Proper Use of Scout Vehicles

[Askari19]

Back to the scouting/recon question... Armies had different doctrine for these troops. German reconnaissance forces were heavily armed relative to most others of the era, were expected to fight for information, and very often found themselves in a "fire brigade" role, as a powerful mobile reserve. Especially when the scenario provides more than a few armored car sections, any and every tactical usage the player can come up with would be reasonable in terms of doctrine and practice in the Heer and Waffen SS, IMO.

In game terms, I think it is entirely reasonable to make the same assumption for any scout or recon elements, Soviet, American, or otherwise. You pay a price for losing them, so weight risk vs. benefit and have at it. In most armies, any commander in an uncertain situation, blessed with the support of any dedicated scout/recon troops, would use them aggressively to provide real time intel on enemy dispositions and advance warning of imminent contact; and even cavalry-like exploitation in the enemy rear areas is not unreasonable. As pointed out by Scud, you'll sooner or later pay a price for using them thusly - and the threat will keep the opponent honest in terms of positioning of arty and HQ and rear area security in general. The difference between our scenarios and the historical context is that with FOW in this game, the fruits of prior battlefield reconnaissance and good staff (G-2) work are not represented. I'd venture to say that very few division/brigade/regiment size actions in the war kicked off without considerably more intel on enemy dispositions than provided by the sighting rules in JTCS, and the scenario briefing.

Play the hand you're dealt, and let not your heart be troubled.