Before this thread starts, yes we probably have had a similar topic in the past. And no there is no reason for you to point that out. Given it's been 2 years now that New Vegas has been out, yes there will start to be some overlap in discussion.

In any case I was replaying recently and I've gotten to the part of the game of helping the NCR at McCarran. In my playtime I couldn't help but realize how much Oliver has badly managed the situation there. So for this thread let's assume Oliver is fired the day before the courier is shot in the head. You are Colonel Hsu and under the leadership of a new General from back west that has authorized you to take any measures you need to strengthen McCarran, including offensive missions.

You have all the assets McCarran had at the beginning of New Vegas and all of the problems. Further after 2 weeks First Recon will be transferred to Forlorn Hope outside of your control but you will receive 2 of the NCR's heavy infantry troops. Lastly you can contact Hanlon and use your weight to get the Rangers to do your bidding as well. Although Hanlon will oppose removing any Rangers from the Colorado River and will refuse to send any Veteran Rangers west for any task.

Me personally I'd:

1. Kill the Khans leaders and destroy their drug running operations.- Using Ranger Foxtrot and 1st Recon in a joint operation we'd strike at the Khans to halt the Fiends drug consumption. Foxtrot from the north would destroy the drug operations while 1st Recon would assassinate Papa Khan and his son at first chance. All operations like this would be micromanaged by myself and NO other officials outside a need to know basis would not learn of these operations. That would be done to combat the information leaks to the Legion.

2. I'd use First Recon to assassinate the 3 card bounties.

3. I'd send First Recon to push Fiends terrority into I-15 taking strategic positions, in Southwest Vegas. Afterward I'd forward some of the garrisoned NCR troopers to said positions (Which encircle Vault 3 effectively) and have them hold them.

4. Continue looking into the information leaks hopefully catching Curtis and his monorail plot.

5. By this time First Recon would be moving out to Forlorn Hope but I would receive the 2 Power Armored troops. If the information leak has been plugged by then I would feel confident enough in launching a major operation before the Second Battle. Almost every trooper and the 2 Power Armored ones would move into Southeast Vegas killing all remaining Fiend opposition. All NCR explosives on hand would be used to close off Vault 3, trapping the remaining Fiends inside forever.

6. Remove all NCR troops back to McCarran and prepare to reinforce the Hoover Dam and eastern front in the Second Battle.

What would you all do in Hsu's shoes?