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Tactical Decision Game #90-4, "Gap at the Bridge" was presented in MCG, Jul90. In the game scenario covered in detail in that issue, you are a battalion commander operating north of the river with a mission of disrupting the impending enemy attack north. Discovering the bridge unguarded, you begin to move your battalion south across the river with the aim of launching a spoiling attack. Shortly after 2000 as your leading company reaches the triangular wood west of Hamlet, you make contact with an enemy patrol that seems to be the advance guard of at least a battalion, which comprises foot and motorized infantry and tanks heading north. What do you do?
Solution A
by Capt John F. Schmitt (Author)
The Battalion Commander's Frag Order
"My aim is to hold the bridge and at the same time to look for a chance to launch a spoiling attack in order to disrupt the enemy offensive. We must deny the enemy the bridge until friendly reinforcements can arrive, which should be in two to three hours. I expect the enemy's main effort to go by the East Farm road. If so, fine; we'll nail him at East Farm.
"STA [Surveillance and Target and Acquisition] Team 1 [on the high ground], the initial main effort, engages the enemy column with supporting arms to disrupt his movement FSC [Fire Support Coordinator], I want all possible supporting arms massed immediately in support of STA Team.
"Alpha Company, strike south immediately to disrupt and delay the enemy movement. As soon as you make contact, you become the main effort. Take advantage of the high ground that controls the chokepoint south of Hamlet Make maximum use of supporting arms. It's not necessary to get into a decisive engagement, but I want you to give the enemy a bloody nose and develop the situation. Heavy machineguns are attached.
"Charlie Company, deny the enemy a bridgehead north of the river at all costs.
"Bravo Company, with TOWs and tanks attached, you are the reserve. Assemble near Hamlet. After Alpha develops the situation, I intend to use you to strike the enemy in the flank. Be prepared to attack east, west, or south; priority plans to the east. I will be with Alpha initially."
Explanation