[Bellman]

I would like to make some observations from playing this scenario.

The Kara Seas scenario tasks the 688 player to locate and eliminate a Russian SSBN, in the Kara Sea Boomer bastion -
Four Stars. Time frame 4/88 WW3. The Russians are expected to surge their SSBNs anti USA CVBGs.
The OA is appx 4000 sq, nm and 90% ice covered with an abundance of icebergs. Note also ice coverage varies from
about 75% in the West to 92% in the East Kara receives large amounts of freshwater so salinity is variable.
Waters have a mean depth of 110 m. ISP varies and Layers from 350-650 ft. were observed.

Planning the mission pre-launch the crucial considerations are :
1. What is the likely egress route for a SSBN ?
2. What SSN escort/s can be anticipated ?
3. What proceedures will maximise success ?

ROUTE:
It is unlikely that either the SSBN would exit, or the 688 enter, by the very shallow Southern Kara Strait.
Therefore one would expect the 688 would be at the Northernmost sector of Kara, or possibly in
the Barents Sea and the SSBN could be expected to be proceeding in a cumulatively Northern direction
to the Barents Sea. In the scenario the 688 starts at the South and the SSBN (Mus'nt spoil things) patrols rather
than routes. OK, this option was taken probably for replaybility, and that is fine if the brief were to state -
' You have penetrated the SSBN bastion - SSBNs known to be taking part in a localised operation.'
But for realism given the brief I would expect the designer to make a stab at Northerly routes for the Reds.

ESCORT/S:
In RL we should see Akula/s escorting, screening, snowploughing, shadowing. So pre-game what can be anticipated.
The Aks standoff capacity is iced,so the 688 v Ak duel/s is promising. Given a long range tonal, which platform
is it and how close is the escorter/escortee. ?

PROCEEDURES.
Not beeing party to the pros 'search manuals' or operational analysis proceedures, the task is like pursuing
burglars over a golf course at night in pitch black conditions with a weakly powered torch. How can you maximise your
chances of collaring one or more ? The one carrying the loot (SSBN) is vital but where, and how close, are his friends ?
If you attack one be sure his friends are not close enough to come to his aid.

The OA is 3900 sq. nm. so the search technique must be trade-off between speed (with relative blindness)
and stealthy listening. Generaly we can dive to suitable depths and progress at speed, slow and listen, come over
the layer (if present or shallow) and carry out a comprehensive search. Dive, speed up etc. The critical choices
are how much to zig zag and seeing the speed runs as links in a critical path analysis chart, how long should
they be for most effective cover, both at intermediate and node points ? Following the CPA comparison, the next
question is given TA sensor coverage representing the nodes(action balloon) how can they be positioned on Nav,
again for max. sensor search capability ? Again can we rely on SA and Hull/Conf. to fill in the inter-node voids ?
Finaly in-game, only can the 'links' be time-warp assisted, without a fatal outcome. (as in my first outing !)
With carefull timing and ranging it works.

Now, in my fourth outing, I am learning some lessons, but I dont want to spoil with too much AAR.

Thinking of the character of this scenario, I must confess to a preference for this type of more open-ended
situation. Perhaps its my Harpoon experience but I prefer general objectives and the strategic
or tactical decisions to be left to me, the player.