enemy forces be here before the tunnel clearance is done?
Will the enemy forces be here before the tunnel clearance is done?
Turn 5
“Those boys have got hell incoming, eh?” commented the co – pilot, grinning at the pilot.
“Bloody oath, mate. Command wants to see how they handle the pressure, I reckon.” chuckled the pilot. The copilot gave a low whistle as they skimmed across a clearing. Three long lines of OPFOR soldiers were trudging north, away from Puckapunyal base. They streamed into the trees, and the Little Bird whispered away from the scene. It made a line for Puckapunyal, and the sprawling army base was visible in the distance, detached from the kilometres of dark forest below them, and the sky alive with RAAF planes.
“Bloody hell!” swore the copilot, almost jumping from his seat. The chopper jerked backwards, slowing down, before hovering. Straight below them, on a rough mud road, a column of ten Saracen APCs were gunning it for the forest. They kicked up dirt and cracked down trees, and the lead one even had a commander on top. He gave the thumbs up to the watching Little Bird, but the copilot was already on the radio.
“C Company, this is October. While RTB we just observed the Light Horse heading your way, over.” He reported, delighted at the sight of the mechanical beasts crashing into the brush.
“Roger, October. ETA, over.”
“We could estimate an hour. October will now RTB, over and out.” The LB swooped away from the sight, heading towards Pucka.
The officers were crowded around the Brigadier's immobile chopper. They were all considered a map of the operation zone when the missing two appeared.
“Lieutenants reis and Morrell, good to see you got through that.” welcomed the Brigadier with a grin, “But you will probably soon wish you remained underground.” He showed everyone the map and their current platoon locations.
“Right now the Company is spread out near the LZ. We have a medical team over there...” He pointed to the Red Cross tent, which was full of simulated wounded and bustling doctors, “... who will tend to any wounded in this operation. Over here we've got a stockpile...” The piles of magazines were being tended to by engineers, “But it's your responsibility to keep an eye on reserves, as the engineers will be in the field.”
The Brigadier grinned at each of the Lieutenants.
“I've had some RAAF boys reporting in all morning. They've told me we can expect the enemy to be here in fifteen minutes.” He announced, “And they will be approaching from the south, from Pucka. Now, we only have around four hundred here, give or take. Not enough to hold off what's coming for us.” The group moved away from the LB. They moved through the relaxing crowds of diggers, most who were taking the time to clean Owen guns or chat about the operation. The casual atmosphere contrasted with the officer's demeanor. Soon the nine of them were standing on the outskirts of the LZ. The mumble of conversation was distant behind them, and a few of the troops on guard duty watched the brass. The Brigadier showed the Lieutenants what he was talking about.
“So we've got enemy coming from the south, but they will also be coming from the north. We're encircled, for now.” He stated, “But we can hold them off. As a Company, combined, we can hold them off. That's what I want you to do.” He turned to them, laying down the responsibility, “You all have ten minutes to arrange a defence of the LZ. You can mix up platoons, you need to arrange supplies, directions, all that. But we have to hold the LZ. Can we do that?” The dark forest before the officers was now much more foreboding.
“The tankies have arranged to be here in one hour. So if we can hold off the enemy for forty five minutes... we'll be ready to face any NVA trooper.” He dismissed the officers.
C Company, you've got a problem.
The Company will be surrounded within fifteen minutes. You are in enemy territory, and the only aid command is willing, or able, to give is ten Saracen RAAC APCs arriving in exactly sixty minutes.
Things will be different for this part. The difference being that the enemy is coming for you. You are in defence, you play the opposing role. So, due to that reversal, you must plan for defensive operations. I am going to give you 12 hours to devise a defensive plan. This must be agreed on by every Lieutenant, and signed off by the Major.
You may place your platoons as you would normally. You can provide unique orders for this situation (I would suggest items in relation to: morale of troops, supply of troops and firing orders for troops). The enemy can be assumed to be arriving from every direction, and you may not deploy higher then Q1.
Once your defensive plan is agreed to, and you like where your allied platoons are being placed, the direction of the first wave will be signalled by myself. This can cause any adjustments on the officers end, but will result in the sixth turn. We shall roll on from there.
So, let me summarize again. You, all of you, need to hold this LZ for one hour. Do not fail. Do not disappoint your comrades. Good luck.
Turn 5 – The Begininng of the End – 12PM
“Over and out.” The co – pilot switched off the radio system and turned dreadfully to the pilot. His eyes invisible behind the goggles, he was still obviously concerned. The Little Bird swung around, the bars skimming the treetops. They could barely see the forest floor.“Those boys have got hell incoming, eh?” commented the co – pilot, grinning at the pilot.
“Bloody oath, mate. Command wants to see how they handle the pressure, I reckon.” chuckled the pilot. The copilot gave a low whistle as they skimmed across a clearing. Three long lines of OPFOR soldiers were trudging north, away from Puckapunyal base. They streamed into the trees, and the Little Bird whispered away from the scene. It made a line for Puckapunyal, and the sprawling army base was visible in the distance, detached from the kilometres of dark forest below them, and the sky alive with RAAF planes.
“Bloody hell!” swore the copilot, almost jumping from his seat. The chopper jerked backwards, slowing down, before hovering. Straight below them, on a rough mud road, a column of ten Saracen APCs were gunning it for the forest. They kicked up dirt and cracked down trees, and the lead one even had a commander on top. He gave the thumbs up to the watching Little Bird, but the copilot was already on the radio.
“C Company, this is October. While RTB we just observed the Light Horse heading your way, over.” He reported, delighted at the sight of the mechanical beasts crashing into the brush.
“Roger, October. ETA, over.”
“We could estimate an hour. October will now RTB, over and out.” The LB swooped away from the sight, heading towards Pucka.
The officers were crowded around the Brigadier's immobile chopper. They were all considered a map of the operation zone when the missing two appeared.
“Lieutenants reis and Morrell, good to see you got through that.” welcomed the Brigadier with a grin, “But you will probably soon wish you remained underground.” He showed everyone the map and their current platoon locations.
“Right now the Company is spread out near the LZ. We have a medical team over there...” He pointed to the Red Cross tent, which was full of simulated wounded and bustling doctors, “... who will tend to any wounded in this operation. Over here we've got a stockpile...” The piles of magazines were being tended to by engineers, “But it's your responsibility to keep an eye on reserves, as the engineers will be in the field.”
The Brigadier grinned at each of the Lieutenants.
“I've had some RAAF boys reporting in all morning. They've told me we can expect the enemy to be here in fifteen minutes.” He announced, “And they will be approaching from the south, from Pucka. Now, we only have around four hundred here, give or take. Not enough to hold off what's coming for us.” The group moved away from the LB. They moved through the relaxing crowds of diggers, most who were taking the time to clean Owen guns or chat about the operation. The casual atmosphere contrasted with the officer's demeanor. Soon the nine of them were standing on the outskirts of the LZ. The mumble of conversation was distant behind them, and a few of the troops on guard duty watched the brass. The Brigadier showed the Lieutenants what he was talking about.
“So we've got enemy coming from the south, but they will also be coming from the north. We're encircled, for now.” He stated, “But we can hold them off. As a Company, combined, we can hold them off. That's what I want you to do.” He turned to them, laying down the responsibility, “You all have ten minutes to arrange a defence of the LZ. You can mix up platoons, you need to arrange supplies, directions, all that. But we have to hold the LZ. Can we do that?” The dark forest before the officers was now much more foreboding.
“The tankies have arranged to be here in one hour. So if we can hold off the enemy for forty five minutes... we'll be ready to face any NVA trooper.” He dismissed the officers.
__________
C Company, you've got a problem.
The Company will be surrounded within fifteen minutes. You are in enemy territory, and the only aid command is willing, or able, to give is ten Saracen RAAC APCs arriving in exactly sixty minutes.
Things will be different for this part. The difference being that the enemy is coming for you. You are in defence, you play the opposing role. So, due to that reversal, you must plan for defensive operations. I am going to give you 12 hours to devise a defensive plan. This must be agreed on by every Lieutenant, and signed off by the Major.
You may place your platoons as you would normally. You can provide unique orders for this situation (I would suggest items in relation to: morale of troops, supply of troops and firing orders for troops). The enemy can be assumed to be arriving from every direction, and you may not deploy higher then Q1.
Once your defensive plan is agreed to, and you like where your allied platoons are being placed, the direction of the first wave will be signalled by myself. This can cause any adjustments on the officers end, but will result in the sixth turn. We shall roll on from there.
So, let me summarize again. You, all of you, need to hold this LZ for one hour. Do not fail. Do not disappoint your comrades. Good luck.
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