From: Paul Calvi <tanker@r...>
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 19:08:52 -0400
Subject: DS2 Unit Integrity
One thing that has always bugged me about miniature games (mostly tactical level) is the required unit separation. DS2 is much better than most, the required distance between vehicle ELEMENTS is 3" or 300m. Now comparing this to modern day it isn't all that bad. Standard minimum separation in "normal" terrain is at least 100m. In very open terrain a tank platoon would spread out to 3-500m between tanks. There are two main limiting factors dictating separation: First is the need to keep the tanks separated but close enough to allow command and control by the platoon leader (by both visual and com. means). The second is the tactical need of mutual support. You can't help your buddies if they're a klick ahead of you. Current U.S. doctrine divides a four-tank tank platoon into two two-tank maneuver elements. One is lead by the platoon leader with a wing-tank and the other is lead by the platoon sgt. with a wing-tank. Depending on terrain and the current level of enemy contact, the elements are usually at least 500m apart and the two tanks within the element 1-500m apart. BUT, DS2 takes place hundreds to thousands of years in the future so: How about making Unit Integrity distances relative to a units a) training and b) tech level. Thus, Green UNITS are limited to 2" separation between ELEMENTS, Regular UNITS are limited to 3" between ELEMENTS, and Veteran UNITS are limited to 4" between ELEMENTS. On top of this add the UNITS tech level so: Basic Tech UNITS have no modifier to their Integrity, Enhanced Tech UNITS would get an additional 1" to their separation distance, and Superior Tech UNITS would get an additional 2" (or perhaps -1, 0, +1). I see the tech levels as indicating additional commo and such equipment and is much like the difference between WW2 tank units vs. a modern M1A2 tank platoon using the new IVIS system. In addition to the above, one could also break the UNIT size down to allow smaller maneuver elements but I think this should only be done with units that are supposed to be very good or very high-tech otherwise the whole basis behind the game's command system begins to break down. Above, I've used the tank platoon as my example but a similar system would apply to infantry units as well (with different numbers of course). In many cases I would treat Powered Armor as Vehicle units for the above rules. So what do you all think?