[Hermit]

[to Imp: you're right. Technically it's small tears to the tendon and resulting tendonitis, not dislocated]

The enemy is approaching from the West. The two sections of M103 Heavy Tanks have each been placed astride the two roads on the reverse slope where they crest the hills near the middle of the battlefield. Our other main-force units have been deployed in the western edge of woods that border open areas, with armor and infantry intermixed. The one exception is a mostly bald hill to the NW of the northern objective area, which will be a likely approach for the enemy. Due to its exposure, only AT guns and infantry have been placed upon it, with the guns occupying several areas of broken ground for better defensive protection.

The tactical plan is a true delaying action. All units have been ordered to wait until they "see the whites of their eyes" before engaging. We hope that a few well-aimed shots will destroy enemy armor by ambush at close range, leaving them no time to react and return fire. The hope is that burning wreckage will block shots from following enemy units. Then, the units that have fired and revealed their position will withdraw back through the woods and reposition at the far side of the next break in the woods. Infantry will remain a few hundred meters back in the woods, hopefully far enough to avoid responding enemy arty, to ambush enemy armor that attempts to charge in pursuit. Then rinse and repeat as often as possible.

We were excited at the prospect of such clear visibility offering some ripe pickings for our air power, but our hopes were dashed when division announced NO air cover would be forthcoming, other than two old planes that would be available for recon flights. We did get 4 upgraded tanks - a few partially damaged M-47's being replaced by M-48A2's with the night vision equipment. Also sent over in support were 6 mechanized recon platoons and 6 sections of the new Jeep-mounted 106 mm recoilless rifles. The Colonel plans on sending them around the enemy flanks as scouts and to spot enemy artillery and AA guns on hilltops. Apparently he read some tactical guides on employing this type of rig while he was in recuperation. The scouts will, obviously, scout. The accompanying APC's will supress enemy troops, while the 106-armed jeeps will try to ambush any enemy armor encountered.

Time to get into position and await the enemy.