Battle of Houdan (mission)

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NATO tank group must repel the enemy attack against the city of Houdan. Mission Description

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Battle of Houdan
Time	02:30 PM
Date	05-06-1985 (timeline, canon) 06-06-1985 (in-game)
Location	Near Dourdan, Malden
Previous	Tank Training
Next	Interdiction

Battle of Houdan is the fourteenth mission of ArmA: Cold War Assault's Cold War Crisis campaign.

Diary

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Well, things sure happen fast in wartime. After one day's experience, I'm now a tank commander! We're moving South now, to the front line - our grunts are holding Houdan and we're going to provide support. After that, the next objective will be the border zone. The enemy there is supposed to be well entrenched with heavy armor. But, hey, we can take 'em. Some of the men have been talking about the battles on Everon. Seems a few guys from the 7th were there with their Abrams' and saw some serious firefights. Well, I may be the new guy around here, but I reckon I can show 'em all a thing or two today. Ivan had better watch his ass.

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Overview

The player controls U.S. Army tank commander Lieutenant Robert Hammer. Although his "training" is complete, Hammer's first trial by fire isn't over yet. Enemy forces have overrun the NATO defensive line south of the airbase and are encroaching onto the city of Houdan. Hammer and all available tank crews have been ordered to halt their advance at all costs.

Hammer's role/class:

• Armour / Crewman

Default loadout:

• Primary weapon: XM-177E2 (4× magazines)
• Secondary weapon: None
• Equipment: NV Goggles, Grenades (6×)

There are no alternate pieces of equipment to choose from.

Objectives

Primary

• (1) Get to the city and support the NATO defense there
• (2) Proceed to the beach and support the defense there
• (3) Assault the border zone

Optional

N/A

Mandatory

• Hammer must survive
• Avoid collateral damage/friendly fire (point score must not drop below 401)
• Remain within the combat area

Walkthrough

Primary 1: Get to the city and support the NATO defense there

You start off in a Medium Tank and are supported by two other vehicles in your platoon. Unlike your allies in their shiny Heavy Tanks, you're stuck with the lesser counterpart for the rest of this mission.

Major Sutherland will order your platoon to head straight for coordinates Ff52. Remain in formation until your platoon is ordered to divert towards the beach instead.

Primary 2: Proceed to the beach and support the defense there

Several BMPs will be waiting for you in the direction of the beach. Have your gunner load HEAT shells and engage them one-by-one. Attack the supporting rifle squads with the tank's coaxial machine gun.

Once they're all wiped out, get back into formation and proceed to coordinates Ff53. Several tanks are in the area. Switch to SABOT and mop them up, then return to formation once more. Remember that T-72s are capable of taking you out in two hits, so make sure you prioritise destroying them first.

Primary 3: Assault the border zone

After receiving new orders, head to grid Fj61. Not long after you get there, MAJ Sutherland will call off the assault and retreat. Break formation and order your driver to head back manually. The mission will end shortly afterwards.

Tips

• MAJ Sutherland and your fellow platoon members do not have to survive the battle. Keep Hammer's tank in good condition at all times and avoid getting caught up in the crossfire between your allies and the enemy vehicles (especially the T-72s along the way to the border zone).

Trivia

• The official Armaverse Timeline retcons the date for the Battle of Houdan, stating that its events take place on June 5th as opposed to the 6th (as shown in-game).