Simon Tan Posted August 25, 2012 Posted August 25, 2012 Sorry, when and what alt-reality does this exist in?
Heirophant Posted August 26, 2012 Posted August 26, 2012 One thing I'd like to point out. IMHO, Russia keeping Alaska in order to "exploit the resources" and it becoming attractive to native Russian immigration for that reason - is quite unlikely. Simply put, it's too far from the warmer, more fertile, and therefore more industrial parts of Russia (the Donbass, Moscow and Leningrad regions, plus Minsk-Kiev. (Even pre-Revolution, there was some manufacturing in these parts). The Russian logic back in the day was that they thought they had so much land and resources anyway, that they may as well sell off an undefendable part of the empire (Alaska), to concentrate on regions closer to home. Regions like . . . Siberia! A region much larger than Alaska, and therefore with many times Alaska's potential bounty, and connected to European Russia to boot. But even Siberia was too far away. Eastern Siberia (east of Novosibirsk) is even today, sparse with native Russians. In spite of the natural bounty, why haven't they moved in en masse, 20 years after the fall of the old USSR? IMHO, sheer distance and climate are the reasons. The real long-term play for a forward thinking Russian Czar would be Alaskan "co-development" with both the United States and Canada. Russia keeps on ruling Alaska, and collecting taxes, while welcoming mass immigration (if you can convince them) of Americans and Canadians, plus anyone else who wants to come (Mexicans, Brazilians, Argentines, even Asian Siberians and Japanese). Turn Alaska into some sort of "Special Administrative Region", with its own rules. Reason with the Russian nobility that it's impossible for Alaskan moral degeneracy to "infect" the rest of the Empire, given its geographic isolation. Integrate the Alaskan economy with North America's, while remaining politically and militarily in control. (Hey, so it's a fantasy, but that's in the spirit of this topic).
BansheeOne Posted August 26, 2012 Posted August 26, 2012 (edited) From what I found, seven million Russians migrated (supposedly voluntarily) to Siberia over the second half of the 19th century, about half a million to the Far East. Of course Alaska is even farther off; I based my population on actual (American) numbers pre WW I and added two katorga deportees for every voluntary inhabitant, then basically re-routed every last post-revolutionary emigree there. The latter is obviously unlikely because, well, it's not a holiday ressort; but a country of less than one million would be much less fun to arm (though I might do that as a byproduct, too). Slightly revised AA OOB: 4 x Regional Command ** (Center - Stoyanka, North - Krasiviyebyeryega, East - Junograd, West - Kodiak), each - HQ Company- Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - Security Battalion-- HSS Company-- 4 x Security Company (three reserve)-- Weapons Company - Military Police Battalion (reserve)-- HSS Company-- 4 x MP Company (one active, under security battalion in peacetime) - Signals Battalion (reserve)-- HSS Company-- 4 x Signals Company (one active, under security battalion in peacetime) 12 x Infantry Brigade (nine reserve), each - HQ Company- Reconnaissance Company (18 x Piranha w/ 25 mm M242 each for active units, gun trucks for reserves) - 3 x Infantry Battalion, each-- HSS Company-- 3 x Infantry Company (18 x Piranha each for active units, trucks for reserves)-- Weapons Company (6 x Piranha w/ TOW, 6 x w/ 81 mm L6 mortar, 6 x w/ 40 mm Mk 19 AGL for active units, trucks for reserves) - Artillery Battalion-- HSS Battery-- 3 x Field Gun Battery (8 x 105 mm L118 each for active units, M102 for reserves) - Support Battalion-- HSS Company-- Engineer Company-- Maintenance Company-- Logistics Company-- Medical Company Artillery Brigade - HQ Battery - 4 x Heavy Artillery Battalion (three reserve), each-- HSS Battery-- 3 x SP Gun Battery (8 x 175 mm M107 each) - Missile Battalion-- HSS Battery-- 4 x Missile Battery (3 x Lance each) - Observation Battalion (reserve)-- HSS Battery-- 4 x Observation Battery (one active, under active artillery battalion in peacetime) - Logistics Battalion-- HSS Company-- 2 x Logistics Company (one reserve)-- 2 x Maintenance Company (one reserve) Air Defense Brigade - HQ Battery - 4 x Air Defense Artillery Battalion (three reserve)-- HSS Battery-- 4 x AAA Battery (8 x Gepard each for active units, 35 mm GDF-001 for reserves) - 2 x Air Defense Missile Battalion (one reserve)-- HSS Battery-- 4 x AAM Battery (6 x Hawk or Rapier; one of each active, under active battalion in peacetime) - Logistics Battalion-- HSS Company-- 2 x Logistics Company (one reserve)-- 2 x Maintenance Company (one reserve) Attack Helicopter Brigade - HQ Company - 4 x Attack Helicopter Battalion (two reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x Attack Helicopter Company (12 x AH-1T, 6 x OH-6D each)-- Maintenance Company - Logistics Battalion-- HSS Company-- 2 x Logistics Company (one reserve)-- 2 x Maintenance Company (one reserve) Transport Helicopter Brigade - HQ Company - 2 x Assault Helicopter Battalion (one reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x Assault Helicopter Company (16 x UH-60A each, replacing UH-1N)-- Maintenance Company - 2 x Transport Helicopter Battalion (one reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x Transport Helicopter Company (12 x CH-47D each, replacing CH-47C)-- Maintenance Company - Logistics Battalion-- HSS Company-- 2 x Logistics Company (one reserve)-- 2 x Maintenance Company (one reserve) Engineer Brigade - HQ Company - 4 x Engineer Battalion (three reserve)-- HSS Company-- Heavy Engineer Company-- Bridging Company-- Amphibious Company - NBC Battalion (reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x NBC Company (one active, under active engineer battalion in peacetime) 4 x Logistics Brigade (three reserve) - HQ Company - 4 x Logistics Battalion-- HSS Company-- 2 x Logistics Company-- 2 x Maintenance Company - Medical Battalion-- HSS Company-- 4 x Medical Company 3 x Ranger Regiment (one Arctic, Coastal, Airborne each) - HQ Company- Maintenance Company- Logistics Company - 4 x Ranger Battalion (three reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x Ranger Company (14 x Bv 206 each for active arctic and coastal units)-- Weapons Company (6 x TOW, 6 x 81 mm L6 mortar, 6 x 40 mm Mk 19 AGL) Armored Cavalry Regiment - HQ Troop- Maintenance Troop- Logistics Troop - 4 x Cavalry Squadron (three reserve)-- HSS Troop-- 3 x Cavalry Troop (13 x Leopard 1A4, 7 x AIFV-25, 2 x M113 w/ 81 mm L6 mortar each)-- SPH Battery (8 x 155 mm M109A3 each) Guards Regiment - HQ Company- Maintenance Company- Logistics Company - 4 x Guards Battalion (three reserve)-- HSS Company-- 3 x Guards Company-- Weapons Company I now have an active strength of ca. 38,000 and a mobilized strength of ca. 130,000. Excellent; including some central services, odds and sods, I will probably hit the bullseye of my projected 40,000/140,000. Edited August 27, 2012 by BansheeOne
BansheeOne Posted August 27, 2012 Posted August 27, 2012 The missions of the Alaskan Air Force are - surveillance and defense of Alaskan airspace against any unauthorized intrusions- reconnaissance and attack against hostile sea and ground forces in support of the Alaskan Army and Navy- airlift of ground forces and supplies within the vast territory of Alaska- participation in overall defense of North American continent in cooperation with allied partners. The AAF comprises about 20 percent of the overall manpower of the Alaskan Armed Forces, but only about 40 percent of its strength are conscripts. Its air defense forces are integrated into NORAD, and AAF personnel operates the DEW radar stations on Alaskan territory along with their American counterparts. The USAF also provides most of the force multiplier capabilities like AEW, ELINT and aerial refueling to the AAF. While the Alaskan Army and Navy operated a motley collection of aircraft for the first two decades, the AAF was established in 1940 on the model of the RCAF, following the outbreak of WW II in Europe and its lessons on modern air power. First dedicated fighters were P-36G, soon replaced by P-40E after the Japanese invasion in the Aleutians. Long distances in theater eventually led to delivery of P-38F, J and L as well as P-51D and H. First attack aircraft was the Northrop Nomad, followed by the Brewster Buccaneer dive bomber and A-20B, C and G. Available manpower didn’t allow for any substantial heavy bomber forces though. Transport was handled by the ubiquitous C-47 and various smaller types. Post WW II, the first jet fighter unusually was the British de Havilland Vampire; as the US was not exporting the F-80 at this point, Alaska latched onto Canadian procurement there. Replacements are, in order, the F-86D and K, F-101B and F-4E. Attack aircraft, due to their maritime role, become naval types AD-4 and 4N Skyraider, A-4F and A-7E respectively. The A-20 was succeeded by the A-26B/C and thence by the B-57. Transport was taken over by the C-119F and eventually the C-130E and H, supplemented by the DHC-5. Primary AAF bases are Elmendorov and Eielsonski. Reserve bases are Galenya, Naknek and Shemya. I’m currently deciding where we’re going in the 80s with aircraft and structures.
GPMG Posted August 28, 2012 Posted August 28, 2012 My 80s infantry platoon looks like this: - HQ Squad-- Platoon Leader (C1A1)-- Platoon Sergeant (C1A1)-- Radio Operator (C1A1)-- 2 x Designated Marksman (C1A1 w/scope)-- 4 x Machinegunner (MAG)-- 4 x Driver/Assistant Machinegunner (C1A1)-- Medic (P 226) - 3 x Infantry Squad-- Squad Leader (C1A1)-- 4 x Rifleman (C1A1 w/rifle grenades)-- Anti-Tank Soldier (C1A1, LRAC 89)-- 2 x Assistant Anti-Tank Soldier (C1A1, 3 x LRAC spare round each)-- 2 x Automatic Rifleman (C2A1) While the drivers for the platoon's vehicles and the gunners for the MAGs mounted thereon are organized into the HQ squad, they can form into MG teams to dismount and support the other squads as the situation warrants, or leave the vehicles behind for an airlift. The company has a weapons platoon with a section of 6 x Milan ATGM and one of 4 x 60 mm mortars.You have said that this is not good tank country and that you are expecting to fight against Airborn and Marines but you give your inf bat 24 ATGMs3 x LRAC 89 per rifle plt9 x LRAC 89* and 6 x Milan per rifle coy27 LRAC 89, 18 x Milan and 6 x Piranha w/ TOW per infantry battalion* Assuming 3 rifle plt per rifle coyThat is comparable to British mech inf which had 24 Milan and were expecting to face armour heavy Warsaw Pact units in Germany, the Germans had 18 Milan, and the Canadians 12 Tow per Mech Battalion.You have a weapons platoon with one section with 6 Milan and another with 4 60mm mortars, both these weapons will want a crew of 3-4, and if you want to manpack them it will be 4 to carry all the ammo which gives an Anti-tank section of 24 with weapon crews alone and 16 in the mortar section as crews alone, giving 40 in the platoon plus another 8 as platoon HQ and section leaders. Usually an ATGW section will have 2 firing posts and a mortar section will have 2 mortars in any countries army that I have looked at. Dismounting the vechile crews and leaving the APCs unsecured is a bad idea, taking the Machineguns off the APCs is a bad idea. You are going to want those APCs later on, if you don't secure them they may be gone or destroyed. The MAG is the main weapon that the APC crews are going to use agaist air and ground targets.I assume that the Piranhas you are going to buy off the Canadians are the Bison APC. The Bision has a crew of 2 and can carry 8 dismounts giving a total carrying capacity for a platoon of 4 of 40 pers including vechile crew, your Infantry platoon has 44 pers including vechile crew. Your wepons platoon which I assume also has 4 Bison is trying to squeze by my calculations 48 dismounts plus 8 vechile crew 6 Millan launchers 4 60mm mortars and all the ammo into room for 40 including crew. They need 6 APCs and that would leave non for Coy HQ.The C2 is a poor light machinegun as are most attemps to turn rifles into LMGs. I would either use Brens in 308, MAGs in the light role or a combination of both say one Bren and one MAG.Giving your Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergent, Radio Operator, and Drivers C1A1s is more weapon than they need and it will get in the way of doing their primary job. If they have to shoot it will be up close or there will be lots of C1A1s on the ground. I would either give them submachine guns (Sterlin, UZI, or MP5) or give them a 5.56 carbine (M16a1 or Steyr AUG) The Spanish Civil War and the Winter War. I cant see any way that White Alaskan Russians would not have fought in these two wars (atleast as volunteers) against the evil Communists.
BansheeOne Posted August 28, 2012 Posted August 28, 2012 (edited) Yes, it's no good tank country - and I intend to make good use of that against any poor sod who brings armor. Rememember that even Soviet airborne troops were mechanized to Sparkyesque proportions with ASUs and BMDs, Soviet naval infantry had PT-76 and BTRs, and I don't want anybody to establish beachheads defended by proper tanks landed from LSTs or them rolling along the few available roads into my cities while my quickly-deployed infantry watches flat-footed from the hills on either side. Besides, the LRAC has HE, smoke and illum rounds just like the Carl Gustaf and makes a nice multi-purpose infantry support weapon. I went with Milan teams of three (six launchers in two squads of the company weapons platoon, four missiles each carried) and mortar teams of five (four M224 in the other two squads, 24 rounds each carried plus more on vehicle/distributed throughout the company). Of course I could go to to four Milan launchers with eight missiles carried each, which would make for more sustained light infantry operations. The Piranha, incidentially, is listed with a capacity of 1+14 in the original Swiss variant (probably crammed in very tight), so putting in 1+10 should be no problem; I think the Bison's layout was tailored to the Canadian infantry section of eight. Also, you wouldn't dismount all the machineguns in the platoon unless you would leave the vehicles behind at base/camp for an airlift, but usually just two or three to support the line squads (which will provide assistant gunners/ammo bearers from their riflemen) while the vehicles stay behind under the platoon sergeant. I didn't want the vehicles to be wed to the squad like in Germany - where light infantry is almost lightly mechanized infantry - but not concentrate them in a lumpy dedicated sub-unit higher up either. I have to admit however I'm not really happy with my squad gunroom. My initial plan was for a classical German /European-type squad with a GPMG team, AT team and assault team; my preferred guns were the AR-10 and the SIG 710 machinegun, both very light in their class with a good reputation, and the AR-10 a straight-line stock design mitigating the recoil effects of the full power 7.62 mm round (though I have a deep-seated distrust of the direct gas impingment system). It would have looked like this: - Squad leader (AR-10)- Anti-Tank Soldier (AR-10, LRAC 89)- 2 x Assistant Anti-Tank Soldier (AR-10, 3 x LRAC spare round each)- Machinegunner (SIG 710, 300 belted rounds)- Assistant Machinegunner (AR-10, spare barrel, 300 belted rounds)- 2 x Rifleman (AR-10, 300 belted rounds each)- 2 x Grenadier (AR-10 w/ M203 GL and 8 x 40 mm round each) The reasons I went the other route were: - SIG 710 only becomes available in the 70s. Not sure if I can justify introducing another GPMG just for the infantry, complicating logistics when the MAG will be seen as good enough. It might be easier if my GPMG was the MG 42/59, since both designs are related, but commonality with close allies spoke against that. Obviously I could just use the MAG in the light role like many other forces and call it a day, but that takes the "light" out of infantry operations a bit when I can support my squads with GPMGs at platoon level if necessary, as detailed above. - Going with a rifle and support weapon based on the same designs will come naturally to an army which previously used the Johnson M1941 rifle and light machinegun. Arguably, the AR-10 would fill either role too, and probably better than the M14 system in the US with its straight-line stock; but a heavy barrel, sturdy bipod and high-cap magazine would be better for a support weapon. Of course, Armalite/Artillerie Inrichtingen might be glad to oblige my every wish - buying 200,000 AR-10 of them would be a major game changer in that rifle's history and save AI's small arms division. In reality however, there were attempts at a belt-feld variant with rather dismal results. I might still be persuaded to change things. I really want to; the L1/C1 is such a particularly unwieldy member of the FAL family, even if we're mostly looking at dismounted operations in open terrain. ETA: Of course another possibility would be the G 3/HK 21 combo, but that would push rearmament to the early 60s and be an entirely off-continent solution. Edited August 28, 2012 by BansheeOne
BansheeOne Posted August 28, 2012 Posted August 28, 2012 Tentative air force TO&E: Air Operations Command ** - 3 x Fighter Squadron (two with 18 x F-15A, 6 x F-15B each; one reserve with 24 x F-4E) - 3 x Attack Squadron (two with 18 x A-7E, 6 x TA-7C each, to be replaced by F-18A/B; one reserve with 18 x A-4F, 6 x TA-4F) - 2 x Strike Reconnaissance Squadron (one with 18 x F-111C, 6 x RF-111C; one reserve with 24 x RF-4E) - 4 x Air Transport Squadron (one with 4 x C-135, 8 x C-21; one with 12 x C-130E/H; one with 18 x DHC-5; one reserve with 6 x C-130A, 6 x DHC-4) - Observation Squadron (24 x OV-10A) - Helicopter Squadron (18 x UH-1N) - Training Squadron (12 x T-3A, 12 x T-44A) Air Defense Command ** - 12 x Missile Squadron (six Nike-Hercules; six Hawk, of which three reserve) - 6 x Radar Squadron (one reserve) Air Force Support Command ** - 6 x Security Police Squadron (three reserve) - 6 x Logistics Squadron (four reserve) - 6 x Basic Training Squadron - 6 x Replacement Squadron (reserve) 5 x Air Base Wing (three reserve), each - Base Operations Group-- Flight Operations Squadron-- Runway Maintenance Squadron-- POL Supply Squadron-- Medical Squadron - Technical Group-- Aircraft Maintenance Squadron-- Aircraft Repair Squadron-- Electronics Squadron-- Ammunitions Squadron - Security Group-- 2 x Security Squadron (one reserve)-- Anti-Air Artillery Squadron (8 x 35 mm GDF-001)-- Anti-Air Missile Squadron (8 x Rapier) As you see, I went for gold plate all the way, with F-15s and F-111s; I might just as well have replaced both the F-4s and A-7s with F-18s and foregone the limited strike capability, but decided that money was less of an issue than manpower for getting the most bang out of my small force; after all, any troop transport that gets shot down, sunk at sea or bombed to bits on the beach along the huge Alaskan coastline is a company or battalion my army doesn't have to fight on land once it finally gets there. Jet training is done under the joint NATO program in the US, hence only basic prop trainers in my list. I come out to an active strength of about 11,000 and a mobilized strength of 22,000, which is touchdown for my projections. I find though that I forgot the replacement units to hold fresh recruits and train up the passive reserve in wartime for the army; I will give the AA TO&E another workover eventually.
urbanoid Posted August 28, 2012 Posted August 28, 2012 (edited) - 3 x Fighter Squadron (two with 18 x F-15A, 6 x F-15B each; one reserve with 24 x F-4E) - 3 x Attack Squadron (two with 18 x A-7E, 6 x TA-7C each, to be replaced by F-18A/B; one reserve with 18 x A-4F, 6 x TA-4F) - 2 x Strike Reconnaissance Squadron (one with 18 x F-111C, 6 x RF-111C; one reserve with 24 x RF-4E) Is it a TO&E for 1980s? And why so many types? Except for the US, I don't know a single country operating both F-15s and F/A-18s. Edited August 28, 2012 by urbanoid
Colin Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 I can imagine finishing my National service while guarding the Yukon border, Tank traps, minefields and dealing with Native Indian smugglers. On the bright side Trudeau would have languished in jail writing ranting tirades against the anti-communist government which no one reads.
R011 Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 - 3 x Fighter Squadron . . . Is it a TO&E for 1980s? And why so many types? Except for the US, I don't know a single country operating both F-15s and F/A-18s.Might I suggest this progression for fighter/attack types 1946 All weather fighter - P-61Day fighter/fighter-bomber - P-47D 1952 All weather fighter - CF-100Tactical fighter - F-86CAS - AD-4 1959 All weather fighter - F-101BTactical fighter - F-86CAS - A4D-5 1964 All weather fighter - F-101BTactical fighter - F-4ECAS - A-4E 1970 All weather fighter - F-4ETactical fighter - F-4ECAS - A+4E 1976 Fighter - F-4ECAS - A-10A 1990 Fighter - F/A-18CCAS - A-10A
BansheeOne Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 The variety of models is due to frequent modernization of both fighter and attack types in a small force, with older aircraft pushed down into reserve units. The Israeli Air Force (though a bit bigger) looked similiar ca. 1980, with Mirage/Kfir, A-4, F-4, F-15 and F-16. That said, narrowing it down with multi-role types would obviously simplify logistics considerably. A logical step would be equipping both fighter and attack squadrons with F-4s in the 70s, and wait for the F-18 to become available for replacement of all. It does not really work earlier, since the F-101 was trimmed for nuclear delivery with only a single outboard hardpoint in its air-to-ground variants. An alternative would be the F-104, also in service with Canada - but mostly deployed to Europe, with the F-101 far better fitted to long distances and weather conditions in the Arctic North. The F-111 is admittedly an extravagance; I went a little Australian there on the rationale that it's better to bomb a possible Soviet invasion force in their ports rather than in yours. I'm hesistant to give that up, particularly if I otherwise move away from attack types specifically geared towards support of ground forces (also, let's face it, its a cool aircraft). Might I suggest this progression for fighter/attack types 1946 All weather fighter - P-61Day fighter/fighter-bomber - P-47D I like both of those and looked at them. A P-61 squadron was actually based in Alaska at that time; but as far as I can see, the type was only ever operated by US forces. My WW II "night fighter" was the A-20G, some of which may have been converted to P-70s; and the A-26 was a logical successor to that - widely used, and the French for example put radars on them for night fighter use. If we're trying to reduce types, their attack capabilities also make for dual role use. OTOH, I wonder if I could have the P-47 as a fighter-bomber in addition to the P-51. The latter is by far the superior fighter, with higher speed, twice the range and better agility, but a poorer attack aircraft; and I have sort of a gap between the pre-war Brewster Buccaneer and the Skyraider, which only really becomes available for export in the early 50s. Of course I could also press my old P-38s into the attack role once the Mustang arrives, having even better stores capacity plus greater range. 1952 All weather fighter - CF-100Tactical fighter - F-86CAS - AD-4 I eyed the CF-100, and would not be adverse to substituting it for the F-86D due to its far better range, if not much of a dogfighter. My thought was that as the B-57 replaces the A-26 in the light bomber/heavy attack role, it could somehow also take over the long-range airspace patrols; but of course it was positively never used in that role, and only becomes available some years after the Canuck. I think I'll rather go your route. 1959 All weather fighter - F-101BTactical fighter - F-86CAS - A4D-5 1964 All weather fighter - F-101BTactical fighter - F-4ECAS - A-4E 1970 All weather fighter - F-4ETactical fighter - F-4ECAS - A+4E 1976 Fighter - F-4ECAS - A-10A That looks good, with the exception that the A-10 was also only ever operated by the US. A squadron was based in Alaska during the 80s, but I think it may be too specialized for my own air force. If the Americans still have 21st TFW with one F-15 and one A-10 squadron each in country, that should take care of those extra capabilities; I think I will go all-F-4 and eventually all-F-18 for my fighter-bomber squadrons.
BansheeOne Posted August 29, 2012 Posted August 29, 2012 The missions of the Alaskan Navy are - prevention of seaborne attacks on the territory and territorial waters of Alaska- facilitation of ground forces movement along the Alaskan coast and to and from the country's islands- participation in overall protection of seaways to and from the North American continent in cooperation with allied partners. The AN ist the smallest service of the Alaskan Armed Forces at about 10 percent of the overall manpower, of which also about 40 percent are conscripts. It has its roots in Wrangel's Fleet and the Russian warships of the Pacific Squadron which escaped from the Civil War to Alaska. Most of those old vessels didn't even live to see WW II though; the AN has largely been a coastal navy ever since, though these coasts include the Aleutians and some other islands closer to the Soviet Union than Alaska. Accordingly, the core of the fleet consists of corvette-sized vessels small enough to operate in the rugged coastline, but with enough endurance to travel the long distances along the shores and out to the islands, backed up by a small number of larger ships providing command and control and specifically radar and anti-air coverage. An equally small number of submarines would be attacking invasion fleets farther out to see. Another important role is played by the amphibious force, cooperating particularly close with the Coastal Rangers, but with a secondary mission of laying defensive minefields in wartime. Major units are mostly US-built, the corvettes mostly in Canadian shipyards, some small units locally. The navy has its own small air arm as well as a coastal artillery branch. The primary naval base is Stoyanka, with smaller stations at Novoarkhangelsk (dating back to imperial times) and Nome plus Kodiak Naval Air Station. Naval Operations Command ** - Frigate Squadron (4 x Type Brooke mod. FFG) - 2 x Corvette Squadron (one with 8 x Vickers Vedette, one with 8 x Vosper Thornycroft Mk 4 FFL) - Submarine Squadron (4 x Type Barbel SSK, 1 x submarine tender) - Minesweeper Squadron (12 x Type Bluebird MSC, 1 x minesweeper tender) - 2 x Amphibious Squadron (one with 4 x Type Terrebonne Parish LST, one with 16 x LCU) - 2 x Assault Boat Squadron (one reserve, 28 x Tpbs 200 each) - Replenishment Squadron (4 x AOR) - 2 x Maritime Patrol Aircraft Squadron (one active with 9 x CP-107, replacement with CP-140 planned; one reserve with 9 x P-2H) - Helicopter Squadron (18 x SH-2D) Coastal Command ** - 4 x Base Operations Group - 4 x Coastal Artillery Battalion (three reserve) - 3 x Logistics Battalion (two reserve) - 3 x Training Battalion (two reserve) Figuring out strength here will take a little more effort; I'll have to look up the manning requirements for the various vessels first. Also need to detail the shore-based units, but have no time right now.
BansheeOne Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 (edited) The Brooke mod. frigates are stretched very slightly by six feet to take the larger Mk 13 instead of the original Mk 22 Standard Missile launcher. The fixed aft tubes for Mk 37 torpedos and the Mk 4 automatic reload system for the ASROC launcher are deleted to compensate for the added weight. The frigates have the enlarged hangar for the Seasprite helicopter and are planned to be fitted with a Phalanx CIWS on top in addition to two single 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6 mounts. Overall, the standard displacement increases by a miniscule 40 tons to 2,680, with 3,480 at full load. The complement remains at 228. The Vickers Vedette corvettes are very similar to the Type 633 design with American systems proposed to Australia in 1974. They have a waterline length of 72 and a beam of ten meters with a full load displacement of 1,200 tons. Two diesels and one gas turbine driving two shafts make for a top speed of 34 knots. Armament consists of the same 127 mm L/38 Mk 30 mount used on the Brookes, eight Harpoons and two triple Mk 32 torpedo tubes; the twin 35 mm mount in the Australian proposal is replaced by a Mk 29 Sea Sparrow launcher aft with no automatic reload system, plus two 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6. I estimate their complement at 90. Obviously the eight vessels will keep building well into the 80s, using both Canadian and local shipyards. The VT Mk 4 corvettes are a refined offshot from the company's Mk 3, just like the Mk 2 offered to Canada in 1962 was an offshot from the Mk 1. They are also inspired by the Finnish Turunmaa corvettes of the 60s. Their length is 69 meters, their beam 9.5 meters, they have a standard displacement of 660 tons and 850 tons full load. Two diesels and one gas turbine on two shafts make for a top speed of 35 knots. Armament consists of a 127 mm L/38 Mk 30 mount, a twin 40 mm L/70 Bofors Model 1958 mount and two 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6, two aft-mounted tubes for Mk 37 torpedos, and four Mk 32 launchers for the RGM-66D passive seeker surface-to-surface or other Standard Missile variants. Their complement is 70. The Bluebird minesweepers are locally built variants very similiar to the German Lindau-class subtype at 47 meter length, 8.5 meter beam, standard displacement of 370 tons and 460 tons full load. They have a top speed of 16.5 knots, two single 40 mm L/70 Bofors Model 1958 mounts, and a complement of 46. The LCUs are also locally produced and similiar to the German Type 520 with a length of 40 meters, beam of 8.8 meters, displacement of 400 tons with a full load of 170 tons carried, top speed of 11 knots, two 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6 and a complement of 17. The Tpbs 200 assault boats are the predecessor of the Swedish CB 90, have a length of 21.5 meters, beam of 4.2 meters, displacement of 31 tons with the maximum of 40 troops carried, top speed of 24 knots, one 20 mm Oerlikon and a complement of three. Overall, my manning requirements for the Naval Operations Command already slightly exceed my peacetime target of 5,600 by about 180 at this point - and I haven't even come to the shore units including training outfits yet, which can be expected to make up half the strength of the entire navy. Obviously some reorganization is in order; naval invasion being such a primary threat, I might turn to the army to free up manpower. Redistributing ten percent of the total from there will likely do the job. The coastal artillery proves a little of a hangup anyway. During WW II, the US planned coastal fortifications in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Sitka (Novoarkhangelsk); various 155 mm and AA batteries were deployed there. It is likely the Russian Alaskans would have done the same, maybe even started in imperial times after the Russo-Japanese war. By the Cold War, I think there would have been an increased emphasis on mobile units, like in Scandinavia. I looked at the Swedish FH-77 gun, but the B variant capable of firing NATO 155 mm ammunition only becomes available by the mid-80s. A slightly earlier option would be Gerald Bull's GC 45, partially built in Canada, or the M198, and even earlier the FH-70. Before that it will probably be Long Toms. On reflection, I think I will transfer the coastal artillery to the army, as 155 mm is already in their chain of supply, but cut down on other units there. If the naval and air defense forces do their job, they won't need to fight many invaders on the ground after all. Edited August 30, 2012 by BansheeOne
BansheeOne Posted August 30, 2012 Posted August 30, 2012 Army OOB revised once more and written out as peacetime command assignments. I summarily deleted a third of the infantry brigades, though if you count in the Rangers, three quarters of infantry battalions remain. With less units to support, I folded both aviation brigades into one, cut down logistics troops and deleted the Hawk missile battalion, keeping that type to the air force. On the other hand, the army gains the coastal artillery brigade, and I added some other units I didn't think of before. Army High Command *** (Junograd) - 1st Special Operations Battalion - Command Support Regiment Army HC- 1st Guards Regiment- 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment (headquartered at Stoyanka) - Engineer Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Engineer Battalion (three reserve)-- NBC Battalion (reserve) - 1st Artillery Brigade (Coastal - headquartered at Kodiak)-- 4 x Coastal Artillery Battalion (three reserve, 24 x FH-70 each)-- Observation Battalion (reserve)-- Logistics Battalion - 2nd Artillery Brigade (Heavy - headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Heavy Artillery Battalion (three reserve, 24 x M107 each)-- Missile Battalion (8 x Lance)-- Observation Battalion (reserve)-- Logistics Battalion - Army Air Defense Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Air Defense Artillery Battalion (one active with 32 x Gepard, three reserve with 32 x GDF-001 each)-- Air Defense Missile Battalion (reserve, 32 x Rapier)-- Logistics Battalion - Army Aviation Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 2 x Attack Helicopter Battalion (one reserve, 36 x AH-1T, 18 x OH-6D each)-- 2 x Assault Helicopter Battalion (one reserve, 48 x UH-60A replacing UH-1N each)-- Transport Helicopter Battalion (36 x CH-47C/D)-- Logistics Battalion Regional Command East ** (Junograd) - HQ Company RC East- 1st Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 1st Security Battalion- 1st Medical Battalion- 1st Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 1st Signals Battalion (reserve) - 1st Logistics Regiment- 1st Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 1st Infantry Brigade (reserve)- 5th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command Center ** (Stoyanka) - HQ Company RC Center- 2nd Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 2nd Security Battalion- 2nd Medical Battalion- 2nd Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 2nd Signals Battalion (reserve) - 2nd Ranger Regiment (Airborne)- 2nd Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 2nd Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 2nd Infantry Brigade- 6th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command North ** (Krasiviyebyeryega) - HQ Company RC North- 3rd Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 3rd Security Battalion- 3rd Medical Battalion- 3rd Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 3rd Signals Battalion (reserve) - 3rd Ranger Regiment (Arctic)- 3rd Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 3rd Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 3rd Infantry Brigade- 7th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command West ** (Kodiak) - HQ Company RC West- 4th Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 4th Security Battalion- 4th Medical Battalion- 4th Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 4th Signals Battalion (reserve) - 4th Ranger Regiment (Coastal)- 4th Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 4th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 4th Infantry Brigade (reserve)- 8th Infantry Brigade (reserve) As before, active regiments have one active and three inactive battalions, while reserve regiments have just three inactive ones. All those clustered active brigade logistics battalions should take care of peacetime needs. The FTR regiments will train recruits displaced by immediate recall reservists as well as older reservists in wartime until they are sent to active units, replacing losses. Active strength is now down to ca. 35,000 or 62.5 percent of the total force, mobilized strength is 152,000 or nearly 77 percent, which represents the large proportion of draftees to be recalled better. I will comb through the air force next and see what reserves that will yield for the navy.
BansheeOne Posted August 31, 2012 Posted August 31, 2012 Revised AAF OOB by peacetime basing. As it turns out, there were just a few reserve units to be deleted, but some command and control units to be added, so the result is mostly unchanged. Active strength remains at ca. 11,000 or about 20 percent of overall manpower, mobilized strength is now 24,000 or twelve percent. Air Force High Command *** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group Air Force HC Air Operations Command ** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group AOC - 1st Wing (Elmendorov AFB)-- 1st Base Operations Group-- 1st Technical Group-- 1st Security Group-- 1st Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 3rd Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 5th Fighter Bomber Squadron (reserve, 18 x A-4F, 6 x TA-4F)-- 10th Strike Reconnaissance Squadron (18 x F-111C, 6 x RF-111C)-- 20th Air Transport Squadron (4 x C-135, 8 x C-21)-- 21st Air Transport Squadron (12 x C-130E/H)-- 24th Helicopter Squadron (18 x UH-1N) - 2nd Wing (Eielsonski AFB)-- 2nd Base Operations Group-- 2nd Technical Group-- 2nd Security Group-- 2nd Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 4th Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 6th Fighter Bomber Squadron (reserve, 18 x F-101B, 6 x RF-101C)-- 11th Observation Squadron (24 x OV-10A)-- 22nd Air Transport Squadron (18 x DHC-5)-- 23rd Air Transport Squadron (reserve, 6 x C-130A, 6 x DHC-4)-- 25th Training Squadron (12 x T-3A, 12 x T-44A) - 3rd Wing (reserve, Naknek AFB)-- 3rd Base Operations Group-- 3rd Technical Group-- 3rd Security Group - 4th Wing (reserve, Shemya AFB)-- 4th Base Operations Group-- 4th Technical Group-- 4th Security Group - 5th Wing (reserve, Galenya AFB)-- 5th Base Operations Group-- 5th Technical Group-- 5th Security Group Air Defense Command ** (Eielsonski AFB) - Command Support Group ADC Nike-Hercules squadrons:- 30th Missile Squadron (Junograd)- 31st Missile Squadron (Junograd)- 32nd Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 33rd Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 34th Missile Squadron (Krasiviyebyeryega)- 35th Missile Squadron (Krasiviyebyeryega) Hawk Squadrons:- 40th Missile Squadron (Junograd)- 41st Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 42nd Missile Squadron (Krasiviyebyeryega)- 43rd Missile Squadron (reserve, Junograd)- 44th Missile Squadron (reserve, Stoyanka)- 45th Missile Squadron (reserve, Krasiviyebyeryega) - 50th Radar Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 51st Radar Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 52nd Radar Squadron (Junograd)- 53rd Radar Squadron (Shemya AFB)- 54th Radar Squadron (Galenya AFB)- 55th Radar Squadron (reserve, Naknek AFB) Air Force Support Command ** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group ASC (reserve) - 60th Security Police Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 61st Security Police Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 62nd Security Police Squadron (Junograd)- 63rd Security Police Squadron (reserve, Shemya AFB)- 64th Security Police Squadron (reserve, Galenya AFB)- 65th Security Police Squadron (reserve, Naknek AFB) - 70th Logistics Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 71st Logistics Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 72nd Logistics Squadron (Junograd)- 73rd Logistics Squadron (reserve, Shemya AFB)- 74th Logistics Squadron (reserve, Galenya AFB)- 75th Logistics Squadron (reserve, Naknek AFB) - 80th Basic Training Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 81st Basic Training Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 82nd Basic Training Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 83rd Basic Training Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 84th Basic Training Squadron (Junograd)- 85th Basic Training Squadron (Junograd) - 90th Replacement Squadron (reserve, Elmendorov AFB)- 91st Replacement Squadron (reserve, Eielsonski AFB)- 92nd Replacement Squadron (reserve, Junograd)- 93rd Replacement Squadron (reserve, Shemya AFB)- 94th Replacement Squadron (reserve, Galenya AFB)- 95th Replacement Squadron (reserve, Naknek AFB) This still leaves me 10,000 active personnel and a mobilized strength of 22,000 for the navy. Let's see if I can make that work; it should suffice.
BansheeOne Posted September 3, 2012 Posted September 3, 2012 Revised Navy OOB: Navy High Command *** (Novoarkhangelsk) - Navy High Command Support Battalion Naval Operations Command ** (Novoarkhangelsk) - Naval Operations Command Support Battalion - 1st Frigate Squadron (Stoyanka, 4 x Type Brooke mod. FFG)- 2nd Corvette Squadron (Novoarkhangelsk, 8 x Vickers Vedette FFL)- 3rd Corvette Squadron (Stoyanka, 8 x Vosper Thornycroft Mk 4 FFL) - 1st Submarine Squadron (Stoyanka, 4 x Type Barbel SSK, 1 x submarine tender)- 1st Minesweeper Squadron (Stoyanka, 12 x Type Bluebird MSC, 1 x minesweeper tender)- 1st Training Squadron (Novoarkhangelsk, 12 x training cutter, 1 x training ship)- 1st Replenishment Squadron (Stoyanka, 4 x AOR) - 1st Amphibious Squadron (Stoyanka, 4 x Type Terrebonne Parish LST)- 2nd Amphibious Squadron (Stoyanka, 16 x LCU)- 3rd Assault Boat Squadron (Kodiak, 28 x Tpbs 200)- 4th Assault Boat Squadron (reserve; Novoarkhangelsk, 28 x Tpbs 200) - 1st Maritime Patrol Aircraft Squadron (Kodiak, 9 x CP-107, replacement with CP-140 planned)- 2nd Maritime Patrol Aircraft Squadron (Kodiak, reserve, 9 x P-2H)- 3rd Helicopter Squadron (Kodiak, 18 x SH-2D) Coastal Command ** (Stoyanka) - Coastal Command Support Battalion (reserve) - Novoarkhangelsk Base Operations Regiment- Stoyanka Base Operations Regiment- Kodiak Base Operations Regiment- Nome Base Operations Regiment (reserve) - 1st Navy Logistics Battalion (Stoyanka)- 2nd Navy Logistics Battalion (reserve, Novoarkhangelsk)- 3rd Navy Logistics Battalion (reserve, Kodiak) - 1st Navy Training Battalion (Stoyanka)- 1st Navy Training Battalion (reserve, Novoarkhangelsk)- 3rd Navy Training Battalion (reserve, Kodiak) I added a training squadron running a dozen small cutters of a type I also intend to use for a possible Naval Homeguard as well as a larger vessel that will be used as a patrol and minelaying vessel in wartime, similar to the Swedish Carlskrona; it has a length of 105 meters, beam of 15 meters, displaces 3,800 tons full load and has a top speed of 21 knots. It has limited icegoing capabilities, a landing deck and hangar for two Seasprites, a 127 mm L/38 Mk 30 mount, two twin 40 mm L/70 Bofors Model 1958 mounts and two 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6. Complement is about 160, half of which are cadets. The tenders of the various boat squadrons are a unfied smaller variant of the same design, though with differing special equipment. They have a length of 75 meters, displace about 2700 tons and have no helicopter facilities, but are otherwise similiar to the larger vessel. The AORs are about 4,000 tons too, but only have the 40 mm armament and a complement of about 80. The base operations regiments are similar to the air force wings, but only have an operations and security battalion each except the one at Kodiak, which has an aircraft maintenance group too. Unfortunately, this still comes out to an overall active strength of 12,000 and a mobilized strength of about 18,000. As expected, the bulk of those is in the shore units. An obvious remedy would be to concentrate my fleet in a single homeport and delete a base operations regiment. OTOH, I think that I can manage to train an additional 2,000 conscripts annually, for example by extending NCO training to the top 15 percent of a class. Else I must go back to the other services and find another 2,000 slots to spare.
BansheeOne Posted September 4, 2012 Posted September 4, 2012 (edited) I have identified a range of options to spare 2,000 active posts in the three services: Army - Move one of the brigades reporting directly to High Command with its logistics battalion to Junograd and delete active battalion from 1st Logistics Regiment. Impact: Not only is the Junograd area the most distant from probable areas of deployment, but only connected by sea and air routes, so it gets problematic to move heavy equipment from there quickly. This problem would be least with the Aviation Brigade, but their logistics are pretty specialized towards aircraft needs. Savings: 900 slots. - Delete Armored Cavalry Regiment and give each infantry brigade a tank company instead. Impact: I will lose my armored reserve, but it may be permissible given the prevalent terrain. Savings: 600 slots. Air Force - Delete F-111 squadron, give one or two F-4 squadrons some RF-4E to replace reconnaissance capabilities. Impact: Will lose my deep strike/recon capability against invasion forces, must rely on US for that. Savings: 200 slots. - Disband Security Police and transfer mission to general Military Police. Impact: Negligible. Savings: 600 slots. Navy - Concentrate homeporting at Stoyanka, inactivate Novoarkhangelsk Base Operations Regiment. Impact: Will probably have to beef up Stoyanka Regiment to handle increased operations there. Savings: 800 slots. - Delete two frigates and transfer the others to one Corvette Squadron each to act as flotilla leaders. Impact: Seaborne area air defense cut in half. Savings: 500 slots. - Delete Submarine Squadron. Impact: Will lose more deep strike/recon capabilities against seaborne invasion forces. Savings: 500 slots. - Make Minesweeping Squadron semi-active with only tender and two boats operating in peacetime. Impact: Minesweeping capability becomes largely mobilization-dependent. Savings: 500 slots. - Amalgamate Amphibious and Assault Boat Squadrons into semi-active group with only two LST, four LCU and 28 Tpbs 200 operating in peacetime. Impact: amphibious capability becomes largely mobilization-dependent. Savings: 700 slots. The navy savings are reduced by about 200 for a underwater demolitions/special operations units I might plug into either the minesweeping or amphibious force. However, implementing the easiest options (delete Air Force SP, centralized homeporting, inactivating part of minesweepers and landing craft) still saves me 2,200, which already fulfills my needs. I could even run four more minesweepers or all the LCUs, or a mix of both. ETA: D'oh! For the last few posts I have misremembered my total active manpower number as 56,000 instead of the actual 54,000. Which means I have to save another 2,000 slots. I will therefore probably have to take the following actions: - Delete Armored Cavalry Regiment (- 600). - Delete F-111 Squadron (- 200). - Delete Air Force Security Police (- 600). - Concentrate homeporting at Stoyanka (- 800). - Delete Frigate Squadron (- 500). - Delete Submarine Squadron (- 500). - Inactivate part of minesweeping and amphibious forces (- 1200). This is a major loss of capabilities. I may have to redesign the naval combat units specifically to save some of them. Edited September 4, 2012 by BansheeOne
BansheeOne Posted September 4, 2012 Posted September 4, 2012 Meanwhile, I've been giving some thought about a homeguard system. Those are typically regional-based, so I looked at the Alaskan boroughs (which will be Oblasts in Russian of course) and decided I can train a total of 12,000 recruits in ten Homeguard Battalions and 24 independent companies (including naval) at any time. This takes care of 8,000 of my 11,000 surplus conscripts, at the expense of my civil defense corps - which is not a problem, because the latter was a bit oversized at 10,000 active strength to begin with, and the latter can take over some of its missions. Conscripts in the Homeguard will also serve a term of 18 months, but it will be spread out similiar to the Swiss militia system; I'm thinking of a six month basic training period followed by annual month-long drills (including reserve NCO training) for twelve years. Being an enlisted-heavy organization with very basic local protection missions means I need far less of a professional cadre, about 1,500 by my calculation. Wartime recall of twelve classes will result in a mobilized strength of 108,000, more than half again that of the regular forces. The problem is that the cadre of 1,500 will likely have to come out of the 16,200 leading the regular forces. Now we have established that the Army has about 20 percent professionals of its 34,000 (anticipating the latest reductions) active personnel (= 6,800), and the Air Force and Navy 60 percent of their 10,000 each (= 12,000), which actually comes out to 18,000 (that would have to charitably include my conscripted JNCOs). So I have none to spare for the Homeguard; I either have to recruit more officers and NCOs, or reduce active strength yet again by 4,500 and/or call up less conscripts for the Homeguard. Another issue to chew on.
BansheeOne Posted September 5, 2012 Posted September 5, 2012 Argh, I'm starting to get tangled in the web I've weaved with all those categories of volunteer cadres, draftees and conscripted JNCOs ... last night I spent four hours writing and rewriting this post only to find my numbers were still messed up. Of course it doesn't help if you add 6,800 + 12,000 and come out to 18,000 like in the post above. So now, with a hopefully clearer mind: Leadership requirements of the regular forces are 18,800, including 1,800 conscripted JNCOs; Homeguard cadre would have to be added to that. I don't however want to exceed three percent of a class in recruitment of volunteers, because I fear standards will have to be lowered and/or cost for material enticements, patriotic advertising etc. will grow disproportionally. This limits my annual harvest to 1,500 (about 2.75-2.8 percent of young males and 0.2-0.25 of females), which will give me a maximum of 18,000 professionals with an average service time of twelve years. Adding my 1,800 JNCOs, I get a total of 19,800. Therefore, only 1,000 remain available for the Homeguard. I'll therefore delete two of the Homeguard battalions and eight independent companies, and conscript only 6,000 of a class for a recruit strength of 9,000. 3,000 more will be drafted into the Civil Defense Corps, with 2,000 remaining for volunteer service with police, fire departments, Coast Guard etc. Hence: Army High Command *** (Junograd) - 1st Special Operations Battalion - Command Support Regiment Army HC- 1st Guards Regiment - Engineer Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Engineer Battalion (three reserve)-- NBC Battalion (reserve) - 1st Artillery Brigade (Coastal - headquartered at Kodiak)-- 4 x Coastal Artillery Battalion (three reserve, 24 x FH-70 each)-- Observation Battalion (reserve)-- Logistics Battalion - 2nd Artillery Brigade (Heavy - headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Heavy Artillery Battalion (three reserve, 24 x M107 each)-- Observation Battalion (reserve)-- Logistics Battalion - Army Air Defense Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 4 x Air Defense Artillery Battalion (one active with 32 x Gepard, three reserve with 32 x GDF-001 each)-- Air Defense Missile Battalion (reserve, 32 x Rapier)-- Logistics Battalion - Army Aviation Brigade (headquartered at Stoyanka)-- 2 x Attack Helicopter Battalion (one reserve, 36 x AH-1T, 18 x OH-6D each)-- 2 x Transport Helicopter Battalion (one reserve, 32 x UH-60A replacing UH-1N, 12 x CH-47C/D each)-- Logistics Battalion Regional Command East ** (Junograd) - HQ Company RC East- 1st Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 1st Security Battalion- 1st Signals Battalion (reserve)- 1st Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 5th Military Police Battalion (reserve) - 1st Medical Regiment- 1st Logistics Regiment- 1st Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve)- 5th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 1st Infantry Brigade (reserve)- 5th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command Center ** (Stoyanka) - HQ Company RC Center- 2nd Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 2nd Security Battalion- 2nd Signals Battalion (reserve)- 2nd Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 6th Military Police Battalion (reserve) - 2nd Ranger Regiment (Airborne)- 2nd Medical Regiment- 2nd Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 2nd Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve)- 6th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 2nd Infantry Brigade- 6th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command North ** (Krasiviyebyeryega) - HQ Company RC North- 3rd Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 3rd Security Battalion- 3rd Signals Battalion (reserve)- 3rd Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 7th Military Police Battalion (reserve) - 3rd Ranger Regiment (Arctic)- 3rd Medical Regiment- 3rd Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 3rd Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve)- 7th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 3rd Infantry Brigade- 7th Infantry Brigade (reserve) Regional Command West ** (Kodiak) - HQ Company RC West- 4th Military Intelligence Company (reserve) - 4th Security Battalion- 4th Signals Battalion (reserve)- 4th Military Police Battalion (reserve)- 8th Military Police Battalion (reserve) - 4th Ranger Regiment (Coastal)- 4th Medical Regiment- 4th Logistics Regiment (reserve)- 4th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve)- 8th Field Training and Replacement Regiment (reserve) - 4th Infantry Brigade (reserve)- 8th Infantry Brigade (reserve) You will note that in addition to previous cuts I deleted the Lance and CH-47 battalions, replacing one company in each of the former Assault Helicopter Battalions with one from the latter. This is because I took a more detailed look, including individual companies in my count and coming up with another about 2,000 troops I had to compensate for. OTOH, I found that I had 35,000 reservists of all services on immediate recall with no slot upon mobilization, equal to about 40 inactive battalions. So I expanded my Medical Battalions into regiments with three reserve battalions and added another FTR Regiment and reserve Military Police Battalion per regional command. This means I now have one soldier training to replace losses for about every four fighting, which should give the Army some staying power. Active strength is now 34,000, of which 6,800 cadre; mobilized strength 148,000. Air Force High Command *** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group Air Force HC Air Operations Command ** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group AOC - 1st Wing (Elmendorov AFB)-- 1st Base Operations Group-- 1st Technical Group-- 1st Security Group-- 1st Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 3rd Fighter Bomber Squadron (18 x F-4E, 6 x RF-4E)-- 5th Fighter Bomber Squadron (reserve, 18 x A-4F, 6 x TA-4F)-- 20th Air Transport Squadron (4 x C-135, 8 x C-21)-- 21st Air Transport Squadron (12 x C-130E/H)-- 24th Training Squadron (12 x T-3A, 12 x T-44A) - 2nd Wing (Eielsonski AFB)-- 2nd Base Operations Group-- 2nd Technical Group-- 2nd Security Group-- 2nd Fighter Bomber Squadron (24 x F-4E)-- 4th Fighter Bomber Squadron (18 x F-4E, 6 x RF-4E)-- 6th Fighter Bomber Squadron (reserve, 18 x F-101B, 6 x RF-101C)-- 10th Observation Squadron (24 x OV-10A)-- 22nd Air Transport Squadron (12 x DHC-5, 12 x UH-1N)-- 23rd Air Transport Squadron (reserve, 6 x C-130A, 6 x DHC-4) - 3rd Wing (reserve, Naknek AFB)-- 3rd Base Operations Group-- 3rd Technical Group-- 3rd Security Group - 4th Wing (reserve, Shemya AFB)-- 4th Base Operations Group-- 4th Technical Group-- 4th Security Group - 5th Wing (reserve, Galenya AFB)-- 5th Base Operations Group-- 5th Technical Group-- 5th Security Group Air Defense Command ** (Eielsonski AFB) - Command Support Group ADC Nike-Hercules squadrons:- 30th Missile Squadron (Junograd)- 31st Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 32nd Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 33rd Missile Squadron (Krasiviyebyeryega) Hawk Squadrons:- 34th Missile Squadron (Junograd)- 35th Missile Squadron (Stoyanka)- 36th Missile Squadron (Krasiviyebyeryega)- 37th Missile Squadron (reserve, Junograd)- 38th Missile Squadron (reserve, Stoyanka)- 39th Missile Squadron (reserve, Krasiviyebyeryega) - 40th Radar Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 41st Radar Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 42nd Radar Squadron (Junograd)- 43rd Radar Squadron (Shemya AFB)- 44th Radar Squadron (Galenya AFB)- 45th Radar Squadron (reserve, Naknek AFB) Air Force Support Command ** (Elmendorov AFB) - Command Support Group ASC (reserve) - 50th Basic Training Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 51st Basic Training Squadron (Elmendorov AFB)- 52nd Basic Training Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 53rd Basic Training Squadron (Eielsonski AFB)- 54th Basic Training Squadron (Junograd)- 55th Basic Training Squadron (Junograd) - 1st Logistics Group (Elmendorov AFB)- 2nd Logistics Group (Eielsonski AFB)- 3rd Logistics Group (Junograd)- 4th Logistics Group (reserve, Shemya AFB)- 5th Logistics Group (reserve, Galenya AFB)- 6th Logistics Group (reserve, Naknek AFB) - 1st Replacement Group (reserve, Elmendorov AFB)- 2nd Replacement Group (reserve, Eielsonski AFB)- 3rd Replacement Group (reserve, Junograd)- 4th Replacement Group (reserve, Shemya AFB)- 5th Replacement Group (reserve, Galenya AFB)- 6th Replacement Group (reserve, Naknek AFB) As with the Army, when looking closer I found it necessary to trim a couple more units off the Air Force to reach my new target strength of 10,000 active personnel, of which 6,000 cadre. I therefore amalgamated the light airlift and helicopter squadrons and deleted two Nike squadrons. However, I beefed up the reserves here too, turning the logistics and replacement squadrons into groups, where only one squadron of the active units will usually be present in peacetime. Mobilized strength therefore is now 28,000. Navy High Command *** (Stoyanka) - Navy High Command Support Battalion Naval Operations Command ** (Stoyanka) - Naval Operations Command Support Battalion - 1st Corvette Squadron (Stoyanka, 9 x Vickers Vedette FFL, 1 x corvette tender)- 2nd Corvette Squadron (Stoyanka, 9 x Vosper Thornycroft Mk 4 FFL, 1 x corvette tender) - 1st Submarine Squadron (Stoyanka, 4 x Type 209 SSK, 1 x submarine tender) - 1st Minesweeper Squadron (semi-active; Stoyanka, 12 x Type Bluebird MSC, 1 x minesweeper tender) - 1st Training Squadron (Stoyanka, 12 x training cutter, 1 x training ship) - 1st Maritime Patrol Aircraft Squadron (Kodiak, 9 x CP-107, replacement with CP-140 planned)- 2nd Maritime Patrol Aircraft Squadron (Kodiak, reserve, 9 x P-2H)- 3rd Helicopter Squadron (Kodiak, 12 x CH-124A) - Amphibious Group (semi-active; Kodiak, 4 x Type Sir Bedivere LST, 16 x LCU, 56 x Tpbs 200) - Special Operations Company (Kodiak) Coastal Command ** (Stoyanka) - Coastal Command Support Battalion (reserve) - Stoyanka Base Operations Regiment- Kodiak Base Operations Regiment- Novoarkhangelsk Base Operations Regiment (reserve) - 1st Navy Logistics Battalion (Stoyanka)- 2nd Navy Logistics Battalion (reserve, Novoarkhangelsk)- 3rd Navy Logistics Battalion (reserve, Kodiak)- 4th Navy Logistics Battalion (reserve, Stoyanka) - 1st Navy Training Battalion (Stoyanka)- 2nd Navy Training Battalion (reserve, Novoarkhangelsk)- 3rd Navy Training Battalion (reserve, Kodiak)- 4th Navy Training Battalion (reserve, Stoyanka) The Navy needed some change of types to keep a balanced fleet with a personnel of 10,000, of which 6,000 cadre; manning requirements for the US vessels just killed me. I hate to see the Brookes go, but in reality no navy this size runs FFGs in the 80s. I took the opportunity to disband the dedicated Replenishment Squadron too, and give each Corvette Squadron a tender that will be of the same type as my large training vessel. These three are Canadian-built and not dissimiliar to the RCN's Annapolis-class helicopter escort destroyers, but obviously slower and geared towards support rather than combat. As added benefits of the Brooke's demise, I can standardize on the ubiquitous OTO Melara 76 mm Compact, which is better suited to the corvettes in particular than the old manually loaded 127 mm L/38; two each will go on the VT Mk 4s and one each on the Vickers Vedettes and tenders, eliminating the 40 mm Bofors at the same time. Also, I can replace the Seasprite helicopters with more capable Seakings. I saved my submarine force by replacing the Barbels with German 209s, which have less than half the manning requirements. Likewise, the Terrebonne Parish LSTs were replaced by British Sir Bevideres. I can now even run half of my minesweepers and LCUs in peacetime plus two additional corvettes. Mobilized strength is 20,000, including one additional training and logistics battalion each now; only 5,000 reservists on immediate recall remain unassigned to the regular forces now and will instead be mobilized with the Homeguard - 1st Kenai Homeguard Battalion - 1st Krasiviyebyeryega Homeguard Battalion- 2nd Krasiviyebyeryega Homeguard Battalion - 1st Matanuska Homeguard Battalion - 1st Stoyanka Homeguard Battalion- 2nd Stoyanka Homeguard Battalion (Naval)- 3rd Stoyanka Homeguard Battalion- 4th Stoyanka Homeguard Battalion - 1st Central Homeguard Company- 2nd Central Homeguard Company- 3rd Central Homeguard Company (Naval)- 4th Central Homeguard Company- 5th Central Homeguard Company- 6th Central Homeguard Company (Naval) - 1st Junograd Homeguard Company- 2nd Junograd Homeguard Company (Naval)- 3rd Junograd Homeguard Company - 1st Ketchikan Homeguard Company- 2nd Ketchikan Homeguard Company (Naval) - 1st Kodiak Homeguard Company- 2nd Kodiak Homeguard Company (Naval) - 1st Northern Homeguard Company - 1st Nortwest Homeguard Company - 1st Novoarkhangelsk Homeguard Company Upon mobilization, each Homeguard unit will spawn as many as seven others of its own size, in part utilizing 1,500 reserve cadre personnel not assigned to the regular forces and bringing mobilized strength to 80,000. The wartime strength of all the armed forces therefore is 145,000 + 28,000 + 20,000 + 80,000 = 273,000. Not counting the Coast Guard, which I still have to look at.
BansheeOne Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Random equipment adjustments to the last TO&E: The new brigade tank companies will be rather beefy with three platoons of six Leopard 1A4 each plus two at HQ for a total of 20. With the deletion of the Armored Cavalry Regiment, the AIFV-25 is gone, so I'm putting Oerlikon GDD-BOE 35 mm turrets on the Piranhas in the active brigade recon companies IOT standardize ammunition with the Gepards and Oerlikon AA guns in the air defense brigade. My new corvette tenders/training vessels have a length of 112 meters, beam of 15 meters, displacement of 3,800 tons at full load and make 21 knots. Armament is a OTO Melara 76 mm gun, two 20 mm Oerlikon GAI-CO6, two triple Mk 32 torpedo mounts and minelaying capability; a Phalanx is planned to be added. They also have a flight deck and hangar for one Seaking. Complement is 228 including embarked squadron staff or cadets. The minesweeper/submarine tenders are overall similiar, but only 95 meters long with 2,800 tons full load displacement and no aviation facilities. Complement is 170. I'm of a mind to use the type as large cutters for the Coast Guard, too. As previously mentioned, the corvettes have their 127 mm guns replaced by OTO Melaras too; the VT Mk 4s also swap their Bofors 40 mm twin mounts for those. As I'm getting rid of the Bofors, the minesweepers trade theirs for Oerlikon 20 mm mounts, eliminating another ammunition type. Of course after recalculating manning requirements for my surface combat units, I find that if I got off this whole corvette idea, I could as well run four FFGs and 16 FACs; closer to the original approach, though of course smaller missile boats would not be as seaworthy. It might still be worth checking out.
BansheeOne Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 *sigh* That's the problem with ships, they don't come just in neat mass-produced types, but damn near everybody can build them in his own yards, modifying existing plans or making up his own ... I'm looking at the Norwegian Oslo class, which was based upon the US Dealey class and modified for local conditions, same as the Portuguese Pereira da Silva class. By my napkin calculation, the Mk 22 Standard Missile launcher should fit on a ship displacing about 1,800 tons standard; the Oslos are just below that. I wonder if I can make my own mini-FFGs.
shep854 Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 WOW...I think a certain German bureaucrat is seriously bored--is the Bundestag out of session?
BansheeOne Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 Until this weekend actually. Which is a fortunate coincidence, because I'm approaching burnout on this topic; it's a wonder I'm not crunching personnel numbers in my sleep yet.
Kentucky-roughrider Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 BansheeOne, I personally have enjoyed reading about how you would design that military orginization, thank you for a good read. I am not sure if losing that Armored Cavarly regiment is something I would agree with or not. However wouldn't a unit similar in design to a US tank destroyer battilion give more bang for your buck?Do you have a reason for picking the Leopard 1 tank over the Vickers main battle tank ?
BansheeOne Posted September 6, 2012 Posted September 6, 2012 I chose the Leopard for commonality with Canada and, frankly, because I have an obvious national bias towards German tanks; in my mind, the previous type was the M48 rather than the Centurion after all (seeing that Canada only bought the Leopard in 1979, the M48 is probably still around in the reserves). I have to admit I never considered the Vickers either. I didn't like giving up the Cavalry Regiment either, but I'm maybe too firmly wedded to the square structure of my mobilization-dependent units with three quarters inactive, so it was easier to delete whole branch regiments, then save some of their capability by attaching companies to other units. The alternative to the cavalry would have been cutting one of the ranger regiments, and I was prepared to delete the Airborne Rangers and give jump training to some units of the other two regiments instead as the next step when I thought I would need to save even more posts in the Army. But I priorized light infantry higher given the terrain, and actually managed to keep all 160 tanks - the personnel savings are in the mechanized infantry platoons, SPH batteries and HSS troops of the former cav squadrons.
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