Rafael Z. Wolfram-Skilled Leader-01

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

I know there is a lot of letters on here but after you get a grasp of it it isn't too daunting of a task you must accomplish for your certification. First off I would like to congratulate you on taking this step to better your character. Second off, this is the first Certification so it might be a slow and buggy process, please bear with me. You will have one week exactly to complete each part of this test. There are a total of two parts, therefore this could take up to two weeks depending on how quickly you are able to complete them and how quickly I can get back and check on it to critique it.

-First off, all of the letters represent one squad of soldiers unless other wise specified. Each squad has a radio unless otherwise specified. Each squad, going with the figures on this board, is comprised of six (6) privates and a sergeant.

-The black letters are your troops and the red letters are enemy troops.

-The brown 'Y' shape is a dirt road

-The black shape in the middle of the road is a small wooden bridge

-The blue lines and blob in the middle is a large creek/small river that runs from the lake on the left

-The black stacked box looking structure is an enemy garrison

-The black tower looking structure is, well, an enemy tower

-The tan colored smaller boxes are sandbags

-The green curvy lines are dirt berms that are effective cover if you keep low enough behind them

-The gray circles are craters, smaller ones being from mortars, and larger ones being from artillery

-The gray spiked looking shape at the bottom of the map is actually a ridge line, the spikes are to represent a cliff face that cannot be moved across. The smoother side represents the top of a plateau type area

-The red 'X's are enemy mounted machine guns

-The blue 'X's are friendly mounted machine guns

-The red circle in the middle of the map is currently being targeted by enemy mortars

Your units are as follows:

A-Your location with a radio operator, under no fire, not firing
B-Infantry squad, under no fire, firing at P
C-Infantry squad, cowering from raining debris from mortar rounds and stray rounds from C
D-Sniper and spotter, under no fire, only two rounds left
E-Anti tank squad, one wounded, one dead, radio not operational, under heavy fire from G and N/O
F-Two infantry squads, three wounded, two dead, under heavy fire from H, I, J, K, and N/O
G-Infantry squad, one wounded, under heavy fire from D, E, and C, radio nonoperational
H-Infantry squad, one wounded, two dead, under fire from B and P
I-Two infantry squads, two wounded, seven dead, radio nonoperational, under heavy fire from G, N/O, M, and F

Enemy units are as follows:

A-Enemy Garrison, steadily supplying enemy troops
B-Enemy squad, mounted machine gun
C-Enemy tower, mounted machine gun
D-Enemy Infantry squad
E-Enemy Infantry squad
F-Enemy mortar platoon
G-Enemy Infantry squad, advancing
H/I-Enemy squad
J/K-Enemy squad
L-Enemy Infantry squad, advancing
M-Enemy armor, advancing
N/O-Enemy squad, advancing
P-Enemy Infantry squad, advancing

SCENARIO:

Your mission was to advance through this are and capture an objective further down the road. While moving you came across an enemy garrison that was unknown to Military Intelligence. While trying to further gain ground toward the objective 'I' came under surprise fire from enemy mortars and has been crippled. The majority of your troops are in good condition just shaken up. The reason some of the enemy letters are combined is due to the fact that the incoming mortar fire has limited your spotter's view in that direction. The enemy infantry and armor are advancing, but you have the tools needed to accomplish this if you so choose. There has been heavy rain in the area and the ground around the water is very difficult to traverse, !HINT! you would be a sitting duck. You have no artillery to call in, their is air support but it would take time for them to arrive and this scenario will not cover a large time frame, so we will just rule them out.

Your troop numbers are as follows:
Total troops - - - - - - - - - - - - - 67
Injured - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8
Dead - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11
Alive and uninjured - - - - - - - - 48

Your first task for this certification is the easier of the two.

YOU ARE TO TELL ME WHAT YOUR TOP THREE PRIORITIES ARE AT THIS POINT IN THE SCENARIO, THE FIRST TWO ARE MANDATORY AND THE THIRD IS OPTIONAL. LIST THEM IN ORDER BY IMPORTANCE, THE MOST IMPORTANT COMING FIRST. SHOULD YOU BE ABLE TO NAME ALL THREE IN ORDER, I WILL GRADE THE SECOND PART A LITTLE MORE LENIENTLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND ON THIS PART.

**Please post as soon as you have read this so that I know when your time started, also to ask any questions you wish. I am not guaranteeing that I will answer those questions, but there is a lot there and I may have left out something important, any question of that nature will be answered and your time extended if I see fit.**

**EDIT**

This is just to clarify, priorities are NOT orders, they are the things you wish to accomplish with your unit as a whole.

[∬: Rafael Z. Wolfram]

Quick Questions:

• Firstly, is my sniper unit (D) mobile from the mountain/ridge?
  
• Secondly, my primary object is to capture the enemy garrison correct? (A)
  - Or is it to simply clear a path through?
  
• Thirdly, listing my three top priorities; does this include mentioning my unit movements (i would make) or is it simply to do with what targets I would go for first?
  
  - Sorry about the questions, I'm just trying to understand the second part of this scenario, because if it's simply to do with listing my three top priorities, then the second part would invetiably be, how i'd accomplish it, right?
  

Really sorry, just a little confused. Don't want to go full on into detail, when that could be the second part you had planned.
-Raf

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

Answer 1: Your sniper unit is mobile but would need to either rappel down the cliff face, long time or pull back to come around the cliff.

Answer 2: Your primary objective is further down the road, not shown on the map, a good bit further down the road, you were not aware this garrison existed until you came across it.

Answer3: This does NOT include listing unit movements, you priorities are what you hope to accomplish, your orders are what you would give to accomplish these priorities, just list the priorities, NOT the orders. Priorities are not always targets either.

[∬: Rafael Z. Wolfram]

Answered everything, thank you.
I was more concerned on the aspect of noting the priorities of my units advancements; wasn't sure if you wanted that or the inital over-view priorities. Makes sense now. Thanks.
- Raf

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

Not a problem, anything I can do to help other than make the decisions for you I will be happy to do so. You have one week, I would suggest you take some time and think it over before rushing into it. Not that I think you would rush it, just wanted you to make sure you were confident in your decisions.

[∬: Rafael Z. Wolfram]

TOP THREE PRIORITIES: [/B]

Hope this Answers my three priorities, I listed them in order of my performance and what I would do first, second and perhaps third assuming circumstances were in my favour. I would’ve branded the garrison 1st priority, but what’s the point in that being first, when I need to hit a crucial obstacle before hand, that would open up leeway for big flanking procedures.

Hope I branded them correct and forgive me for answering very quickly. You gave me a week to do this first part and I feel as if I already have it figured. There is one unit on my right flank with a radio (didn’t mention non-operational radio for them) so the whole while they’re holding the line, allowing me and the other’s to strengthen and penetrate the left flank; we would be in constant communication throughout and hopefully with them holding the line, it would provide time needed for my pincer/left flanking movement to take appropriate action. Of course, the Armour would be no threat at this stage, as my right flank would begin their advancements.

FIRST PRIORITY: [/B]
- Strengthen LEFT FLANK for advancements to take and hold the Gunnery/Bunker (B), that would inevitably open up a gateway, slip-route for reinforcements & units to immediately perform their Second crucial priority, seizing the Garrison quickly.
- Pushing LEFT FLANK backwards, the enemy’s frontline will be pierced and presumably forced to try and cover two fronts, instead of one, giving my guys the advantage on sly flanking movements and even cutting their fallbacks off.


SECOND PRIORITY:[/B]
- Seize Enemy Garrison (A) // Stop blood flow of troops & comms, assuming it’s their HQ
- This would provide substantial cover & Left/Rear flanking opportunities.
- Mandatory when taking into consideration Armour & Mortars are in the area; relaying comms.


THIRD/OPTIONAL PRIORITY:[/B]
- Gunnery Tower // Taking over the Gunner Tower would 100% provide sufficient support fire to my LEFT FLANKING tactics and strengthen my hold upon the garrison when captured.
- This would also allow me to begin performing a pincer movement from both angles, squeezing the enemy into mass retreat or slaughter.

-Raf

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

That was quicker than expected, but I will need to give you what I was looking for so you may try and complete the second task in this process.

Priority 1:
You have no medics and many injured units, and some squads have no way of communicating, not to mention you are largely out numbered and out gunned. Sometimes a good leader needs to know that he can not win and accept what he must do for the safety of his men, for without men, you cannot win a war.

You should have decided to fall back and regroup

Priority 2:
The enemy is advancing over a vast majority of the battlefield. If you are able to safely, you need to slow or, if possible, stop their advance.

Priority 3:
Your given objective is further past this garrison, you need to notify higher command about the previously unknown garrison and request a larger force be given the task at hand or that you be supplemented to continue your mission.

If you prove that you can successfully complete the second task I will consider you for the certification, you seem a little head strong, and that is understandable, this is not real combat, I know.

Given the Priorities that I have listed, I need you to now give me a list. This list is the next set of orders you would give to your units, and how you would give them in some aspects due to lack of radios in some squads. List them by importance, starting with the most important and working toward the least important. Only one set of orders need be given for each letter, if you feel the need to list more on certain ones to clarify yourself, by all means feel free.

You are not out of the running yet, do not get discouraged, but you will need to nail these orders. You did have one of the priorities, just not in the right location, and a little too aggressively laid out.

Please remember that you have a week, take all of of it if you so choose.

[∬: Rafael Z. Wolfram]

Argh!!! I actually thought about retreating too and forgive me for stepping out of line, maybe, but the way in which the map was set out, I thought I had to provide substantial actions towards dealing with the enemy threat - in a sense, how I’d conquer their garrison, but under the odds of being surprised from the attack. How I’d act on impulse for example. =(

By the way, also, I didn’t realise requesting for a larger force would’ve counted as a priority, considering in the scenario, the time-scale for requesting for air-support or artillery was out of the question, I thought all bounds for requesting anything would’ve been ruled out. If you see where I’m coming from. never mind though, just feel silly now, because I honestly did think about pulling back, but since my units had already engaged in the scenario, I figured my task would’ve been to counter attack and name the main priorities in which I’d hit.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The following orders have been given in a time-line period. They are still in order of importance, but to keep realism and confusion, I’ve aligned the following orders to how things would’ve gone. Firstly with initial orders and then the follow up orders. I hope this is not breaking the rule of “Important first”, but as most units do not have a radio, I’m unable to issue them ANY orders what-so-ever unless I perform a significant movement between the units who do have radios and during those periods, time allotments would’ve been open for other radio communication to take place.

I hope you understand and reading the following Orders List should make things much more clearer. If I’ve issued the orders wrongly to your request, then I’m sorry, but I don’t see how it would’ve been possible to communicate orders towards those without comms; unless done so with this scheme. =]

Order List:

• UNIT F (2 Squads, under suppressive fire, small wounded WITH Radio)
  - Orders; Signalling a retreat to Unit F, I would’ve ordered them to rendezvous with UNIT “I” ASAP (Due to radio failure and their close proximity) and report back when the connection is established between the two units with the circumstances (taking casualties or not).
  
  * Whilst UNIT F falls back to UNIT I’s Position, an Allotment of time would’ve been given for my next orders *
  
  
• UNIT C (1 Squad, under Mortar and rounds of Stray Fire)
  - With Radio Silence from UNIT G upfront, I would’ve ordered them to man the MACHINE-GUN (blue cross) and provide a sufficient team, WITH radio comms to work their way towards UNIT G and report back the circumstances and situation.
  
  * Again Whilst UNIT C heads to UNIT G's Position, an Allotment of time would’ve been given for my next orders *
  
  
• UNIT H (1 Squad, small losses)
  - Requesting their current situation on the frontlines, I would’ve taken no action, but to order them to hold down the left flank and to rally reports regularly upon their situation; As UNIT B is providing sufficient cover towards ENEMY UNIT P and pulling them back could inevitably create a hole in the frontlines towards the left flank, that could attack our current garrison or outflank UNIT G.
  
  * By now, UNIT I and UNIT F should’ve made contact *
  
  
• UNIT I & F (4 Squads & mass wounded/dead [altogether], WITH Radio)
  - When connection has been established between UNIT F and UNIT I, the order for a steady fallback to UNIT E’s position would’ve been notified. This fallback process would’ve been compromised in unison between both units, giving more pairs of hands to carry the few wounded and fight their way back.
  
  
• UNIT D (Sniper Team)
  - Requesting their current situation and hearing their lack of ammo, I would’ve ordered them to seize fire and observe the battlefield with very precise and regular reports back immediately upon any major advancements and if any enemy superiors spotted amongst the battlefield, to report their location and shot accuracy upon the target.
  - No further action would’ve been taken with this unit, apart from the regular comms, branding them my eye in the sky.
  
  *Also by now, UNIT C and UNIT G should’ve made contact on the frontlines *
  
  
• UNIT G: (1 squad, under heavy fire)
  - Establishing Radio Comms with UNIT G (thanks to UNIT C [minus 2/3 men on the MG, if it wasn’t already manned]) and taking details upon their heavy fire, I'd request their fallback to my allocated position (sandbags) with UNIT C immediately.
  - There is no real importance for them to be up-front and bringing them back behind some proper suppressive fire, I’d be able to save some men and even break them down for stronger support upon my right/left flank if need be.
  
  * By now, UNIT F and UNIT I should’ve managed to reach their fallback towards UNIT E *
  
  
• UNIT E: (Anti-Armour Squad)
  - Establishing comms with UNIT E, I’d order them to remain at their post and watch the road ahead, due to Armour sightings (through UNIT D, if they spotted them) and to engage immediately when ENEMY ARMOUR is at a suitable distance, assuming they’ll advance.
  
  
• UNIT I [AGAIN]: (2 Infantry Squads)
  - With report of their safe fallback after talking with UNIT E and circumstances upon their casualties and wounded, I would order UNIT I to set up towards the RIGHT FLANK’S Dirt Berm (hedgerow) and provide sufficient cover to UNIT E and F stationed at the sandbags, watching the road.
  - Having UNIT I cover their right flank, any circling enemies from upfront wouldn’t be able to outflank UNIT E of F.
  
  
• UNIT F [AGAIN]: (2 Infantry Squads)
  - Ordering this unit to remain with UNIT E (anti armour) they can provide extra man-power and support if encountering any straight advancements across the enemy held bridge or right flank. UNIT F also has radio support and can initiate continuous communication between myself and even UNIT D overlooking the battlefield, for reports on Enemy Armour activity.
  

They’re my full list of orders and UNIT A (Myself in this) would not retreat towards UNIT D’s position, on terms of cost of time in retreating and communication breakdown if I do not sit-tight and keep in contact with everyone on a basis level and from my position, as UNIT A, I’d be able to provide morale support and even more orders when face to face with those surrounding me.

Hope they’re all the orders you requested? Again, sorry to be so soon, but I don’t feel as if I have anymore to add.
-Raf

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

I must say, that is a beautiful plan, very well thought out and executed. The extra orders do not bother me a bit. If I could make my avatar smile I would. The only thing I would like to add is that with UNIT F falling back, although not a bad move by any means, the right flank, being the weaker one, might fall. If for some odd reason you come across this situation again, maybe consider having UNIT F use hand signals toward UNIT E and have UNIT E move up to get UNIT I, I know this would still leave the unit without a radio, but UNIT E could then use their capabilities to destroy the bridge, slowing the enemy advancement.

All and all, great job, that was just the only thing I could come up with that might have had a better outcome. I am more than happy to award you with the Skilled Leader Certification that you applied for, you have earned it and my your future days as a leader continue to be harnessed by your fine ability.

Allied Instructor
Edward Scott McMillan

[PuNk! ™]

Congratualtions;
Your Ranking Certificate Title will be Added to your Mini-Profile real soon.
~ Danny

[∬: Rafael Z. Wolfram]

Thank You! Both.
Hand Signals, yes, that would've been a great communication method between some of the closer squads and as for blowing up the bridge, duhh, I should've thought of that too. Guess I just became carried away manning the frontlines, rather than attacking for a change.

Again, thanks guys!
-Raf