[Artaud]

I love the many scenarios and maps that come with the game, but a really prefer smaller maps and have been trying (with limited success) to create some that are as amazing as the existing ones.

Years ago I was fortunate enough to find several official US army publications in a used book store, and they have really contributed to my renewed enjoyment of this game. The ones I have include "The Rifle Squads (Mechanized and Light Infantry) - TC 7-1", which was published in 1974, and several on the Red Army including "The Soviet Army: Troops, Organization and Equipment," which was published in 1984.

I've been trying to generate and fight battles using actual doctrine and realistic forces. Back in the DOS days my main strategy was simply to rush the enemy, but lately it's been a lot of fun--and educational as well--to make a real effort to employ bounding overwatch, suppressive fires, etc.

I like to try to assemble a realistic combined arms force, partly because I enjoy playing with infantry and APCs.

Recently I built a battle consisting of pro-government (green) forces fighting anti-government (red) forces for control of various key points in a city center. The pro-government side included special forces and "pro-government" infantry and a few Saladins, and the anti side had mostly miltia and insurgents with a couple of T-55s.

The AI leaves a bit to be desired, but in the end it was a chaotic and fun battle, with me a the pro-government side fighting the insurgents to a draw.

This game just has so many possibilities.

In addition to my planned Philippine scenario, I have one in mind featuring an Iranian invasion of Afghanistan (which nearly took place in 1998 or 1999, if my memory is correct).

I'm currently in the middle of some reasearch on Syria's complex and fascinating intervention in Lebanon during the 1970s-1980s. I noticed that the Lebanon OB includes several varieties of guerillas, which is just great. So, perhaps a scenario on some aspect of that would be interesting.

Many thanks to the developers of SPMBT and SP for Windows!


p.s. - I just LOVE those higher resolutions!