WSF wish list

[Dog Soldier]

Michael,

Here is my view of unit effectiveness being modeled in TWiE.

I think effectiveness is a function of more than just time. One aspect being modeled by effectiveness is the condition of the unit officers. Even with field promotions, replacing a good officer that is lost is more than just naming his successor. Some officers are replaced by men who out perform the lost officer. Some, while competent, never can match the quality and experience of the officer they replace. Unfortunately some replacement officers are far less effective than the officer they replace. Finally, some very good officers never really integrate with their peers for many reasons. Thus as a unit effectiveness is not what is expected. It can be the level that iis tolerated by senior commanders with a limited number of good officers in reserve.
The same can be said for NCO's.

My point is, regaining 100% effective status during war time conditins may not be possible if we assume the effectiveness rating was set from a baseline when the unit first entered combat.

A faster rate of recovery for effectiveness may not be warranted as experience is required. (This explains the dilution of unit effectiveness by replacements.) Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment. In war bad judgment may end experience.

As an example, I would put forth the German SS formations which were decimated on the Eastern front, then moved to bolster the Atlantic Wall. Attrition in Normandy with the subsequent attempt to rebuild prior to Market Garden. These units never really regained their effectiveness. They were much less able to resist the Allies on the western front as time went on even though they recieved priority in men and equipment to bring their TO&E back to full strength where possible.
I am sure other blitz members can give even more examples.

Dog Soldier