Theatre of War
Walkthrough 4 (of 4)
Training Mission 4: COMMAND & CONTROL

This is the fourth and last article in a series describing tactical principles and game mechanics in the four Training Missions available in the game Theatre of War from 1C Company and Battlefront.com.

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This time, the experiences and lessons of the first three training sessions all come together, and the player will have to learn to apply them to a fast changing and fluid battlefield, where he might be required to switch from offense to defense and back within a matter of minutes.

The mission consists of five objectives to be completed in order with the infantry squad (later reinforced by a tank and air support) under his command.
1-advance towards the crossroads ahead
2-assault and eliminate the German defenders
3-repel the German counterattack
4-destroy and capture the enemy Anti-tank guns
5-destroy the German armored reserve

We’re beginning the mission with a rifle squad in travelling position near a small hamlet located at a beautiful lake.

The first objective is simple, and refreshes the lesson about how to use formations – the goal is to advance in double-column formation down the road towards the village. We select the squad by double-clicking on the commander icon, and click on the “Dash” button (showing a kneeling soldier). This instructs the squad into a more cautious stance. We’ll be advancing towards an unknown village after all.

Expanding the game interface, we issue a rotate order to face the squad into the correct direction (down the road).
But the first main task is to open the Briefings/Orders window. This is done by clicking on the little envelope icon on top of the minimap or on the bigger envelope visible when a new (or completed) task appears on the main map.

The Briefings window displays all current tasks, and by clicking on each, you also get a corresponding tactical map, which shows the tactical situation, objectives as well as the proposed course of action. The map above leaves no doubt – advance and take the village. Expect resistance.

First, we order the squad to assume a travelling double-column formation. This will allow the squad to advance quickly down the road. In combination with the cautious movement stance the result is a typical patrol towards an unknown objective.

Moving out!

Did I mention that the lake is beautiful?

The double-column is the best formation to get from A to B as it allows travelling down narrow passageways such as roads, maintains pretty good flank security, and exposes only a couple of soldiers (those taking the point) to a possible enemy ambush.

When issuing a column formation, the AI will automatically attempt to place the commander and soldiers with supporting weapons near the rear of the formation.

Did I already mention the beautful lake?

Column formation advancing as seen from the first-person view of the commander.

Shoulder shot from another soldier. You can jump between the various soldiers/units while in first-person view mode by hitting the Tab key.

Passing some fisherboats as we’re approaching the village. But there is no time for fishing!

[continued on next page]

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