The 161sqn MP campaign

[jimiC]

This is a little project i've embarked upon with the assistance of AEF 161 squadron members over the past month. Basically we have got together to create what amounts to about the closest you can get to an MP dynamic campaign. We've done this by implementing a set of 'rules' and a phase of the campaign that centers around the forums each week in which the members of the squadron get together and plan the next mission.

 

each mission is 90 minutes long with a 1 hour timelapse between missions that allows for rearming and breifing debriefing simulation. The actual time between missions in RL time is 2 weeks and then the next mission flies the following 90minute snippet of the campaign in game time.

The goal is to create a flowing series of missions that develop over the course of the campaign based on the decisions made in the forums planning phase and also the effectiveness of the squadron in the actual missions.

 

To this end, both the redfor (161sqn and its associated ground forces) and the blufor have a complete table of equipment and ORBAT which is finite. Casualties sustained or inflicted carry over to the following missions and are represented in the planning phase on the forums with debrief and INTSUMs from the squadron INT CELL.

 

The gamemaster (me at the moment) is responsible for the BLUFOR ground and air assets. The GM decides on his blufor oporders independently and without telling the squadron, opens the template mission and moves the units to their positions and gives them orders. All movement has to be done over the course of the mission time and where they end is where they begin in subsequent missions. The squadron members discuss the plan for the next mission both the squadron flightplans but also orders for the entire ground force to be executed. When they conclude this process the GM takes these orders and enters them into the template as well, only after he has done the BLUFOR orders (this allows for better simulation of Fog of war and a more head 2 head feel to the opposing force)

 

The campaign ruleset we are currently developing as we go along (this first campaign run is really a test of the idea and interest etc)

is here

http://www.aef-hq.com.au/aef3/forum/viewtopic.php?f=344&t=49905&p=395788#p395788

for anyone interested in how we're running it.

 

So far we are 2 missions into the campaign, taking us from a 0600 start time to currently 1000 hours on the same day. Our redfor bde has moved some 30km and is prepping to invade georgia from Abkhazia. The blufor, currently a georgian infantry bde plus supporting assets has been engaged on the border on our previous 2 missions and suffered casualties to 2 of their 4 battalions. The overall goal set for the redfor is to seize the towns of poti and senaki within 4 days and to retain combat capability allowing them to conduct future operations from this point.

As GM, i will also decide on a trigger point being reached at which time the US become involved in the campaign with a naval TF and Marine Exp. Bde arriving in theatre.

 

We've had 6-8 pilots in both the missions run and everyone seems to enjoy it as something a bit different, bit more serious and more challenging than just playing the same missions over and over again (each mission is played ONCE and only once and theres no peeking before the allotted flight night :) )

 

I've posted this here to generate interest in this way of playing the sim, and just to give others an idea of what we're doing in the 161sqn. Feel free to take this idea away and come up with your own for your own squadrons!., or if you're around during the aussie evenings you can even hook up with ours :)

Edited August 10, 2009 by jimiC