Small Unit Actions During the German Campaign in Russia

"This publication was prepared by a number of German officers after the end of World War II. There were a number of these publications, many of which are in publication in the German Report Series by Naval and Military Press. They are all of significant importance in understanding the way in which the war was fought, particularly on the eastern front. This particular publication is perhaps the best known of all the German Report Series, and deals with combat at battalion, company, platoon and even individual level. It is full of small actions that are not reported anywhere else, and the whole book is well illustrated with a series of maps showing the situation of the units and the actions described in such detail." 

Decisive Campaigns | Community Scenario November 1942 released!

"4 German Army Groups, 11 Armies, 4 Allied Armies 50+ Corps, 200+ Divisions are facing 13 Soviet Fronts, 500+ Divisions and Brigades. The great Soviet winter offensives are about to test the mettle of the Wehrmacht once again! All is in the balance..." More information about this monster scenario at VR Design's website.

Detailed French OOB | The French-Algerian War 1954-1962

The rest of this amazing find (Thanks FZS-Eagle!) can be found here at the forum. More details about how the French organised their forces and why Algeria was the first real helicopter war, check them out at this and that link.

They bled in the bled | Oued Stita 1956

Check out the latest community scenario for Campaign Series Middle East | They bled in the Bled | Algeria 1954-1962. A big thanks to Eagle-FZS! 

The French-Algerian War and FM 3-24 | Counterinsurgency: A Comparison

Many aspects of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in today's contemporary operating environment suggest that historical reviews of previous COIN experiences can provide critical insight. However, the results of such reviews tended to fail to be incorporated into military doctrine as the passage of time reduced the perceived relevance of previous experiences.

Tactical success is not enough | The French in Algeria 1954-1962

Yes, I know. Yet another study, thesis, paper about the struggle in Algeria! Mind you though... you'll find quite some interesting insights reading this piece of work by Lt.Cmdr. James R. Rogers, USN. If you want to play out the whole conflict, perhaps give the award winning boardgame Ici c'est la France! a try.

Moden Warfare | Roger Trinquier

A French View of Counterinsurgency.  Apparently quite a controversial piece of work from this former notorious or famous (depending on your point of view), as well as distinguished French officer. Nevertheless, another invaluable read to understand how other armies relied on their COIN operations because of his experience... for the better, or the worse. 

They bled in the Bled | CS Middle East Algerian War

I am trying my best at the moment to create a series of scenarios that cover the intense and bitter fighting during the French-Algerian War. They are supposed to be fast, quick but innovative, e.g. to display how the French were the first to use helicopters for their operations in the Hinterland. 

The French Experience in Algeria, 1954-1962

Blueprint for U.S. Operations in Iraq, by Major Gregory Peterson. I bumped into this interesting read while researching material for more Campaign Series | Middle East scenarios. Apparently, there are quite a few unknown encounters during this bitter colonial struggle, like the Battle of Agounennda.

Paths to Victory | Detailed Insurgency Case Studies

"Counterinsurgency (COIN) is the blend of comprehensive civilian and military efforts designed to simultaneously contain insurgency and address its root causes. Unlike conventional warfare, non-military means are often the most effective elements, with military forces playing an enabling role." Introduction from a US Government Report about Counterinsurgency.

Hélicoptères à Oued Fodda | CS Middle East

As previously mentioned, it wasn't the Americans who first experimented and utilised helicopters for operations. Due to the lack of any reliable reference material, I decided to create a helicopter variant of the Campaign Series Middle East scenario Long Road Home - Oued Fodda, 1958. 

The First Helicopter War | Campaign Series Middle East

The First Helicopter War | Logistics and Mobility in Algeria, 1954-1962  is yet another interesting read I literally bumped into! Most of us automatically think about the Ia-Drang Valley in Vietnam, 1st Air Cavalry and lots of 'choppas' dropping GIs at LZs there. But... it was the French who first tried to utilise this new way of transport. At the end, despite of this revolutionary concept, it neither helped the French in Algeria nor the US Americans in Vietnam to win... 

CS Vietnam | Operation Starlite

Another preview of some maps for Campaign Series - Vietnam in the making. There're more sneak previews of maps at The Campaign Series Facebook page an, naturally some information about Operation Starlite when you follow the link.

German OOB for the JTCS WF Marseille scenario

A Preview of the German Order of Battle for the updated JTCS WF scenario - The Liberation of Marseille. Very well researched indeed. Learn more about it at the Matrix Games Forum Website. Update - Check out the latest updates of the German localised version of JTCS EF II.

Update | Map of Marseille for JTCS WF

Eagle-FZS from the German Wargaming Forum - Feldzugschmiede

has done a great job with his latest update for the JTCS West Front scenario - The Liberation of Marseille! Wishing all of you a Happy Easter.

Step 4 - How to create events & editing the .lua file

Although one has to get used to it, editing the .LUA file is as interesting as it is enhancing the game play. Like the Event Editor at TOAW IV, using a simple tool like Notepad++ for editing the .LUA file, with a bit of practice (or in my case - trial and error!) really a piece of cake!

Step 3 - Placing the units, adding features & objectives

The final and last step in creating a small but challenging scenario for CS Middle East. Placing the units, setting objectives and improving some positions. That's basically it. A detailed guide with easy to follow steps however is in the making.

Step 2 - Creating or using an existing map

The next step is to create or simply chose a map. In our case the Bootcamp (Desert).map will do just fine. Instead of the desert, we switch the environment to a more Mediterranean setting. This can be easily done in clicking on Values. We first change the Region to North Africa and then the Biome to Mediterranean. If preferred, we could of course change the village and town names and add some more features, such as improved positions, etc. 

How to... create a small Bootcamp scenario for CS Middle East

A quick preview about the next upcoming little project of mine - How to... create a small Bootcamp scenario for CS Middle East. We'll pit a crack company of hardened French Foreign Legionares against a company of mediocre Algerian FLN troops. Don't be fooled tough... This is November 1954... the situation would be quite the other way around in the years of 1961/1962... seasoned FLN troops vs. French conscripts would be quite a different ballgame.