AAR 3
From: Mike Sarno (Maj Gen Roy Urquhart, 1st British Airborne Division)
Thanks for an excellent weekend. I had a wonderful time running the British 1st Para Division. The scenario was very challenging, but well worth the weekend spent playing it. The presentations were very interesting. When I first heard about the presentations, I thought about trying to duck out of them. However, I figured I would trust in your judgement. After the first presentation, I knew that trust was not misplaced. The re-enactors were great ... each was very interesting. I loved getting a hold of the PIAT and then going back [to the campaign] and actually using them. Colonel Johnson's presentation was probably the best of all. Having a field grade officer with his experience talking about the planning of an airborne operation was about the highlight of the weekend for me. The facilities and services at USMAPS were excellent. I liked having a dorm room so close to the action, that and having the meals provided for the low cost really made it worth the price of admission. I just can't thank you enough for your efforts.
Cadet Candidates,
Thank you for your efforts over the weekend with the British 1st Para Division. All three of you did a great job in accomplishing the mission on Friday night. We were unable to hold all of the objectives throughout the weekend, but that first night was an excellent effort and a very good example of airborne operations. We managed to seize the objectives quickly and with minimum casualties. I could not have done this by myself. Without your efforts, the results would have been quite different. The participants at the event voted me the "Best Allied Player." I don't know if I deserve it, but I do know that the fact that we were able to seize the Arnhem bridge on the first day figured high in the minds of those voting for me. Largely, that vote was an indication of the awe in which the capture of the bridge was held. That capture was due solely to the effort of the brigade commanders within 1st Para Division. Special thanks to CC Hitoshi Kumigai who stuck with me throughout Saturday even as our defenses crumbled, but never let his 1st Para Brigade let go of the southern ramp of Arnhem Bridge. Thank you all for the great effort and for your hospitality. -Mike a.k.a. "General Urquhart"
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