NationStates Jolt Archive

Hawdawg Headline News
Rangoon, Hawdawg
(AP)

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In an interesting turn of events the Hawdawg Minister of Defense has established a mock "War Game" with several friendly nations to be hosted in Hawdawg Sweden. "When we assisted North Germania in the Aqueatio incident some logistical, communication, and tactical trouble surfaced that made a seamless combat operation impossible. These exercises are designed to work out these kinks and establish a "Single" strike capability between both land, sea, and air units. With tensions in the region on the rise, it makes since to work out our unit differences before they come under enemy fire.", said J. Davis Minister of Defense.

Sources within the Defense Department stated some 10 Armored Divisions, 2 Army Groups, 10 Mountain Divisions, and 10 Airborne Infantry will participate in this exercise and 10 Mechanized Airborne will cover the logistical aspect of this scenario. It is expected several nations will join in this exercise announcements are forthcoming.

End of Feed.

OOC: Listed nations feel free to post what you are going to send to this exercise.

The Cottish MoD announced earlier that the following units will be partisipating in the upcoming Swedish Wargames. They will arrive via transport ships and airplanes to Stockholm later this and next week.

ORBAT Cotland --- Swedish Wargames

Imperial Cottish Marine Corps

4th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines: 18 000
Support: 42 000

AAAV: 900
AH-1W SeaCobra: 72
AV-8B Super Harrier: 36
CH-53E Sea Stallion: 72
EH101 Merlin Mk1: 72
M1114 w/ TOW: 900
M1114 w/ XM312 MG: 3600
M1069 Humvee: 12
M119A2 Howitzer: 27
M939A2 5-ton truck: 915
UH-1Y Huey: 36


Imperial Cottish Army

6th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24


10th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24


12th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24

19th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24


20th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24


40th Division

Grenadiers: 2220
Infantry: 16 350
Military Police: 100
Snipers w/ M82 Barret: 150
Support: 60 000

AH-6J Little Bird: 12
AH-64D Apache: 48
Bushmaster IMV w/ BRG-15: 25
Dingo APV w/ BRG-15: 50
Fennek w/ XM312: 25
LAV-TD: 25
LAV-AT: 100
LAV-300: 50
M1A3 Abrams: 140
M1045/1046 Humvee w/ TOW launcher: 50
M1069 Humvee: 16
M113A4 Gavin: 1200
M119A2 Howitzer: 36
M2A3 Bradley: 880
M2001 Crusader: 36
M2002/2003 RSV: 36
M269 LLM (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M3A3 Bradley: 20
M6A2 Bradley Linebacker: 60
M939A2 Resupply Truck: 30
M992 FAASV: 18
M993 Carrier Vehicle (M270A2 MLRS): 18
M998 Humvee: 10
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: 12
Predator Anti-tank vehicle: 100
RAH-66A Comanche: 24
UH-1Y Huey: 12
UH-60B Black Hawk: 24



Imperial Cottish Air Force

2nd Air Defense Group

Airmen: 3500

Avenger SAM: 80
FC-1C Layarteb 88: 40
FC-1D Layarteb 88: 40
FIM-92c Stinger MANPAD: 700
Hawk CWAR: 60
Hawk PAR: 60
M163 VADS: 40
M163A2 PIVADS: 40
MIM-104 PAC2 launcher: 240
MIM-104F PAC3 launcher: 80
MIM-23 Hawk launcher: 180
Patriot AMG: 20
Patriot ECS: 20
Patriot EEP: 20
Patriot RS: 20
Various vehicles: 850


6749th Air Transport Wing

Crew: 500
Support: 1600

C-17A Globemaster III: 25
C-130J Hercules: 50
C-141B Starlifter: 25

Having discussed these logistical problems with Hawdawg extensively, it was realized that the most frequently-occuring problem was communication and transportion between Germanian fast-strike and initial-strike groups and large, primary Hawdawgish attack groups.

The forces being sent to Stockholm are as follows:

Forces of the Fallschirmjäger to be sent:

45.000 FSJ Unterstützung Personnel [Mechanics, medics, engineers, front line construction workers, division strategists, etc.]

20.000 FSJ Volksgrenadier Soldiers [G4 Assault Rifle, G36 Modified Assault Rifle]

5.000 FSJ Panzerjäger Soldiers [Panzerfaust-4A, Panzerschreck-5, E6 explosives, GE16 anti-tank mines, etc.]

400 FSJ Flammgewehr Soldiers [FG-29 Flamethrower, smoke grenades, incendiary grenades]

9.000 FSJ Maschinegewehr Soldiers [MG21E Machineguns, MG4 Machineguns]

600 FSJ SPK Soldiers [Primary weapons information undisclosed]

65 FSJ Scharfschütze Snipers [PSG-1 Sniper Rifle, MSG-90A1 Sniper Rifle, ]

120 Predator Anti-Tank/Anti-Personnel Armoured Vehicles [Four Veisser Anti-Tank missile tubes, two 15.5mm x 7mm heavy machine guns]

160 Panzer-X Anti-Personnel/Anti-Tank/Anti-Air Armoured Vehicles [Four 72.5mm barrels]

180 Panzer-IX Light Tanks [105mm ETC Main Gun]

120 Sturmgeschütz Anti-Tank Vehicles [158mm ETC Main Gun]

100 Krieghammer Heavy Tanks [147.5mm ETC Main Gun]

130 King Leopard-A MBTs [135.6mm ETC Main Gun]

300 MW-12 65 Ton Supply Trucks

210 Gift-2 IFVs [Two 62.5mm cannons, three Veisser anti-tank missile tubes, two 15.5mm x 7mm machine guns]

350 RPF-16 APCs

45 FKF-1M Ultra Stealth Air Superiority Fighters [1 Stahlheim Class Advanced Aircraft Carrier]

90 FKB-9G-M Ultra Stealth Bombers [3 Ührlich Class Advanced Bomber Carriers]

20 U-229UH Ultra Stealth Attack Submarines [8 torpedo tubes]

35 U-310 Bombardment Submarines [four 8" guns, three 10" guns, two 12" guns, one 14" gun]

65 DRM-119 Missile Ships [twenty-two FK-16 missile tubes, fourteen FK-22 missile tubes, six LSFK-10 missile tubes, ten SAM tubes, two torpedo tubes]

35 DRM-220 Kormoran Missile Ships [ten Kormoran missile tubes, ten SAM tubes, six four-barreled 45mm guns]

45 Lüftschreck-2VGR Advanced Anti-Air/Anti-Missile Ships [twenty-six anti-aircraft missile tubes, thirty-six anti-missile missile tubes, eighteen seven-barreled miniguns]
________________________________________________

More vehicles and troops will be sent, but at the moment the sea is clogged with Germanian transport vessels and ships.

At this present time, the Empire of Layarteb would like to commit forces to participate in this event but we cannot, given certain future circumstances and events.

The first of the Bob Hope class transport ships started to arrive in Stockholm harbor, carrying the bulk of the first Cottish division's equipment. More were to come, as were the massive C-5B Galaxy, C-17A Globemaster III and An-225 Mirya transport planes. Military 747s and 777s transported troops to Stockholm. It wasn't little stuff that needed moving when you transport an army group to another country. A total of 117 000 soldiers and 380 000 logistics personell were going to Sweden for the wargames. It would be a logistical nightmare, but they would prevail.

Regional Command Center-ROMO
Karlstad, Sweden

As the force from North Germania and Cotland slowly decended upon Karlstad, Brig. General Amos Moses readied his preparations. Massive amounts of communication equipment was being assembled in the underground complex, the likes no one in the Hawdawg Military had seen deployed before. This would truely test the resolve of the men. With the "war games" on the horizon in just three days, some men knew something else was looming in the background. Brass wasn't talking, and when that didn't happen something was always in the works. Brig. Gen. Moses turned to his top aide with a message.

Brig. Gen. Moses: Send this communique to North Germanian and Cotland commanders. We will have an organizational meeting here in the morning at 8 am. Also add to that request any communication equipment, satellite coms, or other equipment they will need can be brought to the bunker for installation and setup. Our techinians will be more than willing to assist there people with installation as necessary. And we will discuss the real reason we are here tomorrow.

The dispatch was sent with much haste the both the Cottish and North Germanian forces.


OOC: The forth-coming discussion between Hawdawg, N.G. and Cottish Commanders will be secret in nature and no other parties would have knowledge of the impending actions that will take place pending our meeting. In other words all information put out for public consumption would lead people to believe this was a normal routine joint exercise between friendly nations.

The Cottish army commander for the forces in the Swedish theatre of operations arrived at the command centre at Karlstad in one of the UH-60B BlackHawks. Entering, he greeted the Hawdawgian commander and sat down at his place.

OOC: Sorry for the crappy post. Gotta go.

Regional Command Center-ROMO
Karlstad, Sweden

Brig. General Moses greeted his counterparts from North Germania and Cotland and offered each a fine Cuban Cigar. As tradition had it, smoking was a large part of the planning stages of any operation. A young assistant hurriedly setup a large overhead projector and laptop computer for the Brig. Gen. Moses to use. As the aide left and sealed the room behind him Gen. Moses started.

Brig. Gen. Moses: Good day, Gentlemen. I trust you are anxious to get this operation underway. First, I would like to thank you for your participation in this exercise. This will be the first step in many fruitful ventures between our nations.

These War Games will go by the name Operation Anvil and is broke into three parts. We will test our forces in several areas of operations: Communication, Logistics, Mobility, and Directed Fire. These components are critical in a battlefield scenario as you men know and it is imperative we master these elements. We are planning to host this event in three different venues. We will hold the first round of games in the open countryside West of Karlstad. Elements of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Armored Divisions will act as the aggressors coming into Karlstad from the west. Cottish and North Germanian Forces will setup defensive positions with the 101st, 103rd, and 117th Mechanized Airborne and will repel the advancing forces using any and all tactics available. We have MILES equipment ready to attach to all soldiers involved and have adapted this technology to be fitted to all tanks and IFV’s to be utilized.

Stage two will be a re-deployment to Ostersund for high altitude combat simulation and the study of mountain tactics and close quarters work involved in mountain pass movement. We have brought in our specially trained 3rd and 7th Mountain Divisions to train forces in these tactics.

Stage three will involve deployment in Storuman for training in plateau warfare. We will work on coordination of air attacks on harden-targets in this scenario and CQB in the destroyed mountain village of Kurvs.

We personally think splitting the troops into the different stages and rotating them between each group after 5-7 days of mock combat, would expose any potential problems we would have in our supply lines, communications, etc. This training exercise will culminate in a three weeks with a Debriefing by all parties to solve our potential problems that develop.

Brig. Gen. Moses took a long drag on his cuban cigar and began again.

Brig. Gen. Moses: Now the REAL reason you gentlemen are here. We are working on making our military units as seamless as possible for a very specific mission, the invasion of Kreigorgrad. This mock war game was a cover to bring in our allies and to build up our forces and move them about in the field without suspicion. We plan to have a "border dispute" erupt between our nations that will pull us into a conflict. The jumping off points for the invasion are: Ostersund, Storuman, Karlstad, and Uddevalla. In the first stage of the attack five armored divisions will push west from Ostersund sealing off the southern exit from Trondhiem. At the same time these divisions are moving towards Trondhiem, another force will move from Storuman west towards Mo. A defensive position will be established by the 2nd Mechanized Airborne to act as flanking cover for the advancing troops. Once the force arrives in Mo, a reserve group will support the Mech. Airborne while the main body pushes south to Trondhiem. This pincher will crush all enemy combatants in the middle. In the second stage of this conflict, our allied submarine fleets will work to destroy any supplies and ships being sent to aide the Norwegian forces. All enemy surface ships must be destroyed or crippled to sever the supply chain. Air drops of men and material won’t be enough to overcome the force we are sending from Sweden. In the last stage, forces from Karlstad and Uddevalla will push towards Oslo. A two prong attack one moving north along the Glaria River and one moving south between Muss and Oslo will entrap any enemy forces foolish enough to remain in the capital. We will hold reserves in Karlstad and the main staging areas listed above. Forward AirBases will need to be seized and or established to provide air support for these operations. In addition, we will fly sorties out of AirBases in Karlstad, Stockholm, Rattvik, and others to support this mission. One problem does exist with this plan. If Hogsweat comes to Kreigorgrad’s aide we may have to call on some allies to assist. We have stationed 5 armored, 5 light armored, and 3 mechanized infantry in the staging cities awaiting orders. The 2nd Mechanized Airborne Division is on standby in Rattvik for the jump into Mo. We want to minimize industry damage, particularly the heavy water and nuclear resources.

So gentlemen what do you make of our plan? As he relaxed into his chair.

Generaloberst Knobloch stood and began to speak...

"The initial attack plan is satisfactory in our opinion. However, we request that the 7th Fallschirmjäger be airdropped directly into Trondheim, at the appropriate time, to create chaos within the city and undermine defenses within the city.

They have been trained in urban warfare under guidance of the Schultzpolizei, and are quite qualified for this duty.

Concerning the nation of Hogsweat, the 9th and 10th Panzer Divisions can help defend the rear flank of our forces by guarding the Belarussian border. Furthermore, our forces stationed in our territories in Russia bordering those of Hogsweat are prepared to launch a counter-attack into Hogsweat land if that nation does indeed decide to assault the forces of our coalition.

It is the opinion of Chancellor Helmut Kahn that if any of our allied troops are attacked by Hogsweat, that the Reichswehr, and if they agree, the Cottish Army be responsible for obliterating their attack. He wishes no disrespect to the power of our ally Hawdawg, who has greatly assisted us in our war with Aequatio and The Wick, but fears that facing two armies in alliance from two different directions would be a bit overwhelming.

Therefore, we request that if Hogsweat launches an attack that Cotland organise, in advance, a sufficiently large force in Belarus to work together with the 9th and 10th Panzer Divisions currently stationed there while Hawdawg, with the support of Cotland and Germania, battles Kriegorgrad in Norway.

U-119s stationed in the North Sea will insure that no supply vessels reach Norway.

Is it agreed amongst the parties here today that we should bombard, starve and then invade the territory of Norway into submission?"

OOC: Poor Belarus...it's seen more warfare in the past 4 months than most RL nations have seen in their entire existence and history.

The Cottish general in charge of the military units rose and started to comment.

"I agree with the plans laid here, but I somewhat disagree with Generaloberst Knobloch here. Cotland borders Hogsweat across our entire western border. I therefor reccomend that we station forces both in Cotland and in Belarus and attack from two fronts if Hogsweat turns out to be a threath. The Emperor have informed me personally that he will make sure that we have two army groups (read: 32 Divisions) on the Hogswetian border, as well as sufficient air support and logistical support. Of these, we can move 12 to Belarus to fight on several fronts. Naturally Germanian units are welcome to invade from Cottish territory.

High Command has informed me that the naval force in this campaign, two Cruiser Squadrons, three Destroyer Squadrons, one Frigate Squadron and 36 Virginia class NSSNs, are almost in position, still in international waters though. They can fire several cruise missiles to help take out the defenses, which are massive.

Let us all keep in mind that the native population is highly supressed and militarized. It is most unlikely that they will be happy for us coming, so we have to take measures to make sure that they will not be a problem for our forces.

The Kriegos military in Norway are massive, to say the least. Though the bulk of the military are poorly trained conscripts with outdated weaponry, there are one small, but highly trained force with the latest in military hardware that we must make sure are destroyed.

The Empire are in favor of bombing the living shit out of the damned Kriegos before attempting an invasion. But let this be said gentlemen. It is imperative for our success that we block off Britain from Norway, both in the air as well as by sea.

Also, I have requests from the Emperor to find out who gets what of Norway. He have hinted that he really wants the southern part of Norway..."

Brig. General Moses studied the comments and suggestions of his colleagues and offered this response.

“Gentlemen I think we can all agree that the interference of Hogsweat in this matter will muddy the waters so to speak. I have reliable intelligence that Hogsweat will have a huge problem in if he chooses to engage us. I have assurances from several other nations bordering his lands that they are mobilizing there forces for an attack into his country. As a matter of fact, I think all the nations here have been invited to a conference in Psychotika to discuss this impending invasion. This would effectively open a two front war as Generaloberst Knobloch so eloquently pointed out earlier. With this in mind I think it would be wise for us to disperse ample divisions all along the border of Hogsweat to act as a deterrent. It will be harder to defend against this multiple pronged approach and would spread out the logistical lines and support mechanism for easy destruction from the air. We would ask you both station troops in Belarus and Eastern Cotland territory.

In matters concerning Kriegorgrad Norway the airdrop of the the 7th Fallschirmjager into Trondheim is a welcomed addition to the plan and is most certainly approved. I cannot reiterate this enough we must sever all the supply by sea to Norway. No supplies need to reach these men period. We would ask you assist us with the initial bombing campaign into Norway. We will be throwing upwards of (440) B-2’s, (440) B-1B’s, (440) B-52’s, (960) F-117A’s, (480) A-10’s, (60) AC-130U Night Raiders, (32) F-22’s, (32) F-35 JSF’s, (32) F-16’s, (32) FB-111’s, (16) SU-34’s, and (16) EF-2000’s into the initial air campaign. In addition several specialized air units will eliminate the radar and communications capability of Kreigorgrad troops before the first bomber takes to the air. In the initial bombing runs we will destroy all military bases, depots and ammunition storage facilities. We will sever power to the larger cities by destroying the cross-country transmission system. A few strategic LGB’s will bring down the towers in locations not easily repaired. This will save us considerable expense from having to rebuild destroyed power stations. After a few nights of continual bombing runs, we will maintain a curtain over enemy territory and destroy all enemy movements towards our troops. The push will come from the fore-mentioned locations and I would suggest we drop the 7th Fallschirmjager only when we make our initial push into Norway. We will be committing 5 Armored Divisions, 5 Light Armored Divisions, 5 Mechanized Infantry to each town we will invade from. Upwards of (20) Airborne Mechanized and Infantry will be held to jump into “hotspots”. We have another (5) Divisions of Urban Combat Specialists that will be deployed to the rear of the Southern force to assist with the acquisition of Oslo. We will hold (15) mixed Divisions in reserve with the Airborne troops to cover any surprises that might come up.

Last month we sent an undercover agent into Norway and she was able to secure a large cache of Kreigorgrad uniforms, weapons, and even ID tags on the Black Market. We also had a contact provide us with several used tanks, IFV’s and Heavy Trucks all with Kreigorgrad markings. These items can in no way be traced to us or any agent of ours because all the people that sold us the items are quite simply put, dead. The Black Ops division of the Air Force has designed two Kreigorgrad fighters and equipped them with the proper markings, weapons and ordinance they use. All this equipment has slowly and quietly been moved to Northern Sweden. A “film crew” from the Hawdawg Associated Press has been sent to Storuman to video the war games activity. They will then move to Kiruna to interview the Lt. Colonel of the Forward AirBase located there about there participation in the games. Around 10am during the interview, two Kreigorgrad jets will streak over the top of the city and bomb the Forward AirBase. The footage should be spectacular. The pilots will speak the native language of the Kriegs in radio transmissions and this will be recorded by our forward listening posts. While this is happening, another reporter stationed on the border for the AP will report Kreigorgrad Tanks and Infantry have seized the border checkpoint station and are moving SE down the main road from Narvik. Still photographs will be posted on the internet to show these “troops”. The standard outrage and complaining will be done by us then since we must “protect” ourselves we will retaliate with the bombing campaign and subsequent land invasion.

I know our Cottish and North Germanian friends are anxious to discuss this matter, but let us conquer the territory before we divide the pie. I will state we want to keep the nuclear facilities and heavy water plants in Hawdawg hands. We also are expressly interested in maintaining the Oil Fields both on and off shore. I have been told by Prime Minister Wales we would also like to establish no less than three substantial naval bases in Norway. Seriously though let’s deal with the matter at hand first and take the territory. If all are agreeable to these terms the “war games” will commence at 800 hours tomorrow morning. We will follow the script on the games and then release the enemy invasion upon completion of our games.”

Brig. Gen Moses fired up another cigar as his last burnt out from his long winded speech.


OOC: Sorry guys couldn't get on forum for a few days.

Hawdawg Headline News
Stockholm, Sweden
(HAP)

Today marked the start of the much publicized wargames. Reports from our correspondents in the field indicate that all is going smoothly in the operation. Phase one and two are apparently underway and our sources state that the exercise is a success so far. Stay tuned to HNN for up to the minute coverage of this event. Join us in one week when Bob Wallak interviews a Lt. Colonel that participated in the actual games and learn the inside details of what it is like to be in a fever-pitched battle.

Corporal Dahlgren was slightly worried. His M1A3 Abrams tank were in a terrible defensive position, protecting the town of Kil from the advancing OPFOR to the west, in this case Hawdawgian army units belonging to either the 1st, 2nd or 4th Armoured Division. Intel weren't too certain of that at this point. Still, the town of Kil had an important strategic importance due to it being the connection point of five railway lines and having Karlstads airport. That was why the 58th Armoured Regiment, attached to the 10th (Cottish) Division, were here. To protect the area.

On the flanks of Cpl Dahlgren were three more M1A3s and eight M2A3 Bradley IFVs. His platoon were there, commanded by a Lieutenant fresh out of the war academy in Perm. His M1A3 were parked 200 meters to the left of Dahlgren, close enough to cover the corporal, but not close enough to get hit by the same shell that might take out Dahlgren. 'Theoretical shell', Dahlgren corrected himself. After all, they were all equipped with MILES equipment to allow them to fire their weapons, albeit with black shells, at each other without damaging the opponent. Exept on the computer that is. Each tank that the Cots were using was equipped with a smoke cannister and blinking lights as well, to display smoke and flash the lights when they were "killed". It was a smart and effective way of knowing that you were dead (OOC: This is taken from the Tom Clancy book "Executive Orders").

As Dahlgren started to relocate to a better position being dug out by the Combat Engineers with Bulldozers, the secured radio started to squeak.

"Fox 3-8, this is Fox 3-6. Where you going corporal?"

"Fox 3-6, Fox 3-8. I need to relocate sir. The position the Hawdawgians dug out are crappy. It's not designed for an Abrams sir. More like a Challenger or Merkava sir. The Enigneers have told us that they are digging another one fifty meters further back. It's in the treeline and better concealed sir."

"Copy that. Let us know when you are in position. I'll have the grenadeers set up a Javelin position or two in your former position. Fox 3-6 out."

As the M1A3 moved off, six grenadeers came running from an M939A2 5-ton truck to the former position of Corporal Dahlgren and started to assemble their main weapon: the Javelin anti armour missile launcher. This death-bringing weapon were for the occation loaded with very cheap but never-the-less reliable M999 training missiles loaded with yellow paint, designed to release its paint over the target and crashland behind it, thus not damaging the tanks. Just giving them a huge scare when everything turned yellow. It was sure to get the attention of the "enemy" as long as they came within 2 500 meters of the positions. When the grenadeers had camoflaged their position with branches and camo blankets, they were only visible on ranges below 900 meters. Well within their killing zone.

All in all, fourteen M1A3 Abrams tanks, twenty-eight M2A3 Bradley IFVs ,two M3A3 Bradley CFVs and more then 160 grenadeers manning Javelin stations and SMAWs were covering a line of 2600 meters, protecting the town of Kil. But for now, the company just waited.

0700 Hours
Cow Pasture 5 miles SE of Kil

Lt. Col. Been climbed atop his M1A2 Abrams to address the men about the days objectives and the men and materials they would be facing.

"Men the Cots are very good at concealment and camoflague. Our Engineers dug several defensive pits early in the week for the Cottish Abrams, but odds are they won't use them. In fact, if I was the Cottish commander I wouldn't either. Sometimes the engineers go for the easy fix instead of the right one. Anyhow the weapon that will harm us the most is the Javelin anti-tank weapon. It is easy to assemble and very easy to conceal. A small group of soldiers can operate it and it offers maximum concealability. We will be moving with limited Mechanized Infantry so our Air Cavalry will have to be our eyes in the sky. We will need to stick to cover on our approach to town and only offer a minimal amount of vehicles in areas we think an ambush might occur. Air cover can provide us with tactical advantage men, if we let it. No John Wayne's out there today. This is for practice men, but if your tank is hit crawl out on top and cover yourself in ketchup. So all your fellow tankers can see. In the mess hall tonight look at the buddies you have and if they are wearing ketchup they made a mistake and died. Simple as that.

Our battle plan is easy to follow men. Pick out targets in your assigned grid and destroy them. We will be using massive overwelming force to sieze this objective today. Artillery will lay down a smoke screen outside of Kil at 0930 and we will advance through the screen to overrun any enemy positions. Men also remember some Cots are on the ground so don't run them over.
I only have one other thing to say men. Let it hapen' capen'."

Lt. Col. Been climbed into his M1A2 Abrams and fired off the engine leading the Division towards the point at which the defenders where supposedly stationed. Three Full Combat Brigades (4 Mech Infantry and 5 Armored) along with a full Artillery Brigade slowly crept towards Kil. The combined force of 290 Iron Cheetah MBT's, 27 M1A2 Abrams SEP's, 254 Mist Linx IFV's rolled out first. The 60 M1064 Self-Propelled Mortar Carriers and 54 M2001A1 Crusader SPG's followed to set up for the smoke barrage that would precede the attack. The ground rumbled from the movement of the tanks and the thunder from the 64 RAH-66A Commanche Attack Helicopters offering air support.

Kil was only 5 miles away...................

"Oh crap. Do you hear that? Jimmy, do you hear that?"

"Yeah, I hear it. We're in for it now boys."

The three men manning a Javelin position at the barring line had seen the smoke carpet being laid out, and now they heard several hundred tanks advancing.

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/javelin/images/Javelin_10s.jpg

The corporal commanding the position was on the radio immediately and requested air and artillery support for the position, but were told that the first AH-64s and RAH-66s wouldn't be there for ten minutes. They would have to stay hidden for now. Just then, another sound started to make its apperance.

"Choppers!"

The sergeant got back on the horn with command and told them to send some M6A2 Bradley Linebacker anti air vehicles or FIM-92d Stingers to the line. That would take four minutes, so for now they would just have to sit tight and fire off Javelin missiles when the enemy came into range. While it was only an exercise, the men knew that if they screwed up now, they were going to be in serious trouble when the attack on Norway began.

SE of Kil

As the smoke rose in front of the Air Cavalry all the flight crews pulled into a hover. Staying far enough behind the smoke screen to keep from blowing it away. The Lt. in Command flipped on his mic.

"Echo 6, Echo 6. We are in position. Adjusting FLIR sites now. Expect enemy portable AA any minute. Will pop up over tree line to investigate,out."

The Lt. called for his Squadron to give a fligh-over of the assumed Cottish Position.

"Dog Squadron, on me. We are gonna do a flyby and see what we can shake up. Tree top level men use FLIR system scan for hot targets. We won't be able to pick out the Javelin's but we can knock out there armor. Let's see if we can shake there cage a little bit. Mabel, Brinks Squadrons move to flanking positions. Legion Squadron stay with our armor. Any enemy positions that give off a heat signature light 'em up. They may get off a few Javelin's but make them pay when they fire. Lets move gentlemen."

The pilot's all moved to positions as Dog Squadron swooped over the ridge into a fast dive and to survey the Cottish lines. Flying at near top speed these choppers would be hard to hit. As they passed over the target area the Lt. yellow light went off.

"DAMN AA, must be a Linebacker. I got painted men. I am out. Watch the AA Fire."

The Lt. broke off and disengaged himself from the action.

All hell broke loose as Dog Squadron started to actively engage the AA coming to the aide of the Cottish troops.

Meanwhile...............

In typical Hawdawg Commander fashion Lt. Col. Been was two tank-lengths out in front of the main force. To his rear rolling at 35 MPH was the entire Divisions Armored and Mech. Infantry Brigade. Some nine Brigades in all. As they rolled fast and hard towards the target, radio chatter from the Chopper cover let the Lt. Col. know the Cots had been found.

"Steady men, they are in site. Use your thermal imaging target systems. Look for heat sigs. from tanks and IFV's they have to be running to operate there turrents. Stay in your quadrant and fire on any heat sig. you see. Remember if you are hit do the ketchup routine."

Lt. Col. Been tapped his driver and they sped up even faster.

"Target acquired. Lock and fire."

The Lt. Col. let loose a volley on an imbedded Cottish Tank. As he rolled to within 500 meters of the lines, a terrible thud hit his tank.

"Crap, we're hit. No wait it was a tree stump. Keep rolling. Punch through the lines. They can't stop us all."

All the force moved to within 400 meters of the Cots with Air Support close in tow. The Legion Squadron would make the Javelin crews pay.

The "enemy" tanks were now close, and well within range of the Javelin crews, who again were protected by the 120mm cannons on the Cottish Abrams tanks and TOW missiles on the Bradley IFVs.

"Target, range 1900. Moving towards us. Stand by... Fire!"

And on exactly the same time, about 36 Javelin missiles flew towards the "enemy" line. Soon, the unfortunate "enemies" would be covered in yellow paint. And the crew reloaded the missile. Within thirty seconds, they fired a new missile on another tank, and so on and so forth.

The commander of tank 5-4 were aggrivated. He had just been notified that he were dead, and that yellow smoke were flowing from his tank. A total of three Abrams and nine Bradleys had been taken out in the first volley. The next man in the line would have to bust whoever did it towards them. And the Cots started to do so. Seven Abrams and eleven Bradleys locked on the targets with their cannons and missiles and fired a volley at the advancing Hawdawgians before they relocated to the secondary positions being completed by the Engineers.

The Hawdawgian tanks were just out of range of most of the Bradleys and Abrams, but the choppers which flew overhead weren't. MILES equipped XM-312 machine guns firing blank 12,7 x 99 mm rounds were aimed at the attack helicopters and fired as soon as they were within range. Soon two of six M6A3 Bradley Linebackers that the company had would be here too, armed with Stinger missiles, a 25mm autocannon and two heavy machine guns. In eight minutes, a flight of six AH-64Ds and four RAH-66As would be on location as well.

Muzzle Flashes came from everywhere on the ground. Four RAH-66's took hits and were removed from the combat arena. The flanking Squadron's in a stand off position targeted the muzzle flashes and the mobile Javelin launchers that had fired. "Fake" Hellfire missiles were sent towards the ground via the computer program running the game. The ground forces would have a rought day shortly. In the close distance heat signatures could be seen.

Dog Squadron saw this first.

"Sir, movement behind enemy lines. Lots of heat sigs coming this way. Must be air support. Lock on heat trails and send them a telegram."

Four Commanche's tilted tail up and locked on the heat plumes coming through the woods. A large volley of "hell fire" missiles were sent towards the incoming support force, designed to make them stop short of there objective. Maybe they would even hit a few before they popped out in the open. That was the one thing about AA they had to get out in the open to shoot you so you had a 50/50 chance when that happened.

An AWACS in the vicinity began to page the Assualt Helicopter Flight leader.

"Echo 5, Echo 5."

"Echo 5, this is Looking Glass 2, over."

"Go ahead."

"Sir we have multiple inbounds on our radar. Looks like you will have some company shortly. From the best we can tell. Rotary in nature. They are moving at treetops to mask there signature. ETA 2 minutes."

"Roger that Looking Glass, will adjust accordingly."

" Echo, Dog, Legion Squadrons. This is Echo 5. Multiple inbounds ETA 2 minutes. Rotary in nature. Legion and Dog engage any inbound rotaries. Dog will stay with Ground Forces for cover."

"Roger that."


On the ground things weren't running as smooth. Six M1A2's had been "destroyed" and an additional 18 Iron Cheetah's had meet the end of the road. The first wave had made it to the Cottish lines but they were now engaged in a dangerous crossfire action between embedded Cottish forces. They chance for a FF incident was high. Lt. Col. Been got on the horn to the first wave.

"Fall back lets let them move forward to the defensive positions again. The Artillery has moved forward and will pummel them when they do. Assume a defensive position 1000 meters from the line. Use natural cover or move into the tank pits the Cots abandoned. They should have filled them in. Now we will use them to our advantage."

As the tanks pulled a slight retreat to the defensive positions the Cots had abandoned earlier in the day, five more Iron Cheetah's were "destroyed". RECON Bt. then reported some bad news.

"Rattlesnake, Recon."

"Recon, Go Ahead."

"Sir, large support force moving to assist Cots. AA equipment and reinforcement armor."

"Very well, thanks recon. Echo 5 Echo 5. Recon reports AA moving in please advise, over."

"Rattlesnake, this is Echo 5. We have them targeted upon movement out of cover. Carry on, over."

"Thanks Echo 5, Rattlesnake out."

Lt. Col. Been then turned to the Artillery.

"Big Stick 5, Big Stick 5. This is Rattlesnake."

"Rattlesnake, this is Big Stick 5, go ahead."

"Commence Firing on my command. Fire, Fire, Fire."

"Roger that, inbound on its way."

With the command to fire all 54 Crusaders leveled there guns and began to rain the "fake" death down on the Cottish lines. In addition the 60 Self propelled Mortar's attached to the artillery batallion had moved to a closer position and began to lay down another smoke screen to aide in the confusion masking the Hawdawg retreat to the abandoned Cottish defensive berm's.

The things had looked so good for the Cots in the beginning, but now more then 90% of the company were "dead". They had made several errors. Some of the most severe were that they didn't have any artillery or SAM coverage in the first place, and they had no air support ready immediately when the call came.

The Colonel who commanded the armoured regiment were getting aggrivated by the Hawdawgian success, and ordered the reinforcements and remaining defenders to fall back to the second line. There, a mechanized infantry regiment and the rest of the armoured regiment lay in waiting, covered by the trees that covered this region of Sweden. They also had support by three artillery batteries there. 105mm howitzers and 155mm M2001 Crusaders carefully concealed in among the trees. In addition, twenty Stinger and ninety Javelin crews were hidden all around the area, impossible to see with the naked eye and covering the enitre front. On the flanks were two infantry battalions to provide cover.

The third line consisted of the rest of the 10th Division, who were inside the city of Kil, ready to preform some serious MOUT. Snipers and soldiers were in the plenty inside, and had done their best to keep from alerting the civilian population, heavily aided by Hawdawgian liason officers. The only thing the Colonel wondered about now was 'where the hell are the Germanians?'

After 15 minutes of sustained artillery fire. Lt. Col. Been called for a ceasefire.

"Big Stick 5, Big Stick 5. This is Rattlesnake."

"Rattlesnake, this is Big Stick 5, go ahead."

"Cease Fire, Cease Fire, Cease Fire."

"Roger that."

The silence was deafening.

Lt. Col. Been then recieved word from RECON.

"Rattlesnake, this RECON over."

"RECON, this is Rattlesnake, go ahead."

"Sir, Cottish forces have moved to a rear defensive position and abandoned the first line."

"Roger that."

Lt. Col. Been then radioed his forward armor.

"1st-4th Armored Bt. hold. 1st and 2nd Mech. Infantry will probe the Cottish position to see what we are up against."

Lt. Col. Been's tanker crew then questioned his logic.

"Sir, isn't that suicide?"

"Not necessarily Mech. Infantry can off load troops and establish a "fluid front" for us. With troops constantly badgering the Cots they won't have a chance to rest and regroup. Then after there defenses are established Armor can roll in and mop up the resistance. Of course we will lose some IFV's but we have to probe there positions to know there strengths. Its an old tactic used by Generals in that Civil War I read about in Military College. Oh and by the way soldier, don't question my decisions. I could have you stoned to death for such treachery."

"Sorry sir, won't happen again."

The 3 Mechanized Infantry Bt. rolled forward to push towards the Cottish. There plan was simple, move until you find them, then establish a line and wait for the Armor. This would be a ground campaign alone now, Air cover couldn't do anything with this forest canopy.

As they broke through the woods a lone Cottish soldier stood in the road. He was doing something but it was hard to make it out from the distance.

MSGT. Williams commander of the first IFV asked his crew.

"Is that guy doing what I think he is? I don't know wether to laugh or to cry. When you gotta go you gotta go!"

As they approached.....................................



OOC: Sent a TG to NG haven't heard from him. He's been AWOL for awhile now.

The lone Cottish soldier was captain Joseph Steiner of "C" Company, 5th Battalion, 43rd Mechanized Infantry Regiment. As the Hawdawgian IFVs came closer, he yelled out a word in Cottish and started to run like hell into the woods. Just as he was clear, SMAWs, M35 light machine guns and XM-8s started to open up on the Hawdawgians, followed by smoke grenades. Had it been real combat, they would have thrown M67 frag grenades instead. The Hawdawgians had entered right into a trap set by "C" cpy, and were now paying for it. After the first barrage, a squad of Cottish soldiers ran over to the Hawdawigan IFVs with their weapons at the ready. Any "survivors" would be taken as POWs.

MSGT Williams was suprised by the Cots. All in all 7 IFV's where seized by the Cottish forces and there crews taken hostage. All the IFV's were left in the road as they were.

Lt. Col. Been tried raising the 1st Bt. on the radio.

"Pike 1, Pike 1. This is Rattlesnake, over."

"Pike 1, Pike 1. This is Rattlesnake, over."

"Crap. A no response means one of two things. Capture or the trees are jacking with our communication."

Then Lt. Col. made his second mistake of the day. Instead of sending in a discreet RECON unit, he called for 3rd Armored Bt. to investigate.

"Yellow 3, Rattlesnake."

"This is Yellow 3, go ahead."

"IFV's are out of communication range. Travel up the road, establish contact and report there position, over."

"Roger that, Yellow 3 out."

The 3rd Armored Bt. rolled up the small road toward the position of the missing IFV's completely blind to what they approached.

The Cots did the same thing over again. When the Hawdawgians entered the area, a squad quickly and quietly moved to the rear and took up positions. When they were in position, the show started again. SMAWs, M35s and XM-8s ruled the day.

As night fell the Hawdawg troops settled for a partial victory. They had lost minimal forces during the early battle but there commander had made two crucial mistakes which allowed the Cottish forces to eliminate 1 Mechanized Infantry and 1 Armored Bt. from the game. This would not bode well with HQ and Lt. Col. Been knew it. He would pay and pay dearly in debriefing. At dusk a flash communique was broadcast for all troops engaged to hear.

FLASH MESSAGE:
FROM COMMAND CENTRAL

No night fighting acivities allowed. Hold your positions and resume simulated combat tomorrow. Repeat NO night fighting allowed. Resupply and reequip forces at will for tomorrow's activities. Test to see if logistical troops can meet all your needs for reequip/resupply before dawn. This is a critical component we are checking in this simulation, hence the "no night fighting" clause.

COMMAND CENTRAL, OUT.

The Hawdawg Armored Division setup camp in the abandoned Cottish lines and awaited there resupply. Many "shells" and lots of diesel fuel had been used today and it was up to the Support Bt. to refresh there supplies. 5 Iron Cheetah MBT's had mechanical problems and the Motor Bt. was feverishly working on repairing them for battle tomorrow. The loss of 2 Bt.'s today would be hard to overcome, but the Artillery was still intact and they would have to be relied upon heavily tomorrow for the push into the forest.

Lt. Col. Been addressed his men around the makeshift HQ he had established in an old barn.

"Men I am proud of your accomplishments today. You made an impressive run early in the battle and gave a significant blow to the Cottish Defensive positions early. Combined with our Air power we successfully repelled them from the positions they held. On a sadder note, we lost two full batallions today and I am afraid that was entirely my fault. Sometimes in the fog of war we make snap decisions that come back to haunt us. Today I made two such decisions. Divisional Command will most certainly remind me of this in the debriefing. I would like to offer a moment of silence for those men lost today. Even in mock combat a loss is a loss and we need to respect those individuals that gave there lives."

After a long silent pause. Lt. Col. Been spoke again.

"We have been issued a stand down order tonight in order for the logistical portion of our division to be tested. I still want sentinels and a watch posted out past our perimeter 500 meters. Before daylight, RECON will be dispatched towards the last known position of the two batallions lost today to determine the size of force we are dealing with. Artillery will soften the area up before we advance. The arty will precede the armored advance by only a minute or so. Timing will be the key to our success tomorrow. We have to rely heavily on arty tomorrow because of the losses we suffered today. Do I have any questions? We will meet a 0500 hours tomorrow morning to discuss the battle plan for the day again. Sleep well tonight you will need your strength and wits about you tomorrow for we will move to crush the remaining forces in the woods."

All the troops were dismissed to handle the duties assigned or to get some much needed rest.

The Cots also settled down for the evening, but not before they had sent a recon squad to watch the Hawdawgians. They had with them an 81mm mortar that they had captured from the IFVs so they could scare the living daylights out of the Hawdawgians just as the dawn broke and then run like hell. Their vehicle was parked 600 meters away from the location 800 meters from the Hawdawgian base, so they would run like hell to it and then drive like hell back to their own front lines.

(OOC: If this is ok with you, Haw:)

As dawn was only minutes away from breaking, the Cots fired up the mortar. It was armed with smoke shells, but still it would scare the Hawdawgians. They left the position after firing only 5 shells, but the message was clear. On the mortar they had pinned a note as well.

To the Hawdawgian Army.

The logistics work look good. We could have knocked them out from here if
we had some SMAWs. Take care fellas.

The Cottish Army

OOC: That's cool.

As the RECON Squad 1 setup an ambush position to the rear of RECON Squad 2 the "THUNK" of an outbound Mortar round was heard.

"What the hell?"

The MSGT. in charge of the Squad figured something hokey was up.

"Men we have had a penetration into the perimeter last night I am sure. That was one of our mortars and from what I can tell it fell close to the HQ. Lets see if we can catch someone where they aren't supposed to be."

The squad fanned out over 100 meters or so to setup a "catch net" for any Cottish forward teams that might be in the area. In the middle of the group the squad's heavy weapon a Galil chain-gun was established. The terrain worked in there favor and acted as a natural funnel towards there position. To strengthen the position the men had hastily assembled "claymores" about 10 meters in front of there positon. Pointing claymores towards your lines wasn't necessarily a good thing, but anyone coming through the woods towards there position wasn't supposed to be a friendly.

RECON Squad 2 was already on a bluff about 750 meters from the abandoned tanks. The squad had two sniper teams attached and this distance was well within there range. Wearing Guille suits these men blended in too well with the surrounding terrain.

Squad 2 leader MSGT. Milestone sent two messages on his secure channel.

"HQ, S-2 in postion, no activity observed so far, will advise, out."

"Roger S-2."

"S-1, this is S-2, over."

"S-2, go ahead."

"Was that mortar fire?"

"Roger, we have an ambush setup to intercept any possible unfriendly types inside the perimeter. If you see any scragglers you know what to do."

"Roger will keep an eye out, S-1 out."


Meanwhile back at the HQ........

Smoke shells fell all around the camp, men were running for tanks and IFV's scrambling for cover. Lt. Col. Been walked around in disgust. The perimeter guards had to have gone to sleep for a mortar attack to come in this close.

A young Corporal approached him with a note.

"Sir this was attached to the mortar we found in the woods."

The Lt. Col. read the note and turned red with anger, tearing the note up and stomping it into the ground.

"They want to play, eh?"

"Get me Big Stick 5 on the horn."

"Big Stick 5, this is Rattlesnake."

"Commence artillery."

"Sir, its 5:30am? We aren't supposed to start activities until daylight."

"Well the Cots started early so we will too. Use the GPS data I sent you to lock coordinates for targeting. Remember to fire for effect. S-1 will be your forward observer. Shell a complete grid, then move to another quadrant. Checkerboard pattern, with alternating fire. Leave no rock unturned, level the forest."

"Yes sir"

The Crusader Artillery Bt. tilted there pieces towards the sky and began the onslaught. "Shells" began to fall in the position opposite the S-1 RECON Squad.

"S-1 this is Rattlesnake. Listen for MILES activations and report."

"Roger, will report any strikes, out."


As the artillery fell to the rear of S-2 Squad movement and noise could be heard coming throught the forest. It sounded like a herd of buffalo. The MSGT. tapped his men and gave the symbol to watch with the pointing to the eyes jesture. Whatever was coming there way would be exposed shortly.

The recon squad was almost in the clear when teh shells started to fall around tehm. Almost immediately the MILES equipment started to make noise.

"Crap. They got us."

The team stopped the humvees and waited for the Hawdawgian judges to escort them back.

Meanwhile, back on the line, the soldiers were getting nervous when they heard the shelling. It was showtime.

The Crusader Artillery crews systematically started to sweep back and forth with the shelling up and down the road. As the remaining Tank Bt.'s and Mech. Infantry Bt.'s slowly advanced.

As they approached the abandoned tanks the Artillery dropped ordinance to there flanks making sure no "suprise" force could sneak in around them and seal off the road. The M1A2's led the charge barreling down the road at high speed seeking out targets. Brute Force/combined with speed was a great force multipler and the Hawdawg Armor wanted to seize an advantage with these tactics. Some 15 M1A2's and 226 Iron Cheetah's slammed headlong into the Cottish positions. The attack was simple and brutal, overrun the position and advance into town. Wave after wave advanced on the position, as artillery followed in the rear dropping ordinance on any troops trying to withdraw.

"Here we go... Fire!"

As on que, sixty Javelin missiles flew towards the advancing Hawdawgian tanks before the crews reloaded with more missiles. They weren't along though. No, they had artillery support this time. Two Crusader batteries and a lone M119A2 howitzer battery fired 155 / 105 mm shell after 155 / 105 mm shell towards the Hawdawgians.

A total of 12 AH-64D Apache Longbows and 6 RAH-66A Comanches were on station, circling over the area while firing smoke rockets and "killing" Hawdawgian tanks with their 30mm cannons.

Several of the well entrenched and camoflaged Abrams tanks also fired loose. A total of 28 M1A3 Abrams tanks fired highly precise 120 mm fake SABOTs and HEAT shots into the advancing tanks.

The 57 Predator tank-busters and LAV-TDs also fired their missiles towards the Hawdawgians before changing positions. That was the Cottish tactic. Fire then fall back a few meters to secondary positions, all the time under a barrage of artillery and air support. They hoped to keep it going untill either the Hawdawgians fell back, or they had sustained too high casualties.

Inside the city, another Cottish force waited for them. The Cots intended to make the city of Kil as deadly as possible for the Hawdawgians.

Smoke hung low over the field as the tanks advanced. The large wave of Javelin missiles found there mark, taking 18 Iron Cheetah's and 12 IFV's out of the attacking wave. This only hardened the resolve do the Hawdawg tankers. They pressed on amid the falling ordinance to secure there objective Kil.

It was surprising the Cots attacked then fell back. This tactic worked well for infantry against the tanks and seemed to be working. Losses where high. As the Cottish AH-64's circled overhead "selecting" targets, two twin Vulcan AA APC's arrived on site to send them a message. Both guns turned towards the sky and began engaging the choppers overhead as the Tank Bt. pushed through the Cottish lines heading for Kil.

Hawdawg National News
(HNN)
Stockholm, Sweden

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The two week wargames trials ended today with a meeting of the minds in Stockholm. Military planners are pouring over information and data collected during this event to try and sqeak out better performance of there respective military branches. Tune in tomorrow when HNN interviews Lt. Kyle Brick about his units participation in the war games that unfolded this week.


End Feed.

OOC: For all practical purposes the war games are finished.