I consider the operation a resounding success. Not meaning that my team accomplished more, but rather both sides completed objectives and had a blast while doing it. Getting into the role of the forces that we represented via immersion lends a fair percentage of the fun. I loved hearing anachronisms from friend and foe such that will not let me forget the cultural implications. Thanks for playing the part so well.
I was formally assigned to Alpha company of Bulldog 1 on MARSOC. First off, we hit the road and secured one of the bases. I hopped into the building with one of my mates and we dutifully secured the flag with the proper color. We resumed with another five minutes or so of marching before the next engagement at the village. Finding ourselves confronted with a moderate line of defense, we gave fire and pushed up a couple clicks. Noting that any further advance was impossible, we slugged it out, racking up casualties. Well, our first duty is to the guys fighting beside us (at least it's up there on the list). We had ourselves a good medic from Task Force: Phalanx and a couple others who were serving with the other companies. Deathstroke was amazing; I couldn't stress how much he helped guys from each and every squad around us. I was surprised at how much effort all our medics put in. But the rest of the guys could make it easier on the wounded too. I was inspired by the work of our medics to help extract the guys that were hit. Throughout the rest of the day I probably helped extract one or two guys per engagement. I saw everyone giving other people a hand. Thumbs up on the teamwork, guys.
This action resulted in Bulldog 1 fighting down to just a few men. The guys that were left escaped my attention as we re-spawned on the other side of the village. After regrouping, we made our way back to find that the AJA had evacuated the town. The Rangers spent their time well, clearing the place and making way for the construction battalion (well maybe the paintball people were renovating, but who's counting). Sadly, the confrontation cost the Rangers some good men that were ended violently in the midst of a suicide bomber's fury. We made our way to the marsh, finding Area 51 in our hands. The AJA were already pressing, so we were welcome. Regrouping and digging in, we decided to make this patch of marsh and the bridge Bulldog One's top priority. We realized that the main AJA fire groups were on the hill road and in woods on the other side of the water. But all we could hear was yells and machine gun fire. Between pushing back oncoming assault and trying to hail the other squads, we couldn't get a sit-rep on their advance. Finally, the Rangers came to tell us that they and the rest of MARSOC were spread out over the hill, holding back the AJA. I followed a small team sent to scout and give medic help. By then, our opponents were pushing hard. We did what we could, but had to come back. Our next move was to mobilize Bulldog 1 companies Alpha and Charlie, leaving Bravo to hold the base.
We made it up the road to a firefight between Bulldog 2 and some AJA guys. We had a hard time trying to deploy ourselves. Not only were we spread along the road in what I consider the toughest firefight of the day, but the AJA had one of their squads rush through the woods and attack the flank. Trying to get Bulldog 1 to cover from the patrol, we never really made it off the road. We got caught in the ensuing crossfire which had most of us down in an instant. With the help of the medics, we pulled together one of our companies to make a stand. Lasting for a few more minutes, we ultimately were wiped out and forced to pull back to HQ. After regrouping, elements of MARSOC and Rangers headed up the other road with three mortars. Setting up the ordnance behind West Point, we dug in up the road to defend the base. The Rangers pushed on to try and reach the downed chopper. We set up...had some good times...and waited. It wasn't long before the AJA reinforced their expedition and the Rangers pulled back. We formed our defensive line while some guys went over to check Fort Knot. Then the other team started coming in force to take West Point. A firefight continued for some time until they gathered their superior strength and charged. We were forced to fall back to the base. The enemy momentum picked up before they stormed the building, capturing the point and leaving us with half our complement. We "drew the line" at our mortar position, which apparently moved even further back. We got the news that we had ten minutes to hold before the break. We stayed and fought to the last man. Our force was pushed out briefly and we regrouped at Fort Knot. By that time, the break was announced and we headed back for lunch.
