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materiel. We actually estimate
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it now at something on the order of an additional two million men and growing,
which they have already shown they are willing to lose in horrendous numbers
to gain ground. In the Alice Springs area, we estimate that over 135,000 enemy
combatants were killed in a ten-week period. We lost close to 12,000
killed and 24,000 wounded& but in the end, the enemy occupied the ground.
"Finally, to close, they have set up blocking naval groups to prevent our
forces from reaching their beach and dock areas. I have marked those suspected
vicinities on the map in red cross hatch, here, here and here."
As he said this, the Colonel pointed to three areas with the pointer he had in
hand. One was just off the
Northwest coast of Australia, one was off the Southeast coast of Australia,
and the last was off operating somewhere in the straits between New Guinea and
Guadalcanal. After pointing out each of these areas on the map displayed on
the screen, the Colonel completed his briefing.
"Each of these two northern groups consists of at least three of the Chinese
Beijing class aircraft carriers and their escorts. The one to the Southeast is
an Indian group consisting of at least two of their carriers and their
escorts. All of them are being supported by significant ground based strike
aircraft. We estimate that at least three regiments of Backfire bombers, two
regiments of Blinder bombers and two regiment of
Bear bombers are now located within support distance of these naval groups.
"They are operating out of airfields in Australia and New Guinea. All have the
capability of launching supersonic, sea-skimming cruise missiles& or the
"Killer Whale" supercavitating weapons. We estimate that these regiments are
being supported by three regiments of SU-24 Fencer strike aircraft and many
squadrons of SU-30, J-10 and Mig-29 fighter aircraft, which are also flying
support for their ground forces.
"This concludes the strategic briefing. I have specific tactical information
for each of your areas of operation based on strategic assets, local HUMINT
and on your own intelligence reports."
As the Colonel took his seat, Ben Ryan stood up and walked to the podium at
the front of the room next to the display screen. He had already reviewed in
his mind, and with several of those commanders present, what his
recommendation was going to be. He wanted consensus from the combat force
commanders in the room, and particularly from the military leaders of
Australia and New Zealand.
"Gentlemen, let me be blunt. Tactically, I see no alternative but to have our
forces fall back to the major defenses extending 150 miles out from Sydney and
Melbourne."
At this statement the Australian military leaders interrupted with pleas and
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arguments to the contrary.
Admiral Ryan did not give them time to swell into the chorus they might
otherwise have done. Slamming his and down loudly in the conference table next
to him hi shouted.
"I
WILL
have your attention. This is
NOT
some kind of press briefing and your gentlemen are
NOT
civilian reporters. This is a military environment and by God it will be
treated as one or I will have you removed from the room! Is that understood?"
The room got deathly quiet and the Admiral continued.
"I know the situation is critical and deadly serious. I also know we must do
all in our power to maintain a strong military presence here on the continent
or things will get much worse for everyone involved.
"Now, I am not proposing giving up, and I am not proposing that we operate in
purely a defensive
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mode. To the contrary I want all commanders to look for opportunities to
counterattack and draw the enemy into large ambushes. In particular I want to
look for specific opportunities to have the enemy mass his large forces for
more of these large breakthroughs. Here is why."
Turning to one of his aides, the Admiral motioned and then continued.
"Commander, please escort all aides and staff out of the room, then hand out
the packets to the commanders. I would ask that each of you receiving these
packets begin to read and then hold your comments for a few minutes. The rest
of you are dismissed. Tactical intelligence will be presented to you in the
officers mess which has been set up for that purpose and where you will find
information regarding the overall tactical plans waiting for you. Please begin [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]