AAR 2

From: Cadet Jason Woodward

On 30 April 99, the MH4 English class conducted in-class briefing for the wargamers that were present at the time. I served as the Chief of Staff for the Army of Northern Virginia. We briefed the attendees of the USMAPS Gettysburg wargaming conference.

We briefed all current staff positions for the upcoming scenario from the standpoint of the tactical situation presented to General Lee the morning of 01 July 1863. We proposed a course of action that we felt would lead to the destruction of the Army of the Potomac. Fred Hubig, who was serving as General Robert E. Lee, for the conference, adopted this course of action. This course of action was the starting point for the developing tactical situation that the wargamers were presented with at inception.

A wise man once said, "No plan survives the first shot of battle." This quote was proven true once again by our wargame. The initial plan was modified due slow movement by the initial divisions participating in the battle. At the conclusion of Day 1 a new battle plan was drawn up.

We decided that Longstreet's Corps (Mike Pierce) would attack Culp's hill, while A.P. Hill's Corps (Joe Brecher) would center their attack to the left of Longstreet. I commanded Johnson's division and was left to defend Seminary Ridge with orders to remain hidden in the tree line. This massive amount of men and artillery besieged the Union lines, defeated them, and forced them to withdraw. The Union Army was forced to withdraw because Longstreet and Hill's attack had destroyed the left flank of the Union defensive lines exposing the remaining Union soldiers to enfilade fire from their flanks and rear.

This course of action produced results, and results speak louder than words. This course of action allowed the Army of Northern Virginia to displace the Union defenders and carry the day.