0400

“2 minutes, Connect” said the disembodied voice over the roar of the transporter. The XX airborne stood as one, rechecked kit, face towards the rear and as one stepped forward, ready to plunge into the familiar void.

Grim faces, set jaws and perhaps a hint of anticipatory fear flitted across the camoflauged faces of the men. Each went thru his personal readiness ritual.

“30 seconds”.

“Ura” the men roared as one. “Ura”

Out and down to war.

0700

The paras had secure the airfield. Some literally strutted across the field, balking at caution, confident in their surprise attack and reinforcements. Word was their Soviet tanks were but 15 minutes away. While they had been waiting for them, the men were not without tasks. Preparations for the inevitable counter attack were well under way. The airfield was key to the successful prosecution of war to protect the motherland from the Imperialist West. This field was located along a weak seam. Where UK, filthy Germans and crazy yankees all cross coordination zones. No one really knew who would lead the counter attack from NATO.

The Americans were first…of course. Always so eager. Sadly for them the Soviets had beaten them to location, with numerous tanks in position to counter along most approach routes. Their ATGM units snuffed one tank, and the rest quickly hunkered down.

The M113’s and M60A3’s, more commonly known to the Russians as shit cans, raced bolded across the open ground. The Platoon commander for the lead Soviet tank element bided his time. Then “Pozhar, Fire!” vehicles brewed up. The American to their credit reacted quickly, and reverse. “Hazzah” said the gunner.

Approximately 20 minutes later the unmistakable whine of the engine of Leopard 1A4’s echoed across the airfield. To the South the Germans approached cautiously and peeked over the gentle rise at the south end of the field. Quickly tank fire was exchanged and ranged in one after the other. The Germans were surprised by the ferocity of the attack and called for another platoon to support the effort! Meanwhile the Russians had a bold idea.

“Comrade Yurispov, take your platoon and remove this threat, before they starts damaging the airfield and our men, I’ll have the infantry suppress them with Spigots”

“Da, we will circle and take them from behind…I have heard these Germans favor this with their little boys”…..Comrade?”

“Yurispov, just kill the bastards.” The commander shook his head is despair.

 

 

The sounds of battle masked Yurispovs approach. As he snook into position with his tanks, the Germans reserves requested arrive and they too sneak up on the Russians. A hellish close quarters battle ensues.

Complicating matters a Cobra arrives on the scene flying NAP of earth, it spews death and destruction. Ducking and weaving it knocks out a T-72, and brews up a BRDM.

 

 

Screaming in from the East a Su-25 carpet bombs the Germans on the slopes killing a 1 or 2. This allows Yurispov to focus on shooting at point black upon the 1a4’s IT is almost a mutual annihilation. Smoke rises from the wrecks. The Soviets take out several Leos for the loss of 2 tanks.

 

But what of the Americans? Where are they. Tanks move to new positions, and squads seek cover. They see M113A2 shit cans mustering near the woods by the edge of the airfield. At the same time British tankers arrive! They rush into the open. Only to be met by savage fire. An entire platoon is pasted. Fire and smoke now ring the airfield.

 

 

The Su-25 returns for another run! Dodging flak, running the gauntlet she is about to drop a massive load on the exposed troopers unloading. But suddenly she veers off, after taking tone and seeing a missile streak toward her it leaves the field! The Yanks back off. Now knowing that their tanks support from the Brits and Germans to the North and South with not be forthcoming they retire from the field.

Nearly 17 AFV lie in ruins around the field. Only 3 are Soviet made. In the distance the rumble of large transporters can be heard in the air. Airmobile Soviets are inbound!!

Gamer Note: in this double blind play we found the points based system to be lacking. Unit equivalence in gun and armor capability is not readily apparent in the cost per unit. So as a note to future players please review carefully just what capabilities forces have. The T-72’s wiped the field. Regardless we all had an amazing time. I highly encourage you to seek out double blind play.