In early 2020, the European Federation (EF) Missile Defense Shield mistakenly identifies an American space craft on route to the space station "Freedom Star" as an enemy missile. The Defense Shield destroys the space craft, killing the platoon of Marines meant to be station on the "Freedom Star." Angered, the United States declares war on the EF claiming the accident was really a criminal conspiracy to foil the American "Freedom Star" program. The EF denied all of America's claims and is forced to fight back when the Joint Strike Force (JSF) invades Europe. Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, the Russian government also declares war on the EF, their invading forces headed by the Spetsnaz Guard (SG). In late 2020, America also declares war on the Russians, claiming their forces, especially the SG, have committed too many war crimes to go unnoticed.
For a year the war continues with no side having a clear advantage. However in late 2021, the SG launch an all out attack on EF, under the code-name "Операция Гром Медведь" (Operation Thunder Bear). By Mid-2022, the EF is has been completely destroyed. Distressed by the Russians amazing takeover of Europe, the JSF launches their own all out attack, under the codename "Operation Door Buster." The JSF attack in force all along the western European coast in a D-Day like assault. The operation fails horribly and over 40% of the JSF forces are killed, missing, or taken prisoner. Weakened, the JSF retreat back to America and prepare for what is an almost certain Russian counterattack. Expecting an attack on the strategically important city of Washington D.C., most JSF forces are deployed there.
For almost half a year the Russians do not attack and JSF commanders relax, believing the Russian forces were too weakened by pervious battles to attempt a true counter attack. However on January 14, 2023, the Russians instigate "Операция обуздать стомп" (Operation Curb Stomp). This attack focused all of the Russian Forces into a naval invasion of New York City. At the time only one regiment was stationed there, the 23rd mechanized. Fearful this attack is only a diversion, only one other regiment, the 9th Airborne, are rerouted to assist the 23rd.
