Here is a fun little example of a Kriegsspiel problem / situation. What would you do if you were in command here?
Civil War era. Operational scale. Each block represents a Division of about 5,000 men. You are in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
The Army of Northern Virginia has been marching NW for several days. The Army of the Potomac is reportedly to the NW and is moving in your direction. You are closing with the enemy and a battle is soon expected. Comparative strength is unknown.
The Army of Northern Virginia is divided into roughly 3 equal Corps. You are in command of Jackson’s II Corps. You are in the center. Longstreet is to your left. Hill is to your right. Those little flag / HQ cubes mark your best guess as to where your friendly columns are currently. You have marched for 3 days at a leisurely but steady pace: 5 miles per day, then stopping to forage the area for supplies and setting up camp for the night.
You have marched 5 miles today since dawn. It is now mid morning. You have just halted the column and are preparing to send out foragers when you hear a fight break out to the SW of your position: musket and canon fire. This is likely in the vicinity of Longstreet’s Corps which is about a 2-3 miles away. This is the first contact with the enemy.
Map ahead. Enemy is expected to be approaching from the NW or upper left. Your LOC runs back to the SE.
Lee’s HQ is about 2-3 miles east of you. What do you do? What are your orders?
What are the options? What is the best move here? Why? Keep in mind that the clock is ticking. Every minute you spend thinking and writing, delays your troops response.
Comment below.
Do you need more information? Have questions? Ask! I’ll provide Umpire answers. 🙂