Regularly Ambushed!!

[IanPnz1V]

Since Eben-Emael/Albert Canal crossings back in 40' quite a few of my leading units have been getting or walking into ambushes, thankfully none of my prized core units...so far.
Usually they have been Panzer Grenadiers still mounted on half-tracks before the can deploy for the next turn (hats off to the A1 though for taking advantage of my tactical stupidity!!) I am now in 41' and trying to reach Zhurivka to complete the encirclement of Kiev.

These Grenadiers are too expensive to keep throwing away on a regular basis, but my recon units fair no better. My question is: are there any Air units that I could use for recon, I know that in the Smolensk scenario Dorniers were provided but do they do the same job in other scenarios?

many thanks, Ian K.

[planner 3]

I personally use whatever A/C I have in the vicinity. Send aircraft to area of interest, wait, make another move and recheck your spotter (?) A/C...watch weather as it can interfer with visability also. FWIW

[James Ward]

Sometimes a Cav units works better than a recon unit, at least in the early years.

[IanPnz1V]

So the nearest A/C should do the spotting job..weather permitting of course, As for using Cavalry I'll definitely buy a couple of these units which I suppose I should have used from the start.
Thanks Guys.javascript:void(AddText('[:)]'))

[Freightshaker]

I'll use beefed up fighters for recon since they can stand up to any other aircraft they encounter and fair well if met with AA.

Remember that AC get multiple moves. I usually move it two hexes (3 hex visibility), stop and look, then move 2 hexes again. This keeps you from running into ambushes. In limited visibility; I generally try to resupply and reinforce my units while slowly advancing.

[Shawkhan]

Also, you might note, Panzer Grenadiers while on halftracks only have a visibility of one. That may contribute to your problem as well.

[IanPnz1V]

Again, my Grenadiers are getting caught out!![:@] (Vyazma southern flank) only this time I moved a couple of squares instead of three or more.
Also making sure that these units are experienced and well supplied, so that they are no longer getting wiped out on first contact, It's still hairy though because the Russian A1 won't hesitate to use KV's mixed Cavalry/Infantry counter attacks on my probing half-track mounted grenadiers. I also note that Wehrmacht Infantry seem to have a longer spotting range than Grenadiers.

[IanPnz1V]

I have decided that the best way forward is to use four Recon units per scenario instead of my normal two. When advancing I tend to favour a three point thrust: north, south, and a centre(main trust).
So with one recon unit per point and one in reserve, my tactical-ineptitude should start to be a thing of the past.

Thanks again Guys.[:)]

[Freightshaker]

I use infantry predominately due to their better movement. I usually have about 6 Inf and 2-3 Gren in my force structure.

Recon is handy for getting to Art and AA units since they can skirt around ZOC. I usually keep 3 Sdkfz 222's and upgrade to the Puma once it comes out.