Does anyone do this (and is it accurate)?

[Robert Ingoglia]

While deploying forces, I often find myself both breaking down and rearranging occupants of vehicles/helos based on specific tactical needs. I may, for instance, put all of my my ATGM forces in a Blackhawk to set up an ambush. I know that I am not violating the rules of the game, but in the real world is there unit integrity that I should be attempting to mimic? I am sure that the Major would not have the game start off with occupants of a APC or IFV chosen randomly.

Also, why in the world (at least the way I play the game) would anyone want to be a recon unit. When I destroy an OPFOR recon unit I pound it to kill every possible "eye" (and the game does the same). What is the most accurate -- "doctrine-wise"(NOTE: Not best to win) way to set the SOP for Recon units (go to ground when fired upon, back off, immediately unload)?

[ltcmayer]

A reply from a cavalryman and former scout platoon leader.

The goal of the scout is to see without being seen -- adds immeasurably to your life expectancy. If you do have to fire (or if fired upon) get the @#!$@ out of there FAST!

In the offense select SOP parameters of pop smoke and back up after both firing and after being fired on as most realistic. Consider the same when on defense. Try to get your scouts deep into the enemy rear without being seen (use terrain and smoke). Put the firing range of your scouts set to zero meters. Stay that way until you are fired on (then it goes to max range automatically) or when you see a juicy target you just HAVE to kill (HVT or HPT) and then plan on getting out of Dodge right away. The value of the scout lies mostly in what it sees, not what it kills.

What you are doing with your ATGM is not all that undoctrinal, particularly in the light community. They may set up a series of anti-armor ambushes along the enemy's route of march, before they encounter the main defensive position. Bottom line is to task organize for whatever works and have fun (it is, after all, a game.)

LTC Christopher Mayer
7th US Cavalry

[MajorH]

>I am sure that the Major would not have the
>game start off with occupants of a APC or
>IFV chosen randomly.

When I designed the scenarios, I did the loadouts according to the general doctrine of spreading assets out evenly.

A commander is at liberty to organize his force as he wishes so if you want to change things around there is no reason why you should feel that to be unrealistic.

------------------
Best regards, Major H
majorh@mac.com

[This message has been edited by MajorH (edited 01-10-2000).]

[Robert Ingoglia]

Thanks to both the Major and ITCMAYER for the information. I understand that TacOps is a game, but for me the learning aspect is as good as the fun aspect, so I enjoy playing "according to Hoyle" even if I do not win.

As usual, the Major has done a great job on the update.