Modern War #17 Dien Bien Phu

“There’s a gap in military history magazines”, said Dr. Cummins, “There is no publication covering just the last 40 years. Military history did not end after the Vietnam War. No magazine focuses only on recent and current conflicts. No magazine shows you what might happen tomorrow – until now. Modern War: Military History in the Making will fill that gap.”

Modern War, available bi-monthly beginning in September 2012 at bookstores and newsstands nationwide such as Barnes & Noble, will explore the Cold War era, recent conflicts spanning from 1990 to present, as well as potential new wars. Articles will go in-depth to analyze the “how” and “why” of conflicts supported with copious maps, charts and photographs. Regular columns will examine weapons, systems and new arenas.

Dien Bien Phu (Solitaire) is a wargame covering the decisive battle of the First Indochina War in which elite French Expeditionary Force units defended an air-land base against the communist Viet Minh. The game covers the critical period of Viet Minh assaults and French counterattacks of March to May, 1954. Historically, the Viet Minh won the battle, overrunning the base. This led to the collapse of the French position in Indochina and eventual US involvement in Vietnam.

In Dien Bien Phu, you play the French while the game system controls the Viet Minh. The objective is for the French to hold out long enough for the fortress to be relieved, or even gain a decisive victory by breaking Viet Minh morale.

While a solitaire game, Dien Bien Phu can also be played by two or more players, each taking charge of different aspects of the French defense. For example, one player can be overall commander, while others command various defensive sectors, or take charge of air and artillery.

Components: One map (22"x34”) and 176 counters.

Dien Bien Phu: The French Expeditionary Force makes an epic stand against the communist Viet Minh at a remote jungle fortress.

Other Articles:

·         Operation Vulture: Plans for a US airstrike to rescue the French at Dien Bien Phu.

·         Ukrainian Insurgency: The early Cold War saw Ukrainian nationalists engage communist forces in eastern Europe

·         Kolwezi 1979: French Foreign Legion paras rescue hostages in the embattled Congo.

·         Prompt Global Strike: US plans for delivering attacks anywhere in the world on short notice.

·         DARPA Snipers: One shot one kill rifles are now on line.