Ive been playing this game for weeks in SP, getting comfortable enough with the game until I was ready for MP. My first 2 games, this start fine. Race recon to objective points, dig in.

I noticed my opponents do the same exact thing over and over. Move foward armor, let enemy infantry expose themselves, the fire an overwhelming artillery barrage. Move up inches closer. Repeat. It made for a super boring online experience. I kept sending my tanks in cavalry style, and they kept retreating once I made contact. Then came the airstrike, helis, artillery/MLRS

Do people actually find this playstyle fun? Am I the only one that wants to go in and fight it out with the enemy close range? Or is it all about winning and camping all match?

Alright now you can bring all the GeT GuD NoOb comments

Like military tactics which could be used in Warno but about real warfare, not in context of warno.

Since we often fight on the same maps for multiple matches, I think persistent damage should be a thing. Many games do it (such as gates of hell Ostfront) - it just takes the immersion out when you flatten half a map and turn it into a recreation of ww1, and then next match on same map it looks like it was just a dream.

I get this isn’t a big focus since the focus is on Multiplayer, but it’s such a cool thing that they could add.

UPD: I made a slight typo in the title😅

1st Marine Division

This post will present the equipment and weapons of the 1st Marine Division of the USMC⚓, which is the key US🇺🇲 mobile unit in the region🌎, ready to quickly deploy anywhere in the Western Pacific🌏. The Division will be presented with an expanded wartime complement, which it could have received in anticipation of a Global War.

About 1st Marine Division:

The 1st Marine Division, also known as Blue Diamond - The oldest Division in the USMC (since February 1, 1941), stationed on the West Coast of the United States, in California, at Camp Pendleton.

The 1st MarDiv has an expanded complement of mobile battalions (L.A.I.) and full permanent complication of all regiments. As part of MEF I, it has one of the best support component. This Division is the backbone of the US Marine Corps in the Pacific, with a full complement and the latest weapons of the time!

Oorah!

Steel on Target!

https://preview.redd.it/qajpk59pn6bh1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ff1eb65eb1354ba7fd66b31a91223bb7988e42c

Shock, Mobility, Firepower!

The Division's tank component is represented by the 1st Tank Battalion, equipped with M60A1 RISE Passive tanks. Additionally, in preparation for combat, some tanks began to be equipped with ERA. These tanks had a slightly different ERA placement on the turret (K8, 9, 10, 11, and L1) compared to the 2nd Marine Division tanks.

Source: https://forums.kitmaker.net/t/m60a1-with-era/28278

https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?ID=14245

M60A1 RISE (P) ERA placement in 1st MarDiv

Furthermore, in preparation for war, the 1st Marine Division received the 3rd Tank Battalion, also located in California, from Regimental Combat Team 7.

This has not yet happened under WARNO scenario, so the Division will receive a battalion from the 7th Marine Amphibious Brigade when it is transferred out of its jurisdiction. This brings the total number of tanks in both Tank Battalions in the Division to 123.

Equipment of the 1st Marine Division during military deployment

These tanks can be represented by the following examples:

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) (without Searchlight)

+CV variant USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) CP

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) ERA

(ERA also painted in NATO 3-Color)

• All these tanks have no AP greater than 17.

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) with M9 Dozer Blade, 1st MarDiv, september 1990

Source of photo: https://forums.kitmaker.net/t/m60-desert-storm/13599/2

USMC M60A1 RISE (Passive) Dozer (M9 Dozer Blade)

(7 units for engineer needs in 1990/1991)

+1 front armor

• All tanks are painted in NATO 3-Color, which tanks had before 1990s~

+LAV-AT from L.A.I. battalions.

All time - Ready to Fight!

https://preview.redd.it/r73gzexm26bh1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37a020d1c7627f282add094bc28c3989af49c6d4

The 1st Marine Division, in its regiments (1st, 5th, and 7th), had a similar structure to the 2nd Marine Division. The infantry of these regiments is represented by the already well-known infantry formations:

USMC Rifleman /USMC Rifleman (AT-4) /USMC Rifleman (Dragon)

However, these USMC Rifleman squads variants operate older AAVP-7A1 (WEGS), without the MK. 19 grenade launcher, as the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion has only just begun training with the AAVP-7A1 (UGWS).

The AAVP-7A1 (UGWS) will be available only for the USMC Rifleman (AT-4)

Similarly, the support formations are:

USMC Gunners, USMC Assaultmen and USMC Engineers

M202 FLASH in USMC

Due to regional specifics, the division also had M202 FLASH tanks, which can be represented as:

USMC Assaultmen (FLASH)*- M16A2, M202 FLASH (Double)

The Old Breed Division also had extensive mobile capabilities capabilities:

Tip of the Spear!

1st and 3rd Light Infantry Battalion battalions of the 1st Marine Division

First to Fight units are to be the 1st Light Infantry Battalion and 3rd Light Infantry Battalion.

The two battalions are related, as 3rd L.A.I. emerged in October 1988 from a reinforced company of the 1st Light Armored Vehicle Battalion. In reality, by the spring of 1989, 3rd Battalion departed for Okinawa to join 3rd Marine Division, although soon after, in 1990, the battalion rejoined 1st Marine Division upon its deployment.

Under WARNO, 3rd L.A.I. battalion will not be transferred to 3rd Marine Division and will remain in California to reinforce 1st Marine Division in preparation for a Large-scale War.

The 1st and 3rd L.A.I. Battalions form the core of the division's reconnaissance and raiding capabilities, representing a mobile group on the LAV platform, including the LAV-25 with airborne troops. In reality combat use, some parts of Light Armored Infantry Battalions be designated as non-reconnaissance units, forming rapid strike forces, Vanguard of Division, on LAV-25s with 4-6 man L.A.I. Light Rifleman squads.

In WARNO this could be represented by a non-reco Light Infantry formation on non-reco LAV-25s, but with the better optics:

USMC L.A.I. Light Rifleman - M16A2, M60E3, M72A3

+Good/Very good optics

USMC L.A.I. Light Rifleman (AT-4) - M16A2, M249, AT-4

+Good/Very good optics

Transported by non-recon USMC LAV-25/M998

Also, in addition to the already familiar CV vehicles, there will be a LAV-25 CP from 3rd L.A.I.

Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/s/gRezHOh5j9 (On 4th image of the post)

(In addition, the 3rd Marine Division has its own unique component with M60A1 tanks and LAV-25s - The 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion - which reduces the need for L.A.I., as was subsequently the case)

• USMC MK. 19 and USMC TOW-2 in addition to the M998, the Humvee can also carry the LAV-25.

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday!

NAVY SEALs soldier with RO727, late 1980s

There were also numerous Navy SEAL units on the West Coast, particularly near the division in California, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado/Naval Special Warfare Center. In WARNO, the unit can be represented with new weapons received in the late 1980s, since 1988:

NAVY SEALs (TEAM) - RO727, M249, AT-4, Satchel Charge

+Special forces and Shock trait

• The Colt Model 727 was purchased by the Navy SEALs as a cross between the M16A2 and the Colt Commando.

Artillery support:

Artillery of 11th Marine Regiment

The artillery divisions fielded the classic USMC M198, USMC M109A3 and USMC M110A2 artillery pieces from the 11th Marine Regiment, as well as USMC M252 mortars and USMC LAV-M mortars from the L.A.I.

Can also be presented variant of the USMC M198 [CLU] (DPICM) with the M864 cumulative-fragmentation cluster munition with 48 M42 (64mm~ pen.) and 24 M46 (72mm~ pen.) elements may also be introduced.

AN/TPQ-36 «Firefinder» in USMC

The 1st Division in the 11th Regiment also had a towed counter-battery radar (USMC) AN/TPQ-36 «Firefinder», carried on a HMMWV. It significantly increased the division's capabilities against enemy artillery, especially when using the M110A2.

• Its range is about 24km~ (15 miles)

AAVP-7A1 with towed M58 MICLIC (М200А1) during exercises

The 1st Marine Division also began receiving the First M58 MICLICs, which were attached as a trailer to the AAVP-7A1. May be presented as:

AAVP-7A1 (UGWS) MICLIC

Supply:

The division's logistics consisted of LAV-Ls (two cards), USMC M939s, USMC M998s (supply) and LCAC hovercraft.

By this time, LCACs had already been deployed to the US West Coast - Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5)

• CH-53E and CH-46E from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW)

Anti-Air Defense:

In many ways, the 1st Marine Division's air defense is similar to the 2nd Marine Division's, represented by the USMC Stinger and USMC I-HAWK. However, as World War 3 escalates, the 1st Marine Division may receive the New Air Defense for Light Armored Infantry Battalions:

LAV-AD prototype

In the early 1980s, a competition for an air defense system for the US Air Force was held. In 1984, the MWS (Mobile Weapon System) vehicle was presented, armed with four Stinger missiles and one GAU-13 30mm gatling gun, but procurement was declined.

However, the USMC expressed interest in the vehicle, developing a new concept for Light Armored Vehicle Battalions (Later L.A.I.) armed entirely with LAV-platform vehicles. A prototype of the LAV-AD was presented as early as 1985/1986, the main difference being the lighter GAU-12/U Equalizer 25mm gun, common with the AV-8B Harrier II.

In reality, in 1987, the US Marine Corps issued new requirements for the LAV-AD to General Dynamics, leading to the creation of the well-known version in a Blazer-type turret in 1990/1991. Procurement of the early version in 1986-1987 was abandoned due to cost savings, and development was limited to a few prototypes.

This prototype was referred to in the late 80s as LAV-AD:

https://youtu.be/i8LTdqv2qLA?si=9sYBIiktbQO4R4Cw

1:33 - 2:04

LAV-AD during testings and showcase in 1980s

In WARNO, the USMC purchased a pilot batch on the eve of war, without waiting for a new version of the vehicle, to create a mobile, close-in air defense system for the L.A.I. This can be represented by a single card:

LAV-AD

It carries 8 FIM-92B Stinger POST missiles, 4 of which are on a launcher on the roof of the turret. It also has one GAU-12/U 25mm Gatling gun.

• May be called LAV-AD (MWS)

Interesting fact: It was the 1st Marine Division that historically received the only batch of 17 upgraded LAV-ADs in the 1990s, being the only operator of them in the USMC.

Recon:

Reconnaissance units is represented by the already familiar USMC L.A.I. Scouts, USMC Recon, and UH-1N DAS SCOUT's like in 2nd Marine Division. However, the 1st Marine Division's reconnaissance forces received entirely new weapons in the late 1980s:

Force Recon soldier with (X)M4 in 1987-1989

Force Recon (AT-4) - (X)M4, M249, M40A1, AT-4

In 1983, the Marine Corps issued new requirements based on experience with the M16A2, calling for a replacement for the aging M3A1 (Yeah, grease gun) in Force Recon units. In 1985, 40 Colt Model 720s were manufactured for testing. In 1987, the USMC purchased 892 XM4 Carbines for Force Recon trials from the 1st Marine Division. They subsequently saw extensive use by Force Recon units on the US West Coast for testing purposes in the late 1980s.

• Further deliveries of the new (X)M4s were blocked by Congress until the early 1990s.

https://baike.baidu.com/en/item/M4%20Carbine/1510797

USMC Snipers (M82) - Barrett M82, M40A1

The US Marine Corps received the first M82 Barrett rifles before the US Army. These anti-materiel rifles were delivered first to the 1st Marine Division, making them the first to operate in the USMC.

USMC M60A3 TTS

In reality several units were transferred to the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Marine Division during operation Desert storm for recon in Night/Combat. M60A3 TTS were supplied from US reserves and without ERA. A total of 11 units were transferred to USMC crews.

Under WARNO, this could be represented by a single reconnaissance tank card, as was the case in reality.

One of the sources: https://forum.finescale.com/t/m60a1-tanks-kuwaiti-airport/240233/14

Pioneer Of The Era

RQ-2 Pioneer UAV

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) was established on January 21, 1987, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and assigned to the 1st Marine Division.

The VMU-1 «Watchdogs» were at that time equipped with the USMC's first reconnaissance drone - The RQ-2 Pioneer, which had been in production since the mid-1980s.

In WARNO, this can be represented by a single card of this UAV.

Helicopters:

The 1st Marine Division had Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39), which still had the AH-1J (HMT-303).

AH-1J [RKT2] - 16x Zuni rockets (4 pods)

New AH-1W SuperCobras were also arriving, but they were still fewer in number than the MAG-29, so there would be fewer variants, as well as fewer cards:

AH-1W [RKT2] - 38 Hydra 70, 8 Zuni

AH-1W [AT2] - 8x AGM-114 Hellfire

Aircrafts:

Tomcat's and Bombcat's!

F-14A+ of the VF-24 and VF-211 in 1987-1991

In the second half of the 1980s, the Navy began actively receiving upgraded F-14A+ Tomcat's, later known as the F-14B Bombcat. This aircraft had the capability to carry out air-to-surface strikes with guided weapons.

VF-24 became the first squadron on the West Coast to begin training for ground attack missions in early 1989, followed by VF-211 later. VF-24 in CVW-9, USS Nimitrz (CVN-68, Yeah)

The F-14A+ following payload configurations are available:

F-14A+ [AA1] - 2xAIM-9M, 6xAIM-54C Phoenix

F-14A+ [AA2] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4xAIM-54C Phoenix

F-14A+ [HE] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4xLDGP Mk 84 (2000 lbs)

F-14A+ [LGB] - 2xAIM-9M, 2xAIM-7M, 4x GBU-16 Paveway II (1000 lbs)

The Newest Hornet's

F/A-18C of the VFA-25 «Fist Of The Fleet» in 1988-1990

The second fighter to be showcased will be the brand-new F/A-18C, which has just entered USN service. Its first operator was VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" in 1989, deploying to the USS Independence (CV-62), which had just returned to the Pacific after maintenance, deployed with CVW-14.

In WARNO, the F/A-18C can be represented in several roles at once:

F/A-18C [AA1] - 2/4x AIM-9M, 6x AIM-7M

F/A-18C [AA2] - 2x AIM-9M, 4/8x AIM-120A

• This version was adapted to the new AIM-120A missiles, which were just beginning to be deployed at that time and could be sent to VFA-25 for testing in a real combat situation.

F/A-18C [AT] - 2x AIM-9M, 2x AIM-7M, 4x AGM-65F

Old Salt Intruder

A-6E Intruder firing AGM-123 Skipper's

In the mid-1980s, the US Navy acquired its first guided bomb with a booster engine - The AGM-123 Skipper. This bomb could be carried by A-6E Intruder's, particularly those from CVW-9/14.

In WARNO for these air wings could provide the A-6E with the following configurations:

A-6E Intruder [LGB] - 2x AGM-123 Skipper

A-6E Intruder [RKT] - 16x Zuni (4 pods)

• From VA-165 «Boomers» (CVW-9) and VA-196 «Main Battery» (CVW-14)

• Interesting fact: In 1989, the movie Flight of the Intruder, released in 1991, was filmed aboard the USS Independence, where VA-165 was based.

The Last Viking

The Navy also began receiving a new version of the S-3 Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft, The S-3B, which boasts improved strike capabilities. In WARNO could be feature the S-3B Viking in several roles:

S-3B Viking [HE] - 10x Mk 82

S-3B Viking [CLU] - 6x Mk 20 Rockeye

AV-8B (NA) of VMA-214 \"Black Sheep\" in 1989-1990

The MAG-13, assigned to the 1st Marine Division in 1988/1989, was already actively re-equipping from old A-4M to new AV-8B aircraft, but due to the late transition, they immediately began receiving the newest version - AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack.

The VMA-311 «Tomcats» and VMA-214 «Black Sheeps» were the first to begin re-equipping these aircraft in 1988/1989, with VMA-211 receiving them later.

In reality, VMA-214 «Black Sheep» received the AV-8B Harrier II Night Attack only in September 1989, during WARNO's March to War program. This could have been changed earlier. Therefore, one card of this version will be presented:

AV-8B Harrier II (NA) [AT] - 2x AIM-9M, 4x AGM-65E (Laser guide)

Short Conclusion:

The 1st Marine Division is the USMC's primary presence in the Pacific, representing the largest and most comprehensive Division capable of forward deploy. The Division boasts extensive maneuver ability, as well as strong reconnaissance and strike capabilities. However, the Division has more expensive and fewer aircraft than the 2nd Marine Division. There are also fewer new AAVP-7s variants and no uranium shells.

I would say this is the most worthy vis-a-vis for the Soviet 55th Naval Infantry Division.

Album collection with 65+ images for this post (including what was unincluded in it):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/U4DJZrvgGR1HvERDA

Thank you for reading! =}

Created by Excellent Serpent8770

Links:

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/U.S.%20MARINES%20IN%20THE%20PERSIAN%20GULF%2090-91%20COMBAT%20SERVICE%20SUPPORT%20%20PCN%2019000314600_2.pdf (1st MarDiv during ODS)

https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/With%20the%201st%20Marine%20Division%20in%20Desert%20Shield%20and%20Desert%20Storm.pdf (1st MarDiv during ODS)

https://www.amps-armor.org/SiteReviews/ShowReview.aspx?ID=14245 (About M60A1s)

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235053031-taskforce-ripper-m60a1-rise-passive-academy-135/

https://youtu.be/1OWTV-KOcbw?si=SoinYr9u4_KYKEhO (1st MarDiv exercises, 29 Palms)

https://youtu.be/TUufV3WpT6w?si=KMFHKlhOj-6AFEdF

https://youtu.be/SIuf_FJAz7w?si=V_WpmtttIN_JzJ2B

https://youtu.be/s8FtRrhyVJA?si=KojOHlzyCPcou1sP

https://youtu.be/89kPZ493rvM?si=fO6yjHf60KrHMaby

https://youtu.be/s8FtRrhyVJA?si=irxtHNOGtM4SSGxo

https://youtu.be/afaOha3jqp4?si=vAQBk4V58TixGfu6 (AAV7)

https://forum.finescale.com/t/m60a1-tanks-kuwaiti-airport/240233/14 (M60A3 TTS in USMC)

https://baike.baidu.com/en/item/M4%20Carbine/1510797 (XM4/M4 Carbine)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine

Mobile Weapon System (Since 1985 with GAU-12/U for USMC, LAV-AD) https://youtu.be/i8LTdqv2qLA?si=9sYBIiktbQO4R4Cw

(1:33 - 2:04 timecode)

https://youtu.be/EZZVnYGj5hY?si=RQSa7h0cyZ4Sl0jC

http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-squadron-vf024.htm

https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/VF/Fighter-Squadron-24.htm

https://youtu.be/N-k3g4cEsqQ?feature=shared

https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/an-tpq-36.htm

LAV-AD:

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA272077.pdf

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403695 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403694 https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403698

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA272077.pdf

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403695

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403694

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6403698

https://btvt.info/2futureprojects/lav_ad.htm

https://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/2343251.html

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA206944.pdf / https://gao.justia.com/department-of-defense/1989/12/defense-acquisition-programs-nsiad-90-30/NSIAD-90-30-full-report.pdf

( GAO/NSIAD-91-171 | GAO/NSIAD-90-30 | DTIC ADA220013 )

P.S.

Next week, another, final division of the US Marine Corps will be introduced - the 3rd Marine Division⚓ - «The Fighting Third», stationed in Okinawa.🌏🇯🇵

This is a reduced-strength regular Division, focused on combat operations in its region. It's the lightest armed Division in USMC, but no less dangerous!🐉

Hi,

I made a division concept about a week ago, and thankfully, people seemed to like it! I also got some good suggestions and ways to improve it. So, thank you all for showing interest. If nobody had given a damn, it would have been quite sad. South Korea would be a very interesting addition to WARNO even if we don't stretch too far with various prototypes like in WGRD.

If the 1st Infantry Division 'Jeonjin' was defensive, today's proposal is a division structured in an offensive style. Like the previous post, this is written in a Eugen devblog-style article. Let's go!

-A 'defense' division and an 'attack' division

South Korea's biggest threat in 1989 (and today) is primarily North Korea. If the North were to attack, front-line 'defense' divisions such as the previously introduced 1st Infantry Division would defend around the General Outpost (GOP) and DMZ. These units would delay the North Korean advance as much as possible while preserving their combat power for future use.

8th Infantry Division (another so-called 'attack' division) conducting air mobile operations in 1984

While the front-line divisions conduct delaying action, divisions slightly back from the front line would gear up and leave their barracks to head to the front. These 'attack' divisions conducted far more offensive exercises compared to regular front-line divisions (such as armored warfare and airmobile operations). Now, what kind of unit would prepare to counterattack during a Second Korean War, you ask? This important mission is given to the Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan (there is no way foreigners are going to read this properly), or Capital Mechanized Infantry Division 'Maengho.'

-Capital Mechanized Infantry Division 'Maengho' history

Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan emblem

This unit started as the 'Capital Defense Command' in 1949. After the capital fell into communist hands in July 1950, it went through a lot of reorganization. This is when the unit became the Sudo Sadan, or Capital Division. After the Incheon landings, it pushed north with other UN elements until it reached Chongjin, making it the northernmost UN unit of the entire war.

However, after China entered the war, this division was pushed back near the 38th parallel. It was then deployed to various battles and used to hunt down communist guerrillas for the remaining period of the war. When the ceasefire happened, this division was spread out throughout the Pocheon area.

A map showing upper Gyeonggi province with the 1st Infantry, Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, and a sneak peak of the two upcoming proposals!

Post-Korean War, this unit was an infantry division stationed in the Pocheon and Gapyeong area. It was later deployed to Vietnam to support its US allies, alongside other Army and Marine divisions. Showing impressive performance on the tropical battlefield (and thanks to its divisional insignia), it earned the nickname 'Tiger Division.'

What to expect for the Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan

After withdrawing from Vietnam, it was finally reorganized as the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, bolstered with equipment passed down by the US. As one of two mechanized divisions in South Korea's arsenal during the Cold War, this division trained to attack in case another war broke out on the peninsula. Being such an important formation, this division was the first to receive armored equipment and was expected to receive help from other units to support a major counterattack. Expect field modifications for enhanced combat as well!

-Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan in WARNO

How will the Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan be featured in WARNO? New units are both bold and italic. As always, the following is still a work in progress and subject to change.

LOG

An expensive category. The Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan, or Su-Gi-Sa, maneuvers north with only mobile logistic assets at its disposal, meaning it will not feature a BOGEUPSO (FOB)!

Command units are the following:

-The ubiquitous K111 BONBU jeep and the tracked M577 BONBU APC.

-Supply units are the KM113A1 BOGEUP tracked supply and the K-511 BOGEUP medium truck. It will also feature the CH-47D BOGEUP Chinook supply helicopter as a heavy option.

INF

A good category. Expect a lot of Gigyehwabobyeong, or mechanized infantry, to support your push!

K200 APC during trials

-The backbone is the Gigyehwabobyeong, or GI-BO: an 8-man squad with 1x K1A submachine gun, 6x K2 rifles, 1x M60, and an M72 LAW. They will ride the unarmed K-511, the ROKA UH-1Y, or the KM113A1 .50 cal-armed APC. Since the Panzerfaust 3 started to be issued in the late 80s, this will be reflected in one card of GI-BO [PZF]: an 8-man unit with 7x K2, 1x M60, and the Panzerfaust 3. These will deploy in the unarmed K-511 or the domestic K200 .50 cal-armed APC. This APC was developed to replace the old KM113A1 and will be identical to the Belgian and Dutch AIFV.

-The command variant is the GI-BO BONBU, a 6-man squad with 6x K2 and an M72 LAW, riding the K-311, ROKA UH-1Y, or KM113A1.

-HWAGI-BAN is a fire support unit from the mechanized infantry battalion's weapons company: a 6-man team with 3x K2, 3x M60, and an M72 LAW. They will ride the K-511 or the K200 M40, a field-modified K200 sporting the M40 recoilless rifle and a .50 cal. Mechanized infantry divisions were seen fielding the M40 on K200 APCs in the future. Consider this unit a predecessor of that!

Support units include:

-The M60 HMG, deployed in K-111 jeeps.

-I**-TOW**, deployed in K-111 jeeps thanks to corps anti-tank support.

-The usual HEONBYEONG 4-man military police squads, armed with K2 rifles. They will ride the K-111 HEONBYEONG military police jeep to control the long armored column.

Crucial for armored formations, engineer support is as follows:

-POKPA GONGBYEONG is a 6-strong engineer squad specializing in explosives, with 6x K2, an M72 LAW, and satchel charges.

-JEONTU GONGBYEONG is an 8-man combat engineer squad with 7x K2, 1x M60, and an M202 FLASH launcher.

-The GONGBYEONG BONBU is a 10-strong command squad with 8x K2 and 2x M60.

Capital Mechanized Infantry Division unit fielding a double-mounted .50 cal during TEAM SPIRIT '85

All engineers will feature the shock trait and ride the K-711 heavy truck or the KM113A1 JIWON, an M113 modified to arm a double .50 cal mount!

TEAM SPIRIT '89

-The division will also get support from US 2nd Infantry Division units in Uijeongbu, adjacent to Pocheon. Although a ROK/US Combined Division concept didn't exist in the 80s, American units were expected to support Korean units, or vice versa, in case of war. This will be implemented as one AIR CAV. TROOPERS in UH-60A BLACKHAWK.

ART

An average category. As a mechanized division, this unit's artillery was among the first to receive SPGs, while towed artillery was expected to keep pace with lead formations via helicopter when necessary.

-Mortars consist of the KM29A1 81mm mortar carried by a K-311 truck or KM113A1. The self-propelled option is the M106 4.2" mortar carrier.

M101 being airlifted by a Chinook

-The sole towed artillery is the M101 105mm KOKSA-PO, towed by the K-511 truck or airlifted by the ROKA CH-47D.

K55 JAJU-PO during a live fire exercise in 1989

-Unlike the 1st Infantry, Su-Gi-Sa had the 8" JAJU-PO as organic artillery. But that's not all! South Korea was in the process of enhancing artillery mobility from the mid-80s onward. The fruit of this development was the K55 JAJU-PO, a 155mm SPG similar in stats to the M109A2. As the first domestic SPG, this piece was issued to important units such as the Su-Gi-Sa, since arming this division was a top priority.

TANK

A very good category. The Capital Mechanized Infantry Division was an armor-heavy division despite being a mechanized infantry division — almost heavy enough to be called an armored division. The difference was clear when compared to the rival 20th Mechanized Infantry Division, which had more mechanized infantry than tanks.

The K-1 '88 Tank' manouvering during a appointment ceremony in 1987

-The workhorse of the Su-Gi-Sa is the K-1 main battle tank. This tank began as an idea for a domestic design to replace the phased-out M48 Patton, starting in the mid-1970s. The US, already developing the M1 Abrams at the time, offered to help with the project, so its design was heavily influenced by America. With various research conducted in the early-to-mid 80s, South Korea finally adopted a domestic tank in 1987. This tank will be in the middle of the original M1 Abrams and M1IP stats-wise. As the first division to receive this tank, it will field numerous cards of the 'vanilla' and BONBU variants, both sporting the 105mm gun, a .50 cal MG, and 2x M60.

-Despite being first in line for the K-1 MBT, the Su-Gi-Sa didn't receive all of it — a few of its tank battalions had lower priority than other divisions or armored brigades. This will be reflected by the division fielding one card each of the M48A5K 'vanilla' and BONBU leader variant.

ATGM assets are available as follows:

-K-113 TOW I-TOW jeep, courtesy of higher corps anti-tank elements.

REC

A decent category. One of many differences between a regular infantry division and a mechanized division was that the latter had Gigap Susaek battalions (armored recon), similar to a West German Panzeraufklärungsbataillon. A Gigap Susaek battalion consisted of light recon (infantry) and heavy recon (vehicle), conducting various recon missions from scouting to Reconnaissance-In-Force (RIF). Since this battalion served as the whole division's eyes, it was first in line for new equipment, even within the division. All recon infantry will feature the shock and mountaineer traits, thanks to their hardened training.

-SUSAEK BAN is a light 4-man scout unit with 4x K1A submachine guns. They will ride the K-111 jeep or ROKA UH-1Y. There is also some of the larger GIGAP SUSAEK, an 8-strong unit armed with 7x K2, one K2 TRILUX (a K2 rifle fitted with the British L2A2 SUIT scope), and a Panzerfaust 3. They will ride either the unarmed K-511 or the K200 JEONGCHAL .50 cal-armed APC.

Vehicle recon units are as follows:

-K-111 JEONGCHAL jeep, armed with an M60.

Gigap Susaek battalion elements in front of their K-1 MBT in the late 80s

-The division will also have one card of the K-1 GEONGCHAL recon tank. The armored recon battalion of the Su-Gi-Sa was one of the first to receive the K-1 MBT — even before some tank battalions! Having the same stats as the version in the TANK tab, this unit reflects the heavy recon duties the battalion was capable of.

-Aerial recon is handled by the UH-1Y JEONGCHAL armed with 2 M60 machine guns. South Korea did not have a proper recon helicopter at this time, so the Huey was pressed into the recon role — not by attaching recon equipment... but simply by giving the crew binoculars.

AA

An expensive category. Since most Korean AA assets were towed, they had a hard time keeping pace with the advancing armored columns. But US forces will support this division's counterattack with their own assets — don't forget to thank good ol' Uncle Sam!

-The MANPADS option is the HYU-SAM JAVELIN, riding the K-111 jeep. South Korea purchased Javelin missiles in 1986 during the official visit of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in an attempt to replace the unreliable REDEYE.

A KM113A1 with the VADS (left) during the Busan-Masan Uprising in 1979

-The anti-air gun is available as the towed KM167 VADS. But to improve mobility, the Su-Gi-Sa will field another modification: the KM113A1 VADS, which bolts a KM167 VADS onto a KM113A1.

-The USFK's 5th Air Defense Artillery, stationed near Uijeongbu, will allot a few M48A1 CHAPARRAL to cover the skies with greater mobility.

HEL

An average category. The Capital Mechanized Infantry Division will get support from both older and newly delivered helicopters.

An AH-1J during an exercise to hold off enemy mechanized units in 1982

-First up is the older AH-1J [RKT] variant, armed with the M197 20mm Gatling and two sets of 38x Hydra rockets.

-Alongside this, expect the AH-1S COBRA, armed with the M197 20mm Gatling, 38x Hydra rockets, and 8x I-TOW missiles, and the AH-1F COBRA, which replaces the I-TOW with the more powerful TOW-2.

AIR

Another average category. Due to the critical nature of the Su-Gi-Sa's mission, the ROKAF will commit some of its newest fighter jets, while the USFK fighter fleet provides limited support.

Ground attack roles are handled by:

-The KF-5E JEGONGHO [RKT] fighter, with twin 20mm guns and 38x FFAR rockets.

-The F-4E PEACE PHEASANT II [AT] variant, armed with the Vulcan, 2x AGM-65B Maverick missiles, and 2x AIM-7E missiles, plus the F-4E PEACE PHEASANT II [HE1], with the 20mm Vulcan, 2x AIM-7E missiles, and 6x MK 82 bombs.

ROKAF F-16C being armed with Maverick missiles

-ROKAF's newest toy, the F-16C BLOCK 32 [HE], armed with the Vulcan, 2x MK 83 bombs, and 2x AIM-9L, and the F-16C BLOCK 32 [AT], which replaces the iron bombs with 2x AGM-65B Maverick missiles.

Expect air cover from the following:

-F-16C BLOCK 32 [AA], armed with the Vulcan and 4x AIM-9L (not a shotgun variant, mind you!).

-F-4E PEACE PHEASANT II [AA], fielding the 20mm Vulcan, 4x AIM-7E missiles, and 4x AIM-9P missiles.

-USFK 8th Tactical Fighter Wing assets, represented as one card of F-16C [AA].

Summary

The Sudo Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan is a heavy division that relies on tanks and APCs with decent support from the US. However, it has a tight logistical and AA situation, so make every decision count for each attack!

Ending remarks

Like my previous post, I hope this was an interesting read! As an offensive division, this division had all the best South Korea had in the late 80s. I tried to gather all possible sources while writing this. Video references, any US documents related to this division, and a lot of human sources. Since the basic research was done when I started with the 1st Infantry, it was a bit easier. Now, some notes before ending!

-Why not more K200 APCs?

While the K-1 MBT was prioritized for the Capital Mechanized Infantry, the K200 APC was focused on the 20th Mechanized Infantry Division. Due to this, the 20th would have more K200s, but have fewer K-1 tanks and way more M48A5Ks.

-Giving binoculars to helicopter crew turns a helicopter into a make-shift recon?

I wanted to give a recon helicopter option in any way possible. South Korea invited the 'magician' Uri Geller in hopes of finding North Korean underground tunnels during the late 80s. Given how unreal reality was, I think giving binoculars to helicopter crews is not an 'unrealistic' option.

-KAFV 25 or 40/50?

An interesting unit in WGRD indeed! I loved them in WGRD so much. However, this project was done in the mid 90s with only 5-6 real prototypes. I know WARNO allows an M2W with units developed around the first Gulf War, but this short-lived project was after that war. But it could be an interesting unit only available to the GI-BO [PZF] if possible.

A unit worth mentioning is the K-1A1 tank armed with the 120mm smoothbore cannon instead of the 105mm. Development started as intelligence reports said North Koreans adopted the T-72 in the early 90s (which turned out not to be true in real life). With a history twist in WARNO, adding a 120mm cannon could have happened earlier, since my scenario for the Second Korean War mentions the Soviets supplying new weapons to North Korea. But I feel this is a decision Eugen should make. Leave your thoughts in the comments!

-USFK units

My initial proposal had more American units to reflect how close this division was to the forward-deployed US 2nd ID elements (ATGM vehicles, helicopters, etc.). But my ego to make a more 'Korean' division won. And besides, I have plans to propose 2nd ID; so it could be an overlap when this division is already interesting!

-ROKAF F-16Cs being able to fire the AIM-7 Sparrow

Some of the research and sources indicated that the Korean F-16Cs were one of the few foreign Fighting Falcons which can fire the Sparrow missile. But unfortunately, my confidence in Air Force units is lower than in ground units. So I decided not to feature them, since USFK elements already have long-range air-to-air missiles.

If you have other suggestions, or think something is weird, please leave a comment!

https://preview.redd.it/fsafbs46c2bh1.png?width=233&format=png&auto=webp&s=d7934e4f5004f944cdd617e2178f1a780757f28d

Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Marine)

Howdy Commanders!

Today we will be discussing NATO’s opposite to the Gdansk Gambit Nemesis Concept. This force would be pitted against the 16^(th) Kashuian Division in a daring raid! The history buffs among you may be wondering why you haven’t heard of “Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Marine).” The reason is that it never existed in real life. Read on to see where this unit came from and what operation caused it to exist.

Hoorah (or smth)!

 

Background

ACE emblem

There are a few things that need to be addressed up front. First and foremost, Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Marine) was not and is not a real formation. Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land), however, was so let’s talk about them before we pivot back to this battlegroup’s designation. Allied Command Europe (ACE) refers to the overarching command structure for NATO forces in Europe, overseeing the AFNORTH, AFCENT (commanding NORTHAG and CENTAG), and AFSOUTH. ACE Mobile Force (Land), further abbreviated to AMF(L), was a real life multi-national quick reaction brigade-sized force. It was meant to rapidly deploy to any of the areas of responsibility (AOR) within ACE; from Norway to Turkey.

AFM(L) emblem

Throughout the cold war, many nations provided troops to AMF(L) in the exercises and active deployments. AMF(L) existed between 1960 and 2002 and during that time they deployed twice a year (on average) for exercises; from Norway to Turkey. In 1999, they deployed to Kosovo and provided humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing the conflict zone. Between 1999 and 2001, AFM(L) was rolled into a command structure whose goal was to control a division size force with minimal required augmentation to the HQ components. This was successful, and may be relevant later on for this “division”

Circling back to today’s battlegroup: as mentioned it did not exist in our timeline. In WARNO’s timeline the more prominent threat of WW3 would have caused NATO leaders to take strides toward preparing for war; more so than in our timeline. Specifically, after the Soviets annexed Finland, NATO focused attention on bulking out their forces in Baltic, as Finland would have provided the Soviets with more access to the sea. It became apparent that the battle in the Baltic would require the ability to cripple Soviet naval infrastructure in order to win long term. As part of this strategy, marine raider-type formations could be a useful tool. This is what sparked the creation of AMF(M).

Similar to how Koprus Desantowy didn’t represent a formal structured organization of soldiers (i.e. a proper division), but more of an amalgamation of units participating in specific operations, AMF(M) will represent a similar such formation. Like Korpus, AMF(M) represents formation that was assembled to fulfill a specific take; AM. Unlike Koprus Desantowy, the type of troops will be the same (marines and other elite units), but drawn from multiple nations.

https://preview.redd.it/zfqgpt46c2bh1.png?width=197&format=png&auto=webp&s=c2d48592184b1584f3d7f9709e1a69dfc2ed5e16

The forces for AMF(M) would include contributions from many nations. The US would send the USMC 4^(th) marines amphibious brigade (4 MAB), an independent infantry formation that was slated to support operations in Norway. The catch is that, in actual practice, this was merely an organizational framework to enable existing units to be borrowed for a specific task. The actual marines making up this brigade would come from a mix of devil dogs from in-theater units (2^(nd) Marines) as well as some rapidly mobilized forces from the US. Naval vessels an aviation would support the infantry and rotorcraft forming under the banner of 4 MAB. The actual number of marines available likely wouldn’t be an entire standard NATO brigade’s worth of troops, but enough to be a credible raiding force.

https://preview.redd.it/2528yt46c2bh1.png?width=136&format=png&auto=webp&s=6a606ab771d863e70715530820e5cb9fefde5521

France would furnish a contingent from the 9e Division d'Infanterie de Marine (9th Marine Infantry Division; 9e DIMa), a formation of infantry and light armor drawn from Troupes de marines. Specifically, the division would send a single regiment: Régiment d'infanterie-chars de marine (RICM). RICM is France’s most decorated regiment and in 1989, it was one of a few units to be fully equipped with AXM-10 RCs.

 

https://preview.redd.it/k16gdu46c2bh1.png?width=227&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb9632829b950ff93aeb94cb0cb87de7116f0268

Great Britian would supply elements of the 3 Commando Brigade of royal marines. The Royal marines would have had combat experience in the Falklands War. In the WARNO timeline, Britian, working to better prepare for a looming 3^(rd) world war, raised another battalion of commandos. This battalion would be the resurrected 44 Commando Battalion (which previously merged with 40 Commando Battalion who will also be committed for this operation.

Korp Mariniers emblem

Two other NATO nations would contribute to AMF(M). The Netherlands would send a contingent of the Korp Mariniers, specifically from their 1st Marine Combat Group. Finally, Norway would send some of their frogmen (Marinejegerkommandoen) to support as well.

With all these nations participating, who would be in command? This is an interesting question. By size, the British, French, and Americans provided the largest share of troops to the operation, making them the obvious candidates for overall command. France and the United States both have long, proud histories of demanding they have command of their own forces in wartime, sometimes causing diplomatic incidents to ensure they maintain control. Great Britain has a long history of working very closely with the Netherlands’ Korps Mariniers and leveraging this existing multinational cooperation could allow them to take the reigns – that is the reason that will be used here to designate this battlegroup as British in WARNO.

Gdansk harbor

With these forces and arrayed together, all they need is purpose. Purpose a daring raid could provide! The target (as you have likely gathered) is Gdansk. The objective is not a full-scale invasion of Poland by the sea. Instead, this operation is more limited in scope. In addition to the deepwater port and shipyards, Gdansk has dozens of other factories producing military related equipment. There are deepwater repair docks in Gdansk that would help service Soviet vessels operating the Baltic. Without the deep water docks at Gdansk, the Soviets would either have to repair and refit their larger vessels closer to the front (potentially in range of NATO air and long range fires) or further back in the Baltic at places like Riga. There is also the Gdansk refinery (the larger of Poland’s two refineries), capable of producing upwards of 200,000 barrels per day. All of these targets are of major strategic importance. Additionally, major incursions in the Warsaw Pact’s rear areas would divert resources from the front lines; something long range fires or strategic bombing could not accomplish.

The plan is for forces to land, destroy defenses, critical infrastructure, and attrit Soviet and Polish materiel and manpower. Following completion of these objectives, the ground forces would depart the area, mining the harbor. In other words, this operation is a raid, harkening back to the successful St. Nazaire and unsuccessful Dieppe raids of World War 2 (the latter of which 3 Commando participated in). Because there would be boots on the ground, secondary objectives would include extracting key Poles (western sympathizers, communist commanders, and industrialists, high level scientist and engineers) if able, insert more saboteurs and clandestine operatives to disperse into the Soviet rear, and seizing Soviet intelligence and technology if available.

Time would be of the essence. NATO planners for this operation could not allow for more than a few days ashore as the Soviet response would be massive. AMF(M) would be carried by British, French, and American vessels though the Baltic. Leveraging small, but significant successes in the naval war in the Baltic, this battlegroup would have several amphibious assault ships and even aircraft carrier support. The task force would carve a corridor to Gdansk following strikes on anti-ship batteries in East German and Poland. Commandos would insert covertly ahead of the main force, ready to activate once the operation began. A massive bombardment from the sea, air, and some long range precision fires would hammer the defenses around Gdansk ahead of the air assault operation. At the same time, saboteurs would work to sever communication lines to buy the raid more time. Speed and operational surprise would allow for ground forces to establish a landing zone for heavier equipment to deploy. Would this daring raid be successful or would it result in a disaster? Time will tell.

How would AMF(M) play in WANRO?

Slots and Units

LOG

A limited category given the ad hoc nature of this battlegroup.

• American logistical units include:
  • USMC AAVC-7A1 (command)
  • USMC CH-46E Supply
  • AAVP-7A1 SUPPLY an AAV7 configured to haul supplies. Its weapons have been removed.
• British LOG units include the following:
  • RM ROVER CP same as other Rover CPs, but with the usual Marine treatment and Royal marines heraldry.
  • STOLLY SUPPLY
  • LCAC(L) a small hovercraft that would be used to ferry supply from naval vessels to the shore.

https://preview.redd.it/is85zz46c2bh1.jpg?width=382&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9724c1f89b553bc038f73cf1ad23727d47fc4404

• VT-2 a large hovercraft similar to the Soviet Kalmar and the American LCAC.

INF

A good category.

• American contributions include the following, one card each due to the ad hoc mature of 4 MAB’s formation. Unless otherwise noted, all units arrive in AAVP-7A1 UGWS or CH-53E SEA STALLIONS; unarmed heavy lift helicopters.
  • USMC RIFLES LDR. arriving in M998 HUMVEE or UH-1Ns, not Stallions
  • USMC RIFLES (LAW)
  • USMC RIFLES (DRAGON)
  • USMC RIFLES (AT4)
  • USMC ENGINEERS can also come in UH-1Ns
  • USMC M60 7.62mm arriving in M998 HUMVEE or UH-1Ns only
  • USMC TOW-2 arriving in M998 HUMVEE or UH-1Ns only
  • SEAL ASSAULT TEAM is a 9-man team armed with 7 colt commandos, 2 M249s, an M72 LAW, and M202 FLASH. They feature the special forces, shock, and airborne traits and arrive in M998 HUMVEEs or SH-60B NSWs only. The NSW SH-60B is a naval special warfare-crewed naval version of the Blackhawk helicopter. It has two M134 miniguns and has the special forces trait.
• British units arrive in STOLLY amphibious trucks or LYNX HAS.3 (Lynx in British naval service) helicopters unless otherwise noted. These units have the special forces and shock traits, but start at trained veterancy (like Rangers) unless noted otherwise.
  • RM RIFLES LDR, a 6-man squad with 5 SA85A1s, 1 L86A1 LSWs, an M72 LAW, and smoke grenades. They can arrive in ROVER instead of STOLLY
  • RM RIFLES, an 8-man squad with 6 SA85A1s, 2 L86A1 LSWs, and a LAW80.
  • RM ASSAULT PIONEERS same loadout as the nonmarine version
  • Royal marine weapon teams can arrive in ROVER instead of STOLLY. The ATGM teams do not have the special forces trait, but instead have resolute.
    • MAG 7.62mm
    • RM MILAN 1
    • RM MILAN 2

https://preview.redd.it/x6wee056c2bh1.jpg?width=314&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b1004b07b78c54752cb6fa70a2818737f01d701

• SBS TROOP The British Special Boat Service operatives form a 16-man squad armed with 12 L119A1 (M16s), 4 L7A1 MMGs, an M72 LAW, and a Carl Gustav. They come at high veterancy. They can deploy in a SEA KING heavy transport helicopter or an SBS LCAC(L): an armed LCAC(L) sporting an M2HB with the special forces trait (and poor stealth). Most importantly, however, the SBS LCAC(L) will prominently feature the Union Jack (as in the image above).
• Dutch units can arrive in UH-1Ds or DAF YA-4400 unless otherwise noted. * MARINIER CMG * MARINIER * MARINIER (CARL G.) * MARINIER GENIE this 8-man squad is armed with 2 Uzis, 4 FALs, 2 FALOs, and satchel charges. * MARINER DRAGON I arriving in LARO instead of a DAF YA 4400.

https://preview.redd.it/qz3uq056c2bh1.jpg?width=452&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=518ec9d2b43b8db81a8b14408f4e15e692676152

• French infantry contributions are limited to COMMANDOS MARINE: members of France’s elite naval special forces. This 10-man squad is armed with 6 MP5s, 4 Minimis, satchel charges, and an APILAS. They have the airborne, special forces, and shock traits. This unit can arrive in VABs modern AS365 helicopters (pictured above).

ART

A bad category.

• American forces provide:
  • USMC M252 81mm arriving in M998 HUMVEEs
  • USMC M101 105mm towed by M998 HUMVEEs

https://preview.redd.it/r4anh556c2bh1.jpg?width=444&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67ecb8e3b9c169b75ab906d130ba9d0749fcad78

• USMC MK155 MICLIC is a towed mine clearing system. It is pulled by an AAVP-7 HAULER, an unofficially named AAV7 that has been set up for transport and pulling heavy equipment. It has only an M2HB but features the prime mover trait.
• British units provide the following (all have the resolute trait).
  • RM L16 81mm in a ROVER
  • RM L118A1 105mm towed by a STOLLY or by a CH-47D

TNK

A poor category.

• British forces provide RM ROVER MILAN, a RM version of existing ROVER MILAN, featuring the special forces trait.
• French RICM would have provided AMX-10 RCs, naturally featuring the resolute trait (they are otherwise identical to their nonmarine counterparts).
  • MAR. AMX-10 RC PC
  • MAR. AMX-10 RC
  • MAR. VAB MEPHISTO

REC

A very good category.

• American recon units include:
  • USMC RECON may arrive in M998 HUMVEEs, USMC M1025 HUMVEE M2HBs or UH-1Ns
  • FORCE RECON may arrive in M998 HUMVEEs or UH-1Ns
  • UH-1N DAS SCOUT
• British contributions include:
  • RM SCOUTS a royal marine (read: special forces traited) version the regular British Scouts arriving in ROVER or RM ROVER RECCE a Rover with a MAG and recon optics and the special forces trait.

https://preview.redd.it/tb6xs556c2bh1.png?width=386&format=png&auto=webp&s=62aa96f2dcdf7c813821572f3abfd5ebc248b3a8

• RM GAZELLE a Gazelle recon helicopter with Royal Marines livery

https://preview.redd.it/pfukm656c2bh1.jpg?width=335&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d7ee5ce6bddee42c4a5cea80f24659d3da76ac6d

• SEA KING AEW2A a Sea King helicopter with an advanced radar system onboard.
• France provides MAR. AMX-10 RC RECO, a marine versions of the AMX-10 RC featuring the resolute trait.

Marinejegerkommandoen emblem

• Norwegian contributions would include MJK Oppklar. MJK (short for Marinejegerkommandoen) are Norwegian Naval special forces. This 4-man team of frogmen scouts are armed with four MP5SDs, an RBS 70 MANPAD, and smoke grenades. They feature the special forces and GSR traits. They arrive to the battlefield in Norwegian LAND ROVER soft-skinned transports or LYNX helicopters.

AA

A decent category.

• American contingent provides USMC STINGER teams arriving with M998 HUMVEEs
• The French would supply the following air defense systems as an attaché to RICM (featuring the resolute trait of course):
  • MAR. TRM-2000 TARASQUE

https://preview.redd.it/8egb7556c2bh1.jpg?width=452&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d51ca23e4defde8fb8b5349c3b4638114dd95af0

• MAR. ERC SANTAL is an anti-aircraft system comprised of six mistral missiles and a radar system. In real life, this system was tested on the VAB and ERC chassis. Initial prototypes of the Santal were available in the late 1980s. In 1990, France chose to move forward with the ECR incarnation of the system, but never adopted it citing high cost after the cold war. In the WARNO timeline, we will say the French military rushed production and acquired a small number of these systems to support their marine formations. In game, the radar will likely not be SEAD-able (like the PIVADS) and will instead only confer a small accuracy, range, and aim time bonus compared to their existing counterparts.
• British royal marine units have the following units. All have the resolute trait.
  • RM JAVELIN arriving in ROVERs
  • RM JAVELIN LML arriving in ROVERs

HEL

A good category.

• American USMC rotorcraft are the only ones configured to provide close support to ground forces. Most other nation’s Navy’s helicopters were configured for other missions. USCM helos in this div will be the AH-1T, an improved version of the baseline twin engine USMC AH-1J. In game these helicopters will have capabilities between the Army AH-1E/F/S and the USMC’s Super Cobras.
  • AH-1T [ATGM] this variant is armed with the M197 cannon, 8 I-TOW missiles, and 2 7-round rocket pods.
  • AH-1T [RKT] armed with the M197 cannon and 4 19-round rocket pods.
  • AH-1T [AA] armed with the M197 cannon, 2 AIM-9Ls, and 2 7-round rocket pods.

https://preview.redd.it/286k1556c2bh1.jpg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bccf1b9f750f4d589199865f9546f46e1ebf0bdf

• SH-60B SEAHAWK [ATGM] is a naval variant of the ubiquities Blackhawk helicopter. This variant is armed for long range fire support; it carries a rack of four hellfire missiles. The Army demonstrated this capability in 1987. In the WARNO timeline, the Navy would have looked at integrating Hellfire onto other platforms with the threat of war looming. The results would be a limited number of these systems.

AIR

A very good category.

• American naval and marine aviation assets are widely available to cover amphibious operations.
  • A-6E INTRUDER [SEAD]
  • Several F-4J loadouts, all with their 20 mm Vulcan and 20% ECM.
    • F-4J PHANTOM II [LBG] carries 4 GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bombs (dropped in pairs) and two AIM-9Js
    • F-4J PHANTOM II [AA] the naval version of the existent F-4E [AA] with an identical loadout, but painted with Navy heraldry.

https://preview.redd.it/zlztw456c2bh1.jpg?width=354&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a03705804a0b5822f1ea647d52c51e98ea0ff1ce

• F/A-18 [HE] a hornet armed with 8 Mk. 83 bombs dropped from high altitude with a pair of sidewinders for self-defense.
• F/A-18 [AT]
• F/A-18 [AA]

https://preview.redd.it/f1r5i556c2bh1.jpg?width=476&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a73ebf804c6b92662cf851a1cb031871d247b9b6

• F-14A TOMCAT [AA3] these F-14s will be configured with the maximum number of 6 Pheonix missiles. This was a nonstandard configuration due to the increased mass of the payload. However, due to the nature of this operation, it was deemed necessary to maximize air-to-air magazine depth to buy time for the landing forces and to defend the naval vessels from Soviet maritime strike aircraft (the very targets Phoenix was designed to engage). To ensure enough fuel to successfully land, the 20mm and sidewinders are removed on this version.

https://preview.redd.it/xcnss556c2bh1.jpg?width=430&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3319088c68d92fd851c28fb4756b4d6a8de2d718

• Finally for the American contribution, a new class of system would support this battlegroup. The E-2C HAWKEYE is a carrier based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system. These unarmed platforms have advanced sensors, C2, and communications systems. In game, these aircraft would have two traits that represent these functions. Airborne Early Warning confers improved air detection range (beyond exceptional) and would be able to apply its optics in all azimuths (regardless of heading). The second trait, Airborne C2, is analogous to the leader trait for aircraft. It would confer a small (5% or less) bonus to accuracy to friendly air-to-air missiles launched by platforms near the AEW&C platform representing coordination of the air battle and/or track sharing. The E-2 itself is very vulnerable; it is slow and will not have much ECM.
• British naval air assets for this operation are limited to Sea Harriers. All variants are armed with twin ADEN 30mm cannons.

https://preview.redd.it/lnlmz956c2bh1.png?width=435&format=png&auto=webp&s=aa30ba5e84888c50f4f97964336511a2402b97c6

• SEA HARRIER FRS.1 [RKT] is armed with armed with four SNEB rocket pods and a pair of AIM-9Ls.
• SEA HARRIER FRS.1 [CLU] is armed with armed with four BL.755 cluster bombs and a pair of AIM-9Ls.
• SEA HARRIER FRS.1 [HE] is armed with armed with six Mk.18 RET bombs and a pair of AIM-9Ls.
• SEA HARRIER FRS.1 [AA] Armed with four of AIM-9Ls, similar to the existent HARRIER GR.2 [AA].
• Dutch F-16A [AA] could support operations in the Baltic. They could reach Gdansk with support of tanking operations.
• French carrier capable strike craft would be available to support.
  • SUPER ETENDARD [RKT]
  • SUPER ETENDARD [HE]
  • SUPER ETENDARD [CLU]
  • SUPER ETENDARD [AT]

Summary

This 5-nation battlegroup has outstanding infantry and air tabs. It relies on speed and mobility and should not take stand up fights over open ground. It has critical vulnerabilities in terms of air defense and its armor and artillery support are very light. It does well with bite and hold strategies and playing a wide game to keep their adversaries off balance. Good close-range AT, plentiful ATGMs, heavy gunship helicopters, and excellent mobility allow for a strong maneuver game to catch out heavy enemy forces. The division must maintain air superiority. Their air units provide crucial anti-air and anti-armor capability and can cover a wide front.

Other Works

If you liked this, feel free to check out the other WARNO conceptual projects I’ve done. The links below represent a more polished product than the original reddit post.

Nemesis Concepts:

Strategic Strongholds: US Military District Washington & Mongolian 016 Mechanized Division

Author’s Commentary

My inspiration for this battlegroup was basically as follows:

https://preview.redd.it/dir7a856c2bh1.png?width=470&format=png&auto=webp&s=c70e7cf680074d7b811043ebc60d792e6e52c683

As per the usual, the rest of this is just my ramblings on the construction process of this battlegroup. Feel free to skip it. I appreciate you reading this far!

Before we get into it, I know that a massive raid on Gdansk is wild, especially one of this scale. My counterpoints are: it’s cool, it is taking place in a conflict that never happened, and it is in a video game. While those forces could potentially have been put to better use elsewhere, we don’t have all the (fictional) information of what else is going on. Maybe NATO is very close to a breakthrough and really needs to divert Soviet reinforcements. Maybe they think they could actually make a bridgehead into the Soviet deep. Maybe they have been tricked by the Soviets into attacking the city and this is an elaborate ploy to draw them out. Whatever the case, there is at least precedent near suicidal one-way-trip style attacks (see 76 VDV). This earlier mentioned historical examples of St. Nazaire and Dieppe raids and the landings at Inchon in Korea also provide precedence for a historical standpoint.  We’re rolling with.

Things that could be cut

Hellfire blackhawks were successfully tested by the Army in 1987. The Navy didn’t clear their blackhawks (I know it’s a sea hawk; leave me alone) until the mid 1990s. Would it have ben easier to include the in game Super Cobras with hellfire instead? Yes. However, there were two things I wanted to accomplish with the way I set up the heli tab. 1) Hellfire blackhawks are cool and they would add more novelty to the game. 2) such a platform would be cheaper to deploy in game than a Super Cobra. The division struggles against heavy tanks and needs efficient tools to deal with them.

I went back and forth on adding F/A-18s, both strike and AA variants. While the strike department was already well covered, the AA wasn’t. I ultimate decided to keep the AA version as this “division’s” AA… sucks really bad and it would need as many ASFs as possible. With the AA versions in, I decided why not on the air-to-ground versions.  

The SANTAR is a stretch from a procurement standpoint. Having enough units to be meaningful was dubious in real life. However, the AA situation in this division is dire (it would likely be the worst in the game) so anything they can get to help would be good. This class of system seemed to fit better into RICM than infantry MANPADS, something the division already has in spades. I could be convinced that the SANTAL would be SEAD-able, but I think that is a strict detriment to a division already weak to aircraft.

Things that were cut

French infantry forces. RICM really didn’t have much in the way of “line” infantry. I had originally added a large contingent of Marine units (Marsouins actually before I knew better…), but I reduced what forces the French provided and I didn’t see much value in retaining these units given what else was already in. I also had Mistral teams, but the MANPAD coverage was pretty solid already (in addition to there being limited infantry in RICM).

https://preview.redd.it/ykcbq856c2bh1.png?width=422&format=png&auto=webp&s=f4f179de3cea695c36d7b52976fc079ee491da38

AMRAAM armed Sea Harrier F(A).2. The integration of AMRAAM onto the Harrier was beyond the scope of what I thought was reasonable to march to war. Additionally, in the WARNO timeline, the Americans were barely getting their hands on those missiles. It seemed unlikely they would have supplied their allies with the system when they couldn’t address their own demand yet. This would have been a unique class of fighter, however.

My original plan for the E-2 was to spot all aircraft in flight and keep them revealed (similar to how artillery spotters find artillery pieces). This would be terrible in team games and would prevent the F-117 in BerCom from being useful. I think the way I suggested it work would be best in practice.

I had originally planned to have a “DEFEKTOR” unit. Basically Polish “resistance” in Gdansk supported by covert operatives. In function they would have been similar to Fs-EINSATZGRUPPE, but I decided against adding them. It just didn’t feel like a WARNO thing and Poles taking up arms in the middle of a surprise amphibious attack while the city was being put under martial law seemed like a stretch.

Anyhow, massive thank you for sticking it through to here. Next time we’ll be shifting gears a bit into a larger expansion style set of divisions. This set will be called “the second wave” and we’ll start with the first of 10 divisions in the not so distant future. I plan to intersperse some more Nemesis style conceptual divisions to keep things interesting. Thanks again and hope to see you next time!

Edit: fixed bullet point formatting.

One of the biggest complaints in the community is the huge disparity in the player base. Something about how only one-tenth of players participate in anything other than Army General and 10v10 matches.

Could one way to address this be to introduce a dedicated "Newbie League"? Matchmaking would take both rank and grade into account on a bigger level to prevent seal clubbing by sweats, that way newer or less experienced players to compete against others at a similar level instead of being thrown in with veterans.

You could also promote it through scheduled launch windows or featured time slots, so players know exactly when to queue and the mode has enough population to produce good matches.