Thoughts on Optional Rules: Troop Grades

[Smartbomb]

Hi all,

CWC 2.0 does a great job modeling friction and commander quality, and has a number of attributes that allows the player to individualize units to represent real world forces better. Between optional rules and Attributes, there are an almost overwhelming array of options. Some players may be looking to model Imagi-Nations or apply a completely uniform approach to troops in general by taking into account training, morale, platoon level leadership, supply/equipment, etc. That's what I'm trying to model here and I'm curious what people think/any suggestions they might have.

The below are general guidelines, and players are encouraged to modify them as needed. For example, a unit may be poorly trained and equipped, but motivated and well-led at a platoon level (many guerilla movements). Players may decide that they are "Poor" Grade, instead of "Abysmal" as a result. Similarly, troops may be well supplied and equipped, but poorly led and motivated (Iraqi troops in the Iran-Iraq War) thus dropping them to "Average" or "Poor" Grade when they might otherwise be considered "Professional".


Abysmal (Reluctant, Limited Ammo) Point Cost: 0.50%
Suppressed on 3+
Will not assault enemies unless the enemy is suppressed.
Subtract 1d6 from all attacks.
If in Partial Cover, any "4"s the enemy rolls to hit are rerolled, accepting the new result.
-1CV to any Command Unit issuing them orders unless using Fixed Formations.
Recon units: -2 to any movement roll they make (minimum of 1 full move per turn if moving)

These "troops" have little to no formal training in military tactics, firearms, military discipline, or logistics. These units often suffer from poor or brittle morale that easily dissolves in the face of setbacks or casualties. Most have seen little or any combat and any combat experience may have actually reinforced bad habits or hurt morale and confidence in the unit. Resupply is highly irregular and often insufficient in both quality and quantity, and these units may even resort to looting supplies or bringing their own from home with them. Communications equipment ranges from very poor to non-existent. They have little or no professional leadership at the unit level and show little initiative unless in immediate danger or protecting their own territory.

An Abysmal Grade represents part-time militia, civilian self-defense groups, press-ganged civilians or criminals, or enthusiastic amateurs.


Poor (Limited Ammo) Point Cost: 0.75%
Suppressed on 4+
Subtract 1d6 from all attacks over half range.
If in Partial Cover, any "4"s the enemy rolls to hit are rerolled, accepting the new result.
Recon units: -1 to any movement roll they make (minimum of 1 full move per turn if moving).

These troops have some formal military training of average quality and even the most experienced troops have seen minimal combat. Morale is reinforced somewhat by their formal training, but they have little enthusiasm for sustained or heavy combat. Supply is spotty or insufficient and troops may not always have been paid recently. Communications equipment is sub-standard and may consist of commercially available or antiquated military radios. Leadership is able to motivate troops, though often through fear, and individual initiative is lacking or even actively discouraged.

Sub-Standard Grades may represent conscripts/national service, reservists, police seconded to military service, political party-sponsored militias.


Average Point Cost: 1.00%
Suppressed on 4+
No modifiers.

Average troops have some combat experience and have completed both basic and advanced training. Morale is consistent and can withstand some battlefield losses. Supplies are consistent, though not necessarily abundant or 100% appropriate for the current mission or terrain. Communications equipment consists of military radios, but may or may not be encrypted or susceptible to jamming. There is some variation in platoon-level leadership, but expected minimum standards are in place and enforced. Initiative at the platoon-level exists, but relies on an established command structure for most orders.

An Average Grade represents most line military troops, private military contractors, well-trained police such as counter-insurgency units, or "elite" units in very poorly trained militaries.


Professional Point Cost: 1.25%
Suppressed on 5+
Add 1d6 to AP attacks under half range.
Enemies must reroll any "4" to hit in the open and accept the new results.
Recon units: +1 to any Movement roll (maximum of 6 full moves)

These units tend to have considerable institutional combat experience and serving members have likely seen significant combat at some point. There is a strong training schedule that is refreshed and improved regularly. Morale is strong and can withstand considerable casualties or hardship. Supplies are consistent and plentiful, and these units often receive early issue of new equipment or special gear not available to other units. Communications equipment is above average and is often encrypted, rugged, and with redundant backups. Leadership tends to be seasoned, effective, and individual initiative is encouraged at the platoon and even squad-level.

These troops may represent Russian "Guards" units, Gebirsjager, US Army Rangers, Presidential Guard-type units, SADF 32 Battalion, Commandos/Special Forces, Airborne or Marine units, etc.


Expert (Elite, Backstop) Point Cost: 1.50%
Suppressed on 6+
No CV penalty when assaulting and -1d6 when rolling Suppression or Fall Back.
Add 2d6 to (instead of 1d6) of support fire during Close Assault support and 1d6 to all other attacks.
Only hit on 5+ if in the open.
Recon units: +1 to any Movement roll (maximum of 6 full moves) and range penalties to nearest enemy unit for CV Bonuses are reduced by 1.

Training is superlative and often consists of months to years of specialized instruction. The unit has extensive institutional combat experience and many individuals within the unit likely have multiple combat tours under their belt either prior to joining or with the unit. Morale is extremely high and can withstand hardships and casualties that would render most other units combat ineffective. Supplies are consistent, plentiful, and often available on short notice. Equipment is often highly individualized, specialized, and procured above and beyond what would be available to almost any other unit in the military. Communications equipment is highly specialized and often includes encrypted intra and interteam radios, satellite communications, and advanced data sharing equipment. Leadership is usually experienced, well educated, motivated, and highly capable, and individual initiative is heavily encouraged and promoted in completing a mission.

This level of expertise is typically confined to small-unit light infantry and special operations forces; examples of these kinds of troops are SAS/SBS, SEALs, Delta Force, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, KSK, 1st RPIMa, SADF Reconnaissance Commandos in the 1970s and 1980's, etc.