Posted: Dec 23 2003
Having done a bit of experimenting and a lot of thinking about the game, I think I have a good idea for another unit for the game. Fortunately, it should be very easy to implement (I think) and will add loads of realism. Psychological Operations... Looking through the Loyalty filter, it is easy to see that winning the loyalty of the newly conquered is very important. I propose introducing a tactical Psyop unit (like the US Army employs). They work on all levels but can easily be represented in the game by a unit marker with a Humvee or other light vehicle. I think it should be built like any other unit and possess very little (or no) combat capability. However, when in enemy or recently captured territory, it will speed up the loyalty change in the area it is operating. That would be cool.
Another option, as US psyop units don't really deploy alone (they are attached to maneuver units), you can add an option to "attach psyop units" with a unit you build. This may even be easier... have an option to pay a little extra money when building a ground unit to simulate the attachment of a Psyop unit- and then slightly increase the loyalty growth rate in regions where that unit is operating.
If you like the idea and really want to make my Christmas special, you can include two other units- A psyop capable UH-60 and C-130. The US military does have a couple of C-130s designed for and specifically alloted for Psyop. They are basically flying broadcast stations used to broadcast radio and TV "products" to target audiences("products"...thats what we call it when we do it. It's called propaganda when anyone else does it- really). I see this being another unit that can be purchased- a c-130 that has no transport capability but can influence a wide range of territory in terms of loyalty shift. Their broadcast ranges are pretty long which allow for flying along the border and broadcasting into neighboring territory or by flying into enemy territory when hostilities break out. Their area of influence should be pretty wide.
As for the UH-60s, the US does not operate any blackhawks soley for pysop, but the tactical Psyop folks actually have big speakers that can be attached to the airframe for more mobile broadcasting (as compared to their normal foot/ vehicle movement). It would be cool, but not essential to add helicopters into the mix. However, I think that Pysop as either an independent unit or attachment to regular units would be both realistic and good for the game. FYI, the designation for the C-130 is "Commando Solo".
Oh, one more note... Psyop units can be found worldwide. China and Russia both have good assets as do many smaller countries. For example, N. Korea puts a lot of money and effort into Psyop too- I actually came across a leaflet in Korea that came down by balloon (I guess)- a quick translation revealed a description of the North's Utopian society complemented by a picture of an expensive watch... I wish I were kidding. I guess they thought the promise of a new watch would do win over any fence-sitters. ha ha.
Another option, as US psyop units don't really deploy alone (they are attached to maneuver units), you can add an option to "attach psyop units" with a unit you build. This may even be easier... have an option to pay a little extra money when building a ground unit to simulate the attachment of a Psyop unit- and then slightly increase the loyalty growth rate in regions where that unit is operating.
If you like the idea and really want to make my Christmas special, you can include two other units- A psyop capable UH-60 and C-130. The US military does have a couple of C-130s designed for and specifically alloted for Psyop. They are basically flying broadcast stations used to broadcast radio and TV "products" to target audiences("products"...thats what we call it when we do it. It's called propaganda when anyone else does it- really). I see this being another unit that can be purchased- a c-130 that has no transport capability but can influence a wide range of territory in terms of loyalty shift. Their broadcast ranges are pretty long which allow for flying along the border and broadcasting into neighboring territory or by flying into enemy territory when hostilities break out. Their area of influence should be pretty wide.
As for the UH-60s, the US does not operate any blackhawks soley for pysop, but the tactical Psyop folks actually have big speakers that can be attached to the airframe for more mobile broadcasting (as compared to their normal foot/ vehicle movement). It would be cool, but not essential to add helicopters into the mix. However, I think that Pysop as either an independent unit or attachment to regular units would be both realistic and good for the game. FYI, the designation for the C-130 is "Commando Solo".
Oh, one more note... Psyop units can be found worldwide. China and Russia both have good assets as do many smaller countries. For example, N. Korea puts a lot of money and effort into Psyop too- I actually came across a leaflet in Korea that came down by balloon (I guess)- a quick translation revealed a description of the North's Utopian society complemented by a picture of an expensive watch... I wish I were kidding. I guess they thought the promise of a new watch would do win over any fence-sitters. ha ha.