|| Wargame: Grand Army || Grand Strategy on a Miniature Scale || Inspired by Wargame and Steel Division ||

[LegatusAugustus]

To be honest, the only grand strategy games I've played are HoI 3 and 4. Play-by-post grand strategy is a pretty new concept to me, but it's interesting. Will almost definitely be joining.

[Genni]

How would you feel about an 'air cavalry' division made up of light infantry and almost exclusively helicopter aerial units, similar to the sort of units seen during the Vietnam War?

"Air Cavalry"

Aerial Division (4 Inf, 2 LA, 1 HA, 3 Sup, 1 Art, 5 Air)
Doctrines: Air Cavalry (helicopter mounted infantry), Airborne Logistics (Transport Aircraft, Combat Airdrop and Supply Airdrops; +2 Support)

Inf - Regular, Light/Recon, Light/Recon, Commander
LA - Cavalry/Motorcycles, Cavalry/Motorcycles
HA - Medium Tanks
Sup - Supply, Supply, Engineers, Engineers, Medics
Art - Howitzer
Air - Recon Helicopters, Recon Helicopters, Gunships, Gunships, Paratroopers

[ClocktowerEchos]

@Genni That's actually exactly why there's an Air Cavalry Doctrine

[FrostedCaramel]

Looks like we're going to be in need of an Infantry Division, so I'll probably go with a Combined Arms Mechanized Infantry layout for my group, probably reminiscent of something like a Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

My question is whether or not a Mechanized Infantry Squad would be a separate "purchase" from the IFV that makes them Mechanizex in the first place.

[Genni]

@Genni That's actually exactly why there's an Air Cavalry Doctrine

@ClocktowerEchos

It's more the use of the light infantry recon units I'm questioning, whether having a mobile scout division would work better than having standard infantry mounted on helicopters.

Also, would an Air Cavalry division be able to airlift its medium tanks and howitzers into position, or would they have to travel over land to rendezvouz with their compatriots? Or would this be covered by the serperate Airborne Logistics doctrine?

Would the support units also be helicopter mounted, or would they also need the Air Cavalry to take the Airborne Logistics doctrine as well?

[FrostedCaramel]

@Genni I mean I'd probably just drive armor in, heavy lift operations are a great way to lose both a helicopter and an armor piece at the same time.

As well I'm also partial to an Air Division but they don't seem as versatile as a Mechanized Division does.

[PrinceAlexus]

Mines very much a cross breed. Some infriantry and mech transport.

Also split by artillery and a support core.

Ment to reflect a owner who was not sure so collected both

Also a few refugees who got left in a sold mock Z building on Ebay who ended up enlisting!

[Genni]

As well I'm also partial to an Air Division but they don't seem as versatile as a Mechanized Division does.

@FrostedCaramel

I see them more as a modern version of the light skirmish cavalry. They outmaneuver and outflank their opponents, helping to harrass supply lines and disrupting battle plans more than actively engaging an enemy. Useful for both small scale operations, where they can perform hit and run attacks on enemies guerilla style, as well as larger operations where they scout out positions and help force the enemy to keep their forces isolated.

Preferably I'd drop the armour altogether, replacing it with heavy air support or artillery, but given the current options that doesn't seem to be something I can do within the confines of the rules as stated.

[PrinceAlexus]

Well I have amphibioua infriantry and track mobile support so...

I can furfil some infriantry roles with mechanised marines style force.

[Genni]

Well I have amphibioua infriantry and track mobile support so...

I can furfil some infriantry roles with mechanised marines style force.

@PrinceAlexus

I'll meet you at the top of the mountain on the other side of the jungle then.

[PrinceAlexus]

<Snipped quote by PrinceAlexus>
I'll meet you at the top of the mountain on the other side of the jungle then.

@Genni

See you there in a few hours... We loved the jungle hell so much we tool a long way round lol

[ClocktowerEchos]

My question is whether or not a Mechanized Infantry Squad would be a separate "purchase" from the IFV that makes them Mechanizex in the first place.

@FrostedCaramel

Transports/IFVs take up different slots than their infantry components.

Also, would an Air Cavalry division be able to airlift its medium tanks and howitzers into position, or would they have to travel over land to rendezvouz with their compatriots? Or would this be covered by the serperate Airborne Logistics doctrine?

Would the support units also be helicopter mounted, or would they also need the Air Cavalry to take the Airborne Logistics doctrine as well?

@Genni

Honestly I would say anything beyond light vehicles/artillery is somewhat unlikely. If you're trying to lift like a pack howitzer, that's fine. But even a modern Chinook wouldn't be able to carry a WW2 Sherman.

Helicopter Mounted Infantry would go under the Aerial section actually but they do come with the helicopter and infantry in one slot. To clarify, they'd basically be on the same level as regular line infantry; Paratroopers are more or less equal to Shock Troopers.

Airborne Logistics is more meant to be able to supply troops stuck in hard to reach places or places that are dangerous by land. Transport Aircraft ranges from Chinooks to proper airplanes but like I said before, you aren't going to be able to carry vehicles much larger than something like a Jeep or light vehicle via a helicopter.

GM ANNOUNCEMENT

After debating about it with my collection of plushies, I've decided to allow for non-human models. However, they still must be humanoid and still are physically capable as humans so no race of giant ogres that are 20x stronger than a man or a bunch of lizard people with scales that can block rockets. Basically don't go crazy with the non human things, its mostly for looks as is with most of the MockZ stuff; just reskins more or less.

[Genni]

After debating about it with my collection of plushies, I've decided to allow for non-human models. However, they still must be humanoid and still are physically capable as humans so no race of giant ogres that are 20x stronger than a man or a bunch of lizard people with scales that can block rockets.

@ClocktowerEchos

So if I decided I was going to use Space Elves with hovering motorcycles and flying tanks in place of normal motorcycles and helicopters..?

[PrinceAlexus]

Staying human.

Got to do a ton of unit cards though...

Like 10+...

Tanks, support, scouts and arty..

[Genni]

Honestly I would say anything beyond light vehicles/artillery is somewhat unlikely. If you're trying to lift like a pack howitzer, that's fine. But even a modern Chinook wouldn't be able to carry a WW2 Sherman.

@ClocktowerEchos

So I wouldn't be allowed to take a Mil Mi-26 to transport my medium tanks then?

[PrinceAlexus]

I'm going abit more relaxed. Its crude, its home made but its the best gear there owner could afford at times.

Name: Honey Badger Amphibious Tank Destroyer
Type: Light Tank
Availability: 6 per unit

Description:

Uglier, crude and slab like the Honey Badger gives no fucks. Built from soares, Amphibious tanks, some even with paddle wheeels and one with a fake sail. The crude, yet tough the Honey badger has Suprised many a person with there formidable firepower. The main cannons take up most of the tank, a gripe among many mock Z assigned to them.

Equipment:

• 125mm high velocity cannon, Gattling gun on turret.

[PrinceAlexus]

Wip... Please let me know if I got anything wrong.

Presenting the
_{501st "Iron Brigade" Templar Expeditionary Corps}

Doctrines

<sup>1) Amphibious

2) Mounted Soldiers</sup>

Theme

Support formation, heavy in Artillery and support with a large infantry formation mounted on amphibious APC transports, mostly themed around a mix of NATO equipment though is a eclectic mix of machines and weapons. The creator had two ideas and could not decide so both side where built and hoped would work.

History

The division was built slowly over a number of months and years with units adding on growing from a small force in a few cardboard structure on a side table, growing they soon gained tanks, artillery and a few dedicated and meant for mock Z buildings. in small town ranging from cardboard cereal boxes to resin cast buildings and shoe boxes linked be stairs and bridges of wooden cocktail sticks, balsewood and coffee stirrers soon formed.

Months took over a spare room and new buildings built even of wood came, a great statue made from a old buzz light year toy stood in center of a plaza, ringed with its barracks, garages, food stores and a small railway bridge that linked to a training range on a ping pong table covered in flock and a few old second hand war gaming ruins.

The maker of this force at first had little funds and coco pops towers is testament to it, slowly growing its split purpose soon became evident as unsure what to make, he decided to make both. now equipped with fully mechanized forces they used a ramp with raising drawbridge to floor to practice armored formations. Well equipped and armed, the unit has less experience as the owner has not had time to bring the full 501st to games and fought in skirmish games. experienced as small units but not in division operations.

Every mock Z is a trained riflemen, on parade they wear fancy hats, and every unit has its own different coloured and styled hat.

There eclectic, mixed up, rebuilt but the 501st is proud of its growing city, there slow beginnings and rise to a powerful division. Cereal boxes, sometimes basic food. They grew. They gained.

Some joined forgotten in a mock Z building, starved, ate much and soon found brother hood in the 501st. Not everything is new, but they always had rations, later a beer silo and a growing city, bodged, battered and home made. But a city they called home.

The 501st shall rise and conquer battlefield close and afar.

Leading Officer

Crusade General Maxamillion von Bismark

A proud veteran support comander with a larger moustache, black and purple uniform and detailed chaqau. Often shouting his orders in a germanic tone and famous for winning his men a beer ration from the creator by defeeting a rival in 1 vs 1 sword duel.

Total Troop Count

Short list of troops and vehicles

FORCE SUPPORT . 501st TAC

INFANTRY
2 Infantry squads, Regular line Units.
1Light Recon (Artillery spotters/Snipers)

LIGHT ARMOUR
2 amphibious armored APC
1 recon on mix of dirt bikes and quad bikes / Fast boats for sea born oporations
1 Unit, Amphibious light tanks
1 Unit, Amphibious light tank destroyers

HEAVY ARMOUR
1 Unit, medium Armour, Snorkels for fording rivers

SUPPORT
1 support comander
1 combat engineer force with armoured engineering units and bridging gear
1 support truck formation.
1 armoured amphibious ambulance fornation/field hospital.

ATILLARY
2 self propelled Artillery unit, 155mm
1 heavy self propelled Artillery unit, 225mm
2 self propelled AA formations

AIR SUPPORT
1 recon aircraft units
2 recon helicopter units

Infriantry

Name: Tactical Assult team
Type: Infriantry
Availability: 5 units of 12 mock Z

Description:

Some of the first units to make up thr force they started as regular infriantry and now have converted to mechanised unit. Mixed from many sources in a mixture im of uniforms they make up a motley but effective crew. There creators unsure ideas mean many have different uniforms from multiple nato countries.

Equipment:

• 9 Tavor rifles, 2 Saw LMG, 1 Spike anti tank missile

Name: Scout Sqaud
Type: Infriantry
Availability: 5 units of 4 man teams

Description:

more grim veterans of the Tactical teams, the scouts are a sometimes sour and grim lot but among thr best of the regular mock Z troops.

Created as artillery claimed too many freindlies and forcing the retirement of one squad they help guide in fire away from there own.

Equipment:

• mk12 scout rifle, with multi scopes, laser designation and specialist anti material rounds

Light Armour

Name: Spartan IV IFV Amphibious
Type: APC
Availability: 5 APC per formation

Description:

The sturdy Spartan APC is a back bone of the mechanised force being the basis of many of there tanks and machines. Bought on mass and shipped from China the Spartans and varients where a cost effective way to equip the division. Every one in equiped with a heater to warm rations, make tea and tiny cusions to make up for the lack of suspension on cheap tanks.

Upgraded with the Amphibious kits, they can ford rivers and low seas.

Equipment:

• 1 20mm cannon, one MG42 MG and tow chains / tools

Name: Mudder tech ATV
Type: Cavalry
Availability: one per mock scout.

Description:

a motley mix of quad bikes, dirt bikes and inflatable boats the Mudder tech machines are general purpose 3rd party all terrain machines. Acquired cheap second hand they are a motley mix of nations, a tad rusty and battered but reliable.

Equipment:

• cheap and cheerful, they carry no weapons

Name: Hopolite, Light Tank.
Type: Light Armoured tank.
Availability: 5 units of 12 mock Z

Description:

Bodged, battered and abit ugly the home made turrets on the Hopolite is ugly but it works. Running on multiple wheels and some on tracks, there a motley mix but effective tanks.

Amphibious like most the tanks, there forces are able to move places others cannot.

Rebuilt repaired, but ever reliable.

Equipment:

• M2. 50 cal, 75mm auto cannon, Storm bolter pintle mount.

Name: Honey Badger "rust buckets" Amphibious Tank Destroyer
Type: Light Tank
Availability: 6 per unit

Description:

Uglier, slower, crude and slab like the Honey Badger gives no fucks. Built from spares, Amphibious tanks, some even with paddle wheeels and one with a fake sail. The crude, yet tough the Honey badger has Suprised many a person with there formidable firepower. The main cannons take up most of the tank, a gripe among many mock Z assigned to them.

Ugly, but they hit like a medium tank.

Equipment:

• 125mm high velocity cannon (fixed casement mount) , Gattling gun on small turret.

Heavy Armour

Name: Centurion Tank
Type: Heavy Armour
Availability: 4 per unit

Description:

Historical tanks, modified with Snorkels and heavy cannons, repainted and repaired from a historical kit on sale the centurians fill the heavier armour of thr force.

Repaired after a few disastrous battles they have a couple of patches and parts glued on to repair them, there motley but still solid tanks even if a few weapons replacements are not accurate.

Equipment:

• 105mm cannon, M2.50, MG34, browning automatic rifle.

Support

Name: Von Bismqrk Support command
Type: support comander
Availability: 1/9 support staff and staff Spartan Tank

Description:

The personal tank of the comander and his men some of the oldest of thr mock Z. Dressed in fine uniforms, hats, assorted finery, and there swords. They are thr leaders of the 501st

Equipment:

• Lee Enfield rifles, swords, Colt Revolvers with pearl handles, binoculars etc

Name: 501st engineers
Type: support
Availability: 40 mock Z and machines.

Description:

Well trained, well equiped with multiple support tanks, bridge layers and mine clearer the combat engineers are some of the best of the 501st. All variants of the Spartan APC. Some may be bodges, home made or a tad strange there all effective at there jobs.

Gear to beach, build, bridge and clear barriers via force, Explosives or build camps for there mock Z brothers.

Equipment:

• various machines, tools, tanks and materials for Construction.

Name: GAZ truck.
Type: support
Availability: 30-40 trucks

Description:

reliable, simple the GAZ trucks are ever cheap, Cheerful and ever practical back bone of the unit. Hauling everything from water to weapons.

Equipment:

• crew defense weapons only.

Name: Allerous armoured Amphibious ambulence
Type: support
Availability: 10 per unit

Description:

basic, armoured, Amphibious ambulances, many mock Z are glad to see them arrive. Equiped with a medical bay, doctor and medical they can patch up and save the lives of a mock Z wounded in battle.

There armour and amphibious nature gives them go anywhere abilities. Painted white and clearly marked, these tanks are firm favourites of the 501st. Built from a Spartan, they represent the perfectly adaptable nature of the Spartans APC.

Equipment:

• unarmed, medical support tanks.

Artillery

Name: Balista medium artillery
Type: Artillery
Availability: 12 per unit

Description:

as the creator found he had ordered way too many Spartans, some hit the chopping block and soon where converted into self propelled guns. Mounting some spare guns from another kit, turrets from a third and bits and pieces the Balista was formed.

Enclosed self propelled guns, there tin armour is only proof vs small arms, but there's range and big guns are more than capable of keeping a foe afar.

Equipment:

• 155mm auto loaded guns. Saw LMG.

Name: Master Blaster, "SLEDGE HAMMER" artillery.
Type: Artillery
Availability: 4 per unit

Description:

a favorite for there ugly looks, two spartans mounted together. Ugly side plates and a monsterous main gun the master blaster is the premiere heavy guns of the 501st.

When Bordem hit, a box load of spartans spare. The master blaster was born. Mounting a single heavy gun impossible to mount on a single spartan. The heavy gun is a hard one to use. Many mock Z hate the loading but love the firepower.

Equipment:

• 220mm heavy cannon. Does it need any more?

Name: Sky Gurdian 1200 SPAA
Type: support
Availability: 10 per unit

Description:

the 501st loves blasting stuff, but being bombed less so. The sky Gurdian self propelled AA are able to clear a sphere around them and there brother mock Z and keep it free of enemy air units.

Built from stock kits, they are few and rare unnoticed machines and some of newest in the 501st

Equipment:

• sky hunter missiles, 25mm quad rapid fire auto cannon., sky seeker radar.

Air Support

Name: cyclops recon helicopter
Type: Air support
Availability: 4 per unit

Description:

Cyclops recon helicopters are eyes and ears of the 501st. Light, fast, agile and able to detect targets at long range they find targets for the big guns of the unit, and direct the commanders plans.

With a single central window, circular. They earner the name cyclops. Highly trained nock Z scouts pilot there's machines seek the enemies wherever they be.

They may also deploy 4 mock Z via Air insertion or rescue.

Equipment:

• 2 single shot javalin missiles, M2.50 machine guns.

Name: Capitano "eye in the sky" recon planes
Type: air support.
Availability: 2 per unit.

Description:

Light fast and able to go places before anyone else sees them the recon planes fly deeper and faster into teritory seeking targets for the "sledge hammers" back in the lines.

Flown by the craziest, bravest and most reckless of the mock Z troops they seek the enemy in hottest places.

Equipment:

• un armed. Recon gear, comms etc

[/indent]

[PrinceAlexus]

I was feeling kind. The mock Z base has a beer silo.

Aka beer can with a tiny spout, a little town in a spare room, abet bodged, had made n mixed up!

Its not super fancy but they all have a home :)
Even if its coco pops towers.

[ClocktowerEchos]

<Snipped quote by ClocktowerEchos>
So I wouldn't be allowed to take a Mil Mi-26 to transport my medium tanks then?

@Genni

Oh, that is more acceptable.

<Snipped quote by ClocktowerEchos>
So if I decided I was going to use Space Elves with hovering motorcycles and flying tanks in place of normal motorcycles and helicopters..?

@Genni

Space Elves, yes. Flying tanks and hoverbikes, no.

[neogreggory]

Hmm, I wanted to run a support division, in fact I had designed one almost entirely, but it would seem that we now have quite a few support divisions, perhaps it would be wiser for me to make an infantry or armor force instead. Hmm...