Designer's note - Scenario Design Center

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) #10_00: Getting Started - The Battle at Fulda
2) #10_01s: Plan Rhinegate
3) #10_02s: Plan Rhinegate - Initial Warsaw Pact Attack
4) #10_03: First encounter
5) #10_04: Mission Impossible
6) #10_05s: Air Assault!
7) #10_06s: Encounter at Kassel
8) #13_01: Clash of Brothers
9) #15_01s: The Northern Flank
10) #15_02s: Next stop Aschaffenburg
11) #18_01s: Showdown on the Main
12) #18_02hs: A Bridge too far?
13) #19_01hs: Over the Rhine!
14) #21_01h: Frankfurt City - House to House Fighting
15) #22_01s: Operation Hot Forge
16) #23_01: Return to Fulda
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17) #25_01s: Mountain battles
18) #29_01: Blitz at Erfurt
19) #30_01s: The Last Battle
20) #S10_01s: Clash of Titans
21) #S10_02s: Clash of Titans – Maximum Warsaw Pact Effort
22) #S11_01s: Schweinfurt - Night fighting 101
23) #S15_01: The Canadian Connection
24) #S18_01s: Chariots of Iron
25) #S25_01s: Forge the Thunderbolt
26) #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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eplacement 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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