One of the problems of the TCS system is that even the player who is careful about creating only the op sheets he needs will still end up with quite a bit of paperwork to keep track of. While the existing system is an excellent simulation of the way things work in real life, the number of commands under the player's control can quickly overload the player's ability to keep up -- especially so without a staff of experts to do parts of the job for him.

This is especially true in monsters such as Omaha, so I'll offer a solution to the problem here -- the line entry command system. For the full-effect of the command system, I prefer to use the standard version and not this abbreviated one. Some players may want to use this all the time, others might when games require the control of many units.

To be fair, this system was based on a system I saw Dave Powell using in his Omaha playtests. Requirements here, other than an understanding of the original system, are: a sheet of lined paper per side, a pencil, and a little honesty. We all have the first two items, players without the latter should reconsider the type of games they are attempting to play.

This system is vaugely reminiseint of the one used in the CWB series. Basically, one line on the paper is devoted to each battalion task force and assets assigned there. So, the sheet can be filled out before play (line by line) so that less set up work is involved in the game itself.

The first entries on the line should be: Base Organization, attached units, size of force. In a game of Omaha it would be best (for the Americans) to make each line correspond to an infantry battalion and assign attached units/ figure size after the landing occurs. Otherwise you will spend forever trying to get your task forces together. The rules for attachment and detachment of units remain the same -- just switch line entries as needed.

The line looks as follows so far:

1/16/1 w/ 1 Plt A/741 Tnk Size 5

Next comes the honesty part. After the size, on the line, write a very quick statement of the mission of the task force (when, that is, you want to give it one.) Something like: Attack to capture village A. The details of this operation should be kept in mind (or jotted down somewhere if that isn't what you like.)

If you need more precision in your orders (so you can follow them or prove to your opponent that you were...) you probably should use the original system and avoid this simplification. Make the order statement part of the line when you wish to assign the mission, such as:

1/16/1 w/ 1 Plt A/741 Tnk Size 5: Attack to capture village A.

During following Command Phases, add up weighted points to the right of the order and make rolls nominally. When the order becomes implemented, erase the weighted tums and place a checkmark after the mission to show this. Conduct the mission as you planned it.

Using this system, an army the size of Omaha's can be managed with a minimum of paperwork -- leaving you to fight your battle and have fun. This system, a simplification of the original, contains many of the most important features while cutting down on "paper sheet confusion."

Battle Plans

For detailed battle plans, ones in which the player has some exact idea of how he wants the fight to go (as well as how he wants it done) or in multiple player games, the line entry system is not the right way to do it -- in these occasions use the original system. Certainly, a mix of the two methods (to take advantage of the benefits of both) can be done and would be the best way to play.

The variant I'm proposing here is an aid to speed up play and to make big games more manageable. Players who play an Omaha with the full command system are brave souls indeed and should be congragulated. The line entry system will make that game accessable to others (myself included, suffering as I do from fits of laziness when playing games.)