Operation Silver Strike - Day 3

[Bert_the_Turtle]

Yes I do. And I agree it would be difficult. But with a dozen men we could build a reasonable defense out of materials on the island and fortify it with spools of razor ribbon and landmines and flak cannons. We need to secure out Entrance Point.

[Kolya]

So how permant a pressence do you guys think is the best to go for? It sounds like there is a fair chance anything large might get wiped out before you can bring in a force that could properly defend it.

Right now just small units which are self-sustaining as much as possible. Gathering information.

Natasha will be going there to do just that, just as soon as we can get things lined up.

[Kolya]

The foothold is not too much of a problem.

But sustaining anything permanent is a big effort. Just keeping the basic systems running requires fuel and electricity.

[Ron Caliburn]

And flak cannons? Bert, you are talking about a major investment. One of those ZU-23 babies the Ruskies use requires a crew of 5 to bgin with.

Seriously, I think you've been buildingbunkers too long.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

And, and I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the ones America used in WW2 only needed a 3 man crew. The schematics are probably available to anyone at this point.

[Kolya]

We are not Americans.

I am not theoretically opposed to any of your ideas Bert. Just we have a demon to squash, not a planet to conquer.

Just fundamental basing of troops is a significant effort.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

Personally I'm worried about a massive air attack. We all know what an advantage air superiority is, and assuming this world doesn't have powered flight, making sure your host of demons has wings would be a HUGE advantage.

[Kolya]

That is something Natasha will be looking into when she goes there.

Currently 98% of those islands are covered in jungle canopy, sometimes three deep.

The value of air superiority is not yet clear, but neither is it being dismissed.

Like I said, we can some little birds in there, arm them with some miniguns, and probably tear up most of what that place has to offer. Or at least be on level with it. Getting the fuel for them is whole other can of shit.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

Which is why I suggest static emplacements. Easily used to augment any birds we put in the air.

[Kolya]

Although I do worry about triple canopy jungle fucking with indirect fires.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

We clear the tops of some of the mountains and stick the emplacements there. If they approach through the jungle flight is of little value. If they approach over the jungle we shoot them out of the sky.

[Kolya]

Hah!

I thought you were talking supporting indirect fires for the assault.

Sorry for the confusion.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

Heh, if we were to do that I would suggest we outfit Patrol Boats with Mortars.

[Kolya]

Especially if we have Hotel Alpha out of there, but hopefully the attack will be swift and so close quarters that it is over before it starts.

Of course, operations never go as planned.

[Bert_the_Turtle]

Actually, I like the idea of Patrol Boats as backup. If we stick to waterborne and amphibious strategies they'd be a big help.

[Kolya]

Me, too, the big problem is is when we are scooting and shooting, can those indirect fires land on target or will the canopy drop them willy nilly.

I anticipate any artillery or air support we manage is going to be danger close regardless of the canopy..

[Ron Caliburn]

I have a few uncles who were in the 'Nam. The triple canopy over there made even accurately placed artillery fire cause friendly casualties.

Besides, you can either take the time to build up a position . . . or you can hit them before you know you are there.

[Kolya]

That is what we are going for.

Reconnoitering still so we will have a better idea of just how big of a bite we are taking.

[Last Moon]

This is most fascinating. I would be very interested in speaking with the participants in this adventure so that I may further my own research.

[Razor]

Most of us are still around.

[Kolya]

If you wish to speak to me, leave a message.