Scouts....

Mechanics of Scouting

hopefully, the following descriptions with give everyone some ideas how to
implement recon in their DS2 and SG2 games. now that I look it over it is a
bit rambling, but I hope you get the idea.

the best game I've had played that did a good job with scouts is Command
Decision (latest version = 3), a WW2 miniatures game.

in CD, each stand of infantry (2-3 figs) = 1 platoon.  recon are 1
fig/stand
and represent 1 person upto 1 squad. there are dedicated recon stands or
"temporary" ones. the temporary recon groups are infantry platoons that split
into 2 squads whose priamry purpose is to scout.

each CD game starts with concealed deployment regardless of engagement type.
this can be fully hidden (using drawn maps) or group counters. each
co-located group get a hidden counter to place.  then a random number of
dummy counters are used to add to the confusion. we invented a slightly
different alternative to fully hidden deployment. since we use GeoHex (Hi
KR!), we use extra terrain pieces on which to deploy, then place them on the
table when discovered. it cuts down on the map scribbling.

spotting enemy forces includes several factors: * training (quality) of
spotting unit * dedicated recon unit or ad hoc? * target in cover and what
type (open, woods, dug in, combo)? * target moved (half or full move)? *
target fired? * spotter moved (half or full move)? * spotter is armor? * what
distance?

it's easier for infantry to spot vs armor spotter moving makes spoting harder
target cover makes spotting harder target moving and firing makes spotting
easier some actions can be seen from far away, while others require close
range

so, a target moving and firing in the open is the easiest to spot and can be
seen from a further distance.  a stationary unit, dug-in and in woods
cannot be seen until real close.

imagine the surprise when a recon group creeps up to within 3" (150m) of a
woods line, a hidden infantry company opens up on them. they don't feel so
good, but the tank company providing cover for the recon group grins happily
as they load up HE....

each group (usually a company, 4-6 platoon stands) gets a spotting roll
in the following sequence.

turn sequence (roughly)
-----------------------
movement spotting opportunity fire spotting general fire

so some decision must be made as when to fire and reveal your position. there
is also recon by fire. fire at suspected locations (with some negatives),
hoping to causes suppression. enemy may fire prematurely while the getting is
good.

oh yea, this is mostly done without a referee and is pretty smooth when
everyone knows the rules.

Tactics & Psychology
--------------------
it's an interesting study in tactics and people when hidden deployment is
used. I've noted how everyone (inclduing myself) gets a lots more cautious
when you lack that God-eye view.  the boogie man seems to jump out of
every bit of cover, corner or structure. it's especially interesting to see
the attacker's angst of pushing his force closer to make his scenario
deadline, but cringing at potential ambush points.

this forces new tactics, like probing, artillery prep, airstrikes, ground and
air recon, force reserves, unexpected attacks, etc.

even tho it's a bit of extra effort, it adds tremendous excitement and
generates lots of club stories. I love the one where my German motorcycle
recon company ambushed a lead Russian battalion. they threw them into such
confusion that their attack stalled just enough to move reinforcements into a
very weak area. it saved the day.

have fun.

Dave

> --- Nortel <davidar@nortelnetworks.com> wrote:

> the best game I've had played that did a good job

> imagine the surprise when a recon group creeps up to

In some cases, you can't spot at all. I once commanded a German divisional
recon batallion covering a river crossing by an Infantry Regiment. I had some
dismounts hiding in some rough terrain on the enemy side of the river, and up
rolls a Russkie tank
batallion.  1941 scenario, so it's BT-7s and a stand
of T-28s(!).  The Red players are hoping to spot my
guys and go over all the spotting modifiers and come to the conclusion that
they can't spot me until they
get right on top of me, and then they only have a 1/10
chance. They drove right past my guys and never knew who was spotting for the
artillery.

> bit of cover, corner or structure. it's especially

I always laugh a bit--boldness is the only way to win
fights. It also makes your opponent even more
cautious--what does he know that I don't?  On the
other hand, this is why I like playing with auxillaries that you don't mind
loosing. Ask Don about how I used the Swiss in one of our scenarios. "So, the
Swiss charge the church and throw grenades into it... " not realizing that it
was an ammo storage site (supressing revolting Mormons can be such
fun!).