border war: angolan raiders - decision games · border war: angolan raiders mission 1: operation...

| AFTER ACTION REPORT | A1

Border War covers some of the raiding operations performed by the South African Defense Force against the SWAPO (Southwest Africa People’s Organization) bases in southern Angola during the 1980’s. There are four mis-sions based on historical events. On the next page is a photo of a portion of the map area.

by E.R. Bickford

Production:Lise’ Patterson & Chris Dickson

© 2013 Decision Games

Bakersfi eld, CA.

Border War: Angolan Raiders

Mission 1: Operation Reindeer 1978

This was one of the fi rst major operations against SWAPO bases. The SADF is set up in two locations, one in Oshakati and the other at Cunene Hydroelectric. The mission is to gain one objective and have a +2 KIA Index. There are only eight operations points available.

The fi rst OPS is expended to move the force from Oshakati to Ngiva (7 OPS). There is an objective there; as well as enemy units. Three forma-tions emerge. Since the fi ghting is in the town of Ngiva, the enemy will have extra dice. The SADF has a leader and also wins the tactical advantage. Still, this does not go so well. The enemy is eliminated but that SADF loses the tank unit and the Armored Car company. The KIA is at -1. The SADF adds one operations point (8).

Since there is an objective chit, there is a second event. It turns out that there is another Cuban Tank company in the town. This cannot be good! Fortunately, the SADF leader seizes battlefi eld initiative. This seems like a good time for an air strike. The Cuban tanks are destroyed. This brings the KIA Index to +0. The objec-tive turns out to be a minefi eld. The OPS climbs to 9 points.

The other task force deployed at Cunene Hydroelectric moves out (8 OPS). These forces drive through the boonies to the town of Zangango. There is an airfi eld and an objective there. There is one African unit deployed there. A fi ght erupts. The SADF has no distinguished leader here, but still gains the initiative. The Simba unit panics (9 OPS).Then the second event is: Intel. This card is retained. Then the objective is revealed. Objective Moscow is recovered (i.e., the capture of Commander Dimo Hamaambo and the release of POW Sapper Johan van der Mescht).

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The Task Force at Zangango uses an operations point (8 OPS) and expends the Intel card to make an air move. The force moves to a base at Oshakati. Then the SADF forces in Ngiva move back to their base at Oshakati. A new task force is orga-nized and moves to the friendly base at Ondganjera (7 OPS).

Next, the task force moves through Cunene Hydroelectric and to the open country (6 OPS). The SNDF makes a Morale Check and gains two OPS (8). The task force moves again to another boonies area. This reduces the defensive benefits of enemy forces that are encountered. The OPS drop to 7 points. The event drawn is: Infiltration.

Three enemy units make contact. There are two weak African units but a powerful Cuban tank company. With the leader, the


SADF gains initiative. An airstrike is called in to try to take out the Cuban tanks. This works and the tanks are destroyed. This brings the KIA to +2. Unfortunately, the armoured car company is hit and the KIA drops back to 0. The special forces take out one of the African infantry detachments. The index moves to KIA +1. Finally the remnant of the opposition is eliminated. The KIA is still +1 because a special forces unit pan-icked. The SADF adds one OPS (8).

The SADF moves toward Port Alexandro (7 OPS). A formation of FPLA units is found. This is a mixed formation of infantry and tanks. The SADF gains tactical initiative. An airstrike is called in for support. The FPLA infantry company is eliminated. The KIA Index is at +2. A SADF special forces unit

panics under fire from the enemy air defense and this drops the KIA Index to +1. Finally the enemy air defense is eliminated and the KIA Index moves back to +2. This combined with the Objective Moscow results in an SADF victory.

Mission 2: Operation Protea 1981

This simulates the 1981 attack on the Southwest Africa Peoples Organization leading to clashes with the Angolan government. This attack will be led by Col. Joubert of the SADF. The mission requires obtaining one mission objective and a +6 KIA Index. There are 10 operations from the outset, 35 recruit points and one leader.

The SADF moves out of their base in Oshakati and advance to Ngiva.

This costs one operations point. (9 OPS). There is a morale check. This is no effect as there are no points on the KIA Index yet. Since there is an objective here, another event is drawn. The OPFOR have infiltrated. The units in Ngiva met enemy forces. Two African units (4-3) and an SWAPO platoon (2).

The SWAPO forces have battlefield superiority and fire first. The armor is knocked out and the KIA goes to -2. The SADF mechanized company takes out the African infantry company. (KIA -1). Then one of the mechanized companies is destroyed (KIA -3). Another mechanized unit is wipes out (KIA -5). An African platoon is panicked and retreats while the SWAPO platoon is eliminated (KIA -4). The SADF wins but suffers heavy losses.



The Objective Vietnam is secured. The SADF adds one OPS (10)

The task force at Ongandjera moves out and passes through the base at Oshakati where it stops. This expends one operations point (9 OPS). The task force continues to Ngiva where it links up with Col. Joubert. This activity stirs up enemy forces in the town. Three African units appear. This time Col. Joubert gains the initiative and attacks. An African infantry company is eliminated. (KIA -3). Then another SADF mechanized company is disabled (KIA -5). A second African infantry unit is eliminated (KIA -4). The last SADF mechanized company is destroyed. (KIA -6). At last the enemy is cleared from Ngiva (KIA -5). This has been a costly affair

for the SADF. One Operations point is added for the victory (10).

Col. Joubert activates his task force in Ngiva and returns to the friendly base at Oshakati (9 OPS). This completes part of the mission by returning with Objective Vietnam. The SADF still needs a +6 on the KIA index.

The task force at Oshakati goes on a border patrol as it moves southward (8 OPS). These obtain an Intel card. This patrol continues along the western border (7 OPS). The task force runs into a band of Cuban Infantry with a communist leader. Fortunately the SADF gains battle-field superiority. Col. Joubert calls for air support. As a result of the fire power, the Cuban infantry com-pany is eliminated (KIA -4). Then the leader is captured (KIA -3). The

victory is complete and the SADF adds on operations points (8 OPS).

The SADF task force moves into another open area along the border (7 OPS). They meet a Communist Major Offensive. Three enemy units and a Soviet adviser attack. Both sides have a leader, but the SADF wins the initiative. They call in an air strike. This takes out an SWAPO infantry company (KIA-2). An armored car company is disabled (KIA -4). The FAPLA infantry com-pany is eliminated (KIA -3). A com-munist platoon of African infantry is destroyed (KIA -2). Then an SADF armored car unit panics and falls back. Finally the Soviet adviser is killed (KIA -1). The SADF wins the victory and collects two OPS (9).

The SADF Task Force moves though the town of Savate and into the


open area south (8 OPS). There is a hidden enemy base here. This turns out to be a very large force. There is a leader and a Soviet adviser along with two SWAPO infantry companies and an African infantry unit and an FAPLA tank platoon.

The enemy has the initiative and tactical surprise. Col. Joubert did not see this coming. The communist forces knock out the sapper unit (KIA -3). The SWAPO infantry company (3 SP) is eliminated (KIA-2). The fight-ing is relentless and finally the SADF wins the day. There is not much left of the task force but the communist base is eliminated. The KIA is at -1. The victory in this firefight yield 2 OPS (10). The Task force activates and moves deeper into the barren territory. A

UN Aid event is drawn adding to the OPS (12). This is not much help as the task force has no strength. The Task Force heads back toward the bases in Southwest Africa. It runs into a strong force of Cubans and is destroyed in the resulting fire. The KIA mount to -5 and the mission is deemed a failure.

Mission 3: Operation Askari 1983

This mission is a preemptive attack by the SADF against the SWAPO military bases. The mission requires recovering two objectives and a +4 KIA Index score. There is one leader and 40 recruit points. The time allotted is 12 operations. The SADF sets up in two bases, Oshakati and Ongandjera. The first operations point is spent to

move the SADF Task force from the base to Ngiva (11 OPS).

The first event is: Morale Check. This is no event as the KIA is at 0. A second card is drawn for the objective. This event is: Fight For Intel! There is a strong enemy force in Ngiva. The strongest is a Cuban armored car battalion. The com-munist forces seize the initiative. The SADF armored car company is eliminated (KIA -2). Then the Cuban unit succumbs (KIA -1). A second SADF unit and the com-munist African infantry Brigade is destroyed too (KIA -2). A further exchange results in the KIA Index dropping to -3. The SADF wins the battle and wins the Intel Card. The objective chit is revealed. It is Objective Vietnam. The Intel card is expended to reveal two objectives.



Objective Moscow is confirmed in the town of Chetequara. There are mines in Xangango.

The next operation is used to fly the Objective at Ngiva to base using Helicopter transports. (10 OPS). The objective is successfully flown back to a SADF base.

The SADF forces at Ngiva move back to their base in Oshakati (9 OPS). Then some of the assets at Oshakati are transferred to the next base to the north at Ongandjera (8 OPS). A new task force at Ongandjera marches to the town of Chetequera, on the intel that Objective Moscow is there (7 OPS). Since the objective is revealed, there will be only one event to resolve. It happens to be a free Intel

card. (Generally, it is not advanta-geous to fight the enemy in towns.)

Another operation is spent to fly the objective to base using helos (6 OPS). Then the task force in Chetequera performs a patrol toward the town of Ngiva. This is a boonies location which takes the defensive bonus away from the communist forces. The SADF gets caught in a communist offensive. This operation is heavy with Cuban forces. The SADF task force has tactical superiority however. The G-5 which is based on the border is called to provide fire support. As a result, the Cuban infantry Brigade is eliminated (this was a 6 SP unit). The KIA shifts to -2. Then SF-K is destroyed and the KIA Index moves down to -4. The Cuban armored car battalion is

also hit (KIA -3). With the strongest communist unit out, the rest of the enemy falls easily (KIA -1). The SADF wins the battle and collects two operations points (8 OPS).

The task force passes through the air strip at Ngiva and then moves eastward to open terrain (7 OPS). Here they encounter the enemy patrols. One Angolan infantry battalion is found and quickly dispatched (KIA 0).

The task force patrols further (6 OPS). Heading back through Ngiva, the force moves toward Chetequera. The SADF draws a UNITA event card. Since the TF has a leader, two operations points are awarded (8 OPS). The SADF task force moves south back through Ngiva and then to the


border with Southwestern Africa (7 OPS). The event: Track for Intel is selected and retained as the TF has special forces within.

Another patrol takes the task force toward Chetequera (6 OPS). A weak SWAPO infantry battalion is encountered and subsequently destroyed (KIA +1). This adds an operations point to the SADF (7 OPS). The patrols continue. The SADF needs three more enemy units to declare the mission a success (6 OPS). A Political Crisis occurs. As a result the UN calls an emergency session. The effect of this is a reshuffle of the event deck.

Another patrol is sent out (5 OPS). The event is: Fight for Intel. A fairly large communist force engages the SADF. The FAPLA has a strong armored car battalion, which is wiped out by the SADF and support from the G-5 at the base. The KIA increases to +2. Unfortunately the



task force suffers losses (KIA+0). The rest of the communist forces and the leader are eliminated (KIA +3). The Intel card is retained.

The task force continues to patrol the border (4 OPS). One enemy air defense battalion is met. The SADF has tactical initiative and destroyed the unit. This brings the Index to KIA +4. This satisfies the mission’s victory conditions.

Mission 4: Operations: Modular-Hooper-Packer 1987-1988

This mission involves a series of operations in support of the UNITA guerrilla forces. It is being carried out by Col. Dion Ferreira. At least two objectives and KIA +8 are needed for victory. There are two

leaders and 50 recruit points. The time allotted is 15 operations.

The SADF has two main bases at Oshakati and Ongandjera, while paratroopers are deployed at Rundu, Grootfontein and Cunene Hydroelectric. The first operation moves a large task force from Oshakati to the border (14 OPS). This task force finds the road out. Since it has no engineers, it sacri-fices an operation (13 OPS). The task force in Ongandjera also moves out (12 OPS). It moves through Chetequera and then south toward Ngiva. This group runs smack into a hidden enemy base. Fortunately the G-5 artillery is in range. It turns out the base is abandoned except for a Soviet adviser. He is captured. (KIA +1). This gives the SADF two bonus operations points (14 OPS).

The commandos south of Ngiva, conduct a reconnaissance mission into the town of Ngiva (13 OPS). Nothing is learned however. The Task force to the north conducts further patrols (12 OPS). Eventually they return to their base at Ongandjera. More operations are used to perform recon in Ngiva (11 OPS). This too fails to produce any useful information. I am proceeding cautiously because I cannot afford many losses with the KIA requirement at +8.

The northern TF group patrols near Ngiva (10 OPS). This patrol results in an Intel event card. This allows them to reveal two objective locations. There is a real objective in Ngiva. There are


mines discovered in Zangango. This is helpful information.

One operation is used to move the G-5 to the base in Oshakati (9 OPS). The task force south of Ngiva moves in to seize the objective that has been located there (8 OPS). This can be costly as the town yields a +1 die bonus to communist units. The event is: Track for Intel. Since the task force has special forces units, they can retain the card. It is employed to reveal two more objec-tives. Another objective is revealed in the town of Peu Peu. There are mines in Cassinga. Peu Peu has an airbase so this will facilitate moving it if it can be secured.

The helos bases in Southwestern Africa fly a mission to collect the Objective located in Ngiva (7 OPS). This secures one of the mission

objectives. The task force in Ngiva then moves from the town toward the east (6 OPS). The event is: Fight for Intel. A strong enemy force is discovered east of Ngiva. This is led by a Cuban infantry brigade. The SADF is out of range of the G-5 artillery guns, so air support is called. This successfully takes out the strong Cuban infantry (KIA +2). The battle continues. Both sides continue to suffer losses, but the SADF prevails. The KIA Index is at +2 after the firefight. The SADF forces retain the Intel card as spoils for their victory.

Another operation is conducted (5 OPS). The same task force moves along the river through Mongua and to the open country, heading toward Peu Peu. Enemy units are encountered. Both sides suffer casualties before the Angolan

units are eliminated. The KIA Index is set at +2. The SADF gains an operation point (6 OPS).

The weakened commando force arrives at Peu Peu to seize the objective (5 OPS). The Event is UNITA. This allows the force to collect two operations points due to the leader (7 OPS). Then an operation is used to move the objective to the base in Southwest Africa (6 OPS).

The task force near Chetequera patrols for enemy forces (5 OPS). The event is: Covert Aid. This brings the SADF operations back to 7 OPS. More patrols are conducted (6 OPS). Meanwhile there is a Political Crisis. The UN convenes again in emergency session. The event deck is reshuffled. TF 2 patrols and the SADF receives



more CIA Covert Aid (6 OPS). Then the enemy infiltrates the area on the western border in Southwest Africa. A Cuban unit attacks and is supported by two Angolan units. One special forces unit panics but the enemy forces are easily subdued (KIA +4). The SADF adds an operations point (4 OPS).

TF 2 patrols along the border and encounters another solitary Angolan unit (3 OPS). This unit is destroyed (KIA +5). An operation point is secured (4 OPS). Task Force 2 continues to patrol the border and draws a Communist Invasion event. The special forces unit uses its Psyop ability to forgo the card. Another is selected. It is a smaller encounter with the enemy. Unfortunately a strong Cuban unit is part of the enemy disposition. The commandos win battlefield superiority and knock out the Cuban unit and

then the Angolan Government unit. (KIA +7). This also awards another operations point (4 OPS).

The SADF obtains aid from UNITA (5 OPS). Further operations are used to patrol and the task force finds a road out along the border. This cost an operation (3 OPS). During additional patrols a hidden enemy base is found. The special forces use their Psyop ability to pass on the card. Thus the com-mandos are also hidden from the enemy. The next card selected is an Enemy found event. There are two units, one strong and one weak. The commandos have initiative and destroy the stronger unit (KIA +8). The second unit is also destroyed (KIA +9). This is enough for victory. Although the operations point count was getting low, the SADF held an Intel card which would add one operation if needed. It wasn’t.

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