Artillery Spotting & Changes

[K K Rossokolski]

A fascinating discussion. I think there is an issue yet to be considered, which is the hierarchical nature of military command, and the place within that hierarchy (some manifestation of which is in place for ANY operation) of different levels of artillery ...platoon level small mortars to Corps or Army level superheavy stuff. I use the term artillery in the CS useage.

CS simulates all levels of warfare from platoon to Theatre. What it cannot do (in practice) is simulate all levels of command in any given Scenario. A team can actually simulate different command levels, but normally only the two highest. Imagine a corps level team game split into individual companies!! A little unwieldy, perhaps!! So for the majority of games played, two individuals act as and at all levels of command. No time is lost due to the need to communicate up, down and/or sideways. 2nd Lieutenant Buggerlugs has instant access to the Army Commanders' 8" Howitzers without the need to ask nicely. And he can use the 105s of the adjoining Division without so much as a by-your-leave. In the real world, these matters take time, dependant on many factors, including the hierarchical level of arty control, which might normally be delegated as far downwards as the Command deems proper
In a crude way...the one turn delay.... CS tries to simulate this, but the arty almost invariably arrives as requested and absolutely on the (spotted) targets.

Should the arty arrangements be changed? I don't know. I am totally in favour of giving commanders eyes and ears, as their present inability flies in the face of common sense. There might be an argument in adding some randomness to higher level arty commands. I agree that the addition of special spotter units is absolutely unnecessary (although the little spotter aeroplanes are fine). If possible, any change should be optional, and the arty ammo supply would be more realistically treated as an issue separate from SAA.

That such a change should be an educated, meaningful one, speaks for itself. I have trust that this will be case.
Huib

I just hope, Huib, that ALL future changes will meet this test. The continuing presence of the imbecile non-flying long range antigravity bomb projecting airfield "bombers" and the silly bathtub "navy" do not engender full confidence.