RECON marked ASL's successful debut as a WBC pre-con as 36 intrepid Squad Leaders (a 50% increase from 2003 attendance) reversed a steady decline in ASL numbers by participating in three days and six rounds of non-stop gunning before WBC got underway.

After the dust had settled, perennial contender Gary Mei captured his first wood with a 5-1 record. Fellow New Jersey players (and Gary's regular opponents) Paul Sidhu and Ron Duenskie also finished 5-1, with Gary defeating Paul, Paul besting Ron, and Ron topping Gary
(guess these guys know each other pretty well). Gary's strength of schedule lifted him to the top with Paul finishing second and Ron taking third. Defending champ JR Tracy, Gary Trezza, and Mark Pitcavage finished 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively at 4-2, edging out Chas Argent and Damon Norko (both also 4-2) on tie breakers.

RECON used a Swiss format. Players with similar records were matched each round. Each round featured two sets of themed scenarios. Most of the larger scenarios appeared in the evenings, and the morning rounds generally moved at a brisk pace that allowed some evening match-ups to start early. Only one scenario came close to adjudication, but they were able to bring the game to a conclusion just under the wire. Feedback on the format and scenarios was positive, and the GM is hard at work fine-tuning for next year when we'll have more spacious digs in Lancaster. Many folks had to leave before the final round, so we will explore options for an earlier ending on Monday to allow more players to stay for all six rounds.

No ASL tournament is complete without its share of wild moments, and RECON was no exception. Stories overheard included a re-armed German prisoner half-squad taking out an SU-122 with a panzerfaust, a green unit double cowering on a 2(-1) negating a KIA result, and several scenarios decided on last turn close combat rolls.

Many thanks to MMP's own Perry Cocke for his help in running RECON. Every ASL GM should have live "Perry Sez" sessions available when rule disputes come up!

Please make plans to join us next year for an even bigger and better event in a dedicated ASL room at Lancaster Host!