Help for a Noob

[GerryM]

Hello All:
I hope you don’t mind me asking some Smolensk 41 questions? I am interesting in playing in a historical, not gamey, way. I am trying out the Smolensk Operational Situation 2 which is a meeting engagement. I have a question about recon in this and any scenario in fact.

1. Do you move the Recon unit as far forward as you can in one go and see what it runs into? If yes, then they are greatly separated from support. Or do you move the recon unit forward say 2 hexes, then move some supporting units next to it, and repeat? This would mean that the recon unit has support. (I am thinking in a PBEM that you couldn’t just nudge forward 2 hexes at a time as I assume the log file contains your whole turn.
2. I notice that the hard attack values for a German AC unit and a German Pz38 are both 12/1. I am surprised that the AC unit hits as hard as the Pz38. Looking for an explanation; definitely not saying it should be otherwise as I am not that knowledgeable.

Thanks for your help.

Gerry