NationStates Jolt Archive

Operation Snapcount - The liberation of Liberia
Earth II ONLY


"It's all set sir. Our forces are in position and ready for the invasion." The Admiral was eager to get the order to go ahead with the plan which he had spent so many hours perfecting. All he needed was to pursuade the Emperor to give the order, and Liberia would be liberated from the anarchy that had raged on since the fall of the Yelmish government there.

"How many soldiers were we sending again?" The Emperor asked. He still wasn't completely sure that this was the right thing to do.

"Here's the ORBAT sir," the Admiral said, handing the Emperor a sheet of paper.




2nd Submarine Squadron (SSN)

Virginia class NSSN: 24
Seawolf class SSN: 12
Emory S. Land class AS: 1


5th Amphibious Assault Battlegroup

Bismarck II class BBN: 1
Ynoga class CVL: 1
Wasp class LHD: 1
San Antonio class LHD: 4
Ticonderoga class CG: 2
Devlin class DDG: 5
Rothsky class DDG: 3
LCU-2000: 4
LCAC: 25
Supply class AOE: 2
Kilauea class T-AE: 1


9th Amphibious Assault Battlegroup

Bismarck II class BBN: 1
Ynoga class CVL: 1
Wasp class LHD: 1
San Antonio class LHD: 4
Ticonderoga class CG: 2
Devlin class DDG: 5
Rothsky class DDG: 3
LCU-2000: 4
LCAC: 25
Supply class AOE: 2
Kilauea class T-AE: 1


5th Amphibious Air Group

AH-1W Super Cobra: 6
AV-8B+ Harrier II: 8
CH-53E Sea Stallion: 12
UH-1N Iroqouis: 4
F-29B Vulture: 10
SH-60F Seahawk: 4


9th Amphibious Air Group

AH-1W Super Cobra: 6
AV-8B+ Harrier II: 8
CH-53E Sea Stallion: 12
UH-1N Iroqouis: 4
F-29B Vulture: 10
SH-60F Seahawk: 4


5th Marine Expeditionary Force

Officers: 1 200
Marines: 12 000
Support: 1 440

AAAV: 160
LAV-TD: 120
M1114 w/ TOW/M-312 GPMG: 600
M1126 Stryker ICV: 240
M939A2 5-ton truck: 162
M1069 Humvee: 54
M777 Field Howitzer (155mm): 54


9th Marine Expeditionary Force

Officers: 1 200
Marines: 12 000
Support: 1 440

AAAV: 160
LAV-TD: 120
M1114 w/ TOW/M-312 GPMG: 600
M1126 Stryker ICV: 240
M939A2 5-ton truck: 162
M1069 Humvee: 54
M777 Field Howitzer (155mm): 54


"I see. That's quite a bit of military manpower and hardware. Why should we risk all those lives?" The Emperor said after looking over the list.

"The resources there are resources we desperately need, and its ripe for the picking. There are timber, rubber, iron, cocoa, coffee and most importantly, diamonds! Diamonds that we can use to pay for the oil we're going to have to buy in about twenty years time. We can't afford not to act sir. Act for the sake of Cotland and its economic future. Please sir."

"Very well Admiral. I'm authorizing this under doubt though. Consider the order given."

The Admiral smiled as he saluted his supreme commander and left the office. Once outside, he picked up the phone in the secretarys office and connected to the High Command. Once the connection had been made, he said only one thing.

"Snapcount approved."

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/africa/liberia_pol_2004.jpg
Liberia

ICS Westerland (LPD-52)

"Alright Marines, listen up!"

Major Barton stood on a podium inside the hangar of the assault ship Westerland, looking over his battalion. A total of 600 combat marines stood in front of him, wearing their battlegear and M8 rifles with pride and honor. He was damned proud of this outfit, which had seen action in several different theatres of war.

"Our task is as follows. Fourteenth Regiment is to capture the capitol city of Monrovia itself, while the Eleventh and Nineteenth Regiments capture the surrounding areas. We in first battalion, eleventh regiment is to capture the airstrip and police academy to the north-east of Monrovia. We expect little to moderate resistance, and then mainly in form of a rag-tag force of local militia. The Yelmish kept their own army there, but since they pulled out in order to fight to keep the anarchy at bay back in Antarctica, there's been no law or order in Liberia. That is up to us to restore. Airsupport will be in form of Harriers and Super Cobras from the carriers, and fire support in form of shells from the battleships. ROE is fire at anything threathening, but try to avoid collateral damage. Any questions?"

There were none.

"Alright. You have all been briefed in advance, so remember those briefings. Also remember to keep your heads down. It's not worth letting a lucky militia-bastard blow your scull off, now is it? Good luck, and fight for our Corps, Emperor and fatherland, who looks upon us with great expectations and pride! Semper Fi! Dismissed!"

The Marines fell out and headed for their respective positions. Most of them would be in the many CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters that the Marines posessed, but some would be inside the Strykers, LAVs and Humvees, giving support for the rest. Just as the Marines started to board their respective helicopters, the two battleships started to open fire towards targets in and around Monrovia.

*********

Police Academy, outside Monrovia

As the last of the shells had exploded, a lot of militia had been killed. They had taken over the academy after driving the police away, and made it to their headquarters. They had rifles, pistols and shotguns originally owned by the police, and was a logistics area for the Militia. There were still almost a hundred alive though, now hurrying to arm themselves. Then the first of the four CH-53Es carrying "B" Company, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment came to a hover one feet above the gras in front of the academy, allowing the 40 Marines carried inside to disembark quickly. The fourty Marines who made up First Platoon fanned out and started to secure the LZ. It would serve as a temporary command center once it had been cleared.

The ninety or so militia watched the massive helicopters land, and wondered what the heck they were doing. Then, coming through the dust and dirt thrown into the air by the heavy downwinds cerated by the rotors, they saw a lot of men dressed in green uniforms and armed with rifles and light machine guns. Since they weren't well trained, they stood out in the open and started to shoot at the Marines, although not hitting very much since they liked to shoot at full auto from the hip. The Marines weren't that dumb, and threw themselves to the ground and started picking off targets. One shot, one killed was the mantra. Soon, more then 30 enemies were dead, and only two Marines wounded by lucky shots. Those were tended to by the corpsmen before they were airlifted back out to the assault ships and carriers.

The Marines methodically worked their way through the massive complex of the police academy, shooting any militiaman they saw. While "B" Company secured the perimeter, nine M777s and their crews were airlifted in from the assault ships by help of Sea Stallions and set up, overlooking Monrovia. Soon they would be able to assist in pounding the urge to resist out of the militia.

All in all, the invasion was going great. There had been no fatalities, and only 50 wounded. The AV-8B+ Harrier IIs and F-29B Vultures shot down any enemy fighter that managed to get on the wings, and the AH-1Ws provided close air support for the invading Marines. Within three hours, the beachhead was secured and the heavy equipment could be ferried in by the LCACs and LCU-2000s.

While the Marines were busy securing the capitol city of Monrovia, the submarines of the 2nd Submarine Squadron (SSN) were off the coast, securing it from the seaside. The small defense force the Yelm had left behind had been dispatched of quickly with help of Mk-48 ADCAPs and UGM-84F Harpoons. Five Virginia class submarines were now heading up to a depth of 50 meters, the recommended depth for launching the 12 UGM-109 TLAMs each Virginia carried.

After the final checks and target verifications, the subs started to fire their Tomahawks. A total of 60 UGM-109 Tomahawks (both cluster munitions and conventional warheads) were heading for Robertsport, River Cess and Voinjama. The maths were simple. 30 missiles were heading for each city, each pin-pointed at airfields, defensive positions and important rally points. Those cities would be taken after Monrovia fell.

Monrovia, D + 1

After some moderate fighting, the Marines had been able to secure Monrovia, and the dock facilities there were relatively undamaged. The militia hadn't been wise enough to blow them up, and now the Cots would be able to land their heavy equipment with ease. Divisions from the Army had already been dispatched from Egypt, and they would arrive in a few days. Untill then, the Marines would hold the positions and keep Monrovia and the surrounding area under guard.

SH-60R helicopters with Marines flew around the perimeter, keeping overview with their M134 Miniguns. Some had AGM-114K Hellfire missiles mounted in their brackets, missiles that would be able to defeat any vehicle that the enemy might try to throw at them. Marine landing parties were digging into defensive positions, and they deployed captured enemy 81mm mortars and M249 and M60 MGs with great effect. If there were one thing the Marines knew, then it was how to defend themselves.


Defensive Line "Gopher", Sector Dog-4, Hill 132, 02.40 AM

"B" Company sat in trenches on a hill, overlooking the northern mangrove swamps, twelve klicks away from downtown Monrovia. 1st Platoon was on watch, while the rest of the company was asleep, exhausted from the days fighting. They had driven the militia away, and killed scores upon scores of enemies, and it was common belief among the Marines that the enemy had learned their lesson, and wouldn't try to pick another fight with the Marines. Yet, they kept watch over the dark area with their AN/PVS-14 night vision goggles.

"There. Do you see it?"

"Yeah. Wake the captain, let him check it out."

The two Marines who manned the captured M249 looked down at the movements in the bushes 300 meters away while one ran down the line to find the captain in charge of the company. Once he had been found and awoken, he was on his way to the MG post, clutching his compact M8.

"What do you have?" he asked when he got there, and were only answered by a hand pointing at some bushes 300 meters away that seemed to be trying to change the positions of their roots. "Ok. Wake the company, but quietly. When everyone is in position, I'll have the arty boys send some light grenades up. Then you can blast the hell out of whoever is there. Go!"

The Marines scurried to wake their sleeping comrades, and within 5 minutes, the lines were manned and ready. The rest of the line was also being waked up, and artillery and air support was called in. AV-8B+ Harrier IIs and AH-1W Super Cobras from the Wasps and San Antonios were alerted, and the mighty guns of the battleships were trained on the potential enemy positions.

As the light shells went up, the Marines removed their NVGs and took up aim. Just as the Marines on guard had suspected, there were a massive enemy force trying to advance slowly and quietly towards the Cottish Marines. Bad idea. Upon seeing the enemy, the Cots opened fire with what they had. 5,56 x 45, 6,8 x 43 mm and 7,62 x 51 mm rounds, 51mm and 81mm mortar shells and 155mm artillery shells rained down on the enemy, who sustained heavy losses before they could even fire a single shot. The first skirmish for Hill 132 had ended with victory to the Cots.

Holy Republic of Hawdawg
Defense Ministry
Stockholm, Sweden

As the news reels rolled showing the Cottish advances in Liberia Defense Minister Wells couldn't help but look uneasy. It appeared the Cotts were having a hard go of it. DM picked up his telephone and rang Prime Minister Wales.

"Sir, have you been watching this footage from Liberia? Yes i realize this, but sir we have confirmation Cottish Forces may be in grave danger as we speak. Yes, I can't elaborate now, but the Office of International Espionage (OIE) has sent me an alarming telegram warning of an imminent threat to our ally. Sir, we do have the HMS Moby and an MEF off the coast of Guinea Bassau. Okay, sir will do, can you send a secure fax to the Cottish Defense Ministry, I will send the order to the MEF. Yes good day Prime Minister."

Secure Fax to Cottish High Command

We have a secure source within our OIE that states a grave naval threat may move on your forces soon. We have taken the liberty of dispatching the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force to monitor this situation off the coast. These troops are within a days sail of your location and will assemble off the coast of Monrovia to await assistance orders. In short we will watch the sea for any threats and offer our Marines to assist with the land campaign. If needed we can dispatch the HMS Moby currently stationed of Guinea Bassau if needed to assist.

A secure cable was sent to the 3rd MEF as the turned south and headed for Monrovia. Soon they would arrive to assist the Cotts in the Liberian Campaign.

-------------------------------------

ORBAT
HAWDAWG 3rd MEF

The Marine Expeditionary Forces in the Hawdawg Navy are self-contained fighting units capable of sustained action in hostile territories. Each MEF made up of some 57,000 soldiers and sailors acts independently and maintains a full fleet for transport and logistics to any theater of conflict reachable in Earth II by Ocean. Each element of a full MEF is divided into the components listed below:

Marine Combat Division

Includes Vehicles and Equipment for the Following:
(1) Divisional HQ
(4) Marine Regiment (12 battalions)
(1) Tank Battalion
(1) Light Armored Assault/Recon Battalion
(1) Assault Amphibian Battalion
(1) Recon Battalion
(1) Combat Engineer Battalion
(1) Artillery Regiment (4 battalions)
(2) LAV-AD Platoon
Total Personnel: 19,507 Combat + 1145 Navy

Major Equipment:
(58) M1A1
(233) AAV7A1
(68) LAV-IV
(16) LAV-AT
(8) LAV-M
(40) LAV-AD
(12) LAV-CC
(14) LAV-L
(8) LAV-AC
(8) LAV-ARV
(72) M198 155mm TH
(9) M88A2 ARV
(4) Wolverine AVLB
(80) FAV
(1476) Assorted HMMWV
(508) Assorted Truck

Marine Combat Division Armory:
(15,000) G36A5 Assault Rifle
(6000) Neostead Combat Shotgun
(1500) M-29 OICW
(500) MSG-90 DMR
(72) M40A1 Sniper Rifle
(18) M82A1 Heavy Sniper Rifle
(6) IWS-2000 Anti-Material Rifle
(1200) M249A3 SAW/LMG
(600) MG-3 GPMG
(150) M2HB HMG
(150) Mk.19 AGL
(200) Javelin Infantry ATGM launcher
(300) Stinger Launcher
(500) SRAW
(96) 82mm Mortar
(192) 60mm Mortar
(6,000) Cougar Pistol
(5000) MP-7 PDW


Marine Support Group

Includes Vehicles and Equipment for the Following:
(1) Headquarters & Service Battalion
(1) Maintenance & Support Battalion
(1) Supply Battalion
(1) Engineer Support Battalion
(1) Landing Support Battalion
(1) Motor Transport Battalion
(1) Medical Battalion
(1) Dental Battalion
(3) Combat Service Support Group
(1) Combat Service Support Detachment
Total Personnel: 11,048 (all logistical support)+ 1529 navy

Includes numerous support vehicles, as well as supplies, spare parts, prefabricated structures, and maintenance equipment.

Support Group Armory:
(9500) G36A5
(200) Stinger CLU
(4000) Cougar Pistol
(2000) MP-7 PDW


MEF Command Element

Includes Vehicles and Equipment for the Following:
(1) MEF Command Element
(1) Headquarters Battalion
(1) Communications Battalion
(1) Surveillance, Intelligence, and Reconnaissance Group
Total Personnel: 3864 (all logistical support) + 106 navy

Includes numerous support vehicles, as well as supplies, spare parts, prefabricated structures, and maintenance equipment.

Command Group Armory:
(2600) G36A5
(80) Stinger CLU
(1400) Cougar Pistol
(1000) MP-7 PDW


Marine Air Wing

(1) Aircraft Group, Fixed Wing (3022 personnel + 245 navy)
(3) Fighter/Attack Squadron
(3) Fighter/Attack (All Weather) Squadron
(1) Refueling Squadron
(1) Training Squadron (Fighter/Attack)
(1) Aviation Logistics Squadron
(1) Fleet Readiness Squadron

(1) Aircraft Group, VTOL (3378 personnel + 57 navy)
(4) Attack Squadron
(1) Attack Training Squadron
(3) Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
(1) Refueling Squadron
(1) Aviation Logistics Squadron

(1) Aircraft Group, Transport Helicopter (2857 personnel + 129 navy)
(4) Heavy Helicopter Squadron
(4) Medium Helicopter Squadron
(1) Training Helicopter Squadron (Heavy)
(1) Aviation Logistics Squadron

(1) Aircraft Group, Combat Helicopter (3422 personnel + 112 navy)
(4) Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron
(2) Medium Helicopter Squadron
(1) Training Helicopter Squadron (Light/Attack)
(1) Training Helicopter Squadron (Medium)
(1) Aviation Logistics Squadron

(1) Wing Support Group (2674 personnel + 163 navy)
(2) Wing Support Squadron (Fixed Wing)
(2) Wing Support Squadron (Rotary Wing)

(1) Air Control Group (1418 personnel + 34 navy)
(1) UAV Squadron
(1) Wing Communication Squadron
(1) Air Support Squadron
(1) Tactical Air Command Squadron
(1) Air Control Squadron
(1) LAAD Battalion

TOTAL PERSONNEL: 19,054 (1,384 Combat, 17,670 Logistical Support) + 789 navy


Major Equipment:
(74) F/A-91B (Soviet Bloc Variant)
(94) F/A-41B VTOL (Soviet Bloc Variant)
(28) F/A-78KB Straken Sokol (Soviet Bloc Variant)
(15) EA-6B
(24) KC-130J
(96) RAH-66A
(50) CH-53
(92) CH-46
(51) UH-1N
(32) RQ-2 Pioneer SRUAV
(60) Avenger

Marine Air Wing Armory:
(12,000) G36A5
(150) Stinger CLU
(6000) Cougar Pistol
(4000) MP-7 PDW


Amphibious Assault Group Fleet:

This Fleet is designed as an Assault Force and utilizes the attached ships to enable the entire MEF to engage in an Invasion. In addition to this capability the entire Tank Division can be landed in one wave and full combat operations can be sustained for 45+ days for the MEF without resupply with the additional cargo and fuel ships attached to this Group.


Includes equipment for outfitting the following:
(8) Amphibious Squadrons
(4) Assault Craft Units
Several Additional vessels
Total Personnel: 24,000 (4,000 Combat, 20,000 Logistical Support)
Landing Capacity: (1) MEF

Major Units:
(2) LCC-19 Blue Ridge Joint Command Ships
(2) George Washington Class Carriers
(4) Formidable Class VSTOL Carriers
(4) Yabari Class Battle Cruisers
(2) Oyoda Class Battle Cruisers
(2) Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
(3) Saber Class Guided Missile Destroyers
(2) Oliver Hazard Perry Destroyer/Frigates
(8) SSN-688 Los Angeles Class Submarines
(8) Raptor Class LHD
(8) Anaconda Class LPD
(4) Samurai Class LHA
(10) LPD-17 San Antonio Class
(4) LSD-49 Harper’s Ferry
(10) LSD-41 Whidbey Island
(84) LCAC
(16) HLCAC
(12) LCU-2100
(7) Kolchak Class Preposition Supply Ships
(5) AOE-6 Fast Combat Support Ships
(5) T-AKE 1 Lewis & Clarke Ships
(5) T-AO 187 Kaiser Class Oiler Ships
(1) T-AH19 Mercy Class Hospital Ship

Specs for the above Ships

FDI Ships

Ocean Class Carrier (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=7) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/OceanCVCNsmall.jpg)
George Washington Class Carrier (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=62) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/GeorgeWashingtonCVNL.png)
Formidable Class VSTOL Carrier (http://www.freewebs.com/freethinker1984/capitalwarships.htm) Pic included
Berlin Class Land Attack Cruiser (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=67) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/BerlinCGN.png)
Anakara Class Guided Missile Cruiser (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=67) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/AnkaraCGN.png)
Ardent Class Frigate (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=45) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/ArdentFF.gif)
Point Catilan Escort Frigate (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=38) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/PointCatilanFF.gif)
Revenge Class Destroyer (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=3) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/RevengeDD.gif)
Sabre Class Guided Missile Destroyer (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=37) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/SabreDD.gif)
Unicorn Class Corvette (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=44) Pic (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/UnicornHCE.gif)
Narwhal Ice Patrol Corvette (http://s7.invisionfree.com/FDI/index.php?showtopic=60) Pic included



CSMJ Industries Ships

Nicholas Kerensky Class Carrier (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/budget/fy2001/dot-e/images/01cvn.jpg)
Toryo Class Battleship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.battleship.org/images/bb61fa.jpg)
Yubari Class BattleCruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.battleship.org/images/bb62oa.jpg)
Oyoda Class BattleCruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.chuckhawks.com/jeanbart.jpg)
Sniper Class Destroyer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/policy/vision/vis00/p52.gif)
Prowler Class Frigate (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/LCS_LM_prelimnary.jpg)
Hunter Class Frigate (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/LCS_LM_prelimnary.jpg)
Dolphin II Class SSNS (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/ssn-21-dvic117.jpg)
SeaWolf Class SSNS (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/cwolf02.jpg)
Los Angeles Class SSNS (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/ssn-755-p01.jpg)
Ambassador III FAMB Patrol Boat (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.amiinter.com/samples/egypt/images/halter_marine_ambassador_mkiii_fac.jpg)
Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/ffg-12-phlip_1.jpg)
Spruance Class Destroyer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/ddg985-cush1.jpg)
Ticonderoga Class Cruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/cg-47-dvic389.jpg)
Locke Class Cruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/dd-21-2.jpg)
Albatross Class Guided Missile Destoyer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/dd-21-pict-litoral.jpg)
Raptor Class LHD (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/lh-2-back.jpg)
Samurai Class LHA (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/lha5-peleliu2.jpg)
Anaconda Class LPD (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/lpd17-xwirefrm.gif)
LPD-17 San Antonio Class (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lpd17/images/LPD17_11.jpg)
LSD-49 Harper's Ferry Class (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/lsd-51-DNSC9600412.JPG)
LSD-41 Whidbey Island (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/ft_mchenry.jpg)
LCAC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/pel-lcac.gif)
HLCAC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/hlcac-lcac.jpg)
LCU-2100 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/LCU-1643.jpg)
Kolchak Class Prepositioning Ship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/tak-3000-ship-23.jpg)
AOE-6 Combat Support Ship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/rainier_elev_stern.jpg)
TKE-1 Lewis & Clarke Ship (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/adx-view.jpg)
T-AO 187 Kaiser Class Oiler (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=278770) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/tao-202-yukon.jpg)
T-AH19 Mercy Class Hospital Ship (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/tah-19-specs.htm) Pic (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/mercy01.jpg)

wow this is comprehensive.... :) you lost me on the military statitics though... I better do more research. :)

but whats snapcount mean??? (forgive my ignorance)

OOC: Snapcount is a codeword. No real meaning. It's a cool word though.

IC:
Hill 132, 6.21 AM
The battle for Hill 132 was going in the favor of the Cottish Marines. They had sustained some casualties, fifteen Marines killed and twenty-nine wounded, while the number of enemy killed and wounded was estimated in the hundreds. The main concern for the Marines now was ammunition shortage. Each Marine carred with him 7 30 round-clips each for his M8, 4 200-round ammo pouches for the M35 MLGs. In addition, they had 3 12-round clips for the M45 pistol, two M67 frag grenades, 1 M14 smoke grenade, a small and sharp survival knife and a very sharp bayonet for the M8. It wasn't enough for the long haul, but the Cots did have a large fleet outside Monrovia, and many helicopters that could carry cargo. It was used to the full, carrying ammo, grenades, water and MREs to the Marines on the line. The M777s also kept on firing at the enemy, and combined with the air superiority in form of AH-1W Super Cobras, AV-8B+ Harrier IIs and F-29B Vultures, the Cots were doing pretty good.

Secret Fax to Hawdawg

We gladly accept your offer for assistance. It seems the enemy is more determined than we originally anticipated. Please land them in Monrovia, which has been secured by our forces. We are dispatching further forces to Liberia ourselves, in form of two Airborne Divisions and a Infantry Division. Trouble is that the airborne will not be here untill 28 hours, and the infantry will not be here untill a week.

-Signed-
RADM Foyer
CO 5th Amph.BG

Monrovia Bay
7:30 am local time


As the fleet glided into the Bay, the Royal Cottish Flag could be seen flying from the Lighthouse on the edge of the water. Shelled buildings and numerous burned-out tank hulls from the local Yelmish Forces could be seen littering the streets. Almost in unison anchor chains fell into the water as the ships prepared to flex the muscles that made the MEF such a dangerous weapon. The LHD, LHP, and LHA ships opened the massive hold doors,as sailors began to bring the various transport crafts out of the holds to move the men ashore.

9:30am local time

The tankers were first, the 58 and M1A2's MBT's were moved in one wave towards the beach. Since these vessels weren't under fire, this was a leasurely trip. With the last of tanks unloaded, the LCAC's began to ferry troops to the assembly point on the beach.

1:30pm local time

With all the men assembled Brigadeer General Greer climbed into his Hummer and sped off to the Cottish Command Center. He would need a set of targets and a SITREP of the situation.

1:50pm local time
Cottish Headquarters

Brig. Gen. Greer marched into the offices at the HQ and promptly scared the small secretary working the front desk. An imposing man at 6ft 5in tall and 275 pounds, he had a commanding presence in any room. Brig. Gen. Greer noticed the frightened look on the girls face so he tried to reassure her.

"Now, now darling I am Brig. Gen. Greer of th Royal Hawdawg Marines 3rd MEF, you didn't think I was some Yelmish insurgent did you? They don't grow as big as we do in Hawdawg. HA HA HA. I am here to see Rear Admiral Foyer for a SITREP and such. Could you announce my presence to him please?"

Petty Officer Harriet Powter was a new addition to the Cottish navy, having ended basic training only three weeks prior. Now, she was being scared by a Hawdawgian Brigadeer. Swallowing away her fear, she nodded.

"Yes sir. Just a moment sir."

Then she picked up the phone and called the Rear Admiral. After a short conversation, she hung up and faced the Hawdawgian again.

"Yes sir. If you'll just wait a moment, someone will come and escort you in to him."

After two minutes, a Lt.Cmdr. came out and saluted the foreign flag officer before gesturing for him to follow. As the men walked down the corridors, they saw a lot of supplies, equipment and soldiers milling around. There were armed marines who measured the foreign officer carefully, but since he had a escort, they didn't do anything. At last, the men entered the command hub. It had once been an auditorium, but now the chairs had been cleared and communications equipment, maps, computers and other such items were there, as well as a lot of soldiers wearing green uniforms and pistols. One man differed from the others in that he had two silver stars on his shoulders and a silver Colt .45 in his pistolbelt. He was barking out orders to the men, and while not a very tall man (1.73 meters), he did instill respect in everyone who met him. Two Marine Brigadeers were also there, advising him on how the Marines should be positioned. Wisely, the Admiral listened to the advice. Then he looked up on the Hawdawgian.

"Ah, yes. Brigadeer General Greer, if I'm not mistaken. Rear Admiral Tom Foyer. Nice to meet you," he said, extending his right hand for a handshake. "I hear that your Marines are landing? We could use them here," Foyer said, pointing at the city Gardnersville on the map 17 kilometers from Monrovia. "Our satellites indicate that there is a large enemy position there which they use for regrouping, rearming and resupplying their troops. If we take out this area, we have no further threaths to Monrovia or the surrounding area, all the way from Robertsport and down to Buchanan. General, it's your task to take it out. You will have Cottish artillery and air support, as well as support from our Marines when they fight back the attackers on Hill 132. We also expect the 104th and 108th Airborne Divisions to land here later tonight. Any questions?"

Love those RP's that take place on Earth II, unfortunately I'm not part of it so I can't take part. :(

OOC: Thanks. Why don't you just join up then? Find some free land in teh E2 - Revitalization thread and claim it. Just don't try to go to war with me... ;)

Brigadeer General Greer listened intently to the RA Foyer. The target was clear Gardnersville.

"Well RA Foyer consider it done. Our tanks are already in position for a move and our Marines are ready to go. I appreciate the Artillery support, we brought an Artillery Brigade with us, but addtional firepower is always a good thing. We will move to the outskirts of town tonight and setup a half-moon perimeter. They won't be harassing Monrovia tonight. In the morning we will lauch a full assualt on the town around 5am. Tell your Artillery brigade to be ready to shell the town throughout the night, we will sleep nicely tonight, they won't. I was also told to advise you that we will be using our new Fighters in this campaign. Please advise your AA batteries, here is a copy of the frequency signal and heat signature of our newest fighters. Also note we will be operating under 500 feet on attack sorties, but return flights will be at standard operating altitude. If our boys show up on the radar, advise the gunners not to shoot. Our pilots have Antiradar Missiles but have been advised only to target hostile ground targets. I will see you again soon Rear Admiral."

Brig. General Greer snapped a salute and spun on his heels as he marched out of the office. As he passed by the young secretaries desk, he winked. As he climbed into his hummer, a Cottish Patrol of Harriers streaked across the sky heading for some unkown targets. This would be an active day for sure.

3pm local time

As Brig. Gen. Greer returned to his assembly point, his team of commanders anixously awaited his arrival. Communications had been established with the two LCC-19 Blue Ridge Command Ships and they would be the lifeline of the advancing troops. All aspects of the impending battles would be run through those two command vessels. The younger commanders worried about the safety of the Brig. Gen., but he knew to peak the fighting spirit and morale of his men he needed to be in the field with them, instead of resting comfortably in one of those ships.

3:15 local time

Greer called all the Captain's and other officers together as he spread a map out on the hood of his humvee. Greer took a red sharpie and circled Gardnersville.

"Men this is the objective today. We have been given the task of securing Gardnersville. This is a pocket of heavy resistance and a resupply, reorganization point for the insurgency. We have three things in our favor: Air Supremacy, Artillery Support, and we know when we will attack. The plan is to set up our perimeter one click SW of town by 10pm. We will dig in tonight to assure no advances are made against Monrovia again. Cottish Command says the insurgents are attacking in the evening, using darkness as a cover. I plan to fan our boys out along a half mile cutting the road. We will commence an Artillery harassment barrage from 10:15 pm until 4:45am. This combined with a withering air assault tonight on major buildings and warehouses should soften them up nicely. At 5am we move on the town. Any questions? Good, lets earn our pay. Tanks forward!"

With his command the 58 M1A2's began to snake through town towards the only road that led East towards Gardnersville. The AAVA7A1's followed the heavy tanks with the Artillery Batallion following in the rear. Numerous trucks ladened with ammunition, food, and supplies came as a seperate group far enough behind the main column to avoid any direct fire.

As the moved out of town the MEF rolled past Hill 134. All along the ridge-line Cottish troops could be seen dug in. The massive amount of carnage in front of there foxholes was a testament to the huge firefight these troops had endeared the night before. As they passed the Cottish position, sporatic small arms fire began to harass the column. This was quite uneffective on the heavily armed tanks and AAVA7A1's, however it did make the troops in the lighter armored vehicles nervous.

8:00pm local time

Men dawned there night vision equipment with the fall of the sun. Each Marine was well equipped for his mission and the gear they had available was truely the top of the line. Three clicks from Gardnersville BG Greer stopped and instructed his Artillery Batallion to establish a field of fire. This was a distance far enough to the rear to be out of direct harassing fire from any possible armored or airborne threat the insurgents might have. It was also a perfect place for the 155mm Howitzers for it overlooked the valley in which Gardnersville lay. All exit points of town could be struck from this location with the Arty. Just to be safe, 20 AAVA7A1's were assigned to this position and the Marines assigned to them began to string Barbwire rolls they had mounted on there transports and filling sand bags for defensive positions. The huge convoy of supplies would be assembled at this location. Supply personnel began to unload some of the supplies, particularily the 155mm ammunition. This would be needed for the all night bombing.

9:00pm local time

All 58 M1A2's spread out forming a jagged line three deep across the road one click from town. Each tank would be responsible for monitoring a sector of the badlands out in front of them. Infared detection and night vision equipment allowed the tankers to maintain a vigilant watch over the terrain ahead. Many of the remaining AAVA7A1's filled the gaps around the M1A2's and the Marines aboard disembarked and began to dig in for the night. The formation resembled a triangle with the point facing the artillery to the rear. Anything that was thrown at this formidable defensive position tonight would be repulsed with ease.

On board the HMS Queen, HMS Lawton, HMS Daven, HMS Orion

A flight of four F/A 41-B's took of from each of the VSTOL carrier decks. These planes would be the first in the night attack of Gardnersville. Each group would attack as one unit while the other three provided cover for the ground forces. As the planes began to pummel the buildings housing suspected enemy activity, thuds could be heard in the distance. The arty had started.

The night was hellish for the insurgents as fire and steel fell on Gardnersville. One to four shells fell on the town a minute throughout the night making sure no inhabitant good or bad would sleep................

Rougly half of the Cottish M777s in the area, some 54 artillery pieces, was designated to assist the Hawdawgians, and they started to shoot their way in, assisted by UAVs that provided target coordinations. The time was just over 8 PM. Lightshells and HE shells were fired at the town of Gardnerville.

Meanwhile, the Cottish Marines on Hill 132 was getting some relief. The enemy was being driven back, and the Marines boarded their AAAVs and Humvees and headed over to assist the Hawdawgians. Gardnerville was the key to the enemy defenses in Liberia. If they wiped out the resistance there, the resistance would surely crumble.

Improvised Fire Base three clicks from Gardnersville

The empty shell casings of the 155mm Howitzer's littered the earth. All throughout the night the gun crews labored to keep a steady rain of HE rounds on Gardnersville. The town had been pummelled continously since 10pm. This combined with the ever present bombing runs of the F-41's made a good nights sleep hard for anyone within 10 miles of the town.

4:45am local time

Brig. Gen. Greer looked at his watch, it was time, a relay message was sent to the LCC-19 Command Ships and all shelling ceased as quickly as it began. This was the signal for the town to be invaded. The Combat Division slowly came to life and the 58 M1A2 Abram's rumbled up the road to the edge of town. The predawn light showed an eery sight, as buildings lay in ruin. Smoking from the all night bombardment. When the Marines reached the edge of town they stopped and the Ground Forces unloaded from the AAVA71A's to begin the dangerous job of clearing the town house to house.

Alpha Squad took the left side and Dog Squad took the right side of the street. The plan was to clear out the middle of town and slowly move out to the peripheral edges forcing the enemy out into the open and under the watchful eyes of the Marine Planes and Artillery. As the house clearing began each team tossed a frag grenade inside a window, kicked in the door and shot anyone making a move. Regular civilians had long since left Gardnersville, so anyone left in town had to be a bad guy. In the predawn hours Alpha and Dog had secured the main stretch through town and as tanks began to fan out and cover the side streets enemy activity began to pick up.

The insurgents wanted to draw the troops down the side streets before they engaged them. As enemy fighters ran back and forth across the end streets tankers opened up with .50 caliber machine guns and cut them down. The .50 cal gun is a devestating weapon, it is both a man and moral killer. Some of the insurgents were ripped in half from the hail of fire. Two groups ran down the street with a white sheet speaking a dialect the young Marine on the AAVA71A (G-16) couldn't understand. When they closed to within 50 meters the last man in the group produced a hidden RPG and fired at (G-16). The shell penetrated the armor, disabling the vehicle. The dazed Marine in the Gun turrent spun his .50 cal around and pulverized all 12 "surrendering" insurgents. This attack infuriated Brig. Gen. Greer.

Greer: "I want everyone to listen carefully. NO PRISONERS. Repeat NO PRISONERS. They are trying only to close the distance between you and them so they can fire a weapon into your vehicle or position. Shoot them on site. Repeat shoot them on site."

12 noon local time

A huge cache of weapons was discovered by Dog Squad in an old school gym, the demolition officer was more than obliged to "assist" with rendering the weapons useless. One pound of C-4 and 15 minutes later the fireball could be seen in Monrovia. With the weapons cache destroyed the Hawdawg Marines focused on eliminating the remaining combatants in the area. As the peripheral streets were sealed off and secured the remaining enemy were forced into the fields North of town. A group of 50 were spotted by a Artillery Forward Observer.

AFO: Fire Base, Fire Base. AFO, over. HE rounds Coordinates Romo, Tango, Four, Niner, Six, Three, Niner. Repeat Coordinates Romo, Tango, Four, Niner, Six, Three, Niner. HE rounds, Fire for effect.

East 100 yards. East 50 yards. North 75 yards. BINGO. BINGO. BINGO. Keep it coming! Roger, targets neutralized, over.

With roughly 70 percent of the city effectively secure. Greer concentrated his attack on the last area the NE corner of town known as "Congo". Congo had many empty buildings and structures that were badly damaged in the night of shelling, but these places offered excellent cover for any of the enemy ground forces that remained. Greer had a plan.

Greer: Command, Command. Greer, over. Do we have any napalm bombs? Good, ready a combat wing. Here are the coordinates Cash, Niner Two Niner, over. Sustained bombing until I order otherwise, Greer out.

A full compliment of F-41's streaked towards the target some 56 planes, each armed with 4 five hundred pound bombs filled with jelly gasoline. As the released there weapons over target huge waves of fire shot up into the sky. It looked as the whole NE end of town was on fire. Buildings that had survived the initial shelling the night before crumbled and fell from the intense heat generated from the napalm induced fires. After what seemed like hours, Greer finally called off this brutal bombing campaign.

As the Hawdawg troops slowly rolled through "The Congo" men were seen jumping from buildings burning alive as they hit the paved streets below. Twisted and contorted corpses littered the street. Many men died of suffication because the intense fires sucked all the oxygen from the air robbing them of the ability to breath. A small group fo 75 hold outs remained dug into the former Post Office. A quick coordinated shelling from the Fire Base and withering fire from 10 Abrams quickly silenced these fanatics.

6pm local time

As the town lay in ruins and the back of the insurgents apparently broken, Brig. Gen. Greer relayed this message to Rear Admiral Foyer.

"Objective Taken. Will secure perimeter this evening and maintain a vigilance for a counterattack this evening. Heavy enemy casualities. An estimated count of 425 enemy combatants so far. We took 20 seriously wounded, no KIA's and lost 4 combat vehicles, over."

Fax to Hawdawgian HQ, from Cottish HQ

Intelligence report, 01072005

"Outstanding. Proceed north to Bopulu and clear out any resistance in your path, then secure the city. Possible stronghold of enemy militia. Cottish Airborne soldiers will move in from the north and assist. We intent to attack the city using a hammer and anvil tactic, with you making up the anvil to the south. Soldiers of the Cottish 103rd Airborne (Green Tigers) Division will be the hammer. Resistance is estimated to be roughly division strength (20 000), and likely to have between 12 - 14 M48 Patton and M151 Sheridan tanks. They are, however, poorly trained militia.

Our Marines will start offensive operations to the east near the city of River Cess and move up that way, effectively cutting the country in half. nemy resistance is expected to be division - corps strength (20 000 - 60 000), but are poorly trained militia.

The Cottish 107th Airborne (Lucky Seven) Division will secure the province of Nimba. The 53rd Infantry Division will be here in three days, and will then take over the assault role, using their Bradleys and attack helicopters to the full. Enemy resistance is expected to be somewhere between brigade - corps strength (5 000 - 60 000), but are mainly poorly trained militia.

We have been approached by high-ranking militia in the east who wish to surrender peacefully. If they surrender, we will have control of the provinces of Grand Kru, River Gee and Grand Gedeh, sparing us the effort needed to secure those provinces too. The forces willing to surrender number rougly a corps (60 000).

Airstrike and artillery are available, as well as cruise missiles and naval gunsupport from the fleet off the coast of Liberia.

Good luck, and good hunting!"

Skies over Tubmanburg, Liberia
An armada of Cottish C-5B Galaxys, C-17A Globemaster IIIs, C-18A Galaxy IIs and C-130J Hercules' flew over the city of Tubmanburg, ready to land on the airfield secured by the Cottish Marines only hours prior. Inside were the equipment for the Cots' 103rd Airborne Division, nicknamed the Green Tigers, as well as the soldiers from said division. Several hundred helicopters, Humvees, cannons and SAM vehicles were on the move, ready for action within hours of landing.

The Cots relied heavily on helicopters for the airborne divisions, with more than 144 units of the type CH-47D Chinook and 72 units of the type UH-60L Black Hawk, not to mention the 72 attack helicopters of the type AH-64D Apache Longbow.

The soldiers were mainly light infantry, who relied on M1114 Up-Armoured Humvees with heavy machine guns for support. Their main method of transport was by helicopter.

As the first of the C-18s carrying the vehicles and helicopters landed, the first of the C-130Js started to release its load of paratroopers over a field outside the city. Paratrooper after paratrooper fell gently down towards the ground in the end of his parachute, carrying everything he needed to survive on him.

Within the hour, a total of 2 000 paratroopers had been dropped over Tubmanburg, and 38 helicopters were released from the belly of the massive C-18A, which was a Layartebian-built cargoplane able to carry several main battle tanks. Inside each, the Cots had managed to fit four UH-60Ls and two CH-47Ds. A testemony to the cargo-carrying abilities of the C-18A.

The Green Tigers would be ready to move out in six hours, with all its manpower and equipment on the ground, ready for action. Their target location? A field north of Bopolu.

Outskirts of Gardnersville

The Blue Ridge Command Ship sent the secured fax to Brig. Gen. Greer. The intellegence was great. They Cotts even had specifics on armament and troop strengths. This would help Greer formulate his plan. At 0700 he called his staff together for a meeting around his humvee.

Greer: "Men we have the low down on our next target Bopulu. Estimated militia in the area is 20,000. They also have 12-15 Patton or Sheridan type tanks probably 75mm variants. We are going to have help on this one, Cottish Airborne's "Green Tigers" will be attacking the city from the north. We will position ourselves to the South. This will eliminate any combatants from slipping away from the fight. I expect most of this fighting to be of the mechanized version. First, I want our M1A2's to destroy all armored vehicles in the insurgents possession. The Airborne troops won't have heavy armor like us, so we need to eliminate that threat immediately. Second, use our AAVA71A's as troop support and fire control stations on each street in the city. Fighting will be house to house as usual, but I expect to have zones of fire down each street protecting our boys when the move to clear buildings. We have both naval fire and arty available should we encounter a strong point that needs to be shaken loose. Our air support is still in the area and will also provide cover for our movements. Are all our tanks refueled and resupplied?"

Aide to the General: "Yes sir, we have all our vehicles ready to travel. The Artillery Brigade is still stationed to our South offering fire cover from the temporary firebase we established yesterday. We can move them up to this position sir if you would like."

Brig. Gen. Greer: "That would be fine, have them reestablish positions North of Gardnersville. Pass word the four platoons of Marines on guard duty with the Arty boys need to stay with them went they move. I want a protection unit with them at all times. Let them know I want a new firebase available for action in 4 hours. We will use naval fire and air support until they are ready."

Aide to the General: "I will hail them on the radio right now sir."

Brig. Gen. Greer: "Anyone else have any questions? Good, then lets move on Bopulu."

Slowly the Marine Force began to move towards the intended target of Bopulu. The M1A2's led the procession, while the AAVA71A's followed carrying the Marines to the fight. It would take roughly a hour to get to the outskirts of Bopulu were a battle would soon erupt on a level the militia had not ever seen.

Bridge on the outskirts of Bopulu..................

As the lead tanks of the 3rd MEF rumbled down the road towards Bopulu a small contingency force of two reinforced squad of rebels held a dug in position opposite the town. These squads of some 30+ men were lightly armed with RPG's and AK47's. Clearly they looked nervous as they anixously watched the M1A2's draw nearer to there position. When the two tanks in the lead position came to within 400 meters of the sandbagged position, the rebels opened up. The AK fire did little to the tanks as it merely bounced off the armor plate. A salvo of 10 RPG's were fired at both tanks knocking the tracks off of one of the lumbering beasts. As it spun its track, the gunner leveled the 120mm cannon on the rebels position and fired. A huge cloud of reinforced concrete, sandbags and bodies flew through the air. The first shot killed 10 men. As the gunner rearmed for a second shot, the remaining rebels let loose another volley of RPG fire temporarily disabling the second tank by striking the laser range finder on the turret. Several more rounds were exchanged, but in the end the 15 remaining rebels retreated across the bridge to the defenses they had established in town. They had blooded the nose of the Marines.

Brig. Gen. Greer stood on top of his tank watching the action with his field glasses. When he saw both tanks disabled, he called for the engineers to come forward and remove the battle damaged vehicles so his force could cross the bridge. But not before he called for the Naval Forward Observer.

Greer :"Where is that blasted NFO?"

NFO :"Yes sir I am back here."

Greer :"Climb up here you bloody fool, and spot that naval arty for me. Summon the high caliber boys in the bay, I want that road raked over. If they have positions set up like this to slow our advance, mines are likely. Be advised, enemy tanks are in the area, but I don't expect them to come out. I expect them to be barricaded into defensive positions in town. Well call it in son, we don't have all day!"

NFO :"Yes sir"

As the NFO hailed the Blue Ridge messages were sent to the Cottish Fleet and the Battlewagons in the Bay raised the elevation of there 16 inch guns and began to hammer the road into Bopulu. The site and the sound was ear splitting to say the least.

As the Naval Barrage fell on the town of Bopulu, houses were leveled from the huge 2,000 pound shells raining death upon the city. Through the smoke filled sky Brig. Gen. Greer could make out the C-130 transport planes. No doubt it had to be the Cottish Airborne. With the Airborne being most vunerable in free-fall Brig. Gen. Greer took it upon himself to create a decoy action.

Brig. Gen. Greer: "NFO signal the Blue Ridge to cease fire in 5 minutes."

NFO: "Roger sir, message sent."

Greer: "Okay, the Cotts are fixing to airdrop into a potentially hot LZ without cover. Lets draw as much fire as possible by staging an all-out assault on this end of town. We will draw the concentration of the enemy force and giving the Cotts time to assemble and get into the fight. Dispatch orders to our tankers we move in 7 minutes."

As the word was passed down the line M1A2's came to life ready to push across the narrow bridge on the edge of town. The Engineer's tank had already cleared the debris from the bridge, but the structure would only support one tank at a time. To ward-off any flanking attacks on crossing two squads of Marines were deployed on either side of the causeway. Enemy troops wouldn't be able to crawl up and disable any tanks with rockets because the Marines were now occupying the positions the Rebels once held earlier in the day.

Almost like clockwork, the sky filled with silk parachutes as the first tanks rolled across the bridge and into the edge of town. Immediately small arms fire began to harass the advancing Marines. Nothing but a menace to the tankers the small rounds were deadly serious for the exposed Marines.

The fifty tanks spread out and simultaneously breeched the streets. As the first wave moved down the central streets they rounded a corner and found the first major defensive position. Two M-60 Tanks were dug-in behind a concrete berm. As they leveled and fired the HE rounds hit the lead tank and activated the reactive armor paneling. A huge explosion rocked the street. The lead tank was hit, but not destroyed. The reactive armor had done its job, but the bewildered crew was out of sorts.

Three tanks following immediately returned fire and both M-60's erupted into a huge fireball. As they burned ammunition cooked-off sending shards of metal flying all about. The tanks shelled the defensive position until all resistance retreated to another strong point. Four squads of Marines diembarked there transports and secured the position allowing the columns to slowly creep forward. This would be a dirty job, but nothing they couldn't handle.

The first units to drop down on the city of Bopulu were the Pathfinder battalion of the Cottish 103rd Airborne Division. The battalion consisted of 500 paratroopers and 125 Layartebian-made M2008A1 Dingo APVs fitted with M312 machineguns for support. Cottish light M119A2 105mm towed howitzers were positioned on three different hilltops overlooking Bopulu from the north, two Marine batteries of 9 M777 155mm towed howitzers each were aiming at the city from the south, and the divisions light missile launchers in form of 18 M142 HIMARS light MLRS vehicles were slightly beyond that, aiming their missiles towards Bopulu. Also in the area were Cottish RAH-66 Comanches and UH-60L Black Hawks for additional air support.

Major Mylke was the commanding officer of the Pathfinder Battalion, and now he was just landing in the midst of the city center. As he fell through the air on his way down, he saw M1A2 tanks with what seemed like Hawdawgian markings on it engaging the M60 tanks that command said would be there. It was supposed to be more in the city. As Mylke landed, he was in the middle of a road where a single M151 Sheridan tank were aiming its cannon on him. Mylke stood in the middle of the road, stunned by the pending death. There were an explosion from the tank, but to Mylkes surprise, the turret flew upwards and landed upside down only twelve meters from Mylke. As he looked to his right, he saw two Cottish soldiers with a M141 SMAW handheld anti-tank missile launcher still aimed at their target. When he saw the two men, Mylke quickly regained control of himself and ran over to the two men, a private and a corporal and told them to follow him. The men nodded and the private swung his SMAW on his back and grabbed his M8 Light Assault Rifle (LAR) and followed. The corporal also had an M8 LAR, and he too kept it at the ready. Major Mylke himself had a MP5A3 SMG and he kept it at the ready as he moved towards the rally point. The objective was to secure a LZ for the main landing party.

As the three soldiers moved towards the rally point, they encountered many enemies carrying AK-47s. They were dispatched of with the M8s, MP5 and M67 fragmentation grenades. Finally the three met up with other Cottish paratroopers and managed to clear a soccer field and the immediate vicinity. Within moments, the C-130s moved in and started to drop the members of the 7th Combat Brigade, a total of 1 800 paratroopers and 60 M2008A1 Dingos into the stadium. Black Hawks also moved in the members of the divisions Chemical Warfare Company. If the resistance weren't wiped out within 24 hours, the Cots would use poison-gas against the city.

Company "C" of the 7th Combat Brigade were ordered to link up with the Hawdawgian lines so that the two forces could cooperate in the destruction of the enemies. Therefore, 200 highly trained and heavily armed paratroopers moved out and started to fight their way through the enemy resistance. The friendly lines were 240 meters to the south-west, and filled with enemies. The Cots didn't have any orders to care about collateral damage, and therefore they shot anything that moved. The forward elements of "C" Company were moving through the worst of the enemy fire, and the two squads quickly occupied a three-story building and used it to provide cover. They also called in artillery, and within a minute the area ahead were littered with 105 millimeter artillery shells from Cottish M119A2s. Using the covering fire to the full, a squad commanded by a Lieutenant would sprint to the friendly lines under the cover of artillery fire.

"3, 2, 1, GO GO GO!" the Captain in command of the company ordered, and the squad, 10 men ran like crazy towards the Hawdawgian line. The enemy were either dead or too bewildered to know what was happening. When the squad came to the final crossroad, they saw two M60 Pattons aiming at the Hawdawgian M1A2 Abrams side, without the Hawdawgians knowing that they were there. The Cots immediately did what the standing order were, and pulled out two M72A5 Improved LAWs. The penetrating power of the M72A5 were 350 millimeters, more than enough for the 44 millimeter armor that covered the back of the M60 Patton tank. Both LAWs were fired at virtually the same time, and the effect was awsome. Both tanks blew up, with secondary explosions when the ammunition and fueltanks exploded. The Cots waited only a little moment before they continued to the Hawdawgian M1A2s, and the Lieutenant and a Sergeant jumped up on the hull of the closest tank and knocked on the commanders hatch with his M8. Hopefully the tank commander wouldn't blow their heads off when/if he opened the hatch.

As smoke and dust billowed around the M1A2 Tank (Orange 5), the Tank Commander saw two soldiers running full-out towards his position. As the driver prepared to manuever to engage these possible targets the Commander immediately recognized the Cottish Uniforms. He barked into his headset, "HALT DRIVER" , as a rap was heard on his hatch. The Commander unholstered his HK-SOCOM .45, pointed it towards the hatch and carefully opened it, revealing the Cottish Lt. and Sergeant apparently out of breath from the sprint they had just undertaken. He reholstered his sidearm, to ease the tension from the recent events.

Tank Commander: "Greetings from Her Majesty's Royal Hawdawg Marines. I see you Airborne chaps decided to join the party. Appreciated the flanking fire, that bugger had me zeroed in and I didn't even see him. We have secured our advance with four reinforced squads of Marines, they have taken observation positions to our rear in that old church tower there, and are clearing each house as we advance. Lots of C-4 and Grenades. There are four other columns like this one, moving towards your orginal dropzone. Groups Red, Green, and Blue are advancing steadily and are meeting heavy resistance. How far are we from your lines Lt.? If it isn't a great distance we should be able to link up to your main force before nightfall."

The Lieutenant crouched on top of the Abrams and pulled out a tactical map that he showed the tank commander.

"Lieutenant Davis, Green Tigers. The rest of my company is about a hundred meters to the north-east, and the rest of the division is assembling in a football, that's soccer to you lot, field roughly half a click to the north. Our boys are holding a line a little under three hundred meters to the north, but there's loads of hostiles in the way. We've got arty on the ready, designated Lima one through three, thats our light one-oh-fives, and Hotel one and two, that's the Armys heavy one-five-fives. We were told to call them if we needed help. I'm sure you can too. Got some water? I'm fresh out..."

The combat in the blazing heat was taking its toll on the soldiers, and though each soldier carried with him several litres of water, they quickly ran empty.

In the meanwhile, three privates had discovered allied infantry a bit behind, and headed down there. As they approached, the Hawdawgian Marines were slightly alarmed, but relaxed when they saw the Cottish flag and emblems on the shoulders of the soldiers.

"Hey, how are you? Got some water or something to trade? I've got a kukri knife and some pistols to trade..."

Tank Commander: "Well we aren't a grocery store but I bet I can find you fellas some water, hold on a minute. Oh and forgot to introduce myself, the names Gunny Tolbert."

GS Tolbert climbed out onto the rear of his tank and began to rummage through the storage compartment on the rear of his turret. He found a spare 3 gallon issue water bladder.

GS Tolbert: "Here ya go Lt. there's 3 gallons in that sack. That should be enough for you and your Sgt. there. If your men are running short the AAVA71A's back about 1 block have water available. We have runners delivering ammunition and supplies to our front units."

Focusing on the Tactical Map again Gunny Tolbert studied the situation.

Gunny Tolbert: "Well Lt. my spotter in the tower to our rear says the y-insection between our current position and the soccer field is alive with activity. He reports five enemy tin cans at this location. Seems the bad guys have figured out we want to link up with your compadres, so they have a reinforced position denying access from this street. Now the 8 tanks we have in our little column are quite a match for those rusty excuses of tanks that rift-raft has, but I would much rather call in arty and scratch a few of them off the to do list before we roll down there. What I need help with is the flanks. I am having a hard time with all the buildings offering such cover for rocket attacks, too many windows and places people can pop up. If your Troops could help clear the buildings along the way to the crossroads I would be much abliged. You help my Marines keep these guys off our flanks and we will clear out the intersection of any stragglers that survive this arty I am gonna call in."

....................................

Dog Squad was 40 meters to the right of the lead tank holding a defensive position awaiting orders to secure the next building when three soldiers came moving towards there position. Training told them to wait till the men were closer, identify the target, then pounce. Lance Corporal Heinz leveled his G36A5 Rifle and clicked off his safety. As they neared to within 30 meters of the position Lance Corporal Heinz saw the Cottish Flag patch and notified his squad they were friendlies.

Lance Corporal Heinz: "Cotts over hear, Dog Squad at your service."

As he pulled out the fresh 3 gallon water bladder the supply runner had just brought up to them.

Lance Corporal Heinz: "Here fill your canteens fellas, you look like you could use a drink. Let me see those pistols, I took this pearl-handled revolver off a fella in the last house that didn't need it anymore. If you have something I like we might trade."

The Lieutenant thought it over quickly, and came to that the deal was fair. He nodded to Gunny Tolbert and got the radio from the Sergeant.

"Charlie six, this is Charlie one-one. Made contact with Hawdawgian armored force, location Alpha. They're requesting we assist their flanks and clear buildings, over."

"Charlie one-one, this is six. Roger that, good job Davis. We'll fight our way through to you and join forces. ETA twenty minutes. Feel free to provide covering fire. Out."

Lieutenant Davis looked back up to Gunny Tolbert, took a sip of water and nodded before he talked.

"You've got yourself a deal Gunny. Could you throw a few shells into that street and buildings there? Let the enemy feel some pain?" Davis asked, pointing to the street with the two burning M60s.


****************


The Cottish soldiers weren't hard to ask. They accepted the water offered them by the Hawdawgians and poured it onto their canteens while trading. A private pulled out three old Colt .45s, a old Luger and a Colt Python with a 4-inch barrel, a Kukri knife and several wrist-watches 'confiscated' from dead enemies.

"You see something you like? Give me a proposal."

Gunny Tolbert: "Sure thing Lt. I am gonna have my spotter call in that arty and we will shell everything on that street from here to the crossroads. You might want to find another place to sit Lt., its fixing to get mighty loud out here in a hurry."

Gunny Tolbert flipped on his headset mic as he crawled back inside his M1A2 and began to talk to the rear spotter.

"Red eye, Red eye. This is Orange Five, requesting you call in arty to designated target Lima three, over."

Red eye: "Roger, Orange Five. Will do."

He then addressed his fellow tankers in Group Orange.

"Orange Group we have a fire mission on this street, fan out and put at least three shells in each building and any vehicle hulk in the road. Any buildings on side streets should be treated the same way. I will push through the burnt out tanks and lead. The Cotts are going to assist with protecting our flanks. I want you to stay in the triangle formation. We have another Cottish Group that is going to fight there way to our position, but we need to secure as much of this street as possible. We are about 100 meters from Cottish C Company so be sure of your targets, we don't want any fratricide."


Orange Group began to slowly roll down the street and pushed through the burning M-60 hulks as all eight M1A2's began to shell the buildings, vehicles, and possible enemy positions strung out down the road. Two small storefronts collapsed into themselves after a gas main ruptured and exploded.

*******************************

Lance Corporal Heinz: "I am a huge Colt Fan. Would you be willing to trade that Colt Python for this pearl-handled S&W I have?"

While the trading and swapping of stories was a welcomed relief of the strain of combat the squalk of the radio signaled the end of the resting. Dog Squad was ordered to move into new positions forward and clean out more of the buildings along the flanks of the tank advance. The link up between the lines would take roughly a half an hour but Dog Squad had to help secure at least 6 more buildings to keep the flanks of the tanks protected.

Lance Corporal Heinz: "Well its time to earn our pay again. You Cotts are welcome to stick with us if you would like. Command says your C Company is inbound to our position. They are supposed to be here in 20 minutes. We have to secure about 6 more houses down this street."

As LC Heinz was talking to the three Cotts a spotted a group of ten insurgents sneek out of an old storefront 50 meters in front of there position. These enemy troopers were up to there old flank the tank tricks again. He crouched down and leveled his G36A5 Rifle as he leaned against the door jam to steady his aim. He spoke in a lowered voice to his unit.

"Bogeys 12 o' clock 50 meters out. Riley get up here with that Heavy, I don't want any of those rats getting away."

The heavy machine gunner crept forward and lay prone in the doorway with the tripod he was ready to lay down a suppressive field of fire.

"When I drop the two with the rocket Riley, cut the rest of them down."

LC Heinz squeezed off two three round bursts and quickly dispatched the two rocketmen. The heavy machine gun came to life and quickly cut down the remaining eight insurgents. As Dog Squad moved forward to the dead mens position a quick toss of four fragmentation grenades into the building brought five more enemy combatants scurrying onto the street. They all signaled surrender, but the unit shot them all. They had no means for taking prisoners and didn't intend to be slowed down by taking any on. All the dead were quickly searched, weapons seized and they moved onto the next building.

They reestablished a forward defensive position in an abandoned ice cream shop. The building was oriented facing down the adjacent street and offered a good view of the remaining structures on the street. The raised bar offered a perfect setup for a defensive field of fire down the road.

LC Heinz: "We will hold here fellas. I think we should be expecting the Cotts down the street any time now."

While the Hawdawgian tanks rolled down the street and fired at will, the remaining 190 members of the Cottish paratroop company were busy fighting off enemy militia. Second platoon, fourty men lead by a Lieutenant, were in two buildings, providing supressing fire for the rest of the company. When the company had progressed a block, another platoon occupied two more buildings, allowing the previous platoon to follow. Right now, the men were overlooking the street from a five-story building, firing loose with M8 rifles, M35 light machine guns and M24 sniper rifles, as well as the occational SMAW and LAW, at enemy positions. Everything that looked suspicious or moved and didn't have a friendly uniform on was engaged. UH-60L Black Hawks strafed over the city, carrying sniper teams and M134 Miniguns, who fired out lethal sprays of 7.62 x 51 mm rounds at anything suspicious.

The normal way for the Cots to search a building was to move in with at least two squads (20 men), but not through doors or windows. No, they made their own door with the help of either C4 or the more favored method of utilizing their M141 SMAW anti-tank weapons (or captured RPGs) to blast a hole in the wall, followed immediately by a infantry-rush into the building, in which anything that moved was gunned down quickly and without mercy. Rooms would be cleared using M67 frag grenades or M84 flashbangs, and the soldiers would enter the room immediately after the explosion to finish off any survivors. Stairways would be subjected to an intense volley of small-arms fire before the soldiers would toss a grenade to two up and follow shorty thereafter, upon which they would continue the prosess. The entire process usually took less than four minutes per floor, but that depended on how large the building was and how many stories it contained.

The Cots could see the Hawdwagian tanks now, and they waited till they had finished the bombardment before they rushed over to the friendly units, assisted by covering fire from the Hawdwagians. As the commander of the company, Captain Mueller made it to the friendly lines, he positioned his company in such a manner that the fourty M35 light MGs in the company could cover every centimeter of the front, while he had the snipers hit the rooftops and pick off any enemy they spotted. Then he walked over to the Hawdwagian commanding officer.

"Captain Mueller, Cottish Green Tigers. It was you who called take-away, right? Five blocks without hostiles?" he asked, grinning at the joke.

Captain Lee Holmes saluted his Cottish counterpart.

Captain Holmes: "Aye, it was me. Well we did have a few wounded Captain, seems one of the hostiles had a grenade in his belt when he tried to surrender. He tried to go Kamakazie on Abel Squad. I have 10 of my best Marines in transit right now to the Field Hospital, the good news is nobody has any life threatening injuries. I decided from that point on, no quarter will be given to ANY hostiles. Besides we did have tanks, your boys didn't have the luxury of armor, but I will admit the UH-60's with miniguns are a nice touch. You might want to duck Capt."

Just then four F-41B's came streaking in at 75 meters above the deck. As they flew over head all seemed to release four 500 pound bombs simultaneously. All sixteen bombs found there mark, the top two floors of an adjacent Apartment complex close to the current line. As the bombs detonated deep inside the structures the entire top two floors evaporated. Lumber and loose building materials flew through the air and landed around the position Captain Holmes was manning.

Captain Holmes: "NICE, that may have been a tad much overkill. We had suspected snipers in both those buildings. 2nd Recon saw the position but couldn't get a shot, and I got tired of waiting so Aircover got the knod. Kill a fly with a sledgehammer that's my motto. What can I do for you today Captain?"

Cpt Mueller looked at his Hawdawgian counterpart and answered.

"Well, I'll be damned. I've heard a lot of you Hawdwagian Marines, and I see that the stories are true. Saluting in a combat zone... You guys are crazy, that's what you are." he said with a smile, clearly teasing his counterpart. "Well, I heard from one of my lieutenants that you guys wanted someone to watch the flanks. I've got two hundred combat paratroopers ready to go. Just give us a target, and we'll take it out."

Captain Holmes: "I'll take that as a compliment! As you have probably heard we have Four probing spearheads advancing through town Red, Green, Blue and Orange. The only group to successfully make contact with Cottish troops is the Orange Group. I want to make a right turn down this street here and run perpendicular across town to intersect with the other three groups. This will be risky because we will have our lines stretched very thin. I only have four reinforced squads to clear houses and structures along the way. What I would like is for your group to take the East side of the street and my Marines will take the west side. If we pool our resources we can move much quicker down the street. I feel like we will need to leave a fire team at each intersection to make sure these Rebels don't try an end around on the tanks. From what I gather from Radio chatter, Blue Group is about 1 click North of our current position. They have been calling for arty for some time, on an old factory. This seems to be a major rally point for the rebels and they are having a hard time mopping up the resistance. The Air Force is preparing a "Daisy Cutter" bomb for the factory complex. So thats the deal you house clear on the East side of the street, and we will see if we can get linked up with Blue Group before nightfall."

"Understood. I'll have my troopers get busy. Just give the word. In the meanwhile, I'll have battalion send in reinforcements here. Eighth Combat Brigade should be on the ground by now. We could have another two companies come aid our advance. Anyway, give me the coordinates to that factory building and I'll have our MLRS visit'em. Oh, and we can expect air support from our carriers soon. The Navy's ninth Universe battlegroup is entering the AO later today. Their F-18s are in range now."

As if on que, a flight of AV-8B+ Harrier IIs flew over and dropped some Mk-82s, followed twenty seconds later by 6 F/A-18Es with markings belonging to the Imperial Cottish Navys ICS Neptune, a Universe class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, capable of carrying 28 F-22N Sea Raptors, 48 F/A-18E and 20 F/A-18F Super Hornets, 8 EA-18A Growlers, 4 S-3B Vikings, 8 E-2E Advanced Hawkeyes, 6 C-2B Greyhounds, 2 HH-60H Seahawks and 6 SH-60R Seahawks. The F-18Es dropped their ordinance on streets just in front of the tanks and infantry, but not close enough to do any harm. Several enemies were killed in the bombing.

"Well, I told you. Just give us a call, and we'll take it out. Now, got a target for us?"


******************


Intel report, active as of 18Jul2005

Enemy resistance beaten down throughout Liberian Theatre of Operations, all strongpoints but one defeated. Resistance is focused in Bopulu, but the enemy are suffering extreme casualties. Resistance is expected to crumble within 24 hours. 103rd Cottish Airborne has been inserted to Bopulu, and elements have linked up with Hawdawgian Marine Force. Use of poison-gas expected unless enemy resistance ends within 14 hours. All units be advised.

Enemy force remaining in Bopulu:
Infantry: approx light division equivilent (10 000)
Tanks: 0 - 4 M60 Patton / M151 Sheridan

Unless enemy resistance is wiped out within 48 hours, ICAF will employ either one B61 small-yeald thermonuclear device or one GBU-41/B MOAB (Mother Of All Bombs) on Bopulu. Resistance is expected to be wiped out.

Good luck, and happy hunting.

Captain Holmes: "Sure thing here are the coordinates N 4.1298 by W 235.929.
I would like you to coordinate airstrikes on the buildings down Old River Road. This is the route to Blue Group and will most likely be "occupied" by several unfriendlies. We can utilize this location as a rally point and all reinforcements can funnel through this point. We are ready to advance and will pull out in 8 minutes."

The satellite phone came to life as Capt. Holmes was laying out information to his Cottish counterpart.

Capt. Holmes: "Orange Group HQ. Yes, Blue Group go ahead. How many rebels in that factory? Are you sure? Okay be advised Cottish Air Force inbound now. MLRS inbound also. We are moving towards your position within 10 minutes, supported by Cottish Paratroopers."

He turned back to Capt. Mueller and reported his updated information.

"Well Blue Group Command says there are at least 2000 rebels held up in that factory complex. The complex itself is roughly 10 hectacres in size. I say drop a MOAB on it and be done. I do have a specific target for your men to take Capt. Mueller. Right in the middle of our soon to be launched advance is the old Marriot Hotel and Casino. I have no doubt it is occupied. The building has 15 floors and is a potential nightmare for a sweep team. I don't have the manpower to take it on, but your Company does. Once that position is neutralized, we will be within 4 blocks of Blue Group."

Captain Mueller looked at the Hawdawgian Marine Captain and started to answer.

"I understand. My men will be..."

The Corporal with the radio tugged the captains arm intensely and pointed to the handheld radio he had in his hand.

"Excuse me two seconds Captain. Yes?"

The Captains face went pale almost instantly, and he acknowledged the orders with short "yes" and "no"'s. Then he handed the radio back to the Corporal.

"The rebels attacked the divisional HQ a moment ago. They were driven back, but not before they had killed General Patterson and his staff. Colonel Dawson, the commander of the 7th Combat Brigade is in command of the division now. He's contacted Cotlandstad, and the Emperor is furious at the loss of General Patterson. He's ordered a attack with VX gas on Bopulu. I suggest you have your men don the NBC-gear. I have to go inform my men."

Mueller walked over to the rest of the company and talked to them for a moment. The faces of the soldiers went from shock to sorrow to anger, and they started putting on the NBC-gear when the Captain moved on, much to the surprise of the Hawdawgian soldiers.

***************

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

To: All combatants in Bopulu AO
From: Cottish High Command

Begin message

"Following the hostile attack on Divisional HQ, 103rd Airborne Infantry Division where Major General Donald Patterson and his staff were killed, an attack utilizing VX nervegas has been ordered on the city of Bopulu. The attack will be executed using 155mm artillery shells filled with VX gas, fired from Cottish M777 batteries outside Bopulu at 1500 hours local. Enemy casualties is expected to be 100%. This flash message has been sent out to all units so that they can prepare themselves for the attack and take precausionary measures."

End message

Captain Holmes: "Thanks for the warning. Will do."

The Hawdawg commander began to transmit the Gas code, "Almonds". Immediately the Marines pulled out there gas equipment and began to suit up. Most me could get into there equipment in 30 seconds, but with the emminent threat of gas, they seemed to be moving faster. The tankers sealed there vehicles and the Squads on the ground found shelter anywhere they could to avoid the incoming rounds.

1459 hours, hills outside Bopulu
The convoy had arrived twenty minutes ago, and two special shells had been delivered to each cannon in the battery under heavy guard. One M939A2 5-ton truck had delivered the shells, accompanied by six M1114 Humvees, two AAAVs, fifty Marines and four AH-1W Super Cobra gunships for security. It was imperative that nothing happened to the cargo, and nothing had happened. The entire Cottish and Hawdawgian military presence in the area were wearing NBC-gear now, each of them having been warned of what that was happening. Right now, the artillery crews loaded the first of the special shells and waited for the clock to tick to 1500. Ten seconds left. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. The gun commander prepared himself to pull the string that in turn would detonate the explosive that would ignite the gunpowder, which in turn would fire the projectile out of the large barrel and down onto Bopulu. Two. One.

1500 hours, hills outside Bopulu
The nine M777 howitzers in "A" Battery fired virtually simultaniously, as did the nine M777s in "B" Battery. While the eighteen 155 milimeter shells flew in their intended projectory to a point 100 meters above the ground, the artillery crews reloaded with the second of the special shells.

The contents of the shells were dispersed 100 meters above Bopulu, spreading lethal VX nervegas onto everything there. The soldiers got it over them too, but they were protected by the NBC-protection gear, unlike their counterparts in the local militia. Some of them looked up and wondered what it was, but it didn't take more than a few seconds before the gas entered their systems and started to melt the flesh off their bodies.

The second barrage was just a precautionary manner, to make sure that everyone who were supposed to get the gas got it. It didn't really matter, since the first barrage spread out across the city and infected the entire militia population. Within five minutes, each and every one of the militia were dead, having melted away. All that was left now was to send in a battalion or brigade of soldiers with bodybags and some chaiplains to make sure the bodies got a last blessing before they were incinerated. The incineration of the bodies weren't to hide what the Cots had done. It was to make sure that the VX didn't make it through to infect others.

The city of Bopulu would be sprayed by a certain classified chemical to clean it for VX before the Cots would drop a few MOABs to send the rubble and destroyed buildings to hte ground, then send in bulldozers and construction machines to rebuild Bopulu by Cottish standards. All in all, the mission had been accomplished. There were some minor pockets to clear out, but nothing that required anything more than a platoon or company. Also, the rebellious elements now knew what the Cots would do to anyone who tried to kill Cots.

The rubble would soon be cleared, the rebels rooted out and killed, and the order and law restored. Then, Liberia would be granted the status of Autonomous Province by Cotland, which meant that the only thing the Cots would control would be the law. military and foreign policy. The rest, like elections and such would be up to the people of Liberia, who would also be Cottish citizens with all the rights and duties that included.

*************

Message to Hawdawg

The Empire of Cotland would like to thank you for your involvement in the restoration of peace and order in Liberia, and for the assistance to our troops. As a token of our appreciation, each member of this unit will be given the Liberian Liberation Medal.

http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/images/qso-medal-male-lg-bd.jpg
Liberian Liberation Medal

Those involved in the battle of Bopulu will also be given the Legion of Merit.

http://www.marksmedals.com/us_medals_files/legion_of_merit_files/legion_of_merit_legionairre_files/legion_of_merit_legionnaire_thumb.JPG
Legion of Merit

We also wish to thank the Hawdwagian government for their will to committ troops, and will offer the nation of Hawdawg a military base and the right to place businesses in Liberia once the nations infrastructure is back up and running. Again, thank you.

Warmest regards,
Imperial Government of Cotland