[SG2] [FMA] Commo --> a digester's reply to Brian

Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 17:29:12 -0400
From: Brian Bell <bkb@beol.net>
Subject: Re: [SG2] [FMA] EW Action? (was: Commo Chits)

Ok here is my take on it, taking into account the discussion that has bee=
n=20 presented:

1) EW Unit must be activated to have the opportunity to get/refresh
EW=20 chits. (p. 52)

**** [TOM] I agree this is how pg 52 shouold be interpreted...which had
previously escaped me.

2) When an EW unit is activated, it may use an ACTION to engage the EW=20
equipment (and get 3 chits). If it does not do so, it has no EW chits for= =20
that turn.

3) It does NOT take an action to use the EW chits.

**** [TOM] If you spend one action to get them, I think that is enough.

4) EW chits do NOT accumulate from activation to activation. (Obvious, bu= t
now stated)

**** [TOM] Wasn't that always true?

Suggestions:

1) EW action does not require a reaction test.

**** [TOM] Hmmm. I wonder if some of them shouldn't. Jam a GMS for example (if
you aren't the target unit). Some things happen in a time I call Godammmmfast
(pardon me) and therefore reactions MIGHT be appropriate. Of course, they
could be factored into the other rolls you make.

2) EW unit is NOT affected by supression. The EW action would seem to be
along the lines of difficulty/exposure as a Leader's Observe or
Communicate actions.

**** [TOM] I take a minor issue here. Yes, the comm jamming gear will be
whizzo tech small, but if you're taking rounds (suppression), and one MIGHT
kill you, you probably want to focus on your surroundings. Furthermore, I'm
assuming jamming (if done as today) is done on select spectrum and in specific
ways appropriate to the task (I'm assured broad spectrum jamming is no easy
feat and eats energy). So this suggests concentration on behalf of the
operator. Not something conducive to execution under suppression. How about
for every suppression you get 1 negative die shift? Or if you have 1
suppresion, no effect, 2 gives 1 negative die shift, 3 makes EW impossible
(your guys are trying to phase through the sand - the last thing on
their minds is EW). What about it?

Effects of the above: 1) EW teams would be split off into small unit teams
(similar to sniper
teams), but usually remain in no-comm-roll-needed range of a command
unit (exceptions made for trying to find hidden units).

**** [TOM] This is what I did in Grey Day and in my other battles. Plus it
lets you attach these teams in a larger formation (a squad composed of two to
four two man teams) at the Company HQ level and then they delegate them maybe
a squad per platoon....

1a) From the other thread about my SG misunderstanding, I would take it0 that
the Command squads are actually quite small (since the leader's0
communication/reactivation actions would limit other options) but
surrounded in no-comm-roll-needed range by other supporting units.

**** [TOM] This is common. What I found very excellent in Grey Day and other
games is to treat the Officer as an individual (if on his own, fired at as per
indiv figure).

**** [TOM] He can attach/detach at will. When attached to a squad, they
use his LDR and their normal quality. When detached, the LDR of whomever would
normally be in charge. This allows the units to manouvre while the CO
commands. It also allows the Pltn Sgt to run his ass from squad to squad
making sure things are okay or to take over a squad commanded by a really weak
leader (or whose normal leader is dead).

**** [TOM] This system seems to work very well - I'd advise anyone to
try it. And if you are worried about the lone officer being given a hard
time -
just ask Major D'aubagne of the Etats Europa Federal 5ieme REA what a KV
sniper can do to make your day worse if your cover isn't good and you are busy
yacking on the comm to your units....

2) EW teams could perform a number of combined actions if stationary, but
would have to choose to use EW or do something else if it moves.

**** [TOM] If it burns both actions. Only 1 action should be needed to get EW.
I'd even be tempted to grant the unit 2 chits per action (a slight
modification). Thus 1 action spent doing EW nets 2 chits, 2 actions net
4.
But that's an optional idea.

3) EW units could be reactivated by Leaders for more EW chits. :-) This
would have to be done BEFORE a ECM/ECCM bid war starts as the
communication action would have to be finished before a reactivation action
could be used.

**** [TOM] Not necessarily. A good way to (once the early turn EW duel is
done) get back EW capacity late in the turn when your enemy has none.
Interesting idea. But only EW units you have command over. And if Company
sized games are on, this should often be CHQ which might have more pressing
issues...

4) It provides an opportunity for a player to make another decision in when in
a turn to activate units. "Shall I activate a combat unit and hope that they
don't make a comm attempt before my next activation, or get the EW chits now
and use the combat unit my next activation".

**** [TOM] Yep, I'm in favour of this.

5) Provides a reason for the EW unit to NOT use the EW equipment (as was
suggested they may choose to do on page 52).

**** [TOM] Revelation in a double blind game is wicked. Plus if we were using
homing munitions...having your EW activated within range of a unit (air or
arty nearby) with a "held" action (say an overwatch for EW emissions) means
they'd probably nuke you when you turned on. A DARN good reason to stay
inactive.

Unsure how to handle:

1) EW equipment on Vehicles. I would suggest the same way as for EW units I.e.
it costs an action. A tank crew of 2 or 3 can't maneuver the tank,
fire effectivly, and find the frequency-hop pattern of the
communications you want to block all at the same time.

**** [TOM] ECM is automagic. EW is not. I agree. Though if you have an EW
unit aboard (with specialist operator - do I not recall such a thing in
DS2 vehicle rules?) then they should be able to activate separately for this
explicit purpose or be considered a joint activation with the vehicle but with
a separate pool of actions (which they really can only use for EW tasks).

**** [TOM] Hope some of my contributions are worth something. I plan to use
some of these changes next time I play EW. Let's see what people have to add.
I'm off home for the day.