By Michael K. Robel

  Michael Robel is an Army veteran of 16 years service as an Armor officer, including the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment patrolling the East-West German border and 9 years in the 1st Infantry Division, including 6 months in combat during Desert Storm. He served as a platoon leader, troop executive officer, Company Commander, battalion and brigade supply officer, battalion assistant operations officer, and a division staff officer, as well as teaching ROTC.

The Battle Group moving onto the map. Note the HQ, Ambulance, Maintenance, and Supply units added for the Canadian Army. Important for CPX's, but not so much for the solitaire gamer.

Mike has been playing wargames since he was 8 years old, started computer wargames with "MIDWAY" by Avalon Hill for the TRS-80, and has turned his hobby into a civilian career by becoming the Database Manager for the 87th Exercise Division Simulation Center (for the Battalion-Brigade Battle Simulation and the Corps Battle Simulation), the Simulation Center Manager for the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and now work developing algorithms and systems tests for WARSIM 2000, the army's next battle simulation.

Mike has been tested and assisted in the development of several games, including Harpoon Classic, Harpoon II, Patriot, Steel Panthers, Tanks!, and Great Naval Battles, and BBS and Spectrum (both army simulations).

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An alternative counter-information display that shows moving units (arrowheads), units in cover (the ")" symbol", and entrenched units (the ")" with little lines on it indicating facing.). Note the burning destroyed vehicle icons.

Have I checked that unit or not? This display shows check marks, or O's for units that have been checked and/or issued orders, or blank counters for those that have not checked yet. Would be nice for manual games, eh?

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