The Fulda Gap is a section of territory between the former East German border and Frankfurt, (West) Germany. Named after the unfortunately placed town of Fulda, strategically the Fulda Gap was of immense importance during the Cold War. It was one of two obvious routes for any invader attacking West Germany. (The other was the North German Plain.)
Frankfurt, relatively close to the Gap, was at the heart of West German industrial and financial power, and its loss would have been a serious blow for West Germany and NATO. It was also an important civil and military air hub that was important to the defense of West Germany. Perhaps more importantly, the terrain between the Gap and the river Rhine was less rugged than adjacent districts, offering the best pathway for an invading force from Warsaw Pact territory to reach and cross the formidable Rhine before NATO was in a position to prevent it. ...
During the 1980s, V Corps included the 3d Armored Division, 8th Infantry Division, and 11th Armored Cavalry. The VII Corps included the 1st Armored Division, 3d Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division (Forward), and 2d Armored Cavalry. The separate 2d Armored Division (Forward) was stationed in northern Germany. These forces were arrayed, in line with the NATO General Defense Plan, in an essentially static forward defense of the traditional, critical eastern approaches to Western Europe. Their mission was to hold off an attack from the East until reinforcements could arrive from the United States.
WARSAW PACT MAIN OBJECTIVES
The Warsaw Pact will be the aggressor and will prompt the attack on the West. The main objective is to seize all possible territory directly West of Fulda Gap to the Rhine River, cutting NATO forces in half to the North and to the South. Next, destroy all remaining NATO forces and capture the West German city of Frankfurt. Post advance options include nuclear exchange with the West, an agreed upon cease fire, or the unconditional surrender of Western Forces.
NATO MAIN OBJECTIVES
NATO does not wish to start WWIII in the European Theater because it is outnumbered 1.5 to 1 in almost all areas along the West / East German boarder and in many places, especially in regards to tanks, 3 to 1. If a Soviet led offensive should take place, NATO will hold off the advance to the Rhine River at all costs. If the Soviets push past the Rhine River, Western influence and its ideals will be lost to Communism in the whole of Europe. Because NATO is so outnumbered, they have relied heavily on the threat of the use of tactical nuclear weapons. In case of an attack, NATO would advance across the Fulda Plain to stall the Soviet advance using conventional forces, do not allow the Soviets to cross the Rhine River, try to push the Soviets back into East Germany and sue for a cease fire before a nuclear exchange occurs. The worst-case victory will come through the use of nuclear weapons, but the use of tactical nuclear weapons could lead to a full-scale, world-wide nuclear exchange between NATO and WARSAW PACT nations.
Friday
1200 - Field Opens for Pre-registrations
1700 - Field Opens for Walk-ons
Saturday
0800 - Insertion for certain Soviet Forces
1000 - Game On
1200 - Insertion for Airborne Units (Late registrations)
1700 - Dinner Break
1730 - Prizes
2000 - Night Game - Game On
2300 - Night Game - Game Over
Sunday
0900 - Game On
1400 -
Game Over
1500 - Prizes
This game is an OPTIONAL ROAD TRIP for the Hellions SFG. Availalbe members of ODB 130, ODA 133, ODA 153 and ODA 163 will attend; however, the distance involved will likely reduce the size of the force the team will be able to field.
2009 Maximum Player Capacities:
NATO FORCES: (Max 370 + Crews)
3rd Mechanized Infantry Division/3rd Brigade - 150 Players
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment - 90 Players
III Army Corps/82nd Airborne - 60 players
V Army Corps/3rd Armored Division - Tank Crews
Special Operations Forces/ 10th SF - 20 Players (Special)
III West German Corps/5th Panzer Division - 50 Players
WARSAW FORCES (Max 450 + Crews)
39th Guards Motorized Rifle Division - 40 Players
27th
Guards Motorized Rifle Division - 40 Players
117th Guards Motorized Rifle Division - 80 Players
120th Guards Motorized Rifle Division - 80 Players
172nd Guards Motorized Rifle Division - 80 Players
51st Guards Tank Regiment - Tank Crews
Special Operations Forces/Spetsnaz - 30 Players
East German Infantry - 60 Players
Czechoslovakian Paratroopers - 40 Players
