Less Than 60 Miles
Less Than 60 Miles Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 2. Overview
- 3. Game Equipment
- 4. General Rules
- 5. Sequence of Play
- 6. Posture
- 7. Stacking
- 8. Movement
- 9. River Crossing
- 10. Warsaw Pact Advance Axis
- 11. Attrition
- 12. Headquarters
- 13. Command Points
- 14. Orders
- 15. Ground Combat
- 15.1. Ground Combat Sequence
- 15.2. Attack Type
- 15.3. Defending Units
- 15.4. Combat Strength
- 15.5. Combat Modifiers
- 15.5.1. Posture
- 15.5.2. Attack Type
- 15.5.3. Cadre Rating
- 15.5.4. Nationality
- 15.5.5. Terrain
- 15.5.6. Defensive Works
- 15.5.7. Attrition Points
- 15.5.8. Resting
- 15.5.9. Electronic Warfare
- 15.5.10. Combat Support
- 15.5.11. Reconnaissance Units
- 15.5.12. Adjacent Units
- 15.5.13. Engagement
- 15.5.14. Delay
- 15.5.15. Weather
- 15.5.16. Chemical Warfare
- 15.5.17. Out of Command
- 15.5.18. Front-Line Command
- 15.5.19. Events
- 15.6. Combat Results
- 15.7. Retreat After Combat
- 15.8. Breakthrough
- 15.9. Advance After Combat
- 16. Combat Support
- 17. Artillery
- 18. Helicopters
- 19. Air Points
- 20. Bombardment
- 21. Interdiction
- 22. Anti-Aircraft Fire
- 23. Detection
- 24. Electronic Warfare
- 25. Intelligence (Optional)
- 26. Chemical Warfare
- 27. Nuclear Warfare
- 28. Integrated Battlefield (Optional)
- 29. Weather
- 30. Supply
- 31. Defensive Works
- 32. Bridges
- 33. Reinforcements
- 34. Event Cards
- 35. Action Cards
- 36. Independent Formations
2. Overview
In Less Than 60 Miles many aspects of warfare only marginally touched by most wargames are covered in depth. Therefore, even a seasoned Grognard could be thrown back to the first time he opened his just bought "Panzer Leader" rulebook. The following overview of the rules should help to feel at home.
During Scenario Setup, both sides should think out a generic plan they will try to execute.
For Warsaw Pact, the plan should include main attack axis, first and second echelon assignments and realistic objectives to achieve for each echelon. During the initial phases, Warsaw Pact combat units will probably use March Assault or Tactical Posture, in order to achieve good movement rate and combat capabilities. Warsaw Pact Self-Propelled Artillery could opt for a Close Support Posture, allowing it to keep the movement rate of advancing units and give good Combat Support when needed. Reconnaissance Units will give their best in Recon Posture, allowing fast movement and a combat advantage when supporting attacks against enemy defensive positions.
For NATO, the plan should consider the defense line to establish, the assignment of reserve units at Division and Corps level, and the time needed to get troops in place and ready to fight. NATO Units will probably need to move forward to combat positions using Tactical Posture, or opt for the faster Road Posture and risk potentially devastating enemy Air Strikes. NATO covering forces should use Screen Posture, in order to slow down enemy advance and maximize their own Disengagement chances.
Players will then begin to move units and execute combat, as usual in a conflict between modern, civilized countries. It will be immediately clear that combat strength is only a secondary factor, as Combat Modifiers, Posture and Combat Support will often determine the result.
Engineers will be used right from the start for crossing rivers, mining bridges and building defensive works. Close Air Support and Artillery will be critical and should also be coordinated and prepared. These activities alone could employ all the Command Points available, but the situation will appear to be under control after all.
Nevertheless, both sides should keep their Command Chain ready and their Units within Command Range.
At some point, the Perfect Plan will begin to fall into pieces. When this happens, you will need a working Command Chain to quickly react to the events. You will Issue Orders to your HQs by expending Command Points and using Order Chits, wait for the units to Execute the Order by placing a Time Marker and a Posture Marker on them, then wait again for them to Complete the Order and remove the Time Marker. During this phase, Command Points will be suddenly too few to do everything, and Time too short.
3. Game Equipment
A complete game of Less Than 60 Miles includes the following:
- 1x 98x55 cm Map
- 6x Counter Sheets
- 1x Rules Booklet
- 1x Scenarios and Designer's Notes Booklet
- 2x Tables Booklets
- 40x Event and Action Cards
- 1x Time Track Chart
- 1x Ground Combat Chart
- 1x US V Corps Order of Battle Chart
- 1x Central Front Order of Battle Chart
- 2x 10-sided dice
4. General Rules
4.1. Game Scale
Each hex covers 5 km of real terrain. Each Turn represents 3 hours of actual time.
4.2. Time / Turn Format
Each scenario has a Start and End Time expressed in a Day / Hour format, and a duration expressed in Turns.
For example, a scenario with a duration from D0 H06 to D1 H03 begins at Day 0, Hour 06 and ends at Day 1, Hour 03, for a total of 8 Turns.
4.3. Definition of Terms
Air Points: An abstract representation of the air power available to each side.
Air Zone: An area in which a Top HQ can use its available Air Points. In Less Than 60 Miles, the whole map is considered a single Air Zone.
Attached Unit: A Unit that can be attached to different HQs belonging to the same Formation and receive Orders by any of them.
Attrition Points: The level of fatigue, combat losses, ammunition shortage and disorganization of a Unit.
Blocking Unit: A Unit in a Posture that blocks enemy Movement.
Combat Unit: Any Unit having one of the following Unit Types: Armored, Armored Cavalry, Infantry, Mechanized, Recon.
Command Chain: A Hierarchical structure of Headquarters and Units, used to propagate Orders.
Command Point (CP): a quantification of the work needed by the commanding staff of one or more headquarters for issuing orders to units and execute several other game activities. Each Top HQ has two CPs values: Maximum Command Points (Max CPs) and Current Command Points (Current CPs), representing the maximum and current number of Command Points available each Turn.
Defending Unit: A Unit directly involved in defense during a Ground Combat.
Engaged: A Unit that already spent part of the time available in a Turn reacting to enemy activities.
Engineer Point: An abstraction of the Engineer forces available to each Top HQ.
FARP: Forward Arming and Refueling Point, a Posture allowing Helicopters to support ground Combat.
Formation: A group of Units having the same Formation Designation, and their Parent HQ.
Formation Unit: A Unit that can receive Orders only by its Parent HQ.
HQ: A Headquarters Unit, needed by several key functions and activities.
Movement Point (MP): a quantification of the time needed to move or execute a specific action. Each Movement Point represents 15 minutes of actual time.
Order: Instructions issued down the Command Chain to one or more units, allowing them to change Posture.
Order Chit: A chit representing an Order issued to subordinate HQs and units. Order Chits typically require several turns before having any effect.
Parent HQ: The Headquarters to which a Unit or HQ is subordinated. Attached Units and HQs may be subordinated to different HQs.
Posture: Each unit is always in a certain posture or preparing to assume it. Each specific Posture allows the unit to execute certain actions and gives specific advantages or disadvantages. The current Posture of each unit is identified by a Posture Marker.
Support Unit: Helicopters, HQs and Artillery Units of any type are considered Support Units.
Time Marker: A marker placed under a unit to identify the Turn during which it will complete deploying to its assigned Posture.
Top HQ: The Headquarters at the top of the Command Chain. In Less Than 60 Miles, Top HQs are Central Front for Warsaw Pact and US V Corps for NATO.
4.4. Fractions
All fractions are rounded down, unless otherwise specified by the rules.
4.5. Die Rolls
Die rolls go from 1 to 10, with a roll of 0 counting as 10.
5. Sequence of Play
Each Turn is played using the following sequence:
- Weather Phase
- Roll for Fog / Precipitation.
- Ground or Unground Aircraft.
- Events Phase
- Both sides receive Air, Electronic Warfare, Engineer and Command Points reinforcements.
- Both sides roll for Events.
- Air Points Phase
- Both sides roll on the Air Table and adjust Current Air Points.
- Player 1 Action Phase
- Orders Reveal Phase
- Reveal Order Chits in the current Turn slot and adjust Max CPs accordingly.
- Place Current CPs Markers in the same slot of the corresponding Max CPs Markers.
- Order Execution Phase
- Complete Deployment for Units.
- Execute each Revealed Order Chit.
- Execute Authorized / Unauthorized Posture Changes.
- Order Issue Phase
- Issue new Orders and assign them to an appropriate HQ.
- HQ Reconstruction Phase (both sides)
- Engineering Phase
- Attrition Removal Phase
- Relocate Supply Hubs
- Rotate Phasing Units Resting from previous Turn.
- Execute Resupply, Rest and Refit for Phasing Units.
- EW Points Phase
- Allocate EW Points to HQs.
- Deallocate EW Points from HQs.
- Bombardment Phase (both sides)
- Execute Intelligence Attempts.
- Execute Bombardment and Interdiction missions.
- Movement Phase
- Housekeeping Phase
- Remove Breakthrough and Interdiction Markers.
- Remove Engaged and Half-Engaged Markers from Phasing Units.
- Remove Intelligence Markers.
- Orders Reveal Phase
- Player 2 Action Phase
- Player 2 becomes the Phasing Player and repeats all the steps of Phase 4.
- End Phase
- Check for removal of Persistent Gas and Nuclear Contamination Markers.
- Advance Turn Marker on the Time Track.
6. Posture
Posture represents a Unit's deployment on the battlefield and its current orders. Each Posture allows a Unit to execute efficiently some activities, while limiting or denying others.
Posture determines a Unit's movement and combat capabilities, as well as its vulnerability to enemy Bombardments. It also allows a Unit to execute some actions without further directives from the HQ. A summary of each Posture's characteristics can be found in the Postures Chart.
A Sample Posture Marker shows: Movement Mode, Bombardment Modifier, Posture Name, whether it is a Blocking Unit, and Attack / Defense Combat Modifiers.
- A Unit is always in a specific Posture or preparing to assume it.
- Units in Tactical Posture have no Posture Marker, as this is considered the "default" Posture. Units in any other Posture are marked by placing an appropriate Posture Marker under them.
- A Unit's Movement Mode is determined by its Posture (see 8, Movement)
- Some Postures allow a Unit to block or hamper enemy movements (see 8.6, Blocking Units) and give additional capabilities or limitations (see 6.3, Additional Capabilities & Limitations).
6.1. Posture Change
A combat unit cannot switch from rough defense to all-out attack in no time. The movements and deployment of its manoeuvre elements must be decided and coordinated with commanding HQ, logistical services and other units; reconnaissance must be organized; artillery and air support must be planned. All this requires a command chain, working communications and time - sometimes, more than available.
A Unit may change its Posture by executing an Order, by changing autonomously to a new Posture compatible with its current one, or by changing autonomously to any Posture allowed by its Type.
6.1.1. Order Execution
During the Order Execution Phase, a Unit receiving an Order may change to one of the Postures allowed by the Order. (see 14, Orders and the Orders Chart).
6.1.2. Authorized Posture Change
During the Order Execution Phase, a Unit may change to a Posture compatible with its current one.
- Consult the Posture Chart to find a list of the Authorized Postures and their Deploy Time, expressed in Turns.
- If the Unit is not within Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- If the Unit is Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- Places an appropriate Posture and Time Marker under the Unit.
6.1.3. Unauthorized Posture Change
During the Order Execution Phase, a Unit may change to any Posture allowed by its type and not previously planned. This kind of decision, not coordinated with logistical services and other units, puts the Unit in a precarious situation.
- A Unit executing an Unauthorized Posture Change may change to any Posture allowed by its type, except Refit.
- Consult the Posture Chart to find the Deploy Time of the new Posture, expressed in Turns.
- If the Unit is not within Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- If the Unit is Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- Increase the Unit's Attrition Points by one, and decrease the Current CPs of its Top HQ by one.
- Place an appropriate Time and Posture Markers under the Unit.
6.2. Posture Transition
A Unit changing Posture has a Time Marker under it and is considered in Transition from its previous Posture to the new one. A Unit in Transition has little or none of the advantages normally associated to its final Posture, and its full disadvantages.
- A Unit in Transition cannot move, attack or use its Barrage Strength.
- A Unit in Transition does not have any additional capability normally available to its target Posture.
- If a Unit in Transition defends in Ground Combat, the Combat Modifier for its Posture is increased by two (i.e., a -1 Combat Modifier becomes a +1).
- If a Unit in Transition is subject to Bombardment, the Die Roll Modifier for its posture is increased by one (i.e., a -1 Modifier becomes a 0).
6.3. Additional Capabilities and Limitations
Besides influencing a Unit's movement and combat behavior, some Postures also give additional capabilities and limitations.
6.3.1. Screen Posture
- A Unit in Screen Posture exerts a Screen Area in a 2-hexes range from its current hex.
- A Unit moving inside or into an Enemy Screen Area must pay two additional MPs for each hex.
- An enemy Screen Area has no effect on a moving Unit if any of the following conditions is true:
- The hex entered already contains another friendly Combat Unit.
- The hex entered is adjacent to another Friendly Combat Unit that is nearer to the enemy Unit exerting the Screen Area. Should more than one enemy Unit exert a Screen Area over the hex entered, the enemy Player chooses which one to use.
- The hex entered contains a Breakthrough Marker.
6.3.2. Recon Posture
- A Unit in Recon Posture may give a favorable Combat Modifier when adjacent to a hex attacked by another friendly Unit (see 15.5.11, Reconnaissance Units).
6.3.3. Full Assault Posture
- Any Combat Result inflicting one or more Attrition Points to a Unit in Full Assault Posture is increased by one.
- A Unit in Full Assault Posture must Advance after Combat If the defender's hex is left vacated.
6.3.4. Rigid Defense Posture
- A Unit in Rigid Defense Posture cannot opt to Retreat After Combat and must fulfill any combat result by increasing its Attrition Points.
6.3.5. Active Defense Posture (NATO Only)
- Only NATO Combat Units with a Cadre of 4 or more may adopt Active Defense Posture.
- During his Order Execution Phase, NATO Player may immediately change a Unit's Posture from Active Defense to Assault or Tactical by expending one Command Point from the appropriate Top HQ. The Unit must be within Command Range of its Parent HQ.
6.3.6. March Assault Posture (WP Only)
March Assault Posture combines good mobility and combat capabilities, allowing a Unit to expend fewer MPs to attack, at the price of forfeiting the Unit's control on the surrounding terrain and making the Unit vulnerable to enemy Bombardment.
- Only Warsaw Pact Mechanized, Armor and Reconnaissance Units with a Cadre of 4 or more may adopt March Assault Posture.
- A Unit in March Assault expends 3 MPs for executing a Hasty Assault and 6 MPs for a Prepared Assault.
6.3.7. Close Support Posture (WP Only)
Close Support combines good mobility and full Barrage firepower, at the price of making the unit vulnerable to enemy Bombardment.
- Only Warsaw Pact Self-Propelled Artillery may adopt a Close Support Posture.
- Units in Close Support Posture move in Tactical Mode and use their Full Barrage Strength.
7. Stacking
- NATO Player cannot have more than three Units in a hex. In addition, only two of them can be Combat Units.
- Warsaw Pact Player cannot have more than three Units in a hex. In addition, only one of them can be of Regiment Size.
- Stacking restrictions apply only at the end of a Player's Movement Phase and during Ground Combat.
- In the initial set-up, certain hexes could be overstacked (Typically, NATO barracks). Units starting in these hexes may ignore stacking rules until moved from the setup hex.
8. Movement
Each Unit has Movement Points to expend during the Friendly Movement Phase. Most activities, including Combat, require the expenditure of MPs. A Unit may move, resolve Combat against enemy Units and continue expending its remaining MPs.
8.1. Moving Units
- During the Friendly Movement Phase, a Player may move all, some or none of its Units.
- Units must be moved one at a time. A Player cannot begin moving a Unit before the movement of the previously moved Unit is completed.
- A Unit cannot enter a hex unless it can expend the required number of MPs (Exception: 8.4, Delayed Movement).
- An Unengaged Unit has 12 Movement Points.
- A Half-Engaged Unit has 6 Movement Points.
- An Engaged Unit has 0 Movement Points.
- A Unit having a Time Marker under it cannot expend MPs (see 6.2, Posture Transition).
- A Unit cannot enter a hex containing an enemy Unit.
8.2. Calculating Movement Cost
The Movement Mode of a Unit (not to be confused with its Posture) has a big impact on its movement capabilities. An almost infinite number of combinations are possible, here simplified into three basic modes: Column, Tactical and Deployed. A Unit in Column Mode is organized in a single column, with planned intervals and speed. The Unit is able to use roads to their maximum effect and choose the best possible route among those available. A Unit in Tactical Mode is organized in multiple columns, with reconnaissance and combat elements deployed on front and flank areas. The Unit is able to use roads to some extent, but some elements could be forced to move thru difficult terrain slowing down the overall advance rate. A Unit in Deployed Mode is deployed for combat. Its combat capabilities are maximized, but it is unable to use roads effectively or to avoid difficult terrain.
- A Unit has its Movement Type determined by its Type: Infantry Units use the Foot Section of the Movement Table, while all other Units use the Mechanized Section.
- A Unit has its Movement Mode (Column, Tactical or Deployed) determined by its current Posture (see Postures Chart).
- A hex always contains one or more Terrain Types and may contain one or more Terrain Features. A Unit moving into a hex pays the MP cost for one of the Terrain Types and one of the Terrain Features present in the hex. Which Terrain Type and Feature must be paid depends on the Unit's Movement Mode.
- A Unit in Column Mode uses the "Column" Section of the Movement Table and pays the MP cost for:
- The best Terrain Type in the hex entered, no matter how small the filled part of the hex is.
- The best Terrain Feature in the hex entered. If any part of the hex is not covered by a Terrain Feature, no extra MPs are spent.
- A Unit in Tactical Mode uses the "Tactical" Section of the Movement Table and pays the MP cost for:
- The worst Terrain Type in the hex entered, no matter how small the filled part of the hex is.
- The worst Terrain Feature in the hex entered, no matter how small the filled part of the hex is.
- A Unit in Deployed Mode uses the "Deployed" Section of the Movement Table and pays the MP cost for:
- The worst Terrain Type in the hex entered, no matter how small the filled part of the hex is.
- The worst Terrain Feature in the hex entered, no matter how small the filled part of the hex is.
- A Unit in Fixed Mode cannot move. A HQ Unit in Fixed Mode can expend MPs to change its Posture.
- A hexside may contain one or more Obstacles (typically, bridged or unbridged rivers). A Unit must always pay the MP Cost for any Obstacle crossed when entering a hex. When crossing an Unbridged River, the moving Player must also decide a crossing method (see 9, River Crossing).
Example: Hex 1025 contains Plain, Hill 1, Hill 2 and Town Terrain Type, and it is partially covered by Forest Terrain Feature. A Mechanized Unit in Column Mode expends 2 MPs for Plain (best Terrain Type). As some parts of the hex do not contain Terrain Features, no extra cost is paid for them. Total cost is therefore 2 MPs. A Mechanized Unit in Tactical Mode expends 3 MPs for Hill 2 (worst Terrain Type), plus 2 MPs for Forest (worst Terrain Feature), for a total of 5 MPs. A Mechanized Unit in Deployed Mode expends 4 MPs for Hill 2 (worst Terrain Type), plus 3 MPs for Forest (worst Terrain Feature), for a total of 7 MPs.
8.3. Road Movement
In order to use a Road, a Unit must adhere to the following prerequisites:
- It must be using Column or Tactical Movement Mode.
- It must move from a Road hex to a contiguous Road hex through a hexside traversed by a Road.
If all the prerequisites are met, a Unit may move along the Road using following movement rules:
- It pays the MP cost for the Road type being used and for any Obstacle crossed, ignoring Terrain Type and Terrain Feature in the hex being entered.
- It could incur in additional MP costs when moving in a hex containing or adjacent to other Units using the Road (see Movement Table).
- HQ Units moving along Roads are not affected by other Units and do not influence the Road movement of other Units.
- A Unit is never forced to use a Road. For each single hex entered, the Player may decide if a Unit is using Roads or its standard movement mode.
8.4. Delayed Movement
A Unit can use Delayed Movement in the following cases:
- At the beginning of its Movement, to enter a hex whose cumulative cost is higher than its maximum MPs.
- At the beginning of its Movement, to enter or cross a terrain marked as "Delay" on the Movement Table.
- In Advance after Combat, when the hex being advanced into costs more than the MPs remaining to the Unit.
8.4.1. Delayed Movement Procedure
- After moving or advancing into the hex, place a "Delayed" marker under the unit to mark its status. Any required roll for Attrition Points is executed normally.
- A Delayed Unit must immediately stop and cannot execute any other action during the current and the next Friendly Movement Phase.
- At the end of the next Friendly Movement Phase, the Delayed marker is removed.
- A Delayed Unit has an additional +3 Combat Modifier when defending in Ground Combat.
8.5. Forced March
- A Unit may add 3 MPs to its current movement allowance by executing a Forced March.
- A Unit already having its maximum number of Attrition Points cannot execute a Forced March.
- In the instant the Unit expends more MPs than its current movement allowance, the owning player rolls a die, consults the Forced March Table and immediately applies the result to the moving Unit.
8.6. Blocking Units
A Combat Unit could block enemy Movement, depending on its Posture and on the Terrain it is currently in; in this case, the Unit is defined as "Blocking". Consult the Postures Chart to determine when a Unit is Blocking.
- Only Combat Units can be Blocking Units.
- When in any Terrain except City, a Combat Unit blocks enemy movement as listed in the Block – Other column of the Postures Chart. Blocking Postures in non-City Terrain have a red horizontal stripe on the left side of their Marker.
- When in City Terrain, a Combat Unit blocks enemy movement as listed in the Block – City column of the Posture Chart. Blocking Postures in City Terrain have a red horizontal stripe on the right side of their Marker.
- A Unit adjacent to an enemy Blocking Unit cannot move any further except by initiating Ground Combat or Disengaging, unless one of the following cases is true:
- Its current hex contains a Breakthrough Marker.
- Its current hex and the hex being moved into both contain friendly Combat Units or Breakthrough Markers.
- Its current hex contains another friendly Combat Unit, and the hex being moved into is not adjacent to enemy Blocking Units.
8.7. West German Territorial Forces
- The following Units are WG Territorial Forces: WG 54 Bde (5 units), WG 64 Bde (5 units), WG 74 Rgt (4 units), WG 41VBK Bn, WG 43VBK Bn, WG 47VBK Bn.
- West German Territorial Forces cannot leave West Germany. If forced to do so for any reason, they are eliminated.
8.8. Disengagement
Disengagement has always been one of the most difficult maneuvers to execute successfully, and against an enemy determined to keep contact it may become almost impossible.
- A Unit must Disengage before moving when adjacent to enemy Blocking Units, or when Retreating After Combat.
- The Unit attempting Disengagement must have a Posture allowing Movement and expend 4 MPs.
- The Player may allocate Combat Support to the Disengagement attempt, using the standard Combat Support rules.
- The Player rolls a die on the Disengagement Table, applying all the relevant Die Roll Modifiers.
- A Disengagement attempt has the following possible results:
- F1: Disengagement failed. The Unit must take one Attrition Point and stop moving.
- S1: Disengagement succeeded. The Unit must take one Attrition Point and may continue moving.
- S0: Disengagement succeeded. The Unit takes no Attrition Points and may continue moving.
- If the Disengagement has been successful, the first hex entered cannot be adjacent to enemy Blocking Units unless one of the following conditions is true:
- It also contains a friendly Combat Unit.
- It is separated from all the enemy Blocking Units by unbridged River hexsides.
- The enemy Player may voluntarily allow any Disengagement attempt. In this case, the Disengagement automatically succeeds with a S0 result.
9. River Crossing
Both NATO and Warsaw Pact invested time and resources into river crossing equipment, procedures, and training. In theory, most AFV in 1985 had amphibious capabilities and were able to cross minor rivers with little preparation. In practice, river crossing operations presented several problems and challenges.
When moving or attacking across an Unbridged River hexside, the Player must choose and, in some cases, prepare an appropriate crossing method.
9.1. Hasty Crossing
A Hasty Crossing uses the amphibious capacity of the Unit and the crossing equipment immediately at hand, with little or no preparation. It is the fastest crossing method, at the risk of losing some equipment on the river bottom.
9.1.1. Hasty Crossing Prerequisites
- Hasty Crossing can be executed by Amphibious Units and can be used to cross Minor Rivers only.
9.1.2. Hasty Crossing in Movement
- A Unit crossing a River hexside by Hasty Crossing pays the appropriate MPs cost.
- Immediately after crossing, the owning Player rolls a die to check any Attrition Points incurred during Crossing (see Movement Table).
9.1.3. Hasty Crossing in Combat
- A Unit attacking across a Minor River by using Hasty Crossing incurs in an unfavorable Combat Modifier (see Combat Table).
- Immediately before Combat, the owning Player rolls a die to check any Attrition Points incurred during Crossing (see Movement Table)
- Should the attack result into Advance After Combat, the Unit pays the appropriate MP cost to cross the river but does not roll again to check Attrition Points.
9.2. Prepared Crossing
A Prepared Crossing uses Engineer support, partial Ribbon Bridges and rafts and requires some time to organize troops. It is slower than Hasty Crossing but ensures that little or no equipment will be lost during crossing.
9.2.1. Prepared Crossing Prerequisites
- Prepared Crossing can be executed by any Unit and can be used to cross both Minor and Major Rivers.
- The River hexside to be crossed must have at least one friendly Unit adjacent to it.
- One of the hexes adjacent to the River hexside to be crossed must be within Command Range of a friendly HQ.
9.2.2. Prepared Crossing Procedure
- During the friendly Engineer Phase, the Player subtracts one Engineer Point from the Top HQ to which the HQ used as prerequisite belongs.
- The Player places an Engineer Marker of the used Top HQ on the River hexside to be crossed.
- As long as the Engineer Marker remains in place, any number of Friendly Units may cross the River hexside by expending the appropriate number of MPs (see Movement Table).
- The Engineer Marker can remain in place as long as needed. During any subsequent friendly Engineer Phase, the Player may remove the Engineer Marker and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
- Should only enemy Combat Units be adjacent to the River hexside at any time, the Engineer Marker is immediately removed, and the Player gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
9.2.3. Prepared Crossing in Movement
- A Unit crossing a River hexside by Prepared Crossing pays the appropriate MP Cost.
- When crossing a Major River hexside by Prepared Crossing, the owning Player must also roll a die to check any Attrition Point incurred during Crossing.
9.2.4. Prepared Crossing in Combat
- A Unit attacking across a River by using Prepared Crossing incurs in an unfavorable Combat Modifier (see Combat Table).
- Immediately before Combat, the owning Player rolls a die to check any Attrition Point incurred during Crossing (see Movement Table).
- Should the attack result into Advance After Combat, the Unit pays the appropriate MP cost to cross the river but does not roll again to check Attrition Points.
10. Warsaw Pact Advance Axis
A Warsaw Pact Army typically included 50,000 personnel, 4,000 combat vehicles, 800 artillery tubes and 6,000 trucks just to start with. In order to achieve the advance rate expected by Soviet planners, this fearsome formation must sacrifice flexibility.
- Each Warsaw Pact Army must always have an Advance Axis, as defined by its Axis Marker.
- As soon as the first Unit of a Warsaw Pact Army is placed on the map during Setup or enters as Reinforcement, Warsaw Pact Player must define its Advance Axis by placing the corresponding Axis Marker on the map, with the arrow pointing to a hex vertex.
- For each Warsaw Pact Unit belonging or attached to an Army, the Axis Marker defines four of the adjacent hexes as the Advance Area and the remaining two adjacent hexes as the Rear Area.
- A WP Unit moving into a hex in its Rear Area must expend one additional MP.
- A WP Unit attacking into a hex in its Rear Area has an additional -3 Combat Modifier.
- A WP Unit defending from an attack originating from its Rear Area has an additional +3 Combat Modifier.
- During the Order Issue Phase, Warsaw Pact Player may change the Advance Axis of an Army by expending 2 CPs from the appropriate Top HQ and by placing under the Axis Marker a Time Marker equal to the current Turn plus 2.
- During the Order Issue Phase of the Turn corresponding to the placed Time Marker, Warsaw Pact Player removes the Time Marker and repositions the Advance Axis Marker as desired.
11. Attrition
Attrition represents several things: fatigue, combat losses, disorganization, loss of key equipment, fuel or ammo shortage, mechanical failures, even desertions. In short, the attrition of war.
11.1. Attrition Limit
Attrition Limit represents the capability of a Unit to endure the attrition of war. For artillery Units, it also represents the capacity to support friendly forces for prolonged periods without resupplying or refitting.
- Each unit has a fixed Attrition Limit, depending on its size or type:
| Unit Size / Type | Attrition Limit |
|---|---|
| Regiment | 5 |
| Battalion | 4 |
| Company | 3 |
| Artillery (all sizes) | 5 |
| Helicopter (all sizes) | 5 |
| HQ | 3 |
11.2. Attrition Points
Several events may increase the Attrition Points of a Unit: Combat, Disengagement, River Crossing, Combat Support, Enemy Bombardment and Anti-Aircraft Fire are some of them.
- When a Unit gains Attrition Points, place an appropriate Attrition Marker under it.
- Attrition Points have a negative impact on a Unit's combat capabilities (see 15.5.7, Attrition Points).
- If a unit is required to increase its Attrition Points beyond its Attrition Limit, it is eliminated (exception: 8.8, Disengagement).
11.3. Attrition Removal by Resupply
- Self-Propelled Artillery, Towed Artillery and Rocket Artillery may remove Attrition by Resupply.
- During the friendly Attrition Removal Phase, the Phasing Player rolls a die once on the Resupply Table.
- If the Resupply result is R, any eligible Unit may remove one Attrition Point if all the following prerequisites are met:
- It must be able to trace a valid Supply Line.
- It must be within the Command Range of its Parent HQ.
- It cannot be in Road Posture or in Transition (i.e. it must have no Time Markers).
- It cannot be Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed.
- If the Resupply result is -, no Unit may remove Attrition Points by Resupply during the current Attrition Removal Phase.
11.4. Attrition Removal by Resting
- Combat Units may remove Attrition by Resting.
- During the friendly Attrition Removal Phase, an eligible Unit may try to remove one Attrition Point if all the following prerequisites are met:
- It must not be adjacent to Enemy units.
- It must be able to trace a valid Supply Line.
- It must be within the Command Range of its Parent HQ.
- It cannot be in Transition (i.e. it must have no Time Markers).
- It cannot be Engaged, Half-Engaged, Delayed or in Refit Posture.
- If all the prerequisites are met, the owning Player rolls a die and consult the following table:
| Unit Type | Removes 1 AP on a Roll… |
|---|---|
| WG Combat Units | 6 – 10 |
| Other NATO Combat Units | 7 – 10 |
| Soviet Combat Units | 8 – 10 |
| Other WP Combat Units | 9 – 10 |
- A Unit may attempt to remove Attrition Points by Resting only once per Turn.
- After the attrition removal attempt, successful or not, the unit cannot expend MPs or change Posture until the next friendly Attrition Removal Phase. Rotate the unit upside down to mark this fact.
11.5. Attrition Removal by Refitting
- All Unit Types except HQs may remove Attrition Points by Refitting.
- During the friendly Attrition Removal Phase, a Unit in Refit Posture automatically removes one Attrition Point if all the following prerequisites are met:
- It must not be adjacent to Enemy units.
- It must be able to trace a valid Supply Line.
- It must be within the Command Range of its Parent HQ.
- It cannot be Engaged, Half-Engaged or Resting.
- An eligible Unit may remove one Attrition Point by Resupply and one by Refitting during the same Attrition Removal Phase.
11.6. HQ Attrition Removal
For Headquarters, Attrition represents the loss or incapacitation of highly qualified commanding officers. Therefore, the only way to remove Attrition is transferring staff personnel from other units belonging to the same formation.
- Headquarters cannot remove Attrition by Resting, Refitting or Resupply.
- During the Attrition Removal Phase, the Phasing Player may decrease the Attrition Points of a HQ by increasing the Attrition Points of another Combat Unit of the same nationality.
- The Combat Unit must be within the Command Range of the HQ and must be able to trace a Supply Line from its hex to the HQ's hex.
- The Phasing Player increases the Attrition Points of the used Unit by one and decrease the Attrition Points of the HQ of up to two.
11.7. Warsaw Pact Replacement Doctrine
Warsaw Pact doctrine stressed the concept of using formations until consumption and replace them with fresh ones when they are unable to continue the advance. Consequently, Warsaw Pact combat units are not allowed to recover from attrition and losses below a certain level.
- Warsaw Pact Combat Units having two or fewer Attrition Points cannot remove them by Resting or Refitting.
12. Headquarters
Several critical activities can be executed only within a Headquarters' Command Range: Issuing and Executing Orders, Engineer Operations, Resupply and Refit and Electronic Warfare are some of them. Moreover, Units within Command Range of their Parent HQ will fight better.
12.1. HQ Posture
- An HQ Unit has only two possible Postures: Deployed and Moving.
- An HQ in Deployed Posture cannot move, has its full Command Range and is more difficult to Detect.
- An HQ in Moving Posture uses Column Movement Mode, has its Command Range halved and is easier to Detect.
- During the Friendly Movement Phase, a HQ may change its Posture by expending one CP and 4 MPs. The Posture is changed immediately, and if the HQ changed to Moving Posture it may use its remaining MPs normally.
- An HQ may change its Posture only once per Friendly Movement Phase.
12.2. HQ Command Range
- Each HQ has a Command Range printed on its counter, based on its current Posture.
- Command Range is measured in hexes, from the HQ hex (excluded) to the unit or hex being checked (included).
- Command Range is not influenced or blocked by enemy units, enemy control, terrain or movement costs.
12.3. HQ in Ground Combat
- A HQ Unit in a hex under attack and containing no friendly Combat Units defends with a Defense Strength of one.
- Any Ground Combat result inflicted to a defending HQ is doubled.
- A HQ Unit attacked while alone in a hex cannot Retreat after Combat.
12.4. HQ Destruction
If a HQ is destroyed or removed from play for any reason:
- the owning Player immediately subtracts a variable amount of Maximum and Current CPs from the appropriate Top HQ, depending on the Level of the HQ. In any case, values cannot decrease below zero.
| Destroyed HQ Level | Decrease Maximum CPs by… |
|---|---|
| WP Front, NATO Corps | 3 |
| WP Army, NATO Division | 2 |
| WP Division, NATO Brigade / Regiment | 1 |
- Any Order currently on the Time Track and having the HQ as Executing HQ is immediately removed.
- Any EW Points in the HQ are immediately placed back in the appropriate Top HQ EW Points pool.
- If the HQ has been destroyed, the HQ counter is placed one Turn ahead on the Time Track. HQs destroyed during Player 1 Action Phase are placed face-up, and HQs destroyed during Player 2 Action Phase are placed face-down.
- Units needing the HQ in their Command Chain will have a Broken Command Status until the HQ is Reconstructed.
12.5. HQ Reconstruction
- During a HQ Reconstruction Phase, both Players may reconstruct destroyed HQs in the current Turn slot of the Time Track.
- A HQ availability for reconstruction depends on the exact time of its destruction:
- A HQ destroyed during Player 1 Action Phase (face-up on the Time Track) is available for Reconstruction during Player 1 HQ Reconstruction Phase.
- A HQ destroyed during Player 2 Action Phase (face-down on the Time Track) is available for Reconstruction during Player 2 HQ Reconstruction Phase.
- If a Player wish to Reconstruct a destroyed HQ:
- He increases by one the Attrition Points of any Combat Unit of the same nationality of the destroyed HQ.
- He places the reconstructed HQ in Moving Posture, in a friendly controlled hex adjacent to the Combat Unit used.
- He increases the Max CPs and Current CPs of the involved Top HQ by the same amount subtracted in the moment of the HQ's destruction (see 12.4, HQ Destruction).
- A reconstructed HQ may operate normally as soon as it is placed on the map.
- If a Player does not wish or cannot Reconstruct a destroyed HQ, move its Counter to the next Turn on the Time Track.
13. Command Points
Command Points represent the workload capacity of the command staffs available to each side. More than the simple number of staff personnel, hierarchical organization and doctrine determine how well a command structure can swiftly react to contingencies. Warsaw Pact's centralized structure, together with the sheer number of troops and equipment needing coordination, could have brought the command chain to its knees during a crisis. NATO's more flexible command structure should have been able to better react to battlefield developments.
Command Points are used for several key functions: units orders, engineer operations, close air support coordination and electronic warfare are some examples.
Each Top HQ has a Maximum Command Points value (Max CPs), indicating the number of Command Points available at the beginning of each Turn, and a Current Command Points Value (Current CPs), indicating the number of Command Points available immediately.
13.1. Tracking CPs
- At the beginning of a Scenario, each Player places the Max CPs and Current CPs Markers for his Top HQs on the Command Points Track, on the space corresponding to the number of Command Points available.
- During the Order Reveal Phase, Current CPs for each Top HQ are restored to their maximum value. Place the Current CPs Marker on the same space of its corresponding Max CPs Marker.
- During a Turn, both the Max CPs and Current CPs Markers could be adjusted to reflect Command Points expended or assigned to various Command functions.
14. Orders
Orders represent the process used to devise, write down, communicate and execute commander's plan. Communications quality, staff personnel losses and even doctrine influence the time needed to complete this process. Moreover, even during carefully planned peacetime manoeuvres the time needed to conceptualize, write down, issue, receive, understand and finally execute an order is almost invariably more than desired.
Orders are the main interface between the Player and the units under his command. Without Orders, most units have a limited capacity of reacting to battlefield events or changing their course of action.
Important concepts related to Orders are:
- Command Points (see 13, Command Points)
- HQ Command Range (see 12.2, HQ Command Range)
- Order Chits (see 14.1, Order Chits)
- Formation and Attached Units (see 14.2, Formation and Attached Units)
- Command Chain and Command Status (see 14.4.2, Order Issue Procedure and 14.6, Execute an Order).
The generic procedure for giving an Order to Units is:
- The Player Issues the Order and assigns it to an appropriate HQ by placing an Order Chit and a HQ Chit face down on the Time Track.
- When the Order's Issue Time has passed, the Player Reveals the Order by turning the Order and the HQ Chits face up.
- After revealing the Order, the Player Executes the Order by placing appropriate Posture and Time Markers under the Units executing it.
- During the Turn corresponding to the Time Marker placed under a Unit, the Player removes the Time Marker. The Unit has Completed the Order and is now by all means ready to execute it.
14.1. Order Chits
Order Chits are used to issue orders to units, and to determine when the order will be completed. Each Order Chit has the following information printed:
- Top HQ — Top HQ involved in the Order. CPs required by the Order will be subtracted from this HQ, and only Units directly or indirectly subordinate to this Top HQ can receive and execute the Order.
- Executing HQ — Minimum Hierarchical Level required by the HQ executing the Order.
- Order Definition — Generic description of the Order, indicating the category of Postures that could be assumed by Units receiving it.
- Command Points Cost — Command Points expended by the Top HQ when Issuing the Order (see 14.4.2, Order Issue Procedure).
- Issue Time — Turns needed to prepare and propagate the Order along the Command Chain. In the Order Issue Phase, the Order Chit will be placed on the Time Track a number of Turns ahead equal to its Issue Time.
- Deploy Time — Turns needed by the Units to deploy as requested. In the Order Execution Phase, each Unit executing the Order will have a Time Marker placed under it equal to the Current Turn plus the Order's Deploy Time.
Example: During Turn H03, NATO Player reveals and executes a Battalion Defend Order with a Deploy Time of 1. NATO Player places a "Defend" Posture Marker and a "H06" Time Marker under the Battalion executing it.
The Order Chits included in the game should be enough in most situations, but they are not an absolute limit to the number of orders of a certain type that can be issued. Players should feel free to add more Order Chits should the necessity arise.
14.2. Formation and Attached Units
Each armed force maintains a hierarchical structure with several units nominally commanded by a high-level HQ but attached to lower level Headquarters as the situation requires. Warsaw Pact makes extensive use of attached units for artillery reserves, formally under Front or Army control but usually attached to Divisions (DAG, Division Artillery Group) or Regiments (RAG, Regiment Artillery Group) as the operational plan dictates. NATO follows a similar concept, with Division Artillery and Corps Artillery attached and commanded by single Brigade HQs as needed. Moreover, US Army has no rigid Brigade structure, and Battalions in each Division are assigned on a task basis. Consequently, US Brigade HQs have no Formation units and handle all their battalions as Attached units.
Units may receive Orders only from certain HQs, depending on the Unit's position in the hierarchical organization.
- A Formation Unit may receive Orders from its Parent HQ only. Formation Units have their Formation Designation in White on a colored background.
- An Attached Unit may receive Orders from its Parent HQ or from any HQ directly or indirectly subordinate to its Parent HQ. In the latter case, the Unit is defined as Attached to that HQ, and the HQ used becomes the Parent HQ. Attached Units have their Formation Designation in Black on a White background.
- It is not necessary to define Attached Unit beforehand; attachment may be defined when determining the Command Chain and changed as needed afterward.
- A HQ may have a limited number of Attached Units, depending on its size:
| HQ Level | Max. # of Attached Units |
|---|---|
| Army, Corps | 6 |
| Division | 3 |
| US Army Brigade | 6 |
| Other Nationality Brigade | 2 |
| US Army Regiment | 4 |
| Other Nationality Regiment | 2 |
Example: Soviet 1/288 Artillery Battalion is an Attached Unit of Soviet Central Front. It can be attached and receive orders from any HQ belonging to Soviet Central Front. Some examples are 1st Guards Tank Army and 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Division.
14.3. Attached HQs
In some cases, an entire Formation can be Attached to a higher-level HQ under the same Top HQ.
- An Attached HQs may receive Orders from any higher-level HQ belonging to the same Top HQ, with the higher-level HQ becoming the Parent HQ. Attached HQs have their Formation Designation in black on a white background.
- It is not necessary to define Attached HQ beforehand. Attachment may be defined when determining the Command Chain and changed as needed afterward.
- Formation Units of an Attached HQ may receive Orders only from their printed Parent HQ, as usual.
Example: East German 7Pz Division is an Attached HQ of Warsaw Pact's Central Front. It can be attached and receive Orders from any Army HQ belonging to Soviet Central Front (i.e., 1 GTA, 8 GA and 3A HQs). In any case, East German 7Pz Units are Formation Units and can receive Orders only from EG 7Pz HQ.
14.4. Issue an Order
During the Order Issue Phase, the Phasing Player may Issue new Orders and start propagating them along the Command Chain.
14.4.1. Order Issue General Rules
- Any number of Orders can be issued during Order Issue Phase, if the Top HQ involved has enough CPs to expend.
- A HQ may execute only one Order at a time. In other words, a HQ cannot execute an Order if its corresponding HQ Chit is already on the Time Track. If desired, the Player can Cancel the Order currently on the Time Track and issue a new one.
14.4.2. Order Issue Procedure
- The Player decides the Order he wants to issue and takes an appropriate Order Chit.
- The Player decides the specific HQ used to execute the Order (Executing HQ). The hierarchical level of the Executing HQ must be equal or greater than the Hierarchical Level specified on the Order Chit.
- The Player verifies the Command Chain and Command Status for the Executing HQ. The Command Chain starts from the Top HQ of the Executing HQ, and goes down to the Executing HQ itself, using any intermediate HQ in the hierarchy.
- If all the HQs in the Command Chain are within the Command Range of their Parent HQ, the Command Status is Valid, and the Order can be issued with no increase to the Issue Time.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain is not within the Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Command Status is Invalid, and the Order's Issue Time is increased by one Turn.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain has been destroyed, the Command Status is Broken, and the Order cannot be issued.
Example 1: Warsaw Pact Player issues an "Army Assault" Order, with 8th Guards Army as Executing HQ. The Command Chain for the Order will be: Central Front HQ (The Top HQ of 8th Guards Army HQ) -> 8th Guards Army HQ (the Executing HQ). Example 2: NATO Player issues a "Brigade Defend" Order, with US 1/3A Brigade HQ as Executing HQ. The Command Chain for the Order will be: US V Corps HQ (the Top HQ of US 1/3A Bde HQ) -> US 3A Division HQ (the Parent HQ of US 1/3A Bde HQ) -> US 1/3A Bde HQ (the Executing HQ).
- The Player checks the Attrition Points and the Engaged Status for all the HQs in the Command Chain to determine any additional delay to the Issue Time:
- Sum the Attrition Points of all the HQs in the Command Chain. For each 2 Attrition Points or fraction thereof, the Issue Time is increased by one Turn.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain is Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed, the Issue Time is increased by one Turn.
- The Player places the Order and Executing HQ Chits face down on the Time Track, a number of Turns ahead equal to the modified Issue Time of the Order Chit.
- The Player decreases the Current CPs and Max CPs of the corresponding Top HQ by the CPs Cost of the Order Chit.
14.5. Revealing Orders
During the Order Reveal Phase, the Phasing Player reveals the Orders in the current Turn slot and restore the Current CPs value for each Top HQ.
- For each Order Chit in the current Turn slot:
- Turns the Order Chit and the corresponding Executing HQ Chit face up.
- Increases the Max CPs of the corresponding Top HQ by the CPs Cost of the Order Chit.
- At the end of the Phase, the Phasing Player moves the Current CPs Marker of each friendly Top HQ in the same slot of the corresponding Max CPs Marker.
14.6. Execute an Order
During the Order Execution Phase, the Phasing Player executes each Revealed Order in the current Turn slot.
- The Player takes the Order Chit being resolved and the corresponding Executing HQ Marker from the Time Track.
- The Player defines which Units will execute the Order. Only units directly or indirectly subordinate to the Executing HQ may be included, and not every Unit under the Executing HQ's command must necessarily be included. If desired, the Player may also opt for not executing the Order at all.
- The Player consults the Orders Chart and choose a new Posture for each Unit, based on the Postures allowed by the Order. He then places an appropriate Posture Marker under the Unit.
- The Player checks the Command Chain and Command Status for each Unit executing the Order. The Command Chain starts from the Top HQ of the Executing HQ and goes down to the Unit executing the Order using any intermediate HQ in the hierarchy.
- If all the HQs in the Command Chain and the Unit itself are within the Command Range of their Parent HQ, the Command Status is Valid, and the Order's Deploy Time is not increased.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain or the Unit itself is not within the Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Command Status is Invalid, and the Order's Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain has been destroyed, the Command Status is Broken, and the Order cannot be executed.
Example 1: NATO Player is executing a Division Move Order, with WG 5 Panzer Division as Executing HQ. The Command Chain for a Unit subordinate or attached to WG 13PG/5Pz Brigade will be: US V Corps (The Top HQ for WG 5 Pz Division HQ) -> WG 5Pz Division HQ (the Executing HQ) -> WG 13PG/5Pz Bde HQ (the Parent HQ for the Unit) -> the Unit executing the Order. Example 2: Warsaw Pact Player is executing an Army Assault Order, with 8th Guards Army as Executing HQ. The Command Chain for a Unit subordinate or attached to 27G Division will be: Central Front HQ (the Top HQ for 8G Army HQ) -> 8G Army HQ (the Executing HQ) -> 27G Division HQ (the Parent HQ for the Unit) -> the Unit executing the Order.
- The Player checks the Attrition Points and the Engaged Status for all the HQs in the Command Chain to determine any additional delay to the Deploy Time:
- Sum the Attrition Points of all the HQs used in the Unit's Command Chain. For each 2 Attrition Points or fraction thereof, the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- If any HQ in the Command Chain is Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed, the Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- If a Unit executing the Order is Engaged, Half-Engaged or Delayed its Deploy Time is increased by one Turn.
- The Player places under each Unit executing the Order a Time Marker corresponding to the current Turn plus the modified Deploy Time of the Order.
14.7. Complete an Order
At the beginning of the Order Execution Phase, the Phasing Player removes from his Units any Time Marker corresponding to the current Turn. The Unit has completed deploying and now has the full advantages and limitations of the ordered Posture.
14.8. Cancel an Order
At any time during his Action Phase, a Player may decide to Cancel an Order currently on the Time Track.
- The Player removes the Order Chit and the corresponding HQ Chit from the Time Track.
- If the Cancelled Order wasn't yet Revealed, the Player increases the Max CPs of the corresponding Top HQ by the CPs Cost of the Order Chit.
Note: Cancelling an Order at the very beginning of the Order Reveal Phase will subsequently increase the Current CPs value too, while Cancelling it at a later moment will have no effect on the Current CPs level. This is intentional.
15. Ground Combat
- During its Movement, a Combat Unit may attack an adjacent hex containing enemy Units by expending MPs.
- Ground Combat is always voluntary. A Combat Unit is never forced to attack a hex containing enemy Units.
15.1. Ground Combat Sequence
- Attacker announces the hex being attacked, the Attack Type and expends MPs accordingly.
- Defender designates which Units are defending.
- The Initial Combat Differential is found by subtracting the Defense Strength from the Attack Strength.
- Both sides assign Combat Support (Attacker first).
- Both sides resolve Anti-Aircraft Fire (Attacker first).
- Both sides resolve Electronic Warfare (Attacker first).
- Both sides determine their total Combat Support value, applying any enemy EW effect, and roll a die on the Combat Support Table to determine their Combat Support Modifier. Note that the Attacker must always roll on the Attacker Combat Support Table, even when having a Combat Support value of zero.
- Additional Combat Modifiers are calculated and applied to obtain the Final Combat Differential.
- Attacker rolls a die on the Ground Combat Table, find the Combat Result and applies it to his Units.
- Defender executes any Retreat After Combat and applies the Combat Result to his Units.
- Attacker executes any Advance After Combat.
15.2. Attack Type
The Attacking Unit may choose between two different Attack Types: Hasty Assault and Prepared Assault.
- A Hasty Assault costs 3 MPs for Units in March Assault Posture, and 4 MPs for Units in any other Posture. Hasty Assault gives a -2 Combat Modifier.
- A Prepared Assault costs 6 MPs for Units in March Assault Posture, and 8 MPs for Units in any other Posture.
15.3. Defending Units
- If the hex under attack contains only one Combat Unit, only that Unit is defending.
- If the hex under attack contains more than one Combat Unit, the Defender decides which ones are defending. At least one Combat Unit must defend.
- Support Units do not contribute to the defense unless the attacked hex contains no Combat Units. In that case, all Support Units are defending, with each Unit having a Defense Strength of one.
- Only Defending Units add their Combat Value to the defense.
15.4. Combat Strength
Not every fight is born equal. Tanks give their best when fighting other tanks or in open terrain. Mechanized infantry can be deadly when defending in terrain offering cover, but is vulnerable when attacked in the open by enemy tanks.
- An Armored Unit uses its Attack Strength when defending from another Armored Unit, or when defending in a hex containing Plain or Hill1 terrains only.
- An Armored Unit uses its Defense Strength when attacking Mechanized or Infantry Units in a hex containing City terrain.
- A Mechanized or Infantry Unit uses its Attack Strength when defending from Armored Units in a hex containing Plain or Hill1 terrains only.
- In all other cases, a Combat Unit uses its Attack Strength when attacking and its Defense Strength when defending.
15.5. Combat Modifiers
Several factors may change the Combat Differential. Each Combat Modifier is added or subtracted from Initial Combat Differential to determine the Final Combat Differential. All Combat Modifiers are cumulative.
15.5.1. Posture
- Both attacking and defending Units Postures may give Combat Modifiers (see Postures Chart).
- If any Defending Unit is in Transition, any Combat Modifier given by its Posture is increased by two. So, a -2 Combat Modifier becomes zero.
- If more than one Unit is defending, use the least favorable Posture for the Defender.
15.5.2. Attack Type
When the Attacker executes a Hasty Assault, the Combat Modifier is changed by -2.
15.5.3. Cadre Rating
- Defender's Cadre Rating is subtracted from Attacker's Cadre Rating. The resulting value is applied to the Combat Modifiers.
- If more than one Unit is defending, the lowest Cadre Rating among the Defending Units is used.
15.5.4. Nationality
NATO Units of different nationality and defending in the same hex have a Combat Modifier of +2.
15.5.5. Terrain
- The Terrain Type and Terrain Feature in the attacked hex and any hexside through which the Attacker is attacking influence the Combat Modifier (see Ground Combat Table).
- The single Terrain Modifier most favorable to Defender is applied to the Combat Differential.
- The single Obstacle Modifier most favorable to Defender is applied to the Combat Differential.
- If Defending Units have different Movement Modes, the least favorable Mode for the Defender is used to calculate Terrain and Obstacle Modifiers.
15.5.6. Defensive Works
- If the Defender's hex contains completed Defensive Works, Combat Modifier is decreased by a value equal to the Defensive Works' Level.
- Attacker's use of Engineer Points may decrease the effectiveness of Defense Works (see 31.4, Reducing Defensive Works).
15.5.7. Attrition Points
- Attacking Unit's Attrition Points are subtracted from defending Unit's Attrition Points. The resulting value is applied to the Combat Modifier.
- If more than one Unit is defending, the total Attrition Points of all Defending Units is used as per Point 1 to calculate the Combat Modifier.
15.5.8. Resting
If any defending Unit is Resting, the Combat Modifier is changed by +3.
15.5.9. Electronic Warfare
Electronic Warfare may influence Ground Combat in several ways (see 24.4, EW Effects).
15.5.10. Combat Support
The Combat Support Modifier of both Players may change the Combat Modifier by a variable amount, in both directions (see 16, Combat Support).
15.5.11. Reconnaissance Units
- If the attacker has a Unit in Reconnaissance Posture adjacent to the defender's hex and not including the attacking Unit, he may decide to use it to support the attack. The used Unit immediately takes one Attrition Point and the Combat Modifiers are changed by +2 for the current Ground Combat only.
- A Reconnaissance Unit may support an unlimited number of Ground Attack during a single Turn, as long as it is able to take one Attrition Point for each supported attack.
- Using more than one Reconnaissance Unit during a Ground Combat has no additional effect.
15.5.12. Adjacent Units
- For each additional hex containing Attacker's Combat Unit adjacent to the attacked hex, the Combat Modifier is changed by +2.
- For each additional hex containing Defender's Combat Unit adjacent to the attacked hex, the Combat Modifier is changed by -1.
- Units in Refit Posture or Resting are not counted as Adjacent Units.
15.5.13. Engagement
- The Combat Modifier is changed by +1 if any Defending Unit is Half-Engaged, or by +2 if any Defending Unit is Engaged.
- The Combat Modifier is changed by -2 if the Attacker Unit is Half-Engaged.
15.5.14. Delay
If any Defending Unit has a Delayed Marker, the Combat Modifier is changed by +3.
15.5.15. Weather
- During Night Turns, the Combat Modifier is changed by -2 when WP is attacking, and by +1 when NATO is attacking.
- During Rain Turns, the Combat Modifier is changed by +1 when WP is attacking.
- During Fog Turns, the Combat Modifier is changed by +1 when WP is attacking, and by -1 when NATO is attacking.
- Combat Modifiers for Weather are cumulative.
15.5.16. Chemical Warfare
Chemical weapons delivered during Ground Combat change the result obtained on the Combat Support Table by the following amounts. The side using Chemical Weapons decides the direction of the modifier (plus or minus).
| Side / Timing | Modifier |
|---|---|
| WP, Turns 1 – 8 of Chemical Warfare | +/- 3 |
| WP, Turns 9 – 16 of Chemical Warfare | +/- 2 |
| WP, Subsequent Turns | +/- 1 |
| NATO, Turn 1 – 8 of Chemical Warfare | +/- 2 |
| NATO, Subsequent Turns | +/- 1 |
15.5.17. Out of Command
- If the attacking Unit is not within Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Combat Modifier is changed by –2 for Units in Screen or Reconnaissance Posture, and by -4 for Units in any other Posture.
- If any Defending Unit is not within Command Range of its Parent HQ, the Combat Modifier is changed by +1 for Units in Screen or Reconnaissance Posture, and by +3 for Units in any other Posture.
15.5.18. Front-Line Command
- If the attacking Unit is adjacent to its Parent HQ and the HQ is not Engaged or Half-Engaged, the Attacking Player may opt to use the HQ as Front-Line Command. In that case, the Combat Modifier is changed by +2.
- If all the Defending Units are adjacent to their respective Parent HQ and no HQ is Engaged or Half-Engaged, the Defending Player may opt to use the HQ(s) as Front-Line Command. In that case, the Combat Modifier is changed by -2.
- After being used as Front-Line Command, a HQ cannot expend MPs for the rest of the current Movement Phase. If using SIGINT optional rules, the used HQ is also Spotted (see 25.1, Signal Intelligence).
15.5.19. Events
Certain Event Cards may give additional Combat Modifiers to both sides.
15.6. Combat Results
- Combat Result is expressed in terms of Attrition Points increase. The number on the left applies to the attacking Unit, while the number on the right applies to every Defending Unit contributing its Defense Strength to the combat.
- Any Ground Combat result inflicted to a HQ Unit is doubled.
- If the Defender suffered an Attrition Point increase and decides not to Retreat, all the Defending Units are considered Engaged.
- If the Defender suffered no Attrition Point increase and decides not to Retreat, all the defending Units are considered Half-Engaged.
- If the Defender chooses to Retreat After Combat, its Engagement status and Attrition Losses will depend on the Disengagement result (see 15.7, Retreat After Combat).
- If all the Defending Units are destroyed, any remaining Defender's Unit must Retreat After Combat.
15.7. Retreat After Combat
Retreating while in contact with victorious enemy units is a nasty business and could easily have bitter consequences. Players may be initially tempted to forfeit a retreat apparently giving only additional risks and no advantages, but will probably discover that leaving a worn-out combat unit in a compromised defense position could be even worse. If the Defender decides to Retreat, all the Units in the attacked hex must Retreat, even if not attacked.
After the Ground Combat result has been defined, the Defender may Retreat After Combat. Should the Defender decide to Retreat, all the Unit in the attacked hex must Retreat or attempt to retreat.
- A Unit not defending may automatically retreat. Place a Half-Engaged Marker under the Unit.
- A Defending Unit deciding to Retreat must Disengage. Combat losses are applied after the resolution of the Disengagement attempt.
- If the Disengagement is successful, the Unit may retreat. The Attrition Points incurred in Combat are decreased by one and the Unit is marked as Half-Engaged.
- If the Disengagement is unsuccessful, the Unit may not retreat. The Attrition Points incurred in Combat are applied fully and the Unit is marked as Engaged.
- In both cases, combat losses are applied after the Disengagement attempt, and any additional Attrition resulting from the Disengagement must be applied too.
- A Unit Retreating after Combat is moved by the owning Player into an adjacent hex. Each retreating Unit may choose to retreat to a different hex.
- The retreat hex must adhere to the standard requisites used for a successful Disengagement and cannot contain Breakthrough Markers. If no valid retreat hex exists, the Defender's Units cannot retreat and must apply the Combat Result fully.
- If a retreating Unit infringes the normal Stacking restrictions, it must take an additional Attrition Point.
- If a retreating Unit crosses an unbridged River by Hasty Crossing, the owning Player must roll a die to check any additional Attrition Points incurred.
- A Unit in Refit, Barrage or Shoot&Scoot Posture successfully retreating is immediately placed in Tactical Posture.
- A Unit in Posture Transition and successfully retreating is immediately placed in Tactical Posture.
- A HQ in Deployed Posture and successfully retreating is immediately placed in Moving Posture.
- A Unit in FARP Posture successfully retreating is immediately placed in Tactical Posture and increases its Attrition Points by one.
15.8. Breakthrough
- If at the end of the Ground Combat the attacked hex contains no units belonging to the Defender, a Breakthrough Marker is placed in the vacated hex.
- Entering a hex with a Breakthrough Marker has an additional cost of 4 MPs. Attacking units Advancing After Combat into the hex are not subject to this additional cost.
- Breakthrough Markers allows the moving Unit to ignore within certain limits the presence of enemy Blocking Units (see 8.6, Blocking Units).
- Breakthrough Markers are removed during the following Housekeeping Phase.
15.9. Advance After Combat
- If at the end of the Ground Combat the attacked hex contains no units belonging to the Defender, the attacking Unit may advance into the vacated hex.
- Advance After Combat is always mandatory for Warsaw Pact.
- A Unit advancing after combat ignores any enemy Blocking Unit.
- If the MPs cost for the hex entered during Advance is more than the MPs expended for conducting the attack, the advancing unit must expend the difference. If the advancing Unit doesn't have enough remaining MPs, place a Delayed Marker under it (see 8.4, Delayed Movement).
16. Combat Support
The effectiveness of Artillery, Helicopter and Air Support on the battlefield cannot be defined beforehand and may vary considerably depending on the circumstances. Moreover, attacking without any type of Combat Support puts the attacker in a situation of disadvantage since the start.
During the Ground Combat Sequence, both Players may allocate Artillery, Helicopters and Air Points as Combat Support. During a Disengagement attempt, the Player executing the Disengagement (only) may allocate Artillery, Helicopters and Air Points to increase Disengagement probability.
16.1. Artillery Combat Support
- Artillery Units may add their Barrage Strength to the Combat Support Total, subject to Artillery rules (see 17, Artillery).
- An Artillery Unit can support only Units subordinate to its Parent HQ or belonging to a Formation subordinate to its Parent HQ, down to the lowest Hierarchical level.
Example 1: An Artillery having Soviet 1GTA as Parent HQ may support any Unit of Soviet 1st Guards Tank Army, and any Unit subordinate or attached to Divisions in 1GTA. Example 2: An Artillery having US V Corps as Parent HQ may support any Unit of US V Corps, and any Unit subordinate or attached to Divisions, Brigades or Regiments in US V Corps. Example 3: An Artillery having WG 5 Division as Parent HQ may support any Unit of WG 5 Division, and any Unit subordinate or attached to Brigades in WG 5 Division.
16.2. Helicopter Combat Support
- Helicopter Units may add their Barrage Strength to the Combat Support Total, subject to Helicopter rules (see 18, Helicopters).
- A Helicopter Unit can support only Units in the same Formation of its Parent HQ, down to the lowest Hierarchical level.
- Each Helicopter Unit used in Combat Support is subject to enemy Anti-Aircraft fire before adding its Barrage Strength to the Combat Support Total.
16.3. Air Combat Support
- Each side may add any number of available Air Points to the Combat Support Total, subject to Air Points rules (see 19, Air Points).
- Air Points of a Top HQ can be used in Combat Support only if all or some of the Combat Units involved are directly or indirectly subordinate to the Top HQ.
- The Player declares how many Air Points he is going to use and from which Top HQ. He then decreases accordingly the Current Air Points of the involved Top HQs.
- Air Points assigned by a Top HQ inside one of its CAS Areas add two to the Combat Support Total.
- Air Points assigned by a Top HQ outside of its CAS Areas add one to Combat Support Total.
- Air Points used in Combat Support are subject to enemy Anti-Aircraft Fire before adding their value to the Combat Support Total.
17. Artillery
Towed, Self-Propelled, Rocket and Missile Artillery Units use the following rules:
- An Artillery Unit may use its Barrage Strength for Bombardment, Interdiction and Combat Support.
- An Artillery Unit cannot use its Barrage Strength for Combat Support when Engaged or Half-Engaged.
- An Artillery Unit may use its Barrage Strength against targets within its Range. Range is calculated from the Artillery Unit's hex (excluded) to the hex being attacked (included).
- The Barrage Strength used by an Artillery Unit depends on its Type and current Posture:
- A Self-Propelled Artillery uses its full Barrage Strength when in Barrage, Shoot&Scoot or Close Support Posture, and its reduced Barrage Strength when in Tactical Posture.
- A Towed Artillery uses its full Barrage Strength when in Barrage Posture, and its reduced Barrage Strength when in Shoot&Scoot Posture.
- A Missile Artillery uses its full Barrage Strength when in Barrage or Shoot&Scoot Posture.
- A Self Propelled, Towed or Missile Artillery using its Barrage Strength must increase its Attrition Points by one.
- A Rocket Artillery may increase its Attrition Points by one and use its normal Barrage Strength, or increase its Attrition Points by two and double its Barrage Strength.
- An Artillery Unit may use its Barrage Strength any number of times during a Turn, as long as it is able to take the appropriate number of Attrition Points each time.
- An Artillery Unit in a hex under attack and containing no friendly Combat Units cannot use its Barrage Strength and defends using a Defense Strength of one.
18. Helicopters
- A Helicopter Unit may use its Barrage Strength in Combat Support.
- A Helicopter Unit in FARP Posture may use its Barrage Strength against targets within its Range. Range is calculated from the Helicopter Unit's hex (excluded) to the hex being attacked (included).
- A Helicopter Unit may use its Barrage Strength once per each Action Phase (friendly and enemy). After use, turn the Helicopter Unit upside down to mark this fact.
- A Helicopter Unit under attack in a hex containing no friendly Combat Units cannot use its Barrage Strength and defends with a Defense Strength of one.
19. Air Points
19.1. Using Air Points
- Each Top HQ has a Maximum Air Points value, a Current Air Points value and a Grounded Air Points value.
- Maximum Air Points are determined by the Scenario being played and may be increased or decreased during play by Reinforcements, Event Cards or enemy Anti-Aircraft Fire.
- Current Air Points have a starting value equal to Maximum Air Points, and are decreased each time a Top HQ uses Air Points. Current Air Points can never be less than 0 or Grounded Air Points value, whichever is higher.
- Grounded Air Points depend on Time and Weather and represent aircraft unable to operate during Night or Bad Weather (see 29.4, Weather Effects on Air Points).
- Air Points can be used only in the Air Zone in which owning Top HQ is located. In Less Than 60 Miles, the whole map is considered a single Air Zone.
19.2. Air Points Phase
During the Air Point Phase, each Top HQ may increase the number of Air Points available, up to its Maximum Air Points. As aircraft returning from missions may require repair, refit or additional maintenance time, it is possible that only a fraction of the Air Points used during a Turn will be available again during the following Turn.
- During the Air Points Phase, each Player rolls on the Air Points Table for each Top HQ and increases the Top HQ's Current Air Points by the resulting number.
- The die roll can be modified by several factors, listed on the Air Points Table. All modifiers are cumulative.
- For each Top HQ, Current Air Points can never be higher than Maximum Air Points.
19.3. CAS Areas
Close Air Support areas must be planned and coordinated with Air Force and cannot be improvised. Air Points supporting ground troops outside a predefined CAS Area are less effective.
- A CAS Area is defined by executing a Define CAS Order, using the standard Orders procedure (see 14, Orders).
- In the Order Execution Phase during which a CAS Areas Order is executed, up to 2 CAS Marker can be moved or placed on any hex in the Air Zone in which the owning Top HQ is located.
- The CAS Marker is the center of a CAS Area having a range of 4 Hexes.
- A CAS Area may overlap with other friendly or enemy CAS Areas, with no additional or adverse effects.
- A Player may voluntarily remove a friendly CAS Marker at any time.
- For each Air Point assigned to Combat Support by a Top HQ inside one of its own CAS Areas, the Combat Support Total is increased by two.
- CAS Areas have no effect on Bombardment or Interdiction Missions.
19.4. Transferring Air Points
Transferring aircraft support to a different HQ requires reorganization of command and communication procedures and sometimes the physical relocation of the aircraft. Therefore, it has a negative impact on the number of Air Points available.
- During the Air Points Adjustment Phase, a Player may transfer any number of Current Air Points from one Top HQ to another Top HQ.
- The Player decreases both the Current Air Points and Maximum Air Points of the Top HQ transferring the Air Points by the amount transferred.
- The Player increases the Maximum Air Points value of the Top HQ receiving the Air Points by the amount transferred.
20. Bombardment
During the Bombardment Phase, both Players may use Artillery Units and Air Points to Bombard enemy Units, Permanent Bridges or Panel Bridges. The Phasing Player conducts his Bombardments first, followed by the non-Phasing Player.
20.1. Unit Bombardment
- The Player announces the target enemy Unit. Only enemy Units having a Detection Level of 1 or more can be Bombarded, and an enemy Unit can be Bombarded only once per Bombardment Phase.
- The Player assigns Artillery Units and Air Points to the Bombardment.
- The opposing Player resolves AA Fire. Surviving Air Point adds two to the total Bombardment Value.
- The Player rolls on the Bombardment Table. The Die Roll is modified by the Posture of the Target Unit (see Postures Chart) and by the single Terrain Modifier most favorable to the target Unit (see Bombardment Table).
- Bombardment result is applied to the target Unit.
20.2. Bridge Bombardment
- The Player announces the target Bridge. A Bridge can be Bombarded only once per Bombardment Phase.
- The Player assigns Artillery and Air Points to the Bombardment.
- The opposing Player resolves AA Fire. Surviving Air Points adds two to the total Bombardment Value.
- The Player rolls on the Bombardment Table, using a Detection Value of 4 for Permanent Bridges and a Detection Value of 2 for Panel Bridges.
- Any result of 1 or higher against Support Units destroys the target Bridge.
21. Interdiction
During the Bombardment Phase, both Players may use Artillery Units and Air Points to Interdict a hex. The Phasing Player conducts all his Interdictions first, followed by the non-Phasing Player.
- The Player announces the target hex. A Player can execute Interdiction Fire on a specific hex only once per Bombardment Phase.
- The Player assigns Artillery Units and Air Points, subject to Artillery and Air Points rules.
- The opposing resolves AA Fire. Surviving Air Point adds two to the total CSP allocated on Interdiction.
- The Player consults the Interdiction Table and places in the target hex an Interdiction Marker equal to the result obtained. The Interdiction Marker represents the number of additional MPs that must be expended by a Unit moving out of the Interdicted hex.
- During the following Housekeeping Phase, all Interdiction Markers are removed from the map.
22. Anti-Aircraft Fire
Air Points and Helicopters are subject to enemy Anti-Aircraft Fire (AA Fire). AA Fire may result in permanent destruction for Air Points (i.e., aircrafts have been shot down), or in an Attrition Points increase for Helicopters.
22.1. Anti-Aircraft Fire vs. Air Points
- Each time Air Points are used, the enemy Player may execute AA Fire.
- During Bombardment or Interdiction, AA Value is calculated as follows:
- Two AA Points for each enemy Unit in the Target hex. If the Target is a Bridge Hexside, the enemy Player decides the Target hex.
- One AA Point for each enemy Unit adjacent to the Target hex.
- During Ground Combat, AA Value is calculated as follows:
- Two AA points for each enemy Unit in the Attacker or Defender hex.
- One AA point for each enemy Unit in any other hex adjacent to the attacked one.
22.2. Anti-Aircraft Fire vs. Helicopters
- A Helicopter Unit used in Ground Combat must trace a movement path to the hex where combat is taking place.
- For each hex along the movement path containing enemy Units, except the Ground Combat hex, the Helicopter Unit is subject to enemy Transit AA Fire. AA value is equal to one point for each enemy Unit in the hex.
- After reaching the Ground Combat hex, the Helicopter Unit is subject to enemy AA Fire during the Anti-Aircraft resolution segment. AA Value is equal to two points for each enemy Unit in the Attacker or Defender hex.
- A Helicopter Unit may use Nap-Of-Earth (NOE) movement to reduce enemy AA effectiveness, simply by announcing it before the enemy rolls on the AA Table. Each single time a Helicopter uses NOE flight, its range is reduced by 3 and enemy AA Value is halved, down to a minimum value of 1.
22.3. Anti-Aircraft Fire Resolution
- The Player executing the AA Fire calculates his AA Value and rolls a die on the AA Fire Table. AA Fire against Air Points may result in some of them shot down or forced to abort; AA Fire against a Helicopter Unit may increase its Attrition Points.
- The Player using the Air Points / Helicopters applies any Air Point loss or Attrition Point increase. The surviving Air Points / Helicopters may continue the assigned mission.
23. Detection
In a modern battlefield, detection is not depending anymore by visual identification. Signal Intelligence, Battlefield Surveillance equipment and Counter-Battery radars allows both sides to pinpoint enemy positions even at considerable distance.
Each Unit has a Detection Level, depending on its posture and its position in relation to other units. Detection has a minimum level of zero, and a maximum level of four.
Detection Level influences the effectiveness of Bombardments. A Unit with Detection Level 0 cannot be bombarded, while a Unit at Detection Level 4 could incur in serious losses.
23.1. Detection Level
- The base Detection Level of an enemy Unit is as follows:
| Description | Basic Detection Level |
|---|---|
| Combat Unit adjacent to friendly Units | 4 |
| Support Unit adjacent to friendly Units | 3 |
| Combat Unit within 4 hexes from a friendly Deployed HQ | 2 |
| Support Unit within 4 hexes from a friendly Deployed HQ | 1 |
| Combat Unit, any other | 1 |
| Support Unit, any other | 0 |
- The Detection Level of an enemy Unit can be further modified as follows. All modifiers are cumulative.
| Description | Detection Level Modifier |
|---|---|
| Unit in Road Posture | +2 |
| Unit in Barrage, March Assault, Close Support Posture | +1 |
| HQ in Moving Posture | +1 |
| Artillery Unit within 3 hexes from a friendly Unit | +1 |
| Helicopter Unit in FARP Posture in Airfield hex | +1 |
| Unit in City hex | -1 |
Example: An enemy Artillery Unit is in Barrage Posture, in a City hex within 3 hexes from a friendly deployed HQ. Base Detection Level is 1, as it is a Support Unit within 4 hexes from a friendly deployed HQ. Detection Level is then modified by +1 (Barrage Posture), +1 (Artillery Unit within 3 hexes from a friendly Unit) and -1 (City hex), for a final Detection Level of 2.
23.2. SIGINT (Optional)
Headquarters transmitting or receiving orders emit a very high quantity of radio signals, even when using cables for most communications. Enemy could be able to deduce the HQ's exact location by using Signal Intelligence.
- A HQ Unit used in a Command Chain during the Order Execution Phase has a Spotted Marker placed under it.
- A HQ Unit used as Front-Line Command during Ground Combat has a Spotted Marker placed under it.
- Spotted Marker increases HQ's Detection Level by 1.
- A Spotted Marker is removed when the HQ expends MPs for any function or Retreats after Combat.
24. Electronic Warfare
Each Top HQ has a number of Electronic Warfare (EW) Points, determined by the scenario being played. Available EW Points must be allocated to on-map HQs and can be subsequently used during Ground Combat to reduce the effectiveness of enemy Combat Unit, Combat Support and disrupt HQ communications.
24.1. EW Allocation
- During the EW Allocation Phase, Phasing Player may allocate EW Points to HQs. The receiving HQ must adhere to the following prerequisites:
- It must have EW capabilities.
- It must be within the Command Range of its Parent HQ, if any.
- It must be able to trace a Supply Line of any length to a valid Supply Source.
- The Player expends one CP from the Top HQ to which the receiving HQ belongs.
- The Player decreases the EW Points of the Top HQ being used by the desired amount, and places an EW Marker with a corresponding value under the receiving HQ.
24.2. EW Deallocation
- During the EW Deallocation Phase, Phasing Player may deallocate EW Points from HQs. The deallocating HQ must adhere to the following prerequisites:
- It must be within Command Range of its Parent HQ, if any.
- It must be able to trace a Supply Line of any length to a valid Supply Source.
- The Player decreases the EW Points of the deallocating HQ by the desired amount, and increases the EW Points of its Top HQ by a corresponding value.
24.3. EW Resolution
During the EW Resolution Step of Ground Combat, both Players may use EW points allocated to nearby HQs.
- In order to use an HQ's EW Points, the following prerequisites must be met:
- The HQ must be within 4 hexes from an enemy Unit involved in the Ground Combat.
- The HQ must be the Parent HQ for at least one of the Units involved in the combat, or a higher-level HQ of the same formation to which the Unit belongs.
- The hex where the Ground Combat is taking place must be within the HQ's Command Range.
- EW Points from different HQs must be summed and used as a final, combined value.
- The Player rolls a die on the Electronic Warfare Table, applies any relevant die roll modifier and determine the effects on the enemy.
- Any EW Effect is valid for the Ground Combat currently being resolved only.
24.4. EW Effects
Successful Electronic Warfare may have up to four different effects on enemy's capabilities: a Combat Modifier; a decreased effectiveness of enemy Air and Helicopter Support; a decreased effectiveness of enemy Artillery Support; an inability for enemy HQs to influence combat.
- Each result on the Electronic Warfare Table has three different columns, with the following meaning:
| Column | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red Number (left) | Combat Modifier result for Attacker Electronic Warfare |
| Blue Number (center) | Combat Modifier result for Defender Electronic Warfare |
| Black Codes (right) | Additional effects applied to the enemy |
- Additional effect codes have the following meaning:
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| EW1 | Enemy Air and Helicopter Combat Support is halved |
| EW2 | Enemy Artillery Combat Support is halved |
| EW3 | Enemy Units are considered Out of Command and cannot use Front-line Command Combat Modifier. |
- When calculating EW Effects on Combat Support, halve and round down for each effect separately.
25. Intelligence (Optional)
25.1. Signal Intelligence
During the Bombardment Phase, both Players may try to gather Signal Intelligence by expending Command and EW Points.
- The Player announces the HQ gathering Intelligence. The chosen HQ must be in Deployed Posture.
- The Player expends one CP from the Top HQ to which the used HQ belongs.
- The Player rolls a die and consults the Intelligence Table using the column corresponding to the used HQ's EW Points. If the result is +1 or +2, place a corresponding Intelligence Marker within 4 hexes from the HQ used.
- A HQ can try to gather Signal Intelligence only once per Bombardment Phase, no matter the result.
25.2. Recon Intelligence
During the Bombardment Phase, both Players may try to increase the Detection Level of enemy Units anywhere on the map by expending Command and Air Points.
- The Player expends one CP and up to a maximum of three Air Points from the Top HQ gathering Intelligence.
- The Player select a target hex in the same Air Zone of the used Top HQ.
- The Player rolls a die and consults the Intelligence Table using the column corresponding to the number of expended Air Points multiplied by two. If the result is +1 or +2, place a corresponding Intelligence Marker in the target hex.
- A Top HQ can try to gather Recon Intelligence only once per Bombardment Phase, no matter the results.
- Recon Intelligence cannot be used during Night, Fog or Precipitation Turns.
25.3. Intelligence Effects
- All enemy Units within 1 hex from the Intelligence Marker have their Detection Level increased by the value of the Intelligence Marker. Multiple Intelligence Markers have a cumulative effect.
26. Chemical Warfare
Players may designate any Combat Support, Interdiction or Bombardment executed by Artillery or Air Points as using chemical weapons. Chemical weapons increase the effectiveness of the mission by a variable amount.
In addition, Warsaw Pact Player may opt for using Non-Persistent or Persistent Gas.
26.1. Initiating Chemical Warfare
- Warsaw Pact Player may initiate Chemical Warfare simply by announcing it at the beginning of a Turn.
- If Warsaw Pact Player initiates Chemical Warfare, the scenario result is shifted by one level in NATO favor when determining victory (i.e., a Warsaw Pact Marginal Victory becomes a NATO Marginal Victory).
- NATO Player may initiate Chemical Warfare only 24 Turns after Warsaw Pact initiated it. Yes, that's a lot of time.
- Each time a Player uses Chemical Weapons on a hex containing City Terrain, he forfeits 1/10 of his final Victory Points. Players should keep track of this on a separate piece of paper.
26.2. Combat Support
Chemical Weapons used in Ground Combat increase the Combat Support by a variable amount (see 15.5.16, Chemical Warfare).
26.3. Bombardment
- Chemical weapons can be used in a Bombardment mission only if the target unit has a Detection Level of 2 or more.
- Chemical weapons give additional modifiers to the Bombardment die roll, as listed in the following table:
| Side / Timing | Modifier |
|---|---|
| WP, Turn 1 – 8 of Chemical Warfare | +3 |
| WP, Turn 9 – 16 of Chemical Warfare | +2 |
| WP, subsequent Turns | +1 |
| NATO, Turn 1 – 8 of Chemical Warfare | +2 |
| NATO, subsequent Turns | +1 |
26.4. Interdiction
- Chemical weapons used in an Interdiction mission must be of Persistent type. If an Interdiction Marker is placed as result of the Interdiction mission, a Persistent Gas Marker is also placed in the target hex.
26.5. Persistent Gas
- Only Warsaw Pact can use Persistent Gas. Each time Warsaw Pact Player employs Chemical Weapons, he must announce if he's using Persistent or Non-Persistent Gas.
- When using Persistent Gas, a Persistent Gas Marker is placed on the Target hex if the mission being executed has any resulting effect (Placement of Interdiction Marker, Attrition Points inflicted to target Unit, increase in Combat Differential).
- Warsaw Pact Units moving into a hex with a Persistent Gas Marker must expend 2 additional MPs.
- NATO Units moving into a hex with a Persistent Gas Marker must expend 4 additional MPs.
- During the End Phase of each Turn, check for removal of each Persistent Gas Marker by using the following table:
| Current Weather | Remove Persistent Gas Marker on a roll… |
|---|---|
| Precipitation | 1–5 |
| Clear or Fog | 1–3 |
27. Nuclear Warfare
27.1. Initiating Nuclear Warfare
- Both Players may initiate Nuclear Warfare simply by announcing it at the beginning of a Turn.
- When determining victory, the scenario result is shifted by one level in disadvantage of the side that initiated Nuclear Warfare first (i.e., if NATO initiated Nuclear Warfare, a NATO Marginal Victory becomes a Warsaw Pact Marginal Victory).
- Each time a Player delivers Nuclear Weapons on a hex containing City Terrain, he forfeits 1/10 of his final Victory Points. Players should keep track of this on a separate piece of paper.
- (optional) NATO Player can utilize Nuclear Weapons only after Warsaw Pact initiated Chemical or Nuclear Warfare, and only from the turn following Warsaw Pact's declaration.
- (optional) NATO Player can never deliver Nuclear Weapons on a hex containing a City.
27.2. Delivering Nuclear Weapons
- In each Scenario, each Top HQ has a total amount of Nuclear Points that can be delivered by Air Points and Artillery Units.
- Each Air Point can deliver up to 4 Nuclear Points.
- Each Missile Artillery Unit can deliver up to 5 Nuclear Points.
- Each Self-Propelled or Towed Artillery Unit can deliver a maximum amount of Nuclear Points equal to its Full Barrage Strength.
- The total amount of Nuclear Points delivered are subtracted from the appropriate Top HQ's. Players should keep track of Nuclear Points on a separate piece of paper.
27.3. Resolving Nuclear Attacks
Nuclear Attacks use the same rules of a standard Bombardment, with the exception that the Nuclear Attack Table is used for resolution.
- The Player totals the number of Nuclear Points successfully delivered and rolls on the Nuclear Attack Table. The Die Roll is modified by the single Terrain Modifier most favorable to the target Unit.
- Nuclear Attacks deliver both direct and indirect damage. Number left of the slash (Direct Damage) is the Attrition Points suffered by the target unit. Number right of the slash (Indirect Damage) is the Attrition Points suffered by each additional Unit in the target hex.
- A Combat Unit in Deployed Mode decreases its result by one.
- A Unit in Column Mode and suffering a result greater than zero must increase it by one.
- If a Nuclear Attack inflicts at least 1 point of Indirect Damage, all Ribbon Bridges and Panel Bridges in the target hex are destroyed.
- If a Nuclear Attack inflicts at least 2 points of Indirect Damage, all Bridges in the target hex are destroyed.
27.4. Nuclear Contamination
- Any Nuclear Attack resulting in Indirect Damage also contaminates the target hex. Place a Nuclear Contamination and a Time Marker corresponding to the Current Time minus three hours. If the hex already contains a Nuclear Contamination Marker, replace its Time Marker with a new one caused by the attack just resolved.
Example: During Turn H06, NATO executes a Nuclear Attack resulting in Contamination. The hex already contains a Nuclear Contamination Marker with a "H15" Time Marker. NATO Player removes the "H15" Time Marker and replace it with a "H03" Time Marker.
- Entering a Nuclear Contaminated hex costs 4 additional MPs.
- No Supply Line can be traced from, into or through a Nuclear Contaminated hex.
- Any Unit in a Nuclear Contaminated hex at the end of the Friendly Movement Phase must roll on the Nuclear Attack Table, using column 1 to resolve the attack. Results are implemented immediately.
- Helicopters in a Nuclear Contaminated hex cannot be used in Combat Support.
- During the End Phase of each Turn corresponding to the Time associated to a Nuclear Contamination Marker, roll a die to determine if the Contamination decayed. On a roll of 1 to 5, remove both the Contamination and Time Marker.
28. Integrated Battlefield (Optional)
In a chemical or nuclear battlefield, reassuringly called "Integrated Battlefield" in official US Army documents, even the simplest action becomes problematic due to protection measures adopted by troops. The effect on challenging tasks like writing and communicating orders are, in short, catastrophic.
- Immediately after the first use of Chemical or Nuclear Weapons, Issue Time, Deploy Time and Time needed for Authorized / Unauthorized Posture Change are all doubled. This applies to both sides.
29. Weather
29.1. Weather Determination
29.1.1. Night
Night Turns may vary depending on the time of the year. Nights Turns are summarized below and on the Time Track:
- December, January: from H18 to H06
- February, March, October, November: from H18 to H03
- April, May July, August, September: from H21 to H03
- June: from H00 to H03
29.1.2. Fog & Precipitation
During the Weather Phase, Players determine the Weather for the current Turn using the following procedure:
- Players consult the Turn Track to determine if Fog is possible.
- If Fog is possible, WP Player rolls a die on the Weather Table to determine Fog. Any F result means Fog is in effect for the current Turn.
- Whatever the Fog result, WP Player rolls again on the Weather Table to determine Precipitation. Any P result means Precipitation is in effect for the current Turn.
- During Fog Turns, Precipitation Die Roll has a +2 modifier. It is possible, although improbable, to have Fog and Precipitation during the same Turn.
29.2. Weather Effects on Movement
- In a Spring, Summer and Fall Turn with Precipitation, the weather is Rain. MP cost for each hex entered is increased by one, except when moving on Roads.
- In a Winter Turn with Precipitation in effect, the weather is Snow. MP cost for each hex entered is increased by one.
- During a Night Turn, MP costs paid for Terrain Type and Terrain Feature for each hex entered are doubled.
- During a Night Turn, River Crossings requiring an Attrition Die Roll have the Attrition probability increased by 2 (i.e., a River Crossing increasing Attrition on a 1-4 die roll during Day becomes 1-6 during Night).
- Weather effects on Movement are cumulative. So, the cost for entering a hex during a Night Precipitation Turn is increased by one and then doubled.
29.3. Weather Effects on Ground Combat
Various weather conditions have a cumulative effect on Ground Combat (see 15.5.15, Weather).
29.4. Weather Effects on Air Points
- During any Turn in which Night, Fog or Precipitation are in effect, a portion of the Air Points for each Top HQ is considered Grounded and cannot be used.
- If Air Points have already been Grounded from a previous Turn, there's no additional effect.
- If no Air Points are currently Grounded, proceed to ground aircrafts for each Top HQ:
- For each NATO Top HQs, 1/3 of Maximum Air Points are considered Grounded. Place a Grounded Marker on the appropriate slot of the Points Track.
- For each WP Top HQ, 1/2 of Maximum Air Points are considered Grounded. Place a Grounded Marker on the appropriate slot of the Record Track.
- Should the Current Air Points value for a Top HQ be less than the Grounded Air Points value, place the Current Air Points Marker on the same slot of the corresponding Grounded Air Points Marker.
- During a Turn in which Night, Precipitation or Fog are in effect, Top HQs of a specific Side or Nationality may have a negative die roll modifier on the Air Points Table (see Air Point Table).
- Grounded Markers for both sides are removed at the end of any Weather Phase in which no Night, Fog or Precipitations are in effect.
30. Supply
Due to the game scale, supply is important but somewhat abstracted. The objective of the supply rules is not simulating the details of the military logistical chain, but imposing a realistic, additional burden on the command structure of the Player. The additional staff work needed to organize and maintain the supply flow can become critical when equally urgent matters must be handled at the same time.
In order to remove Attrition Points, a Unit must be able to trace a valid Supply Line. Units with no valid Supply Line cannot remove Attrition Points by any means.
30.1. Tracing Supply Lines
A Supply Line is an uninterrupted line of hexes, running from a friendly Supply Source to a friendly Unit. A Supply Line is traced using the following procedure:
- A Supply Line is formed by two segments.
- The first segment starts from a valid Supply Source and ends at a Supply Hub of the Top HQ to which the Unit receiving supply belongs. This segment must be traced along Roads only and can be of any length.
- The second segment starts from the Supply Hub and ends at the Unit receiving supply. This segment can have a maximum length of 6 hexes for NATO, and 4 hexes for Warsaw Pact.
- Both segments of the Supply Line cannot be traced in or through:
- A hex occupied by enemy Units or Breakthrough Markers.
- A hex adjacent to enemy Units and not occupied by friendly Units.
- A River hexside with no Permanent or Panel Bridges.
- An Interdicted hex.
- A Chemical or Nuclear contaminated hex.
30.2. Supply Sources
A Supply Source is defined as:
- For NATO, any Map edge inside a NATO country containing a Minor or Major Road exiting the Map.
- For Warsaw Pact, any Map Edge inside a Warsaw Pact country and containing a Minor or Major Road exiting the Map.
30.3. Supply Hubs
Each Top HQ has an assigned number of Supply Hubs, used to trace Supply Lines to all Units under its command. Supply Hubs cannot be attacked or bombarded.
30.3.1. Supply Hub Relocation
During the Attrition Removal Phase, the Phasing Player may place unused Supply Hubs or move an already placed Supply Hub, subject to the following rules:
- He must expend one CP from the Top HQ to which the placed Supply Hub belongs.
- The placement hex must be a road hex, adjacent or in the same hex of a friendly Unit.
- The placement hex must be within the Command Range of a friendly HQ belonging to the Top HQ placing the Supply Hub.
- The placement hex must not be adjacent to enemy Units.
- The placement hex must be able to trace a Supply Line of any length to a valid Supply Source.
30.3.2. Supply Hub Initial Placement
- During the Scenario Setup, each Player places his assigned Supply Hubs as he sees fit, subject to the same rules used for Supply Hub Relocation. Initial placement does not require the expenditure of CPs.
30.3.3. Supply Hub Removal
- In the instant a Supply Hub is adjacent to an enemy Unit, it is removed from the map.
- Some Action / Event Cards may permanently remove a Supply Hub from play.
31. Defensive Works
Engineers may be employed to build Defensive Works and improve defense capabilities of Combat Units using them. Defensive Works can be of Level 1 (Def-1 Marker) or Level 3 (Def-3 Marker). Yes, there's no Level 2.
31.1. Building Defensive Works
- During the friendly Engineer Phase, the Player chooses a hex where the Defensive Works will be built. The hex must meet all the following prerequisites:
- It cannot contain a Swamp Terrain Feature or Nuclear Contamination Marker.
- It must be within Command Range of a friendly HQ.
- For level 1 works, it cannot be adjacent to an enemy Combat Unit or must have a friendly Combat Unit in it. For level 3 works, it must contain a friendly Combat Unit and an already completed level 1 Marker.
- The Player expends one Engineer Point and one CP from the Top HQ to which the HQ used as prerequisite belongs.
- The Player places appropriate Engineer, Defensive Works and Time Markers in the hex. Building or Upgrading Defensive Works takes two Turns.
- During the friendly Engineer Phase of the Turn corresponding to the Time Marker, the Defensive Work is completed. The Player removes the Time and Engineer Markers and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point. When improving from level 1 to level 3, also remove the previous level 1 Marker.
- A Defensive Work Level in construction has no effect on Ground Combat.
31.2. Destroying Defensive Works
- A Defensive Work is destroyed if, at any time during or after construction, it is in an enemy-occupied hex.
- When a Defensive Work is destroyed, the owning Player removes its Marker. For Defensive Works still in construction, he also removes the Engineer Marker and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
31.3. Defensive Works Effects
- A Unit attacking a hex containing Defensive Works must expend a number of additional MPs equal to the Defensive Works Level.
- A Unit defending in a hex containing Defensive Works has a favorable Combat Modifier equal to the Defensive Works' level (Exception: Reducing Defensive Works).
31.4. Reducing Defensive Works
- If a Unit defending in Ground Combat incurs in Attrition Points as a result of Combat, any Defensive Work in its hex is reduced: a level 3 Marker is reduced to 1, while a level 1 Marker is removed.
- After declaring a Ground Combat, the attacking Player may expend Engineer Points to reduce the effects of Defensive Works:
- The attacking Unit must be within Command Range of its Parent HQ.
- The attacking Player expends two Engineer Points from the Top HQ to which the attacking Unit belongs.
- The attacking Player places two appropriate Engineer Markers in the hex of the attacking Unit.
- For any attack starting from the hex, the additional MPs cost and Combat Modifier for attacking Defensive Works is reduced by one (0 MPs and 0 Combat Modifier for level 1, 2 MPs and 2 Combat Modifiers for level 3).
- At the beginning of the following friendly Engineer Phase, the attacking Player removes the Engineer Markers and gains back the expended Engineers Points.
32. Bridges
32.1. Permanent Bridges
A Permanent (or Civilian) Bridge is any hexside containing a Bridge symbol or a road crossing a Minor or Major River. Permanent Bridges are difficult to destroy and may refuse to collapse even after taking considerable damage.
32.1.1. Emergency Demolition
During the friendly Engineer Phase, a Unit may attempt to demolish one Bridge adjacent to its hex.
- The Player declares the Emergency Demolition attempt, the Unit attempting it and rolls a die:
- If the Bridge is adjacent to enemy Combat Units, the Demolition is successful on a roll of 7 or more.
- In all other cases, the Demolition is successful on a roll of 5 or more.
- If the demolition attempt is successful, place a Destroyed Marker over the Bridge hexside.
- If the demolition attempt fails, no other Emergency Demolitions can be attempted on the same Bridge during the current Engineer Phase.
32.1.2. Bridge Mining
During the friendly Engineer Phase, a Player may prepare a Permanent Bridge for successive demolition by mining it.
- Mining a Bridge is possible if all the following prerequisites are met:
- At least one hex adjacent to the Bridge hexside is within Command Range of a friendly HQ.
- There are no enemy Combat Units adjacent to the Bridge hexside, or there's at least one friendly Unit adjacent to the bridge hexside.
- A friendly Unit would be able to move from the hex containing the HQ to a hex adjacent to the Bridge, using the standard movement rules and not considering the Movement Costs.
- If the Bridge can be mined, the Player executes the following steps:
- He expends one Engineer Point from the Top HQ to which the HQ used as prerequisite belongs.
- He places an appropriate Engineer Marker on the Bridge hexside, and a Time Marker under the Engineer Marker. Mining a Primary Road Bridge takes two Turns, while any other Bridge takes one Turn.
- During the friendly Engineer Phase of the Turn corresponding to the Time Marker, the Bridge is considered Mined. The Player removes the Time and Engineer Markers, gains back the previously expended Engineer Point and place a Mined Bridge Marker over the Bridge hexside.
- Should a Mined Bridge have only enemy Combat Units adjacent to it at any time, the Mined Bridge Marker is removed. If the mining was completed, the owning Player may attempt a Prepared Demolition before removing the Marker. If the mining was not completed yet, the owning Player removes the Engineer Marker and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
32.1.3. Prepared Demolition
At any time during a Turn, the owning Player may attempt to demolish a Mined Bridge by stating so and rolling a die:
- If the Bridge hexside has no adjacent enemy Combat Units, the demolition succeeds on a roll of 3 or more.
- If the Bridge hexside has enemy Combat Units adjacent, the demolition succeeds on a roll of 5 or more.
- Independently from the result, the Mined Bridge Marker is removed.
32.2. Ribbon Bridges
Ribbon Bridges can be deployed by Engineers. Construction of a Ribbon Bridge requires some time and keeps Engineer resources busy, but once it is deployed the Units may cross a river with little delay or risk.
32.2.1. Ribbon Bridge Prerequisites
During the Friendly Engineer Phase, a Player may begin construction of a Ribbon Bridge on a hexside if all the following prerequisites are met:
- At least one of the hexes adjacent to the hexside is within the Command Range of a Friendly HQ.
- The hexside is adjacent to a friendly Unit.
- The hexside is not adjacent to enemy Combat Units.
32.2.2. Ribbon Bridge Construction
- The Player expends one Engineer Point and one CP from the Top HQ to which to the HQ used as prerequisite belongs.
- The Player places an Engineer and Ribbon Bridge Marker of the appropriate Top HQ on the hexside.
- The Player places an appropriate Time Marker under the Engineer Marker. Deploying a Ribbon Bridge takes one Turn for Minor Rivers and two Turns for Major Rivers.
- During the Friendly Engineer Phase of the Turn corresponding to the Time Marker, the Player removes the Time Marker and the Ribbon Bridge is considered completed. The Engineer Marker must remain in place until the Ribbon Bridge is destroyed.
32.2.3. Ribbon Bridge Destruction
- A Ribbon Bridge is destroyed if its hexside is adjacent to an enemy Combat Unit, during or after its deployment.
- A Ribbon Bridge may be voluntarily destroyed by the owning Player at any time.
- When a Ribbon Bridge is destroyed, remove its Marker, the corresponding Engineer Marker and increase the Engineer Points of the corresponding Top HQ by one.
32.3. Panel Bridges
Panel Bridges can be deployed by Engineers. Construction of a Panel Bridge requires a considerable time but once completed no Engineers must be kept in place.
32.3.1. Panel Bridge Prerequisites
During the Friendly Engineer Phase, a Player may begin construction of a Panel Bridge on a hexside if all the following prerequisites are met:
- At least one of the hexes adjacent to the hexside is within the Command Range of a Friendly HQ.
- The hexside is adjacent to a friendly Unit.
- Both hexes adjacent to the hexside do not contain enemy Combat Units.
32.3.2. Panel Bridge Construction
- The Player expends one Engineer Point and one CP from the Top HQ to which to the HQ used as prerequisite belongs.
- The Player places a Panel Bridge Marker and an Engineer Marker of the appropriate Top HQ on the hexside.
- The Player places an appropriate Time Marker under the Engineer Marker. Deploying a Panel Bridge takes two Turns for Minor Rivers and three Turns for Major Rivers.
- During the Friendly Engineer Phase of the Turn corresponding to the Time Marker, the Panel Bridge is completed. The Player removes the Time and Engineer Markers and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
32.3.3. Panel Bridge Destruction
- During the Friendly Movement Phase, a Player having a Unit adjacent to a Panel Bridge hexside may destroy it by simply stating so.
- When a Panel Bridge is destroyed, remove its Marker. If the Panel Bridge was still under construction, the owning Player also removes the Engineer Marker and gains back the previously expended Engineer Point.
33. Reinforcements
33.1. Air Reinforcements
- Air Reinforcements are received during the Events Phase and may increase or decrease the number of Air Points available to a Top HQ.
- Adjust both the Maximum and Current Air Markers to reflect the change. In no case the value can go below zero.
33.2. EW Reinforcements
- EW Reinforcements are received during the Events Phase and may increase or decrease the number of EW Points available to a Top HQ.
- Adjust the EW Marker of the appropriate Top HQ to reflect the change. In no case the value can go below zero.
33.3. Engineer Reinforcements
- Engineer Reinforcements are received during the Events Phase and may increase or decrease the number of Engineer Points available to a Top HQ.
- Adjust the Engineer Points Marker of the appropriate Top HQ to reflect the change. Should the value go below zero, the Player must remove Engineer Markers from the map until the available Engineer Points reaches zero. Any associated Engineer work not yet completed is also removed.
33.4. Command Points Reinforcements
- CP Reinforcements are received during the Events Phase and may increase or decrease the number of CPs available to a Top HQ.
- Adjust both the Maximum and Current CPs Markers of the appropriate Top HQ to reflect the change. In no case the value can go below zero.
33.5. Ground Reinforcements
- Ground Reinforcements are received during the friendly Movement Phase.
- Each Ground Reinforcements has specific entry hexes, listed in the scenario being played.
- The entry hex MP cost must be paid and cannot contain enemy Units. If there are no valid entry hexes, the affected Ground Reinforcements are delayed to the next Turn.
- A Unit entering as Ground Reinforcement can be placed in any desired Posture.
33.6. WG Territorial Reinforcements
In 1985, West Germany had a very efficient territorial army. In wartime, it could have mobilized 10 Brigades of good quality and several dozen regiments and smaller units used for garrison and rear defense duties. The placement of these units has been simplified to avoid excessive detail.
- During the friendly Movement Phase of their arrival Turn, WG Territorial Reinforcements are placed in any hex containing City or Town Terrain, at least 5 hexes from the nearest enemy Unit.
- WG Territorial Reinforcements having a specific Parent HQ must be placed within 3 hexes from it.
- WG Territorial Reinforcements do not pay the MP for their placement hex and are placed in any Posture allowed by their Type.
- If a WG Territorial Reinforcement has no valid entry hex, it is removed from play.
34. Event Cards
Event Cards represent unexpected or unpredictable circumstance, affecting a single unit or a whole operation theater. Players have no control on when an Event will happen.
- During Setup, each Player prepares his Events Deck by including only the Event Cards listed for the Scenario being played. A specific Event Card can be included more than once. Each Player then shuffles the opponent Player's Events Deck and place it aside, with the "EVENT / СОБЫТИЕ" side up.
- Additional Event Cards could be added to an Events Deck during play, as indicated by the Scenario rules. New Event Cards are added to a Player's Events Deck at the beginning of the Events Phase and the Deck is reshuffled.
- During the Events Phase, each Player rolls a die. On a 10 result, he draws the top Event Card from his Events Deck, without revealing it to the Opposing Player. If a Player has no more Event Cards available, the roll is ignored.
- A drawn Event Card must be played in the current Turn, during the specific Phase indicated on the Card. A Player may also choose not to play an Event Card or be unable to do so.
- Each Event Card is self-explanatory and has generally a positive effect on the side playing it, or an adverse effect on the opposing side. Apply the Event Card's effects immediately after playing it.
- After playing an Event Card, put it aside in the Discard Deck.
35. Action Cards
Action Cards represent strategic or operational options available to one side, from Special Forces Raids to Deep Air Strikes in enemy's territory. Differently from Event Cards, Players have full control on when / how to play them.
- During Setup, each Player prepares his Actions Deck by including only the Action Cards listed for the Scenario being played. A specific Action Card can be included more than once. Each Player then place its Deck aside, with the "ACTION / ДЕЙСТВИЯ" side up.
- Additional Action Cards could be added to an Action Deck during play, as indicated by the Scenario rules. New Action Cards are added to a Player Actions Deck at the beginning of the Events Phase.
- Each Action Card is self-explanatory and can be played during the specific Phase indicated on the Card. An unlimited number of Action Cards can be played during a single Turn.
- After playing an Action Card, put it aside in the Discard Deck.
36. Independent Formations
Paratrooper and similar units are of course used being cut out and act on their own initiative without waiting for orders from higher command. Therefore, they may issue and execute orders independently.
- A formation whose HQ has no Parent HQ designation is an Independent Formation.
- The HQ of an Independent Formation can change its own Posture without expending Command Points.
- When Deployed, the HQ of an Independent Formation can Issue a Regiment or Battalion level Order without expending Command Points.
- A Unit part of an Independent Formation can execute an Unauthorized Posture Change without expending Command Points.