Note this written AAR is from a game play last April, 2021. Just now getting around to writing it all up. – Narrative format. Yes some errors were made!
Background for Tactical Surprise scenario.
Sometimes wars begin for the most innocuous of reasons, like a true black swan event. Ripple effects cascade. If one does not call a halt, take a step back, or pause…well bad shit happens.
Overt aggression by US policy makers, covert operatives and military shows of force have escalated tensions to new heights in the South China Sea. It all began with a bit of Corporate/Governmental spying, no different than any other day in the real world. However this time someone spoke in public.
Recent news that a Goldman Sachs leading sovereign fund Investment banker was also a CIA operative working directly with, well in fact against senior Chinese government officials on funding for extensive broadband expansions into the South Asian sphere along with major corporations has rocked the Mandarin’s and CEOs of PRC. It is alleged that Government secrets, transaction details, bribery and corruption were either exposed, corroborated or implemented by rogue actors. Massive finger pointing, CEO dismissal and arrests as well as house arrest and ultimately execution of patsy officials in the PRC run all through the region September through January. This left a power vacuum quickly filled by leaders with the own ambitions and ideas on what payback looked like.
Goldman’s Chad Sweets abrupt departure from Hong Kong via private Gulf Stream said more than any tabloid expose. Malaysian stock markets roiled with disruption as they were to be the beneficiaries of PRC infrastructure and investment, now blocked by major Western Governments. Tensions between Indonesia and Malaya rise.
US CV flotillas patrol the Indian Ocean and harass the straits. Rumour has it MEU units are cloistered aboard for rapid deployment
In order to support their ostensible puppet China quickly deploys forces to the Spratleys as tension between the Superpwoers rise. Penny packet forces, are spread over Fiery Cross Reef, Spratly, and Pattle Island among others. Vietnam and the Philippines who have claims on the sea zones and Island are outraged. Tensions kick up another notion in Jakarta, and shipping along the straits becomes fraught with danger, shipping is intercepted, impounded or outright accidently sunk. The Luzon Strait has similar issues with aggressive PRC Naval action hindering commerce. In order to secure their supply lines, the Chinese place forces into the Paracels as well. It was the logical thing to do.
Parties become a vocal critic and escalate their pro Western rhetoric. Vietnam now knowing that it was never a contender for the huge deployment of communications technology, is livid at the deception and the wholesale dismissal of international accords over the archipelago of Islands.
The Thai demure to quiet truck loads of gold deposited under the King of Thailands safe protection on behalf of the ‘people’ from PRC. US diplomats are welcome to visit but must not engage in inciting unrest, all aircraft will be grounded or removed. The Spratly ‘invasion’ as it is called by US leaders is ignored by the EU and the PRC by all except the UK, and France who make modest commitments to support the US however they can.
Forces are seen gathering at the NW border of Vietnam and China. While further landings in the South China sea now spook the Philippine’s into action. They stand up their forces and prepare to repulse PRC aggression in the disputed zones. Along the straits of Luzon US funded naval assets conduct exercises. Malaya and Indonesian forces face off on the only mainland border and skirmishes ensue.
February 2nd is a cool clear morning. A light breeze wafts over recently painted and hurriedly constructed building blocks, heavy clusters of antennas collect data and watch for potential threats. The mood is relaxed, its only when drills run that these high-tech warriors jump into action. Numerous US technical advisors are teaching the Vietnamese in the latest technology and tools for proactive defence of the airspace.
Far overhead US satellites monitor and record Chinese troop movement at the border, take happy snaps of CV decks noting new J-15 strikers. Rumour has it shots of the long-anticipated stealth craft j-31 are under assessment also.
A tense voice utters the fateful words “chúng tôi có một chữ ký khởi động. nhiều sự ra mắt đến!” – We have a launch signature, many launches come!
At the same moment, live feed intel from US Satellites is being processed and is seeing massive air activity going up. Software engineers are given the go ahead to execute Operation ColdStart -A hard hammer forced reboot of GPS & guidance systems via pre planted worms. That is if the PRC cyber prevention unit has not found it and mitigated the worm.
Next War: Vietnam
[technical details]
Optionals & choices-
16.0,2,3,5 and 16.7.1,2 These optional ruless are expensive and generally speaking may not be a great choice even if the Coup de Main takes place. Lifting the readiness of the US forces, access to F-35C’s and other wild weasel tools bumps the Chinese VP total dangerously high. At 70 VP the Auto Victory rolls begin.
16.11 No.
Rule 17-PRC elect to take CV air units and deploy stealth J-31.
US Level 3 is selected. UK/FR Level 2 is selected.
Total 63 VP
Coup de Main is chosen. -30VP
This bumps US to Lvl 4 and a roll is taken immediately for Philippines they roll an 8 so they enter.
Due to Coup de main Malaysia and Indonesia both will roll prior to turn 1.
Malayans go non allied and Indonesia goes allied. 0 & 8.
The Thai receive heavy influence from US +4 DRM but roll a 1 and stay neutral.