Designer’s note – Modern Campaigns 2: Fulda Gap ‘85 Jörg Lissa Note: an English translation of this section of the notes can be found below. I. Warum Fulda Gap ’85? Ia. Eine kurze geschichtliche Zusammenfassung des kalten Krieges in Deutschland Ib. Warum 1985? II. Die Karte III. Die Truppen IV. Die Szenarios IVa. Überraschungsvariante IVb. Klassische Variante V. Szenario Übersicht VI. Literatur I. Warum Fulda Gap ’85? Ia. Eine kurze geschichtliche Zusammenfassung des kalten Krieges in Deutschland Nachdem Ende des 2. Weltkrieges wurde Deutschland in vier Besatzungszonen unterteilt, die britische im Norden, die amerikanischen im Süden, die französische im Südwesten nahe der französischen Grenze und die sowjetische im Osten Deutschlands. Diese Besatzungszonen blieben offiziell bis zur Gründung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland 1949 bestehen. Zur gleichen Zeit wie die Gründung der Bunderrepublik Deutschland, wurde die Deutsche Demokratische Republik nach dem Vorbild der Sowjetunion gebildet. Die ehemalige Reichshauptstadt Berlin wurde ebenfalls zwischen den Besatzungsmächten in vier Kontrollzonen aufgeteilt. Recht schnell nach dem Ende des 2. Weltkriegs konstatierten sich durch massive politische, weltanschauliche und militärische Unstimmigkeiten zwei Parteien heraus - die so genannten Westmächte( mit den Vereinigten Staaten, Großbritannien und Frankreich) und auf der östlichen Seite die Sowjetunion mit ihren Verbündeten. Der eiserne Vorhang war geschaffen. Der erste ernsthafte Konflikt zwischen den Westmächten und der Sowjetunion fand im Jahre 1947/48 mit der sowjetischen Blockade Berlins statt. Nachdem die westdeutsche Währungsreform eingeleitet und auf die amerikanischen, britischen und französischen Sektoren in Berlin ausgedehnt wurd, blockierte die Sowjetführung kurzerhand den freien Zugang zur Stadt und forderte die Westmächte auf, die Stadt zu räumen. Doch die Westallierten ignorierten diese Drohung, allen voran die Vereinigten Staaten und richteten trotz massiver logistischer Probleme eine Luftbrücke für die eingeschlossene Stadt und ihre Bewohner ein. Am 12. Mai 1949 lenkte die Sowjetunion schließlich ein und beendete die Blockade.
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Am 4. April 1949 wurde die NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organization ) gegründet und von Belgien, Dänemark, Frankreich, Großbritannien, Island, Italien, Kanada, Luxemburg, den Niederlanden, Norwegen, Portugal und den Vereinigten Staaten in Washington D.C. unterzeichnet. Das Bündnis trat am 24. August 1949 in Kraft. 1952 traten die Türkei und Griechenland dem Bündnis bei und schliesslich 1955 die Bundesrepublik Deustchland. Ebenfalls 1955, am 14. Mai wurde der Warschauer Pakt, das östliche Militärbündis unter sowjetischer Führung, mit den Mitgliedsstaaten Albanien, Bulgarien, der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, Polen, Rumänien, der Tschechoslowakei, der Sowjetunion und Ungarn begründet. Nachdem die ostdeutsche Regierung den Mauerbau am 13. August 1961 eingeleitet und den Westmächten die Bewegungsfreiheit in Ost-Berlin eingeschränkt hatte, eskalierte die Lage zunehmend. Am 22. Oktober 1961 gab es einen Eklat um US-Diplomaten Lightner, welchem die Einreise nach Ost-Berlin zuerst verweigert und nur mit massiver Präsenz von US Panzer durchgesetzt werden konnte. Am 27. Oktober fuhren 10 sowjetische Panzer am Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin auf, eine Drohgebärde, welche die Amerikaner nicht so hätten stehen lassen können. Die Amerikaner schicken ihrerseits 10 Panzer und so standen sich 16 Stunden lang beide Atommächte mit scharfer Munition 200 Meter von einander entfernt gegenüber. Die Welt hielt den Atem an… Durch engagiertes Handeln des US Präsidenten John F. Kennedy auf diplomatischen Wegen zogen sich die Panzer beider Seiten am 28. Oktober zurück. Der schließliche Höhepunkt des kalten Krieges drückte sich in Form der Kubakrise 1962 aus, bei dem die Welt haarscharf am Rande eines Nuklear-Krieges bewegte. 13 Tage lange rangen die beiden Supermächte um die Errichtung ballistischer Nuklearwaffen vom Typ SS-4 Sandal auf Kuba, bis die Sowjetunion schließlich einlenkte und alle Raketen abzog. Mit dem Ende des Vietnamkrieges setze sich eine Phase der Entspannung und Abrüstung zwischen den beiden Blöcken ein. Erste Abrüstungsverträge wie SALT I ( S trategic Arms Limitation Treaty) und SALT II wurden beschlossen, sowie KSZE-Konferenzen ( Konferenz zur Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa ) und andere Friedensverhandlung prägten diese Epoche. Ib. Warum 1985? Die meisten von Ihnen fragen sich sicherlich, warum wir gerade 1985 als Konfliktjahr ausgewählt haben. Nun, das hat folgende Gründe, wir wollten ein Jahr Mitte der 80iger Jahre wählen in dem eine möglichst breit gefächerte Zahl von unterschiedlichen Waffensystem innerhalb der NATO und des Warschauer Paktes bereitstanden. Anfang der 80iger Jahre führten beispielsweise die USA den M1 Abrams, die Deutschen den Leopard II und die Sowjetunion den T-80 Panzer ein. Es braucht natürlich eine gewisse Zeit um diese neuen Panzer an die Truppe auszuliefern und ältere Modelle zu ersetzen. Schnell stellten wir fest, das das Jahr 1985 ein guter Repräsentant ist. Die USA hatte beispielsweise bereits einen Grossteil der M60A3 Panzer in Deutschland mit den M1 ersetzt und der Leopard II war ebenfalls in grösserer Stückzahl in deutschen Divisionen vertreten. Auf der sowjetischen Seite war der T-80 schon in annehmbarer Stückzahl vorhanden, obwohl nur ein sehr kleiner Teil der Panzerbatallione damit bestückt wurden. Mit den anderen Waffensystemen wie, Schützenpanzern des Typs M2 Bradley, Marder I A2 und BMP 2 sah es ähnlich aus. Auch diese waren Anfang der 80iger eingeführt und
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schrittweise an die Truppe ausgeliefert worden. II. Die Karte Kurz zur Geschichte: Die NATO hatte seinerzeit Deutschland in zwei strategische Sektoren unterteilt, der nördliche Sektor umfasste Nord-Deutschland bis zum bergischen Land bei Bonn und der südliche Sektor beinhaltete Hessen, Baden Württemberg und Bayern. Jeder dieser beiden Sektoren war wiederum in Unter-Sektoren geteilt, welche die Verteidigungs-Zuständigkeiten der einzelnen NATO Korps regelte. Unsere Karte zeigt Mittel-Deutschland, mit der Achse Frankfurt-Fulda-Leipzig als Schwerpunkt, die so genannte „Fulda Gap", der kürzeste Weg von der Deutsch-Deutschen Grenz zum Rhein. In diesem Bereich waren das amerikanische V. Korps und das II. West-Deutsche Korps stationiert und hatten die primäre Aufgabe Frankfurt und das umliegende Rhein-Main Gebiet im Falle eines sowjetischen Angriffs zu verteidigen. Im Falle eines solchen Angriffes wäre die „Fulda Gap" wahrscheinlich der bedeutendste Sektoren überhaupt gewesen. Tatsächlich findet sich „Fulda Gap" in den meisten NATO-Szenarien, die sich mit einer Invasion des Warschauer Paktes in Westeuropa beschäftigen. Nach unbestätigten Quellen hatte die Sowjetunion eine Operation mit dem Namen „Rheintor" ( engl.Rhinegate) geplant. Was bekannt ist, ist die Tatsache, dass diese Operation in gerade diesem Sektor stattgefunden hätte, Angriffsart, Truppenzusammensetzung und andere Details lassen sich nur erahnen. Die Karte in Fulda Gap’85 ist sehr akkurat, wie schon in Middle East ’67 beträgt die Hexfeldgrösse 1 Meile und eine Zug in Fulda Gap ’85 umfasste wie gehabt 3 Stunden. Nachdem ich die Karte von John Tiller bekommen hatte und ich mich zusammen mit ihm in die Thematik eingearbeitet hatte, stellten wir schnell fest, dass der nord-östliche Abschnitt eigentlich nicht zum eigentlichen Fulda Gap Sektor gehörte. Dieser Bereich war historisch gesehen der potentielle Aufmarschraum von Teilen der sowjetischen 3. Schock Armee mit dem Angriffsziel Hannover weiter im Norden. Nun standen wir vor einer Entscheidung, entweder die Karte so zu belassen wie sie ist und damit die 3. Schock Armee mit auf die Karte zu nehmen oder den Bereich unpassierbar zu machen. Wir entschieden uns für in gewisser Hinsicht für beides. Da das Gelände keine wesentliche Bedeutung hat gestalten wir es als unpassierbar und dennoch behielten wir die 3. Schock Armee in der OOB für eventuelle Szenario Variationen bei. Weiterhin ist auf der Karte die deutsch-deutsche Grenze zu sehen, welche aus Minenfeldern, Stacheldraht, Wachtürmen, Selbstschussanlagen und Zäunen bestand. Diese Grenze war in den 80iger Jahren eine der best bewachteste Grenze der Welt (Übertroffen wurde die Bewachung nur an der koreanischen Grenze). III. Die Truppen Die OOB für Fulda Gap’85 war eines der Hauptprobleme in der Entwicklung des Spiels. Über die NATO Truppen in Deutschland gibt es ausführliche Literatur, daher war die exakte Nachbildung kein grosses Problem. Doch woher die Schlachtenordnung des Warschauer Paktes nehmen? Die frei zugänglichen Informationen sind nicht gerade üppig, doch Greg „Sturm" Smith hatte zum Glück exzellente Informationen über die Streitkräfte des Warschauer Paktes in den 80iger Jahren.
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Ursprünglich war die NATO OOB genau wie die des Warschauer Pakts auf Batallions Ebene gesetzt. Doch nach einiger Zeit diskutierten wir die Zusammensetzung der OOB und kamen zum Schluss, dass es besser wäre der NATO mehr Handlungsfreiheit zu geben und die Batallione auf Kompaniegrösse herunter zu brechen. Dies spiegelt auch die NATO Doktrin in exakterer Weise wieder, eine flexible Verteidigung. Wie Sie sehen können, gibt es auf der NATO Seite das US V. und VII. Korps und das deutsche III. und II. Korps. Wie schon erwähnt, waren das US V. Korps, und das deutsche III. Korps für die Verteidigung des „Fulda Gap" Sektors eingeteilt. Die beiden Korps im Fulda Sektor hatten zusammen insgesamt 5 Divisionen plus dem 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment und der kanadischen 4. Mechanized Brigade. Alles in allem waren das ungefähr 18.000 Mann und 4400 Fahrzeugen, die für die Verteidigung bereitstanden. Der Warschauer Pakt bot drei Armeen auf, der sowjetischen 1. Garde Panzer und 8. Garde Armee und der Ost-Deutschen 3. Armee mit insgesamt 12 Divisionen plus einer Luftlande Division. Zusammen waren es ungefähr 66550 Mann und 5000 Fahrzeugen. Hinzu kamen noch auf beiden Seiten eine Grosszahl von Artillerie und Kampfhubschraubern. Somit ergibt sich mehr als ein 3:1 Verhältniss bei der Infanterie und ein leichter zahlenmässiger Vorteil in Sachen Fahrzeugen zu Gunsten des Warschauer Paktes. Die Zahlen mögen ein bisschen überraschen, vor allem die Anzahl von Fahrzeugen. Wenn ich hier von „Fahrzeugen" rede, meine ich vor allem die Panzer und Schützenpanzer. Bevor ich mich mit der Ausrüstung der beiden Blöcke in den 80iger Jahren auseinandersetze, dachte ich immer, der Warschauer Pakt wäre zahlenmäßig in allen Waffengattungen haushoch überlegen war. Überraschenderweise stellte ich schnell fest, dass die NATO Staaten das Panzerdefizit der 60iger und 70iger Jahren mehr oder minder ausglichen hatten. Dies resultierte aus einer Umstrukturierung der Landstreitkräfte von einer „Infanterie-Armee" zu einer „Mechanisierten Armee". Die NATO Mitglieder entwickelten seit jeher mehr oder weniger unabhängig ihre Waffensysteme von einander, wobei anzumerken ist, das die Waffen auf einander abgestimmt waren und sind. Beispielsweise benutzen der amerikanische M1A1 Abrams Panzer und der deutsche Leopard II Panzer das gleiche Hauptgeschütz und können somit auch dieselbe Munition verschiessen. An dieser Stelle will ich anmerken, dass es sich in Fulda Gap ’85 um den ersten M1 Abrams mit der 105mm Kanonen handelt. Daraus resultiert auch die etwas schlechteren Angriffwerten das M1 gegenüber des Leopard II, der schon immer mit der 125mm Rheinmetall Kanone ausgestattet war. Auch einigte sich die NATO recht schnell auf einheitliche Munitionsgrößen verschiedener Infanterie und Artillerie Waffen. Damit war die Gefechtsfeldkompabiltät gegeben.
Die sowjetische Militärmacht war und ist eine der hochgerüsteten und modernsten Armeen der Welt (zumindest auf dem Papier). Das Rückrad der sowjetischen Panzerstreitkräfte und anderer Warschauer Pakt Staaten bildete seit den frühen 70igern Jahren der T-72 Panzer von welchem rund 18.000 Stück die Fliessbänder für den Eigenbedarf sowohl als auch für den Export verliessen. Anfang der 80iger Jahren führte die Sowjetregierung den T-80 Panzer ein, der nach und nach den T-72 welcher wiederum den T-64 ersetzen sollte. Es begann also eine Ersetzungsspirale, welche bis heute anhält. Die meisten Warschauer Pakt Staaten bekamen erst gar keine T-80, da der sowjetische Eigenbedarf Priorität hatte. Sie mussten sich weiterhin mit dem T-72 und seinen modernisierten Varianten begnügen. Das sowjetische Landheer zählte gleich nach China als das grösste der Welt. Mit ihren
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Unmengen an Reservisten war es das Schreckgespenst der NATO und (wie auch hier) auf dem Papier beeindruckend, doch mangelte es an Qualität. Die Soldaten waren schlecht ausgebildet, einige von ihnen hatten in ihrer gesamten Militärlaufbahn nur einige Schuss abgefeuert und zudem war die Moral der Truppe sehr niedrig.
IV. Die Szenarios Fulda Gap ’85 beinhaltet zwei völlig verschieden Ansätze einen möglichen Konflikt zwischen Ost und West darzustellen. Der Erste, auf den auch der Schwerpunkt von Fulda Gap’85 gelegt ist, ist die Überraschungsvariante, das Zweite behandelt mehr die „klassische" Variante, bei dem beide Seiten auf den Konflikt vorbereitet sind. In beiden Szenarios nehmen wir an, dass natürlich auch in Nord - und Süddeutschland heftig gekämpft wird. Im Norden versuchen Briten, Deutsche, Dänen, Belgier und Holländer dem Ansturm des Warschauer Paktes, vorwiegen Russen, standzuhalten. Im Süden Amerikaner, Deutsche und Italiener gegen die Tschechen. Im weitern Verlauf des Konfliktes nehmen wir weiter an, das im Norden und vor allem im Süden die NATO die Oberhand gewinnt. Dadurch werden Teile des VII US Corps und II. Deutschen Korps frei für die Verstärkung des Fulda Sektors. Ich möchte kurz auf auf beide Szenarios eingehen: IVa. Überraschungsvariante Zu Beginn des Fulda Gap ’85 Projekts hatten wir Überlegungen angestellt, wie man ein neues Konzept des „Heissen Krieges" aufstellen könnte. Die zündende Idee kam uns, als wir die Garnisonskarte von Ost und West anschauten. Was wäre, wenn der Warschauer Pakt einen Überraschungsschlag durchführen würde? Wäre das überhaupt möglich gewesen, ohne dass die NATO irgendetwas von den Vorbereitungen mitbekommen hätte? Wieviel Zeit hätte es für den Warschauer Pakt in Anspruch genommen um die Divisionen bis zur deutsch-deutschen Grenze zu bewegen? Die letzte Frage lässt sich beantworten, es hätte zirka 6-9 Stunden gedauert um die erste Welle von Divisionen aus ihren Garnisions Stellungen bis zur Grenze in Marsch zu setzen, natürlich nur theoretisch. Nun, wir nehmen in diesem Szenario einmal an, die Überraschung des Warschauer Paktes wäre mehr oder minder perfekt gewesen. Was hätte der Warschauer Pakt in West-Deutschland vorgefunden? NATO Einheiten, die in ihren Kasernen waren, ein intaktes Strassensystem und - nicht zu unterschätzen - eine Bevölkerung, die ebenfalls völlig überrascht ist. Das alles zusammen hätte dem Warschauer Pakt einen ungeheuren Vorteil und ein schnelles Vorankommen ohne grösseren Widerstand auf der ersten Strecke Richtung Rhein gebracht. Warschauer Pakt Strategie Der Warschauer Pakt Spieler sollte versuchen, so schnell wie nur irgend möglich West-Deutschland zu durchqueren, und sich möglichst nicht auf grössere Gefechte nahe der deutsch-deutschen Grenze einlassen. Geschwindigkeit ist hier alles, bevor sich die NATO neu gruppieren und eine effektive Verteidigungslinie aufbauen. Mit etwas Glück und Geschick kann der Warschauer Pakt Spieler bis nahe Frankfurt vorstossen, ohne dabei auf eine zusammenhängende Frontlinie zu treffen. Der grosse Vorteil des
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Warschauer Paktes ist seine enorme Anzahl von Soldaten und Fahrzeugen. Später eintreffende Divisionen sollten dazu benutzt werden kleinere NATO Widerstandsherde auszuschalten und sich anschliessend mit den Front-Divisionen auf den Sturm auf Frankfurt und Rhein vorzubereiten. Allerdings muss der Spieler auch aufpassen das nicht gleich ganze Divisionen aufgerieben werden, da die Qualität der Truppe doch erheblich schlechter als die der NATO ist. Daher ist anzuraten, Front Divisionen von Zeit zu Zeit eine kleinere Pause zu gönnen. NATO Strategie Generell sollte der NATO Spieler auf Zeit spielen .Der Spieler hat zwei Optionen, erstens dem Warschauer Pakt sofort lokalen Widerstand zu bieten, oder, sich umgehend zurück zu ziehen um sich auf einer adäquaten Verteidigungsline zu formieren und auf Verstärkungen aus dem Süden zu warten. Die zweite Option ist zu empfehlen, da die „Dampfwalze" des Warschauer Paktes in den ersten Tagen des Konflikts nicht zu unterschätzen ist. Dennoch, falls der Spieler die Chance hat mit grösseren Truppenteilen Widerstand zu leisten, sollte er es tun, doch bei einer abzuzeichnenden Niederlage sich wieder zurückzuziehen. Wenn die Verstärkungen eingetroffen sind,, sollte der Spieler in der Lage sein, eine erfolgreiche Gegenoffensive zu starten und unter Umständen bis auf ostdeutsches Gebiet vorzudringen, IVb. Klassische Variante Dieses Szenario behandelt das mehr oder minder „klassische" Konzept eines Ost-West Konfliktes. Es gibt unzählige Literatur und Spiele das diesen Konflikt schon behandelt haben. Beide Seiten sind auf den bevorstehenden Krieg vorbereitet und der Warschauer Pakt überschreitet die Grenze. Warschauer Pakt Strategie Der Spieler sollte von anfang an versuchen Lücken in der NATO Verteidigung zu finden und dort durchzubrechen. Die vorhandene Anzahl von eigenen Divisionen ist immens, da sich die 3te Schock Armee auch auf der Karte befindet. Daher sollte sich der Spieler nicht zu sehr durch Anfangsverluste verunsichern lassen sondern den Druck auf die NATO aufrecht zu erhalten. Wenn erst die NATO Linie durchbrochen ist und angefangen hat sich aufzulösen, bleibt der NATO nichts anderes übrig als sich weiter zurückzuziehen. Allerdings ist zu beachten, das auch die NATO mindestens drei Divisionen und eine Mechanisierte Brigade als Reserve zu Verfügung hat. Wenn diese Reserve nicht gleich zu Beginn des Konflikts eingesetzt wurde, sollte sich der Warschauer Pakt Spieler auf massiven Widerstand im rückwärtigen Raum einstellen. NATO Strategie Die NATO ist sehr gut auf den Konflikt vorbereitet. Eine durchgehende Verteidigungslinie mit starken Befestigungen ist schon errichtet und sollte auch genutzt werden. Zudem steht auch eine grosse Reserve zu Verfügung, die bei Bedarf an der Front, oder zur
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Befestigung des rückwärtigen Raums benutzt werden kann. Der Spieler sollte tunlichst darauf achten, das keine grösseren Lücken in der Verteigung entstehen durch die die Warschauer Pakt Truppen durchstossen könnten. Falls nicht anders möglich, sollte die NATO auf eine dynamische Verteidigung übergehen und den Warschauer Pakt bei Frankfurt zum Stoppen bringen.
English Translation by James Cobb and John Tiller I. Why Fulda Gap '85? Ia. A Short Historical Summary of the Cold War in Germany Ib. Why in 1985? II. The Map III. The Troops IIIa. Helicopters IV. The Scenarios IVa. Surprise Variant IVb. Classic Variant V. Literature VI. Scenario Overview I. Why Fulda Gap '85? Ia. A Short Historical Summary of the Cold War in Germany After the end of World War II. Germany was subdivided into four occupation zones, the British in the North, the Americans in the South, the French in the Southwest close to the French border, and the Soviets in the East. These occupation zones remained official until the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. At the same time as the foundation of the Bundesrepublik , the German Democratic Republic was formed after the model of the Soviet Union. The former Federal capital Berlin was also apportioned in four control zones between the occupying powers. Quite soon after the end of the war, massive political, ideological and military incongruities created two opposing blocks: the so called Western Powers (with the United States, Great Britain and France) and the Eastern side with the Soviet Union and its countries. The Iron Curtain was created. The first serious conflict between the West and the Soviet Union occurred in 1947/48 with the Soviet blockade of Berlin. After the West German currency reform was introduced and was supported by the American, British and French, the Soviet leadership blocked the free access to the city abruptly and asked the Western powers to evacuate the city. However the West ignored this threat fronted by the United States and the Western allies undertook an airlift, despite massive logistical problems, for the besieged
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city and its inhabitants. On 12th May 1949, the Soviet Union finally backed down and lifted the blockade. On 4 April 1949, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established with Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United States as original members. The alliance grew in strength as Turkey and Greece joined the alliance with the Federal Republic of Germany joining in 1955. Also in 1955, the Warsaw Pact, the eastern military alliance, was formed under Soviet leadership and with the member states Albania, Bulgaria, the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. When the East German government built the Berlin Wall on 13.August 1961 in order to restrict the Western Powers’ freedom of movement in East Berlin, the situation escalated dramatically . On 22 October 1961, the American diplomat Lightner was initially refused entry to East Berlin and was granted passage only after massive US pressure. On 27 October, ten Soviet tanks blocked the American entry point to East Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie. The US responded with ten of their own tanks. The world held its breath during this super-power confrontation. After 16 hours under the shadow of nuclear war, President John F. Kennedy arranged a diplomatic solution and both sides stood down. The ultimate crisis of the Cold War occurred in October 1962 when the US blockaded Cuba to prevent the stationing of Soviet missiles there. After thirteen breathless days, the Russians withdrew their SS-4 missiles. With the end of the Vietnam War, a phase of relaxation of tension occurred and disarmament negotiations began between the two Blocks. First disarmament contracts like SALT I (Strategic arm's Limitation Treaty) and SALT II were concluded, followed by the conference on security and cooperation in Europe. Peace negotiation shaped this epoch. Ib. Why in 1985? Most of you surely wonder why we selected 1985 as a year of conflict. We chose this year because it marked the introduction of different weapon systems within the NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Beginning in the 80’s the USA fielded the M1 Abrams, for example, the Germans their Leopard II, and the Soviet Union the T-80 tank. A certain time is required to deliver new equipment to the troops and to replace older models. Also the team and I had very good book sources about this time period, so why not use it. One funny thing by the way, as I walked through the local library back in November, I stumbled across a book which looked promising at first look, so I took it back home. After reading the introduction I discovered it was written by an East German author and printed by the East German government. Everything was there, NATO structure, Division/Brigade structure, equipment from tanks, aircraft, ships to light weapons, very detailed battlefield tactics and so on. Checking back with army members of the Fulda Gap team, we found out the information within the book was very accurate. Scary when you imagine this book was made for the public and what secret information the Warsaw Pact knew!
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Thus, we determined 1985 a good representative year for the weapon systems of the late Cold War. The Leopard II had replaced older models in the Bundeswehr and the US Army in Germany had replaced the bulk of its M60A3s with the M1. On the Soviet side, the T-80 existed already in acceptable numbers although only a very small part of the armoured battalions were equipped with it. With other weapon systems like M2 Bradley and the similar Martens I A2 and BMP-2, each side had reached the apex of its technological development. . II. The Map NATO subdivided Germany into two strategic sectors: the northern sector including North Germany as far as the near-vicinity of Bonn and the southern sector containing Hessen, Baden Würtemberg and Bavaria. Each of these two sectors was divided into sub sectors, the defences of which were the responsibilities of individual NATO regulated corps. Our map shows Central Germany, with the axis Frankfurt-Fulda-Leipzig as the main focus. The so-called "Fulda Gap "is the shortest way from the East German border to the Rhine. In this area, the American V and West German III corps had the primary responsibility to defend Frankfurt and the surrounding Rhine-Main area in the case of a Soviet attack. The "Fulda Gap" would be, in the case of such an attack, probably the most important sector. "Fulda Gap" actually is featured in most NATO scenarios that deal with an invasion of the Warsaw Pact in Western Europe. The Soviet Union had an operation with the name "Rhinegate", planned. Little is known of this operation including information on troop strength, deployment and many other details. The map in Fulda Gap'85 is very accurate, as the hex scale in Fulda Gap '85 is 1 mile as in Middle East ‘67 with 3 hours per turn. After I had gotten the map from John Tiller and I had become familiar with the topic together with him, we quickly decided that the north-eastern section actually didn't belong to the actual Fulda Gap sector. This area was historically the potential deployment area of the Soviet Third Shock Army with the objective Hanover further in the North. Now, we were faced with a decision, either leave the map as it was and include the Third Shock Army or to make the North impassable. We decided to compromise, since the terrain doesn't have any essential meaning, we made the North impassable but kept the Third Shock Army variations in the OOB for possible scenarios. The German-German border is clearly seen on the map, with minefields, barbed wire, watchtowers, machinegun installations and fences. This border was in the 80’s the second most-guarded area in the world surpassed only by the Korean border. III. The Troops The OOB for Fulda Gap'85 was one of the main problems in the development of the game. NATO dispositions were well-documented, therefore an exact copy was no big problem. However, where could we get the order of battle of the Warsaw Pact? Easily accessible information is not exactly luxuriant, however Greg "Sturm "Smith had excellent information about the armed forces of the Warsaw Pact in the 80’s.
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Originally, the NATO OOB would be left on the battalion level exactly like the Warsaw Pact forces. However, we discussed the composition of the OOB for some time and finally decided it would be better to be given more freedom of action to the NATO and to break the battalions down to companies. Also this level mirrors NATO’s doctrine of flexible defence. As you can see, the US V and VII and German III and II Corps are the dominate NATO forces defending the "Fulda Gap". The two corps in the Fulda sector had five divisions plus the 11th Armoured Cavalry regiment and the Canadian 4th Mechanized Brigade. Approximately 18.000 men and 4400 vehicles were ready for the defence. The Warsaw Pact fielded three armies: the Soviet 1st Guard tanks and 8th Guard Army and the East German 3rd Army. These armies accounted for altogether 12 divisions plus an airmobile division or approximately 66,550 infantry and 5000 vehicles. In addition, a large number of artillery pieces and attack helicopters were available to both sides. The Warsaw Pact enjoyed a 3:1 superiority in men and a similar superiority in vehicles. The numbers like this are no surprise, above all the number of vehicles. When speaking of "vehicles", I mean tanks and armoured personnel carriers. Before I researched the equipment of the two sides, I always thought the Warsaw Pact to be vastly numerically superior in all weapon types. Surprisingly, I determined quickly that matters had evened out over the years and that NATO had more or less erased the tank deficit of the 60’s and 70’s. This resulted from a restructuring of the land forces of an "infantry army "to a "mechanized army ". The NATO members always developed their weapon systems independent of each other, although striving for a measure of compatibility. For example, the American M1A1 Abrams tank and the German Leopard II use the same main gun and can consequently fire the same ammunition. At this point, I want to mention that in Fulda Gap '85 the first M1 Abrams variant with the 105mm cannon is used. Therefore, the M1 compares unfavourably with the Leopard II and its 125mm cannon. NATO developed the same calibre ammunition for different infantry and artillery weapons, thus enhancing logistic capability. The Soviet military power was one of the most highly sophisticated and modern armies of the world (at least on the paper). The backbone of the Soviet tank armed forces and other Warsaw Pact countries since the early 70’s was the T-72 tank of which approximately 18.000 were built for Pact requirements as well as for export. Beginning in the 80’s, the Soviet government introduced the T-80 tank that would replace little by little, the T-72 which would take on the back-up role of the T-64. A replacement spiral began, which has only stopped recently. Most Warsaw treaty states didn’t get any T-80s since the Soviet’s own requirements had priority. They still had to be content with the T-72 and its modernized variations. The Soviet Army came after China as the biggest in the world. With masses of reservists, it was the spectre of NATO. However impressive it seemed on paper, it had critical quality problems. The soldiers were badly trained, some of them had shot only a few times in their entire military career and had, moreover, very low morale. IIIa. Helicopters ( by Glenn Saunders )
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Helicopter rule changes was a given when the Modern Campaign Series was extended for Fulda Gap as helicopters by the mid 80’s were a key part of both sides. Here in the notes we will not repeat what is documented in the User Manual, but I think it appropriate to share our views one how these rules have been designed. In creating rules that fit with the game we had to balance the overall effect of the presence of the chopper on the battlefield with how players would and could use them in game terms. The unit had to be effective, offer unique capabilities that they possessed but yet be not too dominating in their effect either. The most central concept was that a flying helicopter was essentially a Air Unit and as such Air Units cannot hold ground unless they disembark men to fight in the hex. To accomplish this we needed to introduce two main types of choppers in Game terms; 1) Gunship and Scout helicopters which are measured in Vehicle and 2) Transport type Helicopters that carry soldier that disembark and fight like ground troops. This second type are measured in Men. Men type helicopters while on the ground, function like any normal ground unit, so they are most often the exception to the general rule and discussion below. In this case the men and the helicopters are inseparable just like a mechanized Infantry unit cannot be split into its men and vehicle parts. Helicopters move in Travel mode and are then said to be flying and as such do not pay terrain cost. While flying they can move through enemy Zones-of-Control (ZOC) without stopping and can even fly through an enemy occupied hex. On the flip side, Helicopters exert no ZOC. If assaulted, the Helicopter unit will retreat. Keep in mind the guiding principle that considers them to be aircraft and so the machines themselves cannot hold ground. If they can’t hold ground, than they cannot capture ground and thus is the justification for the rule that says they cannot assault enemy hexes themselves. One could argue that the only way a helicopter can attack is by assaulting, but you have to keep in mind the scale of the game here – 1 mile per hex, 3 hour turns – so essentially part of the direct fire helicopters perform in a turn would really be a series of rushes and small scale assaults along the edge of the hex designed to inflict casualties on the enemy and not an attack to take the ground away from the defender like a game assault. So in game terms we feel the net effect is a helicopter model that works quite well.
IV. The scenarios Fulda Gap ‘85 has two completely differently bases representing a possible conflict between East and West. The first focuses on a "surprise" attack while the second assumes both sides are prepared for the conflict. In both scenarios we assume that there are heavy battles in Northern and Southern Germany of course. In the north, British, Germans, Danes, Belgians and Dutch are trying to hold against the assault of the Warsaw Pact, mainly Russian soldiers. In the south Americans, Germans and Italians are fighting against the Czechs. In the later conflict, we assume that NATO gains the upper hand in the north and especially in the south. So, parts of the VII U.S. Corps and II. German Korps become free as reinforcements for the Fulda Sector. I would like to comment briefly on both scenarios:
IVa. Surprise Variant
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At beginning of the Fulda Gap ‘85 project, we considered how a "hot war "could be portrayed. The seminal idea came to us as we looked at the garrison map of East and West. What would happen if the Warsaw Pact executed a surprise attack? Would that have been at all possible without the NATO having been aware of preparations? How much time would it have taken for the Warsaw Pact to move divisions to the German-German border? The last question can be answered: it would have taken 6-9 hours to march the first wave of divisions from their garrison positions to the border, at least in theory. We assume in this scenario that the surprise would be more or been less perfect. What would the Warsaw Pact have found in West Germany? NATO units that were in their barracks, an intact road system and, importantly, a population who is also surprised completely. This all together would have brought the Warsaw Pact an immense advantage and fast progress in the direction of the Rhine without major resistance in the first days. Warsaw Pact strategy The Warsaw Pact Player should try to possibly cross West-Germany as fast as possible, avoiding major skirmishes close to the German-German border. Speed is all important here so as to succeed before NATO re-groups and builds an effective defence line. With some luck and skill, the Warsaw Pact can push forward units until near Frankfurt without meeting with an interrelated front line. The big advantage of the Warsaw Pact is its enormous number of soldiers and vehicles. Later arriving divisions should be used to mop up smaller NATO forces while preparing to storm Frankfurt with the initial divisions. However, the player also must be careful not to exhaust entire divisions, since the quality of the troops is considerably worse then NATO’s. Therefore, front divisions should be rested from time to time. NATO strategy Generally, the player should play the NATO side. The player has two options: to immediately offer the Warsaw Pact local resistance or, to immediately fall back, form an adequate defensive line and to wait for reinforcements from the south. The second option is recommended, since the Warsaw Pact's "steam roller" is not to be underestimated in the first days of the conflict. Nevertheless, if the player has the chance to resist with bigger units, he should, while avoiding a major defeat. When the reinforcements arrive, the player should be capable of starting a successful counteroffensive and to advance as far as possible towards the East German area conceivably. IVb. Classic Variant This scenario treats the more or less "classic" concept of an East-West conflict. There is already innumerable literature and games dealing with this conflict. Both sides are prepared for the forthcoming war and the Warsaw Pact crosses the border. Warsaw Pact strategy The player should from the start to try to find gaps in the NATO defence and to break
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through there. Given the immense amount of manpower available, the player should not be shy about taking initial losses but keep pressure on NATO. If the NATO first line is broken and starts to dissolve, NATO must retreat. Be aware that NATO has at least three divisions and a mechanized brigade in reserves. If this reserve was not put in immediately, the Warsaw Pact should expect massive resistance towards the west. NATO strategy NATO is very well prepared for the conflict. A continuous defensive line with strong fortifications is already established and should be used. Moreover, a big reserve stands ready to go to the front, or to fortify rear areas. The player should not allow large gaps in the line. If not this is not possible, then NATO should undertake a dynamic defence and should bring the Warsaw Pact to a stop at Frankfurt. VI. Scenario Overview
Fulda Gap ‘85 Scenario List and Overviews * Note, Scenario numbers are in a format with the first two digits representing the start date of the scenario and the second two digits the scenario number. Legend: "s" Explicit Supply possible "h" Hypothetical "W" Winter scenario based on the Prepared Campaign "S" Summer scenario based on the Prepared Campaign
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16)
#10_00: Getting Started - The Battle at Fulda #10_01s: Plan Rhinegate #10_02s: Plan Rhinegate - Initial Warsaw Pact Attack #10_03: First encounter #10_04: Mission Impossible #10_05s: Air Assault! #10_06s: Encounter at Kassel #13_01: Clash of Brothers #15_01s: The Northern Flank #15_02s: Next stop Aschaffenburg #18_01s: Showdown on the Main #18_02hs: A Bridge too far? #19_01hs: Over the Rhine! #21_01h: Frankfurt City - House to House Fighting #22_01s: Operation Hot Forge #23_01: Return to Fulda
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17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26)
#25_01s: Mountain battles #29_01: Blitz at Erfurt #30_01s: The Last Battle #S10_01s: Clash of Titans #S10_02s: Clash of Titans – Maximum Warsaw Pact Effort #S11_01s: Schweinfurt - Night fighting 101 #S15_01: The Canadian Connection #S18_01s: Chariots of Iron #S25_01s: Forge the Thunderbolt #W08_01s: Clash of Titans
#10_00s: Getting Started - The Battle at Fulda Town of Fulda, 60 miles east of Frankfurt, June 10th 1985: After crossing the East German border in an early morning surprise attack, the Warsaw Pact’s 8th Guards Army is advancing quickly towards Fulda, the home of the American 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) and HQ. The battle plans are well rehearsed and the troopers from 11th ACR scramble to their posts. The task is simple, the 11th ACR must delay the Warsaw Pact long enough for NATO reinforcements to arrive, this will be at least 24 hours and maybe longer depending on the success of the NATO air campaign. The next day will be grim for NATO… [Size: small] Designer’s notes: Tutorial Scenario, best played as NATO.
#10_01s: Plan Rhinegate Central Germany, June 10th 1985: The plan by the Group of Soviet Forced Germany (GSFG), labeled the "the berserker strategy", was brutally simple. Surprise NATO by an unexpected assault and head westward towards the Rhine and crush NATO resistance along the way. The entire campaign depended on absolute surprise. All along the border of East and West Germany, Warsaw Pact divisions moved out of their garrison positions undetected and into staging positions for their attack on West Germany. The northern sector’s main goal is Hannover, Hamburg and the Ruhr Valley, the industrial heart of Germany. The central sector, also called the "Fulda Gap", has the overall objective of capturing Frankfurt and Mainz and establishing a bridgehead across the Rhine. If Frankfurt could be captured then Bonn might even be seized as well. The southern sector’ s main objectives are to support the central sector’s advance and cover its flank, at the same time capturing the strategic cities of Stuttgart, Nurnburg, Munich and crossing the Rhine to capture the city of Strasbourg in France. As the ground war starts the Red Banner Fleet will leaves its ports heading into the North Atlantic to prevent NATO supply convoys from reaching Europe. American, West German and Canadian forces are now scrambling to man their equipment and move to stop the onslaught while aircraft take to the air to battle for control of the skies over Europe. Both sides have been planning and preparing for this day. [Size: very large] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO, or Human vs. Human. Explicit Supply is possible. Full Standard Campaign.
#10_02s: Plan Rhinegate - Initial Warsaw Pact Attack
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Central Germany, June 10th 1985: The plan by the Group of Soviet Forced Germany (GSFG), labeled "the berserker strategy", was brutally simple. Surprise NATO by an unexpected assault and head westward towards the Rhine and crush NATO resistance along the way. The entire campaign depended on absolute surprise. All along the border of East and West Germany, Warsaw Pact divisions moved out of their garrison positions undetected and into staging positions for their attack on West Germany. The northern sector’s main goal is Hannover, Hamburg and the Ruhr Valley, the industrial heart of Germany. The central sector, also called the "Fulda Gap", has the overall objective of capturing Frankfurt and Mainz and establishing a bridgehead across the Rhine. If Frankfurt could be captured then Bonn might even be seized as well. The southern sector’ s main objectives are to support the central sector’s advance and cover its flank, at the same time capturing the strategic cities of Stuttgart, Nürnberg, München and crossing the Rhine to capture the city of Strasbourg in France. As the ground war starts the Red Banner Fleet will leaves its ports heading into the North Atlantic to prevent NATO supply convoys from reaching Europe. American, West German and Canadian forces are now scrambling to man their equipment and move to stop the onslaught while aircraft take to the air to battle for control of the skies over Europe. Both sides have been planning and preparing for this day. [Size: very large] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO, or Human vs. Human. Explicit Supply is possible. Only the initial attack of Warsaw Pact is covered of the Full Standard Campaign.
#10_03: First encounter Bad Hersfeld, West Germany, June 10th 1985: The troopers of the 3rd Squadron, 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment, were woken by the sound of artillery fire to the East. The WP forces are now sweeping past the border defences with little difficulty and the next day will be a brutal test of the NATO resolve. The squadron commander knows full well that there is no chance to stop the advancing forces but his job is to slow them down to a crawl and make them pay for every square foot of West Germany that they occupy. As the troops race to their vehicles, the operations officer is desperately attempting to break through the radio jamming and call for air support and attack helicopters as the first Soviet MIGs fly overhead. Buckle up – the cavalry rides again! [Size: small] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
#10_04: Mission Impossible Bamberg, West Germany, June 10th 1985: The city of Bamberg is an important strategic city in the Warsaw Pact plans. The capture of this city will give the Warsaw Pact a solid left shoulder to hinge upon in this region and also secure the crossings of the Southern branch of the Main river. Capture of Bamberg will also secure access to the excellent autobahns to Schweirfut and Würzburg. This is the main focus of the 3rd East German. The 11th Motorised Division’s task is to perform a reconnaissance of the city and determine if is still garrisoned. The task of the US 2nd Armoured Cavalry Regiment defending Bamberg is brutally simple: to harass the enemy’s advance, maintain and report contact of the enemy’s location and to trade blood for time so that the line units can assemble. [Size: small] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
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#10_05s: Air Assault! Gelnhausen, West Germany, June 10th 1985: Geography shapes many battlefields and the campaign to capture West Germany is no exception. Central Germany is divided by a series of very significant and difficult wooded ridgelines with few East-West roads or clear access through them. One of these gaps – the Fulda Gap, is a high-speed access route between the cities of Fulda and Gelnhausen. Once through this gap the attacker has a clear path to the city of Frankfurt, the main objective of the Warsaw Pact. With control of this gap in mind, the 79th Guards Air Assault Division has been tasked with securing the Western end of the gap at Gelnhausen. The attack must be swift and decisive because NATO will counter attack in an attempt to dislodge any foothold obtained by the Warsaw Pact. [Size: small] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human. Explicit supply is possible.
#10_06s: Encounter at Kassel Kassel, West Germany, June 10th 1985: The city of Kassel is the key to securing the northern flank of the Warsaw Pact’s advance in this region and is one of the main objectives for the Soviet’s 8th Guards Army. The city of Kassel is also the garrison of the 2nd Panzergrenadier Division whose task is to ensure that Warsaw Pact forces do not seize or bypass this important hub. [Size: medium] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human. For a HvsH game, NATO has an escape hex, only use it when there is no other option available than to retreat as some victory points could be salvaged in this manner. Explicit Supply is possible.
#13_01: Clash of Brothers Würzburg, West Germany, June 13th 1985: Three days after the initial attack and NATO defence is beginning to solidify. The key communications hub of Würzburg is now squarely in the path of the East German 3rd Army. NATO must hold this city in order to block the Southern access into Frankfurt and to secure a spring board for the eventual counter attack. The task now falls to the West German 12th Panzer Division who will have to defend against their East German brethren. This is the first time in the war that West and East Germans meet on the battlefield. It is a confrontation that had been hoped would never take place. [Size: medium] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
#15_01s: The Northern Flank Wetzlar, West Germany, June 15th 1985: The first five days of the campaign have been deadly for both sides. On the Northern flank, the 2nd Panzergrenadier Division was forced out of Kassel and is now resting and refitting in Frankfurt. Only the 5th Panzergrenadier Brigade is combat capable and has taken up position with the 5th Panzer Division and the remaining elements of the US 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment. Their task is to establish a new defence line near the cities of Wetzlar and Giessen in an attempt to slow down the Warsaw Pact advance. This area is a vital link in NATO’s logistical efforts and allows re-supply on the North-South Axis into Frankfurt. On the Warsaw Pact side, the
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second echelon 1st Guards Tank Army has relieved the 8th Guards Army for the final push into Frankfurt from the north. The next several days will be difficult for the battle weary NATO troops as they take up yet another defensive position to slow down the unstoppable Warsaw Pact juggernaut. [Size: medium] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human. Explicit Supply is possible.
#15_02s: Next stop Aschaffenburg Aschaffenburg, West Germany, June 15th 1985: After sustaining heavy loses in the battle of Würzburg, NATO has decided to withdraw to its last line of defence before Frankfurt. German and American engineers have spent the past two days converting Aschaffenburg into a fortress and the US 3rd Armored Division and the remains of the German 12th Panzer Division have been ordered to conduct a delaying battle through the Spessart. The Warsaw Pact juggernaut must be halted at all costs! [Size: medium] Designer’s notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human. Explicit supply is possible.
#18_01s: Showdown on the Main Frankfurt, West Germany, June 18th 1985: The battle for central Germany has been raging for a full week with heavy losses sustained on both sides. The city of Frankfurt is the immediate objective of the Warsaw Pact in this region and this objective is just within its grasp. NATO is predicting that there will be a major push for the capture of this key political and strategic base of operations. The Soviet 8th Guards Army has resumed the advance and has mobilised it's last strategic reserves for the this upcoming battle. The beleaguered East German 3rd Army is also in position to support the attack. The Soviet 7th Guards Tank Division of the 1st Guards Army is refitting after its attack on Wetzlar and should be available in the next 36 hours to join in the attack. NATO has also been preparing; a large North Atlantic convoy arrived in Amsterdam on the 16th with replacement weapons and equipment for the depleted US formations. Additionally, the German 5th Panzer Division was pulled out of the front lines yesterday for refitting; that formation should arrive in the Frankfurt area every soon. The Soviets know that this is their chance to end this war quickly. The capture of Frankfurt opens the gates for a race towards the Rhine, France and the Atlantic coast, but time is playing against them and NATO gets stronger with each passing hour. [Size: large] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human.
#18_02hs: A Bridge too far? Frankfurt, West Germany, June 18th 1985: The battle for central Germany has been raging for a full week with heavy losses sustained on both sides. The city of Frankfurt is the immediate objective of the Warsaw Pact in this region and this objective is just within its grasp. NATO is predicting that there will be a major push for the capture of this key political and strategic base of operations. The Soviet 8th Guards Army has resumed the advance and has mobilised it's last strategic reserves for the this upcoming battle. The beleaguered East German 3rd Army is also in position to support the attack. The Soviet 7th Guards Tank Division of the 1st Guards Army is refitting after its attack on Wetzlar and should be available in the next 36 hours to join in the attack. NATO has also been preparing; a large North Atlantic convoy arrived in Amsterdam on the 16th with
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replacement weapons and equipment for the depleted US formations. Additionally, the German 5th Panzer Division was pulled out of the front lines yesterday for refitting; that formation should arrive in the Frankfurt area every soon. The Soviets know that this is their chance to end this war quickly. The capture of Frankfurt opens the gates for a race towards the Rhine, France and the Atlantic coast, but time is playing against them and NATO gets stronger with each passing hour. To ensure victory the Group of Soviet Forced Germany HQ commits the 79th Guards Air Assault Division to a very risky airdrop near Mainz to secure the Rhine Bridges and block any NATO reinforcements. [Size: large] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human.
#19_01hs: Over the Rhine! Mannheim, West Germany, June 18th 1985: The titanic struggle for Frankfurt continues and the situation is beginning to look bleak for Warsaw Pact forces. Soviet High Command decides on an alternate strategy and opts to head Southwest in the direction of Mannheim, an important strategic city on the Rhine. The Group of Soviet Forces Germany has committed the relatively fresh 6th Guards Tank Division and 27th Guards Mot Rifle Division, one battered Division from the 8th Gds Army and one battered Division from the 3rd East German Army for this operation. NATO, however, has other plans. In an effort to relieve the Frankfurt Front, the Commander of Central Command has decided to stop and crush this rash maneuver with everything he can muster. The US 8th Infantry Division and the German 4th Panzergrenadier Division is standing by to react. This is the chance for NATO to gain the initiative from the Warsaw Pact and a victory here lays the seeds for a major NATO counter offensive. [Size: large] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human. Explicit Supply is possible.
#21_01h: Frankfurt City - House to House Fighting Frankfurt, West Germany, June 21st 1985: The battle for Frankfurt has now raged for three days and the Soviet’s second echelon 7th Guards Tank Division has been released to thrust into and capture the city. The remnants of the US 3rd Armoured Division and the battered 35th PzG Battalion of the 12th Panzer Division are in position to ensure that Frankfurt remains in allied hands even if it resorts to house to house fighting. [Size: small] Designer’s notes: Best played as Warsaw Pact or Human vs. Human.
#22_01s: Operation Hot Forge Fulda Gap, West Germany, 22nd June: The red tide was finally halted around the Frankfurt area by the tenacity of the American and West German soldiers. Warsaw Pact forces suffered such heavy losses in their offensive that they were simply unable to maintain the initiative. With the arrival of the US VII and West German II corps from the south, NATO HQ feels that now is the time for a quick counter offensive all along the front to throw back the off balanced Warsaw Pact forces. NATO’s immediate goals are to relieve the besieged 2nd Armoured Cavalry Regiment around the city of Wuerzburg and continue the advance east if possible. [Size: very large] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human. Explicit supply is possible.
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#23_01: Return to Fulda Town of Fulda, 60 miles east of Frankfurt, June 23rd 1985: After the failure of the Soviets to capture Frankfurt, the war now enters a new stage. With a massive build-up of NATO supplies arriving from across the North Atlantic in the ports of Antwerp and Hamburg, NATO forces are now gaining the logistical support needed to strike back. The Soviets withdraw to the Fulda area to establish a deliberate defensive position to thwart NATO’s counter offensive. Just a few weeks ago the Soviets drove the US 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment out of Fulda, but now the 11th ACR will spearhead the advance back to Fulda… and they are searching for vengeance. [Size: small] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
#25_01s: Mountain battles East Germany, 105 miles east of Frankfurt, June 10th 1985: With the major defeat of the Warsaw Pact forces in the vicinity of Fulda, as well as other key areas along the front, the remaining Warsaw Pact forces reconsolidate behind the border of East Germany. NATO commanders, inspired by their recent victories, press the counter attack deep into enemy held territory. NATO has one major obstacle to negotiate: the Thuringian Forests. Warsaw Pact forces located in this area have received orders to hold the Thuringian Forests to the last man. [Size: large] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
#29_01: Blitz at Erfurt East Germany, 140 miles east of Frankfurt, June 29th 1985: The battle for Eisenach has been an abysmal failure for the Warsaw Pact. Their battered divisions withdraw toward the city of Erfurt to reform a new line of defence, however, NATO forces pursue them and launch a counter offensive. [Size: medium] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human.
#30_01s: The Last Battle East Germany, 210 miles east of Frankfurt, June 30th 1985: After the collapse of the WP forces at Eisennach and Erfurt, the remaining Warsaw Pact divisions withdrew in disarray to the cities of Halle and Leipzig. Only local resistance at key points could be formed. Rumours of riots and civil unrest as well as the slaughter of civilians to quell this problem by Russian KGB and East German STASI units reach NATO frontline troops. West German troops are inspired to put an end the madness and free their brothers and sisters in the East. However, Soviet HQ has other plans. They will hold the cities at all costs and await possible reinforcements from Poland. [Size: medium] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO or Human vs. Human. Explicit Supply is possible.
#S10_01s: Clash of Titans
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Fulda Gap region, West Germany, June 10th 1985: Tensions around the world between Warsaw Pact and NATO have escalated to the point where full-scale war is imminent. Both sides have mobilised and have been preparing for a conflict. In the morning hours of June 10th, the wait came to an end as Warsaw Pact forces surged across the border and World War III began. [Size: very large] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO. Explicit supply is possible.
#S10_02s: Clash of Titans – Maximum Warsaw Pact Effort Fulda Gap region, West Germany, June 10th 1985: Tensions around the world between Warsaw Pact and NATO have escalated to the point where full-scale war is imminent. Both sides have mobilised and have been preparing for a conflict. In the morning hours of June 10th, the wait came to an end as Warsaw Pact forces surged across the border and World War III began. [Size: very large] Designer's notes: Best played as NATO. In this variant, the Polish 3rd Army arrives on the map. Explicit supply is possible.
#S11_01s: Night fighting 101 Schweinfurt area, West Germany, June 13th 1985: The Thermal Imaging System, or TIS, was thought to be a luxury and a non-essential item by many countries around the world. On June 13th the East Germans successfully bypassed and surrounded American and West German forces in and around the area of Schweinfurt. The US VII Corps quickly diverted two brigades of the 1st Armoured Division to this area to relieve the determined defenders. A majority of the East German units begin initiating sleep plans for the night and eagerly await dawn to resume their assault on Schweinfurt. They are actually about to receive a valuable lesson in night fighting and witness first hand why the US Army owns the night... [Size: medium] Designer's notes: Thinking a counter attack by the Americans was unlikely, a majority of the East German forces are resting for the night for the final assault on Schweinfurt. The commanders of these units will release them for offensive operations at dawn. Explicit supply is recommended. When explicit supply is selected US and West German transport aircraft will drop supplies for the defenders of Schweinfurt.
S15_01: The Canadian Connection Würzburg area, 65 miles southeast of Frankfurt, June 15th 1985: The 4th Canadian Mechanised Brigade Group acting as corps reserve for the IV US Corps has been tasked with blocking the lead elements of the 3rd East German Army. The intent is for the Canadian Brigade to act as the anvil and hold the lead division while the remainder of the Corps attacks from the South to relieve Würzburg. Approaching is the 11th Motorised Rifle Division, a fresh formation with four days of easy travel behind them. The next day and a half will prove to be a very long time for the beleaguered Canadians. [Size: small]
#S18_01s: Chariots of Iron
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Heilbron area, 27 miles southeast of Frankfurt, June 18th 1985: After the relief of the defenders at Schweinfurt, the US 1st Armoured Division began fighting a delaying action towards the west under the weight of heavy Warsaw Pact attacks. The division established a deliberate defensive position 17 miles east of the Neckar River in the Odenwald forest. After brief rain showers during the night, Warsaw Pact forces resumed the offensive. At dawn, as the mist began clearing in the rain drenched valleys of the Odenwald forest, East German and Soviet troops advanced forward hoping to surprise the Americans. "Old Ironsides" stood ready in their chariots of iron. [Size medium] Designer's notes: Explicit supply is possible.
#S25_01s: Forge the Thunderbolt Thüringer Wald, 126 miles east of Frankfurt, June 25th 1985: After securing the southern approaches to Frankfurt in the Heilbron area, the US 1st Armored Division briefly began refitting for its next task. In the Thüringer Wald area south of Erfurt the West German 12th Panzer Division found a weak spot between two Soviet armies. This weak spot was exploited and the soviets hastily rushed two Polish motorized rifle divisions into the area to drive back the salient. However, the Polish are completely unaware that the US 1st Brigade of the 1st Armored Division has been deployed to the center of this salient in order to breakthrough and exploit a drive on Erfurt. 1st Battalion of the 37th Armored Regiment now has the unenviable task of forging the thunderbolt. [Size: medium] Designer's notes: Explicit supply is possible.
#W08_01s: Clash of Titans Fulda Gap, West Germany, January 8th 1985: Tensions around the world between Warsaw Pact and NATO have escalated to the point where full-scale war is imminent. Both sides have mobilised and have been preparing for a conflict. In the frigid morning hours of January 8th, the wait came to an end as Warsaw Pact forces surged across the border and World War III began. [Size: very large] Designer's notes: Winter Variant of the standard Prepared Campaign.Best played as NATO. Explicit supply is possible.
VI. Literature Cockburn, Andrew, Die sowjetische Herausforderung (English original Title: The Threat ), Scherz Verlag, 1983 Dr. sc. Weber, Wolfgang, Die Streitkräfte der NATO auf dem Territorium der BRD, Militärverlag der DDR, 1985 Clancy, Tom, Red Storm Rising, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1986 Isby, David , Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army , Jane’s Publishing, 1988 Isby and Kamps , Armies of NATO's Central Front, Jane's Publishing, 1985
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Coyle, Harold , Team Yankee, Berkley Books, 1987 US Army, FM 100-2-2 & FM 100-2-3
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