Ranks and relation with Nation file

[Kanov]

Hi, I have some doubts with the ranks.

What exactly is the correlation between the number of the ranks in the nation file and who gets them? My guess is that it has to do with the soldier type in xxxTeams.txt but there's 6 slots for the ranks in the nation file and there's also 6 types of soldiers in the xxxteams but according to the description of the column there's only 5 types that have to do with rank.

First the Nation file:

You can put a number from 0 to 9 in here it seems.

1st column = ASST LEADER RANK
2nd column = TEAM LEADER RANK
3rd column RANK PLT SR NCO
4th column = RANK JR PLT CMD
5th column RANK SR PLT CMD
6th column = RANK COY CMDR

Now the soldier types in the teams file.

-1 = Empty Slot,
0 = Basic Soldier,
1 = Leader,
2 = Tank, Gun or Mortar Crew,
3 = Asst Leader,
4 = Commander,
5 = Tank Leader

Soldier type 0 will get any rank below the 1st column in nation file's rank section
Soldier type 1 will get 2nd column
Soldier type 2 (crew) will get ???
Soldier type 3 will get 1st column rank
Soldier type 4 will get 6th column rank
Soldier type 5 will get 2nd column it seems.

Are these ranks fixed? or are there some random chance to get ranks that can not be stated? what are the thresholds?
Does the echelon column in unitstructure has something to do with ranks? (0=Squad, 1=Section, 2=Platoon, 3=Company, 4=Battlion, 5=Regiment, 6=Division, 7=Corps, 8=Army)

Speaking of which, what is squad and section referring to in the context of this file? I'm guessing a "squad" is like a modern fire-team and section is the full compliment of the typical 1 officer or NCO, 1 2IC, and 8 to 10 men, but not sure on this one.

[SteveMcClaire]

Soldier type 3 = ASST LEADER RANK
Soldier type 0 or 2 = Random rank lower than ASST LEADER RANK

For the rest it depends on if the team type is a command team or a regular team:

Command team:
Soldier type 1 or 5 = PLT SENIOR NCO RANK
Soldier type 4 = 33% chance SENIOR PLT CMDR RANK, 66% JUNIOR PLT CMDR RANK
(EXCEPT in a High Command team type -- in which case soldier type 4 = Company commander.

Non-command team:
Soldier type 1 or 5 = TEAM LEADER RANK
Soldier type 4 = PLT SENIOR NCO RANK

In the context of the unitstructure file, 'Squad' is referring a full squad as defined by that nation's TO&E / KstN / War Establishment / what have you. In some units there is an intermediate level of organization called 'Sections' within a platoon. The US rifle company's heavy weapons platoon, for example: It has a MG section (with two MG squads) and a Mortar section (with three mortar squads.) It doesn't actually have a consequence within the game as you're either fielding a full line platoon (all sections) or unit by unit choice of support units (where section isn't important.)

Steve

[Kanov]

Thanks!

[Aetius2]

Does "soldier type" do more than just determine rank and rank graphic?

When soldier type is set to "2" (crew), does the engine use this setting to determine who will assist the "crewed weapon"?
I it's not this setting, which setting is used to determine who will be assisting the crewed weapon?

[SteveMcClaire]

Does "soldier type" do more than just determine rank and rank graphic?

When soldier type is set to "2" (crew), does the engine use this setting to determine who will assist the "crewed weapon"?
I it's not this setting, which setting is used to determine who will be assisting the crewed weapon?

Yes. For soldier type crew, these will be assigned to assist (as loader, spotter, ammo men) with the crewed weapon of the team's gunner.

[Aetius2]

thanks for the reply Steve

[Kyleste]

Hi all--

Forgive me if this has been addressed. Is it possible to add a column (specifically, between columns 3 and 4) to the Nation file? I'd like to have the SENIOR PLT NCO at Rank 4 (Staff Sergeant), create a new column for Rank 5, then edit the Teams file (Row 5, Company HQ --> Soldier Type 1) to create a unique billet for WO (or First Sergeant if I'm playing PITF).

Silly, perhaps. But for me the CC franchise has always been as much about role-playing as tactical simulation.

Thanks for reading.

[SteveMcClaire]

No, you can't add new columns to nation ranks.

My understanding is that Warrant Officers were both 1) few in number and 2) in non-combat positions that wouldn't normally be seen at the squad level of Close Combat.

[Kyleste]

Understood. Thanks for the swift response. I suppose it would be easier to quickly hex-tinker with the ranks, anyway.