Bandit65

Good advice above, take it. In addition, I found that many of the missions, although squad based, require the player (You) to be veryu independant. Many others have successfully completed the missions doing what they are told, and staying in formation, I was successful using that tactic too, but it is always an option to go "Rambo" and runn out of formation, disregard what you are told in the readio, and go to where the enemy is, and kill them before your fellow troops get there. A great thing about the game is that there are so many different ways to complete the missions. Some things you will get better at are: 1) Aiming. You have to get better at killing the enemy, because in amny siuations, even when you are in formation with a full squad, you will have to take out many more enemy than anyone else in your squad. Aiming, and skilled kills are very important, as I am also a DOD playert, I find it much harder to kill in OFP, but somehow much more satisfying. I have also used an M-16, and fired many other weapons on ranges, and these digital weapons are realistic enough to be just as challenging as the real deal. I do wish Officers, and Crewmen had sidearms, though. Would be nice to pull out the Colt .45 when the M-16 runs out of ammo. 2) replay, replay replay. Unfortuneatrely, many of the scenarios that you come across happen the same way every time, at elast from the start. Obviously, things change as contact is made... One time, your fellow soldier takes out the BMP, and the Enemy squad inside, but another time through, he gets hit, or he misses twice, and the sceneario is changed from a simple "kill the enemy before he engages you" to "You now have to face 10 more enemy foot soldierts with a supporting armored vehicle..." From the start, though, everything stays in place, and reacts the same way, so as you replay the missions, you already know where the enemy is, and where you can flank them, or overrun them, or lay in wait for them. Sometimes, using rambo tactics against this fore-knowledge lends to your success. Purists will say that this is an unfair advantage, take it with a grain of salt. When I was in Infantry training, we played with MILES gear (Laser Tag style equipment), and often got to 'replay' a mission, and by god, the second time through, we better utilized the Terrain, and knowledge that the enemy would probobly go tjhe same route, and react the same way, at least at first. Yes, it is an advantage, and somewhat unrealistic, but, it is somewhat realistic to train in such a way that you have the advantage of having trained through something often enough to have an advantage. The OPFOR troops at Irwin have this knowledge, and use it regularly. Unfair? Maybe. So replay, try out different tactics and strategies, see what works, and use that knowledge in the next encounter that is fresh and new to you, and you will be a better soldier. 3) aiming. I cannot say enbough how important it is for you to get better at killing multiple enemies. you cannot always depend on your AI fellow squad memebers to cover your flank, or cover their own firing area. Just like in real life, you have to cover yourself much of the time, as well as protect your fellow soldier. For the Purists out there, it might be easier to beleive that you have an oppertunity to step up to the plate in a situation where you are in a group of guys who are ready to ship off this horrible island when you are suddenly asked to fight a war with the Soviet Union. You, and Only you, have the skills and abilites required to lead these other 'no-go's' to voctory, and with your aggressive tactics, and advnaced skills, you, and only you are the one man for the job. Good luck!

I voted "other" for the American Civil War. I am truly an Ugly American, with too little knowledge about wars, and conflicts that didn't have American involved. I wish I knew more. The Civil War in the UNited States in the 1860's was a very important turning point for all warfare globally. There were elements of Napoleanic tactics (The INfantry Square), what we now know as modern unconventional warfare (Rangers, Special Ops, etc), and Technological Weaponry was jumpstarted pretty far (From using Muskets to Rifles, etc, etc) The US Civil war was not 'The' war, but it is a fairly easy war for me to study, so I study it, and use it as some kind of a starting point to learn about other things. When I first learned that there was a battle using the Infantry Square, I researched the infantry square, and learned about it, and napoleonic warfare in general. When I learned about Mini-balls, and rifled muskets, I wanted to elarn more about what was used before, and why, and how the rifle evolved... What I eman to say is, the US Civil War is a great hub to span out from. Its leaders used tactics and straegies that were revolutionary, The governments allied with Forigners, and learned from them. Another reason it is a good war for me to learn about is that the Battlefields are all in the US. It is hard for me to fly over to Calais (Sp?) France, and see what the Germans were looking for in an attack that never came. On the other hand, it is much easier for me to visit Gettysburg, and see the battlefield, and look at maps, and books, and imagine what the generals and colonels saw, and try to understand how they reacted, and why they did. It is a War which features textbook tactics, and strategies, as well as a veritable "What not to do" book of how people screwed up. The 'Modern Wars' that followed, WWI and WWI as well as Korea, and Vietnam, and The Gulf War are very very interesting. I feel that I can look at those wars, and examine them better with the knowledge I have of the US Civil War. Basically, I beleive that many of our modern generals, and colonels that lead men in warfare today, not only have the military history education that prominantly features the battles and leaders of the US Civil War, but they were tought by Warfare Scholars who learned from warfare scholars, who learned from... etc etc, everyone was taught from the civil war, at least American Leadership. It really was the birth of the American Army as it is today, even with all the modern differences. In WWII we were 'liberating' the natives, and usually welcomed with open arms. In The Gulf War, our enemy Gave up to us with white flags flying. But like in Vietnam, the Civil war Soldier had to deal with an increasingly angered enemy, and it was hard to tell who was on whos side. Much like a lot of modern warfare. There are very thin threads connecting us back to that war, and they are old and frayed, but still worthy of following back to their source, if for nothing else, then to learn where we come from. That's my $.02

Yes, Random, and thanks, I might use that someday... I am trying to revert back a few missions, just to make sure there is a continueing bug, rather than just a single instance. I like playing OFP, so I don't mind replaying missions, if it turns out with the same bug, though, I might use the file from AvonLady, and bypass the buggy mission, just to get through the campaign. Yes, Red Hammer has bugs, Oh well, nothing is perfect, and I am happy just getting to play this game. Back in my day, I spent hour after hour playing the original tank platoon, on a 8088 with amber mono graphics, and felt priviledged to be there. Everything today is just gravy.

Before really giving up on this one, I played it through another 20 times. It seems that 1) any command established (Like Auto Hover) gets 'Un-established' as the cutscene starts. I played it through, from 'crashing' with the fuel line... Run and kill the guards/pilots, get the fule truck (Gah! I KNOW how to spell F-U-E-L, I just mis type it so much I look like I need hooked-on-phonics) And get to the chopper, I then fly towards the repair truck area, autohover just out of range, about 200 Feet altitude, and no forward, or reverse movement, THEN, I saved the game. From that point I tried several things, but... even though I saved the game with Auto Hover, and no movement, every time I 'Loaded' the saved game, I was not auto Hovering, and Almost out of control... 20 retries, with the beginning of the retry just barely gaining control... So, I try going to an altitude of like 800 feet, and moving forward at 1-2 MPH... inching towards the waypoint, which I assume, is a trigger circle. As I reach it, remember, I am moving forward only 1-2 MPH, and auto hovering, and I have my mouse pointing straight ahead, not down, or up, or left or right, and my hands are off the keyboard... As I reach it, the cutscene starts, right at the end of the cutscene, as the chopper inside the cutscene is landing, I can see MY chopper nosing into the ground ... Like the real life action of me flying is in the cutscene as well as the cinemagraphic chopper... As the cutscene ends, I never have time to re apply auto hover, and regain control... Crash, retry, regain control, cutscene, crash, repeat, over and over. I tried 'controlling' the chopper as the cutscene is playing... One time I was almost successful, by just hitting the 'up-altitude' key ("Q" by default) and I almost made it, but I had gone too far forward, and nosed into the hill. I tried coming at the trigger from different directions, similar results. I tried flying blind, pulling up, reducing speed, during the cutscene, but it is nearly impossible to do when you cannot see the results of your actions. Like flying on instruyments only, but with a blindfold on... Oh well. I just gave it up, either my particular campaign is bugged, and I should restart from further back into the campaign, or I found a legit bug. Either way, there is no out, I just have to give it up. I tried the end mission cheat a lot too, just to check it out, from different points, like before I get the fuel truck, after I get it, in the air, whatever... The endmission cheat always sends me back to the 'We need to get the fuel truck' part at the beginning. I dunno... My campaign is buggy.

Well.. It seems I am doomed... I read all the previous posts about the red hammer Grounded Mission, but none of them address my problem. After getting the refule truck, refuleing, and flying to the repair truck... The cutscene starts up, something like "Get repaired, we need you to take out some tanks..." Then, abruptly, my Hind crashes. I think while the cutscene is running, the game is not pausing the action, so I am out of control of my chopper... and in the 10 seconds or so for the cutscene of me, ironically, landing, to play through, my chopper hits trees, and turns sideways, and hits the ground, and blows up. I have played through about 20 times, sometimes letting the No. 2 guy (Medic) to fly (He is a much better pilot than i am), I have tried the extreme of landing, then getting out, running to the repair truck, only to find a soldier (Private) sitting in the drivers seat. I tried popping a cap in him, and then taking tyhe truck myself, driving it 500 yards to my now landed chopper, and repairing it. After I repair it this way, I as well as my medic buddy sustain injuries... (What?) After I successfully repair my chopper, but not see the cutscene, I am injured... No worries, I fly all the way back tot he airport, and land, and fully refule at the refule truck, thus bypassing the whole need to land at the ill-fated repair/refuel station, and avoid the whole bad cutscene thing. Now, I go and land where the squad is waiting, but no, they won't get in... I go off looking for the convoy, that I don't know about yet, and don't know where it is, but alas, I cannot find it, and pre-emptively kill it. I have tried auto hovering, I ahve tried approaching slow, I have tried landing fast, landing slow, not landing at all... But the cutscene always kills me. I tried ejecting, and letting # 2 land it alone, it crashes, I tried ejecting #2, and landing alone, it still crashes. I wonder if I knew the map coordinates of the convoy, if I could actually find it and kill it? Anyone here have any advice? According to some of the previous posts, this mission has problems anyway, have I just found a new one? Also, using the 'endmission' cheat does not work. Is this the last mission in redhammer? Maybe If so, I'll just give up, and replay the fun missions...

I used to study Patton, read most of his letters, and diaries, and many biographies, and while at Ft. Knox, I studied many of his strategic, and tactical plans using Corps and Army-sized units in battle. Sure, he was good, but what strikes me most about him, is exactly what strikes me most about many of the so-called 'successful' generals... He was a prima donna, a very rich political animal, egotistical beyond belief, and a royal pain in the ass. But those are not bad things, for a general, anyway. Sure, he was great, but he had a few flaws that kept him out of my top choices for 'Hero' Hathcock, I've only read about in the book marine sniper, and I seem to recall a book called White Feather, but maybe my memory is screwy, anyway... Hatchcock was a regular guy, and just simply did his job, albeit, he did it better than anyone else... I know there are far more 'successful' snipers, but in the US army, in recent history, he is the one... Made more 'heroic' because of his 'blue collar' background, and his simplicity of life. He is also a hell of a teacher, and many snipers were trained by him, and respect the hell out of him for that fact: That he is a great teacher. Great heros don't just risk life and limb to save a buddy, but they simply do their job well, under adverse condistions, rarely with complaint, and seem to excell over their peers due to the simplicity of life. They know they have to do something, and they do it, it's that simple... What? there are 40 enemy with machine guns in a fortified position? Well, it has to be done, so I'll just do it... Simple... One of my personal heros is William Tecumpseh Sherman, of Civil war fame. He is probobly best known for burning most of the south, but in reading his letters, and diaries, and letters and diaries of his peers, Sherman was a simple man, with the skill and knowledge required at that time to lead other men in war. Sherman hated war, and knew that this war (The American Civil War, early 1800's) would be bloody hell. At the time, many of the politicians, and Political Generals felt that it would be quick and easy, and with the current technology, virtually bloodless. (I beleive they felt that with their 'superior' technology, the Southern forces would see the folly of their ways, and just give up) Sherman warned everyone that it would be a long bloddy mess, and everyone accused him of being insane. When he was given the command that would go into the south, and cut off supply lines, and 'kick the fight out of the rebels' he did the job as best he could. Knowing that the South would fight to the last man, if the North kept pussy footing around, Sherman did indeed kick the fight out of the south by burning everything he saw, and moving as fast as possible to Atlanta. It was a dirty job, in a dirty war, but like dropping Nukes on Japan, it was neccesary to end the war. Sherman hated what he did, rather that loving the limelight of being a 'popular' general in the Northern army. He was not a prima donna, but rather a leader of men. May have not even been a great tactician, but with his simplicity of vision, Sherman did the 'heroic' thing, he took the fight to the heart and soul of the enemy, and kicked the sh*! out of them. Sometimes a Hero is one who does the crappy job, and yet still does it well, knowing that the result will end up saving lives, both friendly and enemy. Heros usually have compassion, and not just for their fellow sodliers, but for the enemy as well. I know of the Hathcock/bicycle story, and he did, in fact describe sitting on a hill, i don't know how freakin far away, with a Ma-Deuce on a tripod, and a scope mounted to the top, and poped the front off the bike, sending the cyclist tumbling. That could be interpreted in many ways, but I saw some compassion, because the cyclist did not need to be killed... Sherman did not kill unneccesarily on his little southern escapade, instead moving on through 'indian' country, to get to the next town, and wreak havoc. the point was not to destroy the enemy, but rather, destroy the enemies willingness to fight. Sherman had compassion for both the northern soldiers, and the southern soldiers, but most of all, he loved the USA, and felt compassion for it. These simple heroic themse are why we can find heros in our everyday life. Willingness to do crappy jobs, with nary a complaint in order to benifit a buddy. And always having compassion for the innocent, and brave. That's what I think, anyway.

I don't make copies... I have children, cats, and other things I cannot control, around my house, which forces me to be responsible for those things in my posession that I treasure and value. I protect the things I own, from things like peanut covered fingers, and dog-food cover mouths. I also protect my things from theft, fire, and other natural disasters. I think it is fine for software companies, as well as any other company to at elast attempt to protect thier intellectual property in anyway they can, according to current technological means, and local laws. I think Software companies should provide 'free' replacements for damaged merchandise, and it should be done at a local level... For example, if I go and buy OFP at Electronics boutique, and the CD ends up getting scratched, snapped, or melted, I should be able to bring in the CD, the Reciept, the original packaging, and any paperwork which shows proof of purchase, and get a replacement for free (Let EB handle the return to the manufacturer). If I don't have all the documents (Packaging, paperwork, etc) which prooves my proof of purchase, then maybe I should have to pay a minimal fee for a replacement CD... in the case of OFP, though, I would need a new Manual, with the new code in it.. I think this issue is moral, and about laws, and that is that. We can all disagree, but things will not change unless we 1) educate our representatives, and 2) hammer them to make laws. The idea that all government officials are corrupt is just not true. A majority of them are, and a majority of those would be willing to listen to an educated debate. Problem is, a lot of 'gamers' are not the educated kind, which can participate in a sincere objective debate about the issues. Recently I saw a License agreement online, posted because of it's extreme content. In paraphrasing it, it said something like 'We reserve the right to inspect our software, and the equipment it has been installed on at any time." Which means, that in agreeing to the license agreement, you are saying that anyone from the company can come into your home and 'inspect' your pc, and see how you are using their software. I beleive at the end of the article I read, the company had ammended their license agreement to remove said statements. When I worked for SSI/Mindscape, we discussed our lisence agreements, and the company as a whole, in a purely legal way, felt we were selling 1 (one) copy of the software we created, and the end user retained a CD-Rom which contained that copy. The end user did not OWN the Software, nor the Copy, but we agreed that between us, they could use the software they bought. We didn't sell the software, we sold an agreement. I think that has changed in the last 5 years, but originally, that was the idea, when copying became so rampant. It is truly a moral issue, and a legal one. Technically, anyone with the effort can copy anything copywritten. And locks on doors are not to keep theives out, but to keep those without the nerve, or desire to exert effort, from just walking through the door. I don't copy my CD's, in order to keep the original Pristine, I know that according to the current laws, in many cases (Obviously not in this OFP case) that is illegal, and for me, the effort for which it requires, is not worth my time. I don't copy my DVD movies, either, or my Music CD's, or my Cassette tapes, or my old 8-tracks, or Vinyl LP's, or my Books, or magazines... I just protect them from harm as well as I can. Maybe, Just maybe, if software companies said and/or encouraged me to make a 'back-up' copy, I just might do it, if they also made it easier to do... But since it takes some effort, I find it easier to protect it. Hey, I park my car in a garage, and lock the doors. That seems easy to me, maybe if I had a back-up copy, I would just leave it outside, and let the birds crap on it, and when it got too dirty, I would just clone it from the original, and use the pristine clone. Sorry, that was sarcastic. Hey, make an effort that isn't so selfish. While you are waiting the 15 minutes, or 4 hours, or whatever it takes to make that backup copy, browse the web for a few minutes, find out who your representaive in your goverment is, and drop them an e-mail, tell them what you think. What could that hurt? It can help, though, it might just change the laws you disagree with, and that is the American Way. Apathy will be our undoing, not terrorism.

I tried (Replayed) this mission 4 times today... I guess I planted the satchel at the wrong spot in Levie, I put one by the trucks.. I guess I don't know where the 'ammo dump' is.. But I did figure out that waiting until a guard is isolated, and popping him works best. At the tank park, I watched and figured out the routes of the patrols, and low crawled fast between their rounds. One satchel between two tanks works, and one on the hind... I still couldn't get to the shilka though. I did wait until the three man patrol was next to one of the satchels, and one of the guard flew like a bird... Secondary explosions look cool, and I stayed a second or two to long-range pop a few crewmen. I wish I could learn to get everything, though.. A bunch of choppers show up when it all blows, so I cannot stick around. Am I supposed to get into a tank and shoot my way out? I thought it was supposed to be all stealthy, and stuff... How do I get that shilka?!?

wow, lots of good advice (Except for the Super AI crap... I am having a tough time just getting through the campaign once! After I get bored with the game, I will up the ante! ;-) Anyhoo... So, as I understand there is a place where I can get mines AND satchel charges, allowing me to place some satchels, and then replenish? At the first ammo dump town, right? Okay.. Now about those mines... I played the little campaign mission where I placed mines on a road with a SGT, and I had a heck of a time figuring out the best way to place mines. I tried that mission 20 times... With the Ammo dump site, will the m,ission be blown if a BMP hits a mine before I ever get to the Tank park? Will it make the Tank Park part harder if everyone is on alert? And about the Shilka? I mean... It is right under the tower with the light on it... and five crewman, a three man patrol, and a few guards... and they don't move... I wish I could create a distraction... Any way, I also tried out getting into a T-*0, and M-Gunning all the RPG guys, and as many troops as I could (Crewmen) but in all 10 times I went that route, I end up getting blown up... I don't know if that is how it is meant to be done anyway I guess I will play it several times... and try some of your tactics... now, about Satchel charges... If four tanks are lined up, do I just place one satchel charge between two tanks to get them both? Or does one satchel per tank need to be done... and are there places to set a satchel to cause multiple continuing blasts? If one were to blow the fuel truck/fuel house, would that in turn blow up the nearby tank? I mean, it seems impossible, even with Five satchels to start with to get everything in the area (Unless of course, one just hops into a T-80, and starts blowing crap up) One last thing, and I'll shut up... I played through once, just at the start, and took my sweet time... About 45 minutes passed, and I was spotted, and summarily executed... When I continued the mission, I started aty the starting point, but the time was when I died the last time... This happened again and again, and eventually, I was starting the mission out at almost 50 am, and it was almost light... Whereas when I started the mission to begin with, it was pitch black out, and I assume, 30 am... What gives?

Man... I am great in large unit open ground warfare... But all alone, black ops, sneaky sneaky... I suck. In the campaign game, I am Galovoski (Who? Spelled right?) I have to blow a tank park, and if I can, an ammo dump, and a AA gun (Self Propelled) So, I start off just south of the ammo dump, with like 1000 meters to the tank park with patrols, and guards, and loads of baddies running about. I have tried this many times, and many ways, and the only way I can finish it is by ONLY blowing the tanks, and nothing else. I have tried to blow the ammo dump, and the tanks, couldn't do it, never could get within 200 meters of the shilka, without getting caught. Now, details, I never set off the bombs. When I win, I set off everything after I am almost within sight of the resistance contact, the horizen lights up, and I get a 'Objective Complete' message, and I meet up and win. I could even get the Satchel charge planted at the ammo dump, then almost make it out, but I always get caught... I tried about twenty times JUST going for the shilka, and there is just no way... Someone please, give me some help. I can low crawl for hours, with no problem, I am very patient.. Should I just move on? I did beat the mission... But I want perfection! I wish I had 6 satchel charges, I would take out the Hind, and the other t-80 as well...

Okay I read the Avon Lady FAQ, and I searched these forums... I have been trying and trying in game to get one of thwe soldiers under my command, who is injured, to 'go to' the spot where I have a medic 'waiting' in order to heal... when I get the message: "6: Injured" How do I tell '6' to go to '2' (The medic) specifically to get healed. Maybe I am just not getting them close enough... If an injured guy is near a medic, will they get together on their own? And get healed? Then say 'Ready' when the healing is done? This doesn't happen when I am squad leader...

I guess there are those who are making mods for older warfare to be fought on the OFP engine, right? ANyone seen a M-48 Main Battle Tank? In 1990, when I was at Ft. Knox in Armor School, many of the National Guardsmen had only gotten M-60 Tanks one year before, and had M-48's before that. So I assume that in 1985 there were still many of them in use by the Guard and Reserve, right? I remember getting inside one once, it was a big Roomy thing, I could stand up in, and walk around, most of the old big optical range finding systems had been replaced with electronics, but it still had the little 'eyes' on the outside of the turret for rangefinding... And why don't the commanders turrets have the m-2 .50 machine gun for suppressing infantry?

I just have to say, that I love this freakin board. Where else could one see such a diversity of highly trained global warriors, full of such detailed knowledge? I was never in the Infantry, though I completed Ranger School at Benning as an Armor officer...I know a little about 'Warsaw Pact' AT weapons. Here is what I know... They make a distinct sound when fired at you. They are usually mounted on something that crunches when it encounters the treads of your tank. I don't mean to be flippant. You all are incredible.

Jon Johns, 36, San Rafael CA, USA, former US Army Cavalry Troop Officer, was at Fort Knox KY during the Sand Box Excercise of 1991... We used to have a simulator at Knox, all computerized, massively multi-player, and used actual equipment interface... Meaning: We stepped into a virtual Tank, with gunner position, driver, loader, and Commander, and looking ou the periscopes, you were looking into COmputer Screens, which showed the virtual world around you. We used to have at least an entire company of tanks fight virtual battles, fully crewed... Best part, was the after action review... The computer would allow the excercise commanders to replay the battle from any view, pause, zoom, and move about... so as to better judge what went right, and what went wrong, and teach us better.... This game is so much like that, it is unbelieveable. I am hooked. This board, on the other hand, is intimidating as hell, you all military guys from all over the world, broght together by a simulation, its fantastic, and scary... I love it too...

What a fantastic and intriguing Topic, DodgeMe... Thing is about 'The Art Of War' is this, these days, if you get a copy of this fantastic book, you are 1) getting a translation from the Ancient Chinese language, and 2) you are getting much comentary from whoever is actually writing the book that features the tenants of Sun Tzu. Sam Griffith's is by far the most popular, and I have a dog eared copy of it, with much highlighting, and hand-written notes... I know I wrote down lots of complaints about Sam's interpretations... There are other versions, though, so those of you who get bored, should maybe try another version from the library, until you find one that you like, in order to buy a good one. The Samual Griffith one is here: http://www.amazon.com/exec....4467340 Here is another one, that I have seen, but never delved into... http://www.amazon.com/exec....4467340 It may seem unimportant, but think of it this way... Sun Tzu 'wrote' this stuff down over 2000 years ago, in a language that is dead.... Many many people since then have copied it down, and 'changed' his original text, and altered it, and made it mean different things... Unfortunately, this is the same thing that has happened to the bible... So, just like the original text scrolls in Hebrew, versus the King James Version, there is much interpretation, and what one should want is the version with the 'best' interpretation, that is, with as many clear to understand explainations as possible. Griffith's version is fine, but it is flawed... Here is another version, that I have heard is very good: http://www.amazon.com/exec....4467340 For an excellent all around book to keep on the shelf for reference, try this collection of many ideas of warfare... http://www.amazon.com/exec....4467340 There were many books on the Fort Knox reading list when I was in Armor School there, and the Art of War was one of them. I know at the time, I read that same copy about ten times, and since then, at least 20... The tenets are timeless, and applicable to everyday life, as well as combat.