[size=+2]California "Protects" Nevada - Winter 1956[/size]
In the early moments of winter, before the snows began to fall across the northern mountain ranges of the Great Basin, Californian troops moved across the border into the state of Nevada. Declaring themselves to be protectors and liberators, Californian troops poured over the border in two main armoured thrusts against the much smaller forces of Nevada.
Nevada is a sparsely-populated area with only two main regions of habitation, both close to the Californian border. California's attacks against Nevada followed Nevada's two highways, facilitating speed and rapid movement of troops for California's mechanised forces.
Within the first week of conflict Nevada's northern flank had fallen, with Reno, Sparks, and the capital of Carson City falling to the Californians. With domination of Lake Tahoe and the majority of Nevadans in northern Nevada, the front in this region soon crumbled and California had few problems clearing the sparsely-populated towns along the I-80 Interstate. Californian troops experienced some guerrilla resistance from locals, especially as they headed further east and supply lines were stretched, but reprisals against civilians for hosting guerrilla activities were swift and deadly.
The early capture of Nevada's capital city would see a significant amount of politicians captured, with many about to leave but captured by Californian troops before they could do so. Despite heavy coaxing from Californian troops, no surrender could be gained from the captured political leadership of Nevada.
The main focus of battle was to the south, around Las Vegas. America's City of Sin was the crown jewel of Nevada, and Californian troops attempted to move quickly to take the city. California's advance towards Las Vegas was halted with significant resistance from Nevadan troops defending the southern approaches to Las Vegas, the first true effort made by Nevada to stop the invaders. With the majority of forces in Nevada focusing on defending the area, Californian troops met fierce resistance from the majority of Nevada's armour, artillery, and aircraft. California was initially thrown back from Spring Valley, but the marshalling of additional forces from northern Nevada would soon turn the tide.
Las Vegas would soon be in California's sights. With the recapture of Las Vegas' southern roadways, attempts were made to cut off the retreat of Nevada's forces to Las Vegas, but significant Nevadan aerial resistance prevented too many Nevadan casualties from being incurred. Both sets of troops quickly moved north along I-15 into Las Vegas, with troops pouring off ramp ways into Las Vegas' busy inner city and outlying suburbs. The civilian population had long attempted to flee from Las Vegas, with as many as possible fleeing to Utah (not necessarily due to Mormon affiliations, but because Utah wasn't a war zone) and the empty city became a battleground.
Las Vegas' small streets in the inner city, dissected by its broad boulevards, would prove to be difficult for accurate artillery fire and armoured movement. Infantry would dominate the inner city battlefields, with Las Vegas conquered by California city block by city block. Las Vegas' most infamous landmarks, dull and without power, created an eerie and surreal scene for those fighting in the cold and fatal conditions of urban battle.
Further out in the suburbs, the fight continued with infantry, armour and artillery trying to command control of the rads leading to central Las Vegas. Californian troops would hold the upper hand as Las Vegas' two main airports and Nellis Air Force Base fell to the Californians. By knocking out local air bases, the Nevadan air force was forced out of Las Vegas and California has secured the skies above central Las Vegas.
After two weeks of bitter urban fighting that caused a significant number of casualties on both sides, the surviving Nevadan troops holed up in eastern Las Vegas surrendered to California. The back of the Nevadan military had been broken and California was victorious. The capture of Henderson and Hoover Dam would soon follow. Californian forces came within mere moments of seeing Hoover Dam destroyed by surviving Nevadan Special Forces, but were able to secure the damaged dam with onl moments to spare.
One of the first wars to occur on the North American continent since the Civil War has now concluded. Whereas in the past negotiations between states were once arbitrated by peace and cooperation within the Union, the new century for some Americans shall be carved out with blood and iron.
Casualties
California
I-80 Force: Northern Nevada
6 Infantry Divisions - 1 - 5
2 Special Forces Units - 0 - 2
2 Artillery I Units - 0 - 2
2 Armour I Units - 0 - 2
2 Fighter I Squadron - .5 - 1.5 (Las Vegas redeployment)
1 Bomber Squadron - .5 - .5 (Las Vegas redeployment)
I-15 Force: Las Vegas
6 Infantry Divisions - 3 - 3
2 Special Forces Units - 1 - 1
2 Artillery I Units - .5 - 1.5
2 Armour I Units - 1 - 1
2 Fighter I Squadron - 1 - 1
1 Bomber Squadron - .5 - .5
Nevada
7 Infantry Divisions - 7 - 0
2 Armour Divisions - 2 - 0
2 Artillery Divisions - 2 - 0
1 Special Forces Unit - 1 - 0
5 Fighter Wings - 5 - 0
1 Bomber Wing - 1 - 0