We followed the previous week's advance to contact with a CT attack with the Cav Tp(-) providing "eyes on" while the CT conducted a forward passage of lines and assaulted both the remnants of the CSOP and the larger delaying position, centered on JIMBOOMBA behind it.
Prior to the attack though we had a discussion as to what we might need to be in the CT, possible approaches, etc. and then built the bespoke organisation to suit.
AAR:
https://my.pcloud.com/#page=publink&code=XZescZunUCQjnW3hRQjJPqtzEigQVPbPA7Combat Team quick attack:
After V21's initial contact with the CSOP (as detailed here:
http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbforums/showthread.php?t=20848 or
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3970552/SB_Pro_PE_AAR_-_19_JUN_14#Post3970552) the Troop consolidated and maintained observation whilst clearing its casualties and conducting some limited vehicle repair.
Locations at end of earlier mission:
The Troop leader was well aware that he couldn't just charge up the road, even if he was at full strength. The Motor Rifle Squad sized CSOP that he had encountered was likely to be providing security for a larger enemy position in JIMBOOMBA and that position was the forward part of an even larger main defensive position (MDP) deployed to defend the LOGAN RIVER crossing at MACLEAN.
The "big" picture:
The CSOP had done its job and provided early warning to both the JIMBOOMBA position and MDP.
The lead BattleGroup of the Brigade coming up the MT LINDESAY HWY behind the Cavalry committed its Advance Guard Combat Team to deal with the issue.
The Combat Team (CT) consisted of:
1 x CT HQ (20) with a mounted JFT (G12)
2 x Tk Tps (T11 and T12)
3 x Inf Mech Pls (21, 22 and 23)
1 x Section of 2 x mounted Javelin teams from the DFSW PL (26 and 26A)
Attached Engineers (E10)
1 x Armoured Echelon (T15)
1 x Mech Echelon (25)
The CT Commander came up with the following plan:
The Main Effort would consist of the entire CT less 1 x Mech PL (23) and one Javelin Team (26).
The CT(-) would conduct a left flank attack around the woods, approaching JIMBOOMBA from the WEST. As the CT turned right, T11 would break off and move to an attack by fire (ABF) location as marked in order to deny the withdrawal route NORTH out of JIMBOOMBA.
As the CT was moving, the Supporting Effort (23 and 26) would clear the remnants of the CSOP in location.
Once the SE had cleared the CSOP it would advance and establish a support by fire (SBF) line on the edge of the trees. Once established that would signal the commencement of Phase 2, being the crossing of the MT LINDESAY HWY and the clearance of the EASTERN side of JIMBOOMBA.
26A would provide fire support while the still in location Cavalry Troop (Blue circles) maintained their observation.
After JIMBOOMBA was cleared T11 would orientate NORTH and provide security while the CT consolidated and prepared to continue NORTH.
The Cavalry Troop(-) would look for alternative crossing points over the LOGAN RIVER and provide flank protection to the WEST.
Note: The blue dashed line is an "in game" control measure only (the border of the deployment zone).
H Hour:
As the CT crosses the LD the Cav OP by the railway confirms Motor Rifle forces in JIMBOOMBA, along with civilians who appear to be carrying weapons.
At the same time smoke starts to fall in front of the CSOP position as it attempts to extract itself and head back to JIMBOOMBA, given the earlier loss of the BTR-80 this wont be as clean cut as planned.
The view from one of 23's lead APCs:
H+3:
The Main CT thrust is a bit strung out on the left, T11 has moved ahead of T12
Meanwhile 23 is closing and entering the smoke in front of the CSOP:
It is at this point though that Red detects Blue Tks (ironically from T11):
Red assesses that Tks indicate Blue's ME and commits his Company's Counter Penetration force (C-PEN) to Red's NORTHERN ABF (ABF 2) to buy time for the rest of the Company to extract from JIMBOOMBA.
Red starts to call in Indirect fire to reduce Blue's momentum and create damage where possible.
Note the smoke that obscures the CSOP from 23's view also obscures the CSOP's view of 23's assault.
Red's C-Pen force en route to ABF 2:
Can Red extract its forces from JIMBOOMBA before being decisively engaged by Blue? Red is only there to cause delay and has done so by forcing Blue to bring up its CT, plan and prepare for an attack and now launch it.
Identifying tanks once they are actually in the assault means Red has left its run very (too?) late.
H+13: Contact Tank!
T11 engages the C-Pen force in its location at the "Y" intersection. The Red Tks are supported by dug in Infantry.
Meanwhile 23 continues its clearance of the CSOP:
The round from the M1 hits, but does not damage the T-72.
The next few minutes sees a flurry of activity.
23 deals with the CSOP and moves forward to set the conditions for Phase 2:
T11 deals with the first tk in the C-Pen:
But its not one way traffic:
T12 begins the assault on WEST JIMBOOMBA:
T11 starts to fire at the second Tk:
Red's withdrawal route is looking far less secure.
H+15: T11 destroys the second tk:
Meanwhile T12 begins to fire on the third tk, catching it in a cross fire. Between T11 and T12, T12 scores the kill shot:
Blue's Infantry have deviated from the plan though, setting off through the Woods instead of following T12. This will cause issues later on.
H+16: 23 generates work for the lawyers by engaging and destroying two armed civilians in a bunker (the Crew Commander was later cleared):
23 pays the price for lingering too long and receives Red artillery, registered on the old CSOP position:
H+17: A gunner in T12 is too twitchy and engages an unarmed civilian with coax:
H+22: Having dealt with the C-PEN position at the "Y" junction, T11 brings fire to bear on the BTRs still trying to withdraw NORTH:
But looses a tk to artillery because he stayed still too long:
H+25: Having been forced to stay due to the blocked withdrawal route, Red uses artillery to inflict as many casualties on Blue as possible:
The clearance of the town continues, with Blue infantry suffering casualties from indirect fire in and around the buildings and the forest to their SOUTH.
H+37: CT HQ has a rush of blood and begins to lead the assault, and receives an RPG-7V welcoming card:
H+42: While mopping up CT HQ again is engaged, this time by a Red AGL team:
CSM last seen having a frank and fearless discussion with the CT Commander about the difference between a CT HQ and a line Platoon.
End state:
T12 and 21 holding the NORTHERN road junction
T11 going through the replen before relieving T12
Infantry units regrouping
Engineers clearing the minefields on the road for follow on forces
Infantry echelon setting up for customers
Red MR Coy destroyed in place. Red lost 3 tks, 13 PCs, roughly 100 pers
Blue CT lost 1 tk destroyed, 2 PCs, 54 personnel (crews and Infantry).
All three PLs in the CT are no longer Cbt effective:
21 started with 25, finished with 16
22 started with 25, finished with 7
23 started with 25, finished with 12
