This time Command & Control.
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Command Friction. To try and represent this command friction I introduced a combination of platoon activation and exercising command via "command points" (or HQ Impetus as they are called in PanzerGrenadier Deluxe) as the way forward. Impetus is a better phrase than command points to describe what the commanders (or actually you!) are doing and influencing on the battlefield – its concentrating their efforts in keeping their battle plan on track.
The activation rules represent command and control at the tactical level with your Battlegroup HQ, (i.e. you) influencing this via platoon activations and use of other tactical assets such as artillery or air strikes. The exact translation as to how an HQ does this is not strictly relevant – it clearly has to be abstracted in order for a very complicated system of battlefield control (or chaos) to be modelled in simple effective manner. This impetus/momentum makes its way down the command chain – "reminding" company and platoon officers to get a grip and carry out their mission objectives, whatever those might be.
In PanzerGrenadier HQ Impetus and platoon activations represent the command struggle against inertia. It could be used to ensure your Tigers reinforce your crumbling line in time, or to ensure an attack on an enemy strongpoint keeps going and doesn't become bogged down. Thus activation replaces the need to take a morale test for your men, replaces the need to see how motivated they are, replaces the need to see what orders they may undertake and so on.
So, in PanzerGrenadier HQ Impetus is used to:
• Permit activation attempts of platoons or combat groups that are not currently In HQ Contact;
• Increase a failed activation score to ensure activation;
• Utilise a Combined Arms Combat Group;
• Issue special orders such as Coordinated Infantry Assault, Banzai Charge or Human Wave;
• Request Off Board Artillery and Air Missions and
• Deploy reserves.
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WW2 battlefield command & control had significant limitations and this is also replicated in PanzerGrenadier. The activation rules represent command and control at the tactical level and your Headquarters units influence this via platoon and combat group activations. Thus you, (the Battlegroup HQ) dictate where you will concentrate your command effort for this turn. You use HQ Impetus to overcome battlefield inertia and employ specific tactics such as massed charges or artillery attacks.
Use the link for the full article.
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