I agree with WxMan that the rules section should be amended. If the intent is that ALL squads must attack their target by T+60, then that is the way it should be written. As it is written now does leave a loophole, and section 6 seems to contradict section 5. To me, as it is written now, it is stating that each target must be attacked by T+60, but not that each squad must do so... giving rise to "late frame" strikes that are becoming more and more common.
However, I think that there is still enough room for "creativity" when planning strike missions and still adhere to the intent of the rule that
Frame CiC's must assign ALL squads to hit all targets within the first hour of the frame.Example #1: Lets say that due to logistics, a larger squad is assigned to attack a smaller target. Knowing that the target will be easily destroyed and not all of the ordinance expended on it, the CiC can assign a secondary target to the squad. Or... keep them as an "ace in the hole" to be used for another target that didnt take enough damage. Keeping in mind that they MUST hit their primary target by T+60... AND that their secondary target must also be hit by another attack force as a primary target before T+60 in order to satisfy the rule.
Example #2: Multiple waves would still be allowed as long as the second wave hits the target by T+60. The waves could be made up of multiple squads hitting at different times, or a larger single squad hitting at different times. As long as all assets attack by T+60.
Example #3: Second strikes after a rearm would still be able to hit AFTER T+60 as long as they have enough time to reach their target, and land safely prior to the end of the frame.
The T+60 rule is meant to ensure everyone sees combat, and sees it in a timely fashion. No one likes flying around for 90 minutes and seeing nothing. But, it does not mean that defenders should be able to say "Ok boys... we have been attacked and now its over, we can go home and log off". No no no... they need to stay on station, or rearm and reup even after the primary attack is over. Because there may indeed be another attack coming from a group that has either already rearmed, or the group that just attacked may rearm and come back if they have enough time. And if the attack occurred early in the frame, another wave timed to hit before T+60 may still be coming in.
There is plenty of room to be creative and think outside the box, but still stay within the rules.
The penalty for not following the T+60 rule should be simple. It can be easily seen in the logs if an attack group hit their target after T+60, and had no other strike before it. In such a case, the damage to ground targets that occurred from their attack would not count for scoring purposes. It would be as if none of their bombs ever hit their targets. A warning to the offending CiC or squad should also be issued, just like the warnings for not making attendance commitments that are issued now.
We have to ensure the rules are clearly written for everyone to see on the AH events site. We cannot rely on intentions. Intentions are interpreted differently by everyone... and lead to disputes about the rules as we are having now. Posting them here is just not enough... the rules need to be complete, and in one place for everyone to read.
Please amend the rules on the AH Events website as soon as possible... because we have been having THIS discussion almost every month lately. Its time to put this one to rest.
