The big news is based on the discussion from my last post I am going to update Grunt's Forward. When I made GF it was focused on asymetrical warfare in Vietnam and WW II. As readers know I have expanded significantly in the last 10 years. Based on the discussion I have decided to incorporate a number of things into a Grunt's Forward V1.1. I will upload it after my upcoming trip. If you already have GF, just download it again, no extra charge.
It will include two new scenarios. "Roadblock" has not been played since 2023 so I thought I better test it out again before subjecting my friends to it. It will present a different challenge to all you platoon commanders.
I picked my 90s FFL for the scenario test for three reasons. First since this is a platoon level scenario they have "Big Swede" as their acting platoon commander. Second, I can finally incorporate 2 vehicles and some troops that Jack kindly sent me before Christmas. Third, IT IS THE FFL! I will be again using my Fire Fields rules from last post. If you want to read about "Big Swede", he was in Zaire defending an airport last Sept. Look there; it is a good write up!
The Captain called Big Swede in. "Well at least we had a week of quiet. Unfortunately, we now have reports of a rebel roadblock outside of town. I am sending you to dismantle the roadblock. Obviously, if you can do so peacefully that is preferred. If not, you will have a full platoon and back up if needed. Also, avoid civilian casualties, particularly if the press is around. Questions? Dismissed."
A Milan team will be attached to 3rd squad.
Big Swede is, well Big Swede. Everyone else is average for the FFL which is good.
What's your plan?
Swede's plan is to bring 2 squads up to the roadblock. He and 1 squad will dismount and order the roadblock removed. If a parlay occurs, 2nd squad will dismount and then move to the left to flank the roadblock. 3rd squad will stay back in the APC as the QRF. Unfortunately, helos wont be much good in this close terrain.
The Roadblock
Big Swede rolls up to the roadblock. Sometimes shot are fired already. This time he orders the roadblock removed.
All rebel forces are hidden except those at the roadblock. A few words are exchanged in french. Suddenly...
a sniper opens up from their left. Then all hell breaks loose!
With bullets flying everyone is pinned [ except Big Swede!] at the roadblock but several rebels are hit and go down.
An RPG fires at 3rd squad. It damages the APC which backs up behind the buildings.
Now What??
Big Swede gets three actions as bullets pop by. What to do? He walks over to 1st squad, reminds them they are legionnaires [rally] and orders them to assault the roadblock. [ close]. Then...
Then the platoon gets 1 action to be used by anyone representing individual initiative.
1st squad's assault goes very well at the roadblock. But disaster strikes when a LMG opens up from buildings on the right and Big Swede goes down!!!
As 2nd squad is firing on the roadblock, they get flanked by a technical. Not only are they pinned but 2 legionnaires go down. All of a sudden things look bleak for 1st platoon; leaderless and surrounded in indian country.
I hadn't come up with rules yet if the commander was incapacitated. So on the fly instead of rolling 6 dice for command and 3 dice for general I just rolled 3 dice for general. We get 2 commands. A runner is sent to Sgt Moron at 2nd squad and he returns carrying the 2 casualties. [ Jack, 1 was walking wounded okay! And yes, I know that was actually 3 commands. Get over it!]
Troops will shoot without orders so the fighting continues. 1 squad continues to clear the roadblock. 3rd squad duels with the rebel squad on the right of this picture. While the leaderless 2nd squad hangs on against the technical.
Somehow Sgt Moron gets 5 commands! What would you do?
First he loads Big Swede and his casualties in the APC. Next he tells the driver to head back to base. On the way radio for the Quick Reaction Force to come in case. Next...
he advances back to second platoon and rallies them and orders a LRAC rocket fired at the technical. It misses and btw the LMG breaks!
A rebel squad arrives. Moving towards the sounds of guns.
With individual initiative, Cpl Grandee loads the prisoner and casualty in the APC.
Lightning strikes twice as Moron gets 4 orders this turn. 2nd squad fires its last LRAC which again misses. He orders 2nd squad to advance into the buildings to deal with the technical then moves back to the APC.
2nd squad manages to grenade the technical! Threat neutralized.
1st squad's APC, out of targets when the LMG in the buildings runs away, turns to the rebels that have been dueling 3rd squad all battle. A HMG crossfire makes short work of the rebels.
Suddenly all is quiet. 5 minutes earlier, Moron was calling in the QRF and now the battle is over! He thanks the God he doesn't believe in that he has not failed the platoon.
Great battle that played in just under an hour. I forgot to spot the hidden rebels which did help the legionnaires but ce' la guerre. I used the same combat table as last game but the results were more bloody this time. More testing will tell the tale. The AI worked well though the rebels were stationary until they ran. But that is an option. Overall it felt like I was in command and had to make tough decisions every turn which is what I am looking for. Then I am so happy when a unit does something good on its own with initiative. The scenario played well as I remembered. It is something different for platoon commanders.
Post battle Big Swede not only survives but is back for next mission. [rolled it up fair and square!] and most of our casualties return. The rest are filled in with replacements. As to events:
Sgt Moron improves to a good leader
3rd squad makes their roll to become veteran.
Sgt Moron meets Smiling Sam. He sells "slightly used guns" only used by grandma on Sundays. He asks Moron to pick up some guns from the next battle and get them to Sam. He would make it worth Moron's while.
Finally, Lt St. Juin joins 2nd platoon as the new platoon leader. He is a graduate of St Cyr and has a distinguished record. He starts as an average leader. Will see how he and Big Swede hit it off.
Enjoy
Joe
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