Took me an hour to format my message and missed Col. Knight's posting. Frustating.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:19 am: Edit

Major Wells, my orders are to protect the entire planet there for I'm must distribute the Phaser Batteries and Sensor Stations evenly. All GDS positions with multiple bases will have those bases connected on one power grid.

By David Kass (Dkass) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:27 am: Edit

Colonel Knight, It might be worth considering send one or more tanks to support any attempt to repel a ground assault. They have the same firepower/cost ratio as standard troops, but can absorb signficant damage without any degradation of firepower. Furthermore, they would provide an effective spearhead to search for any attempts by an attacker to mass forces in remote areas. Finally, while the maitenance costs may be higher, they would risk fewer individuals in direct combat.

Its interesting that the GWS have the largest single pools of CO points (and not all that much to spend them on--I'll have to look at the SSDs before I can make any specific requests for my forces).

By David Kass (Dkass) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:31 am: Edit

SPP, in scenarios with an indpendent ground combat unit (eg Korbol's Rock), does that unit have any Commander's Option items? Is it per BP/vehicle (ie each BP could sped 0.1 BPV--or nothing) or can they be pooled together? Not directly related, but a thought I had working through the situation here.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:35 am: Edit

Captain Kass, you will be station at GWS Annapolis. And you read my mind. Though I still must give some thought to that as they are expensive. But then we have Lt. Raper and he is an experienced tank Commander. I may well give him one.

We will review my choices some time tomarrow.

(P.S. DKass, jeeze, now we really have got to arrange a get together. I'll e-mail you tomarrow.)

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:38 am: Edit

Note: Since I cannot pool my options there will be some unused Comm. Opts. and the total BPV will be reduced a bit.

Once I figure out every thing (sorry but I have been busy with an OL of work) SPP can adjust and we can start with turn zero.

By Richard Wells (Rwwells) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:09 am: Edit

Colonel Knight, I would be doing a poor job as Executive Officer if I was not to point out other options. Regarding those options, I would recommend against any tanks. The defense force lacks the means of redeploying the tank to a threatened GDS. A larger forcer of cheaper GCVs would prove more effective and can be redeployed as long the Marine Garrison and transporter repeaters remain intact.

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 05:05 am: Edit

SPP,
Thanks for the virtual position.
A question.
The arc of fire of GPDP on planets, I don't have rules to hand but if memory serves this is 180 degree's. So that a GBDP on 2215A would have an arc of fire reaching into hexes 2115,2014,1915ect
While one in 2215D would be able to fire into 2116,2016,1916 ect.
Could you confirm or deny this please?

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 05:34 am: Edit

Major Loren,

From a defense from space point of view I would suggest concentrating the defense on 3 hexsides,
putting 2 of GWS,GBDP and GMG at each location and adding one FGB-S to two of them.
With the power links you are proposing this allows a significant ammount of power to be used to defend one base(admittedly at the cost of the others)

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 05:45 am: Edit

SPP,
Is it possible to set up "remote locations" as ad hoc fighter bases.
Sending a few drones and crew units to rearm a fighter using the Kzinti weight lifter method?
If so would it be possible to repair a fighter at such a location(probably requiring a deck crew also to be present)?

Oh, and I assume the planet to be defended has no Moon or other large rocks to block fire within range of a phaser-4?

Thanks

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 06:20 am: Edit

Captain Paul Sovell reporting for duty.

Sorry for any cross postings above. I missed a whole days of posting.

By Andrew Harding (Warlock) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 06:33 am: Edit

(some time earlier)

To: Captain Robert Cole, Lieutenant Fant, Lieutenant Knipfer.

Gentlemen, Colonel Knight has done the impossible - we're actually getting a full allotment of stores from Starfleet at last. There's even a rumour that our trusty Phantom's might finally get replaced. My office 1000 hrs Monday to discuss our requisitions. I'll want a list from each of you - most important equipment first.

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 09:43 am: Edit

SPP,

I believe you have missed a couple of Admin shuttles off of your breakdown. One for each GWS one for each FGB-S and one for GMG.
So a couple more WBP to the total, I hadn't realised how expensive even a modest planetary defense force costs.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 09:50 am: Edit

To:Col. Knight.

Re:Intelligence Breifing Data deficiencies.

1. Planet said to have indigenous population. No record of history for the 3 million colonists. Per F&E devastated planets would have 'residual' combat factors in event planet was devastated previously. What is status of partisans?

If planet was not devastated by enemy forces (including possibility of Orion units) there should be some National Guard facilities such as Phaser 2 Ground base(s).

2. With stated population there should also be some civilian facilities that may have an impact on military operations. This would include but is not limited to:
Star port, Administrative center. Warehouse/docking area planet side, may have civilian Admin shuttles assigned. May have adhoc fighter capability or source of additional special mission shuttles(never know when another Suicide Assault shuttle might come in handy!)
System Activity Maintainence base, with pods or modules attached.
If the planet was not on the frontline , but the front has moved to include the planet, was this a designated depot? what stored and stock piled supplies are available in warehouse (additional mine field packages would be handy to say the least!)

2. What terrain features, if any are present? Mine feild? Asteroids? Radiation, Heat zones, moon?

3. Since planet has agriculture base economy, is there an Agriculture base present? (its only 2 bp but there may be one per hex side, and 12 additional BP would be helpful!)

4. If there is a moon or asteroid field off map but close enough to interact commercially with planet, what military resources are present? Hopefully a missle base 100 hexes away could provide "indirect fire" support to the area of operations. Any fighter support available off map?

5. When was the last convoy call on the planet? is there another convoy due? What escort?

6. Concerning point#1 above, what equipment are partisans using? Referencing points raised by Captain Kass and Major wells: If we have a legendary "Tank" officer available in the form of lt Raper may I suggest the possiblity of Brevet promotion to CO plantary tank forces and mobile infantry support? We need to play to our strengths and every advantage we have must be played to the hit.

7. is there a designated garrison ship? since we are arriving within 36 hours, is the monitor that was posted there still there? (Gotta love all that additional firepower!

Intelligence indicates that the OPFOR commander is experienced and successful. We may be in need of every resource to defeat the enemy intentions.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 11:17 am: Edit

Major Wile, please provide your referance to indiginous population.

Major Wells reiterates my consern regarding the requisitioning of a tank. There is no way to reliably transort it to other GCLs. However, it could be used to guard the GMG as something must always remain there to prevent capture. I am still considering it value. As much as I would like to put Lt. Raper back in the seat it must be for the good of the Battalion. As to his Legendary status he's not there yet but if we face a take over he my indeed prove himself. We shall see.

Regarding #5: The last ships and the ships currently in orbit are the DD Sargon NCC 504, and the LTT Hoffa which delivered the 251st. Note: There is no current threat to the Cassandra system excepting of course...Pirates. <EDIT> The FFS Stanley NCC 393 is also in the sector. The report no unknowns.

Re #7: There was a Monitor stationed at Cassadra III where there is an indiginous population. First contact was made only one year ago.
We now are at 24 hours to planet basing opperations. I expect to be up and running in 48 hours. Except for requisitions from SF supply the above is all we have. We will make due.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 11:19 am: Edit

XO and staff. This is an open recomendation forum. Until I make my final discision of course. Please, speak freely.

By Christopher E. Fant (Cfant) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 11:25 am: Edit

Major Harding,

Re: Fighter Base #1, Current Supplies and stores.

6xF-16C(Banshee Flight)+1 replacement.
1xAdmin Shuttlecraft.

Chaff packs: 60
EW Pods: 12
Warp Booster Packs: 12 pair
Drone Storage: 50xType I-F

Base requesition: (2.4 CO)
2xBoarding Parties(1)
2xDeck Crews(1)

0.4 to transfer to Fighter base #2.

Flight requesition:
6xGround Combat Pods.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 11:31 am: Edit

Col Knight: please refer to your breif of Sunday, February 23, 2003 11:50PM. Battalion Conference Room, Tug NCC-3808 USS Galilei.

Paragraph #9

"Cassandra VI is a dry but pleasant planet...with a population of 3 1/2 million colonists...."

Just to clarify, there are 3 1/2 million colonists and zero national guard units, no local self defense assets and no commercial facilities to support a colony of 3 1/2 million farmers?

By Steve Petrick (Petrick) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:17 pm: Edit

Alex Chobot:

You command the Maneuver Company. You are located at the Ground Military Garrison. Your Command consists of the designated Lieutenants, who in turn lead their elements.

First Platoon, Platoon Leader Jim Davies, has three boarding parties.
Second Platoon, Platoon Leader Ed Grondin, has three boarding parties.
Third Platoon, Platoon Leader Mike Raper, has three boarding parties.
Fourth (GCV) Platoon, Platoon Leader Les LeBlanc, has four GCVs.
Fifth (GAS) Platton, Platoon Leader John Trauger, has three GAS shuttles.
Company Control is the Heavy Weapons Squad.

With the exception of the organic GCV and GAS platoons, yours is a standard Company.

Captain Michael C. Grafton actually Commands the Ground Military Garrison station (he owns it). He controls the Garrison's Admin Shuttle, and provides the maintenance and housekeeping support for your company. Stationed at the Ground Military Garrison are his Heavy Weapons squad, and one of his company's boarding parties. The other boarding parties of his company are deployed to the various ground bases in teams of two for local defense. All are essentially "op con" (Operational Control) to the base commanders. Note that the troops of the Maneuver Company rotate with the troops of the Defense Company.

Captain Paul Stovell:

Correct on the firing arcs. Also correct that in going over and over the figures, I forgot about the shuttles on the GWSs in the final listing.

Remote bases would come under the "casual fighter ground base" rule, but the only drones you have to stock such bases with are those already at the established ground bases, and those purchased with Commander's Option Points.

In short, unless the Fighter Ground Bases spend points (either from their own allowed Commander's Option Points, or from the Commander's Option Points of the fighter squadron), ther are a this point exactly 218 spaces of drones in the entire battalion. The 200 at the two fighter ground bases, and the 18 on three defense satellites.

And, yes, the Klingon (or Orion) Commander is intimately aware of the exact number of spaces of drones available to such a battalion. He is a perverse character who makes it a habit to "count the enemy's guns". He does not know what Commander's Option items the battalion has purchased. (I will know, of course, but I can assure you the attacker will "not" know, i.e., will conduct his operations in accordance with the basic knowledge available to him rather than any special knowledge of the intimate inner workings of the battalion.)

Colonel Knight:

I do not know if you have caught it, but some of your officers have offered valuable insights and suggestions. If you think they have slipped past, I can highlight some specifics, but will not do so unless you ask.

Christopher Fant:

Sorry, but the battalion has F-4Cs, not F-16Cs.

Major Jeff Wile:

The sad fact is that the battalion is going to be left to its own devices. There will be no monitor. Perhaps you are aware of that and are just setting up a scene where you can all be upset with fleet for withdrawing it?

By Alex Chobot (Alendrel) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:27 pm: Edit

SPP> Thank you. Cpouple of other questions: (don't have SSDs at hand): The GMG and other bases have transporters, correct? Are we using the optional transporter repeater rule for the DefSats? Important points I want to take into account before offering my recommendations to Col. Knight.

By Robert Cole (Zathras) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:30 pm: Edit

This reminds me of my favorite CapLog article: A BATS assault told from the POV of a survivor, interview style. Followed by a breakdown of the battle from an SFB POV.

Was very cool.

42

By Alex Chobot (Alendrel) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:33 pm: Edit

Torchlight from CL9? That was a great read.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 12:55 pm: Edit

General note to staff: With in 48 hours after we enter orbit all ships are expected to leave the Cassadra system. We are...on our own.

Additional notes regarding Cassandra IV. The original colonization consisted of 200,000 colonists of a Religious Order. Soon after in the various mountain ranges several rare minerals were discovered. Since then the population grew but the mineral source proved to be scarce but marginally profitable. Given the mild dry climate some have sought refuge here to live a simple life. The Red mountains of Encino sector give home to several Artist colonies whos product is revered through out the Federation. Ultimatly 3.5 million Colonists does not make for a major planet but these are, in fact, well loved people.
Additionally, the Federation has stratigic intersests as well. Cassandra III has considerable resources but that population has only had minor contact with the Federation. Cassandra IV has potential for enemy stratigic value. Allowing the Klingons to set up a base here would be contrary to Federation efforts (as with any planet in the Federation but of particular note to Cassadra IV.) Klingons could launch raids on many major supply lines from the Cassadra system and disrupt the effort to push the back line. However, it is realatively unlikely they will attempt such a feat as they would be nearly surounded during the initial stages of the effort. A major assault would prompt a major response. A small contingent is our biggest consern. And pirates too. We have Fighters. Pirates like fighters. We will deny them our fighters or course. Additionally, some who come to buy the art have been known to be conected with the local cartels. Be aware that any appraoching ships could be of questionable scrupples.

So, our orders are to protect the Colonists and more over, hold our ground. The status of any ship stationed at Cassadra III is that they will remain there to guard that planet. The force is minimal in any case. The front line is not here. We are the line in the sand for the Cassadra system.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Captain Stovell, unfortunatly I cannot do as you recomend. I must place the Firing Batteries and Sensor Bases evenly around the planet to cover the entire planet. We have three Batteries and two GWS. If I had three GWS that would be possible, but I don't.

Note that I have done such a thing for Annapolis sector.

By Douglas E. Lampert (Dlampert) on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 01:14 pm: Edit

To: All officers, 429th PDB.
CC: CSM Gary Plana 429th PDM, 251st Bat Communications Officer, Federation Consul Cassandra VI
Subject: Placement of 429th PDM, Cassandra VI
Stardate: 20224

I wish to make an alternate suggestion for deployment locations of the 429th. Please consider the following points:

Point 1: There is no way to place 3 GBDP batteries so as to ever force the OpFor to engage two simultaneously in order to approach the planet. Thus any placement that has at least one GBDP covering all approaches is equally valid for purposes of protecting the entire planet.

Point 2: Unless two or more GBDP are collocated the OpFor will be able to clear the entire planet without ever engaging two or more GBDP simultaneously.

Point 3: Concentration of force is one of the most basic military principles.

Point 4: The two GWS must be placed on opposite sides of the planet to provide full coverage.

Point 5: Both the GWS and GBDP have their effectiveness increased if collocated (placed close enough for mutual support through the energy grid and for GCV to support the defense of all systems), there is also much to be said for collocating the FGB-S systems with the GWS.

I therefor recommend a modified deployment pattern:
GDS Annapolis (A): GMG (Headquarters), GBDP (Battery-1), GWS, and FGB-S-1 (Banshee flight).

GDS Dallas (D): GWS, FGB-S-2 (Ghost flight), 2xGBDP (Battery-2 and 3)

This provides full coverage against any approach by the OpFor, and additionally allows four (4) ground bases to be present in both energy grids.

Lt. Dr. Douglas E. Lampert