The Road To Baghdad

Prepare for Battle!

Fifteen minutes ago, a runner told you that all commanders were to report to headquarters. Now you are sitting in the briefing tent wondering what is going on. After weeks of waiting and baking in the desert, you feel the adrenaline rush with the approach of combat operations. The commander walks in and begins to brief you on the situation. “We’re pushing up the timetable, men. We’ve got the green light to cross the border early tomorrow morning. Intelligence indicates the presence of a SCUD unit within range of our positions. This unit must be destroyed to protect the main body’s advance into Iraq.”

When the briefing is complete you are anxious to return to your unit but know to take the time to get an intelligence update and to conduct a quick reconnaissance of the maps of the area of operations. Back at the company area, you review the task organization with Gunny; since the enemy is expected to have some light tanks in his defense you concur with his recommendation to bring the heavy anti-tank teams. Your XO gives you the supply status and you tell him to get extra smoke ammo for the mortars. Next, you call your platoon leaders to you and start putting your plan together. Soon, you begin to position your forces on the sandtable and plan their initial orders.

Enter the Fray!

After you are satisfied with your preparation, you begin your attack. Your teams begin to MOVE in accordance with their initial orders. While you monitor the movement, you check to confirm that your mortar team is in their AMBUSH position, waiting for further orders. The tension builds as time passes with little or no information about the enemy. Suddenly your lead infantry team comes under fire; on his own initiative, the squad leader orders his men to take cover and return fire. The unexpected contact surprises you and you call in mortar FIRE on the enemy position to buy a little time.

You quickly determine that this is just a small observation post and order another team in the area to MOVE FAST and rush the enemy. The small enemy force is quickly overcome and the survivors surrender to your Marines. You survived this skirmish but now the enemy knows you are there and you know you are going to have to step up the momentum to maintain the initiative.

As your teams begin to spot more enemy forces, you rapidly try to build a mental image of the opponent’s plan. You also start to question your own plan; “Will it work?” is the $64,000 question.

The machine gun teams are having a lot of difficulty getting in position, which also adds to your stress. You know can’t wait too long. You order your mortar crews to place SMOKE to distract the enemy and cover your movement. At the same time, you call in artillery fire to suppress the enemy trench line. Now, at last, your machine gun teams are in place and you quickly order them to FIRE on the enemy positions. With the foe suppressed, you order your infantry teams to MOVE FAST and begin the assault the enemy. As they rush forward, you order your machine gun teams to shift their FIRE away from friendly forces. You check your flanks and see that your anti-tank teams are in place but there is no sign of enemy armor.

“Well, better safe than sorry, right?” Your infantry teams have suffered some losses but continue to close on the enemy; soon they have gained a foothold in the enemy trench line where the battle is ultimately decided with bayonets and hand grenades.

A Job Well Done!

You have been victorious. Now it is time to revel in your success and maybe learn from your mistakes as well. At the debriefing, you learn that your commanding officer is happy with your performance and you review the battle together. Your Marines have fought bravely and he has already put several of your men in for awards.

You also take time to check on the welfare of your wounded soldiers at the aid station. As you head back to your tent, a combination of pride in your unit and concern for your men sweeps through you. Late that evening as you lay down to grab a few hours of much needed sleep before the next briefing, you hear a voice in the back of your head, “Don’t get too comfortable Marine, the road to Baghdad is going to be long and dangerous….”

Take Command in

“Operation Iraqi Freedom!”

Command your troops on the Road to Baghdad as they engage in key scenarios based on the recent conflict “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Engage the enemy in intense, pulse-pounding combat in the deserts of Iraq.

Features:

• Real-Time Strategy. Your soldiers run, shoot, throw grenades and dive for cover as you execute your strategy in real time.

• Real-world tactics. Use smoke to obscure your movement, machine gun fire to suppress the enemy, and much more.

• Combine Arms. Call for artillery fire, helicopter support and air strikes to ensure the success of your mission.

• Soldier Psychological Model. Individual soldiers may hesitate in the face of a determined resistance or attack when they see an opportunity.

• Head-to-Head Play. Play single player or face off against each other through the Internet, LAN, modem, or serial connection..

Last updated on August 14, 2015