In Plain Sight 1

Scenario Briefing – "In Plain Sight" Date: April 12–14, 1985 Location: North German Plain, Lower Saxony, FRG Situation Overview: In mid-April 1985, Warsaw Pact forces initiated a sudden, massive offensive into the Federal Republic of Germany. The operation, launched without warning under the codename Vistula Storm, saw armored columns from the Soviet 2nd Guards Tank Army and East German forces pushing west through the Hamburg region. Dutch and British screening units along the Elbe were outflanked or bypassed, leaving a gap that was quickly exploited. With the front unraveling, Warsaw Pact spearheads advanced through Münster, disrupting rear-area communications and logistics. Their current trajectory places multiple strategic targets at risk, including Soltau, Bremen, and even Hamburg itself. NATO’s northern flank is under severe pressure, and a decisive response is now critical. As Dutch and British forces execute a tactical withdrawal, the Bundeswehr moves to reinforce the sector. However, the exact composition of the advancing Warsaw Pact formations remains unknown. Electronic warfare, jamming, and disrupted intelligence networks have left NATO command largely blind to the enemy’s exact order of battle. Defending NATO Forces: West German Forces (Bundeswehr): Panzerbrigade 3 (1. Panzerdivision) Leopard 2A1 MBTs Marder IFVs SPAAG and limited artillery support Panzergrenadierbrigade 7 (1. Panzerdivision) Mechanized infantry with Milan ATGMs and mobile support weapons Integrated mortar and logistics units Attacking Forces (Warsaw Pact): Composition and exact strength unknown. Signals intercepts confirm elements from the Soviet 2nd Guards Tank Army and East German regular formations are involved. Multiple reports suggest presence of armor, mechanized infantry, and air support, but specifics remain unverified due to jamming and degraded recon capabilities. Strategic Objectives: Warsaw Pact: Advance into the North German Plain and seize control of key infrastructure and