Invasion of Alaska

[rcaf_777]

Dose anybody have OOB or thoughs on this, I am thinking about 207th being expanded into a makeshift Division with a ANG Division from Calforina? being used.

Any thoughts

[Webstral]

I'm pretty sure the 207th is covered in the US Army Sourcebook as either the 1st or 2nd Brigade, AK ARNG. While any reinforcements for either brigade would be welcome, any troops from California's National Guard should be moved before the nukes. After that point, the National Guard is going to be pretty well tied up with dealing with the nuclear strikes that affect the San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles, plus the influx of Mexican refugees.

Webstral

[chico20854]

I know Jason Weiser is working on this right now.

What we're working off of is:

On the US side you have the 47th ID (National Guard) that deploys to backfill the 6th ID when it goes to Norway. 207th splits into the 1st and 2nd Arctic recon bdes. And in early 96 the Army stands up an experimental arctic hovercraft bde, using the systems in the v2 US Army Vehicle Guide. Of some use doing static security is about 3 battalions of Alaska state guardsmen, and in the Aluetians there is a USMC Security "company" (almost 500 strong) and USAF security police.

On the Soviet side, the Aluetian Front fields:

51st Combined Arms Army (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk)

Direct reporting:

138th Independent MRR (Magadan): T-55, 1 bn BMP-1, 2 bns BTR-70, 12 D-30
1101st Independent MRR (Dolinsk): T-72, 1 bn BMP-2, 2 bns BTR-70, 12 2S1
264th Artillery Bde (Solovevka): 54 2S36
567th Independent Howitzer Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): 36 D-30, 36 2S5
204th Artillery Rgt (Petropavlovsk-Kamchakty): 36 S-23, 36 2S19
460th Independent AT Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): 48 BS-3, 24 MTLB w/AT-6
31st Anti-Aircraft Missile Bde (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk): SA-10
75th Missile Bde (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): SS-23
316th Independent Engineer-Sapper Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk)

22nd "Krasnodar-Harbin" Motor-Rifle Division (Chapaevka)
- 211th MRR (Dolinovka): T-74, BTR-70, 12 D-30
- 246th MRR (Rodygino): T-74, BTR-70, 12 D-30
- 304th MRR (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2, 12 D-30
- 112th Tank Rgt (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2, 12 2S1
- 59th Indedpendent Tank Bn (Chapaevka): T-74
- 996th Artillery Rgt (Chapaevka): 36 2A36, 18 BM-21
- 1006th Anti-Aircraft Missile Rgt (Chapaevka): SA-11
- 784th Independent Missile Bn: 4 FROG-7
- 309th Independent Recon Bn (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2
- 765th Independent Engineer Bn

33rd Motor-Rifle Division (Khomutovo)
- 377th MRR (Dolinsk): T-72, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30
- 465th MRR (Aniva): T-72, BMP-1, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30
- 389th MRR (Dachnoye): T-72, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30, 6 D-44
- 192nd TR (Aniva): T-72, BMP-1, 12 D-30
- 97th Independent Tank Bn (Aniva): T-72
- 989th Artillery Rgt (Aniva): 24 D-20, 12 D-30, 12 BM-21
- U/I Anti-Aircraft Missile Rgt (Dolinsk): SA-6
- U/I Independent Missile Bn (Aniva): 4 FROG-7
- 88th Independent Recon Bn (Listvenichnvi): BMP-1
- 162th Independent Engineer Bn (Listvenichnvi)

79th 'Lyuban-Katowice-Donbas' Motor-Rifle Division (Leonidova)
- 157th MRR (Pobedino): T-34/85, BTR-60, 9 M-30
- 396th MRR (Leonidova): T-34/85, trucks, 9 M-30
- 398th MRR (Gastello): T-34/85, BMP-3, 18 2S1
- 214th TR (Leonidova): T-55, BMP-3, 12 M-30
- 98th Independent Tank Bn (Leonidova): T-55
- 284th Artillery Rgt (Leonidova): 18 A-19, 12 D-1, 12 BM-21
- 1228th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Rgt (Pobedino): S-60
- U/I Independent Missile Bn (Leonidova): 3 FROG-7
- 124th Independent Recon Bn (Leonidova)" PT-76, BRDM-2
- 43rd Independent Engineer Bn (Leonidova)


25th Army Corps (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka)

Direct reporting:

1st Arctic Mechanized Bde
2nd Arctic Mechanized Bde
921st Artillery Rgt (Nagorny): 36 2S5, 18 D-20
280th Independent "Ussuri" Engineer Rgt (Anadyr)

87th Motor-Rifle Division (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka)
- 257th Guards MRR: T-55, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 9 M-30
- 1378th MRR: trucks, 9 D-44, no tanks
- 1328th MRR: trucks, 9 D-44, no tanks
- 1496th TR: T-55, BTR-50, 12 M-30
- 277th Artillery Rgt: 12 M-46, 18 M-30, 12 BM-21
- U/I Anti-Aircraft Artillery Rgt: 37mm
- U/I Independent Missile Bn: 3 FROG-3
- 226th Independent Recon Bn: PT-76, BTR-40
- 357th Independent Engineer Bn

99th Motor-Rifle Division (Anadyr)
- 1323rd MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1324th MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1326th MRR: T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1327th MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1003rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Bn: SA-11
- U/I Independent Missile Bn: 4 SS-21
- 618th Independent Recon Bn: PT-76, MTLB
- 20th Independent Engineer Bn

18th M-G Artillery Division (Iturup)
- 46th MG-Arty Rgt (Kunashir)
- 49th MG-Arty Rgt (Lagunov, Iturup)
- 484th MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 601st MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 605th MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 209th Anti-Aircraft Missile Bn (Iturup)
- 110th Independent Tank Bn (Iturup): T-72
- 264th Independent Mobile Bn (Kunashir): T-72, BMP-2
- 1114th Independent Engineer Bn (Iturup)


Let me know if you want the air side.

[stilleto69]

I know Jason Weiser is working on this right now.

What we're working off of is:

On the US side you have the 47th ID (National Guard) that deploys to backfill the 6th ID when it goes to Norway. 207th splits into the 1st and 2nd Arctic recon bdes. And in early 96 the Army stands up an experimental arctic hovercraft bde, using the systems in the v2 US Army Vehicle Guide. Of some use doing static security is about 3 battalions of Alaska state guardsmen, and in the Aluetians there is a USMC Security "company" (almost 500 strong) and USAF security police.

On the Soviet side, the Aluetian Front fields:

51st Combined Arms Army (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk)

Direct reporting:

138th Independent MRR (Magadan): T-55, 1 bn BMP-1, 2 bns BTR-70, 12 D-30
1101st Independent MRR (Dolinsk): T-72, 1 bn BMP-2, 2 bns BTR-70, 12 2S1
264th Artillery Bde (Solovevka): 54 2S36
567th Independent Howitzer Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): 36 D-30, 36 2S5
204th Artillery Rgt (Petropavlovsk-Kamchakty): 36 S-23, 36 2S19
460th Independent AT Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): 48 BS-3, 24 MTLB w/AT-6
31st Anti-Aircraft Missile Bde (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk): SA-10
75th Missile Bde (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk): SS-23
316th Independent Engineer-Sapper Rgt (Yuzhno Sakhalinsk)

22nd "Krasnodar-Harbin" Motor-Rifle Division (Chapaevka)
- 211th MRR (Dolinovka): T-74, BTR-70, 12 D-30
- 246th MRR (Rodygino): T-74, BTR-70, 12 D-30
- 304th MRR (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2, 12 D-30
- 112th Tank Rgt (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2, 12 2S1
- 59th Indedpendent Tank Bn (Chapaevka): T-74
- 996th Artillery Rgt (Chapaevka): 36 2A36, 18 BM-21
- 1006th Anti-Aircraft Missile Rgt (Chapaevka): SA-11
- 784th Independent Missile Bn: 4 FROG-7
- 309th Independent Recon Bn (Chapaevka): T-74, BMP-2
- 765th Independent Engineer Bn

33rd Motor-Rifle Division (Khomutovo)
- 377th MRR (Dolinsk): T-72, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30
- 465th MRR (Aniva): T-72, BMP-1, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30
- 389th MRR (Dachnoye): T-72, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 12 D-30, 6 D-44
- 192nd TR (Aniva): T-72, BMP-1, 12 D-30
- 97th Independent Tank Bn (Aniva): T-72
- 989th Artillery Rgt (Aniva): 24 D-20, 12 D-30, 12 BM-21
- U/I Anti-Aircraft Missile Rgt (Dolinsk): SA-6
- U/I Independent Missile Bn (Aniva): 4 FROG-7
- 88th Independent Recon Bn (Listvenichnvi): BMP-1
- 162th Independent Engineer Bn (Listvenichnvi)

79th 'Lyuban-Katowice-Donbas' Motor-Rifle Division (Leonidova)
- 157th MRR (Pobedino): T-34/85, BTR-60, 9 M-30
- 396th MRR (Leonidova): T-34/85, trucks, 9 M-30
- 398th MRR (Gastello): T-34/85, BMP-3, 18 2S1
- 214th TR (Leonidova): T-55, BMP-3, 12 M-30
- 98th Independent Tank Bn (Leonidova): T-55
- 284th Artillery Rgt (Leonidova): 18 A-19, 12 D-1, 12 BM-21
- 1228th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Rgt (Pobedino): S-60
- U/I Independent Missile Bn (Leonidova): 3 FROG-7
- 124th Independent Recon Bn (Leonidova)" PT-76, BRDM-2
- 43rd Independent Engineer Bn (Leonidova)


25th Army Corps (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka)

Direct reporting:

1st Arctic Mechanized Bde
2nd Arctic Mechanized Bde
921st Artillery Rgt (Nagorny): 36 2S5, 18 D-20
280th Independent "Ussuri" Engineer Rgt (Anadyr)

87th Motor-Rifle Division (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka)
- 257th Guards MRR: T-55, BTR-60, 6 SU-130, 9 M-30
- 1378th MRR: trucks, 9 D-44, no tanks
- 1328th MRR: trucks, 9 D-44, no tanks
- 1496th TR: T-55, BTR-50, 12 M-30
- 277th Artillery Rgt: 12 M-46, 18 M-30, 12 BM-21
- U/I Anti-Aircraft Artillery Rgt: 37mm
- U/I Independent Missile Bn: 3 FROG-3
- 226th Independent Recon Bn: PT-76, BTR-40
- 357th Independent Engineer Bn

99th Motor-Rifle Division (Anadyr)
- 1323rd MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1324th MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1326th MRR: T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1327th MRR (Anadyr): T-55, MTLB, 9 D-44
- 1003rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Bn: SA-11
- U/I Independent Missile Bn: 4 SS-21
- 618th Independent Recon Bn: PT-76, MTLB
- 20th Independent Engineer Bn

18th M-G Artillery Division (Iturup)
- 46th MG-Arty Rgt (Kunashir)
- 49th MG-Arty Rgt (Lagunov, Iturup)
- 484th MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 601st MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 605th MG-Arty Rgt (Iturup): 2 fortress bns, mobile bn
- 209th Anti-Aircraft Missile Bn (Iturup)
- 110th Independent Tank Bn (Iturup): T-72
- 264th Independent Mobile Bn (Kunashir): T-72, BMP-2
- 1114th Independent Engineer Bn (Iturup)


Let me know if you want the air side.


Hi Chico,

Glad to see you back. I'd love to see the air side if you don't mind.

[antimedic]

Hell yes! We would love to see an air orbat Chico!

[chico20854]

On the U.S. side, we have:

159th Tactical Fighter Wing (LAANG) NAS New Orleans, LA Shemya AFB, AK
122nd TFS 18 F-15A
110th TFS 18 F-15A

343rd Tactical Fighter Wing Eielson AFB, AK
11th TASS 18 A-10A
18th TFS 18 A-10A
25th TASS 18 OV-10A

21st Tactical Fighter Wing Elmendorf AFB, AK
43rd TFS 18 F-15A
54th TFS 18 F-15A
det 1 F-15A Galena AS, AK
det 2 F-15A King Salmon AS, AK

616th Tactical Airlift Group Elmendorf AFB, AK
17th TAS 12 C-130H
det 1 4 C-12

176th Composite Wing (AKANG) Kulis ANGB, AK
144th TAS 12 C-130H
168th ARS 8 KC-135R Eielson AFB, AK

962d AWCS 3 E-3C Elmendorf AFB, AK

939th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing (peacetime HQ Portland IAP, OR) Elmendorf AFB, AK
71st ARRS 12 HH-60G Elmendorf AFB, AK
210th ARRS (AKANG) 3/6 HC-130P/MH-60G Kulis ANGB, AK
304th ARRS (AFRES) 6/6 HC-130H/HH-60G (Portland IAP, OR) Shemya AFB, AK

6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Eielson AFB, AK
24th SRS 2/1/4 KC/TC/RC-135 Eielson AFB, AK
det 1 3 RC-135S Cobra Ball Shemya AFB, AK

141st Aerial Refueling Wing Fairchild AFB, WA Shemya AFB, AK
116th ARS 8 KC-135E Shemya AFB, AK


and the Soviets have...

Air defense is provided by elements of the PVO's 11th Air Army, based out of Khabarovsk. It has in the area:

308th Fighter Rgt PVO (Sovetskaya Gavan', Primorskiy Kray): MiG-23MLD
387th Fighter Rgt PVO (Burevestnik, Iturup): MiG-23MLD

24th PVO Division (Petropavlovsk):
- 865th Fighter Rgt PVO (Yelizovo, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka): MiG-31
- U/I SAM Brigade

40th PVO Division (Dolinsk):
- 777th Fighter Rgt PVO (Matrosovo, Sakhalin): Su-15TM
- 365th Fighter Rgt PVO (Sokol airfield, Dolinsk): MiG-31
- 528th Fighter Rgt PVO (Leonidovo, Sakhalin): Su-27

On the attack air side, things are less defined - Far Eastern TVD has been in action for almost 2 years nonstop by the time the Alaska operation kicks off, and the augmentees from the rest of the USSR returned to their home bases when war broke out in the west.

Tactical air would come from the 1st Air Army in Khabarovsk: (starting locations are here, what their location & condition is by the time the Alaska op kicks off hasn't been worked out yet).

7th Guards Independent Shturmovik Rgt (Galenki): Su-25
56th Recon Rgt (Varfolomeyevka): MiG-25RB, Su-24MR)
187th Independent Shturmovik Rgt (Chernigovka): Su-25)
257th Independent Mixed Rgt (Khabarovsk) An-12, An-26, Mi-8T
293rd Recon Rgt (Vozzhayevka, Belogorsk district): Su-17M3R, MiG-25
799th Recon Rgt (Varfolomeyevka): Su-24MR
unknown ECM sqn. (Khabarovsk): Su-24PP, Su-24MP

20th Fighter Division (Druzhba)
- 216th Fighter Rgt (Kalinovka, near Khabarovsk): Su-27
- 404th Fighter Rgt (Orlovka): MiG-29
- 821st Fighter Rgt (Spassk-Dalniy): MiG-23MLD

33rd "Khinganskaya" Fighter-Bomber Division (Pereyaslavka)
- 22nd Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Birofeld): Su-17
- 26th Guards Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Uchastok): Su-17M3
- 229th Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Birofeld): Su-17M
- 300th Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Pereyaslavka): MiG-27

40th Fighter Division (Belogorsk)
- 41st Fighter Rgt (Orlovka): MiG-29
- unknown Fighter Rgt (Belogorsk):

83rd Fighter-Bomber Division (Pereyaslavka-Verino)
- 42nd Bomber Rgt (Pereyaslavka [Verino]): Su-24)
- 277th "Mlavskiy" Bomber Rgt (Khurba [Komsomolsk-na-Amure]): Su-24
- 302nd Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Pereyaslavka): Su-17M3, converting to Su-24

303rd "Smolensk" Fighter-Bomber Division (Ussuri)
- 18th Guards "Vitebsk" Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Galenki): MiG-27D/M
- 224th Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Ozernaya Pad' [Kremovo]): MiG-27
- 523rd "Orscha" Fighter-Bomber Rgt (Vozdvizhenka): Su-17M4


Long range transports from the 14th Transport Division (Aeroflot), from Irkutsk:
-1st MVD Transport Regiment (50 IL-76MD)
-1st Aeroflot Transport Regiment (45 IL-76M)
-3rd Aeroflot Transport Regiment (45 IL-76MD)

There could also be long-range bombers from both Long Range Aviation (equivalent to SAC) or Naval Aviation available.

also, we had a discussion a few months back about the Alaska campaign. You might want to check it out, folks had some good ideas!
http://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.php?t=747

[Cdnwolf]

Actually ... Did the DC group do a study on what refineries would still be up and running to produce all the avgas needed to fly the jets? I am curious as to what oilfields and refineries and the techs to run it will come from?

[chico20854]

Since the Alaska Invasion started in June-July 97, before the nuclear exchange hit targets in CONUS, the full array of refineries, oilfields and techs were in place.

The orbats are for October 1, 1996, more or less. (The Soviets probably shifted some units around, since the Aluetian Front has to defend the Kuriles, Sakhalin and Petropavlovsk in addition to pulling off the Alaska invasion).

A lot of the air action also will be directed across the Arctic Ocean and into Eastern Siberia, since there is the threat of long range bomber strikes coming across the Arctic.

We are still working on a slightly revised nuclear target list. Most of the large refineries are on it, in line with the target list published by GDW. Oil fields are a tougher target, since they cover large areas and would require a lot of megatonnage to destroy. It's more efficient to hit the petroleum system at more centralized points, like refineries, port facilities or pipeline junctions.

U.S. casualties, according to Howling Wilderness, are 52% of the pre-war population. Barring some evidence that refinery and oilfield technicians (or computer engineers or any other technician) had a significantly higher casualty rate, it is reasonable to assume that about 52% of the prewar population of oilfield techs would be be alive. (With that said, I could see refinery tech casualties being higher, since they were working in nuclear targets, yet not all of them were at work when their workplaces were hit, not to mention the retirees, vacationers, people who had moved on to other jobs, etc). By 2000 I'm pretty sure that in areas controlled by either Milgov or Civgov someone would have thought to ask the residents of the various refugee camps and relocation centers the question "what did you do before the war" and be interested when the respones came back "oilfied roughneck" "petroleum engineer" "power company lineman" and the like. (On the other hand, people that responded with "financial analyst" or "insurance agent" would swiftly sent back to work in the fields).

[Rainbow Six]

By 2000 I'm pretty sure that in areas controlled by either Milgov or Civgov someone would have thought to ask the residents of the various refugee camps and relocation centers the question "what did you do before the war" and be interested when the respones came back "oilfied roughneck" "petroleum engineer" "power company lineman" and the like. (On the other hand, people that responded with "financial analyst" or "insurance agent" would swiftly sent back to work in the fields).

Makes me wonder how many people will say that they have skills that they don't actually have in order to get out of working in the fields...

[Webstral]

Makes me wonder how many people will say that they have skills that they don't actually have in order to get out of working in the fields...

The chicanery would match the tolerance of the government for said chicanery. In Thunder Empire, the survivors are polled for skills repeatedly. People who don't have the skills they claim are demoted to criminal status and have to live with the convicts, whose lives are not pleasant. Obviously, there has to be some leeway given. Having the interrogation school on-hand, plus the support of police detectives, helps get the facts out in the open once there is some doubt about whether a given survivor really is a proper chemist, gunsmith, etc.

Webstral

[Legbreaker]

U.S. casualties, according to Howling Wilderness, are 52% of the pre-war population.
Of course that's a death rate of 52%....

How many more would be unfit for work due to injury, illness (specifically radiation sickness), mental breakdown, or just plain being a thousand miles away from where they're needed and without transport?

I would imagine that perhaps as little as 10% of prewar numbers are available, maybe more, maybe less.

[Cdnwolf]

Actually we do have a great resource for what it takes to rebuild a refinery conplex destroyed by terrorist action....

The first chapter of "Red Storm Rising" by Tom Clancy.

[Legbreaker]

Can't say I've read it. :(

I imagine that rebuilding was done in a relatively peaceful world where the necessary resources (people included) weren't badly needed elsewhere?

[kato13]

If it would help anyone I could post a list of all US refineries and their distance from canon nuclear strikes. Would take me about 20 min I think.

Not that there would be a one to one correlation on distance to damage, but you would assume that those within 10 miles of a strike would fair worse than those 500 miles away from one.

[Cdnwolf]

Can't say I've read it. :(

I imagine that rebuilding was done in a relatively peaceful world where the necessary resources (people included) weren't badly needed elsewhere?

OMG Leg... its got the whole battle in Europe in the TWL 2000 before nukes set up... and the timeline is great... it even has air attack by regiments of Backfire bombers against a Carrier attack group... of course some of the story line is week... but its a definate read....

[Cdnwolf]

Ooops me bad again... off topic. I think I have somewhere someone did a definate OB for the Canadian forces in Canada...

But first things first... Canada vs USA for the gold medal game in world junior hockey... I have my beer and pizza and my remote... I am set...

[Webstral]

Of course that's a death rate of 52%....

How many more would be unfit for work due to injury, illness (specifically radiation sickness), mental breakdown, or just plain being a thousand miles away from where they're needed and without transport?

I would imagine that perhaps as little as 10% of prewar numbers are available, maybe more, maybe less.

What part of the population would be capable of working by 2000 is an important matter to address. We have to ask ourselves how long those incapable of working would draw rations. Those suffering from acute radiation sickness in 1997 will be dead before 2000. The epidemics arising from poor sanitation will have run their course by 2000 simply because the unschooled will have killed themselves and their neighbors by this point. People crippled during the nuclear attacks and immediate aftermath aren't going to make it once tough decisions have to be made about who is going to get fed. The glut of dying will have run down to a steady stream by 2000 simply because those who have survived to this point are living off their own produce and have adjusted their behaviors to survive the most preventable diseases.

Of course, there is still plenty of dying to go around. Violent deaths are occurring everywhere, but not nearly at the 1997-1998 level. Less travel and trade means less opportunity for disease to spread. Cancer continues to produce casualties, but without fresh exposure to radiation the early radiation sickness survivors will either be working or dead of starvation. Everyone needing medications to live will be dead, as will lots of the elderly and, sadly, many children.

In summary, I think 10% is rather a low number. The US in 2000 can't support many unproductive people. The sick can be tended in the hopes that they will become productive again, but the chronically unproductive simply aren't going to draw rations. Even dements need to eat. The overwhelming majority are going to have to work for their food (whether by producing it or stealing it) because there is not other way for them to fill their bellies.

Webstral

[chico20854]

I just found this litle gem, from the CIA's declassified translation (http://www.foia.cia.gov/SovietandWarsawPact/1977/1977-06-29.pdf) of the secret Soviet military journal "Military Thought" from 1965:

"It is inadvisable to include in the given [Far Eastern] theater the Chukchi Peninsula, Kamchatka, and Alaska. In these areas it is impossible to employ
operational formations [army-size] of ground forces both because of the severe natural conditions, the inadequate economic development of the area, and the scant availability of routes of transportation, and also because of the absence of major enemy ground forces in Alaska."

[John Farson]

I just found this litle gem, from the CIA's declassified translation (http://www.foia.cia.gov/SovietandWarsawPact/1977/1977-06-29.pdf) of the secret Soviet military journal "Military Thought" from 1965:

"It is inadvisable to include in the given [Far Eastern] theater the Chukchi Peninsula, Kamchatka, and Alaska. In these areas it is impossible to employ
operational formations [army-size] of ground forces both because of the severe natural conditions, the inadequate economic development of the area, and the scant availability of routes of transportation, and also because of the absence of major enemy ground forces in Alaska."

Interesting. I guess this means that IRL if things had come to a head between the US and USSR that there wouldn't have been a Soviet invasion of Alaska? And vice versa, of course. This does fit my own personal canon of T2K where I just pretend that the Russian invasion of Alaska and Queen Charlotte Islands (Canada) never took place. After all, why invade something as impassable as Alaska when you can just nuke the important bits?:cool: Of course, the US would do exactly the same to Siberia. Them nukes and long range bombers would sure be swarming over the Bering strait.

I also have my own opinion about the feasibility of the Mexican invasion of '98, but maybe it's better for a separate thread.

[fightingflamingo]

just to add to Chico's orbat we do assume that the 10th Mountain Division is airlifted back to the Pacific Northwest at some point during the summer of 1997 and is available for this campaign. Probably sometime after the failure of the Kola Offensive.

[Abbott Shaull]

Well I always wonder why the Soviet would invade Alaska for the last couple years. Watching the various series the History had aired about Alaska, it seemed pretty senseless for the lack of road network. Considering the Russia discovery of Alaska was a costly mistake in itself.

What would of made sense was if they were securing base to leapfrog down the west coast until the hit the populated areas of Western Canada and US. Locations such as Fort Wainwright and Whitehorse are so far off the beaten path, they are easier to bypass and let them come and attack you if they had chosen too.

[Legbreaker]

In summary, I think 10% is rather a low number.

Absolutely, but I was really refering to the available specialists needed for a particular project (specifically oil production as per Chico's post) rather than the workforce as a whole. In that light, 10% is probably a very generous figure.

[kato13]

One thing to remember about oil field workers is that oil was produced in 31 US states in 1997, and 9 of those states had no canon nuclear strikes.

[fightingflamingo]

A possible political reason for the invasion of Alaska could be that it was a last ditch effort on the part of the Soviet leadership to force a more favorable peace settlement prior to the outbreak of tactical nuclear warfare in Europe and Asia. It is unclear from a reading of the published materials if the invasion took place immediately prior to the initiation of nuclear warfare, or if it was at the same time. However, it could be possible that Soviet intentions were to seize territory in the US, as an effort to force a settlement to the war on more favorable terms from their point of view prior to the use of nuclear weapons... just a thought anyway...

[fightingflamingo]

I previously posted this in the wrong thread:

I think that by 2000-01 most of the surviving population would be relatively fit, albiet malnourished in some instances. I think the combination of the strikes, disease, and the collapse of infrastructure would have killed off most of those who were not fit. Diabetics and other sufferers of chronic illness would be dead. Because of the lack of antibiotics, many traumatic injuries would result in death, even with otherwise good medical care. Cancer is a long-term problem, but not immediately debilitating depending on the type.

Another think to consider is the baby boom you'd get when people run out of contraceptives and TV goes off the air... I think that although there may be a very high rate of birth defects, you'd still see a radical spike in the number of births per 1000 also as a result of the strikes, among the survivors. This won't play into the immediately available manpower, but does immediately address the need to find teachers (trained or otherwise), and the available manpower situation might be very different by 2010-15.

[Legbreaker]

But would the specialists be where they're needed?

At the slightest rumour of nukes you're likely to see a mass exodus from possible target areas - oil fields are a definate possibility. A large number of oil workers, miners, etc are contractors, brought in from elsewhere. This is especially true of the more remote locations such as ocean oil rigs, open cut mines, and so on.

I couldn't say what the percentage may be of local workers to contractors, however I'd have to say even locals would be inclined to flee and stay with friends and relatives in more "safe" areas, thereby stripping the "target" areas of skilled workers.

Yes, this may reduce specialist casualties, but what if these people were caught downwind, or misjudged where nukes would strike, or any number of other events?

My thoughts are that regardless of the actual percentage, the required specialists aren't necessarily going to be where they're wanted. They're also unlikely to be easily found and moved due to the almost total lack of communications networks, outdated census details, and devastated transportation systems. It is also probable that many of these specialists will not want to leave their families in a time of great peril. They may also strongly resist returning into what may be perceived as very dangerous areas (may have been nukes nearby, or just the rumour of them).

As time passes things are likely to change of course, but I can't see much progress for the first 5-10 years.

[Matt Wiser]

That excerpt Chico quoted reminded me of a post a while back on the old board: It's likely old Joe Stalin himself told the General Staff to prepare an invasion plan for Alaska, and now this article Chico's quoting is the General Staff's post-Stalin thinking. Of course, they would have to have a plan to present to the dictator, since he demanded one. Or else....

[Fusilier]

A possible political reason for the invasion of Alaska could be that it was a last ditch effort on the part of the Soviet leadership to force a more favorable peace settlement prior to the outbreak of tactical nuclear warfare in Europe and Asia. It is unclear from a reading of the published materials if the invasion took place immediately prior to the initiation of nuclear warfare, or if it was at the same time. However, it could be possible that Soviet intentions were to seize territory in the US, as an effort to force a settlement to the war on more favorable terms from their point of view prior to the use of nuclear weapons... just a thought anyway...

I mentioned something almost exactly like this a while back (I think the old forum). This is how what I accept the reasoning for the invasion being - with or without the nuclear exchange occurring.

[Rainbow Six]

A large number of oil workers, miners, etc are contractors, brought in from elsewhere. This is especially true of the more remote locations such as ocean oil rigs, open cut mines, and so on.

That's also a very valid point. I live / work in Aberdeen; my job is related to the oil business and I've had dealings with crew rotations in the past (mostly offshore, some onshore). Whilst I can't put an exact figure on it I would definitely agree that the majority of offshore workers fly in from outside the area when they're due to start their hitch (and obviously fly home again at the end of their hitch).

Rotations vary - in the North Sea two weeks on / two weeks off is the most common, going further afield hitches can be longer...the longest I've ever seen was eight weeks on / eight weeks off, which if I recall correctly was someone going to either Mauritania or Equatorial Guinea.

[rcaf_777]

Here what the US Army Vehcile book had

9th U.S. Army

Current Location: U.S. and Canadian Pacific Northwest

U.S. X Corps

10th Infantry Division (Mountain)

A prewar regular division stationed at Fort Drum, New York. The division was placed on alert in early October of 1996 and on 1Novembr 1996 began to deploy to Norway by air. The division entered combat against Soviet troops in the Bardufoss area in mid-November, and in a series of costly holding engagements blunt4 the Soviet drive toward Narvik, gaining time for additional Norwegian and NATO reserves to deploy in the north. In March of 1997 the survivors of the division were withdrawn from the front lines to regroup and absorb replacements. In July the division redeployed by air to Fort Greely, Alaska, Where it joined the 1st and 2nd infantry Brigades (Arctic Recon) (Alaska National Guard) to form the X U.S. Cops. Throughout summer and fall, the division fought a series of successful holding actions in the vicinity of Forts Wainwright and Greely against Soviet army mechanized forces. In 1998 the division spearheads X U.S. Corps' counter offensive. By March the division had captured Fairbanks, and in early April elements of the division, in conjunction with 2nd Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon) (Alaska National Guard) had isolated Anchorage, severing the most important Soviet logistical links with forces further south. As both sides' logistical situations deteriorated, combat wound down 20 a series of local action’s aimed mostly at securing t he limited food growing areas.

Subordination: X U.S. Corps
Current Location: Pacific Northwest
Manpower: 1000
Tanks 2 LAV-75

1st Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon)

An Alaskan National Guard brigade, the brigade came into federal service on 3 July 1996, and assumed responsibility for local security and long-range recon patrols along the Bering Strait. Throughout the last half of 1996 and the first half of 1997, the brigade mounted aggressive deep patrols across t he Bering Strait into Soviet territory and fought numinous small actions with Soviet arctic forces. On June of 1997 the brigade repulsed a number of Soviet commando raids across the strait, but it was forced to withdraw westward after Soviet arctic mechanized units crossed to the U.S. side. The brigade abandoned Anchorage in July and withdrew to Fort Wainwright where it came under command of the newly formed X V.S. Corps. For the rest of 1997 the brigade held off numerous Soviet attacks on the X Corps' lodgment area, and in early 1998 it participated in the corps' counteroffensive. In March the brigade participated in the recapture of Fairbanks and in April drove west to Kayukak, cutting the Soviet direct supply line across the Bering Strait. As the logistical situation continued to deteriorate in the north, the brigade dispersed into small self sufficient hunting1raiding parties that continue to range along both sides of the straits.

Subordination: X U.S. Corps
Current Location: Alaska
Manpower 400
Tanks: 0

2nd infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon)

An Alaskan National Guard brigade, The brigade came into federal service on 3 July 1996 as the 207th Infantry Group (Scout), and was redesignated the2nd Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon) on 5 July 1996. The brigade assumed responsibility for local security in the Aleutians in August and remained there until June of 1997. At that time the brigade returned to Anchorage, and then moved north overland to join the 1st Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon). In July the brigade retreated east to Fort Greely and upon arrival cane under the command of the newly formed X U.S. Corps. For the rest of 1997, the brigade held off numerous Soviet attacks on the X Corps' lodgment area, and in early 1998 participated in the corps' counteroffensive. In March the brigade participated in the recapture of Fairbanks, and In April it drove south with 10th infantry Division (Mountain) to the Anchorage area. In l a t ~ 1998, the brigade left the Anchorage area and drove southeast toward Juneau. On 25 December 1998 the brigade, considerably aided by local partisans, recaptured Juneau by assault, suffering heavy casualties in the process, the brigade then took over local security for the Juneau logistical hub.

Subordination: X U. S. Corps
Current Location: Alaska
Manpower: 300
Tanks: 0

VIII U.S. Corps

47th Infantry Division

A National Guard division consisting of the 1st (Minnesota NG), 347th (Iowa NG), and the 66th (Illinois NG) brigades, The division came in to federal service on 1 November 1996 and began deploying by air and sea lo Fort Richardson, Alaska where they relieved the 6th Infantry Division (Light) of Internal security duties. In July of 1997ovtmsts of the division were attacked h Soviet Spetsnaz units and shortly there after by elements of two mechanized brigades. The division was pushed southeast in heavy fighting and retreated across the Canadian border where it was reinforced by elements of the Canadian Forces. The appearance of additional Soviet troops, coupled with limited tactical nuclear strikes, inflected heavy casualties in the division, and by mid-1998 it had fallen back to northern Washington. The deteriorating logistical situation of the Soviet forces, multiple by the attacks on their rear areas by the X U.S. Cops from the Fort Wainwright (east-central Alaska) region and the arrival of the 104th Infantry Division, halted the, Soviet attack. At that time the division reverted to a defensive role and became responsible for internal security in the Washington-Oregon region.

Subordination: VIII U.S Corps
Current Location: Pacific Northwest
Manpower 5000
Tanks: 0

104th Infantry Division (Light)

The division was formed at Vancouver, Washington on203uly 1998 by re-designation of the 104th Training Division (U.S. Army Reserve). Upon activation, the division came under command of VIII U.S. Corps, and on 2 August 1998 entered combat against Soviet forces attacking the Fort Lawton area from the north. By late August, the situation was stabilized and the division was withdrawn from the front line to take over internal security duties in the Montana-Idaho region.

Subordination: VIII U.S, Corps
Current Location: Pacific Northwest
Manpower 4000
Tanks: 1 M728 CEV
1 Stingray
1 M60A3
1 M1A2

[kato13]

I threw together a Southern Alaska/Western Canada/Northern Washington situation map from my map database. Thought it might help the discussion.

http://games.juhlin.com/files/ak_can_pacnw_forces.jpg

Notes

Red = Sov
Blue = US/Can/Defected Sov
Yellow = Marauders

The infantry division in Seattle is the 47th (since the map is dynamic sometimes you cant read some of the info.)
The 1st Arctic Brigade is colocated with the 10th Mountain.

[Grimace]

Pretty neat map, kato. Did you forget to put in the Soviet 14th MRD in the Juneau area as well?

[kato13]

Pretty neat map, kato. Did you forget to put in the Soviet 14th MRD in the Juneau area as well?

Nice Catch.

I missed that it is colocated with the US 2nd Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon). It, like the 41st MRD, has defected . On my map when you click on a unit, an in browser popup shows name, strength (men/afv/helicopters etc) and collocated units (which are clickable as well).

Default is for the larger unit (manpower) to be shown, but that can be switched to higher rank (Brigade < Division < Corps < Front) since most higher commands are collocated with units.


Additional notes.
The Soviet 120 MRD is also colocated with the 76th (together 6000 men strong).

The 1st IB last know location is Wales AK. I forgot to scroll over to the left and up to show it. (I felt the map was getting too large). My "print screen" is not functioning now (need a reboot) so I will fix it tomorrow.

[kato13]

Updated the map to include the US 1st Inf Bdg (Arctic) in the very upper left.

http://games.juhlin.com/files/ak_can_pacnw_forces.jpg

[Nowhere Man 1966]

One thing to remember about oil field workers is that oil was produced in 31 US states in 1997, and 9 of those states had no canon nuclear strikes.

Come to think of it, one area that would be useful in Twilight or even in a Morrow Project game/scenario is Northwestern Pennsylvania and the upper panhandle of West Virginia. You have two oil refineries in an oil producing area, Northwest PA, one refinery is in Warren, PA and the the is in Bradford, PA. A bonus maybe is in Bradford, you also have the Zippo lighter factory FWIW. As to West Virginia, there is an oil refinery in Newell, WV.

Chuck

[rcaf_777]

Ok here an overall campaign setting that I am working on for Alaska

The Canadian Government order the remains of Canadian Forces in Beaver Creek to invade Alaska a size the Alaska Pipeline and oil fields

Phase One - A small Special Forces Team with Canadian Ranger Support make contact with the remains of the Alaskan Government and bring a small delegation to Beaver Creek to talk to the remains of Canadian Government led the Minster of National Defence. The Alaskan State Government agrees to become a Canadian Protectorate with self governing powers and Canadian overseeing its defence and security in exchange for oil

Phase Two - the Canadian Forces launch operations to retake the pipeline; they find the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field abandon except for a small Russian technical/security team which is quickly surrenders with the promise of food. However the Canadian Forces find Elements of the 10th Mountain Division around the port of Valdez, however with the arrivial and Canadian Troops and the 1st and 2nd Artric Brigrades(who are now considered Canadian troops), the 10th Moutians quickly abonded the port and move to Fairbanks. The Canadain Commander sucessful make the Officer in charge belive that this is the beginning of a drive to liberate Archorage

Phase Three – Canadian Steamships Tankers begin to ferry oil from Valdez by sea to Prince Rupert, where is shipped via rail to Fort MccMurray Alberta for processing and storage

Current Situation

10th Moutian Division – The Divison is at a lost of what is now to do, while the commander declare for CIVGOV it has become apparent that CIVGOV has no troops to send to it aide and MILGOV is focused on Teaxs and Calforina. Since th Canadians have not shown any intrest in moving into the Fairbanks he has no choice and stay put and wait for futher orders.

Soviet Enclave Archorage – The Soviet are in dire straits with there logistical lines cut and the disgratation of the USSR they troop have two options one is stay in place and try to find and way home or surrender to the US X Corps. The Divison is have a lot of displine problems and they are unware of the recent change between the US and Canada

Speical Service Force – This unit had about 5000 troops at the begin of Twilight War, it was deployed from CFB Petawawa at the start of Alaska made up of Airborne and mechanized elements is was keep in reserve durring the opening of the Alaska battle, however is reinforced US X Corps when in retreat across the boarder, as it advance back into Alaska is was it fought hard and was down to 2500 as the war reached a stalemate. It was then withdrawn back to Beaver Creek to rest and refit. There is given a small ammount of reinforcement , reservist and zombies, and a unit of Canadian Rangers, and remain of the JTF Squadron now more or less a platoon. It was here they recived there orders to began for alone advance agianst US and Soveit Troops. It is cureently broken down into several elements that oversee the security pipeline through a seris of fortifed strong points

1st Infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon): This unit is located in the port Valdez as per the Canadian - Alaska agreement, Alaska oversea the oil shipments and remain in control of the oil terminal.

2nd infantry Brigade (Arctic Recon): The 2nd has been split to provide security to the oil field and security to Juneau which now serves a major supply point for a fleet of tugs and bring supplies in from Canada. With the help of Canadian Adviser a new government is being set up along with a training school for Alaskan troops. CSIS has also opened a field office.

[fightingflamingo]

Personally I do not see the 1 & 2nd Infantry Brigades (Artic Recon) switching their alliegance to Canada from the US, when US forces overseas still are loyal to Milgov (or in the case of those units in the Balkans to Civgov). I think a more likely force for the Canadian Forces to have available in the area would be 38, 39, and 41 Canadian Brigade Groups brought up to strength with conscripts, as well as recall of the secondary reserve, sometime beginning in late 1996, and early 1997. They would probably be structured as light infantry brigades because Canada doesn't have the war reserve to equip them as heavier formations, and it's unlikely that by this point the industrial mobilization of Canada's war industries would be able to provide sufficient vehicles to fully mount them as a mechanized infantry. Possibly they could be mounted as motorized infantry on stake body trucks with some tactical vehicles available to perform motorized recce. However, light infantry is probably the best organizational option given the lack of a well developed road network in the Pacific Northwest so support heavier formations, and the relative ease in which they could be mobilized, conscripts trained, and small arms produced.