World War 3: Dutch Interception*
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Date: Summer 2020*
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Battle Location: Barendorf, West Germany*
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Battle Type: Dutch 13 Lichte Brigade delaying interception vs. Russian Mechanized Brigade (-) advance*
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SPECIAL VICTORY CONDITIONS AT THE VERY END OF THE DESCRIPTION!
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Russia, driver by militarism and raging economic crisis launches invasion of western Europe, thus de facto starting a new world war.*
Russia is supported by it's allies: Belarus (being economically dependant) and Ukraine (that was forcefully subdued as puppet state shortly before), as well as some allies from central east. Serbia is currently looking at Russia with positive eye and Turkey openly refuses to comply with NATO treaties.*
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This allows Russia to launch heavy invasion on Baltic States, Poland and also Romania. Militaries of those nations fight bravely but finally succumb to armoured onslaught.
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Dutch and German governments are very much skeptical with the war. Great part of society is not supporting it, what led to direct bertayal of eastern allies and lack of any support when Russians attacked. Yet, these countries are under heavy pressure from Washington, that looks for fullfillment of NATO treaties. Wavering is finally over when Russia - contented with numerous wins - simply does not stop on Oder River. Germans are in shock. Their military is disorganized and underfinanced, leading to only few well equipped brigades. Similarly, Dutch dispose only one heavy and one light battlegroup. Will it be enough to bleed Russians to death?
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North of Delmsen, at Barendorf, Dutch's army rear forces are located. Particularly, a battery of Patriot missiles from 802nd squadron of Joint Land-based Air Defense Command avoid continious interception from Russian SEAD effort. Russian Air Force lost several aircraft in this area.*
Strong Russian force pushes towards Hamburg and Denmark. This force consists of at least 5 brigades of various types. To our great surprise, one mechanized brigade suddenly turned from attacking north-west on Hamburg. They are now quickly proceeding west, straight onto Dutch Patriot battery position. We believe Russian commander played a gambit and it will pay off, as path towards Patriot is nearly not covered.
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Luckily to us, German territorial defence forces are well combat ready in this sector. Russian advancing brigade was bogged down for few hours by light Jeagers, what gives us time to react. However, Russians know they want to get to those Patriots. They detached great majority of the brigade, leaving smaller forces to face our light defences. This at least increases our chances, as Russian armour is somewhat depleted.
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Dutch commander decided to change the path of advance of nearby 13th Light Brigade. Instead of pushing straight east in order to cover Hamburg flank, this unit will be diverted north, straight onto Patriots. With a little luck, we may intercept Russians before they reach to them. As we speak, these missiles are being evacuated. They are protected by single company of NATRES (National Reserve). NATRES deployed around Barendorft and will buy us some time. Certain elements of 13th Brigade are already deployed nearby. Brigade HQ is ready at Drei Linden. 42nd Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron "Huzaren van Boreel" with their Spike LR missiles is mostly deployed, but its elements are still coming. Some engineers from 41st Armoured Engineer Battalion are also in place. Heavy mortar battalion is finishing deployment as we speak. They will provide main air support.
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From turn 4 to 8, main fighting body of the brigade will arrive. Two Battalions of motorized infantry (17th and 42nd) are equipped with agile and well armoured Boxer Multi Role Vehicles. Beware though: it is light formation. Troops lack AT weapons and Boxer cannot fight against any armoured targets. each company is provided with skirmishers and their Bushmaster vehicles - even faster than Boxer. You will have to rely on speed and terrain to get what you want.
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Important notice: if your units are fast enough, avoiding deployment of your entire force. Russians still have capable artillery support and may cause significant casualties if they find you stacked up just near the battlefield.
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According to our intel, you are facing a depleted strength Russian mechanized brigade. If Germans are correct, this unit is equipped with BMP-3 IFVs and new pattern T-72 tanks. You can't stand open combat with your Boxers. Germans managed to get some parts of the brigade busy, but we do not know how successful they are. This is a new pattern brigade, dramatically overhauled with artillery and AA units. Expect brutal bashing.
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Ouir radars confirm existence of several Russian aircraft in the area. It is clear to us that they wait for Patriots to begin their evacuation and strike on them then. We cannot tell how powerful Russian air supoort is. But Jeagers reported Russian task forcehas also helicopters attached. Beware.
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SPECIAL VICTORY CONDITIONS:*

Your task is to stop the Russian advance and protect Patriots if possible. But that must be done clever. Patriot missiles survival is not strategic for the mission, but each unit is worth 900 points. It is your call whether to deploy them and use them to increase your chances against aircraft, or evacuate off map. Their loss will significantly decrease your final score. Russians have some flags as the game starts. Since this is a blocking action, not only stopping of Russian forces should be expected, but also Dutch ability to counterattack. Thus you will be more effective if you actually reach right part of the map. Needless to say, good bounty awaits there for you.
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Due to scenario size limits, Russians don't have that much numerological superiority. Still, Dutch player needs to watch his losses - your brigade must live to fight another day. For this reason, scenario is always considered Russian victory if at the end of scenario Russia has 12k (12000) or more points (which is about 30 percent of Dutch force value).
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the Dutch side.*
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Sources: My imagination*
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Design by: Marcin "SaS TrooP" Kaua* 
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Map obviously stolen from custom maps
