Ian M. Sullivan is the Special Advisor for Analysis and ISR at the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, US Army Training and Doctrine Command.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this post are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or Army Training and Doctrine Command

---

Game Turn 6

The weather cleared over the Peninsula, and it was an Allied initiative turn. The Allies began with a series of SOF raids, which on the whole were very unsuccessful. Several SOF teams were eliminated, and the only successes were raids against a DPRK chemical site at Sariwon and a raid on the KPA IV Corps Headquarters. The KPA and PLA SOF (hereby known collectively as Red Force) had a much better turn, again damaging the Port at Pyongtaek, the Jeomchon Airbase, and Allied attack helicopters operating out of Donghae. A USMC AH-1Z was damaged in the raid.

With the weather clearing, the KPAF again returned to the skies in what force it had left. This was a very interesting air superiority phase, which on the whole went the Allies’ way, but certainly was not a total loss for the KPAF. The Allies splashed 7 squadrons of KPAF fighters, including: three of Farmers, one F-7 Fishbed, and two MiG-21PF Fishbed. However, a KPAF Fulcrum downed a Japanese Phantom, and several KPAF squadrons survived the phase.

The strike phase was the most eventful yet, with both sides scoring hits. The Red Force started with a series of PLA and KPA ballistic missile strikes. Gimpo International, Jeomchon Air Base, and Donghae all suffered strikes, with Jeomchon being destroyed. More importantly, two ROKAF squadrons were destroyed on the ground—an A-50 and an F-15K—along with the already damaged USMC AH-1Z at Donghae. Allied TLAM strikes hit the Chemical site Sariwon and also several forward KPA headquarters, although these were only lightly damaged.

The Allies followed up their cruise missiles with a massive series of air raids, their largest to date. It was a mixed success. Allied Wild Weasels aiming at the Red Force IADS were chased off by KPAF interceptors, and only limited damage was inflicted on the DPRK’s SAMs. USAF bombers, and USAF, ROKAF, and Commonwealth fighter-bombers hit targets across the Peninsula, with a special focus on the KPA’s 620th Artllery Corps. The chemical site at Sariwon was destroyed, two artillery brigades were wrecked, and the KPA II Corps and IX Corps Headquarters were damaged. However, the KPAF had a major success, when a squadron of MiG-29 Fulcrum intercepted an inbound package of B-1B Lancers escorted by F-15C Eagles, and successfully splashed them. This turn represented the most significant losses the Allies have yet had in the air.

The Allies spent the turn consolidating their defenses. With the KPA breakthrough at Uijeongbo, and their successful push across the Imjin, the Combined forces could no longer hold the Imjin line, and it pulled back the remnants of the ROK I Corps to Seoul and its immediate northern suburbs. The Allies have turned the Seoul metropolis into a huge fortress and will attempt to use it to break the KPA onslaught.

Additionally, the Allies were able to reinforce the Han River Line with the newly arrived 2-2 BCT, while shifting the 11th MEU to reinforce the Gimpo-Incheon defense line.

The Allies only offensive action of the turn occurred in the east. The ROK 22nd Division, and the ROK 102nd Brigade continued its push northward, and came into contact with the lead elements of the newly arrived KPA VII Corps. This allowed the USMC Task Force Chosin to shift westward and link up with the ROK 2nd Division and 69th Reserve Mechanized Division. Supported by USAF A-10s, AH-1Z and ROKAF AH-64s, as well as cyber forces, the Allies hammered the KPA 31st Division, which was holding the extreme eastern crossing of the Soyang River. The KPA division was destroyed, and TF Chosin surged across the Soyang, although the already weakened ROK 2nd Division also was lost. The ROKAF Apaches were lost to newly arrived PLA S-300 SAMs, which are operating out of Kumgang, North Korea. 

In an effort to roll up the left flank of the KPA advance, these same Allied formations continued to press the North Koreans, encountering and destroying the KPA 46th Division. The death of the 31st and 46th Divisions represent the destruction of the KPA I Corps.

The KPA also continued its offensive. Now largely across the Imjin Estuary, the KPA IV Corps continued its attack against Gimpo. A massive attack against Gimpo was inconclusive, destroying the KPA 41st Division, but severely damaging the ROK 2nd Marine Division.

Surging across the Imjin, elements of the KPA II Corps threw themselves against the northern Seoul suburb of Goyang, but were repulsed, losing a light infantry brigade in the process. 

The 815th Mechanized Corps launched a similar attack against the eastern suburb of Hannam, and also was hurled back, losing another light infantry brigade for its troubles.

The 820th Mechanized Corps tried to force the Han River crossing just east of Seongnam with its powerful 105th Armored Division and a mechanized brigade. Held by the newly arrived ROK 67th Reserve Mechanized Division and the 1/4 Marines, the Allies held…barely.

The KPA tried another crossing of the Han further east, near Yang’pyong, but this multi-division assault also was repulsed by the ROK 3rd Armored Brigade and 36th Homeland Defense Division. The KPA 12th Division was destroyed in the attack.

Recognizing the danger posed by the Allied attempt to roll up their left, the KPA shifted elements of its 108th Mechanized Corps and the 61st Sniper Brigade to attack TF Chosin. The KPA was even able to support the attack with Su-25 Frogfoot operating under the protective umbrella of the PLA S-300s. The attack was inconclusive, but both sides suffered losses.

Lessons Learned: A real Donnybrook! This turn easily was the most eventful yet, and had a little bit of everything. The most surprising event was how “well” the KPAF did this turn, if losing seven squadrons can be considered a success. Downing the Japanese Phantom and then USAF F-15s and B-1s was a major success which actually led to a successful turn for the Red Force. Additionally, it’s interceptors thwarted the Allied efforts to conduct another strike. Finally, the arrival of the first S-300s gave the KPAF a chance to thwart Allied close support strikes. Those S-300s likely will be a priority target for the Allies next turn.

The Allies spent much of their turn consolidating their defenses around Seoul and along the Han line. Having finally decided that they could not hold the Imjin, the Allies are now resigned to fighting for Seoul, using it as a breakwater against the KPA tide. This strategy showed promise this turn, as the KPA launched several unsuccessful attacks against Seoul’s immediate suburbs.

The Allied offensive in the east was fairly successful, crushing the remnants of the KPA I Corps and creating an opportunity to cause further damage. The KPA contained it, and the Allied spearhead now is in danger of destruction, but it did buy time and space.

The problem the Allies have is that the KPA continues to throw fresh units into the fray. The KPA VII Corps is now in contact with forward ROK elements along the coastal highway, and TF Chosin is facing the full weight of the 108th Mechanized Corps. Yet another KPA Corps also is streaming south along the coast, along with the PLA 79th Group Army. The east may become the decisive theater, particularly if the KPA can fix the Allies around Seoul.

Ominously for the Alllies, the Red Force reclaimed the initiative this turn. This will offer an opportunity to blast through the Allied defenses in the east. The ROK has nearly completed its mobilization of reserves, but most are out of position to deal with the eastern threat. The USMC 15th MEU is in reserve on the coast, but it offers a very small margin to the Combined Forces Commander. 

Game Turn 7

It was a clear weather turn and the Red Force regained the initiative. They began the turn with a series of punishing SOF raids, which were, on the whole, very successful. They had no success against the Allied IADS, but they did score against Allied infrastructure targets, damaging several airbases and airfields, which resulted in collateral damage to a ROKAF Apache and the Divisional Apache battalion of the 2nd ID. An additional raid hit the headquarters of the USMC 11th MEU, which was detected electronically.

The air-to-air phase was a bit more even this turn as the PLAAF returned to the fight. The Allies downed four Red Force squadrons: a KPAF F-7, a MiG-21PF, a MiG-29UB, and PLAAF J-10. But the Allies also suffered air-to-air losses, losing a USAF F-16C, a ROKAF KF-16C, and a JASDF F-15J. In spite of their losses, the Allies retained air supremacy.

These raids were followed by a wave of Chinese ballistic missiles, which went after some of the same targets their SOF had hit. Although THAAD and Patriot mitigated the threat, a number of leakers penetrated the defenses. Wonju Airbase and Suwon Airfield were destroyed and Daejon Airbase was damaged. These strikes destroyed the previously mentioned ROKAF and 2nd ID Apaches and also destroyed a squadron of ROKAF KF-16Cs on the ground. The PLARF also targeted the 11th MEU Headquarters, destroying it. Finally, the PLARF launched a strike of DF-21Cs at a detected US carrier battle group operating inshore of the East Sea, but the strike failed. The Allies responded with a series of SOF raids and TLAM strikes of their own, but had only one minimal success in damaging the PLA S-300 Battalion operating out of Kumgang Airfield. Allied air strikes were slightly more effective, and US B-52s finished off the PLA S-300, while ROK F-15Ks destroyed the KPA II Corps Headquarters.

With the initiative in hand, the Red Force attempted to press the Combined Forces Command across the width of the Peninsula. The KPA IV Corps continued its drive on Incheon, and finally succeeded in taking the city from the ROK 2nd Marine Division, which was destroyed. The IV Corps lost an armored brigade in the attack.

Advancing southward, the KPA II Corps continued its drive on Seoul, targeting the ROK defenders of Goyang. This attack destroyed the ROK 52nd Homeland Defense Division, and the North Korean occupied the city. They are now flush against the Seoul metropolis. 

The KPA 815th Mechanized Corps tried to dislodge the ROK defenders of Hanam—the 17th Division—and in spite of air support from Su-25 and heavy artillery support, the Allies held, namely due to strong cyber support and close air support from USN Rhinos. Two KPA Mechanized Brigades were destroyed in the attack.

Elements of the KPA 820th Mechanized Corps tried again to force a Han River crossing, this time against the US 1-82. Spearheaded by the most powerful unit in the KPA order of battle, the 105th Armored Division, the KPA ran into a buzz saw. The Paratroopers were aided by strong cyber support and more USN Rhinos, halted the river crossing, and destroyed an Armored brigade in the process. The Han line held.

The KPA also tried to force two crossings of the Han-Soyang line further east, and both failed, resulting in the loss of the V Corps’ 45th Division and a Mechanized Brigade from the 108th Mechanized Brigade, which tried to press against the USMC TF Chosin. 

Additionally, the newly arrived VII Corps also began a push along the coast, pressing the ROK defenders backwards. Right behind them was the PLA 79th Group Army, which shoved the Allied spearheads back behind the Soyang.

While the turn was dire for the Allies, they took advantage of the elite movement segment to push back. Sensing several opportunities, the Allies made two bold counterattacks. The first aimed at the KPA 820th Mechanized Corps. Attacking the powerful 105th Armored Division, the 1-2 and 2-2 BCTs attacked eastward across the Han and westward from the Seoul suburb of Seongnam with the 2-82 and 3-82. These units were supported by USAF A-10s and the 82nd Airborne Apache Battalion, and the Allies crushed the KPA. A follow-up attack coordinated with the ROK 17th Divsion from Hanam wrecked another of the 820th Mechanized Corps’ mechanized brigades. The US 2nd ID now has two BCTs north of the Han, and the 820th Mechanized Corps was destroyed as a fighting formation.

With its position crumbling along the east coast, the Combined Forces Command committed its rapid reaction reserve—the 101st Air Assault Division—on an air assault behind the advancing KPA VII Corps. Coordinating with the USMC 15th MEU and ROK 22nd Division, and supported by USN Rhinos and USAF Warthogs, the attack was a major success. All told, this attack decimated the the KPA VII Corps, destroying two Motorized Divisions, an Armored Brigade, and a Light Infantry Brigade.

The 101st then was subjected to a counterattack from the PLA 79th Group Army. In a multiple brigade swirling fight, where both sides deployed close air support fast movers and attack helicopters, the 101st held on, although its 1-101 BCT was mauled. The PLA lost the 119th Motorized Brigade in the attack.

Lessons Learned: Cry Havoc! This turn also was a slugfest. The Red Force held its own in the air, but could do nothing about the Allies’ numbers. PLAAF combat squadrons were effective against the Allies, but there just were not enough of them to dent Allied air supremacy. 

Also, for the first turn since the first, the Red Force dominated the SOF and strike phases, forcing a number of Allied aircraft back, and even scoring kills on the ground. The big downer for them, however, was the strike on the US carrier, which failed miserably.

The initial Red ground phase was very successful, particularly around Seoul, with the capture of the cities Incheon and Goyang. Forcing back the Allied thrust north of the Soyang also was a victory, but it was short-lived because of the Allied counterattack.

The US-led attacks across the Han was bold and critical. Building in the defensive success of the 1-82, the 2nd ID’s thrust north destroyed North Korea’s best unit, and relieved some pressure on the Allied defense of a Seoul.

The attack by the 101st was even bolder, and played out over two segments with the support of the USMC’s 15th MEU and the hard-fighting ROK 22nd Division, they utterly destroyed he combat power of the KPA VII Corps and successfully repulsed an attack by the PLA. 

In spite of the back and forth nature of this turn, neither side really achieved a major breakthrough. The Red Force won the round on points—32 to 29–but their position is not really improved. The next turn likely will be another attempt by both sides to break the stalemate.

Game Turn 8

The Red Force maintained the initiative from the last turn, and the weather was clear. The Red Force position was turning tenuous, as mounting combat losses started to tell. Nevertheless, they resumed the offensive, starting with SOF raids that targeted Allied installations and IADS. Theses attacks were ineffective, causing only limited damage to Gunsan Air Base. Allied SOF were completely ineffective this turn.

To call the turn’s air superiority fight one-sided is a misnomer; it was an utter rout. The KPAF is down to a handful of squadrons, and the PLAAF was unable to take to the skies this turn. One KPAF MiG-21Bis was downed, and the rest of the KPAF’s fighters were scattered. The Allies easily retained Air Supremacy.

The strike phase of the turn was very eventful, and the PLARF struck with a fury. They launched 8 strikes against a range of Allied target, destroying several bases, including Gunsan and Daejon. These strikes destroyed a USAF A-10 squadron and damaged a USMC F-35B. The KPAF also contributed to the fight by sending its last two squadrons of H-5 Beagles on strike missions, but they were routed. Allied interceptors splashed one and chased the other off.

The Allies launched their own strikes. TLAM and F-16DJ Wild Weasels hit the North Korean IADS hard, while more TLAM, bombers and strike aircraft blasted away at Red Force artillery formations and headquarters. The most successful strike was carried out by B-1B Lancers, which obliterated the KPA IV Corps headquarters in the Incheon area. The PLA’s 79th Group Army Headquarters also was severely damaged by USAF B-2 Spirits.

In spite of the aerial pounding they took, the Red Force attacked across the front. Battered elements of the KPA IV Corps pressed an attack against Bucheon, which was defended by the US 4th Marines. Supported ably by USAF A-10s and US Army AH-64s from the 82nd Airborne, the Marines held, and roughly handled two attacking KPA Divisions. A second attack supported by the KPA III Corps also failed, and a KPA armored brigade was lost in the fighting.

The KPA resumed its efforts to take Gimpo with attacks by elements of their II and IV Corps, but the initial thrust was repulsed. A second attack was made later in the turn, now also including elements of the KPA III Corps. For its part, the ROK was able to reinforce Gimpo’s defenders —the 9th Division— with the 73rd Reserve Mechanized Division. Although this second attack failed, destroying a KPA Division from IV Corps and two more from II Corps in the process, the beleaguered ROK 9th Division also was destroyed.

Elements of the KPA II and III Corps fought a running battle with the powerful ROK 26th Mechanized Division, which has been defending the highlands north of Seoul for the last several turns. Two separate attacks by the KPA battered the 26th, but failed to dislodge it. Tactical air support by USAF Vipers made a difference in this fight.

In the face of the Allied counterattack across the Han, the KPA was forced to withdraw its spearhead forces northward to defend their occupied city of Namyangju. But further east, the KPA 108th Mechanized Corps, supported by the airmobile insertion of a KPA Marine Brigade, was able to again cross the Soyang River east of Chuncheon. The ROK 23rd Division was destroyed, along with the KPA Marine unit, but the KPA did push a mechanized brigade across the river. The problem is that they lack enough combat power to exploit the breach.

It was in the east where the Chinese made a bold bid to push through the Allied lines. The PLA 79th Group Army fought a series of engagements designed to punch through the Allied defenses, and link up with an airborne drop that struck behind the Allied lines. The PLAAF Airborne Corps jumped behind the Allied lines near the city of Gangneung. The PLA attempted to drop 4 brigades in the area, but one was intercepted by Australian Super Hornets, destroying the 130th Airborne Brigade in the air. Nevertheless, three brigades and a corps headquarters managed to land, and advanced on the city and occupied its airfield to the southeast. The Chinese paratroopers were unable, however, to clear the city.

The PLA hoped that the 79th a group Army could push through the Allied lines to link up with the paratroopers, but these hopes were dashed in a running series of fights involving the 101st Air Assault Division, the 15th MEU, and the battered remains of the ROK VII Corps. This fighting was intense and chaotic, but the Allies held. The Chinese lost the 5th Marine Brigade and the 133rd Airborne Mechanized Brigade, which were both attached to the 79th Group Army, as well as the 79th’s Z-10 attack helicopter battalion. The Allies also suffered losses, with the 1/7 Marines and the ROK 102nd Brigade destroyed, and two BCTs of the 101st severely mauled.

Building on their hard-won successes, the Allies pushed back on several fronts. ROK reserve formations are now reaching the front, and this enabled the Combined Forces Command to launch a multi-division attack against the KPA forces in front of Bucheon. This attack destroyed another KPA IV Corps division, and relieved pressure on the 4th Marines.

The most successful Allied attack was made by the US formations north of the Han. The 2nd ID and 82nd Airborne continued their attack against the KPA 815 Mechanized Corps, hurling them back and re-capturing the city of Namyangju. These attacks were supported by USAF A-10s and the 82nd Airborne’s AH-64s.

Two ROK Reserve Mechanized Divisions from its 1st Army—the 62nd and 67th—followed behind the US spearhead and pivoted eastward, smashing into elements of the KPA IX Corps. This attack destroyed the KPA 42nd Division and threatens to open another path for the Allies to surge forces across the Han.

Finally, USMC elements moved to contain the Chinese airhead around Gangneung. TF Chosin moved off the line to attack the Chinese airborne brigades in the city, but was unable to dislodge them. Also, having just landed at Donghae, the 13th MEU went immediately into the attack, securing the Gangneung airfield, and destroying the PLAAF Airborne Corps Headquarters in the process. The 1/7 Marines were, however, destroyed in the fighting.

Lessons Learned: Hold Fast, Die Hard, and Charge! The dogged Allied defense, which has been amazingly costly, is starting to pay dividends. The Red Force offensive has apparently stalled, and even where it is successful, the Red Force lacks the ability to exploit gains. Having been to Seoul and its environs, I can close my eyes and imagine just how destructive and desperate the fighting in and around it would be, but its defense truly has become the rock that is breaking the KPA’s assault.

The Allies appear to be on the verge of transitioning to the general offensive in the next few turns. The KPA position west of Seoul near Incheon is becoming perilous, and it remains to be seen if they can hold it, let alone make any gains. 

The American advance across the Han has been the fulcrum of success for the Allies. What began as a local counterattack to stabilize the line is fast becoming a dagger to the heart of the KPA offensive. Thus far, this attack has essentially destroyed one KPA corps and is about to wreck another. The liberation of Namyangju was critical and may open the way for the ROK forces in Seoul to transition to the offensive.

The Chinese tried mightily to break open the eastern front, but lacked the combat power to break through. The Airborne assault was an attempt to force the Allies to adjust, but their position is now stable enough to deploy separate forces to handle it without weakening the front lines. If the air picture was different, the Chinese attack may have been more decisive. But Allied air supremacy means that Allied combat formations are constantly getting close air support. The A-10s, F-16s, and F/A-18s are making a dramatic difference, which in turn is starting to give the Allies new opportunities. 

The Allies easily re-claimed the initiative in turn 8, which could be disastrous for the Red Force in the next few turns. The Allies are continuing to receive reinforcements, with the 25th ID, the I MEF, and a Commonwealth Brigade landing in Busan. A second Chinese Group Army and more combat aircraft also has arrived. It is unclear if that will be enough.

---

Previous Articles from Ian Sullivan:

“All Along The Demilitarized Zone”: Playing Next War: Korea (Part 1)

“All Along The Demilitarized Zone”: Playing Next War: Korea (Part 2)

China’s Red River Dance — Playing Next War: Vietnam Series

A Hop, Skip, and an Amphibious Assault — Playing Next War: Taiwan Series

Poland is Not Yet Lost: Playing Next War: Poland Series