Walk and Shoot - Combat Mission Battle for Normandy: By JC

[Asid]

Saturday, May 5, 2018
By: JC
Walk and Shoot - Combat Mission Battle for Normandy


Some twenty one years ago, then Colonel David Petraeus co-authored an article entitled "Walk and Shoot Training" (Infantry Magazine, Jan-Feb 1997, page 36). In this article, an emphasis was made in the recklessness of the "headlong rush to close with and destroy the enemy" without a plan for indirect fires to support movement and developing the situation.





In John Sowden's all-time classic scenario "Platoon Patrol" (one of the smallest scenarios that were released in the first edition of Combat Mission Battle for Normandy), a US infantry platoon is tasked with securing a ford in Normandy. The platoon leader has a 60 mm mortar as the only indirect fire asset.

It is not by chance that I revisited this scenario. I'm reading Battle Hardened, by Craig Chapman. In this book, Mr. Chapman writes about his father's experience in the WWII ETO. This book is one of the best books regarding low and mid level US WWII tactics, with a particular emphasis in the use of weapons companies.[/size





The Combat Mission scenario came immediately to my mind. In particular, the few rounds available for the 60 mm mortar were something to keep close to the chest. Moving and shooting would require a lot of restraint. And yes, planning.



Nothing left to chance: even the detail of micromanaging my troops when they get to the hedgerows. The "hide" command is to avoid them being spotted and insta-suppressed.



I'm sure you already know that from the American side, the battlefield hazards in this scenario have great rates of fire.



Cheers,

JC



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