"CD Moderns Game for Cold Wars 2014" Topic

We will be doing a fictional US operation in Iran this year at Cold Wars – hope to see you there!

US Briefing
Operation Lynchpin

Background:

Tensions between the United States and Iran have come to a head. On August 12th, 2014, the IDF launched a series of air strikes against Iran, destroying several sites that Israel claimed were producing weapons-grade nuclear material. Iranian response was swift, a series of tactical ballistic missiles was launched against Tel Aviv. Due to an overzealous Iranian commander, American ships were also fired at by missiles from Iranian land-based sites. Hostilities soon escalated, and despite being committed to two costly wars, the American military is once again committed to the Middle East. American warplanes have been striking targets inside Iran for the past two weeks, and it is now time for the ground forces to move in. The 2nd Marine Division, operating as part of ESG Seven will conduct an amphibious landing on the southeastern edge of Khuzestan. Their objective: the oil fields at Abadan, and the crossings of the Shatt Al-Arab River.

Assignments:

• The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment will precede the ground troops in an attempt to seize the oil fields in a coup de main. Echo and Foxtrot companies will be inserted by helo at LZ Alpha and secure the main refinery. Golf and Hotel companies will land at LZ Bravo and secure the southern end of the primary bridge across the Shatt Al-Arab River.

• The rest of the RCT will land on the beaches to the southeast and move to link up with 2nd/8th and secure the rest of the objectives.

• 1st/2nd Marines will enter at Entry Point Alpha in AAV-7s. They are tasked with fighting through the town of Abadan and linking up with 2nd/8th as well as securing the oil fields.

• 1st/10th Marines, with attached armor support from the 8th Tank Battalion will arrive in trucks at Entry Point Bravo. They are tasked with securing the Secondary Bridge and then driving on to secure the Primary Bridge across the Shatt Al-Arab River.

• The 8th Tank Battalion, with attached infantry support from the 1st/10th Marines, will arrive in trucks at Entry Point Charlie. They are tasked with screening the right flank of the operation and securing Hill 137 and the road to Ahvaz.

• Air support will be provided by the USS Bonhomme Richard.

Enemy forces:

Air Force

The Iranian Air Force has ceased to be a cohesive fighting force. It is possible some helicopters are still operational, but all strike craft and fighters have been destroyed on the ground or in air-to-air combat.

Ground Troops

The Iranians know that the oil fields are a strategic target, and have stationed forces accordingly. They have moved both militia and elements of Qud Force – more than likely battalion strength or more in the area of Abadan and the oil fields. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has armored units and mechanized units in the area

Rules of Engagement
On order, enemy military and paramilitary forces are declared hostile and may be attacked subject to the following instructions:
• Positive identification (PID) is required prior to engagement. PID is a reasonable certainty that the proposed target is a legitimate military target. If no PID, contact your next higher commander for decision
• Do not engage anyone who has surrendered or is out of battle due to sickness or wounds.
• Do not target or strike civilians, hospitals, mosques, national monuments, and any other historical and cultural sites. except in self-defense to protect yourself, your unit, friendly forces, and designated persons or property under your control.
• Do not fire into civilian populated areas or buildings unless the enemy is using them for military purposes or if necessary for your self-defense. Minimize collateral damage.
• Do not target enemy infrastructure (public works, commercial communication facilities, dams), Lines of Communication (roads, highways, tunnels, bridges, railways) and Economic Objects (commercial storage facilities, pipelines) unless necessary for self-defense or if ordered by your commander. If you must fire on these objects to engage a hostile force, disable and disrupt but avoid destruction of these objects, if possible.

US Forces

Arrives at Landing Zone Alpha on Turn 1
2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Veteran 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 HMMWV
2 Marine Companies (Echo and Foxtrot), each with:
1 command infantry stand
2 infantry stands
1 weapons stand
Weapons (D) Company
2 81mm mortar stands
1st Combined Anti-Armor Team, each with:
1 command HMMWV w/HMG
1 Javelin team
1 HMMWV/TOW

Arrives at Landing Zone Bravo on Turn 1
2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Veteran 9)
Marine Companies (Golf),
1 command infantry stand
2 infantry stands
1 weapons stand
Weapons (Hotel) Company
2 81mm mortar stands
2nd Combined Anti-Armor Team, each with:
1 command HMMWV w/HMG
1 Javelin team
1 HMMWV/TOW

Arrives at Entry Point Alpha on Turn 2
1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (Veteran 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 LVTP-7 amphibious assault vehicle
3 Marine Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand
2 infantry stands
1 weapons stand
2 LVTP-7 amphibious assault vehicles
Weapons Company
2 81mm mortar stands
1 LVTP-7 amphibious assault vehicles
1st and 2nd Combined Anti-Armor Team, each with:
1 command HMMWV w/HMG
1 Javelin team
1 HMMWV/TOW

Arrives at Entry Point Bravo on Turn 2
1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment (Veteran 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 HMMWV
2 Marine Companies (Alpha and Bravo), each with:
1 command infantry stand
2 infantry stands
1 weapons stand
2 medium trucks
Weapons Company
2 81mm mortar stands
1 medium truck
1st and 2nd Combined Anti-Armor Team, each with:
1 command HMMWV w/HMG
1 Javelin team
1 HMMWV/TOW
A Company, 8th Tank Battalion, (attached)
1 command M1A1 tank
1 M1A1 tank

Arrives at Entry Point Charlie on Turn 2
8th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division (Veteran 9)
Headquarters
1 command M1A1 tank
Headquarters Company
1 recon infantry stand
1 HMMWV/TOW
B, C, and D companies, each with:
1 command M1A1 tank
1 M1A1 tank
Marine Company (Charlie), 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment (attached)
1 command infantry stand
2 infantry stands
1 weapons stand
2 medium trucks

Arrives at Entry Point Bravo on Turn 3
Regimental Combat Team 2 (Veteran 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 HMMWV
Headquarters Company
1 Tac Ops Center stand
1 AAV-7C
1 engineer stand
1 HMMWV

Off Board Artillery

155mm Artillery Battalion (Veteran 9)
3 Batteries, all dedicated to RCT 2, each with:
1 155mm gun and crew

[URL=http://s185.photobucket.com/user/garet9801/media/OperationLynchpinUSMap_zpsfd200d0a.png.html]

2/8 getting all the glory with the air assault, eh? I think that should go to 1/2, specifically Charlie, 1/2, I've heard good things about them (though it's been quite a while since I heard those good things).

In all seriousness, this looks to be a hell of a game, excellent background, scenario, and conops. Making me think of the MEU, assemble the CAT, brief COAs, get up to flight deck triage…

Any pics of the forces to be used?

V/R,
Jack

Jake
How about an OB for the Iranian forces.
Dennis

Sure Dennis :)

Iranian Briefing
Operation Lynchpin

Background:

The West has once again shown their true intentions. The Israelis strike our nuclear power plants unprovoked, and the American Imperialists coming running to their aid when we defend ourselves. They will not be happy until they have destroyed our country and ousted the Supreme Leader. The Iranian armed forces will show them how difficult that task will prove!
Khuzestan is our most vulnerable province, as it is the only part of our country not protected by mountains. It allows the United States to use their full arsenal of air power and armor unhindered by unfavorable terrain.
We have stationed our finest armored unit in the area, the 92nd Armored Division. The division is located near the capital of the province, Ahvaz, but they are poised to react swiftly to any attack.
The oil fields and refinery at Abadan are a logical target for the Americans, and so the IRGC has moved the Vali-ye Asr Corps into the area to help secure this vital military target.

Assignments:
• The Iranian army's goal in this conflict is not to defeat the American army in a stand up fight, but to wear it down, and bleed its troops while sapping the American public's will to continue the fight.

• The Basij will be in the streets of Abadan along with most of the population. They can blend in and hit the Americans when they least expect it, savaging their supply lines and rear echelon units.

• The rest of the IRGC units in the area will be responsible for holding the crossings of the Shatt Al-Arab River, as well as the oil fields and refinery.

• If an American attack comes, help will be on its way from the the IRIA's 92nd Armored Division. A full brigade is in the area and available to help stem any American advance.

Iranian Forces

Deployed on map as indicated in Abadan
Vali-ye Asr Corps, IRGC
2 Basij Battalions, each with: (Trained 8)
3 Militia Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand (integral RPG-7)
1 infantry stand (integral RPG-7)
Mortar Company
1 81mm mortar stand and crew
Weapons Company
2 recon Toyota 70 series pickup w/ HMG

Deployed on map as indicated on Hill 137
Commando Battalion, 1st Brigade, 92nd Armored Division (Experienced 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
3 Infantry Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand (integral RPG-7)
2 infantry stands (integral RPG-7)
Weapons Company
1 120mm mortar stand and crew
1 medium truck

Deployed on map as indicated near Oil Refinery
Vali-ye Asr Corps, IRGC (Regular 8)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 car
Corps AA Company
2 Zu-23-2 AA vehicles

Deployed on map north of the oil storage tanks
Infantry Battalion (Regular 8)
Headquarters
1 command stand
3 Infantry Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand (integral RPG-7)
2 infantry stands (integral RPG-7)
Weapons Company
1 120mm mortar stand and crew
1 medium truck

Deployed on map north of the Shatt Al-Arab River
Mechanized Battalion (Regular 8)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 BMP 1 IFV
3 Infantry Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand (integral Toofan ATGM)
2 infantry stands (integral Toofan ATGM)
3 BMP 1 IFV

Arrives Turn 4 from the north board edge on the road to Ahvaz
1st Armored Brigade, 92nd Armored Division, IRIA (Experienced 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 car
Brigade AA Company
2 Zu-23-2 AA vehicles
Tank Battalion (Experienced 9)
Headquarters
1 command T72 tank
3 Tank Companies, each with
1 command T72 tank
2 T72 tanks
Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Experienced 9)
Headquarters
1 command stand
1 BMP 2
3 Mechanized Infantry Companies, each with:
1 command infantry stand (integral Toofan ATGM)
2 infantry stands (integral Toofan ATGM)
3 BMP-2 IFVs

Off Board Artillery
92nd Armored Division
Towed Artillery Battalion (Experienced 9)
2 Batteries, organic to 1st Brigade, 92nd Armored Division, each with:
1 M46 130mm gun and crew
1 Battery, organic to 1st Brigade, 92nd Armored Division, each with:
1 D30 122mm gun and crew

Self Propelled Artillery Battalion (Experienced 9)
3 Batteries, organic to 1st Brigade, 92nd Armored Division, each with:
1 M109 155mm SP gun

[URL=http://s185.photobucket.com/user/garet9801/media/OperationLynchpinIranianMap_zps0bc057fe.png.html]

@Jack,

Thank you for the kind words :)

The figures are my friend's and he lives in VA (while I'm in NJ) – so no pictures right now.

I'll be heading down there in a couple of weeks for a playtest, so I'll try and snap a few then.

Jake,
This is first rate. I wish I could play. What scale are you doing it in? Also its been 10+ years since I have looked at CD. Where are you getting the values for modern forces?
Dennis

This is great, i have just got into moderns in 6mm, i will be using some of this to make mini scenarios whilst trying to learn rules and which vehicle is which as i have only played world war two.
Thanks for posting.

@Dennis,

We will be doing it in 6mm. As for values, Bob Mackenzie did a pretty exhaustive list – its unofficial of course, but they work well :)

link

Click the link that says "CD Modern" on the left.

Jake,
What scale are the map hexes? Do you want to give the Basij units company commands? I had done planning for a "Gulf Strike" based bathtub game once and it seemed right to only give them a Battalion command stand.

Sounds terrific. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

@jekinder6,

Each hex is 6 inches on a table top (making it 6x8 feet). The ground scale will be 1cm=50 yards (since we are playing in 6mm).

With regards to the Basij:

"The Basij are primarily light infantry, though some units are comparable to the regular IRGCGF,complete with paratroopers, artillery battalions and AT weapons. However, these are few and far between. Like the IRGC, the Basij membership usually comes from the poor, ultra-religious classes who have a strong interest in maintaining a conservative Islamic Republic government.

Should war break out, how would Iran fight it? All evidence points to their response being disproportionately asymmetrical. The Iranian military,particularly the IRGC, is moving toward a more network-centric combat force modeled somewhatafter Hezbollah. Divisions and brigades are replaced with lightweight, mobile infantry units equippedwith weaponry such as MANPATS/MANPADSs that serve as foils to counter or deflect an enemies strengths without challenging them on their own level. These units would fight on the defensive,alternately pulsing and swarming around an invading army, aiming to bleed them out not through decisive engagements but through consistent, omnipresent attrition reducing their enemy's ability towage war.A key part of this 'Mosaic Doctrine' as it is called is the focus on autonomy. What this boils down to is the replacement of traditional military hierarchies with a looser network-centric organization in which the different units, whether they are a 4-man squad, or a full-sized battalion aren't linked via a top-down control structure, but operate as individual nodes that are largelyindependent from another. The abolishment of hierarchies within military organizations have been consistently demonstrated to increase tactical initiative, and in turn, allow the network to respond more fluidly to an attack, an important tactic considering the US's concept of a neo-blitzkrieg relies ondisrupting the enemies chain of command, and by doing so, preventing them from being able to take any action."

So, from my interpretation, I think they are better represented with no battalion command but rather instead company commands, as opposed to the traditional Soviet style with no company commands and only a battalion commander.

Other notes for the scenario. The American player will draw one "insurgency" card per turn. If his actions cause the level of insurgency to rise (i.e. unnecessary civilian casualties, destruction of mosques, etc), this may increase to two cards per turn. Composition of Insurgency Deck is as follows:

Six each of the following:
Suicide Bomb – a suicide bomber detonates near an American patrol, roll a hit result on an American personnel stand of the Iranian player's choice. The stand must be in Abadan.

Sniper attack – an Iranian sniper kills an American commander. Remove an order cube from a single American personnel company.

Boobytrap – the Iranian player may place an IED anywhere in Abadan or on any road.

Insurgents – the Iranian player may place a single recon infantry stand, integral RPG7, Trained 8 anywhere not in proximity to American forces.

Mortar attack – Iranian militants perform a quick hit and run with mortars. Either cause one American battery to not fire for one turn, OR roll one attack against an American stand, Iranian player's choice.

Ten "No Event" Cards

and Two:

Winning Hearts and Minds – members of the local populace, ethnic minorities sick of the oppression of Tehran, help the American forces. The US player may use this to automatically negate either one IED or one other Insurgency card.

Pity I won't be over this year- Lovely idea- Good luck .

Jake S, didn't you post some AAR photos somewhere of this game?