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com
a force on force companion

OSPREY
PUBLISHING

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4 Scenario 15: Cojone Eh 77
Scenario 16: The Defense of Objective Curly 81
THE ROAD TO BAGHDAD: AN 5
UNPRECEDENTED JOURNEY THE QUIET MEN: SPECIAL 86
OPERATIONS ENGAGEMENTS
MARCHING UP-COUNTRY WITH 16
THE USMC Scenario 17: Sprint 86
Scenario 1: The Crown Jewel 16 Scenario 18: Objective Badger 90
Scenario 2: Umm Qasr 20 Scenario 19: Debecka Crossroads 94
Scenario 3: CAAT Fight Near An Nasiriya 24 SAMPLE ORGANIZATIONS 99
Scenario 4: The Railroad Bridge 29 United Kingdom 99
Scenario 5: Ambush Alley 33 British Army 99
Scenario 6: The Alamo 38 British Royal Marines 100
Scenario 7: The Afak Drill 43 United States of America 100
Scenario 8: JAG Ambush! 49
United States Marine Corps (USMC) 100
Scenario 9: Al Kut 52
US Army 101
Scenario 10: The Footbridge 57
The Iraqi Military and Paramilitary 102
THE ARMORED SPEARHEAD: 63 Iraqi Regular Army 103
WITH THE US ARMY IN IRAQ Iraqi Republican Guard 103
Scenario 11: The Hornet’s Nest 63 Iraqi Paramilitary Organizations 103
Scenario 12: That Ain’t No Hill for a Stepper 65
BIBLIOGRAPHY 103
Scenario 13: Medal of Honor 69
Scenario 14: Thunder Run on Highway 8 72 INDEX 104

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 INTRODUCTION
Road to Baghdad, the first companion book for Force on  Chris Sebolt and Jerry Lanigan compiled the
Force, is somewhat of a “coming home” project. Our original drafts of eight of the scenarios presented
original rule set, Ambush Alley was written specifically to in Marching Up-Country with the USMC. We’re
evoke the frantic clashes between well trained, extremely grateful to Chris and Jerry for providing
technologically superior troops and highly motivated, the solid foundation upon which we built our
poorly trained and equipped insurgents that characterized versions of these excellent scenarios.
most of the engagements during the “march up-country”  Leigh Neville and Jim Wonacott revised the
to Baghdad. As a result, you’ll find more “asymmetric” Sebolt/Lanigan scenarios and contributed their
scenarios in this book than you’ll see in many others. own scenarios as well. Leigh and Jim have left their
It is our intent in this book to provide wargamers stamp of military knowledge and scenario design
with a glimpse into the Coalition operations that struck excellence all over this project.
Saddam Hussein’s regime like a thunderbolt and whet  Jim Roots (The Other Jim) contributed a concise
your appetites for further research into this brief but and incisive historical treatment of the events
fascinating chapter in military history. Within these leading to the fall of Baghdad which can be
pages you’ll find a selection of scenarios representative found in The Road to Baghdad: An Unprecedented
of the actions that characterized Operation Cobra II up Journey.
until the fall of Baghdad, along with organization  Thanks also to Matt from Elheim Miniatures,
guidelines for the forces involved in the conflict and Shaun from S&S Models, Eric Hotz of Hotz
write-ups for the vehicles they operated – basically ArtWorks, and Brian from TheHobbyDen for
everything you need to bring this theater to your their assistance in making the miniatures photos
tabletop! in this book possible!
This book owes its existence to the talent and
diligence of several authors, whom we’d like to recognize We hope you enjoy Road to Baghdad as much as we’ve
for their specific contributions. enjoyed bringing it to you!

Ambush Alley Games

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 THE ROAD TO BAGHDAD: AN
UNPRECEDENTED JOURNEY
The road to Baghdad traversed twenty-one days of A PRELUDE TO WAR
unprecedented military accomplishments. Arguably, the There were many pretexts for the United States to invade
road represents the most rapid advance in the history of Iraq with the goal of taking Baghdad and bringing down
warfare. Littered along that road are many tales of the government of Saddam Hussein. Unfinished
courage, some of which are recreated in this book; but business from the Gulf War, alleged weapons of mass
just as many tales of indecision, unexpected occurrences destruction (WMDs), oppression of the Iraqi people,
and tragedy. It was a war of maneuver punctuated with defiance of UN and US ultimatums...the list goes on.
sharp, fierce fights that ended as quickly as they began. Many of these casus belli are still hotly debated. The fact
It was a war of brutal city fighting and sieges unplanned of the matter is that a predominantly US force, assisted
for by the US-led coalition. It was a war of imbalance, by the British and other NATO nations, invaded Iraq on
with the defenders greatly outnumbering the attackers, March 19, 2003.
who also had to contend with an accelerated timetable The US Congress authorized President Bush to use
for their ground action. military force against Iraq in October 2002. The military
For many Americans, the Iraq War was a war in their buildup had already begun prior to that date, however.
living rooms. It was a war of words and speculation. It US and British aircraft began systematically bombing air
was not the casualty lists or canned footage of Vietnam, defense sites in the no-fly zones established after the
but live images courtesy of embedded news crews Gulf War earlier in the year. CIA Special Activities
featuring tanks and APCs rolling across the desert, Division (SAD) teams
interrupted by the constant commentary of pundits were operating in
ranging from retired generals to largely uninformed the northern
media celebrities. part of
Finally, the
war along
the road to
Baghdad ended Saddam
Hussein’s regime, but was largely
ignored by most Iraqis. The best
summary may be John Keegan’s
decision to call the war “mysterious in
almost every aspect.”1
HH-60L Medevac
1 John Keegan, The Iraq War, p.2. Vintage Books, ©2005 Helicopter, Iraq, 2003

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Iraq as early as July 2002 with assistance from the Army’s forces could be concentrated against a few likely invasion
10th Special Forces Group (10th SFG). routes. Franks’ initial plan called for a two-pronged
General Tommy Franks was chosen to command attack featuring the 4th Infantry Division staging in
the invasion. A Vietnam veteran, a key strategist of the Turkey and attacking Baghdad from the north with
Gulf War and fresh from success in Afghanistan where the coup de main starting from Kuwait and attacking
he used special operations forces to topple the Taliban, from the south. This had the advantage of tying down
he seemed the perfect choice. His objectives were the significant Iraqi forces away from the main thrust. The
capture of the Iraqi oil infrastructure intact; discovery plan had to be abandoned when Turkey announced its
and neutralization of WMDs; and the capture unwillingness to be used as a staging area for either air
of Baghdad. or ground assets, despite its membership in NATO.
Franks was not in favor of a massive buildup as seen Franks needed another plan to tie down the Iraqis.
in the previous Gulf War. He intended to achieve
operational surprise against the Iraqi military by FRANKS’ PLAN: COBRA II
striking more quickly than General Schwarzkopf. His
experience in commanding integrated air and special
“Let me begin by saying that this will be a
forces assets in Afghanistan led him to believe that
campaign unlike any other in history, a campaign
economy of force and integration between the different
characterized by shock, by surprise, by the
combat arms, supplemented by special forces, could
employment of precise munitions on a scale never
best achieve his objectives.
seen, and by the application of overwhelming force.”
US CENTCOM felt that the current geopolitical
- Gen. Tommy Franks, 22 March 2003,
situation eliminated Saudi Arabia as a staging area, a
CentCom daily briefing
luxury they’d enjoyed in the first Gulf War. This
meant that Iraqi

Franks and CENTCOM’s final operational plan,

codenamed Cobra II, kept the main southern thrust
intact. Wanting to avoid the obvious assault route into
Iraq, the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers,
Franks elected for his main force, the US Fifth Corps,
spearheaded by the 3rd Infantry Division, to swing around
the main occupied areas and attack Baghdad from west of
the Euphrates. The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1st
in MEF) was to feint to the east, then drive alongside Fifth
ips orbit
M C A H -1 gunsh h c ol u mn Corps to the east of the Euphrates, protecting the flank
US Britis
c h a s a t he berm –
overwat p as s t hrough of the invasion. 1st MEF was to keep pace with the Army
s to
prepare l Moore
o b y Michae units and to avoid urban engagements in the inhabited
Phot
regions between the Tigris and Euphrates. Paralleling the

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 The Road to Baghdad: an Unprecedented Journey

advance of 1st MEF was another Marine unit, Task Force 1st Marine Expeditionary Force
Tarawa, which was given the mission of protecting  1st Marine Division
the eastern flank of the Marines. A secondary thrust by  Task Force Tarawa (elements from 1st and 2nd
the 1st MEF was planned toward the ports of Umm Qasr Marine Division)
and Basra, featuring the US 15th Marine Expeditionary  1st UK Armored Division
Unit, the British 1st UK Armored Division and other  Royal Marine Commando Brigade
coalition forces. This action was designed to secure the  British 16th Air Assault Brigade
vital oil and harbor facilities in the area.
The second part of Franks’ plans involved special Special Operations Forces
operations forces in the north and west of Iraq. In the  5th Special Forces Group (southern and western Iraq)
north, CIA Special Activities Division (SAD) teams and  10th Special Forces Group (northern Iraq)
SOF worked with Kurdish irregulars to tie down Iraqi  3rd Special Forces Group (northern Iraq)
forces. In the west, SOF teams went “scud hunting” to  Joint Special Operations Command (Task Force 20)
prohibit Iraqi retaliatory strikes toward Coalition- (western Iraq)
friendly nations.  British, Australian, Polish contingents (western
The plan made the best use of available forces and southern Iraq)
and hinged upon combined arms, not only of
air/artillery/ground/armor assets within services, but Iraqi Forces
inter-service and inter-nation coordinated planning Information about the Iraqi forces is less available and
and execution. less reliable. Many of their units disintegrated at first
contact with Coalition forces. The following is their
HIGH LEVEL ORDERS OF Order of Battle just before the war.
BATTLE
Unlike the Gulf War, the Coalition this time around was
predominantly comprised of US forces. Many nations,
including NATO members, did not support the invasion
and refused to provide military support. Participating
nations included Australia, Denmark, Poland, Portugal,
Spain and the United Kingdom.

Coalition Forces
US Fifth Corps
 3rd Infantry Division (mechanized)
 101st Airborne British
convoy
 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne by Eric ent
Emerson ering Iraq – pho
 4th Infantry Division to

 173rd Airborne Brigade

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Republican Guard
Northern Corps
 2nd Al Medina Armored Division
 5th Baghdad Mechanized Division
 7th Adnan Infantry Division

Southern Corps
 Al Naida Infantry Division
 6th Nebuchadnezzer Mechanized Division
British
Challen
before e gers “bo
mbing up
 1st Hammurabi Infantry Division Michael
ntering
Iraq. – p ”
Moore hoto by

Miscellaneous
 As Saiqa Special Forces Division (3+ brigades) 5th Corps (near Mosul)
 Special Republican Guard (4 brigades)  1st Mechanized Division
 4th Infantry Division
Regular Army  7th Infantry Division
1st Corps (centered near Kirkuk)  16th Infantry Division
 5th Mechanized Division
 2nd Infantry Division Western Desert Force
 8th Infantry Division  Miscellaneous mixed armored and infantry units
 38th Infantry Division operating in Western Iraq

2nd Corps (near Diyala) Fedayeen

 3rd Armored Division  Largely Sunni and Ba’ath party irregular forces
 15th Infantry Division from Iraq, supplemented by Syrian and Egyptian
 34th Infantry Division sympathizers

3rd Corps (An Nasiriya) AN ACCELERATED TIMETABLE

 6th Armored Division Forces were still in route to Iraq, particularly the
 51st Mechanized Division 4th Infantry Division once Turkey denied it a base of
 11th Infantry Division operations, when the timetable for invasion was moved
up. It had always been a part of Franks’ strategy to move
4th Corps (Amara) with fewer forces and more speed than the past Gulf
 10th Armored Division War. Prior campaigns were preceded by long periods of
 14th Infantry Division aerial bombardment. Franks wanted a short, intensive
 18th Infantry Division air campaign followed by a lightning ground campaign
to achieve tactical, even operational surprise. Even

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 The Road to Baghdad: an Unprecedented Journey

Franks’ definition of “short” was challenged by the

Dora Farms
marching orders that came from Washington following
The “Decapitation Strike” against “Rocket One”
the March 19 “decapitation strike” that went awry.
(as Hussein was dubbed by the USAF) was
CIA sources inside Iraq supposedly determined the
meant to end the war before it had begun.
location of high-level Iraqi officials, including Saddam
Instead, the combined F-117 and Tomahawk
Hussein, and President Bush seized the opportunity to
strike struck an empty field at Dora Farms, a
launch a crippling blow against the Iraqi leadership.
retreat which Iraqi insiders stated that Hussein
Two F-117s delivered four precision-guidance bombs
had not visited in eight years.
and six ships launched more than forty cruise missiles
The end result of the attack shouldn’t detract
against an underground bunker in Baghdad where
from the herculean efforts required to bring the
Saddam and his leadership were allegedly meeting. The strike to bear, however. Despite communications
information proved incorrect, and the Iraqis quickly failures and overwhelming logistics hurdles,
used the failed strike as an opportunity to heat up the the USAF and USN was able to coordinate
propaganda war and to launch a retaliatory SCUD a combined attack with a startlingly short
strike against Coalition forces in Kuwait (to no effect). lead-time. The craters at Dora Farms prove that,
In the aftermath of the failed attack, Franks got word to with accurate intelligence, devastatingly effective
set the invasion in motion. strikes can be orchestrated within a tactically
meaningful time-frame.
THE INITIAL CLASHES:
MARCH 20–21
Fifth Corps, with the 3rd Infantry Division in the van, operations featuring the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
crossed the border and began its western sweep toward and British Royal Marine Commandos began against the
Baghdad. Resistance was light, with many Iraqi Al Faw peninsula to secure oil fields and ultimately
formations simply disintegrating or surrendering en capture Umm Qasr and Basra.
masse to the advancing Americans. The main elements of Umm Qasr was the first determined resistance of the
the 1st MEF also advanced into Iraq, while amphibious campaign. US Marines initially captured the port
facilities on March 21 (see Scenario 2: Umm Qasr), but
it would take several more days of intensive action by
allied troops to secure the town from Iraqi troops.
A special job was
given to the 1st
Battalion, 7th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division; the
capture of the pumping station at
the Rumaila oil fields (see Scenario 1:

Challenger 2 MBT, Basra, 2003

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

equipment, exchanging them for civilian garb. The

1st MEF experienced the same mass surrenders during
its initial advance. By the end of the day on March 22,
lead elements of Fifth Corps were 150 miles inside Iraq,
almost exactly halfway to Baghdad (see Scenario 11:
The Hornet’s Nest).
Keeping the troops supplied in the field was no small
feat, and one of the greatest achievements of the war
was the performance of US logistics. US columns on the
th EUSOC march would halt at predetermined checkpoints and
r o m t h e 15 M
US Mar
ines f m Qasr suddenly be swarmed by resupply vehicles and in a matter
f ig h tin g at Um
he
during t of an hour or two, be on their way again. Huge credit goes
The Crown Jewel). This assault to US planning and GPS navigation. But sometimes
was designed to preserve the critical oil infrastructure of things don’t go as intended. The unfortunate fate of the
Iraq, since more than 50% of the country’s oil flowed 507th Maintenance Battalion is a prime example.
through this facility. During the advance to Baghdad, the three columns
The 1st UK Armored Division reached the outskirts of of Fifth Corps, 1st MEF and Task Force Tarawa
Basra and cordoned off the city, but allowed civilians to converged near Nasiriya. This city was a major crossing
leave. The British met stiff resistance from Iraqi regulars over the Euphrates and home to the Iraqi 11th Infantry
and the Fedayeen under the command of Ali Hassan Al Division. Pre-war planning called for the Marines of
Majid, one of Saddam’s chief lieutenants and better known Task Force Tarawa to seize only eastern portions of the
as “Chemical Ali.” The British pace of operations led to city and its bridges in order to secure convoy routes.
criticism from US commanders, since the Coalition plan In hindsight, the plan seems implausible, since any
of attack was based on speed to keep the enemy off convoys attempting to pass through An Nasiriya would
balance. The British, however, were determined to be subject to harassing fire. In fact, the route through
minimize casualties for a war that was unpopular at home. the city was already nicknamed “Ambush Alley” by
Basra would become a major battleground over the next Marine planners. But the mood in US CENTCOM
two weeks. was optimistic; intelligence indicated that the Iraqi
11th Division had withdrawn and only light resistance
A RAPID ADVANCE AND A was expected. Orders to Task Force Tarawa were to move
WRONG TURN: MARCH 22–23 on their objective quickly.
The thrust by US Fifth Corps was far more rapid than On the morning of March 23, a convoy of the
anyone anticipated. Many Iraqi units stationed in 507th Maintenance Battalion, moving to resupply the US
its path simply disappeared, either through covert 3rd Infantry Division, took a wrong turn and headed for
negotiations with the Iraqi commanders prior to the eastern bridge in An Nasiriya. The column was shot
hostilities, through fear or through lack of support. up badly, with nine killed and six captured, including
Many soldiers simply threw away their uniforms and Jessica Lynch. Task Force Tarawa, already planning to

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 The Road to Baghdad: an Unprecedented Journey

assault the eastern bridge, quickly sent its 1st Battalion,

2nd Marines to the rescue of the 507th’s ambushed column
(see Scenario 3: CAAT Fight Near Nasiriya).
What the Marines discovered in An Nasiriya was
that the city was anything but unoccupied. Buses, cars,
taxis and motorcycles full of Fedayeen fighters,
comprised of Iraqis, Syrians, Egyptians, Palestinians and
even Chechens, desiring to test their mettle against the
Americans, arrived in An Nasiriya in droves. Task Force
Tarawa’s lead elements found themselves in a battle they Iraqi Ho
spital f
Lynch w rom whic
hadn’t planned (see Scenario 4: The Railroad Bridge). as rescu h Jessic
a
Emerson ed – pho
to by Er
ic
AMBUSH ALLEY: MARCH 23
Compounding matters, Task Force Tarawa went north of the canal,
into action piecemeal and with poor coordination. mistakenly directed A-10s to strafe Charlie
A Company of 1/2 Marines seized the eastern bridge. Company’s vehicles north of the canal. Several passes later,
But B Company passed through them, then took a multiple AAVPs were damaged and one destroyed, with
wrong side road and found itself first in a firefight, six Marines killed due to friendly fire (see Scenario 5:
then stuck in place as several of its vehicles became Ambush Alley).
bogged in mud and refuse. C, or “Charlie” Company With casualties mounting and no MEDEVAC
took up the advance to the Saddam Canal bridge possible due to the Iraqi/Fedayeen fire, Charlie
through Ambush Alley. Company decided to send six of its AAVPs back down
In perhaps the most famous ground action of the Ambush Alley to help. On the way, it staggered into
war, Charlie Company advanced over the bridge, but an another Fedayeen ambush, losing two AAVPs destroyed
RPG hit one of its AAVP personnel carriers (“Tuna and two more severely damaged. Many of the Marines
Boats” in Marine slang). The vehicle managed to cross were killed or wounded. South of the bridge, some of
the bridge, but its exterior gear was on fire and its these beleaguered Charlie Company survivors holed
loading ramp was jammed. Marines were jumping out up in a building dubbed “The Alamo” (see Scenario 6:
of the escape hatches. There were still wounded Marines The Alamo). Described by many survivors as another
inside. Charlie Company now found itself straddling Mogadishu, the Marines held off numerous assaults until
the canal, with seven AAVPs on the north side of the finally relieved by an Abrams and two Humvees after
canal and four on the other, taking fire from Fedayeen several hours of isolation.
and Iraqi mortars. Other actions were conducted by Task Force Tarawa
Yet more tragedy was to come, largely caused by to get forces moving toward Al Kut, and An Nasiriya was
malfunctioning radios, poor inter-unit communications eventually surrounded by the task force to cut off outside
and bad radio discipline in the battalion net. A Marine reinforcements, but it would be April before the town
forward air controller, believing there to be no Marines was fully pacified.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

BUMPS ON THE ROAD TO storm of its kind in over 100 years, with 50-mile-an-hour
BAGHDAD: MARCH 23–27 winds. It slowed down the advancing troops and imposed
While Task Force Tarawa was heavily engaged at An an operational pause on the Coalition.
Nasiriya, the Coalition was experiencing other difficulties. By this time, it was also becoming apparent that the
The British had laid siege to Basra, but during this period regular Iraqi army was not willing to fight. While the
in time, refused to engage the Iraqi forces in the city majority of the Republican Guard still lay ahead of
other than small raids by the SAS and Royal Marines. the paths of Fifth Corps and 1st MEF, and was still a major
The British instead waited out the Iraqis and laid the operational consideration, the real enemies were the
intelligence groundwork for later action. Some elements groups of Fedayeen. In a foreshadowing of the insurgency
of the media chose to point to this as a stalemate and to come, small units of fanatical irregulars were attacking
lumped it together with An Nasiriya as evidence that the both Coalition front line troops and logistics columns.
war was not going as well as planned. In the interest of security, more urban actions were
Meanwhile the US 3rd Infantry Division was on the necessary along convoy routes than initially planned.
outskirts of Najaf. It was here that the 11th Helicopter
Regiment, operating in support of the 3rd ID attempted GETTING READY: MARCH 26–30
to engage the Al Medina Armored Division of the A crucial meeting took place on March 26 at 1st MEF’s
Republican Guard with a massed attack by 32 Apache headquarters. The American top commanders flew in for
helicopters. A combination of bad weather, poor a conference to determine the next steps on the road to
communications and surprisingly intense ground fire Baghdad. The Coalition forces were facing several major
resulted in the loss of one Apache and significant issues. First, supply was getting critical for 3rd Infantry
damage to many others. Division and supply routes were still uncertain given the
The weather, too, decided to add impediments to the situation at An Nasiriya. Second, too much combat
Iraqi battlefield. On March 25 an intense sandstorm arose, power of 3rd Infantry Division, 1st MEF and Task Force
followed by torrential rains. Some observers said Tarawa was getting tied up in secondary actions at places
it was the worst like An Nasiriya, Samawa and Najaf. The decision was
made to employ 82nd and 101st Airborne troops to secure
the route between An Nasiriya and Najaf, allowing
3rd Infantry Division to gather its strength and push
forward to the Karbala Gap, its final objective before the
assault on Baghdad proper.
Following the main actions at An Nasiriya, the
Marines raced to get into position astride Fifth Corps for
the final push to Baghdad. Eager to press on, 1st MEF and
across Task Force Tarawa seize objective after objective, pausing
sweeps
l ” d u s t-storm neither for the sandstorm, traditional resupply (on one
a
A “Sham ape
h e Ir a q i landsc occasion the Marines arrange to have C-130s land on
t
Route 1 with 5,000 gallon containers of fuel) nor Iraqi

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 The Road to Baghdad: an Unprecedented Journey

settlements. Commencing with the town of Afak on

March 29, the Marines invented “the Afak drill,” whereby
they approach a town with overwhelming firepower to
its front and pinned defenders in place, while tanks and
infantry envelop the flanks (see Scenario 7: The Afak
Drill). The tactic worked so well it became standard
procedure for the rest of the march to Baghdad.
Meanwhile in northern Iraq, the 173rd Airborne
Brigade and the 10th Special Forces Group were causing
havoc for the Iraqis. Working with Kurdish Peshmerga Abrams
tanks ad
(‘those who face death’), these units managed to tie desert.
– photo
vance ac
ross th
by Micha e
down the Iraqi 5th Corps and keep it from moving el Moor
e
against the Coalition advance toward Baghdad.
The inexorable advance of the 1st MEFs regimental Iraqis ability to resist, although not
combat teams (RCTs) convinced Iraqi commanders that without meeting stiff resistance from the Iraqi regulars
the main assault against Baghdad was to come from the and irregulars under siege. One notable action took
south, the traditional route of attack (see Scenario 9: Al place on March 27, when 14 Challenger II tanks of the
Kut). The Marines had other plans. They feinted north, Royal Scots Guard Dragoons, part of the 7th Armored
then swung due east, crossed the Euphrates and Brigade (the famed Desert Rats) met and destroyed
approached Baghdad from the southeast. 14 Iraqi tanks in the largest British tank battle since
Fifth Corps also staged a number of deceptions which World War II.
kept Iraqi leadership unsure about the direction of its On April 6 the British stormed the remainder of the
main effort. Two Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) of 3rd city, ending the battle for Basra.
Infantry Division, with 7th Cavalry in the lead, attacked
through to the Karbala Gap. The remainder of the OPERATIONS IN THE WESTERN
division, along with the 101st, made demonstration DESERT
attacks to keep the Iraqis guessing about what was going Just as in the Gulf War, Special Forces teams from the
to happen next. US, Britain and Australia operated in Iraq’s western
desert to interdict the flow of foreign aid and
MEANWHILE, IN BASRA manpower to Iraq as well as locate launch sites and
While the Fifth Corps and 1st MEF moved against potential sites of WMDs. These included elements of
Baghdad, the British were not idle in the south. The the 5th Special Forces Group, JSOC’s Task Force 20,
British Royal Marine Commando Brigade remained to Australian SASR and UK 22SAS and SBS. Iraq still had
hold Umm Qasr and the Al Faw peninsula, giving the a large number of SCUD launchers capable of hitting
job of isolating and clearing the city of Basra to the 1st Coalition forces and friendly nations. Thanks to the
UK Armored Division. Seizing control of all routes successes of these teams, the SCUD threat was
into the city, the British methodically shut down the practically non-existent.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

SADDAM – MAKE THAT BAGHDAD

– INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
With the attention of the Iraqi leadership focused on
1st MEF and 5th Corps diversions, the main body of
3rd Infantry Division fought through the Karbala Gap
on April 1 and April 2. Helped by Special Forces and
close air support, the leading elements crossed the
Euphrates north of Karbala and assaulted the remnants
of the Republican Guard Medina Division. A major hole
l
was now open in the Iraqi lines. Desperate to repulse y Michae
a c k ! – photo b
is B
the Americans, the Iraqi leadership hurled repeated The Rat
Mo o r e
assaults at the bridgehead by Fedayeen to no avail.
On April 4, 3rd Infantry’s 1st Brigade engaged defenders Honor) in perhaps the heaviest
at the Saddam International Airport during several action of the war. Following the end of the war, the
hours of fierce fighting (see Scenario 13: Medal of airport was renamed Baghdad International Airport.

Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle, Al Faw Peninsula, 2003

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 The Road to Baghdad: an Unprecedented Journey

THUNDER RUNS: APRIL 5 AND 7 from the start of the occupation, signs that things weren’t
Many Iraqi commanders later admitted that the fall of going to be easy began to appear. Looting was rampant
the airport was the last truly organized resistance prior throughout Baghdad, not just of Saddam’s palaces
to the fall of Baghdad. However, that did not mean there and possessions, but of Iraqi cultural treasures. The
were not significant forces and skirmishes to come. With infrastructure of the city, not well maintained by Saddam
the airport in Coalition hands, 3rd Infantry Division during his reign, crumbled under the additional stresses
decided to test the remaining Baghdad defenses with a of war and occupation. More significantly, many
reconnaissance in force by a task force of its 2nd Brigade. political leaders, including Saddam himself, fled the city
The term “Thunder Run” was coined to describe the to either go into hiding or become members of the
activity. Advancing from the south on April 5, the task nascent insurgency.
force met with little organized resistance, although there The Coalition’s quick victory would be rewarded with
were a few intense firefights along the way. Based on the seven years of counter-insurgency efforts and nation
success of the first Thunder Run, a second one set out building before a new Iraq was deemed ready to take
on April 7 comprised of the entirety of 2nd Brigade. responsibility for its own governance and security. Only
It succeeded in reaching the government district of time will tell how much longer Coalition involvement
the capital and capturing what is today called the will be required to see Iraq transition from despotic
Green Zone. dictatorship to a fully functioning democracy.
That same day Marines crossed the Diyala River into
the southern part of the capital (see Scenario 10:
The Footbridge) and elements of 3rd Infantry Division
captured one of Saddam’s palaces and the Coalition
called upon the Iraqis to surrender.

THE FALL OF BAGHDAD AND

THE END OF THE ROAD
Coalition forces formally occupied Baghdad on April 9,
concluding an amazing 21 days of combat operations.
A CSAR
The road to Baghdad ended in a Coalition military flight o
ver occu
pied Baghda
victory. But the path to peace was just beginning. Almost d

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 MARCHING UP-COUNTRY
WITH THE USMC
SCENARIO 1: THE CROWN JEWEL to secure the station itself by coup de main. Unfortunately,
Az Zubayr, March 21 the number and quality of defenders were unknown.
The 1st Battalion 7th Marines was handed a critical mission
early in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The pumping station at
Az Zubayr receives oil from throughout the Rumaila oil
fields for storage or transport to the al Faw Peninsula. The
destruction of this station, responsible for over $40 million
in oil per day, would cripple recovery efforts and potentially
lead to an environmental disaster of massive proportions.
Rather than hand the operation to SOF, the Marine
battalion was tasked with securing it and surrounding
storage units. Two squads of carefully trained Marines were

Historical Outcome
The reality of the battle for the Crown Jewel was
much less dramatic than the scenario presented
here. The Marines encountered no resistance
at Az Zubayr, finding the facility guarded by a
lone elderly watchman and a number of civilian Scenario Information
workers who surrendered immediately. The only
Duration of Game: 6 Turns
other “inhabitant” of the Crown Jewel was an
Initiative: USMC has Initiative for duration of game
unfortunate technician who had been beheaded
Special Conditions:
by Ba’ath officials before they fled the site to
 Fedayeen are Irregulars
discourage cooperation with Coalition forces.
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
The Marines then called in both British Army
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
reservists who were oil technology experts in
Special Assets:
their civilian life and the CIA recruited Iraqis
USMC: 1 x AH-1W Whisky Cobra available on-station
to assess the limited damage the Ba’ath Party
in direct support from Turn 2. Use standard FOF air
members had inflicted. The Crown Jewel had
been captured intact with no Coalition losses. rules with a TQ roll each turn to keep it on the table,
otherwise called away to another tasking or gone
Winchester/Bingo in ordnance/fuel state.

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Table Size: 2’ x 2’ USMC Force

 Note that the pump houses are 6” behind the main USMC Basic Attributes
building. Initiative Level: N/A
Confidence Level: High
USMC Mission Supply Level: Normal
Marine Corporal Ferkovich is Force Commander for Body Armor: Standard (1D)
this mission. Your squad is charged with breaching the Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10
security fence surrounding the facility and neutralizing
all threats to your Marines and to the facility’s function. USMC Rifle Squad One (Equipped with Breaching Kit)
Maps of the area have been provided by intelligence, but 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 (Cpl. Ferkovich)
little concrete information is available regarding enemy
strength and disposition. Intel reports do cite recent Fire Team One Alpha
movement of Fedayeen Saddam and Ba’athist elements 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
near the facility. Their activities, numbers and weapons 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
are unknown at this time. The Crown Jewel must be 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
seized intact to allow Coalition experts to assess any 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
damage caused to the pumping station.
Fire Team One Bravo
USMC Victory Points 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
 Seize the pumping turbines at Az Zubayr before 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
they can be destroyed by Iraqi forces: 5pts 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 No KIA or POW Marines at end of Turn 6: 3pts 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Charlie

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

Iraqi Mission
Saddam Hussein knew he could not ultimately foil the
Amtrac Coalition’s campaign to topple his regime so he laid
a d v a nce with
US Mar
ine s plans to create difficult post-war conditions in the
T P -7 )
(A A V country. This included scuttling as much infrastructure
as possible, including crippling the oil industry and

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

forcing upon the Coalition a huge, and lengthy, repair. determines the LONE asset available. Unless noted
Coupled with fledgling plans for an insurgency, it might below, forces must set up inside the admin building.
make the Coalition’s efforts in Iraq too costly in terms 1–3 One armed civilian guard (TQ D6, Morale D6)
of both blood and treasure, forcing their withdrawal and w/AK; 5 x Fedayeen w/AK (enter anywhere along
Saddam’s eventual restoration to power. At Az Zubayr north edge on Turn 1 in SUV – de-bus as per APC);
oil is stored in holding tanks or transferred through 1 x SPG-9 recoilless rifle (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(M);
a pumping station to the Al Faw Peninsula. Damage w/3 x Fedayeen crew (located in the Palm Grove)
or destruction of the pumping station would cripple 4 Iraqi Army Infantry Conscript Rifle Section (TQ
recovery efforts. D6, Morale D6 with Ba’ath Party Official re-roll) –
Use the random forces that are available to damage 1 x Leader w/AK, 7 x AK, 1 x RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0),
the facility and bloody the Marine attackers. 1 x RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) deployed on table in
the Admin building
Iraqi Victory Points 5 Saddam Fedayeen Cell (TQ D6, Morale D10) – 1 x
 Damage one pumping facility with explosives: 5pts Leader, 5 x AK, 1 x RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0), 1 x RPG
(two damaged: 10pts) (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) (enter anywhere along north
 Per Marine killed: 3pts edge on Turn 1 on foot)
 Per Marine seriously wounded: 1pt 6 Iraqi Army Infantry Regular Rifle Section (TQ D6,
 Per Enemy Vehicle Immobilized: 2pts Morale D8 plus Ba’ath Party re-roll) – 1 x Leader
 Per Enemy Vehicle Destroyed: 3pts w/AK, 7 x AK, 1 x RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0), 1 x RPG
(Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) deployed on table in the
Iraqi Force Admin building
Iraqi Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: N/A Special Rules
Confidence Level: Confident Sabotaging the Turbines
Supply Level: Normal Any Iraqi figure (except the civilian guard)
Body Armor: N/A may attempt
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10

Ba’ath Party Death Squad

1 x Ba’ath Party Official w/AK
5x Saddam Fedayeen w/AK
1 x Saddam Fedayeen w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Transport – an SUV parked near the
administrative building
US Mar
ines tak
AAVTP-7 e cover
track behind a
The Iraqi commander suffers from a lack of combat
assets. Roll 1D6 and consult the chart below. Your roll

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

USMC AH-1W Super Cobra in Iraq, 2003 Ba’ath Party Re-roll

While the Ba’ath Party leader is alive and on table, the
to set a crude explosive charge in one of the pumping conscript or regular Iraqi troops may re-roll any failed
stations. Each turn that a figure or unit remains in one morale rolls once per turn due to the institutional fear of
of the two pump houses, stationary and not engaging in the Ba’ath death squads. The Fedayeen do not receive
any offensive or defensive actions (including reactions this re-roll.
in Rounds of Fire), and unaffected by an adverse morale
result (non-Shaken), the Iraqi player may make a TQ Cobras!
check. If passed, the explosives are set to detonate in On Turn 3 onward, the Marine commander may attempt
three turns unless disarmed by any Marine remaining to call in the orbiting AH-1W “Whisky” Cobra to
stationary in the pumping station for one turn by provide close air support. Use standard TAC rules to
passing a TQ check. resolve. The Cobra cannot fire upon targets in either
pump house due to fear of destroying them.
Breaching
Marines must breach the external fence or the locked
gate to gain entry. The AAV can be used to mechanically
breach an entry point or the riflemen may set a small
breaching charge (C4 or simply det-cord) by spending a
turn within 1” of the wire or gate. On the next turn, the
Marine player must roll a successful TQ roll to ensure
the charge detonates and the breach is accomplished.
If successful, the Marines can move and fire through the
breach on that turn as desired. If the TQ roll is failed,
the Marines may re-try each turn until accomplished
(Marines may react to Rounds of Fire but not initiate d
ngagin g groun
offensive fires while laying the charge). Cobra e
A USMC
targets

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads near the harbor, a patrol got into a small firefight that
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular quickly became an intense gun battle as Marines sought to
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. surround and eliminate the enemy threat.
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
indicates an AT RPG. Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Buildings Initiative: USMC has Initiative for duration of game
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. Special Conditions:
They have not been reinforced.  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
Engagement.
Optional Rules  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
Optional Forces Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
The following optional forces are provided to add to Table Size: 2’ x 2’
replay value of this scenario- these forces are completely
hypothetical however could have plausibly deployed in USMC Mission
defense of the pumping station. If the T-55 and BMPs are Fanatical Saddam Fedayeen militias have been bottled up
rolled add a Weapons Team of two Marines with M16A2s near the port facility. A sizeable force of these irregulars
and a Javelin ATGM to the Marine starting forces. has taken up positions in and around a key administrative
building. They must be eliminated quickly to allow the
Roll 1D6 port facility to be secured. It is vital that logistics materials
1–4 1 x T-55 Tank (stats as Iraqi regulars above) begin flowing into Umm Qasr as quickly as possible, but
enters from anywhere along north edge on Turn 2
5–6 1 x T-55 AND 2 x BMP-1s each mounting six
Iraqi regular infantry (stats as Iraqi regulars above) enter Historical Outcome
anywhere along north edge on Turn 3 Iraqi resistance was so heavy that Javelin anti-
tank teams and M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks
SCENARIO 2: UMM QASR eventually joined the fight to support the Marine
Umm Qasr, March 22 grunts. The Javelins contributed significantly but
Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special the tanks drew such a heavy barrage of RPG fire
Operations Capable) entered the port city of Umm Qasr that they were forced to pull back. Ultimately,
after British Royal Marine Commando units passed Coalition strike aircraft appeared overhead and
through at the start of combat operations. The Marines the Marine riflemen eased back to watch the
were to secure the port facilities for the arrival of effect of the airstrikes. After two JDAMs were
humanitarian aid. Iraqi resistance was initially light, but dropped, resistance crumbled and the Marines
stiffened considerably on the second day of operations. were able to police up a number of prisoners.
March 22 dawned with Marine patrols working to locate In the intense fighting, one Marine was killed.
Fedayeen forces in the city. At an administration building

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Supply Level: Normal

Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10

USMC Rifle Squad One

1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2

Fire Team One Alpha

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Bravo

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Charlie

USMC casualties and damage to the harbor facilities must 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
be kept to an absolute minimum. Armored support is 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
inbound however most of the coming battle will be fought 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
by the Marine rifleman. 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
USMC forces deploy from the western table edge on
first turn.

USMC Victory Points

 Per Fedayeen Cell rendered combat ineffective
(all KIA or WIA): 2pts
 No Fedayeen left on board at end of Turn 8: 3pts
 No infrastructure damage caused: 3pts

USMC Force
US Mar
ines clo
USMC Basic Attributes Umm Qa se with
Fedayee
sr n at
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

USMC M240G Weapons Team

1 x Gunner w/M240G (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
1 x Assistant Gunner w/M16A2

USMC Tank Element (Arrives on Turn 4)

1 x M1A1 HA MBT (starts game un-buttoned)

Iraqi Mission
Iraqi forces in Umm Qasr were initially surprised by the
British Royal Marine Commandos passing through the
city, but became better organized and were able to put
US Marines using cargo container for up some stiffer resistance when Marines of 15th MEU
cover and concealment. (Photo by Piers (SOC) later entered the city to secure the harbor
Brand, figures by Elheim Miniatures)
facilities. The Iraqi leadership was fully aware of the
value in giving the Coalition a bloody nose in one of the
USMC Rifle Squad Two first cities entered and deployed a significant number of
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 Uday Hussein’s paramilitary irregulars, the Saddam
Fedayeen, in Umm Qasr.
Fire Team Two Alpha One such force operated out of an administration
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 building close to the port facilities, directly threatening
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) the security of a port vital to flow of logistics to Coalition
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) forces. Fedayeen fighters were prepared to sell their lives
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 in a tough battle with Marines and proved it in the fight
that followed. The administration building must be held
Fire Team Two Bravo at all costs. A Fedayeen presence there prevents the
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 invaders from using the harbor to their full advantage.
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team Two Charlie

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
USMC M
1-A1 MB
T

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Iraqi forces may deploy anywhere within the area Fedayeen Cell 2
circled on the map and are considered Hidden until they 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
fire or are Spotted by USMC elements. They must deploy 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
at least one cell in the administration building. 3 x Irregulars w/AK

Iraqi Victory Points Fedayeen Cell 3

 Per Marine killed: 3pts 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
 Per Marine seriously wounded: 1pt 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
 Per Enemy Vehicle Immobilized: 2pts 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 Per Enemy Vehicle Destroyed: 3pts 4 x Irregulars w/AK
 Any Fedayeen left on board at end of Turn 8: 3pts
Fedayeen Cell 4
Iraqi Force 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Iraqi Basic Attributes 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med.
Initiative Level: N/A AP:2/AT:1(M)
Confidence Level: High 4 x Irregulars w/AK
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: N/A Fedayeen Cell 5
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10 1 x Fedayeen leader
w/AK
Fedayeen Cell 1 1 x Gunner w/RPG
2 x Fedayeen leader w/AK (Med.
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) AP:2/AT:1(M)
6 x Irregulars w/AK 1 x Gunner w/PKM
(Med. AP:2/AT:0)
5 x Irregulars w/AK

Fedayeen DShK HMG

(Dushka)
3 x Crew w/AK
1 x DShK HMG
(Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L)

USMC Fireteam, Umm Qasr, Iraq. (Photo by

Piers Brand, figures by Elheim Miniatures) US Marine, Iraq, 2003

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Special Rules SCENARIO 3: CAAT FIGHT NEAR

Check Your Fire! AN NASIRIYA
Any fire from any US weapon system heavier than a Near An Nasiriya, March 23
40mm grenade (weapons such as the M203, Abrams .50 The 1st Battalion of the 2nd Marine Regiment (1/2) was
or COAX MG) towards the harbor edge of the table has tasked to secure the Euphrates River and Saddam Canal
a chance to damage or destroy harbor infrastructure. bridges on An Nasiriya’s east side. Seizure of these bridges
Each time such a weapon is fired towards the harbor would provide the 1st Marine Regiment Combat Team
edge the firing unit must make a Troop Quality check to (RCT-1) with a more direct drive to Baghdad rather than
avoid causing such collateral damage to infrastructure. following RCT-5 and RCT-7’s route to the south west.
If the check is failed, the harbor has been damaged With Combined Anti-Armor Teams (CAAT) screening
and the Iraqi force receives 3 Victory Points each time their advance, 1/2 Marines drove on towards the bridges
this occurs. with the M1A1s of Team Tank in support. As the CAAT
entered the outskirts of An Nasiriya, the HMMWVs
Berms and In Cover came under fire from machine gun and mortar positions
Both the berm at the edge of the raised road running and numerous black-clad Fedayeen fighters.
north to south (6” in from table edge on a 4x4) and the
opposite raised railroad provide an In Cover bonus
(+1d) for any deployed forces on the side facing the Historical Outcome
respective board edge. The firepower of the CAATs and Team Tank
were simply too much for the defenders who put
Buildings up a brief but heavy fight. The departure of
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. Team Tank to rescue survivors of the ill-fated
They have not been reinforced. Army 507th Maintenance Company gave the
Iraqis heart, but Marine riflemen of Bravo
Anti-Tank RPG Warheads Company dismounted from their Amtracs and
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular overran them, allowing the CAATs to continue
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. their advance toward the bridges.
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
indicates an AT RPG.
Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: USMC for first two turns
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen are Irregulars
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
Table Size: 3’ x 6’

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Nasiriya
as seen
Canal B from th
ridge – e Sadda
photo b m
y Eric E
merson

USMC Force
USMC Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10

USMC Rifle Platoon

Platoon HQ (mounted in AAV with Squad One)
1 x Lieutenant w/M16A2 (Platoon leader)
1 x “Gunny” Sergeant w/M16A2 (Platoon Sergeant)
1 x RTO w/M16A2
1 x Navy Corpsman w/M16A2
USMC Mission
Advance towards An Nasiriya and neutralize any
significant enemy forces that might hinder the drive for
the critical bridges there. The Marines deploy with the
CAAT in the lead followed by the armor of Team Tank
and finally the riflemen in their AAVs.

USMC Victory Points

 Each M1A1 tank that exits north table edge: 3pts
 Each CAAT HMMWV or AAV that exits north
e
table edge: 2pts T Humve
ic a l U S MC CAA
A typ
 No USMC KIA or POW at end of Turn 8: 5pts

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Fire Team One Charlie

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second AAV)

1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2

Fire Team Two Alpha

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team Two Bravo

A CAAT Team Humvee puts paid to an Iraqi T-
55 MBT. (Photo by Piers Brand, T-55 by 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Britannia Models, Humvee by Dragon Models) 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Rifle Squad One 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
Fire Team Two Charlie
Fire Team One Alpha 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Bravo

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
utside
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 k in g u p dust o
k ic
AVTP-7
USMC A
iy a
An Nasir

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) USMC, An Nasiriyah, 2003

1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 Iraqi Mission
An Nasiriya was a focal point of Saddam’s early planning
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac for the defense of Iraq. He knew that Coalition forces
would have to accomplish toppling his regime as rapidly
USMC CAAT Team as possible before either a UN resolution or increasing
1 x HMMWV w/TOW Launcher (SACLOS casualties forced the Coalition to cease their offensive.
launcher, Hvy. Support, AP:4/AT:4(H), negates However if he were to use natural obstacles to his
ERA) benefit, he could lengthen the war and work at
1 x HMMWV w/M2HB .50 (Hvy. AP:4/AT:1(L) undermining Coalition or UN resolve.
In order to lengthen the conflict, he placed large
USMC ‘Team Tank’ Element numbers of Saddam Fedayeen and foreign fighters near
2 x M1A1 MBT An Nasiriya to bolster the defenses of the Iraqi

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

11th Division. Their defense was centered around two

bridges spanning the Euphrates River and the Saddam
Canal on the east side of An Nasiriya. The bridges
served as a natural choke point and the soft ground
around them might provide a natural defense.
Therefore, a stiff defense near and at the bridges could
produce a major Coalition setback.
Iraqi forces must defend the approaches to the
bridges at An Nasiriya. Attack the Marines as they
advance down the highway and prevent them from
getting to the bridges. Iraqi Republican Guard pass a disabled
“Shilka” ADA vehicle. (Photo by Piers Brand,
figures by Elheim Miniatures, Shilka by
Iraqi Victory Points S&S Models)
 No M1A1 tanks exit north board edge: 3pts
 Per Marine killed: 3pts Body Armor: N/A
 Per Marine seriously wounded: 1pt Troop Quality/Morale: Varies by Unit – See below.
 Per Enemy Vehicle Immobilized: 2pts
 Per Enemy Vehicle Destroyed: 3pts Under Strength Iraqi Regular Army Platoon
 At least one Iraqi unit remains on board (TQ/Morale: D6/D8) (may deploy in any of the
unpinned/un-pulled back at end of Turn 8: 5pts buildings or trench lines marked on the map)
1 x Iraqi Army 11th Infantry Regular Officer w/AK
Iraqi Force
Iraqi Attributes Infantry Section One
Initiative Level: D6 6 x riflemen w/AKs
Confidence Level: Confident 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Supply Level: Normal 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

Infantry Section Two

4 x riflemen w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

Infantry Section Three

4 x riflemen w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
MBT 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
oy ed M1A1
A destr

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Iraqi Regular Army PKM GPMG Team Rescue the 507th

(TQ/Morale: D6/D8 – no Weapons Team bonus) The two M1A1 tanks from Team Tank depart on Turn 4
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0) to attempt to rescue the survivors from the ambushed
1 x Assistant gunner w/AK Army logistics convoy. The tanks advance at maximum
speed toward the north edge of the table engaging any
Iraqi Regular Army Medium Mortar Team targets as they leave but not slowing down- their priority
(TQ/Morale D6/D8 – no Weapons Team bonus) is to reach the 507th, not getting into protracted contacts
(may deploy in any of the palm groves marked on the with Iraqi defenders.
map)
1 x 82mm Medium Mortar Buildings
3 x Mortar Crew w/AKs All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover.
They have not been reinforced.
Saddam Fedayeen (may deploy in any of the palm
groves marked on the map) Anti-Tank RPG Warheads
Fedayeen Cell One (TQ/Morale D6/D10) Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK (TQ/Morale D6/D12) forces, a roll of 4-6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
6 x Irregulars w/AKs AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5-6
2 x Gunners w/RPGs (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) indicates an AT RPG.

Fedayeen Cell Two (TQ/Morale D6/D10) Optional Rules

1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK (TQ/Morale D6/D12) Optional Forces
5 x Irregulars w/AKs The following optional forces are provided to add to
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) replay value of this scenario.
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Roll 1D6
Fedayeen Cell Three (TQ/Morale D6/D10) 1–3: 2 x T-55 tanks enter north edge of board on
1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK (TQ/Morale D6/D12) Turn 2 (TQ/Morale D8/D8)
5 x Irregulars w/AKs 4–6: 2 x Fedayeen units (equipped as per Cell One
1 x Gunner w/RPD (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) above) enter from anywhere along the western board
2 x Gunners w/RPGs (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) edge on Turn 3.

Special Rules SCENARIO 4: THE RAILROAD

Trenches and palm groves BRIDGE
The Iraqi trenches count as Improved Cover (+2d) and Outside An Nasiriya, March 23
the palm groves provide a Solid Cover (+1d) cover Despite some resistance on the southeastern outskirts of
bonus as long as fighters are within 2” of a palm. the city, SSgt Schielein’s CAAT, followed by the lead
elements of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment continued

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to close in on the Euphrates River Bridge. Pushing up the

highway, CAAT came upon a railroad line with a bridge
allowing the highway to cross over it. Everything seemed
pretty quiet as CAAT prepared to pass over the bridge…

Historical Outcome
SSgt Schielein halted the CAAT on top of the
railroad bridge to scan the area. This proved
a fortuitous pause as they immediately spotted
and engaged a number of Iraqi T-55’s in
prepared positions. The CAAT TOW gunners
successfully destroyed all the Iraqi armor in
minutes. Marine infantry dismounted and
cleared out the Iraqi infantry emplaced in the
palm groves and scattered buildings on the
northern side of the railroad line.

Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: USMC retains initiative until a vehicle is
destroyed or immobilized. Begin testing on the next turn.
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen are Irregulars
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
Table Size: 3’ x 4’ USMC Victory Points
 Each Coalition vehicle that exits north table edge:
USMC Mission 5pts
Continue pushing towards the bridges at An Nasiriya and  Each T-55 destroyed: 3pts
silence any threats to the safety of the column. Cobra  No USMC KIA/POW at end of Turn 8: 3pts
gunships are in support and have reported engaging
enemy armor. Coalition forces deploy in column on the USMC Force
highway with only the CAAT deploying within 6” of the USMC Basic Attributes
southern board edge in Turn 1. The AAVs follow and Initiative Level: D8
deploy in Turn 2 with their infantry cargo. Confidence Level: Confident

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Supply Level: Normal Fire Team Two Alpha

Body Armor: Standard (1D) 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Rifle Platoon 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Platoon HQ (mounted in AAV with Squad One)
1 x Lieutenant w/M16A2 (Platoon leader) Fire Team Two Bravo
1 x Staff Sergeant w/M16A2 (Platoon Sergeant) 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x RTO w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Navy Corpsman w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
USMC Rifle Squad One
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 Fire Team Two Charlie
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Fire Team One Alpha 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

Fire Team One Bravo USMC CAAT Team

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 2 x HMMWV w/TOW Launcher (SACLOS
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) launcher, Hvy. Support, AP:4/AT:4(H), negates
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) ERA)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 2 x HMMWV w/M2HB .50 (Hvy. AP:4/AT:1(L)

Fire Team One Charlie Both M2-armed HMMWVs carry a Javelin ATGM
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 team along with the driver and gunner:
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/Javelin ATGM (Fire & Forget
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 Launcher, Hvy. AP:4/AT:4, always hits deck armor)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac
Iraqi Mission
USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second Marine units are known to be somewhere to the south of
AAV) the city, but no word has come from outer defenses
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 about any enemy activity. It is thought that some fire was

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Iraqi Regular Army Platoon

(TQ/Morale: D6/D8 – may deploy in any of the palm
groves north of the railroad or revetments unoccupied
by tanks marked on the map)
1 x Iraqi Army 11th Infantry Regular Officer w/AK

Infantry Section One

6 x riflemen w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
V
T HMMW 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
-ar mo red” CAA
An “up

heard further south earlier in Infantry Section Two

the day. Regardless, a series of ambush positions have 6 x riflemen w/AKs
been prepared to greet the invaders with a hail of lead. 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Iraqi armor, infantry and irregular Fedayeen units are 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
dug in and ready to deliver a staggering blow to the
Iraqi Republican Guard T-55 MBTs on the
Marines as they close in on the bridges spanning the move. (Photo by Piers Brand, figures by
Euphrates River and Saddam Canal and halt their Britannia Models)
advance on An Nasiriya.

Iraqi Victory Points

 Each T-55 not destroyed at the end of Turn 8: 3pts
 At least two Iraqi units remain on board
unpinned/un-pulled back at end of Turn 8: 3pts
 Per Marine killed: 3pts
 Per Marine seriously wounded: 1pt
 Per Enemy Vehicle Immobilized: 2pts
 Per Enemy Vehicle Destroyed: 3pts

Iraqi Force
Iraqi Attributes
Initiative Level: D6
Confidence Level: Confident
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: N/A
Troop Quality/Morale: Varies by Unit – see below and
use Asymmetric Command rules for the Fedayeen.

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Infantry Section Three Fedayeen Recoilless Rifle

6 x riflemen w/AKs (must deploy Hidden in the palm grove west of the
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) buildings)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
2 x Crew w/AK
Iraqi Regular Army PKM Teams 1 x SPG-9 73mm Recoilless Rifle (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(L)
(TQ/Morale: D6/D8- no Weapons Team bonus – may
deploy in any of the palm groves north of the Tank Platoon (TQ/Morale D6/D8)
railroad or revetments unoccupied by tanks marked Two tanks may start the game under the north side of
on the map) the railroad bridge or in the armor revetments marked
PKM Team One on the map. The remainder of the tanks must begin
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0) the game placed in the revetments.
1 x Assistant gunner w/AK 4 x T-55 Tanks

PKM Team Two Special Rules

1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0) Revetments, buildings and palm
1 x Assistant gunner w/AK groves
The Iraqi revetments count as Improved Cover (+2D) and
Fedayeen the palm groves provide a Solid Cover (+1D) cover bonus
(TQ/Morale D6/D10 – may deploy Hidden in any of as long as fighters are within 2” of a palm.
the buildings)
Fedayeen Cell One Buildings
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover.
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) They have not been reinforced.
6 x Irregulars w/AK
Anti-Tank RPG Warheads
Fedayeen Cell Two Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK forces, a roll of 4-6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
2 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5-6
3 x Irregulars w/AK indicates an AT RPG.

Fedayeen Cell Three

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK SCENARIO 5: AMBUSH ALLEY
2 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) An Nasiriya, March 23
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) After crossing the Southern Euphrates Bridge, Charlie
4 x Irregulars w/AK Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines advanced toward their
next objective, the Northern Saddam Canal Bridge. Their

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

This scenario has been reduced in size for game-play

and simulates the lead elements of Charlie Company
entering Ambush Alley.

Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 6 Turns
Initiative: USMC has Initiative for duration of game
Special Conditions:
dug  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
hastily
a q i T -5 5 tank in Engagement.
Ir
nt
revetme  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
tank support reluctantly were Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
forced to stop at the Euphrates as they feared the bridge Table Size: 2’ x 3’
would not support the seventy ton M1A1s and they
wanted to ensure Charlie Company in their Amtracs
crossed safely before attempting the crossing. Charlie
Company passed through Alpha Company’s bridgehead
position on the northern bank and advanced toward the
Northern Saddam Canal, straight down the infamous
4.6km main supply route which would become known as
Ambush Alley.

Historical Outcome
As Charlie Company left the dismounted Alpha,
they were engaged immediately by heavy small
arms and RPG fire from Saddam Fedayeen
hidden in buildings on either side of the four-
lane Ambush Alley. The company managed to
punch through, losing an AAV in the process
and finally crossing the Northern Saddam Canal
Bridge where they stopped and awaited their
tank support. Tragically, they were mistakenly
engaged by a pair of Air National Guard A-10
Warthogs, killing a number of Marines and
destroying several AAVs.

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

USMC Mission Fire Team One Charlie

Charlie Company must advance through Ambush Alley 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
and reach the Northern Saddam Canal Bridge. You must 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
attempt to reach the Bridge with minimal casualties and 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
loss of Marine vehicles while avoiding getting caught in 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Ambush Alley.
All Marine vehicles enter the board directly into 1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac
Ambush Alley in Turn 1.
USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second AAV)
USMC Victory Points 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
 Each Coalition vehicle that exits north table edge:
5pts Fire Team Two Alpha
 No USMC KIA/POW at end of Turn 6: 3pts 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Force 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Basic Attributes 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: Confident Fire Team Two Bravo
Supply Level: Normal 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Body Armor: Standard (1D) 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
USMC Rifle Squad One (mounted in first AAV)
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
US Marines clear an alley in Nasiriya.
(Photo by Justin Powles, figures by
Fire Team One Alpha
Peter Pig)
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Bravo

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

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Fire Team Two Charlie Iraqi Victory Points

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 Per Marine killed: 3pts
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Per Marine seriously wounded: 1pt
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Per Enemy Vehicle Immobilized: 2pts
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 Per Enemy Vehicle Destroyed: 3pts

1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac Iraqi Force

Iraqi Basic Attributes
USMC Rifle Squad Three (mounted in third AAV) Initiative Level: D6
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 Confidence Level: Confident
Supply Level: Normal
Fire Team Three Alpha Body Armor: N/A
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Initial Fedayeen Force
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 (TQ/Morale D6/D10 – all deploy initially Hidden in
any building)
Fire Team Three Bravo Fedayeen Cell One
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 4 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Fedayeen Cell Two
Fire Team Three Charlie 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 4 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 Fedayeen Cell Three
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Iraqi Mission 5 x Irregulars w/AK
The Saddam Fedayeen must attempt to stop the
Americans reaching the Northern Saddam Canal Bridge Fedayeen Cell Four
which will allow them a straight run north toward the 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
capital. Disable their vehicles and force them to call off 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
their advance. 6 x Irregulars w/AK

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Fedayeen Cell Five

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
4 x Irregulars w/AK

Reinforcements
On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements
automatically arrive for the Saddam Fedayeen and may
be placed up to 6” from a random board edge (roll 1D6, Iraqi Fedayeen in infamous “Vader” helmets.
(Photo by Piers Brand, figures by Elheim
1–3 West, 4–6 East). Miniatures)

REINFORCEMENT TABLE Out of Contact Movement

Roll 1D10: The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
1. 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK
Blue on blue!
4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
2. On Turns 4 and 5, there is a chance of a blue on blue
Gunner w/Med. Support
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular engagement of the Marines by a pair of orbiting A-10
3.
w/AK Warthog ground attack aircraft. At the end of each turn,
4. 1 x SVD Dragunov sniper, 1 x Irregular w/AK roll a D8 TQ check. If failed, an A-10 will strafe a random
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0), 1 x
5. AAV with its 30mm cannon (AP:6/AT:4(M) vs. Deck).
Irregular w/AK
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and 1 x
If the TQ check is failed on both turns, one of the A-10s
6.
spotter with AK will launch a Maverick ATGM (AP:4/AT:5(H) vs. Deck)
7.
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x against a random AAV at the beginning of Turn 6.
Gunner w/Med. Support
If all US units are off-board by the beginning of
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
8. Turns 4, 5, or 6, then no Blue on Blue attack is resolved
Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
1 x DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) with for that turn.
9.
3 x crew
Off Table 82mm Medium Mortar Barrage An Iraqi regular army sniper team scrambles
10.
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type: to find a good shooting position. (Photo by
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type: Piers Brand, figures by Elheim Miniatures)
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

Special Rules
Buildings
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover.
They have not been reinforced.

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Mortars meant a run back through Ambush Alley. Before the

On Turns 5 and 6, a battery of off-board 60mm mortars column reached Alpha Company lines, Iraqi RPGs hit
may be used in support of Charlie Company. Use several Amtracs, disabling one. The Marines bailed out
standard mortar rules (AP:3/AT:0 (3” radius). and sheltered in a 2-story house while the remainder of
Remember to account for Danger Close fires. the column managed to withdraw relatively unscathed. For
the next three hours, these 25 Marines conducted a
Marine Counter Battery modern day “Rorke’s Drift”, reminiscent of the plight of
The Marines have access to off-table counter battery Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu in 1993.
radar and supporting artillery. Apply the Counter
Battery rules as described in Force on Force.

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
indicates an AT RPG.

Optional Rules
Ambient Fire
As per the Ambient Fire rules against helicopters, you may
introduce Ambient Fire against each element in the
Charlie Company advance to simulate the relentless fire
encountered in Ambush Alley. Each turn, the Iraqi player
may roll a 3D8 attack against each vehicle and dismounted
infantry element on the board – this simulates both small
arms and RPG fire – in addition to all normal firing. This
can prove to be quite lethal and is only recommended once Scenario Information
you have played the basic scenario at least once. Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: US for duration of game
SCENARIO 6: THE ALAMO Special Conditions:
An Nasiriya, March 23  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines attack on the Engagement.
Saddam Canal Bridge met stiff resistance. Mounting  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
casualties required urgent medical evacuation however the Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
HLZs for the medevac helicopters were under heavy Iraqi Table Size: 2’ x 2’
fire. A ground evacuation with five Amtracs was organized  1–4: Fedayeen Cells
to move the Marine casualties back through the city. This  Alamo: Location of US Marines

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

USMC Mission
Your unit is cut off and must await rescue in a house near
the disabled Amtrac. The Amtrac hit by hostile fire rests in
the street outside the house. You must keep from being
overrun and prevent Iraqi forces from looting the Amtrac
while working to keep any seriously wounded personnel
alive. Additionally, you must recover ammunition from
the vehicle as you are exhausting the basic load carried by
the Marine riflemen.

Marines take to the rooftops to secure

USMC Victory Points their strongpoint. (Photo by Justin Powles,
 Prevent AAV being looted: 2pts figures by Peter Pig)
 Prevent Alamo from being overrun (no
Iraqis inside the strongpoint at any 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
point during the game): 3pts 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
 USMC successfully exfiltrate with
relief force by end of Turn 8: Fire Team One Bravo
5pts 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Force 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
USMC Basic Attributes 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: Confident Fire Team One Charlie
Supply Level: Normal till Turn 5, 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
then Poor 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Body Armor: Standard (1D) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

USMC Survivors USMC Rifle Squad Two

USMC Rifle Squad One 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
Fire Team Two Alpha
Fire Team One Alpha 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
US Infantryman, Baghdad, 2004

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Iraqi Mission 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

Iraqi forces must overrun the Marines, loot the Amtrac and 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
prevent the Marines’ escape. Each objective accomplished 5 x Irregulars w/AK
is more propaganda for the network news and Al Jazeera.
Fresh fighters will join the attack continuously. It is only a Fedayeen Cell Four
matter of time until the Marines are overrun! 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Iraqi Victory Points 6 x Irregulars w/AK
 Overrun the Marine position by having at least one
Iraqi unit enter the building while it is occupied: 3pts Reinforcements
 Kill, wound or capture all Marines in the Alamo: On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements
5pts automatically arrive for the Saddam Fedayeen and may
 Kill or capture a Marine: 1pt be placed up to 6” from a random board edge (roll 1D6,
 Loot the AAV: 2pts 1–2 North, 3–4 East, 5–6 West). The southern table edge
 Each vehicle disabled/destroyed: 2pts is assumed to be held by nearby Marines.

Iraqi Force REINFORCEMENT TABLE

Iraqi Basic Attributes Roll 1D10:
Initiative Level: D6 (all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
Confidence Level: Confident 1. 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK
Supply Level: Normal 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
2.
Gunner w/Med. Support
Body Armor: N/A
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10 3.
w/AK
1 x SVD Dragunov sniper, 1 x Irregular
4.
Initial Fedayeen Force w/AK

Fedayeen Cell One 1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0), 1 x

5.
Irregular w/AK
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 6.
1 x spotter with AK
5 x Irregulars w/AK 6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
7.
Gunner w/Med. Support

Fedayeen Cell Two 6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x

8.
Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) with 3
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 9.
x crew
4 x Irregulars w/AK 10. Off Table 82mm Medium Mortar Barrage
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
Fedayeen Cell Three
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK 5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Special Rules USMC Reinforcements:

The Alamo On Turn 2, a lone, and very lost, AAVTP-7 drives across
Deploy the Marines in the Alamo building or within 6 the east/west road, engaging all targets that fire upon it
inches of its walls. The Alamo is a walled compound or are obviously armed. It does not see the Marines in
style house with a ground and upper floor with flat roofs the Alamo, nor will it stop for any reason, and continues
and parapets for cover. The Alamo building is at full speed until it exits the board.
considered Improved Cover (+2D) for purposes of On Turn 4 one M1A1 Abrams, nicknamed ‘The Black
cover, and 8D8 for building destruction tests. All other Knight’, drives on from the southern edge at full speed,
buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. They engaging any targets that fire upon it (Reaction Fire) or
have not been reinforced. any obviously armed targets, before stopping directly
outside the gates to the Alamo. The crew volunteers to
US Fireteam, Baghdad, 2004 remove up to four seriously wounded and any KIA.
It takes one fire team, or four Marines made up from
different teams, one full turn to load up to four WIA
and any KIA- this is abstracted to enhance game-play.
The Abrams cannot fire its main gun while it is being
loaded but can engage with coax and TC MGs. If it
is not utilized for casualty evacuation, the M1A1
will retreat off board in the same manner it
entered on Turn 5, firing as it
goes at full speed.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

On Turn 6, four standard HMMWVs, each with two Ammo Anxiety!

crew (driver and gunner), led by Gunnery Sgt Doran Ammunition becomes low on Turn 5. Unless the AAV is
(Positive Leader), appear from the south edge of the raided for more ammunition, all fire teams become
table at speed to rescue the defenders. The HMMWVs Poorly Supplied and lose a FP die until the end of the
mount 2 x M2 .50, 1 x Mk19 and 1 x M240 GPMG – all game.
are standard un-up-armored HMMWVs. Extra ammunition is stored in the disabled AAV. A
Marine fire team that spends one turn in base contact
Fat Loot can return with enough ammunition for the rest of the
An Iraqi unit can loot the AAV by spending an entire Marine force for the remainder of the battle (they may
turn in contact with the vehicle. At the end of the turn, React but not initiate fires while collecting the
make a Troop Quality check for the unit. Add a -1 ammunition). They also collect an operable Javelin CLU
modifier to the die roll if the unit was fired on or launcher with two missiles.
assaulted at any point during the turn. If the Troop
Check is successful, the unit has found useful loot and Tank or Taxi?
gained +2 VP for the Iraqi player. If the Troop Check is Once US forces make base contact with the M1A1, the
unsuccessful, the unit found nothing. It can either move tank cannot engage targets with its main gun due to the
away on its next activation or spend another turn close proximity of infantry and the risk from the
ransacking the AAV. concussion effects of the 120mm. Once casualties are
loaded on to the tank, it cannot fire either its main gun
We Have Casualties! or coax, leaving only the TC and Loader turret MGs to
At the beginning of the first turn, randomly select by fire (with non-buttoned-up crew rules to apply).
die roll five Marines and mark them as lightly wounded. There is a one turn delay for a fire team in base
The fireteams the wounded men belong to suffer the contact with a HMMWV or the M1A1 to load the
Casualties penalty. casualties on to the vehicle.

A Marine Javelin team prepares to engage

the enemy from a rooftop position. (Photo by Scowl for the Camera!
Piers Brand, figures by Elheim Miniatures) An al Jazeera camera man is recording the action. Place
with a random Iraqi unit. Any KIAs, WIAs or prisoners
taken with the camera man in LOS adds an extra VP. If
he is killed by USMC fire, the Marines take a -3 to their
VPs to account for the negative media coverage. Roll a
TQ check when the unit he is attached to is engaged with
a failure indicating he has been hit.

Out of Contact Movement

The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads advance, saturate the area with aimed fire from available
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular assets and envelope from the open flanks. This method
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. became known as “The Afak Drill” (or the “Oh F*ck
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6 Drill” in the laconic humor of the Marine infantryman)
indicates an AT RPG. for its initial trial run at the city of Afak and was pioneered
by Lieutenant Colonel McCoy, battalion commander of
SCENARIO 7: THE AFAK DRILL RCT-7’s 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines.
Afak, March 23 RCT-7’s march north to Baghdad passed through
Marine Commanding General Mattis emphasized speed Afak located on Route 17. The RCT-7 column, led by
and maneuver for the advance on Baghdad. The standard McCoy’s 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, was tasked with
drill practiced by the Marines taking a series of towns and breaking through Iraqi resistance in the town and
cities on the road to Baghdad, was to screen the point of moving on to Al Budayr. Deploying armor in the lead,
highly mobile CAAT teams screening the flanks and
infantry mounted in AAVs following the M1A1s,
McCoy’s Marines advanced on the defenders of Afak.

Historical Outcome
The Afak Drill demonstrated the inability of
Iraqi forces to stand against the well-trained and
coordinated Coalition forces. McCoy established
a base of fire with his Bravo company and tasked
Kilo, and its attached tanks, to roll in from the
western flank. The Fedayeen defenders were
caught completely by surprise and were engaged
and broken by the advancing armor.

Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: US for duration of game
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
Engagement.
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
Table Size: 4’ x 6’

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USMC Mission 1 x Sergeant-Major w/M16A2

The city of Afak must be taken. Per doctrine, part of the 1 x RTO w/M16A2
USMC force is to bring effective suppressive fires from
the front while a maneuver element Abrams tanks with USMC Rifle Squad One (mounted in first AAV)
supporting infantry flanks the position. The town itself 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
has one and two story buildings made of stone and brick.
Dragon Eye drone intelligence confirms few people in Fire Team One Alpha
the streets, but a lot of Fedayeen activity is noted near 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
the Ba’ath Party headquarters. 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Bravo Company elements, as the base of fire, can 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
deploy anywhere along a line 6” from and parallel to the 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
southern edge of the North-South berm outside of Afak.
Kilo Company, with its armor in the lead followed by the Fire Team One Bravo
dismounted infantry, can enter on either the North or 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
South flanks of the berm within 6” in from the table edge 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
and within 6” of the eastern edge of the berm. Kilo 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
deploys on table in Turn 3. 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

USMC Victory Points Fire Team One Charlie

 Exit at least one rifle squad (three fire teams) off 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
the east board edge by end of Turn eight: 5pts 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 Keep Marine casualties (KIA or Serious WIA) to 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
less than 10% of the committed force: 3pts 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

USMC Force 1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

USMC Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8 USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second AAV)
Confidence Level: Confident 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: Standard (1D) Fire Team Two Alpha
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Bravo Company elements 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Battalion HQ 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
(Mounted in HMMWV mounting M2 .50)
1 x Driver w/M16A2 Fire Team Two Bravo
1 x Battalion Commander w/M16A2 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Attached Weapons Squad (mounted in second AAV)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
M240G GPMG Weapon Team
Fire Team Two Charlie 1 x Gunner w/M240G (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 2 x Riflemen w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) SMAW Team
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/SMAW (Med. AP:4/AT:2(H) with +1
Positive Die shift to FP when attempting to destroy
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac a building)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

US Infantry raid a bombmaking facility, Baghdad, 2003

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Kilo Company elements 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

Attached Tank Section 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
2 x M1A1 Abrams 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

USMC Platoon Elements (Dismounted) USMC Rifle Squad Two

USMC Rifle Squad One 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
Fire Team Two Alpha
Fire Team One Alpha 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Fire Team Two Bravo
Fire Team One Bravo 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
Fire Team Two Charlie
Fire Team One Charlie 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
US Marines dismounting from an AAV. 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
(Photo by Piers Brand, figures by Elheim
Miniatures, vehicle by Dragon Models)
Iraqi Mission
US Marines are approaching the weakly held town of
Afak. It is unclear why they have diverted to the east
along Highway 17 but they are approaching the
defenses around the town. Our forces are scrambling
to form a tougher defense to this unexpected avenue of
advance. Moreover, the Iraqi leadership is desperate to
garner a propaganda victory to air on the network
news and are ordering desperate defense to the death
everywhere.
Defend Afak to the death, making it as costly for the
Marines as possible. If a victory cannot be won for the

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Iraqi leadership, at least give them some fodder for the

Information Minister in Baghdad. Fedayeen forces may
be deployed anywhere on the board at least 6” from the
eastern edge of the North-South Berm.

Iraqi Victory Points

 No Marine units exit from East edge of board: 5pts
 Each M1A1 disabled or destroyed: 3pts
 Each AAV disabled or destroyed: 2pts
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or POW: 1pt

Iraqi Force
Iraqi Basic Attributes Fedayeen technicals. (Photo by Piers
Initiative Level: D6 Brand, figures by Elheim Miniatures,
vehicles by S&S Models)
Confidence Level: Confident
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: N/A Fedayeen Cell Two
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Fedayeen/Ba’ath Party Command (TQ/Morale: D6/D12) 5 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1x bodyguard w/AK Fedayeen Cell Three
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Fedayeen Technicals 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Technical mounting a 12.7mm DShK (Hvy. 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
AP:4/AT:1(L) and crewed by driver, passenger, 6 x Irregulars w/AK
gunner and assistant gunner (all with personal AKs)
1 x Technical mounting a 7.62mm PKM (Med. Fedayeen Cell Four
AP:3/AT:0) and crewed by driver, passenger, gunner 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
and assistant gunner (all with personal AKs) 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
6 x Irregulars w/AK
Initial Fedayeen Force
(all deploy initially Hidden in any building) Fedayeen RPG Team One (no weapons team bonus)
Fedayeen Cell One 1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy.
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK AP:3/AT:2(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x Irregular w/AK
6 x Irregulars w/AK

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Fedayeen RPG Team Two (no weapons team bonus) Out of Contact Movement
1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy. The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.
AP:3/AT:2(M)
1 x Irregular w/AK Berms and In Cover
The berm across the center of the board running north to
Reinforcements south provides an In Cover bonus (+1d) for any deployed
On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements forces on the southern side facing away from Afak.
automatically arrive for the Saddam Fedayeen and may
be placed up to 6” from the eastern board edge. Marine Counter Battery
The Marines have access to off-table counter battery
REINFORCEMENT TABLE radar and supporting artillery. On the turn immediately
Roll 1D10: following an off board Iraqi indirect fire mission, the
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
1. 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK Marine player may roll a TQ opposed test against the
4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, TQ of his Iraqi counterpart with a successful roll
2.
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support indicating that counter battery fire has neutralized the
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular Iraqi fire support for the remainder of a game.
3.
w/AK
1 x SVD Dragunov sniper, 1 x Irregular
4. Cobras!
w/AK
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0), On Turn 3 onward, the Marine commander may attempt
5.
1 x Irregular w/AK to call in an orbiting AH-1W Cobra to provide close air
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and support. Use standard TAC rules to resolve.
6.
1 x spotter with AK
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
7.
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
8.
Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
1 x DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) with
9.
3 x crew
10. Off Table 82mm Medium Mortar Barrage
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

Special Rules
ver
Buildings watch o
r C o b ra keeps d
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. A USMC
Sup e
on the g
ro u n
in g Marines
They have not been reinforced. adv a n c

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads reporters by General Mattis, the staff judge advocate
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular and divisional public affairs officer drove toward Az
forces, a roll of 4-6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. Zubayr in a convoy of two unarmed HMMWVs. As
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5-6 they entered the town, a black clad Fedayeen launched
indicates an AT RPG. the first RPG toward the approaching vehicles…

SCENARIO 8: JAG AMBUSH! Scenario Information

Az Zubayr, March 23 Duration of Game: 6 Turns
The tragic deaths of three un-embedded reporters Initiative: US for duration of game
caught in the crossfire between Fedayeen and tankers Special Conditions:
of the 1st Tank Battalion near the town of Az Zubayr  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
led to a little known but intense firefight between Iraqi Engagement.
irregulars and the most unlikely of Marines- a team of  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
legal and public affairs soldiers and their protection Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
team. Tasked with investigating the shooting of the Table Size: 2’ x 3’

Combat at Karbala, 2004

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USMC Force
Historical Outcome
USMC Basic Attributes
The Iraqi militia was surprised by the arrival of
Initiative Level: D8
two unarmed HMMWVs apparently unaware
Confidence Level: Confident
that the town still held Fedayeen defenders. Both
Supply Level: Normal
HMMWVs were engaged by multiple RPGs and
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
small arms fire as they raced through the town.
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10
The Marines returned effective fire but not
before several were wounded. Turning around
USMC Element
in Az Zubayr, the Marines managed to bypass
Alpha One Zero
hastily erected Fedayeen roadblocks and sped
safely back to a nearby British VCP. (Mounted in lead unarmed HMMWV)
1 x Marine Staff Officer w/9mm M9
1 x Driver w/M16A2
USMC Mission 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
The small convoy of HMMWVs must extricate 1 x Marine Staff Officer w/M16A2
themselves from the ambush and escape back the way
they came. Speed and suppressive fire will be the key to
their success. The two HMMWVs begin the game on
the main road into Az Zubayr.

USMC Victory Points

 Escape off-board with both HMMWVs
operational at end of Turn 6: 10pts
 Exfiltrate all Marines, including wounded, off-
board at end of Turn 6: 5pts
 No USMC KIA/POW at end of Turn
6: 3pts

ier
oop carr
rmed Humvee tr
l una
A typica

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Alpha One One 5 x Irregulars w/AK

(Mounted in trail unarmed HMMWV)
1 x Marine Officer w/Mossberg shotgun Fedayeen Cell Three
1 x NCO w/M16A2 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Iraqi Mission 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
The local Fedayeen of Az Zubayr cannot believe the luck 3 x Irregulars w/AK
when look outs reported the two HMMWVs racing
toward their town. Suspecting a trap and wary of Fedayeen Cell Four
American helicopter gunships, the Fedayeen stay 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
concealed until the HMMWVs are about to enter the 5 x Irregulars w/AK
built up area before springing their ambush.
Special Rules
Iraqi Victory Points Buildings
 Destroy a HMMWV: 10pts All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover.
 Immobilize a HMMWV: 5pts They have not been reinforced.
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or captured
Marine: 1pt Out of Contact Movement
The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.
Iraqi Force
Iraqi Basic Attributes Contact, wait out!
Initiative Level: D6 Instead of firing or driving, any one Marine in a
Confidence Level: Confident HMMWV may attempt to raise British forces operating
Supply Level: Normal nearby. Due to the different communications nets in
Body Armor: N/A operation and the need for a message to be relayed, roll
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D12 a TQ check to see if the contact report and request for
assistance is successful. If so, two British WMIK Land
Fedayeen Rovers and two Snatch Land Rovers from the British
1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK QRF will arrive on the main road, at the same entry
point as the Marines, two turns later. They will engage
Fedayeen Cell One any opposition forces in line of sight however will not
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK enter the town until they can establish the location of
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) the Marines. This is accomplished when a USMC leader
3 x Irregulars w/AK figure uses his activation to “pop smoke” or launch a
star-cluster – the figure may not add his Firepower to
Fedayeen Cell Two any attacks or perform any other actions during the
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) activation it pops smoke.

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If the Marines are in line of sight, the WMIKs will Anti-Tank RPG Warheads
provide fire support while two infantry bricks dismount Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
from the Snatches and advance to support the trapped forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
Marines. The British are rated at TQ/Morale D8/D10. AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
The WMIKs each mount a MAG58 GPMG and an M2 indicates an AT RPG.
while the Snatches are unarmed.
SCENARIO 9: AL KUT
Side-arms and Shotguns Al Kut, April 3
Use the rules as detailed in the main rulebook. Shotguns Marine General Mattis wanted to give the Iraqis the
throw an extra die in Close Combat (as do handguns) or impression that the Marines were going to focus on the
within Optimum Range. Beyond Optimum, the FP of the city of Al Kut and fight through the city toward
shotgun is reduced to D6. Side-arms, like the 9mm M9, Baghdad. In fact his plan called for RCT-1 to conduct a
fire at a die shift down within Optimum Range (in this classic pincer movement on Al Kut and effectively fix
case D6) while are completely ineffective beyond Iraqi forces there while elements of RCT-5 and RCT-7
Optimum Range. used the deception, and the shield created by RCT-1, to
assault nearby An Nu’maniyah and seize the bridge
US Navy SEALs, Persian Gulf, 2003
across the Tigris which would give the Marines a straight
run on the capital. If the Iraqi forces could be forced into
the open by the ground assaults, amassed Coalition air
power could destroy them. If they instead chose to fight
to the death, Marine infantry and armor would eliminate
them as a threat.

Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: US begins game with Initiative, test on
following turns.
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen are Irregulars
 Air Defense Environment: Medium Air Defense
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
Table Size: 3’ x 3’

USMC Mission
The USMC force is charged with assaulting and seizing
the buildings surrounding the intersection so that
Marine units can pass through and clear other parts of

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Historical Outcome
The advance towards Baghdad was marked by built into pitched battles as Coalition forces sought
few significant battles and none were larger than to locate, close with and destroy them. Civilians
battalion size. In fact, small bloody firefights were were often used as shields and a disturbingly large
more common with the Iraqis, not surprisingly, number of civilian cars filled with explosives and
taking the lion’s share of the damage. Although driven by foreign fighters attracted by the promise
the Iraqi army was a shell of the one which had of martyrdom were sent hurtling towards Coalition
challenged the Coalition of Desert Storm, there forces. The action portrayed in this scenario should
was an element in Iraqi Freedom missing from serve to demonstrate the fanaticism of some of the
Desert Storm that made it deadlier. opposition Coalition forces faced on the road to
Coalition forces were now confronted by an often Baghdad. While training and proper application
suicidal enemy. They would sell their lives cheaply of firepower often overcame fanaticism, it still led
in a series of hit and run skirmishes that sometimes to some hair-raising engagements.

the city. Once the intersection is secured, attempt to Supply Level: Normal
clear out any other strong-points identified in the area. Body Armor: Standard (1D)
The USMC force deploys on up to a 24” frontage (12” Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10
in either direction from table corner) of the SW corner
of the table. Infantry may begin the game mounted in
their AAV transport or dismounted.

USMC Victory Points

 Clear the buildings overlooking the intersection of
enemy forces and hold these at end of Turn 8: 3pts
per building held
 Clear out all other enemy strong-points in the area:
3pts
 Keep Marine casualties (KIA/Seriously WIA)
under 10%: 3pts

USMC Force
USMC Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

USMC Platoon Fire Team One Charlie

Platoon HQ 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
(Mounted in third AAV with Weapons Squad) 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Platoon Commander w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Platoon (‘Gunny’) Sergeant w/M16A2 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x RTO w/M16A2
1 x ANGLICO FAC w/M16A2 1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

USMC Rifle Squad One (mounted in first AAV) USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second AAV)
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2

Fire Team One Alpha Fire Team Two Alpha

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

Fire Team One Bravo Fire Team Two Bravo

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

US Marines assaulting past a USMC M1A1 Fire Team Two Charlie

into Al Kut. (Photo by Piers Brand, figures
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
by Elheim Miniatures, M1 by Dragon Models)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

Attached Weapons Squad (mounted in third AAV)

1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2

M240G GPMG Weapon Team

1 x Gunner w/M240G (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
2 x Riflemen w/M16A2

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

SMAW Team Iraqi Victory Points

1 x Gunner w/SMAW (Med. AP:4/AT:2(H) with +1  Hold the crossroads and deny it to the Marines by
Positive Die shift to FP when attempting to destroy having forces still in at least one building at end of
a building) Turn 8: 10pts
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2  Hold any other building in the city in order to
deny Marines a sector clear of enemy at end of
Scout Sniper Team Turn 8: 3pts
1 x Sniper w/M40A3  KIA, Serious WIA or captured Marines: 1pt
1 x Spotter w/M16A2
Iraqi Force
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac Iraqi Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D6
Attached Tank Section Confidence Level: Confident
2 x M1A1 Abrams Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: N/A
Iraqi Mission Troop Quality/Morale: Varies. See below.
An Nu’maniyah and Al Kut are refuge to the remnants
of the Republican Guard “Baghdad” Division which is
US Navy SEAL,
positioned to cause harm to the Coalition’s soft under Operation Iraqi
belly, its supply lines. It appeared that the Marines Freedom, 2003
planned to bypass the towns, but now word has been
received that Marines are attacking into Al Kut.
It appears that after the lessons of An Nasiriya the
Coalition will not leave a major force intact behind its
lines of advance. If Iraqi forces can hold out in these
towns, the Coalition will be forced to divert forces to
root them out. This could prove costly in men,
equipment and most importantly, time.
The Iraqi force is charged with taking up a blocking
position at a crossroads in Al Kut. Members of the
Saddam Fedayeen have been assigned to “inspire” the
force, which is battle weary and disheartened. The
crossroad must be held at all costs! All Republican
Guard infantry units must deploy in the buildings
directly adjacent to the intersection. The heavy
weapons, Fedayeen and armor can deploy anywhere
on the board.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

Rifle Squad Two

Fire Team One
6 x Riflemen w/AK

Fire Team Two

2 x Riflemen w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
A Republican Guard T-55 MBT. (Photo by
Piers Brand, figure by Elheim, vehicle by Rifle Squad 3
Britannia)
Fire Team One
6 x Riflemen w/AK
Iraqi Republican Guard (TQ/Morale D6/D8)
Platoon Command Fire Team Two
1 x Iraqi Army RG Officer w/AK (TQ/Morale 2 x Riflemen w/AK
D6/D10) 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x RTO w/AK 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x NCO w/AK
Fedayeen (TQ/Morale D6/D12)
Attached Armor 1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK
2 x T-55 MBTs
2 x BMP-1 APCs Republican Guards meet the invaders on
the outskirts of Al Kut. (Photo by Piers
Brand, figures by Elheim)
SPG-9 73mm Recoilless Rifle Team
1 x Gunner w/SPG-9 Recoilless Rifle (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(L)
2 x Crew w/AKs

Rifle Squad One

Fire Team One
6 x Riflemen w/AK

Fire Team Two

2 x Riflemen w/AK

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Fedayeen Cell One

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5 x Irregulars w/AK

Fedayeen Cell Two

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
4 x Irregulars w/AK

A US Ma
Fedayeen Cell Three gun abo
rine man
s the .5
ard a U 0 calibe
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK helicopt SMC UH
-1N “Hu
r machin
e
er ey”
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
4 x Irregulars w/AK mounted .50
door guns to provide close air support.
Fedayeen RPG Team (no weapons team bonus) Use standard TAC rules to resolve.
1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(M) SCENARIO 10: THE FOOTBRIDGE
1 x Irregular w/AK Diyala River, April 7
With many battles behind them, the Marines of RCT-7
Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device faced one final obstacle at the gates to Baghdad: the
(SVBIED – AP:8/AT:8(H), 8” radius) Tigris River. Kilo Company of 3/7 was assigned to
2 x Soft skin cars or SUVs packed with explosives conduct an opposed assault across a small pedestrian
and driven by foreign volunteers. bridge adjacent to a destroyed road bridge spanning
the Diyala River, a tributary of the Tigris. The
Special Rules footbridge itself had also been damaged by artillery,
Buildings leaving a large hole in the middle of the span. The
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. Marines would have to close the gap prior to storming
They have not been reinforced. the far side. After crossing, the Marines of Kilo
Company would have to spread out and hold the
Out of Contact Movement bridgehead to allow the rest of the 3rd battalion to pass.
The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement. The Marine mission was one for which they had not
traditionally trained– conducting an opposed bridge
Huey! seizure in a major urban center. The action at the foot
On Turn 4 onward, the attached Marine ANGLICO bridge would become one of those events that earn a
may attempt to call in an orbiting UH-1N Huey with place in Marine Corps history.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

the northern bank of the Diyala the end of Turn 8:

Historical Outcome
10pts
The Iraqi defense was not up to the task of
 Each civilian casualty caused by USMC fire: 1pt
holding the Diyala River line. Although the
 Keep Marine casualties (KIA or Serious WIA) to
Marines of Kilo Company had to repair the
bridge under fire and were funneled into what less than 10% of the committed force: 3pts
should have been a killing ground, they suffered
minimal casualties. Several crew served weapons USMC Force
sited to target anyone crossing the bridge, USMC Basic Attributes
including a heavy machine gun and recoilless Initiative Level: D8
rifle were discovered abandoned. The Confidence Level: Confident
destruction of a Marine Amtrac by skillful
Supply Level: Normal
artillery guidance from an Iraqi officer on a cell
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
phone shows the price the Marines might have
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10
had to pay if the defense had been tougher.

USMC Platoon
Scenario Information Platoon HQ
Duration of Game: 8 Turns (Mounted in third AAV with Weapons Squad)
Initiative: US begins game with Initiative, test on
following turns.
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen are Irregulars
 Air Defense Environment: Medium Air Defense
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
Special Assets:
USMC: AH-1W Cobra Gunship
Iraqi Republican Guard: Light Artillery with
Artillery Officer FO
Table Size: 2’ x 3’

USMC Mission
The USMC must force a crossing of the footbridge
spanning the Diyala River, clear the buildings opposite
and establish a protective perimeter so reinforcements
can cross.

USMC Victory Points

 Establish bridgehead with at least one fire team on

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

1 x Platoon Commander w/M16A2 Fire Team Two Bravo

1 x Platoon (‘Gunny’) Sergeant w/M16A2 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x RTO w/M16A2 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x ANGLICO FAC w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
USMC Rifle Squad One (mounted in first AAV)
1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2 Fire Team Two Charlie
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Fire Team One Alpha 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

Fire Team One Bravo Attached Weapons Squad (mounted in third AAV)
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) M240G GPMG Weapon Team
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/M240G (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
2 x Riflemen w/M16A2
Fire Team One Charlie
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2 Javelin Team
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/Javelin ATGM (AP:4/AT:4(H), Deck
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Attack)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2

1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac

USMC Rifle Squad Two (mounted in second AAV)

1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2

Fire Team Two Alpha

1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) US Mar
ine with
M16A2 SMAW l
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 is at his auncher
side . His

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

SMAW Team forces have manned the defenses prepared in advance

1 x Gunner w/SMAW (Med. AP:4/AT:2(H) with +1 of this final encounter. The Republican Guard along
Positive Die shift to FP when attempting to destroy with elements of the Saddam Fedayeen, the Ba’athist
a building) paramilitary forces, foreign Jihadists and the regular
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 army has taken up the scimitar.
The enemy cannot prevail as long as the defensive line
Scout Sniper Team along the river holds. Fortunately, the enemy’s options
1 x Sniper w/M40A3 are limited to a dangerous bridging operation or crossing
1 x Spotter w/M16A2 a narrow footbridge under fire. Artillery and mortars
are pre-registered onto the approaches to both bridges.
1 x AAVTP-7 Amtrac The Republican Guard has hidden armor which may be
available to repel the assault when it comes. In addition,
Iraqi Mission we have great confidence that citizens loyal to the
The forward defenses of the city have been breached and country and to Holy Islam will strike, willing to trade
the response to the call for a popular uprising against the their lives for the defeat of the infidel.
Coalition forces has fallen below expectations. Our loyal Prevent the Marines from gaining a foothold on the
Baghdad side of the river. Fight the enemy on the banks
of the river and slaughter them as they attempt to cross.
US Navy SEAL,
Operation Iraqi Iraqi Victory Points
Freedom, 2003  No Marines north of river at end of game: 10pts
 Each civilian casualty caused by Marine fires: 1pt
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or captured
Marine: 1pt

Iraqi Force
Iraqi Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D6
Confidence Level: Confident
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: N/A
Troop Quality/Morale: Varies. See below:

Iraqi Republican Guard (TQ/Morale D6/D8)

Attached Armor
2 x T-72 MBTs (enter anywhere along northern
table edge on Turn 3)

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 Marching Up-Country with the USMC

Platoon Command Fire Team Two

1 x Iraqi Army RG Officer (Troop Quality/Morale 2 x Riflemen w/AK
D6/D10) w/AK 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x RTO w/AK 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x NCO w/AK
Rifle Squad 3
Forward Observer Fire Team One
1 x Iraqi Army RG Officer Forward Observer 6 x Riflemen w/AK
(Troop Quality/Morale D6/D10) w/AK
Fire Team Two
SPG-9 73mm Recoilless Rifle Team 2 x Riflemen w/AK
1 x Gunner w/SPG-9 Recoilless Rifle (Hvy. 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
AP:3/AT:2(L) 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
2 x Crew w/AKs
Fedayeen (TQ/Morale D6/D12)
SA-7 MANPADS Team (Targets aircraft only) 1 x Fedayeen Leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/SA-7 MANPADS (AA Weapon,
AT:4(H) Fedayeen Cell One
1 x Assistant w/AK 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
DShK HMG Team 5 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Gunner w/DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L)
2 x Crew w/AKs Fedayeen Cell Two
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Rifle Squad One 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Fire Team One 4 x Irregulars w/AK
6 x Riflemen w/AK
Fedayeen Cell Three
Fire Team Two 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
2 x Riflemen w/AK 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 4 x Irregulars w/AK

Rifle Squad Two Fedayeen RPG Team (no weapons team bonus)
Fire Team One 1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy.
6 x Riflemen w/AK AP:3/AT:2(M)
1 x Irregular w/AK

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Special Rules Marine Counter Battery

Road Work The Marines have access to off-table counter battery
One Marine fire team may “fix” the hole in the bridge radar and supporting artillery. On the turn immediately
by remaining stationary to it for one turn and using following an off board Iraqi indirect fire mission, the
planks to drop over the gap. It may only react to fire Marine player may roll a TQ opposed test against the
directed at it that turn and cannot take offensive action. TQ of his Iraqi counterpart with a successful roll
indicating that counter battery fire has neutralized the
Civilians on the Battlefield Iraqi fire support for the remainder of a game.
Place 3 civilian mobs in-between the two central
buildings on the northern side of the bridge. They will Iraqi Light Artillery
move randomly as per the main rules. The Iraqi leaders The Iraqi FO can call on fire support from a battery of
may attempt to convert them into armed hostile mobs off-board light artillery. Use standard artillery rules
per the rules, but only if Marines fire on any building including Danger Close.
with weapons heavier than 7.62mm small arms
(M203/Mk19 40mm and heavier). Cobras!
From the first turn onward, the Marine commander
Buildings and/or his ANGLICO, may attempt to call in an orbiting
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. AH-1W “Whisky” Cobra to provide close air support.
They have not been reinforced. Use standard TAC rules to resolve.

Out of Contact Movement Scowl for the Camera!

The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement. An al Jazeera camera man is recording the action. Place
with a random Iraqi unit. Any KIAs, WIAs or prisoners
taken with the camera man in LOS adds an extra VP. If
he is killed by USMC fire, the Marines take a -3 to their
VPs to account for the negative media coverage. Roll a
TQ check when the unit he is attached to is engaged with
a failure indicating he has been hit.

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
attlefie
ld” forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
e d “empty b in k.
The so -c al l
ne mig ht th AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
emp t y a s o c ern for
isn’t as c on s tant con indicates an AT RPG.
were a
Civilians orces
n f
Coalitio

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 THE ARMORED SPEARHEAD:
WITH THE US ARMY IN IRAQ
SCENARIO 11: THE HORNET’S
NEST
Objective Pistol, Outside As Samawah, March 22
On March 22, 2003, a Hunter Killer Team (HKT) from
C3-7 Cav “Crazy Horse” approached a canal bridge at
Objective Pistol. Based on reports from an SOF unit in
the area, the team expected to be greeted by Iraqi
regulars eager to surrender. Instead, they became
embroiled in a fierce firefight with irregular Saddam
Fedayeen troops. This would be the Cav’s first encounter
with fanatical irregular troops in civilian garb, but it
would be far from their last.

Scenario Information
Duration of Game: 8 Turns
Initiative: US for duration of game
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen and Ba’athist Police are Irregulars – this
is an Asymmetric Engagement. US Army Mission
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense Staff Sergeant Johnson pursued a truck full of armed
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests combatants into the courtyard of a large building complex
Special Assets: with the intent of destroying the vehicle and its occupants.
US Force: Counter Battery (Off Board) Unbeknownst to SSgt. Johnson, the complex housed a
Iraqi Force: Medium Mortars (Off Board) Fedayeen barracks and Ba’athist police headquarters.
Table Size: 3’ x 4’ Johnson’s Bradley weathered multiple waves of assault
 A: Position of SSgt. Johnson’s Bradley Fighting before he and the Abrams MBT accompanying him
Vehicle withdrew to await reinforcements to finish the job they’d
 B: Starting position of M1 Abrams Tank started. They left hundreds of enemy dead behind.
 1: Truck pursued by SSgt. Johnson (Fedayeen Unit 1)
 2–4: Fedayeen Units US Army Victory Points
 H: Reinforcement Entry Point  Bradley remains within courtyard for 4 turns:
10pts

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Iraqi Victory Points

Historical Outcome
 Per Enemy Soldier Seriously Wounded/KIA: 3pts
SSgt. Dillard Johnson’s HKT team pursued a
 Per Enemy Soldier POW: 5pts
fleeing Iraqi army truck into a Fedayeen
 Bradley IFV Immobilized or Destroyed: 5pts
barracks and Ba’athist police compound. A point
 Abrams MBT Immobilized or Destroyed: 10pts
blank battle unfolded which pitted his Bradley
IFVs and Abrams tank against hundreds of
Iraqi Force
Fedayeen armed with small arms and RPGs.
Iraqi Basic Attributes
This battle introduced the US Army to the
Initiative Level: N/A
enemy’s practice of utilizing taxis and
Confidence Level: Confident
ambulances as military personnel carriers and
using civilian residences as fighting positions. Supply Level: Normal
It also erased any illusions that the mass Body Armor: N/A
surrenders that characterized the First Gulf War Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D12
would apply to the new conflict.
SSgt. Dillard was wounded repeatedly in the Fedayeen
engagement but continued to fight until its end. Fedayeen Unit 1
(Loaded in truck at beginning of Turn 1)
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
 Bradley and M1 withdraw from table via marked 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
exit point on map: 5pts. 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
2D6 Riflemen w/AK
US Army Force
US Army Basic Attributes Fedayeen Unit 2
Initiative Level: D8 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Confidence Level: Confident 1 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Supply Level: Normal 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt.AP:1/AT:0)
Body Armor: Standard (1D) 3 x Riflemen w/AK
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10
Fedayeen Unit 3
Element of Crazy Horse Hunter Killer Team 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (with 2 x 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Dismounts w/M4s) 5 x Riflemen w/AK
1 x M1A1 MBT
Fedayeen Unit 4
Iraqi Force Mission 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
US armored vehicles are assaulting us in our own 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
headquarters! Make the invaders pay! 5 x Riflemen w/AK

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Reinforcements SCENARIO 12: THAT AIN’T NO

All other Iraqi forces take the form of reinforcements HILL FOR A STEPPER
that arrive at the beginning of each turn after the first. The Najaf Escarpement, March 23
Roll 2D6 on the Reinforcement Table to determine who On 23 March, 1st BCT passed through 2nd BCT at
arrives. All reinforcements appear at the point marked Objective Rams and began its run on Objective Raiders.
“H” on the map To reach Raiders, 1st BCT had to first assault over the Najaf
Escarpment, a steep, 250 foot tall natural shelf running
east and west between Rams and Raiders. The narrow
REINFORCEMENT TABLE
road leading to the top of the escarpment had a nearly
Die Roll Insurgent Unit 12% grade in places. Waiting at the top of the escarpment
2 1D6 w/Small Arms + 1 w/Lt. Support were a major munitions storage area, emplaced anti-
3 1 w/Med. Support
aircraft positions, and a Fedayeen Saddam training
4 1D6 w/Small Arms & ROLL AGAIN
facility. Iraqi artillery and infantry fighting positions were
5 1 w/Med. Support
6 1D6+2 w/Small Arms dug into the escarpment’s ridge to sweep its approaches,
7 1D6 w/Small Arms + Leader +1 Lt. Support particularly the road. The equivalent of two battalions of
8 1D6+2 w/Small Arms Iraqi regulars and Fedayeen troops stood
9 1D6 w/Small Arms + ROLL AGAIN ready to block any thrust over the
10 1w/Med. Support
escarpment towards Baghdad.
1D6 w/Small Arms + Leader + Med.
11 Breaching this natural fortress
Support
12 2D6 w/Small Arms fell to TF 3-69 AR. Supported
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type: by artillery, air, and a 1000
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
meter smoke-screen, TF
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0) 3-69 reached the top of the
For groups without leaders, roll 1D6. A roll of 1 adds 1 escarpment under a steady
leader to the group.
barrage of mortar and
artillery fire. At the top of the
Special Rules escarpment, US forces split up to
RPG Duds neutralize various enemy threats.
The RPGs used in this engagement were apparently old US forces poured through the
and/or poorly manufactured. Dozens of duds bounced breach en route to other objectives,
harmlessly off the Bradley. To represent this, apply a -1 often fighting their way through
die roll modifier to RPG Firepower dice rolls (i.e, a roll impromptu enemy ambushes.
of 4 would be treated as a 3). Once again, the Iraqis proved
they were willing to stand and
Buildings fight.
All buildings are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid Cover. US Navy SEAL, Operation
They have not been reinforced. Iraqi Freedom, 2003

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

middle of an ongoing ambush at the top of the

Historical Outcome
escarpment. The vehicle’s crew has abandoned it and it
In the end, the Escarpment fell without the loss is only a matter of time before the Fedayeen Saddam get
of American life thanks to the efficient lucky and blow it to kingdom come. Every ounce of fuel
application of combined arms and daring close is vital to the success of the invasion, so a cool headed
air support. With Najaf isolated and the
senior NCO quickly gathers an ad hoc assault team to
escarpment more or less secured, the Army’s
drive off the Fedayeen and, more importantly, drive the
road to Baghdad was open.
HEMTT to safety!

US Army Victory Points

Scenario Information  Each Insurgent casualty: 1pt
Duration of Game: 8 Turns or less  No friendlies captured by insurgents: 5pts
Initiative: US for duration of game  HEMTT driven off table: Victory!
Special Conditions:
 Fedayeen and Ba’athist Police are Irregulars – this US Army Force
is an Asymmetric Engagement. US Army Basic Attributes
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense Initiative Level: D8
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
Table Size: 2’ x 2’
 C1–C5: Fedayeen Cells
 1–5: Hot spots

US Army Mission
A US Army HEMTT hauling fuel has become bogged
down in deep sand in the

during
g f o r photos
ps pos in by Eric
US Troo a ct ion . (Photo
the
a lull in
r s o n)
Emme

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Confidence Level: Confident Body Armor: N/A

Supply Level: Normal Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 Fedayeen
Fedayeen Cell 1
Team 1 1 x Leader w/AK
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/M4 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
4 x Riflemen w/M4 2 x Insurgents w/AKs

Team 2 Fedayeen Cell 2

1 x Team Leader w/M4 1 x Leader w/AK
2 x Gunners w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
2 x Riflemen w/M4 4 x Insurgents w/AKs

Team 3 Fedayeen Cell 3

1 x Team Leader w/M4 1 x Leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 6 x Insurgents w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
2 x Riflemen w/M4 Fedayeen Cell 4
1 x Leader w/AK
Iraqi Force Mission 1 x PKM MG (Med.)
Destroy the American invaders! Destroy the fuel truck 1 x Insurgent w/AKs
and leave their tanks gasping for fuel!
Fedayeen Cell 5
Iraqi Victory Points 1 x Leader w/AK
 Per enemy soldier wounded: 1pt 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 Per enemy soldier KIA: 2pts 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
 Per enemy soldier POW: 3 2 x Insurgents w/AKs
 HEMTT destroyed: Victory!
Reinforcements
Iraqi Force At the end of each turn, roll 2D6 on the Reinforcement
Iraqi Basic Attributes table to determine what reinforcements arrive for the
Initiative Level: N/A (Irregulars) insurgents. Roll to see which Hot Spot they arrive from.
Confidence Level: Normal If a roll on the table results in the arrival of multiple
Supply Level: Normal units, roll Hot Spots for each unit.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

The HEMTT
The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT)
is a sturdy, eight-wheeled truck used to haul fuel, supplies,
and even other vehicles. The HMTT was designed to
keep up with rapid moving M1 tank companies, a task at
which it proved successful. While a soft-skin, the HMTT
is large and durable – as a result, it can take a decent
amount of pounding and “keep on trucking.”
Use the following vehicle description for the HEMTT
fueling
T o n a rapid re in this scenario:
T
An HEM , 2003
n in Iraq If the HEMTT is brewed up or immobilized, it is
operatio
considered “destroyed” for the purposes of Insurgent
Victory conditions.
To drive the HEMTT off the table, a US unit must
REINFORCEMENT TABLE
spend a complete turn with the vehicle. At least two of the
Die Roll Insurgent Unit unit’s members must be actively starting and unsticking
2 1D6 w/Small Arms + 1 w/Lt Support.
3 1 w/Med. Support
4 1D6 w/Small Arms & ROLL AGAIN
5 1 w/Med. Support
6 1D6+2 w/Small Arms
7 1D6 w/Small Arms + Leader +1 Lt. Support
8 1D6+2 w/Small Arms
9 1D6 w/Small Arms + ROLL AGAIN
10 1 w/Medium Support
1D6 w/Small Arms + Leader + Med.
11
Support
12 2D6 w/Small Arms
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
For groups without leaders, roll 1D6. A roll of 1 adds
1 leader to the group.

Special Rules
End Game
The game ends when the HEMTT is driven off the table or US Special
Forces, Iraq,
destroyed or at the end of Turn 8, whichever comes first. 2003

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Gun Front Side Rear Deck Attributes/

Name Class Type Firepower MGs Crew
Rating Armor Armor Armor Armor Notes
HEMTT S W Unarmed N/A N/A 3D6 3D6 3D6 1D6 2+4 Very Large

the big vehicle, so reduce the unit’s Firepower accordingly. under way when a large enemy force is spotted attempting
At the beginning of the next turn, the unit may drive the to outflank the American position. Calling for
HEMTT (the unit may be Split if desired). In the soft reinforcements, the Engineers prepare to make a stand.
sand, the HEMTT can only move at Tactical speed.
Scenario Information
Anti-Tank RPG Warheads Duration of Game: See Special Rules
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular Initiative: US Army for duration of game
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. Special Conditions:
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6  Iraqi forces are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
indicates an AT RPG. Engagement.
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
SCENARIO 13: MEDAL OF HONOR Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
Near the Baghdad International Airport, April 4 Table Size: 2’ x 2’
Lead elements of the US 3rd Infantry Division have taken  I1–I5: Insurgent Cells
Baghdad International Airport, and have established  A, B: US Fireteams
blocking positions on the main highway linking it with  CE: Casualty Evacuation point
the Iraqi capital. 2nd Platoon, B Company, 11th Engineers  1–5: Hot spots
have been tasked with creating a holding area for the large
number of detainees expected in the next few days. A US Army Mission
suitable location has been found, and preparations are The US force must make the area secure by eliminating
all insurgents from the area. US casualties must be kept
to a minimum.

US Army Victory Points

 Each Insurgent casualty: 1pt
 No friendlies captured by insurgents: 5pts

US Army Force
US Army Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: Confident
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D8 unless otherwise noted

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Historical Outcome
This scenario is based on the actions of SFC Paul R. organized the evacuation of the injured M113 crewmen.
Smith and 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 11th Engineer However, behind the courtyard was a military aid station
Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. crowded with 100 combat casualties. To protect it from
On April 4, 2003, a 100-man force was assigned to being overrun, Smith chose to fight on rather than
block the highway between Baghdad and the airport, withdraw with the wounded.
about one mile east of the airport. A brief battle was Meanwhile, some Iraqis had taken position in the tower
fought, and several Iraqi prisoners were captured. SFC overlooking the courtyard, just over the west wall. The
Smith spotted a walled enclosure nearby with a tower Iraqis now had the Americans in the courtyard under an
overlooking it. He and his squad set about building an intense crossfire. Smith took command of the M113 and
impromptu enemy prisoner of war (EPW) holding area ordered a driver to position it so that he could attack both
for prisoners in the enclosure. Smith and sixteen other the tower and the trenches. He manned the M113’s
men used an Armored Combat Earthmover (similar to a machine gun, going through three boxes of ammunition.
bulldozer) to knock a hole in the south wall of the A separate team, led by First Sergeant Tim Campbell
courtyard. On the north side, there was a metal gate that attacked the tower from the rear, killing the Iraqis.
Smith assigned several men to guard. These men noticed As the battle ended, Smith’s machine gun fell silent.
fifty to 100 Iraqi troops who had taken positions in His comrades found him slumped in the turret hatch.
trenches just past the gate. His armored vest was peppered with thirteen bullet
Smith summoned a Bradley fighting vehicle to attack holes, the vest’s ceramic armor inserts, both front and
their position. Three nearby M113 Armored Personnel back, cracked in numerous places. But the fatal shot, one
Carriers came to support the attack. An M113 was hit, of the last from the tower, had entered his neck and
possibly by a mortar, and all three crewmen were injured. passed through the brain, killing SFC Smith.
The Bradley, running low on ammunition and For his actions during the battle, Sergeant First Class
damaged, withdrew during a lull in the battle. Smith Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The US player has the following forces, which should be 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
deployed as indicated on the map.
Position A (Deployed in a skirmish line facing west) Casualty Evacuation Point:
1 x Platoon Sergeant w/M4 (TQ/Morale: D8/D12, 1 x Company First Sergeant w/M4 (TQ/Morale:
+2 to Morale Rolls) D10/D10)
1 x Squad Leader w/M4 and AT4 (Hvy. AP:3/AT:3(H) 1 x Medic w/M16A2
(TQ/Morale: D8/D12)
Fireteam One Vehicles
1 x Fireteam leader w/M16A2 1 x M2A2 BFV
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 3 x Crew, no dismounts. Vehicle is critically low on
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) ammo. Any time a 1 is rolled on attack dice reduce the
firepower of all the tank’s weapons by one die. When
Fireteam Two (w/Concertina Wire) the number is reduced to a single die, the vehicle must
1 x Fireteam leader w/M16A2 attempt to withdraw (by exiting the SE corner of the
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) board) to replenish ammunition. Likewise, if the vehicle

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

suffers any type of vehicle breakdown due to enemy Body Armor: N/A
action, it will attempt to withdraw as above. Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10

2 x M113A2 APC The Insurgent forces begin deployed in prepared

3 x Crew each, no dismounts. Each vehicle is also positions (+1 Defense Die) as indicated on the map.
carrying 2 x AT4 (Hvy. AP:3/AT:3(H) that may be Each Insurgent group (A, B & C) consists of the
issued as required. following: 1 x Leader and 9 x Insurgents (1 w/RPG,
1 w/MG, 1 x 60mm Mortar, 6x AK).
Reinforcements All other insurgent forces are randomly determined
2x Fire Teams, each: reinforcements.
2 x Riflemen w/M16A2
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Reinforcements
1 x Gunner w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) The Insurgency Level of the game is 4. At the end of each
turn, the Insurgent player will roll 1D6. On a roll 4 or
The first team is available the turn after the U.S. player less, new Insurgent fighters will arrive from a random
suffers his first casualty. The second team is available the Hot Spot. Roll to see which Hot Spot they arrive from.
turn after any Insurgent forces are spotted south of the If a roll on the table results in the arrival of multiple
highway retaining wall. All reinforcements may enter units, roll Hot Spots for each unit.
anywhere along the south board edge. To determine what “reinforcements” arrive, roll 2D6
on the following table:
Iraqi Force Mission
Overrun the enemy roadblock from behind. Cause as REINFORCEMENT TABLE
much damage and inflict as many casualties as possible! Die Roll Insurgent Unit
2 1D6 w/Small Arms + 1 w/Lt. Support
3 1 w/Med. Support
Iraqi Victory Points
4 1D6 w/Small Arms & ROLL AGAIN
 Per Regular wounded: 1pt
5 1 w/Med. Support
 Per Regular KIA: 2pts 6 1D6+2 w/Small Arms
 Per Vehicle Damaged: 2pts 7 1D6 w/Small Arms + Leader +1 Lt. Support
 Per Vehicle Destroyed: 5pts 8 1D6+2 w/Small Arms
 Per Captive held at end of game: 5pts 9 1D6 w/Small Arms +ROLL AGAIN
 Per Insurgent that exits south east corner: 5pts 10 1w/Med. Support
11 1D6 w/Small Arms +Leader +Med. Support
12 2D6 w/Small Arms
Iraqi Force
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
Iraqi Basic Attributes 1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
Initiative Level: N/A (Irregulars) 2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
Confidence Level: Confident
For groups without leaders, roll 1D6. A roll of 1 adds
Supply Level: Normal 1 leader to the group.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Special Rules SCENARIO 14: THUNDER RUN ON

End Game HIGHWAY 8
The game ends when there are no (non-casualty) Highway 8, April 5
Regular forces remaining, or Insurgent casualty total The OIF concept of operations called for the Marines
(including those who quit the field) exceeds 100. and Army to envelope the capital, establishing a multi-
layered cordon before airborne and airmobile units
Concertina Wire would assault the city in sectors. While attempting to
Concertina wire takes 1 activation to cross. Units avoid the much feared Stalingrad scenario of block by
crossing concertina wire may perform no other action bloody block street fighting in Baghdad, the Army’s
while doing so. Units firing at them receive a +1 Troop Task Force 1-64 of the 2nd ‘Spartan’ Brigade of the
Quality die shift. Concertina wire may be deployed or 3rd Infantry Division was tasked with what was officially
recovered in one action by Engineers with proper an armored reconnaissance into Baghdad to test the
equipment (gloves, etc.). defenses. Unofficially it was known as the Thunder
Run. On April 5, the men of Task Force 1-64, the ‘Desert
Maximum Insurgent Force Size Rogues’ advanced north onto Highway 8 and headed
At no time will the Insurgent player have more than for Baghdad…
50 figures on the board at a time. Number and types of
support weapons are limited by the figures available.

Historical Outcome
Neutralizing Hot Spots
Hot Spots can only be neutralized (temporarily) by The first Thunder Run by 3ID lasted for some
three hours before the armored convoy eventually
physically occupying them; they may not be
linked up with Task Force 2-7 Infantry holding
permanently eliminated.
Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). The Desert
Rogues met stiff but poorly organized resistance
Buildings
from a mixture of Republican Guard, Iraqi Regular
All buildings apart from the marked casualty
Army, Saddam Fedayeen and foreign jihadists
evacuation point are rated at 6D8 and provide Solid
including a number of suspected suicide car
Cover. They have not been reinforced. The CEP has
bombers. Task Force 1-64 arrived at BIAP with
been fortified with dirt, sand bags, etc., for a building
one dead, several wounded and missing one
strength of 6D10.
M1A1 which had suffered a mobility kill. Every
vehicle however was pock-marked with small
Anti-Tank RPG Warheads arms, RPG and recoilless rifle strikes. Iraqi losses
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular were, perhaps not surprisingly, much heavier with
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. something in the region of 800 to 2000 KIA, one
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6 T-72, one BMP-1, thirty odd trucks and numerous
indicates an AT RPG. ZPU anti-aircraft platforms destroyed.

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

US Army Victory Points

 Exit with all vehicles operational from the
Northern table edge at end of Turn 8: 10pts
 No friendly casualties (Serious WIA, KIA or
captures): 5pts
 No civilian casualties at end of Turn 6: 3pts

US ARMY Force
US Army Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10

Task Force 1-64 Lead Element

2 x M1A1 (deploy unbuttoned)

2 x M2A2 ODS (deploy unbuttoned)

Scenario Information Each carrying 6 dismounted infantry scouts:
Duration of Game: 8 Turns 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4
Initiative: US Army for duration of game 2 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Special Conditions: 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 Fedayeen are Irregulars 2 x Riflemen w/M4
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
Table Size: 4’ x 6’
 B1–B3: Bunkers
 1: SPG-9 Revetment
 2, 3: BMP
 4: T-55 MBT

US Army Mission
The objective of the Task Force 1-64 element is to
Typical
advance across the board, suppressing or destroying roadsid
the Fed e bunke
ayeen rs erect
ed by
Iraqi defenses and exit the northern end of the table
while minimizing friendly and civilian casualties.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

1 x M113A3 with ACAV kit mounting M2 .50 (Hvy. Iraqi forces can be set up anywhere on the table other
AP:4/AT:1(L), deploy unbuttoned) than the US deployment zone. They may be deployed
Carrying an engineer fire team: hidden at the beginning of the game.
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Iraqi Republican Guard (TQ/Morale D6/D8)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Attached Armor
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2 1 x T-55 MBT
2 x BMP-1
1 x M113A3 Band Aid mounting M2 .50 (Hvy.
AP:4/AT:1(L), deploy unbuttoned) Platoon Command
Carrying a field medical team: 1 x Iraqi Army RG Officer w/AK (TQ/Morale:
1 x Medic w/M16A2 D6/D10)
2 x Combat Life Savers w/M16A2 1 x RTO w/AK
2 x Riflemen w/M16A2 1 x NCO w/AK

Iraqi Mission Forward Observer

Contrary to everything proclaimed by the Iraqi leadership, 1 x Iraqi Army RG Officer Forward Observer w/AK
the Americans have broken through your lines and are (TQ/Morale D6/D10)
driving into the capital! You must defend Baghdad! A
mixture of Republican Guard and Saddam Fedayeen are SPG-9 73mm Recoilless Rifle Team
racing to man bunkers and trenches along Highway 8. Stop 1 x Gunner w/SPG-9 Recoilless Rifle (Hvy.
or at least slow the advance of the Americans to allow AP:3/AT:2(L)
promised reinforcements to arrive and repulse the invaders. 2 x Crew w/AKs

Iraqi Victory Points

 Destroy a vehicle: 10pts
 Immobilize a vehicle: 5pts
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or captured
Marine: 1pt

Iraqi Force
Iraqi Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D6
Confidence Level: Normal
Supply Level: Normal US Sold
ier secu
res Iraq
Body Armor: N/A i bunker
Troop Quality/Morale: Varies. See below.

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

DShK HMG Team One Rifle Squad Four

1 x Gunner w/DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) Fire Team One
2 x Crew w/AKs 6 x Riflemen w/AK

DShK HMG Team Two Fire Team Two

1 x Gunner w/DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) 2 x Riflemen w/AK
2 x Crew w/AKs 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Rifle Squad One
Fire Team One Fedayeen (Irregulars, TQ/Morale D6/D12)
6 x Riflemen w/AK Fedayeen Cell One
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Fire Team Two 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
2 x Riflemen w/AK 4 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Fedayeen Cell Two
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Rifle Squad Two 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med.
Fire Team One AP:2/AT:1(M)
6 x Riflemen w/AK 4 x Irregulars w/AK

Fire Team Two Fedayeen Cell Three

2 x Riflemen w/AK 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG 1 x Gunner w/RPG
(Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. 1 x Gunner w/RPK
AP:1/AT:0) (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

Rifle Squad Three Fedayeen RPG Team One (no weapons

Fire Team One team bonus)
6 x Riflemen w/AK 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads
Fire Team Two (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2 x Riflemen w/AK 1 x Irregular w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
British Special Forces
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Support Group Operator,
Iraq, 2003

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Fedayeen RPG Team Two (no weapons team Civilians on the battlefield
bonus) At the beginning of the game, players must place three
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK civilian mobs on the table, with each player placing a
1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads mob in turn. The Iraqi player will place the first and last
(Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M) mob on the table. Iraqi leaders may attempt to convert
1 x Irregular w/AK these mobs into armed mobs.

Special Rules Civilian or car bomber?

Out of Contact Movement Each turn roll 1D6. On a 5–6, a civilian vehicle has
The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement. driven onto the board- on a 5 from the south, on a 6
from the north. US elements can fire warning shots at
Army Counter Battery the vehicles as their action once they are within
3ID have access to off-table counter battery radar and optimum range of small arms or at any range with non-
supporting artillery. On the turn immediately following explosive vehicle mounted weapons (coax, .50 or loader’s
an off board Iraqi indirect fire mission, the US player M240). Instead of carrying out a normal attack, roll an
may roll a TQ opposed test against the TQ of his Iraqi opposed TQ check against the Iraqi player.
counterpart with a successful roll indicating that counter If successful, the vehicle turns around immediately
battery fire has neutralized the Iraqi fire support for the and drives off-board. If not successful, the vehicle
remainder of a game. continues toward US forces. Once within range to ram
the first US vehicle, the Iraqi player rolls a 1D6. On a
Iraqi Light Artillery 1-3, the civilian vehicle continues safely past the US
The Iraqi FO can call on fire support from a battery of element. On a 4-5, the vehicle contains Ba’athist fanatics
off-board light artillery. Use standard artillery rules and they ram the closest vehicle or group of infantry
including Danger Close. dismounts with a 4D6 attack. On a 6, it is a Suicide
Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED)
(FP 8D6, 8” radius) packed with explosives and driven
by foreign volunteers which will detonate using the
standard car bomb rules.

Trenches, bunkers, buildings and

palm groves
The Iraqi trenches count as Improved Cover (+2d); the
bunkers as Fortified Cover (+3d); the buildings are
rated 6D8; and the palm groves provide a Solid Cover
Ds? (+1d) cover bonus as long as fighters are within 2” of
ts or VBIE
motoris a palm.
C onfused

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Historical Outcome
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
After a heroic effort to stem the fire and fighting
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
back close quarter Fedayeen attacks, often with
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
their side-arms and M4s, the crew of Charlie
indicates an AT RPG.
One Two finally abandoned their track and
cross-decked to other vehicles in the convoy.
Optional Rules The TC of Charlie One Two cut the fuel lines
Ambient Fire and opened the blast doors on the ammunition
As per the Ambient Fire rules against helicopters, you storage before dropping in thermite grenades.
may introduce Ambient Fire against each US ground call The trail tank added a shot from its 120mm
sign to simulate the relentless fire encountered on main gun for good measure to deny the stricken
Highway 8. Each turn, the Iraqi player may roll a 3D8 vehicle to the enemy. In a testament to the
attack against each vehicle and dismounted infantry awesome survivability of the Abrams, the vehicle
element on the board- this simulates both small arms survived the fire and a Maverick ATGM
and RPG fire- in addition to all normal firing. This can launched by the USAF in an air strike and was
prove to be quite lethal and is only recommended once later used in propaganda videos by the Iraqis.
you have played the basic scenario at least once.

Initiative: US Army for duration of game

SCENARIO 15: COJONE EH Special Conditions:
Highway 8, April 5  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
During the lightning Thunder Run of April 5, the men of Engagement.
Task Force 1-64, were engaged by hundreds of enemy  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
fighters along Highway 8. While virtually every vehicle Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
was hit by small arms fire and many were struck by RPGs, Table Size: 4’ x 6’
none were immobilized by a so-called ‘mobility kill’ apart  1: ACAV
from one M1A1 Abrams, call-sign Charlie One Two but  2: Charlie One Two (immobilized M1A1)
better known from its barrel art, ‘Cojone Eh’. Charlie One  3: Charlie Six Six (M1A1)
Two was hit by an unlucky recoilless rifle or RPG round  4: M2A2 BFV
into the rear engine housing which caused a fuel fire on  B1–B3: Bunkers 1 through 3
the rear deck. The tank’s crew bravely tried to fight the  T1, T2: Trenches 1 and 2
blaze to save the vehicle while taking increasingly heavy
fire from Iraqis in trench-lines, shipping containers and US Army Mission
bunkers on both sides of the highway. The objective of the Task Force 1-64 element is two-fold;
deny the enemy the propaganda value of a recovered
Scenario Information Abrams and ensure the crew and other vehicles in the
Duration of Game: 6 Turns element safely exit the board.

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Task Force 1-64 Element

Charlie One Two
1 x M1A1 (immobilized but TC and loader MGs
still operable) Carrying:
1 x TC w/M4
1 x Gunner w/M4
1 x Loader w/M4
1 x Driver w/M4

Charlie Six Six

1 x M1A1 (deploy unbuttoned, has hydraulic issues
and cannot traverse turret)

1 x M2A2 ODS (deploy unbuttoned)

Carrying 6 dismounted infantry scouts:
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4
2 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
2 x Riflemen w/M4

US Army Victory Points 1 x M113A3 with ACAV kit mounting M2 .50

 Deny Charlie One Two by recovering all sensitive (Hvy. AP:4/AT:1(L), deploy unbuttoned)
materials and deploying thermite grenades by end Carrying the First Sergeant and his fire team:
of Turn 6: 5pts 1 x First Sergeant with M16A2
 Exit with all vehicles operational, apart from 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Charlie One Two, from the Northern table edge at 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
end of Turn 6: 5pts 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 No friendly casualties (Serious WIA, KIA or 1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
captures): 5pts
Iraqi Force Mission
US Army Force Your brave Fedayeen have disabled one of the mighty
US Army Basic Attributes American tanks! Press home the victory by killing the
Initiative Level: D8 crew, immobilizing other vehicles and capturing the
Confidence Level: High disabled tank.
Supply Level: Normal
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Iraqi Victory Points Fedayeen Cell Five (deploy in Trench One)

 Destroy a vehicle: 10pts 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
 Immobilize a vehicle: 5pts 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
 KIA/Serious WIA or captured crew of Charlie One 5 x Irregulars w/AK
Two: 5pts
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or captured Fedayeen Cell Six (deploy in Trench Two)
Marine: 1pt 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
Iraqi Force 4 x Irregulars w/AK
Iraqi Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D6 Fedayeen RPG Team One
Confidence Level: Confident (no weapons team bonus, deploy
Supply Level: Normal in palm grove)
Body Armor: N/A 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Troop Quality/Morale: TQ/Morale D6/D12 2 x Gunners w/RPG with AT
warheads (Hvy.
Fedayeen AP:3/AT:2(M)
Fedayeen Cell One (deploy in Conex Container)
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK Reinforcements
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) On Turn 2 and every turn
3 x Irregulars w/AK thereafter, reinforcements
automatically arrive for the
Fedayeen Cell Two (deploy in Bunker One) Saddam Fedayeen as the
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK Iraqis flock to the disabled
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) tank, and may be placed up
3 x Irregulars w/AK to 6” from any board edge.

Fedayeen Cell Three (deploy in Bunker Two)

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK US Navy SEAL Team 4
Operator, Iraq, 2003
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

Fedayeen Cell Four (deploy in Bunker Three)

1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

REINFORCEMENT TABLE One Two rides out on the deck of Charlie Six Six, it
Roll 1D10: cannot fire either its main gun or coax, leaving only the
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
1. 3 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK TC and Loader turret MGs to fire (with non-buttoned
4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, up crew rules to apply).
2.
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular
3. Charlie Six Six
w/AK
While the crew and the dismounts are on the ground
1 x SVD Dragunov sniper, 1 x Irregular
4. Charlie Six Six cannot engage targets with its main gun
w/AK
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0), due to the close proximity of infantry and the risk from
5.
1 x Irregular w/AK the concussion effects of the 120mm. Additionally it has
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and
6. recurring problems with its hydraulics and cannot turn
1 x spotter with AK
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
its turret and must turn the whole vehicle to engage
7.
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support targets with its coax.
5 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
8.
Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
Out of Contact Movement
1 x DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) with
9. The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.
3 x crew w/AKs
1 x SPG-9 Recoilless Rifle (Hvy.
10.
AP:3/AT:2(L) with 3 x crew w/AKs Civilian or car bomber?
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type: Each turn roll 1D6. On a 5–6, a civilian vehicle has
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) driven onto the board- on a 5 from the south, on a
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0) 6 from the north. US elements can fire warning shots
at the vehicles as their action once they are within
Special Rules optimum range of small arms or at any range with non
Abandon Tank! explosive vehicle mounted weapons (coax, .50 or loader’s
The crew of Charlie One Two must spend the first two M240). Instead of carrying out a normal attack, roll an
turns of the game attempting to extinguish the fire, opposed TQ check against the Iraqi player.
sanitize the vehicle and prep it for demolition by thermite If successful, the vehicle turns around immediately and
grenades. During this time they must stay on or within drives off-board. If not successful, the vehicle continues
1” of the tank and can only react in Rounds of Fire with toward US forces. Once within range to ram the first US
their M4 carbines. At the start of Turn 3 they are vehicle, the Iraqi player rolls a 1D6. On a 1–3, the civilian
considered to have completed their tasks and dropped vehicle continues safely past the US element. On a 4–5,
thermite grenades into the turret and can act normally. the vehicle contains Ba’athist fanatics and they ram the
closest vehicle or group of infantry dismounts with a 4D6
Tank or Taxi? attack. On a 6, it is a Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised
The crew can evacuate by riding on the still operable Explosive Device (SVBIED) (FP 8D6, 8” radius) packed
Charlie Six Six or by mounting up in the M113- there is with explosives and driven by foreign volunteers which
no room available in the Bradley. If the crew of Charlie will detonate using the standard car bomb rules.

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Trenches, bunkers, buildings and to be heavily defended and was assigned to an ad-hoc
palm groves task force of some eighty Army personnel from the
The Iraqi trenches count as Improved Cover (+2d); the Third Battalion, 15th Infantry under Captain Harry
bunkers and Conex as Fortified Cover (+3d); the Hornbuckle. His force consisted of a single mechanised
buildings 6D8; and the palm groves provide a Solid infantry platoon and five M2A2 Bradleys, four M1114
Cover (+1d) cover bonus as long as fighters are within HMMWVs, four M1064A3s mounting 120mm
2” of a palm. mortars, three M557s, four M113s carrying engineers,
two M9 ACE bulldozers, an M88 recovery vehicle and
Anti-Tank RPG Warheads an M113 Band Aid tracks along with some attached
Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular Special Forces in pickup trucks. As they rolled into
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. the objective to secure it, Hornbuckle’s men spotted
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6 trenches dug under the highway overpasses and
indicates an AT RPG. realised that perhaps Curly may be a harder fight than
they had imagined...
Optional Rules
Ambient Fire
As per the Ambient Fire rules against helicopters, you
Historical Outcome
may introduce Ambient Fire against each US ground call
Objective Curly consisted of a cloverleaf
sign to simulate the relentless fire encountered on
intersection with ramps running up and down
Highway 8. Each turn, the Iraqi player may roll a 3D8
the highway. Surrounding the intersection was a
attack against each vehicle and dismounted infantry
collection of two and three story apartments, an
element on the board- this simulates both small arms
administration building, a factory and a multi-
and RPG fire- in addition to all normal firing. This can
story hotel. All were occupied by a mixture of
prove to be quite lethal and is only recommended once
Saddam Fedayeen and foreign jihadists.
you have played the basic scenario at least once.
Additionally, Iraqi irregulars had taken up a
mixture of positions both under the ramps and
overpasses and on top of them, enabling them
SCENARIO 16: THE DEFENSE OF to fire down on the Americans. The firefight at
OBJECTIVE CURLY Curly lasted some seven hours and proved to be
Baghdad, April 7 the most vicious battle of all three objectives.
The second Thunder Run into the capital occurred on TF 1-15 suffered suicide car bombs, drive bys by
April 7th. Three key East West highway intersections armed technicals, human wave assaults and even
along Highway 8 into the center of Baghdad were friendly fire from supporting artillery. They were
identified as vital to hold and defend to safeguard the finally reinforced and held the intersection,
already over-stretched supply line to the advancing allowing the vital supplies to continue to flow
armor. These were named Objectives Larry, Moe and to the units at the tip of the spear.
Curly. Objective Curly was considered the least likely

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

 No friendly casualties (Serious WIA, KIA or

captures): 5pts

US Army Force
US Army Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High
Supply Level: Normal (lowers to Poor after Turn 6 to
simulate the tremendous amount of fire)
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10 except for Special
Forces who are D10/D10

Task Force 3-15 Element

3 x M2A2 ODS (deploy unbuttoned)
Each carrying 6 dismounted infantry scouts:
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4
2 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Scenario Information 2 x Riflemen w/M4
Duration of Game: 6 Turns
Initiative: US for duration of game 1 x M113A3 with ACAV kit mounting M2 .50 (Hvy.
Special Conditions: AP:4/AT:1(L) – deploy unbuttoned) Carrying the
 Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric Company Sergeant Major and his fire team:
Engagement. 1 x CSM with M16A2
 Air Defense Environment: Medium Air Defense 1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Table Size: 4’ x 5’ 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M16A2
US Army Mission
The objective of the Hornbuckle’s Task Force 3-15 is to 1 x M1064A3 with ACAV kit mounting M2 .50
hold the intersection for 8 turns while minimizing (Hvy. AP:4/AT:1(L) – deploy unbuttoned) Carrying
friendly casualties. a 120mm mortar team:
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M16A2
US Army Victory Points 1 x Mortar Man w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 Hold the intersection at the end of Turn 8 (no 3 x Mortar Man w/M16A2
enemy units within 6” of the underpass): 10pts

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

2 x M1114 Up-armored HMMWVs Body Armor: N/A

Each carrying a Scout fire team: Troop Quality/Morale: TQ/Morale D6/D12
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Fedayeen and Foreign Fighters
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Cell One (deploy in Trench at Hot Spot One)
1 x Rifleman w/M4 1 x Leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x M113A3 Band Aid mounting M2 .50 (Hvy. 5 x Irregulars w/AK
AP:4/AT:1(L) – deploy unbuttoned) Carrying a
field medical team: Cell Two (deploy in Trench at Hot Spot Two)
1 x Medic w/M16A2 1 x Leader w/AK
2 x Combat Life Savers w/M16A2 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
2 x Riflemen w/M16A2 1 x Gunner w/RPD (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
4 x Irregulars w/AK
1 x Toyota Pick Up mounting M240G (Med.
AP:3/AT:0) Cell Three (deploy in Trench at Hot Spot Three)
Carrying a four man Special Forces team; 1 x Leader w/AK
1 x SF Captain w/Mk11 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
2 x SF NCO w/M4/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
1 x SF NCO w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 2 x Irregulars w/AK

Iraqi Force Mission Cell Four (deploy in Bunker at Hot Spot Four)
Press home the attack on the Americans and ensure the 1 x Leader w/AK
precious fuel for their tanks cannot get through. This is 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
the final line of defense before the infidels enter Baghdad 1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
– make them pay for their folly. 1 x Irregular w/AK

Victory Points Cell Five (deploy on Overpass at Hot Spot Five)

 Destroy a vehicle: 10pts 1 x Leader w/AK
 Immobilize a vehicle: 5pts 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
 Each Marine KIA/Serious WIA or captured: 2pts 6 x Irregulars w/AK

Iraqi Force RPG Team One (no weapons team bonus, deploy
Iraqi Basic Attributes anywhere within 6” of a Hot Spot)
Initiative Level: D6 1 x Leader w/AK
Confidence Level: Normal 2 x Gunners w/RPG with AT warheads
Supply Level: Normal (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

2 x Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive

Device (SVBIED) (FP 8D6, 8” radius)
Soft skin cars or SUVs packed with explosives and
driven by foreign volunteers. These must deploy on
board anywhere on highway or the parallel road
within 6” of any board edge.

Reinforcements
On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements
automatically arrive for the Fedayeen and the foreign
fighters and are placed using the Hot Spot rules.
Saddam Fedayeen on the move with a typical
“technical.” (Photo by Piers Brand, figures
by Elheim, vehicle by S&S Models) REINFORCEMENT TABLE
Roll 1D10:
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D12)
RPG Team Two (no weapons team bonus, deploy 1. 5 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK
anywhere within 6” of a Hot Spot) 6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
2.
2 x Gunners w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy. 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
AP:3/AT:2(M) 2 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular
3.
w/AK
2 x Irregulars w/AK
4. 1 x SVD Dragunov sniper

SPG-9 Team (no weapons team bonus, deploy 1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0),
5.
1 x Irregular w/AK
anywhere within 6” of a Hot Spot)
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and
1 x Leader w/AK 6.
1 x spotter with AK
1 x Gunner w/SPG-9 RR (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(L) 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
7.
2 x Crew w/AK 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
5 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
Fedayeen Technicals 8. 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support,
1 x RPK gunner
1 x Technical mounting a 12.7mm DShK
1 x DShK HMG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) with 3
(Hvy. AP:4/AT:1(L) and crewed by driver, 9.
x crew w/AKs
passenger, gunner and assistant gunner
1 x SPG-9 Recoilless Rifle (Heavy Support,
(all with personal AKs) 10.
AP:3/AT:2(L) with 3 x crew w/AKs
1 x Technical mounting a 7.62mm PKM Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
(Med. AP:3/AT:0) and crewed by driver, 1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
passenger, gunner and assistant gunner (all 5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
with personal AKs)

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 The Armored Spearhead: with the US Army in Iraq

Special Rules
Out of Contact Movement
The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.

Civilian or car bomber?

Each turn roll 1D6. On a 5–6, a civilian vehicle has
driven onto the board – on a 5 from the south, on a
6 from the north. US elements can fire warning shots at
the vehicles as their action once they are within
optimum range of small arms or at any range with
non-explosive vehicle mounted weapons (coax, .50 or A typica
l Iraqi p
alm gro
ve
loader’s M240). Instead of carrying out a normal attack,
roll an opposed TQ check against the Iraqi player.
If successful, the vehicle turns around immediately and
drives off-board. If not successful, the vehicle continues
toward US forces. Once within range to ram the first US
vehicle, the Iraqi player rolls a 1D6. On a 1–3, the civilian Ambient Fire
vehicle continues safely past the US element. On a 4-5, the As per the Ambient Fire rules against helicopters, you
vehicle contains Ba’athist fanatics and they ram the closest may introduce Ambient Fire against each US ground
vehicle or group of infantry dismounts with a 4D6 attack. call sign to simulate the huge amounts of RPG and
On a 6, it is a Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive small arms fire from the buildings surrounding the
Device (SVBIED) (FP 8D6, 8” radius) packed with intersection. Each turn, the Iraqi player may roll a 3D8
explosives and driven by foreign volunteers which will attack against each vehicle and dismounted infantry
detonate using the standard car bomb rules. element on the board- this simulates both small arms
and RPG fire- in addition to all normal firing.
Trenches, bunkers, buildings and
palm groves Anti-Tank RPG Warheads
The Iraqi trenches count as Improved Cover (+2d); the Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
bunkers as Fortified Cover (+3d); the buildings as 6D8; forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
and the palm groves provide a Solid Cover (+1d) cover AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
bonus as long as fighters are within 2” of a palm. indicates an AT RPG.

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 THE QUIET MEN: SPECIAL
OPERATIONS ENGAGEMENTS
SCENARIO 17: SPRINT conducted raids, psychological warfare and long range
While Marine and Army conventional forces advanced surveillance and reconnaissance operations. It was
on Baghdad, a secret war was being fought by Coalition during one of these SR missions, along Highway 10
Special Operations Forces. In the South, Army ODAs outside of the town of Ar Rutba that the men of US
and SEALs supported these conventional forces in Army ODA 525 found themselves almost overrun by a
reconnaissance, ‘ground truth’ intelligence gathering fanatical Iraqi force…
and agent handling and direct action operations. In the
North, the ODAs with their Kurdish Peshmerga allies Scenario Information
became the main effort after Turkey’s refusal to allow Duration of Game: 8 Turns
the 4th Infantry Division’s passage into Iraq. In the North Initiative: ODA for duration of game
and South West, British and Australian Special Air Special Conditions:
Service squadrons seized key sites and airfields, carried  Fedayeen are Irregulars – this is an Asymmetric
out reconnaissance missions and interdicted fleeing Engagement.
Iraqi leadership figures and foreign fighters flocking  Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
across the border. In the West, US Army Special Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests
Forces and the special operators of Task Force 20 Table Size: 4’ x 4’

Historical Outcome
Deployed in a covert observation post, two brevity code word ‘Sprint’ warning all nearby
operators from ODA 525 found themselves cut off Coalition air assets that a Special Forces ground call
from their colleagues by five Fedayeen technicals, sign was in danger of being overrun. Controlled by
tracing the tire tracks of the team’s GMVs. The an orbiting AWACS, the responding fast air was
remainder of the ODA deployed a hasty ambush soon stacked four high with the OP team calling
and used their GMV mounted crew served in danger close air strikes on the encircling Iraqis.
weapons to engage the technicals and force them to Other ODAs operating in the AO sped quickly
withdraw. Soon, the Iraqis returned, in far greater toward the battle to assist. After a contact lasting
numbers. Over one hundred Fedayeen and several some seven hours, the Iraqis finally withdrew back
technical mounted DShKs began hunting for the into Ar Rutba and the men of ODA 525 successfully
ODA. As they closed in, the ODA transmitted the exfiltrated with zero friendly casualties.

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

ODA 525 (begin game mounted in GMVs)

GMV One Alpha
GMV mounting 2 x M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0) and
1 x Mk19 (Med. 2D/AT:0)
1 x SF Captain w/M4A1
1 x SF NCO w/Mk11
1 x SF NCO w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x SF NCO w/Minimi Para (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

GMV One Bravo

GMV mounting 2 x M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0) and
1 x M2HB (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L)
1 x SF Chief Warrant Officer w/M4A1
1 x SF NCO w/Mk11
1 x SF NCO w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
ODA Mission 1 x SF NCO w/Minimi Para (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
ODA 525 must safely exfiltrate the two-man OP while
attempting to force back the advancing Iraqi forces and GMV One Charlie
stop them from overrunning either the OP or the main GMV mounting 2 x M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0) and
ODA position. 1 x M2HB (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L)
1 x SF NCO w/M4A1
ODA Victory Points 1 x SF NCO w/M82A1
 Exfiltrate the OP team safely (no Serious Wounds) to
the main ODA position by the end of Turn 8: 10pts

ODA Force
ODA Basic Attributes
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: High
Supply Level: Abundant
Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Troop Quality/Morale: D10/D10

Special
ODA OP (both are classed as SF JTAC/TAC) Forces
Operato
typical rs with
1 x SF NCO w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) GMV a
1 x SF NCO w/Mk11

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

Iraqi Force Mission

American Special Forces have been conducting Fedayeen Cell Three
operations in your AO. They have a spotter on a hill 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
outside of the town and are calling in murderous air 2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
strikes that are killing your men. They must be stopped 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
before the air strikes demoralize your militia and allow 6 x Irregulars w/AK
the Americans to capture Ar Rutba.
Fedayeen Cell Four
Iraqi Victory Points 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
 KIA or Seriously Wound both members of the OP 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
before the end of Turn 8: 10pts 6 x Irregulars w/AK
 Each SF operator KIA/Serious WIA or captured:
2pts Fedayeen Cell Five
 Each destroyed GMV: 5pts 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
 Each immobilized GMV: 2pts 1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
5 x Irregulars w/AK
Iraqi Force
Iraqi Basic Attributes Fedayeen RPG Team (no weapons team bonus)
Initiative Level: D6 1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
Confidence Level: Confident 1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy.
Supply Level: Normal AP:3/AT:2(M)
Body Armor: N/A 1 x Irregular w/AK
Troop Quality/Morale: TQ/Morale D6/D10 (the
Fedayeen have already been demoralized by the Fedayeen Technicals
airstrikes and have suffered a dice down shift from 2 x Technicals mounting a 12.7mm DShK (Hvy.
their normal D12) AP:4/AT:1(L) and crewed by driver, passenger,
gunner and assistant gunner (all with personal AKs)
Initial Fedayeen Force 2 x Technicals mounting a 7.62mm PKM
Fedayeen Cell One (Med. AP:3/AT:0) and crewed by driver,
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK passenger, gunner and assistant gunner (all with
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) personal AKs)
6 x Irregulars w/AK
Reinforcements
Fedayeen Cell Two On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK automatically arrive for the Saddam Fedayeen and may
2 x Gunners w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) be placed up to 6” from the eastern board edge.
5 x Irregulars w/AK

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

REINFORCEMENT TABLE B-1B bomber has arrived with a mix of 500 and 1000
Roll 1D10: pound JDAMs.
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
1. 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK An air strike can be called on any Iraqi off-board
4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x indirect fire assets and this automatically suppresses the
2.
Gunner w/Med. Support asset for the remainder of the game however the air strike
1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x Irregular for that turn is considered spent.
3.
w/AK
4. 1 x SVD Dragunov sniper, 1x Irregular w/AK
The OP team
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0), 1 x
5. The Iraqi forces have a general idea of the location of the
Irregular w/AK
1 x 60mm light mortar with 1 x crew and 1 x OP team but they are considered Hidden in game terms
6.
spotter with AK and must be Spotted by Iraqi forces. The OP SR are using
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x a sound suppressed Mk11 sniper rifle and thus can fire
7.
Gunner w/Med. Support
without automatically giving away their position. When
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK, 1 x
8. firing, treat the Mk11 shooter as a sniper. His team mate
Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
1 x Technical mounting DShK (AP:4/AT:1(L) is maintaining comms and talking in fast air onto targets
9.
and thus cannot add his firepower to any attack. The OP
10. Off Table 82mm Medium Mortar Barrage receives an In Cover and Solid Cover bonus as they have
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type: deployed behind rocks and are using the lay of the land
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) to their advantage.
5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
Out of Contact Movement
Special Rules The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.
Sprint
The brevity code has been transmitted by the OP team Trenches and the Wadi
and air assets are being vectored in-bound by an orbiting The trench-line offers improved cover to Iraqi forces and
AWACS. From Turn 3, the ODA will have dedicated air thus provides a +2 (Solid and improved) to any in cover
support each turn. Use standard TAC/JTAC rules with the bonus. The wadi provides a +1 Solid Cover bonus.
OP team counting as both trained and SF. If the OP team
is seriously WIA or KIA, other members of the ODA can Hull down GMVs
call in strikes however will not benefit from the trained The GMVs have been positioned to take best advantage
FAC bonus (although they will still receive the Special of the natural lay of the land and are considered hull
Forces bonus). down for purposes of targeting. While they are
Each turn when calling in air, roll a 1D6; on a 1-2, an positioned this way, they can only fire the roof mounted
Air Force F-16C with 500 pound JDAMs arrives. On a weapon system. If the US player wishes to also fire the
3-4, a British Tornado with 1000 pound JDAMs arrives. forward passenger mounted M240G, the vehicle needs
On a 5, an Air Force A-10 with its internal 30mm cannon to be moved forward a minimum of 3”. If moved, the
and Maverick ATGMs has arrived on-station. On a 6, a GMV loses its hull down advantage. The rear M240 can

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

only be fired at targets to the rear 180 degrees of the

vehicle. The GMVs are non-up-armored and do not
have gunner shields although the gunner does benefit
from the standard In Cover (+1) bonus.

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
indicates an AT RPG.

SCENARIO 18: OBJECTIVE

BADGER
The Tier One Special Mission Units of Task Force 20 also
conducted their own operations in support of the invasion. with aerial sniper teams on their bench seats, and two
These focused on raiding, deception operations and AH-6 and two MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP)
seizing key high value targets and suspect locations. One gunships. Two further MH-47s orbited nearby with CSAR
such operation was the clearance and sensitive site and QRF teams on-board. As the first MH-60K touched
exploitation (SSE) of one of Saddam’s lakeside palaces, the down, muzzle flashes light up the night as Iraqi gunmen
Al Qadisiyah Research Centre on the southern shore of opened fire…
the Al Qadisiyah Reservoir. The Al Qadisiyah Research
Centre was a suspected WMD site and was added to the
target list for the Special Mission Units, Combat
Applications Group (Delta) and Naval Special
Warfare Development Group, their Ranger
security teams and the pilots of 160th
Special Operations Aviation
Regiment (the Nightstalkers).
On the night of March 26, a
task force lifted off consisting
of four MH-60Ks carrying
the Rangers who would man
blocking positions around
the target location, two MH-
47Es carrying the Task Force 20
operators who would conduct the M1078 LMTV "War Pig",
US 5th Special Forces
assault and SSE, two MH-6 Little Birds Group, Iraq, 2003

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

Historical Outcome
The Rangers successfully maintained their lifted out by the CSAR and QRF helos as their
cordon and held off multiple attacks from initial lift Chinooks had been too heavily
Iraqi regular and irregular forces with the able damaged. One Nightstalker and one Ranger
assistance of the nimble AH-6s. Further out, the were seriously wounded in the operation. Scores
DAP gunships engaged enemy reinforcements, of enemy forces were killed however no evidence
including several technicals, rushing to assist the of WMDs was recovered.
opposition. The Task Force operators cleared Note that in the real operation, four Ranger
the target buildings despite their MH-47s being blocking positions were established around the
engaged by heavy fire on their infiltration. Forty target buildings. In this scenario, only two are
five minutes after landing, the operators were represented in interests of game play and table size.

Scenario Information the time ensuring civilian and friendly casualties are kept
Duration of Game: 8 Turns to an absolute minimum. They will have dedicated air
Initiative: US for duration of game support in the form of one MH-6 Little Bird carrying a
Special Conditions: pair of Delta snipers and one AH-6 Little Bird gunship.
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense
 Fedayeen are Irregulars Ranger Victory Points
Fog of War: Generated normally by Reaction Tests  Maintain the cordon at both blocking positions
Table Size: 4’ x 4’ and do not allow any enemy forces within
 BP1, BP2: Ranger blocking positions 1 and 2 Ranger line of sight to enter the two target
 F1, F2: Fedayeen positions buildings: 5pts
 T1, T2: Target Buildings 1 and 2  Exfiltrate (complete Turn 8) without any friendly
 1–5: Hot Spots (Fedayeen RPG Team is located in casualties: 5pts
building by Hot Spot 5)  Exfiltrate (complete Turn 8) without any civilian
 A: Iraqi Army Element 1 casualties caused by US fire: 3pts
 B: Iraqi Army Element 2
 C: Iraqi Army PKM GMPG Team Ranger Force
Ranger Basic Attributes
Ranger Mission Initiative Level: D8
The Rangers must maintain their blocking positions while Confidence Level: High
the Task Force 20 operators clear the target locations. Supply Level: Abundant
They need to ensure all enemy resistance is suppressed Body Armor: Standard (1D)
and any reinforcements are engaged or driven back, all Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D10

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Ranger Blocking Position 1 1 x Rifleman w/M4 and M136 (AT-4) (Hvy.

Fire Team One Alpha AP:4/AT:4(H)
1 x Squad Leader w/M4
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4 Attached Machine Gun Team
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Team Leader w/M4
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M240 (Med. AP:2/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/M4 and M136 (AT-4) 1 x Assistant Gunner w/M4
(Hvy. AP:4/AT:4(H)
Each blocking position deploys with a roll of concertina
Fire Team Two Alpha wire with position shown on the map.
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Iraqi Mission
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) American helicopters are landing in the vicinity of
1 x Rifleman w/M4 and M136 (AT-4) Saddam’s research centre. Iraqi forces have been ordered
(Hvy. AP:4/AT:4(H) to protect the site at all costs. The Iraqis have both
regular Iraqi Army and Saddam Fedayeen in the area
Attached Sniper Team and reinforcements are on the way. Drive back the
1 x Sniper w/Mk11 (SR-25) American Special Forces and shoot down one of their
1 x Spotter w/M4 helicopters for the glory of Saddam!

Attached Combat Controller Iraqi Victory Points

1 x CCT w/M4  Each Ranger KIA or captured: 5pts
 Each Ranger Serious WIA: 2pts
Ranger Blocking Position 2  Enter a group of either Iraqi regulars or Fedayeen
Fire Team One Bravo into one of the two research buildings the
1 x Squad Leader w/M4 Americans are searching: 5pts
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4  Shoot down an American helicopter: 10pts
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Iraqi Force
1 x Rifleman w/M4 and M136 (AT-4) Iraqi Basic Attributes
(Hvy. AP:4/AT:4(H) Initiative Level: D6
Confidence Level: High
Fire Team Two Bravo Supply Level: Normal
1 x Fire Team Leader w/M4 Body Armor: N/A
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Troop Quality/Morale: Varies. See below:
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

Iraqi Regular Army (TQ/Morale D6/D8) REINFORCEMENT TABLE

Infantry Element One Roll 1D10:
(all stats TQ/Morale D6/D10)
5 x riflemen w/AKs 1. 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 4 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
2.
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
1 x Irregular Gunner w/Med. Support,
3.
1 x Irregular w/AK
Infantry Element Two
1 x Irregular SVD Dragunov sniper,
4 x riflemen w/AKs 4.
1 x Irregular w/AK
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Regular Infantry Element- 5 x AKs,
5.
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x RPK
1 x Regular Infantry Element- 3 x AKs,
6. 1 x Gunner w/RPK, 1 x Gunner w/Med.
PKM GPMG Team (no Weapons Team bonus)
Support, 1 x SVD Dragunov
1 x Gunner w/PKM (Med. AP:2/AT:0) 5 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
7.
1 x Assistant gunner w/AK 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support
6 x Irregulars w/AK, 1 x Leader w/AK,
8.
Fedayeen (TQ/Morale D6/D12) 1 x Gunner w/Med. Support, 1 x RPK gunner
1 x Technical carrying 4 x Irregulars w/AKs,
Fedayeen Cell One 9.
2 x Irregulars w/Med. Support
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK
1 x Technical mounting DShK (Hvy.
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 10.
AP:4/AT:1(L) with three Irregular crew w/AKs
3 x Irregulars w/AK
Medium Support – Roll 1D6 for type:
1: AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M)
Fedayeen Cell Two 2-4: RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Fedayeen leader w/AK 5-6: PKM MG (Med. AP:2/AT:0)

1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

4 x Irregulars w/AK

Fedayeen RPG Team One

(no leader nor weapons team bonus)
1 x Gunner w/RPG with AT warheads (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(M)
1 x Irregular w/AK

Reinforcements
On Turn 2 and every turn thereafter, reinforcements Two M-6
Little B
automatically arrive for the Iraqis and arrive on the table somewhe
re over
irds lift
off
Iraq, 20
as per the Hot Spot rules. 03

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Special Rules SCENARIO 19: DEBECKA

Little Birds CROSSROADS
Two Little Birds, one armed AH-6 and one MH-6 Debecka Crossroads, North of Baghdad, April 6
carrying two Delta snipers riding on the pods/benches, On 06 Apr 2003, 3 US Army Special Forces Operation
are flying dedicated air support for the Ranger call signs. Detachments-Alpha (ODA’s) engaged and defeated an
The attached CCT must use standard TAC/JTAC rules-if Iraqi mechanized infantry company supported by tanks
the CCT is seriously WIA or KIA, Ranger squad leaders at the Debecka Crossroads (north of Baghdad). ODA’s
can call in the Little Birds however will not benefit from 044, 391, and 392 used their Humvees’
the trained FAC bonus.
Each turn when requesting helo support, roll a 1D6;
Historical Outcome
on a 1-4, the MH-6 responds with its snipers. On a 5-6,
Lightly armed Special Forces units were able to
the AH-6 responds with its two 2.75 inch rocket pods
crush an Iraqi mechanized infantry company
and two miniguns. Snipers mounted in helicopters act
with their newly issued Javelin missiles. The
exactly as if they are on the ground apart from a die type battle was further proof of the Coalition’s clear
reduction- in this case the snipers are Delta operators technological edge and won the Javelin missile
rated at TQ/Morale D12/D12 thus they will shoot from instant and lasting acclaim from the units that
the air as TQ D10. fought at the crossroads that day.

Buildings
All buildings are rated at 6D8.

Concertina Wire
Concertina wire takes 1 activation to cross. Units
crossing concertina wire may perform no other action
while doing so. Units firing at them receive a +1 Troop
Quality die shift. Concertina wire may be deployed or
recovered in one action by Engineers with proper
equipment (gloves, etc.).

Out of Contact Movement

The Fedayeen may use Out of Contact Movement.

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular
forces, a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy.
AP:3/AT:2(M). If Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6
indicates an AT RPG.

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

M2 HMG’s and Mk19 AGL’s, along with Javelin ODA Force

ATGM’s and an F18 to defeat the Iraqis. The position ODA Basic Attributes
they defended would come to be known as “the Alamo.” Initiative Level: D10
Confidence Level: High
Scenario Information Supply Level: Normal
Duration of Game: 8 Turns Body Armor: Standard (1D)
Initiative: Iraqi force on Turn 1. Test thereafter. Troop Quality/Morale: D10/D10
Special Conditions: See Special Rules and Map
description above for Hull Down and Alamo positions The 3 ODA’s should be set up initially somewhere on
 Air Defense Environment: Light Air Defense the Alamo ridgeline, facing southwest.
Fog of War: Determined normally by Reaction Test rolls
Special Assets: ODA 044
ODA: Available Air Support (Fast Burners): Due to 1 x SF NCO (classed as SF JTAC/TAC)
tasking issues, when fast air is successfully called, w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
it arrives in 1D6 turns, with Turn 1 being the turn it
is called. Team 1
Table Size: 2’ x 3’ 3 x Riflemen w/M4A1
 A: US exit point. 2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
 B: Iraqi reinforcement entry point
 1: Alamo Position on a low three to four tier ridge Team 2
 2: Crossroads 3 x Riflemen w/M4A1
 3: Low dirt berms that can provide hull-down 2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
positions for tanks
Transport
ODA Mission 1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting M2HB (Hvy.
ODA’s 044, 391, and 392 are defending a low ridge AP:3/AT:1(L) and passenger side mounted M240G
known as the “Alamo”. They must defend and hold the (Med. AP:3/AT:0)
hill for at least 6 full turns (with no non-pinned, non- 1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting Mk. 19 AGL
suppressed enemy units on it), and must exit the board (Med. AP:3/AT:0) and passenger side mounted
from point A by the end of Turn 8. M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0)

ODA Victory Points ODA 391

 Each non-pinned ODA team (without vehicle) Team 1
that exits the Board at A on Turn 7 or 8: 1pt 3 x Riflemen w/M4A1
 Each non-pinned ODA team (with vehicle) that 2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
exits the Board at A on Turn 7 or 8: 2pts
 Each Iraqi vehicle destroyed: 3pts

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US Navy F/A-18C Hornet,

Team 2 Baghdad, 2003
3 x Riflemen w/M4A1
2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203
(Lt. AP:1/AT:0)

Transport
1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting
M2HB (Hvy. AP:3/AT:1(L) and
passenger side mounted M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0)
1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting Mk. 19 AGL
(Med. AP:3/AT:0) and passenger side mounted
M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0)

ODA 392:
Team 1
3 x Riflemen w/M4A1 the hill, at least one non-pinned, non-
2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) suppressed Iraqi platoon must occupy the
top of the hill, while no non-pinned, non-
Team 2 suppressed US troops are on it.
3 x Riflemen w/M4A1
2 x Grenadier w/M4A1/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Iraqi Victory Points
 Each US SF team left on the board (with or
Transport without vehicle): 5pts
1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting M2HB (Hvy.  The Alamo is seized by Turn 6: 20pts
AP:3/AT:1(L) and passenger side mounted M240G
(Med. AP:3/AT:0) Iraqi Force
1 x Humvee gun-truck mounting Mk. 19 AGL Iraqi Basic Attributes
(Med. AP:3/AT:0) and passenger side mounted Initiative Level: D8
M240G (Med. AP:3/AT:0) Confidence Level: Low
Supply Level: Poor
Iraqi Force Mission Body Armor: N/A
US infidels have linked up with those Peshmerga dogs. Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D8
Attack their weakly defended position, and defeat them
in detail. The fools have no armor support, so this Mechanized Infantry Platoon 1
should be easy! This unit starts out within 6” of the southwest
The Iraqis must seize the hill by the end of Turn 6, board edge, just to the left of Point B. MTLB’s can
and/or kill as many Americans as possible. To seize lay smoke.

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 The Quiet Men: Special Operations Engagements

HQ Squad 5 x Riflemen w/AKs

1 x Platoon Leader w/AK
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/AK Squad 2
2 x Runners w/AKs 1 x Squad Leader
Squad 1 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Squad Leader 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 5 x Riflemen w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
5 x Riflemen w/AKs Squad 3
1 x Squad Leader
Squad 2 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Squad Leader 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 5 x Riflemen w/AKs
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
5 x Riflemen w/AKs Transport
4 x MTLBs
Squad 3
1 x Squad Leader Tank Platoon
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) This unit enters at Point B on Turn 1.
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 4 x T-55 Tanks
5 x Riflemen w/AKs
Motorized Infantry Platoon
Transport This unit enters at Point B on Turn 2.
4 x MTLBs HQ Squad
1 x Platoon Leader w/AK
Mechanized Infantry Platoon 2 1 x Platoon Sgt. w/AK
This unit starts out within 6” of the southwest board edge, 2 x Runners w/AKs
just to the right of Point B. MTLB’s can lay smoke.
HQ Squad Squad 1
1 x Platoon Leader w/AK 1 x Squad Leader
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/AK 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
2 x Runners w/AKs 1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
5 x Riflemen w/AKs
Squad 1
1 x Squad Leader Squad 2
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M) 1 x Squad Leader
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)

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Front Side Rear Deck

Name Class Type Firepower MGs Crew
Armor Armor Armor Armor
Twin 57mm AA Auto-Cannons
ZSU 57-2 M T 3D 3D10 2D10 2D8 1D6 6
(AP:6/AT:4(M)

1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) that turn. A TQ roll must be attempted the next time the
5 x Riflemen w/AKs Javelin is used. In addition, each time a Javelin is actually
fired, roll a TQ die. If the test is successful, the Javelin may
Squad 3 continue to be used. If the test is not successful, that Javelin
1 x Squad Leader is out of rounds, and may not be used any further.
1 x Gunner w/RPG (Med. AP:2/AT:1(M)
1 x Gunner w/RPK (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Friendly Fire Incident
5 x Riflemen w/AKs When the F18 arrived, its pilot mistook friendly forces to
the rear of the Alamo position for the target, and dropped
Transport a bomb that caused significant casualties. To account for
3 x 3 Ton Trucks this, on the turn immediately following the first turn that
an F18 arrives, one half-team from ODA 391 must mount
Air Defense Unit their Humvee, and leave the table at Point A (they are
This unit enters at Point B on Turn 3. called back to help at the scene of the bombing). They will
1 x ZSU 57-2 not count toward either side’s victory points.

Special Rules Sniper!

Javelin Issues Most ODA members had some sniper-related training and
Due to issues with the Javelin’s Command Launch Units experience, and the gun trucks each had sniper rifles in
(CLU’s) warming-up, each time one is fired, roll a TQ die. them. At the beginning of any turn, any 2 ODA members
If the die is successful, the Javelin may be used as normal, within 4” of a gun truck may be converted into a sniper
and no further tests are needed for that particular Javelin. team, with the appropriate bonuses and advantages.
If the test is failed, the CLU does not warm up, and the No more than 1 such team may be so deployed at any
Javelin may not be used given time.

Iraqi Secret Police

Iraqi secret police were known (especially by the Iraqis!)
to be operating in the area. Two times during the game,
one Iraqi unit may re-roll a failed morale check.

Anti-Tank RPG Warheads

Each time an RPG is fired, roll 1D6. If Iraqi regular forces,
unch a roll of 4–6 indicates an AT RPG (Hvy. AP:3/AT:2(M). If
ATGM la
Javelin Fedayeen or foreign jihadists, a 5–6 indicates an AT RPG.

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 SAMPLE ORGANIZATIONS
Standing military forces devote endless effort and shelves The following organization descriptions represent
of carefully indexed manuals to record the structure, common units found on the battlefields represented by
equipment, and capabilities of their organizations. Force on Force.
Looking at a Table of Organization and Equipment This force list and the organization descriptions it
(TO&E) for a unit gives one a fine feeling for military includes are not exhaustive. They are tailored to reflect
precision. Units are clearly defined, soldiers and gear are the assets and manpower that would be applied to a
evenly distributed: Everything and everyone has its place typical Force on Force mission, so they cut off at the
and symmetry is king! Platoon (or equivalent) level.
Unfortunately, the world presented by TO&Es exists Organizations are described from the bottom up,
primarily within those very TO&Es. The concept of starting with the Fireteam and working up to the Platoon.
“mission based organization” has been gaining steam as
an official concept throughout the 20th century and has
probably been an unofficial fact of military life since UNITED KINGDOM
man first started writing down how many spearmen British Army
should be in a “proper” formation. Initiative Level: D8 to D10
The organizations presented below are rough Confidence Level: Confident to High
guidelines for the forces they represent, not inviolable Supply Level: Normal to Abundant
“army lists” handed down from on high. It is not Body Armor: 1D
uncommon for commanders to beef up a fireteam with Troop Quality/Morale: D8 to D10/D8 to D12
extra men or assets or for a lack of manpower to reduce
a squad or fireteam by a third or more in manpower. The basic building block of the British Army is the
Commanders may strip the machine-gunners from Fireteam. Two Fireteams form a Section. Three Sections
their squads to use as an ad hoc “weapons squad,” or form a Platoon.
rifle/grenade launchers may be replaced with regular
rifles due to restrictive ROEs in an area. British Army Section
In short, unit organizations are as fluid as the Fireteam 1
battlefields they fight on. Don’t get too caught up in 1 x Squad Leader w/SA80
canonical adherence to TO&Es. If you don’t have an 1 x Grenadier w/SA80 UGL (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
organization chart for the Third Royal Etruscan 1 x Gunner w/L108A1 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
Grenadiers, exercise a little common sense – chances 1 x Rifleman w/L86 LSW
are they’re organized along the lines of the Cold
War Soviet WARPAC forces or similar to modern Fireteam 2
western forces. 1 x Asst. Squad Leader w/SA80

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ROAD TO BAGHDAD

1 x Grenadier w/SA80 UGL (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/60mm Mortar (Med.)*

1 x Gunner w/L108A1 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Rifleman w/SA80
1 x Rifleman w/L86 LSW *One 60mm mortar per Troop

British Army Rifle Platoon British Royal Marine Troop

1 x Platoon Commander w/SA80 1 x Platoon Commander w/SA80
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/SA80 1 x Platoon Sgt. w/SA80
3 x British Army Rifle Sections 3 x British Royal Marine Sections
1 x British Royal Marine Maneuver Support Section
British Royal Marines
Initiative Level: D8 to D10
Confidence Level: Confident to High UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Supply Level: Normal to Abundant United States Marine
Body Armor: 1D Corps (USMC)
Troop Quality/Morale: D8 to D10/D10 to D12 Initiative Level: D8 to D10
Confidence Level: Normal to High
The basic building block of the British Royal Marines Supply Level: Normal
is the Fireteam. Two Fireteams form a Section. Three Body Armor: 1D
Sections plus a Maneuver Section form a Troop. Troop Quality/Morale: D8 to D10/D10 to D12

British Royal Marine Section The basic building block of the United States Marine
Fireteam 1 Corps is the Fireteam. Three fireteams under a Squad
1 x Squad Leader w/SA80 Leader form a Squad. Three Squads under a Platoon
1 x Grenadier w/SA80 UGL (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) Leader form a Platoon.
1 x Gunner w/L108A1 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Rifleman w/L86 Typical USMC Rifle Platoon
USMC Fireteam
Fireteam 2 1 x Fireteam Leader w/M16A2
1 x Asst. Squad Leader w/SA80 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Grenadier w/SA80 UGL (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/L108A1 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) 1 x Assistant Gunner w/M16A2
1 x Rifleman w/L86
USMC Squad
British Royal Marine Maneuver Support Section 1 x Squad Leader w/M16A2
1 x Section Leader w/SA80 3x USMC Fireteams
1 x Sniper w/L96A1

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 Sample Organizations

USMC Platoon US Army Rifle Platoon HQ Squad

1 x Platoon Leader w/M16A2 1 x Platoon Leader w/M4
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/M16A2 1 x Platoon Sgt. w/M4
1 x Navy Corpsman w/M16A2 1 x Radio Operator w/M4
3 x USMC Squads 1 x Forward Observer w/M16 or M4
1 x Trauma Expert (Medic) w/M16 or M4 (Medic is
US Army attached to platoon, he is not an organic asset)
Initiative Level: D8 to D10
Confidence Level: Normal to High Transport*
Supply Level: Abundant 4 x Stryker IFVs
Body Armor: 1D 3 x Vehicle Commanders**
Troop Quality/Morale: D8 to D10/D8 to D12 4 x Drivers

The basic building block of the US Army is the Fireteam. *It should be noted that the four Strykers have
Two Fireteams under a Squad Leader make up a Squad. a carrying capacity of 44 personnel, but the
Four Squads make up a Platoon. organization above lists 45 organic personnel and an
attached medic for a total of 46 personnel. It is
US Army Stryker Brigade Combat unusual for all personnel to be used in a given
Team Rifle Platoon operation as some are tactical cross-loaded to other
US Army Rifle Fireteam units in the company, are not necessary to the
1 x Fireteam Leader w/M4 operation, or are otherwise unavailable.
1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) **The vacant Vehicle Commander position can be
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0) filled by one of the platoon’s leaders.
1 x Assistant Gunner w/M4
US Army Rifle Platoon
US Army Rifle Squad* 1 x Rifle Platoon HQ Squad
1 x Squad Leader w/M4 3 x Rifle Squads
2 x Rifle Fireteams 1 x Weapon Squad

Weapons Squad US Army Mechanized Rifle

1 x Squad Leader w/M4 Platoon – Bradley Fighting
2 x Gunners w/MG240 (Med. AP:3/AT:0) Vehicles (BFVs)
4 x Assistant Gunners w/M4 US Army Rifle Fireteam
*Note that the Squad can split into two MG teams, 1 x Fireteam Leader w/M4
each of which is treated as a Weapons Team. 1 x Grenadier w/M203 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Gunner w/M249 (Lt. AP:1/AT:0)
1 x Assistant Gunner w/M4

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US Army Rifle Squad* Hussein feared a military coup might oust him from
1 x Squad Leader w/M4 power and he resorted to extra-ordinarily self-
2 x Rifle Fireteams destructive measures to guard against such an
eventuality: Communications between organizations
Weapons Squad was purposefully compromised, regular army units were
1 x Squad Leader w/M4 forced to compete against more favored paramilitary
2 x Gunners w/MG240 (Med. AP:3/AT:0) organizations (Al-Qudds, the Ba’ath militias, and the
4 x Assistant Gunners w/M4 Saddam Fedayeen) while draconian edicts made it far
*Note that the Squad can split into two MG teams, safer to conceal any problems regarding manning,
each of which is treated as a Weapons Team. supply or quality of gear than to admit any
shortcomings. Add to this the endemic corruption that
US Army Rifle Platoon HQ Squad characterized most of the Iraqi officer corps and the
1 x Platoon Leader w/M4 recipe for chaos is complete.
1 x Platoon Sgt. w/M4 As a result of these factors and others, Coalition
1 x Radio Operator w/M4 forces often found defensive positions poorly manned
1 x Forward Observer w/M16 or M4 or incompetently sited. While many Iraqi units did put
1 x Trauma Expert (Medic) w/M16 or M4 (Medic is up a stiff fight, they did so handicapped by a lack of
attached to platoon, he is not an organic asset) training, military discipline, and effective battlefield
command. To compound their problems, paramilitary
Transport units such as the Saddam Fedayeen were routinely
4 x BFVs w/M4 assigned to “stiffen” the army that Hussein’s paranoia
4 x Vehicle Commanders w/M4 had reduced to a shadow of its former self. Officers and
4 x Drivers w/M4 troops were bullied by the Fedayeen fanatics to ignore
4 x Gunners w/M4 what training they had and attack in disorganized
1 x Alternate Gunner w/M4 masses that were quickly cut down by the Coalition’s
disciplined and well directed fire.
US Army Rifle Platoon Realistically, no credible “order of battle” exists for
1 x Rifle Platoon HQ Squad Iraqi forces involved in most engagements. They were a
3 x Rifle Squads mixture of regular army, reservists, volunteers, and
1 x Weapon Squad fanatical paramilitary organizations.
We suggest that, for simplicity’s sake, Iraqi forces be
THE IRAQI MILITARY AND represented by small teams of four or five
PARAMILITARY soldiers/fighters. No higher level of organization is
The Iraqi Army, and particularly the Republican Guard, needed, as most Iraqi units were not under particularly
was ravaged during the “First Gulf War.” In the following effective command and control – each band of soldiers
years, both forces were further degraded by the growing simply did the best they could in the circumstances in
paranoia of their commander in chief, Saddam Hussein. which they found themselves.

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 Sample Organizations

Iraqi Regular Army Iraqi Paramilitary

Initiative Level: D6 to D8 Organizations
Confidence Level: Low to Normal Initiative Level: D6
Supply Level: Low to Normal Confidence Level: High
Body Armor: N/A Supply Level: Low to Normal
Troop Quality/Morale: D6 to D8/D6 to D8 Body Armor: N/A
Troop Quality/Morale: D6/D10 to D12
Iraqi Republican Guard
Initiative Level: D8
Confidence Level: Low to Normal
Supply Level: Low to Normal
Body Armor: N/A
Troop Quality/Morale: D8/D8

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sgt. 1st Class Antenori, Halbersstadt. Roughneck Nine-One: Muray, Scales. The Iraq War: A Military History. Cambridge
The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-Team at & London: The Belknap Press of Harvard University
War. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2006. Press, 2003.
Atkinson, Rick. In the Company of Soldiers: A Chronicle of Neville, Leigh. Special Operations Forces in Iraq. Oxford:
Combat. New York: Henry Holt & Company, 2004. Osprey Publishing, 2008
Col. Fontenot, Lt. Col. Degen, Lt. Col. Tohn. On Point. Pritchard, Tim. Ambush Alley: The Most Extraordinary
Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2005. Battle of the Iraq War. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005.
Fick, Nathaniel. One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Robinson, Linda. Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the
Officer. New York: Houghton-Mifflin, 2005. Special Forces. New York: Public Affairs, 2004.
Gordon, Gen. Trainor. Cobra II: The Inside Story of the West, Bing. The March Up: Taking Baghdad with the United
Invasion and Occupation of Iraq. New York: Pantheon
States Marines. New York: Bantam Dell, 2003.
Books, 2006.
Wright, Evan. Generation Kill: Devil Dogs, Iceman, Captain
John Keegan. The Iraq War, Vintage Books, 2005
America and the New Face of American War. New York:
Lacey, Jim. Take Down: The 3rd Infantry Division’s Twenty G.P. Putnam and Sons, 2004.
One Day Assault on Baghdad. Annapolis: Naval Institute
Zucchino, David. Thunder Run: The Armored Strike to
Press, 2007.
Capture Baghdad. New York: Grove Press, 2004.
Lowry, Richard S. Marines in the Garden of Eden: The True
Story of Seven Bloody Days in Iraq. New York: Berkley
Caliber, 2006.

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 ARTWORK REFERENCES
Pg.5 HH-60L Medevac Helicopter, Iraq, 2003, by Ian Pg.49 Combat at Karbala, 2004, by Howard Gerrard ©
Palmer © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Warrior 113:
New Vanguard 116: Sikorsky UH-60 Black US Army Soldier.
Hawk.
Pg. 52 US Navy SEALs, Persian Gulf, 2003, by Michael
Pg.9 Challenger 2 MBT, Basra, 2003, by Tony Bryan © Welply © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from
Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from New Elite 113: US Navy SEALs.
Vanguard 112: Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank
1987–2006. Pg.55 US Navy SEAL, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003,
by Michael Welply © Osprey Publishing Ltd.
Pg.14 Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Taken from Elite 113: US Navy SEALs.
Vehicle, Al Faw Peninsula, 2003, by Tony Bryan
© Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from New Pg.60 US Navy SEAL, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003,
Vanguard 112: Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank by Michael Welply © Osprey Publishing Ltd.
1987–2006. Taken from Elite 113: US Navy SEALs.

Pg.19 USMC AH-1W Super Cobra in Iraq, 2003, by Jim Pg.65 US Navy SEAL, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003,
Laurier © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from by Michael Welply © Osprey Publishing Ltd.
New Vanguard 125: Huey Cobra Gunships. Taken from Elite 113: US Navy SEALs.

Pg.23 US Marine, Iraq, 2003, by Howard Gerrard © Pg.68 US Special Forces, Iraq, 2003, by Richard Hook
Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Warrior 106: © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Elite 170:
US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Special Operations Forces in Iraq.
2003.
Pg.75 British Special Forces Support Group Operator,
Pg.27 USMC, An Nasiriyah, 2003, by Howard Gerrard Iraq, 2003, by Richard Hook © Osprey
© Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Warrior Publishing Ltd. Taken from Elite 170: Special
106: US Marine in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operations Forces in Iraq.
2003.
Pg.79 US Navy SEAL Team 4 Operator, Iraq, 2003, by
Pg.38 US Infantryman, Baghdad, 2004, by Howard Richard Hook © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken
Gerrard © Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from from Elite 170: Special Operations Forces in Iraq.
Warrior 113: US Army Soldier.
Pg.90 M1078 LMTV “War Pig”, US 5th Special Forces
Pg.41 US Fireteam, Baghdad, 2004, by Howard Gerrard Group, Iraq, 2003, by Richard Hook © Osprey
© Osprey Publishing Ltd. Taken from Warrior Publishing Ltd. Taken from Elite 170: Special
113: US Army Soldier. Operations Forces in Iraq.

Pg.45 US Infantry raid a bombmaking facility, Pg.96 US Navy F/A-18C Hornet, Baghdad, 2003, by
Baghdad, 2003, by Howard Gerrard © Osprey Mark Postlethwaite © Osprey Publishing Ltd.
Publishing Ltd. Taken from Warrior 113: US Taken from Combat Aircraft 46: US Navy Hornet
Army Soldier. Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Part One).

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Road to Baghdad.qxd 6/4/11 16:39 Page 2

First published in Great Britain in 2011 by Osprey Publishing Ltd.

© 2011 Osprey Publishing Ltd. and Ambush Alley Games

Osprey Publishing
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E-mail: [email protected]

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All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as
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A CIP catalog record for this book is available from the British Library

Print ISBN: 978 1 84908 517 5

PDF e-book ISBN: 978 1 84908 519 9

Lead Authors: Leigh Neville

Supporting Authors: Robby Carpenter, Jim Roots, Jim Wonacott, Shawn Carpenter
Original USMC Scenarios created by: D. Chris Sebolt, Jerry Lannigan
AAG Editors: Shawn Carpenter and Peggy Carpenter, with thanks to Kathy Murphy

Play-Testers: Andy Rix, Chris Mihlan, Christopher Maes, Jason Mastros, Lex Shorey, Alex Shorey, Rene Raap,
Rutger van Marissing, Shaun Matthews, Stephen Crawford, Steve Morris, Tom Konczal & The Mid-America
Wargamers, Cyril Vallin, Jake Rose, Jim Roots, Jose Ventura, Michael Moore, Piers Brand, Rich Chambers

Miniatures photos by Piers Brand unless otherwise noted. Models and scenery from the collections of Piers
Brand and Justin Powles.
Photos by US Dept. of Defense, Michael Moore, and Erik Emmerson
Maps by Shawn Carpenter

Cover concept and page layout by Myriam Bell Design, France

Cover artwork by Ramiro Bujeiro
Typeset in Bank Gothic and Minion Pro
Originated by PDQ Media, Bungay, UK
Printed in China through Worldprint

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