writes:
ArmiesArmy is very pleased to announce a 10% savings for pre-orders of its new Penal Forces.
Penal battalion service in infantry roles was the most common use of prisoners, whether they were political prisoners, convicts, P.O.W.s, or troops which had failed in previous duties, and were viewed by many prisoners as tantamount to a death sentence.
Prisoners sentenced to infantry units were eligible for commutation of sentence and assignment to an army line unit, if they survived their sentence or accomplished extremely heroic deeds in combat. They could also, theoretically, receive military decorations for outstanding service, and be released when considered fully rehabilitated, though those suspected of political disloyalty remained marked men.
In reality, the promise of rehabilitation was (in most cases) pure propaganda; penal battalions were administered and commanded by the field unit HQs, which treated Penal Troops as a worthless subspecies of soldier, useful only for absorbing heavy casualties that would otherwise be inflicted on a more worthy unit.
The penal troopers, thus, faced little prospect of escape – ensured by the use of explosive neck devices, activated with zero hesitation if so much as the slightest hesitation was shown!
The Rusk and PLA forces both regularly use Penal Forces. With limited firepower and no body armor, these troops are also nice for converting to several other troop types.
To launch the new troops, I'll be offering a pre-order special of 10%-off all Penal Troopers. The offer will close in two weeks' time and items posted within the month.
I'll also be offering new army packs of six packs of Penal troops and one pack of either Rusk HQ troops or Sino/PLA HQ. Masters and slaves!
Codes are:
AA401 pack – five unique Penal troops
AA420 pack – army packs of six Penal troops and one Rusk HQ troop
AA421 pack – army packs of six Penal troops and one Sino/PLA HQ troop
We have plans to extend the range as well, and are always happy to hear your suggestions!
All packs can be found on our website.