Modern War #31: Combat Veteran is a tactical-level two-player wargame that captures the intensity of infantry combat at the individual soldier level. This detailed simulation puts players in command of small units during two real-world firefights — one from the Vietnam War (1967) and another from the War in Afghanistan (2009) — showcasing the evolution of modern small-unit warfare across four decades of conflict. Each counter, weapon, and hex represents the precision, tension, and danger of real-world tactical combat.

In the first scenario, Firefight at the Rice Paddy Angle (Vietnam, 1967), players step into the dense, humid terrain of the Mekong Delta. A US infantry platoon, isolated and under pressure, must hold off a larger Viet Cong force amid rice paddies and foliage. Every soldier is represented individually — from riflemen and machine gunners to officers — and every weapon counter, such as the M60 machinegun or M16 rifle, includes its full combat loadout. This scenario highlights the unique tactical challenges of jungle warfare, where visibility, terrain, and timing determine survival.

The second scenario, Firefight at Combat Outpost Keating (Afghanistan, 2009), moves to the high-altitude terrain of the Nuristan Province. Here, a US platoon defends a remote outpost against waves of Taliban insurgents. Unlike the Vietnam scenario, Taliban counters represent small groups of fighters (three to six men), reflecting asymmetric warfare where numbers, surprise, and mobility can overwhelm superior firepower. The player commanding the US must use terrain, suppressive fire, and coordination to survive the assault and hold the outpost under near-impossible conditions.

Combat Veteran offers a man-to-man tactical system that recreates the realism of close combat with remarkable accuracy. Each hex represents approximately 40 metres of terrain — nearly half a football field — allowing for detailed simulation of positioning, fields of fire, and weapon ranges. The map area itself is roughly equivalent to the acreage of Hyde Park in London, giving a true sense of ground scale. Each counter represents an individual soldier, weapon, or small group, providing a detailed level of control that rewards tactical thinking, situational awareness, and careful use of cover.

The rules focus on realistic command and fire dynamics. Players alternate movement and combat actions, using morale, suppression, and line-of-sight systems to simulate the unpredictability of battle. Every action matters — a machine gun team can hold a flank, a leader’s command can rally morale, and one misstep can turn success into disaster. The game balances accessibility with depth, making it both an excellent introduction to man-to-man tactical wargaming and a rewarding experience for seasoned players.

Components:

• One 22” x 34” full-colour tactical map
• 280 die-cut counters representing individual soldiers, weapons, and small groups
• Comprehensive rulebook covering both Vietnam and Afghanistan scenarios
• Scenario setup and reference charts

Scale and Play Details:
Players: 2
Level: Individual (Man-to-Man)
Hex Scale: 40 metres per hex
Scenarios: Firefight at the Rice Paddy Angle (Vietnam, 1967) and Firefight at Combat Outpost Keating (Afghanistan, 2009)
Counters: 280 pieces

Modern War #31: Combat Veteran delivers a powerful and immersive portrayal of infantry combat across two generations. From the rice paddies of Vietnam to the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, it challenges players to think like real squad leaders — making quick, life-or-death decisions under fire. Each scenario stands alone yet demonstrates the evolving tactics, weapons, and conditions that define modern warfare. This game is perfect for those who appreciate historically grounded, tactically rich simulations of combat at the smallest scale.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading retailer for modern and historical wargames. Includes our price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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