1980's Afghanistan AAR

In between laundry duties and a kitchen DIY project, I got a game in today. I decided to use some old Soviet-Afghanistan War Russians (mostly H&R, some GHQ) against the Mujahedeen. The scenario was based on the Test of Arms scenario in the previous post, but was one that was probably repeated across the country during the 1980s: the Soviets were to advance and occupy a village in a valley and clear it out of weapons and fighters. The fighters were watching from the hills. I used the Hidden Deployment rules from CWC2 and rolled for 2 additional HD tokens for each HQ. 

Soviet forces

CO

2 HQs

FAO

6 T62M tanks

10 conscript infantry

1 HMG

1 82mm mortar

6 BTR70 APCs

Off table 122mm artillery with 1 salvo of chemical munitions and 5 HE. 

Afghan forces

CO

2 HQs

Group 1 

6 infantry

1 82mm mortar

Group 2

6 infantry

1 HMG 

Group 3 

6 infantry

1 HMG + 6 Hidden Deployment markers.

The village with Hidden Deployment markers randomly placed- I was not aware of what force was where or if they were blank. 

The Soviet forces had a slow start, the infantry HQ failed then the CO failed. The Afghan forces repositioned slightly but were happy to wait. 

Turn 2 saw the Soviets get off the mark and with impressive coordination. A series of successful rolls including a Command Bonus, saw them deploy and form up 2 infantry groups to start advancing towards the village with a Bronegruppa of APCs behind each group. 

The infantry force in column before the radio net was functioning and they were just sat around with engines idling and doing nothing to further the cause of Marxism. 

The Soviets advance and spot the HD marker. It's a blank. 

The second infantry group also turned up a blank. 

By turn 3, the Soviets had spotted a group of fighters on a hill. The Afghans used Opportunity Fire to knock out the Soviet HMG team. The tank company moved forwards and fired on the move. Even with the reduced effect, they suppressed some infantry and allowed the Soviets to withdraw out of range. 

The Soviet FAO advances. 

A successful command roll saw the FAO call in a salvo of off table artillery, using chemical munitions. 

The still conditions were the perfect opportunity for High Command to try out new chemical weapons on the enemy. 

The artillery strike was accurate and effective. Every unit was suppressed and so we're easy pickings for AP fire from the tanks. 

By turn 5, the Afghan commander revealed all the markers and moved to contact with the Soviets. Their victory conditions required them to inflict enough casualties to reach the Soviet Breakpoint and to remain on the map. 

Turn 7. Another bonus and the Soviets swiftly moved through the empty village. The BTR70s fired and knocked out more infantry while the Afghan mortar fired and suppressed Soviet forces, but to no great effect. 

Final turn, the remaining Afghan HMG attempts to cover the withdrawal of the other fighters, but their fire is erratic and ineffective. The fighters disappeared into the hills and the Soviet forces were left in possession of the village with minimal casualties. A surprisingly efficient job and a weekend pass all round for the Motor Rifle lads.