"Modern Platoon/Squad Level Rules Recommendations?" Topic

I'm wondering if there are any rules for small scale actions for ultra moderns that are similar to something like Chain of Command? What do people recommend?

I'm looking for something that isn't too complex, allows for complete and interesting games with just 20-30 men per side and has rules for vehicles up to tanks and helicopters.

I have Force on Force and it's not my cup of tea. Any ideas?

that are similar to something like Chain of Command?

Er … Chain of Command? It wouldn't take much effort to tweak them here and there to work for more modern settings.

There's an effort underway to develop a modern Chain of Command ruleset, it's currently being discussed on the Yahoo group's mailing list.

There's also No End in Sight, which is also up to platoon scale: link

I use slightly modified Disposable Heroes. They have modern stats to download in their yahoo group. They also sell books for modern and bush wars.
A modern game AAR: link

The Chain of Command Modern rules are due to arrive next year sometime I believe. But they are for anything after say 1995 or so. If your interest goes back beyond 1995 you may have to look elsewhere unless you want to to some tweaking of the rules.

The sci-fi (well, 40K-ish) version is going to be called Chainsword of Command.

I'm the author of No End in Sight, and I'd like to htink it does what you're after.

Typical gameplay is about a platoon, with some support. The focus of the game is in the difficulties of pushing troops forward during a fire fight, with reaction fire built right into the movement mechanics (rather than just being one more chance to shoot, it actually impedes your movement).

Comes with several different campaign options too and covers all the usual suspects like insurgency games, IED's, artillery and whatnot.

An example of a battle report from another TMP'er:

link

I can't comment on how it compares to FoF, since I haven't played, but some of the people I've talked to says it runs a bit quicker.

If you check the modern battle reports board here, there's a break down of the mechanics as well.

It IS PDF only so if that's a concern, can't help you :)

Force on Force by AmbushAlley Games/Osprey all the way.

Faustnik

> Force on Force by AmbushAlley Games/Osprey all the way.

He did say that was not his cup of tea.

Although not Ultra moderns the boardgame "Firepower" from Avalon Hill is worth a look – it covered up to the cold war and had tons of stats for vehicles up to that time.

If Force on Force isn't your thing, I don't know what to suggest.

I admit, I really like what I've read about Chain of Command (and am planning on 'borrowing' the patrol phase for my own gaming), so I think my best suggestion-without-playing is Chain of Command Moderns.

Though I suppose you could also de-scifi Stargrunt/Dirtside. Sure, they're only available as PDFs, but they're FREE. Get both because DS2 has the vehicle creation rules. I'd also make the smallest normal unit a fireteam instead of a squad.

For squad level, where soldiers act individually or as weapon teams and each player controls roughly a squad, there is Disposable Heroes: Point Blank. The rules and lists for many modern forces (from WWII through Vietnam and into today) are contained within one book.

The rules aren't designed for platoon level except where each player controls a squad and there is a platoon of forces on the table.

I should add I'm the author of the rules if that makes a difference.

Force on Force is my favorite rules for platoon with support actions.

Stargrunt 2 is basically a modern day game with the odd railgun, so you could use it pretty much without modification.

I would also recommend No End In Sight – I have played all of the rules mentioned so far expect for stargrunt, and have found No End In Sight to be the easiest and the most fun so far.

Thanks for the recommendations. I actually have a print copy of Stargrunt II from back in the day. I'll check it out.

I'll also check No End In Sight.

I wanted something I could use as, since I have so many projects going right now, so I'd rather wait for the final modified version of Chain of Command.

Thanks.

Face of Modern Battle

I would put in a recommendation for Skirmish Sangin. They are best for small actions (around a squad or more) but they are easily capable of working for up to a platoon without bogging down. They are very intuitive as well.

Gunnar