"Recon Units in Skirmish" Topic

This topic has been touched upon in the past, but no specifics regarding my question on how recon units (armored cars, half-tracks, motorcycles, etc.) can be used in a skirmish game. I would like to use them in the game to serve their purpose (spotting the enemy and reporting their presence to the main force) other than as easy targets. How may I use my recon models in a skirmish game? Do I need to set up a separate scenario before the Main Battle? How would I be able to use them in their role of spotting then reporting? How can I use them in the same scenario before the Main Battle? Send me your experiences, ideas and opinions, please. Thanks!

We play that recon units that have successfully spotted an enemy that turn provide a boost or reroll to the next turn's initiative roll. That encourages players to advance early with scouts and try to spot enemies without being seen themselves.

Some folks consider Rapid Fire as skirmish rules. The recon unit there have a longer spotting range than non-recon units.

You can run them separately, or as part of the main battle, if desired.

Having a GM is best.

Still, you can do this solo, or one on one too, with counters/chits/hidden markers labeled appropriately. You only get to see those if/when in range, and if rolling successfully for spotting.

Hidden units, especially if you can do that for both sides, are great fun, and result in cautious moves/deployments, just like in real life.

You can also do recon by fire, but need to limit or track ammo when doing that. Roll for those hidden units being fired upon to not return fire, if desired, by passing a discipline check.

Recon units locate the enemy and bring direct or indirect fire unto their positions. Not hard to work it into a scenario but it could unbalance the victory chances.
The type and density of the fire depends on the level that the recon unit is working for.
If the parent unit is a battalion, then the fire could direct, if tanks are available but more likely indirect mortar and small, 75mm artillery.

If the parent unit is a brigade or division, then the fire would be direct air support or indirect 75mm- 155mm artillery.

Battlegroup rewards the purchase of recon units by increasing initiative and battle rating.

If it is a skirmish, the recce units will be fighting their own battle before the main event.

It is slightly different if the recce elements are being used as an advance guard at the front of a column or even as an assault unit (which the Germans and Russians were not averse to).

Rudy +1