Scenario: Battered Bastards

[Grant1pa]

The War of the Fleas Scenario.

It's April, 2016 and the Russian attack through the Baltic States is reaching a critical stage. Estonia and Latvia have fallen. NATO entered the fray but is being pushed back. The Russian Army tried an assault through the Ukraine, but their forces met stiff resistance and this has stalled. Russian Commanders decided to set loose their considerable forces in the Kaliningrad Oblast, who moved east into Lithuania.

You command units of the US Army's 101st Airborne 1st Brigade Combat Team: three companies of the 506th Infantry Regiment, a screening elementof the 32nd Cav. Regt, artillery support from the 320th Field Artillery Regiment, and Apaches from the 101st First Battalion of the 101st Aviation Regiment.

Facing you are elements of the Russian 336th Independent Marine Regiment. Expect the 336th's motorized infantry supported by main battle tanks. They have rolled over Reserve Units of the Lithuanian Army while regular army units have been focused on their northern and eastern borders. Their axis of advance is along Rt. A7 from Vilkaviskas towards Marijampole. Their objective is Vilnius. NATO Air has attempted to interdict their advance and their route march has been disrupted. Due to air attacks, their regimental artillery support is limited.

Your Airborne Infantry are arrayed in a blocking position between Gizai and Balsupiai. Cavalry units from the 32 Cav are screening in the woods to the north. Elements of the 320th FAR (the "Balls of Bastogne") are located in Balsupiai and offmap. Use them wisely. Apaches are enroute but not immediately available.

NATO Air is heavily engaged all along the front. You may receive some assistance but it will be limited.

Your orders are to hold your positions in order to facillitate the rear elements of the BCT to establish a more viable defense around Marijampole.

History revisits the 101st. Marijampole hosts a key crossroads comprised the the east-west Rt A7 to Vilnius, and Rt. E67 leading into Poland. The Russians must control this crossroads in order to block any intecession by Polish Forces, and to quickly end the debate. The Battered Bastards of Bastogne must again do the impossible.

Good Luck

Design by Thomas Garlock