FLO: Frontline Operations - Altis

Current Version: 1.5.1

A dynamic frontline operations mission for Arma 3 that creates an evolving battlefield with intelligent OPFOR forces, logistics systems, and garrison management.

Features

• Dynamic frontline system with intelligent OPFOR forces
• Advanced logistics and supply network
• Garrison management system
• Intel gathering and radio tower control mechanics
• Automated resource management for OPFOR forces
• Dynamic vehicle spawning system
• Customizable faction loadouts and equipment

Setup Instructions

Basic Mission Setup

1. Download the mission files (MAKE SURE YOU UNPACK THE PBO)
2. Place in your Arma 3 missions folder: Documents/Arma 3 (Or Other Profile)/missions/
3. Load the mission in the Arma 3 editor to customize settings

Faction Customization

OPFOR Forces Setup

• There are two ways to make factions.

1. For people using it for individual Unit/Community Usage. I recommend using the files:

• CUSTOM_CIVILIAN_FACTION, CUSTOM_FRIENDLY_FACTION, CUSTOM_ENEMY_FACTION

2. Create a new faction file in Scripts/factions/ (e.g., opf_custom.sqf) with the following structure. This is useful for people wanting to contribute to the Github by adding new factions that be used by everyone.

// Vehicle Arrays
East_Ground_Vehicles_Light = [
    "O_MRAP_02_F",
    "O_MRAP_02_hmg_F"
];

East_Ground_Vehicles_Heavy = [
    "O_MBT_02_cannon_F",
    "O_APC_Tracked_02_cannon_F"
];

East_Air_Heli = [
    "O_Heli_Attack_02_F",
    "O_Heli_Light_02_F"
];

// Infantry Arrays
East_Units = [
    "O_Soldier_F",
    "O_Soldier_GL_F",
    "O_Soldier_AR_F"
];

// ... other arrays

CAS Aircraft Pylon Setup

To configure CAS aircraft pylons, find the Function called fn_AirSupport.sqf

private _pylonMags = [
    "PylonRack_4Rnd_LG_scalpel",  // SCALPEL missiles
    "PylonRack_4Rnd_ACE_Hellfire_AGM114K",  // AGM-114K Hellfire
    "PylonRack_4Rnd_ACE_Hellfire_AGM114N",  // AGM-114N Hellfire
    "PylonRack_12Rnd_ACE_DAGR", // DAGR missiles 12x
    "PylonRack_24Rnd_ACE_DAGR", // DAGR missiles 24x
    "ace_hot_3_PylonRack_3Rnd", // HOT missiles 3x
    "ace_hot_3_PylonRack_4Rnd" // HOT missiles 4x
];

Artillery Configuration

Configure artillery munitions in fn_ArtilleryPrep.sqf

private _artilleryMagazines = [
    "32Rnd_155mm_Mo_shells_O",
    "2Rnd_155mm_Mo_Cluster_O"
];

Map Configuration

The mission uses both automatic and manual marker placement systems for setting up the battlefield. You have two options:

Option 1: Automatic Marker System

The mission includes an automatic marker system (init_Markers.sqf) that:

1. Places markers based on map features and objects
2. Scales marker density based on EnemyPrec parameter
3. Automatically identifies and marks:
   • Radio Towers (loc_Transmitter) near LocationEvacPoint_F
   • Support locations (o_support) near factories and military structures
   • Installations (o_installation, n_installation) in cities and capitals
   • Barracks (loc_Ruin) near military buildings
   • Radar sites (loc_Power) near radar structures
   • AA positions (o_antiair) on high ground
   • Infantry positions (o_inf) in villages

Key features of the automatic system:

• Centers around LocationEvacPoint_F objects
• Uses terrain features like mountains for placement
• Maintains minimum distances between markers
• Adjusts marker density based on map size
• Automatically places military infrastructure

Map Conversion Tips

When converting the mission to a new map:

1. Adjust Enemy Presence:

• Default scale is based on map size: worldSize / 2 (This determines how dense the map will be with objectives besides the Dialog Menu % of Map Playable.)
• Edit EnemyPrec parameter to control overall enemy density (higher values = fewer markers)

2. Infrastructure and Marker System Setup

The mission uses init_Markers.sqf to automatically place strategic objectives based on map features and editor-placed objects.

Location Marker Objects

Place the following objects in the editor to help the marker system create objectives:

Object Type	Purpose	Marker Type	Notes
LocationEvacPoint_F	Core distribution points	Various	Main reference points for all marker generation
LocationBase_F	Military bases	n_support	Primary military installations
LocationFOB_F	Forward Operating Bases	o_support	Converted to enemy outposts
LocationResupplyPoint_F	Factory/Supply points	o_support	Industrial/factory areas
LocationCamp_F	Barracks	loc_Ruin	Military barracks areas
LocationCityCapital_F	Capital cities	n_installation	Major urban centers
LocationCity_F	Cities	o_installation	Urban centers
LocationVillage_F	Villages	o_inf	Insurgent infantry positions

Using Variable Names on Logic Objects

You can also use Logic objects with specific variable names:

Variable Name	Creates	Example Use
"RadioTower"	Radio towers	Place on high terrain
"ResupplyPoint"	Supply points	Place in industrial areas
"FOB"	Forward bases	Place in strategic locations
"BaseLocation"	Military bases	Alternative to LocationBase_F
"Capital"	Capital markers	Alternative to LocationCityCapital_F
"City"	City markers	Alternative to LocationCity_F
"Village"	Village markers	Alternative to LocationVillage_F
"Barracks"	Barracks markers	Place near military areas
"RadarS"	Radar stations	Place on high terrain
"AASite"	Anti-Air positions	Place on mountaintops

Physical Objects Detection and Variable System

The script primarily relies on Location objects and variables rather than detecting physical structures. Here's a more accurate explanation of how it works:

1. Location Objects: The script first tries to find specific location type objects like LocationBase_F, LocationCity_F, etc.

2. Variable-Tagged Objects: If location objects aren't found, it looks for objects (often Logic) with specific variable names (e.g., "RadioTower", "FOB")

3. Fallback Mechanism: If neither of these are found, for most marker types it will:

   • Find a nearby Mount location
   • Create a marker there
   • For radio towers specifically, it will also create a physical tower object

The script does not automatically detect physical structures like barracks buildings or radar installations by default. Instead, you need to:

• Place the appropriate location objects (LocationBase_F, etc.)
• OR add variables to objects (including Logic objects)
• OR let the script use its fallback mechanisms (generally placing on mountains)

For example, placing a Land_Radar_F by itself won't automatically create a radar marker unless you:

• Add the "RadarS" variable to it, OR
• Place a LocationEvacPoint_F nearby that will use it as a reference point

Best Practices for Marker Setup

1. Start with LocationEvacPoint_F objects:

   • Place these at key strategic points around the map
   • These act as reference points for placing other markers
   • Should be distributed evenly, avoid clustering

2. Add specialized location objects:

   • Place LocationBase_F at main military installations
   • Place LocationCity_F or LocationCityCapital_F at urban centers
   • Place LocationFOB_F at strategic minor military points
   • Place LocationCamp_F for smaller military installations

3. Add physical structures:

   • Place radio towers on high terrain
   • Add military structures to give the map more detail
   • Use terrain features to your advantage (mountains for AA, etc.)

4. Fine-tune with Logic markers:

   • Use Logic objects with variables to add specific markers
   • Useful for adding exact positions that don't correspond to physical structures

5. Adjust safe positioning for water maps:

   • For maps with lots of water, the script uses BIS_fnc_findSafePos to ensure markers are on land
   • The default safe radius is set, but can be adjusted for specific map topography

Marker Density Control

The script automatically scales marker density based on:

• EnemyPrec global parameter (accessible in mission settings)
• Map size (calculated from worldSize)
• Division factors for each marker type

For adding more markers of a specific type, you can:

1. Place more objects of the corresponding type
2. Adjust the division factor in the script (smaller = more markers)
3. Reduce the EnemyPrec parameter

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No markers appearing: Ensure you have placed LocationEvacPoint_F objects
• Markers in water: Check the _useSafePos parameter and increase _safeRadius
• Too many/few markers: Adjust EnemyPrec or place more/fewer location objects
• Missing specific marker types: Ensure you've placed the corresponding location objects

3. Spawn Positions:

• Spawn Positions will be selected when you first join the mission as the Company Commander. You will be prompted with the Dialog Menu in which you can select Faction, Starting Aggression levels, Starting Civilian Relations, and More.

Customization Tips

Resource System

• Adjust OPFOR resource generation in Functions/Logistics/fn_opforResources.sqf

Intel System

• Modify intel decay rates and bonuses in Functions/Logistics/fn_intelSystem.sqf
• Adjust radio tower benefits in the intel system

Performance Settings

• Configure view distance in initServer.sqf
• Adjust dynamic spawning ranges in garrison manager

Arsenal Customization

The mission uses a restricted arsenal system (fn_restrictedArsenal.sqf) that works with both ACE and vanilla arsenals. It can be disabled & enabled in Lobby Parameters before Mission Start. You can customize available equipment in the following categories:

Weapons and Attachments

// Modify these arrays in fn_restrictedArsenal.sqf
private _rifles = [
    "arifle_MX_F",
    "arifle_MXC_F",
    // ... add or remove weapons
];

private _launchers = [
    "launch_B_Titan_F",
    // ... add or remove launchers
];

private _attachments = [
    "optic_Hamr",
    "acc_flashlight",
    // ... add or remove attachments
];

Equipment

private _uniforms = [
    "U_B_CombatUniform_mcam",
    // ... add or remove uniforms
];

private _vests = [
    "V_PlateCarrier1_rgr",
    // ... add or remove vests
];

private _headgear = [
    "H_HelmetB",
    // ... add or remove headgear
];

private _backpacks = [
    "B_AssaultPack_mcamo",
    // ... add or remove backpacks
];

Items and Equipment

private _medicalItems = [
    "kat_AFAK",
    // ... add or remove medical items
];

private _toolItems = [
    "ACE_CableTie",
    // ... add or remove tools
];

private _navigationItems = [
    "ItemMap",
    "ItemGPS",
    // ... add or remove navigation items
];

Ammunition and Explosives

private _magazines = [
    "30Rnd_65x39_caseless_mag",
    // ... add or remove magazines
];

private _grenades = [
    "HandGrenade",
    "SmokeShell",
    // ... add or remove grenades
];

Implementation Notes:

1. The arsenal system automatically:

   • Works with both ACE and vanilla arsenals
   • Applies to all arsenal boxes, FOBs, and OPs
   • Updates dynamically when new FOBs/OPs are created

2. Mod Compatibility:

   • Supports ACE items and medical equipment
   • Compatible with TFAR radio systems
   • Works with KAT Advanced Medical items
   • Supports custom mod items (just add their classnames)

3. To add new items:

   • Find the appropriate category in fn_restrictedArsenal.sqf
   • Add the classname to the corresponding array
   • Items will be available in all arsenals automatically

4. Performance Optimization:

   • Arsenal restrictions are applied only once per box
   • Uses efficient event handlers to manage updates
   • Prevents duplicate initialization

Contributing

Feel free to contribute improvements or report issues on our GitHub repository.

License

This mission is available under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE.

Credits

• Created by Frontline Operations Development Group
• Special thanks to the Early Supporters for being there for literal years of support.