Red Dawn: "Across The Rio Grande"*
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Date: September 7, 1988*
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Battle Location: Texas-Mexico Border*
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Battle Type: Nicaragua Advance vs. US Army (Texas National Guard) Delay*
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Turns:24*
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Background: Day One was a time of massive confusion and chaos for the US military. The limited nuclear exchange early in the day had caused a temporary breakdown in communications across the continent. DefCon 1 was initiated at 0800 hours, Eastern Time and during the day, as US forces are mobilizing, a series of disturbing reports and rumors made their way up the chain of command. Reports of Soviet paratroopers and airborne landings around the Rocky Mountains are continuing, however these reports have yet to be confirmed entirely. It has been confirmed that a number of US Air Force and US Army installations in the Mid-West and Texas, primarily USAF bases, have suffered sabotage, mortar and raids by non-uniformed but well trained Hispanic soldiers or commandos of some type. As the afternoon wore on it was evident that the biggest blow had yet to fall. Something big was in the works, the unknowns being Where it would take place, in what form, and when. Unknown to US intelligence at the time, the main effort was coming from the south. At 1600 hours, 7 September the lead elements of the Cuban and Nicaraguan 2nd Shock Army began crossing the Texas/Mexico frontier. America's southern border, long considered its Achilles heel, was being violently exploited.*
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Scenario Briefing: The first Communist division to cross the Rio Grande was the Nicaraguan 301st Motor Rifle Division. 2nd Shock Army's intelligence has been unable to determine the specific strength and disposition of US forces in the immediate border area. Given the chaos and confusion facing the US military today, it is not believed that the thin screen of Texas National Guard armored cavalry protecting th border has been reinforced yet. Nevertheless, no chances will be taken. 2nd Shock Army has allocated heavy artillery,air support, and air defense assets to the first echelon divisions. The American forces opposing you are not heavy in numbers and belong to the state militia. Do not let this fact lull you into a false sense of complacency. American reservists are well trained and highly motivated. Now they are defending their homes and families so expect stiff resistance.*
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Objectives: You are in command of the first battalion slated to cross the Rio Grande. This will be a war of maneuver. Speed and shock are the keys to victory. Follow on forces are relying on your unit to secure the initial toe hold on US soil.    1.Get your units across the river and preserve the structural integrity of the bridges in your sector for as long as possible.  2. Secure the border crossing points, crossroads, and key geographical points on the map. 3. Engage and destroy all US forces encountered in the area. Clear the roads and surrounding high ground and overlook positions of all enemy units.*
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NOTE:  If played against the AI, this scenario should be played with the human player as the Nicaraguans, even though the 1st player slot is occupied by the US*
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Designed by:  Mike Cuozzo.*
Amishmike@aol.com**