Post by ersatzjack2 on Aug 8, 2011 0:43:57 GMT -5
Well, the 2nd Annual Fort McCoy MOA event is now in the history books and I have to apologize for giving a faulty weather forecast. Apparently next time I should consider humidity and dew point levels before I predict pleasant playing weather. The U.S. Military has HeatCat warnings which they kept broadcasting to the different range fields and the HeatCat for Saturday was the worst they recognize. Near 100% humidity and higher than predicted temps had us dripping in perspiration at the slightest exertion. It was miserable, sticky, hot, and nary a breeze. Sorry about sounding rosy in an earlier post.
Still, by pacing ourselves and having plenty of water and a barracks in case it was needed (which for two people it was) the event was fun.
Total attendance was just 17 which was disappointing considering the earlier rsvps. Still, those that showed were consistent MOA regulars and I am starting to believe that smaller games might actually be more fun as it is the people you play with and not so much the numbers.
Friday night was camping and camaraderie and Saturday morning was for the usual game set up procedures. These take a little longer at McCoy as we must set up checkpoints and objectives, etc. on the day of field ownership. The first battle started promptly at 10am and was an excellent skirmish.
First Skirmish - Approach to Kharkov 1941 - This battle was the only German victory of the event. It didn't seem as though it would be though as the German attacks continued to be blunted by stubborn Soviet defenders. After a grueling hour and a half of battle in the heat the German defensive checkpoint finally spotted "Natasha" (the Russian armor) across the high grassy fields and she was sheltered in a tree line away from their objective. She had been used primarily (and effectively) in defense and we suspected that she was prepping for an assault. The Pak was out of range and as the German commander I decided it was time for a motorized infantry assault. I jumped into the seat of our 38 Ford artillery limber truck and loaded a group of 4 other soldaten and drove thru 4 foot high swamp grass towards an exit road. I turned one way hoping to fool the Russian armor, drove a quarter mile and then turned completely around and hightailed in the opposite direction. My plan was to approach the Russian objective away from their screen of rifle armed snipers, disembark the squad, and assault their checkpoint with surprise. As I rounded a curve and got within about 100 yards of the objective I saw the Russian armor directly in front of me but facing away. I hadn't intended on getting that close and was surprised myself so I brought the truck to a screeching halt and yelled for everyone to bail. The Russians were caught off guard and went running for cover. A firefight ensued and I traded shots with a sniper who was running to guard their checkpoint. I shot him and since I had outrun the gun battle behind me I brashly advanced towards the objective suspecting no more defenders and was proven correct. It was a rare airsoft moment for me as I was able to signal on the air horn an end to the skirmish that had proved so difficult up until then. Side note - I didn't know it until after the skirmish but the Russian armor had driven up on a concrete pile in the grass and was stuck. The Russians were busy trying to move it during the surprise assault. I'm glad it was facing away from us. 38 Ford's with flathead V8's are very quiet vehicles. The Russians didn't hear us at all ahead of seeing us at the last minute.
Kharkov 1943 - Kharkov recaptured by the Reds - With that first victory we had stirred up a hornet's nest as Russian tactics and fighting ability only seemed to improve. Their first defeat certainly had not sapped their morale. We moved to different field objectives and a German assault force of five headed into a tree lined field while four remained on defense. The Russian attack quickly decimated our attack and they pushed hard on the remaining defenders. I died to a grenade in this one as my lone PPsh couldn't hold off a half squad of Russian riflemen supported by a lend-lease Thompson. This skirmish lasted only about one hour and by then it was decided to take an afternoon siesta for lunch and with the vain hope that pushing the day back would allow for cooler temps.
Germans recapture Kharkov - Historically they did but not at this event. At 5:30pm we started the third skirmish and history was not repeated. This was however, an excellent skirmish. The German checkpoint was in a thick area of vegetation more suited for a Vietnam game and the Russians occupied high ground near grassy more open field areas. No Armor in this one as the Russian commander wanted more infantry on the ground and both sides exchanged tons of small arms fire in between the targeted objectives. I died three times in this one but all my deaths were within scant yards of the Russian target. I had a memorable moment when I had advanced several hundred yards undetected for the third time in this skirmish and come upon a nest of carefree and unsuspecting soviets. Four of them were casually reloading and jaw-jacking behind the rear door of Natasha and I had a good 30-40 yard shot so I popped up and unloaded several long bursts into them from some brush. I only killed one although later, a second confided that I had struck the magazine of his Stg44 and so he swapped out mags. I then ducked into some heavy vegetation and did my ostrich impression. The heat and mosquitoes were getting to me and I simply could see anymore. Most of the Russians I had shot at left the area but one remained and after several minutes he bang killed me. I was so fogged up that he essentially walked right up on me and taking pity he said, bang? He wasn't sure if I was Russian or not. I laughed and jumped up and said, "Thanks, these mosquitoes are getting to me and I can't see anymore." I headed back to the German spawn and on the way I parlayed with the Russian commander who agreed to a draw as we realized both sides had reached a degree of exhaustion. No win, but better than a loss.
Russians advance towards Kiev. - Sunday morning.
The last skirmish still had 12 of the original 17 and we played a single elimination 6 vs.6 game. We switched the day one skirmish one objectives and this game lasted about 90 minutes. Lots of fire exchanged and some maneuver. The Russian marksmen were too much in the end and took the day. I died early in this one by a really good rifle shot (Jordan) from a distance as I was running.
OBSERVATIONS - For the first day of this event we decided to go rifle heavy and there was but one aeg per side during the first three skirmishes. Lots and lots of rifle skirmishing made for some real fun play. Russian riflemen have come a long way since the days of a couple of years ago when they were very uncommon in the Russian arsenal. As a German player I'm getting a frustrating understanding of what they put up with for some time.
The Russians unveiled a new longer barrel panzerfaust that Gryphon is constructing which should outdistance the ones the Germans are using. It looked very nice. I don't understand the need for it though as the Germans don't have any Armor.
Fireguard - As we were on a military base and in possession of one of their ranges, radio contact with range control had to be maintained. This necessitated the requirement of monitoring radio communications at all hours. Hence, for both Friday and Saturday nights I had to assign individuals radio duty. As Commander and event organizer I declined a shift myself preferring to build character among the younger cadre of players. For those who haven't had the delight of being awakened at 2am, 3am, 4am, and being told to monitor a radio, it really is a fun experience. It added to the immersion and to the battle fatigue one experiences thru sleep deprivation.
The Field - The field choice this year was better than last. It had lots of great variety and the open areas were armored car heaven. Still there were thicker areas and medium areas of cover and the terrain was as good as the Big Lake, MN field that we use.
The 6th SS - Four of the newer 6th SS players did make this event and were plagued with weapons teething problems. They made up for their lack of experience with high spirit and good-natured attitudes. Cairo1 has tinkered with his improved G43 which Lumpybob now owns and has it almost ready for full skirmishing having perfected one 20 round magazine for the gun. Two more, and he will have it ready.
Target practice - The pak had no chances to range out shots as Troy (owner of the ba64) failed to present himself as a target. Now some say that this is because he is a good tactician and a wily competitor. Not me though. I think it shows a timid nature. Anyways, a lot of the newer Germans hadn't witnessed the pak so we fired off a slew of rounds from a distance and gave them a little gunnery practice. Lots of fun.
A big Thank You to all who take the time to show up at events. There should be some good photos forthcoming as both Alban Schonberg and Erin (Paul Rech's friend) took plenty of photos. I also believe Duncan sat out a skirmish to grab a camera. Also thanks to Erin for being the radio person on Saturday during the battles. Finally, a thank you to Fort McCoy for giving us the opportunity to play there. New maps are great, the personnel are friendly and curious about what we do and plenty of helicopters took low passes to (I would like to believe) check us out. We've got some younger players planning on a military career as well as a recent Afghan vet and other Vets in the group and being on post always brings back memories.
Though attendance this year was smaller than last there were still enough voluntary contributions to allow for a small donation to a Fort McCoy charity which Ersatzjack will submit to the Fort with his After-Action to the public affairs people.
Next week will be the Iola Military Show for Ersatzjack, Paul Rech, ba64, and myself and that is always a great event. Otherwise, see you folks at Neillsville in October.
Still, by pacing ourselves and having plenty of water and a barracks in case it was needed (which for two people it was) the event was fun.
Total attendance was just 17 which was disappointing considering the earlier rsvps. Still, those that showed were consistent MOA regulars and I am starting to believe that smaller games might actually be more fun as it is the people you play with and not so much the numbers.
Friday night was camping and camaraderie and Saturday morning was for the usual game set up procedures. These take a little longer at McCoy as we must set up checkpoints and objectives, etc. on the day of field ownership. The first battle started promptly at 10am and was an excellent skirmish.
First Skirmish - Approach to Kharkov 1941 - This battle was the only German victory of the event. It didn't seem as though it would be though as the German attacks continued to be blunted by stubborn Soviet defenders. After a grueling hour and a half of battle in the heat the German defensive checkpoint finally spotted "Natasha" (the Russian armor) across the high grassy fields and she was sheltered in a tree line away from their objective. She had been used primarily (and effectively) in defense and we suspected that she was prepping for an assault. The Pak was out of range and as the German commander I decided it was time for a motorized infantry assault. I jumped into the seat of our 38 Ford artillery limber truck and loaded a group of 4 other soldaten and drove thru 4 foot high swamp grass towards an exit road. I turned one way hoping to fool the Russian armor, drove a quarter mile and then turned completely around and hightailed in the opposite direction. My plan was to approach the Russian objective away from their screen of rifle armed snipers, disembark the squad, and assault their checkpoint with surprise. As I rounded a curve and got within about 100 yards of the objective I saw the Russian armor directly in front of me but facing away. I hadn't intended on getting that close and was surprised myself so I brought the truck to a screeching halt and yelled for everyone to bail. The Russians were caught off guard and went running for cover. A firefight ensued and I traded shots with a sniper who was running to guard their checkpoint. I shot him and since I had outrun the gun battle behind me I brashly advanced towards the objective suspecting no more defenders and was proven correct. It was a rare airsoft moment for me as I was able to signal on the air horn an end to the skirmish that had proved so difficult up until then. Side note - I didn't know it until after the skirmish but the Russian armor had driven up on a concrete pile in the grass and was stuck. The Russians were busy trying to move it during the surprise assault. I'm glad it was facing away from us. 38 Ford's with flathead V8's are very quiet vehicles. The Russians didn't hear us at all ahead of seeing us at the last minute.
Kharkov 1943 - Kharkov recaptured by the Reds - With that first victory we had stirred up a hornet's nest as Russian tactics and fighting ability only seemed to improve. Their first defeat certainly had not sapped their morale. We moved to different field objectives and a German assault force of five headed into a tree lined field while four remained on defense. The Russian attack quickly decimated our attack and they pushed hard on the remaining defenders. I died to a grenade in this one as my lone PPsh couldn't hold off a half squad of Russian riflemen supported by a lend-lease Thompson. This skirmish lasted only about one hour and by then it was decided to take an afternoon siesta for lunch and with the vain hope that pushing the day back would allow for cooler temps.
Germans recapture Kharkov - Historically they did but not at this event. At 5:30pm we started the third skirmish and history was not repeated. This was however, an excellent skirmish. The German checkpoint was in a thick area of vegetation more suited for a Vietnam game and the Russians occupied high ground near grassy more open field areas. No Armor in this one as the Russian commander wanted more infantry on the ground and both sides exchanged tons of small arms fire in between the targeted objectives. I died three times in this one but all my deaths were within scant yards of the Russian target. I had a memorable moment when I had advanced several hundred yards undetected for the third time in this skirmish and come upon a nest of carefree and unsuspecting soviets. Four of them were casually reloading and jaw-jacking behind the rear door of Natasha and I had a good 30-40 yard shot so I popped up and unloaded several long bursts into them from some brush. I only killed one although later, a second confided that I had struck the magazine of his Stg44 and so he swapped out mags. I then ducked into some heavy vegetation and did my ostrich impression. The heat and mosquitoes were getting to me and I simply could see anymore. Most of the Russians I had shot at left the area but one remained and after several minutes he bang killed me. I was so fogged up that he essentially walked right up on me and taking pity he said, bang? He wasn't sure if I was Russian or not. I laughed and jumped up and said, "Thanks, these mosquitoes are getting to me and I can't see anymore." I headed back to the German spawn and on the way I parlayed with the Russian commander who agreed to a draw as we realized both sides had reached a degree of exhaustion. No win, but better than a loss.
Russians advance towards Kiev. - Sunday morning.
The last skirmish still had 12 of the original 17 and we played a single elimination 6 vs.6 game. We switched the day one skirmish one objectives and this game lasted about 90 minutes. Lots of fire exchanged and some maneuver. The Russian marksmen were too much in the end and took the day. I died early in this one by a really good rifle shot (Jordan) from a distance as I was running.
OBSERVATIONS - For the first day of this event we decided to go rifle heavy and there was but one aeg per side during the first three skirmishes. Lots and lots of rifle skirmishing made for some real fun play. Russian riflemen have come a long way since the days of a couple of years ago when they were very uncommon in the Russian arsenal. As a German player I'm getting a frustrating understanding of what they put up with for some time.
The Russians unveiled a new longer barrel panzerfaust that Gryphon is constructing which should outdistance the ones the Germans are using. It looked very nice. I don't understand the need for it though as the Germans don't have any Armor.
Fireguard - As we were on a military base and in possession of one of their ranges, radio contact with range control had to be maintained. This necessitated the requirement of monitoring radio communications at all hours. Hence, for both Friday and Saturday nights I had to assign individuals radio duty. As Commander and event organizer I declined a shift myself preferring to build character among the younger cadre of players. For those who haven't had the delight of being awakened at 2am, 3am, 4am, and being told to monitor a radio, it really is a fun experience. It added to the immersion and to the battle fatigue one experiences thru sleep deprivation.
The Field - The field choice this year was better than last. It had lots of great variety and the open areas were armored car heaven. Still there were thicker areas and medium areas of cover and the terrain was as good as the Big Lake, MN field that we use.
The 6th SS - Four of the newer 6th SS players did make this event and were plagued with weapons teething problems. They made up for their lack of experience with high spirit and good-natured attitudes. Cairo1 has tinkered with his improved G43 which Lumpybob now owns and has it almost ready for full skirmishing having perfected one 20 round magazine for the gun. Two more, and he will have it ready.
Target practice - The pak had no chances to range out shots as Troy (owner of the ba64) failed to present himself as a target. Now some say that this is because he is a good tactician and a wily competitor. Not me though. I think it shows a timid nature. Anyways, a lot of the newer Germans hadn't witnessed the pak so we fired off a slew of rounds from a distance and gave them a little gunnery practice. Lots of fun.
A big Thank You to all who take the time to show up at events. There should be some good photos forthcoming as both Alban Schonberg and Erin (Paul Rech's friend) took plenty of photos. I also believe Duncan sat out a skirmish to grab a camera. Also thanks to Erin for being the radio person on Saturday during the battles. Finally, a thank you to Fort McCoy for giving us the opportunity to play there. New maps are great, the personnel are friendly and curious about what we do and plenty of helicopters took low passes to (I would like to believe) check us out. We've got some younger players planning on a military career as well as a recent Afghan vet and other Vets in the group and being on post always brings back memories.
Though attendance this year was smaller than last there were still enough voluntary contributions to allow for a small donation to a Fort McCoy charity which Ersatzjack will submit to the Fort with his After-Action to the public affairs people.
Next week will be the Iola Military Show for Ersatzjack, Paul Rech, ba64, and myself and that is always a great event. Otherwise, see you folks at Neillsville in October.