Ghost Battalion Major Grozni, commander of the so called “Ghost Battalion”, rough and mostly angry man, was chosen to support and transport entire 110th to the staging area. This unit participated in the Kosovo Sunrise, made big havoc in the enemy rear and was nicknamed Ghost Battalion. Motorized, fast and dangerous. The biggest problem was unit commander. This officer that got sacked during the peacetime was hard to work with, difficult to persuade and mostly used his own initiative instead of being guided by the headquarters. And now, they are transporting 110th to the battlefield and will probably participate in the battle themselves. They look tired, all of them: tank drivers, assault squad leaders, IFV gunners. Even Grozni himself looks very knackered. Even though they were guaranteed enough well-deserved rest this unit is called in again. Many members hated this whole business, it’s much better to stay at home and enjoy the life and all benefits of it. However, on Balkan you are guaranteed to participate in at least one war.
Ghost Battalion itself was truly unique formation. First of all, it wasn’t a battalion: it had all units needed for a brigade but had less manpower to be called such. While other battalions acted as the part of brigades, Ghost Battalion acted on its own, receiving orders directly from the president. One tank company, one motorized infantry company, one artillery and one anti-aircraft artillery detachment, medical unit. Not to forget, it also gathered several infantry formations such s engineers, sniper squad, recon platoons etc. This unit was so colorful that even Grozni himself found it difficult to coordinate sometimes. As soon as the 110th has arrived to the staging area problems started to arise. First of all, not a single soldier from the Ghost Battalion wanted to ride on top of the tanks. There was not enough space for both units in the trucks and vehicles. Then, when the problem was solved big brawl started between each other. Reason: who’s stronger? This was solved easily: Grozni took out sidearm, fired couple of shots, called everyone sons of a bitch and ordered to mount in. As soon as the trucks went out of the base someone remembered that he left out entire troop disposition maps and guidelines inside the command building. After several hours long and dusty column was moving south, toward the border. Inside the first vehicle Grozni and Cpt. P. discussed further employment and disposition. “So, Grozni, you think we can count on our air support during the mission?” “Naw, not really. Listen me up man, thank you for sharing classified mission info with me, I can give you couple of advices. First and above all, make sure that mortar company is well dug in on that hill 988. Bring some AP mines with you; they should place them on the forest edges here and….here. If spotted, those are routes Albanian regulars would take to attack you. Next, talk to Major Smiljanic, he’s got long range artillery there. Divide area by sectors and make some shortcuts, trust me you will need his NORA cannons. I will talk with my friend there, he is doing supplies and logistics and he will get them special ammunition charges to allow longer range. He is nasty bastard but I will probably manage to persuade him after couple of bottles. Make sure your boys know what to do if surrounded. If it’s regular army they can surrender, I don’t know how they will go through but they can. If KLA surrounds them they should better wait for dark and break through.” “Wait sir, I was told you c support me with your tanks.” “I can do what?” “Support me with your tanks. HQ explained I can call in your tank company if needed.” “Are you stupid or something? That terrain is hard enough for the infantry, there is no chance I can get my tanks up there, let alone support you with them.” “You can try man, I have a bad feeling that…” “Listen me up, there is no way my tanks will go up those hills and rocks. Final! End of story!” “But I can…” “No way!” “Ok, ok, take it easy man. How can you help me out anyway?” “Only with limited infantry support. I can lend you my sniper unit, maybe engineers. But that’s final.” “And how about…” “Listen me up kid, you haven’t fought in the mountains so far, have you?” “No sir, I haven’t.” “There is one basic rule there: no heavy equipment. Every single armored vehicle I put there will be destroyed, do you understand that?” “Yes sir.” And everything went quiet. Kilometers passed but no one said a word. Obviously Cpt. P. was a bit mad, but again he realized that this will be hard cooperation. He has heard many rumors about this major, the one who told President to get his hair cut. In couple of hours he wanted to remain silent for the rest of the missions, he won’t say a word to the major for the rest of his life. Never ever. After all, who the hell this major thinks he is? God almighty? Suddenly column stopped. “Alright, everyone outside, end of the trip. Common move out, we are here, let’s go, move, jump out soldiers, what are you waiting for.” Their trip ended in the temporary base, 25 kilometers from their mission AO (area of operation). Base was crawling with the infantry; couple of anti-tank platoons were cleaning up their gear, on the watchtower you could see some sergeant yelling in the guard’s face. “Ok, let’s have some drink before sleep.” Cpt. P. couldn’t believe his own ears. Major, nasty person who yelled straight into his face is now calling him to have a drink. No way angry bastar, Cpt. P. is not going to drink with you. “Hey, are you coming or not?” He actually has nerve to continue talking with him? “Common, briefing is in four hours anyway, let’s drink something and talk about the mission.” Ah, what a heck. “Ok major, lead the way”, said Cpt. P. and smiled. Major just shrugged which has caused Cpt. P. to immediately stop smiling. This is going to be hard cooperation. |
