Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Nov 21, 2008 0:35:02 GMT -5
Its way easier to ship stuff before the event and ship it back. Guns, bbs, uniforms, blankets. So when you do fly you just bring a carry on. Airlines are now charging for checked bags. Extra checked luggage is still cheaper than UPS. If airsoft guns are properly packed and orange taped beforehand and stuck in checked luggage and declared at the check-in I think there should be no problem.
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Post by rangerwarren on Nov 21, 2008 0:46:35 GMT -5
Collision,
No rules about bringing your 30. cal. The more crew served weapons the better. The rules for crew served machine guns will be included in the player information which will be out by Dec 15.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Nov 21, 2008 8:15:37 GMT -5
Be careful. I am probably the only one with bad luck from JTD, but I followed the TSA rules and my case was still mangled and I could have easily lost my Tommy and 8 midcaps.
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 21, 2008 16:58:03 GMT -5
Collision, No rules about bringing your 30. cal. The more crew served weapons the better. The rules for crew served machine guns will be included in the player information which will be out by Dec 15. I'll remember to bring my .30 cal, too.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 21, 2008 18:17:59 GMT -5
I have hauled airsoft weapons on airlines at least a half dozen times and never had any problems. Be sure to declare them as a firearm (even though they aren't) and have a lock available for the hard case you're shipping them in. The ticket agent will give you a disclaimer to fill out and place in the box and you'll have to hand carry the case (unlocked) to the TSA. Once the weapons clear you have to have a lock to secure the case with.
The gun case will usually arrive at a special pick up area in baggage claim typically. Most TSA folks get more disconcerted by the battery packs than the replica guns. I had no requirements for orange tips in any of my trips. Be sure you don't pack any simulated explosives (Grenades, claymores, simulated TNT etc.)
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Post by collisi0n on Nov 21, 2008 23:54:21 GMT -5
I brought a Type 99(real) from my grandpa's via airline and All I had to have was a blast proof hard case with locks on it and a piece of paper inside saying there's no live ammunition in case someone else gets it. Then again that was Buffalo Airport not LAX.
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 23, 2008 18:47:24 GMT -5
Hey Helmutt or RangerWarren, is there a problem with the Battlesim site? Trying to get there to register, and getting page not found.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 23, 2008 21:30:29 GMT -5
It is apparently down right now as I had the same experience. I'm sure it will be back up shortly.
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Post by rangerwarren on Nov 23, 2008 21:32:03 GMT -5
Yeah the server is down we anticipate it will be back up tomorrow.
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 23, 2008 22:17:49 GMT -5
No worries. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't just me.
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Post by mauser98k on Nov 24, 2008 12:15:21 GMT -5
I may be making this event, depending on if I get my car running or not by January. =P I'm quite anxious to attend a Battlesim event!
-Dakota
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Nov 24, 2008 13:29:48 GMT -5
It would be great to finally meet you.
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 26, 2008 12:03:45 GMT -5
Oh teh noes!! Battlesim domain expired??
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Post by migmadmavis on Nov 26, 2008 12:06:47 GMT -5
Its back up right now
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 26, 2008 12:08:20 GMT -5
Hmm. I'm still getting this:
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Post by migmadmavis on Nov 26, 2008 12:25:19 GMT -5
thats odd, it works perfectly on mine...
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maccrage
Private
There is no Spoon...
Posts: 92
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Post by maccrage on Nov 29, 2008 2:55:07 GMT -5
Works now. Just registered for the game. ;D
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 3, 2008 0:07:49 GMT -5
Looks like we are sending four guys. I just booked my reservations tonight. If Sir V shows up like he is planning that will be five but he is coming FJ I believe. See you there. ;D
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Post by Jager.Drü on Dec 3, 2008 1:09:47 GMT -5
Wow right on guys. Will be great to put faces to names.
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Post by sir veilance on Dec 3, 2008 8:38:11 GMT -5
Wow right on guys. Will be great to put faces to names. If you want to put a face with a name look at Ersatzjacks Avatar!! He really is that handsome ;D Yes I am coming and will be booking my flight today. I registered a couple of weeks ago, so I should be all set. On another note I have PM'd and e-mailed Hellmutt and Rangerwarren asking for some specifics about sleeping arrangements and for shipping info, if I deem it too risky to check my guns through checked baggage on the airlines, but have not gotten a reply. I am sure they are busy, but I am a plan ahead kind of guy And yes I am coming as an FJ. I have a great FJ impression, several actually and it will be nice to be at an event where I'm not the only one!! I am putting together a 3rd PzGD loadout, but won't have it ready by this battle. I am saving that for the February battle in Wisconsin
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Post by Jager.Drü on Dec 3, 2008 10:57:34 GMT -5
We roll a very FJ group up here. You'll fit right in. Did you PM them on here or over on battlesim? They might respond quicker if you do it on battlesim.
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Post by sir veilance on Dec 3, 2008 11:35:43 GMT -5
EDIT:I just heard from Hellmutt and have the info I need!!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 3, 2008 16:03:52 GMT -5
It's going to be terrific to meet so many of you guys. You'll enjoy the event but absolutely plan on rain, or cold or a little of both. Nothing compared to the Eastern Front however!
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Post by mischief on Dec 3, 2008 16:09:22 GMT -5
Wish I could go I used to live in Silverdale while I was stationed at Keyport NUWC.
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Post by migmadmavis on Dec 3, 2008 18:13:35 GMT -5
It's going to be terrific to meet so many of you guys. You'll enjoy the event but absolutely plan on rain, or cold or a little of both. Nothing compared to the Eastern Front however! I cant wait for the cold, and the rain! Down here in Sacramento, all we have is hot muggy days and I never get to use my winter gear. My buddy John(CPairsofter) and another buddy(hes a maybe at this point) will be coming down and well be representing the 12th SS and I cant wait to meet all you guys! Ive already met a few from battlesim at the camp roberts event, but itll be cool to meet the rest of you, and also the east coast guys!
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Young Blood
Corporal
Dog Co. 504 PIR, 82nd Airborne (SoCal)
Posts: 876
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Post by Young Blood on Dec 4, 2008 3:11:06 GMT -5
..I hate all of you guys.. (not really) but I want to go soooo damn much it's killing me, especially after going to jump to destiny, everyone is just so nice, except maybe 2nd bat just kidding.. but I hope everyone who goes to this also goes to jump to destiny next year as well, thats my main event right there, cheers boys.. -Eddie
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Post by Garrick Udet on Dec 6, 2008 13:10:44 GMT -5
Alright! All registrations made...just tying up some loose ends now. Can't wait to see you guys in January!
One question, if I use a modern frame pack as a means of getting my gear from MN to WA, is there a place out of sight that I'll be able to stash it during the event?
Thanks, -Garrick
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 6, 2008 16:32:03 GMT -5
Yes absolutely!
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 15, 2008 19:00:29 GMT -5
Dear Diary
It's been a while since I had time to update you. Perhaps someday this will be worth reading and maybe my kids will get a kick out of it. Naturally if this fell into the wrong hands I'd be courtmarshalled for recording these thoughts. Hell, they wouldn't courtmarshall me, they'd execute me!
It's the 14th of December 1944 and all through the ETO the Allies are refitting and preparing for what they know will be the final push into Germany. We raced across France following the breakout of Normandy and for a time it seemed the war would easily be over by Christmas. Thousands of Germans were trapped at Fallaise and the Germans retreated back to the German frontier leaving much of their heavy equipment. The slaughter by our air forces was unbelieveable.
Field Marshall Mongomery who was the hero in North Africa is known as a cautious commander. He talked Eisenhower into a bold plan to strike across the lowlands of Holland with a combination airborne assault and Armored thrust up the narrow causeway to Germany. It was risky, but he completely believed the Germans incapable of stiff resistance. Ike went along with it to maintain "Allied Harmony" and because he believed it would succeed. Many, many airborne operations had been planned and cancelled because our offensives were going too well and IKe (I believe) saw the Airborne units as un tapped resources. Boy was Monty wrong! The gamble failed miserably and men and material were squandered on what everyone is now calling a "bridge too far." Officially it was operation Market Garden. We came to Market but it was no Garden!
Before this folly, Patton wanted resources provided to him for a push on the Saar and he believed (though his plan was less bold) he could be in Berlin before Winter set in. Perhaps he could have. I think Ike believed, if conservative Monty was confident in his plan it probably was sound and since Patton believes he can do anything, Ike put little trust in the Patton operation. The Russian continue pushing the krauts out of mother Russia and the Germans are trading real estate for time all across the Eastern Front.
Following the disaster in Holland we Americans attempted a limited offensive through the Huertigan Forest and the terrain, with limited road nets and difficult terrain provided the Germans once again with the ability to fight us to a standstill. The meatgrinder cost well over 20,000 lives on both sides with little to show for it. In my opinion it was worse fighting than the fighting in the hedgerows. I'm still not clear what the objective was?
The Ardennes is an area the Germans seem to love to sweep through. It's been their traditional attack route both in WW1 and again early in WW2. This Winter it is considered the quietest sector in the ETO and Several Infantry Divisions and a single Armored Division have been sent here to recover from their bloody endeavor in the Huertigan Forest. The area is thinly held with two types of Divisions. Brand spanking new, totally "Green" units have been sent here to learn a little without risk and horribly battered divisions have been sent here to recover and rebuild. I've come from Ikes headquarters on a formal inspection tour but between you and me I'm hoping to relax and enjoy the resort areas this part of Europe is famous for.
The main line of resistance here is along the Schnee Eiffel (a ridge right on the Germans West wall.) Combat reports consists of very light shelling and squad level patrolling and according to SCHAEF intelligence the sector consisted of a few German, horse drawn artillery batteries and a collection of kids and old men. The terrain is hilly and thickly forested. There are vast open areas and few roads. Every road junction meets at a small village which are the usual stone houses forming natural fortifications. The area is laced with streams and waterways and narrow bridges. The Germans negotiated it with 15 to 30 ton tanks in 1940 but their tanks are in some cases now 60+ tons! There is no way they could mount operations here even if they had the equipment and the fuel to do it. Our Shermans can barely function here and they are the best hill climbing tank in the world. Our light tanks and armored cars are at their best in this terrain. Many of the roads are nothing more than cart trails so Jeeps in many cases are the largest vehicles you can use.
Here's what I've seen so far and will try to include in a report (adequately sugar coated of course). Sectors that should be held by Regiments are being held by companies. The front line really consists of a series of isolated platoon and company outposts with recon, cavalry patrolling the areas between them using light scout cars and Jeeps. The town of SPA is a R&R center and Marlene Dietrich the famous entertainer is in town to put on a show. I'm hoping to see her tomorrow night. The towns of Vielsalm, SPA, Bastogne, St Vith and Durbuy are the key road junctions.
Guys are getting new uniforms and the Winter clothing promised has started arriving although it is mostly goldbricks and rear eschelon guys who get first debs on it. I admit I'm guilty as charged since I have a pair of shoepacks and a new winter overcoat It's a thick poplin in the new dark Olive color. It has a nice wool liner and further distinguishes officers from the enlisted men. I love my Mackinaw but this new coat is snappy and modern looking.
The pre war Khaki is now being replaced with a much darker Olive Drab which serves as far better camouflage. Even web gear is getting replaced with the new shade. Anyone with tattered items can turn it in for the newer items and some entire units have already made the switch completely. In the darkness of the Huertigan many GIs felt they were at a distinct disadvantage when facing the Krauts because their Khaki jackets and leggings stood out in the dark forests. During night patrols many men were given to turning them inside out so the darker liners concealed them better. This was mostly done on patrols but it indicated the low level of satisfaction with Khaki as a tactical color. The Germans increasing are spotted wearing camouflage tunics even the non elite units. Even their greyish green was considered superior to our Khaki clothing. The Krauts are also fielding an improved light machine gun and a new rifle that has a long banana shaped magazine that holds 30 rounds. Thankfully we aren't seeing many of them and most are still equipped with bolt action Mausers. The Burp gun has increased in numbers to help bolster the firepower in now smaller sized platoons and companies. They also started supplying units with a semi automatic , 10 round rifle that is a clear effort to offset our Garand.
Getting back to our equipment, the new, four pocket, OD field jacket is well designed and heavier than the Khaki M41 and guys love getting them. New better designed packs are also in the pipeline although few have arrived. Boots and leggings are still commonplace but increasing guys wear the popular, double buckle boots and even a version of the smooth leather brown "jump Boot" The paratroopers hate seeing "legs" wearing them. Our artillery has a new "Top Secret" round that uses radar to detect when it is close to ground level and designed to explode at 30 feet off the ground. It was a concept used in the Pacific to knock aircraft out of the sky but will provide an unwelcome surprise for Jerry.
Our steel pot hasn't changed but the garnish and much of the netting is rarely present like it was in the Normany hedgerow country. Helmets are blackened from sitting over fires where the fellas heat water for washing or shaving and fry eggs when one could get them. Tight knit netting still exists on the helmets but mostly serves as a sign the soldier is new or recently returned to his unit from an evacuation hospital sporting new gear and low expectations. Wool sleeping bags are increasingly supplementing the normal field sleeping issue of two wool blankets and a shelter half.
Montgomery is still calling the Market Garden Operation a success, perhaps believeing that if he says it enough, someone will believe him. Eisenhower has finally moved his HeadQuarters over to the continent permanently. Once over from England He stayed in Carentan way too long even though he is now closer in my opinion is still located too far from the front. The British and Canadians are fighting to the North trying to clear the waterway to the Belgium port of Antwerp. Without it all supplies to the front are still having to utilize the Normandy artificial harbors and they are having to burn five gallons of fuel to deliver it for every gallon used at the front. The Red Ball express is working around the clock keeping logistics rolling. To the South, Patton is initiating a limited Winter offensive he hopes will develope into something more. The 101st and 82nd Airborne are the only viable reserve divisions in Europe and they are refitting and retraining with huge numbers of replacements. They had both been mauled at Market Garden. Many of the new replacements have never even been to jump school. General Bradley continues to serve as a barrier between Patton and Eisenhower but no one buffers Montgomery who is making Ike crazy with his pompous, self agrandizing ways. I don't get what the Limeys see in him. I guess he's the least bad of the British commanders
In all the divisions many of the new replacements are older men, well educated and previously deferred due to families, education or age. They aren't ancients like the Germans are reportedly drawing from but in their 30s and even early 40s. The original plan was to save them for officer positions if the war lasted into 45. I have observed reluctance and cynicism within their numbers not often seen amongst the recruits in their teens and early 20s. These young men of course were largely chewed up in Normandy and the Huertigan. These new older men are serving well when called upon but as draftees it must be remembered they didn't sign up on their own. Most have families and careers prior to being drafted. They so far have proved to be capable and remarkably good soldiers which few would have predicted. They are resourceful and quick learners and don't follow blindly without questions. They are whinners and complainers but darn good soldiers. They hate war and just want to get it over with.
Many of our divisions first saw action at Normandy and the battles that followed. A few like the 1st, 9th and 45th saw action before Normandy. Their casualties and losses by this point in the war, in many cases exceed 300%, meaning battalions of 600 men have lost over 1800. Some even more! Few of the original unit members are still on their feet and even fewer of the officers and NCOs. I can count on one hand the number of Battalion Commanders I knew before D-Day still in Theater as most have been killed or wounded severely.
Seasoned veterans who are currently in line units, in most cases have been wounded, evacuated and following their convalescent are now being funneled back into their regiments. When they get there they see few familiar faces. They are seasoned and experienced but in many cases their willingness to take risks have been diminished considerably. Some have physical impairments, all have emotional wounds. They are more accutely aware of thier own mortality. Many were offered NCO or officer positions but most chose to remain riflemen. They've seen what happened to leaders and like everyone they long to get home. The very best of them have already assumed their fate and decided that the odds are, they are "dead men walking". The only way home is a box or a stretcher. A significant number of men (especially those in units that had remained on the line for over 90 days) broke down and were sent home as "section eights." They simply could no longer function in combat. This happened to many men, even some who early on performed brilliantly and heroically. Everyone has their breaking point.
Men who had jobs other than Infantry have been reallocated to line companies. Shortages in Infantry units require it. The Ardennes thankfully will provide a nice quiet sector for them to learn how to survive as Infantrymen before the Spring push into Germany will require them to know their new craft.
I've heard reports that some Belgium civilians are acting strangely. In some cases they report heavy enemy movement and increased train traffic inside Germany. Some have even started packing up their belongings on carts and started heading toward France. The civilian rumor mill suggests that the Germans are planning a huge offensive through the Ardennes. This is rediculous of course as they have no resources with which to launch it. Their Airforce is non existent. They left all their tanks in France or shifted them to the Eastern front to hold back the Russians. The last time the Germans conducted a Winter Offensive they were equipped with muskets. The Allies cracked the German codes before Normandy and know of every major operation well in advance. The last major offensive planned by the Germans was a well concieved, counter blow at Mortain in France which might have cut off the Third Armies swift right hook toward Paris leaving them cut off from supplies. Because SHAEF knew all about it including time frames, routes and units involved they were prepared for it. Aircraft were specifically positioned to destroy the AXIS armor before it got to their jump off points. American units at the point of the spear however were kept in the dark completely and suffered great losses from this counter stroke. SHAEF sacrificed men to keep the code breaking secret. I always felt bad about that but know it was the right thing to do. If the Germans have anything planned here in the Ardennes we'd already know about it. Rumors and normally sound intelligence sources are obviously wrong. Nothing from ULTRA indicates anything unusual
The weather on the 14th throughout the frontier areas is chilly but not really Winter per se. It's drizzly and windy, a light snow fell a few days ago but didn't stick. Low clouds and poor visibility has significantly reduced air force missions and recon flights throughout the area have been almost non existent for the past few weeks especially over the past ten days. Thankfully there is no need as clearly the Germans don't have anything significant enough to hide. If we're lucky maybe it will prove to be a mild Winter. Snow would be a welcome break as Rain has plagued every operation here in Europe with every main operation hampered by weather described as a "Once in a hundred year storm". Even Sunny Italy was rain soaked throughout the campaign.
It's all quiet on the Western Front. As they say in the serial Westerns at the neigborhood picture show, maybe too quiet.
There's a movie being shown here in SPA with Cary Grant tonight (I've seen it already) and Marlenes show is tomorrow. I'm going to head up early tomorrow to inspect the medical evacuation hospital in Malmedy and then head up to inspect the regiments (such as they are) on the Schnee Eiffel. I've got a local driver who knows the area so I should be back in time for Ms Dietrich. I can't wait!
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Young Blood
Corporal
Dog Co. 504 PIR, 82nd Airborne (SoCal)
Posts: 876
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Post by Young Blood on Dec 15, 2008 23:13:13 GMT -5
Beautiful John -Eddie
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