Upgrade versus Replacement

[jchastain]

Does anyone know what the specific difference is between a unit upgrade (with a + sign, normally done for combat units) and a replacement (without a plus sign, often done with command platoons) in a DCG? I've seen the official oob do it both ways.

To be clear, I am hoping to understand what the difference is between:

41 12 42 12 + C0002041 1st Company
43 01 45 05 C0002044 1st Company

and

41 12 42 12 C0002041 1st Company
43 01 45 05 C0002044 1st Company


In either case, C0002041 is replaced by C0002044 in Jan, 1943. I would assume that the difference might include things like...

• An upgrade likely should prevent going "backwards" when the upgrades represent better % changes for a change of better equipment
• An upgrade might keep its current strength level (ie. losses are not replaced) and/or morale

I could test these hypotheses, but before I do so I figure I might as well ask here and see if anyone already knows the answer.

Thanks.

[simovitch]

jchastain, this is a good question. As best I can tell they have the same intended result, except....

Only the + type upgrades should appear in the forces that are available for selection of your core group at the start of a DCG. They sort of "link" the chain of development of a force throughout the duration of the DCG. If a force does not upgrade throughout the duration of the DCG (like 9/39 - 5/45 for barbarossa) they simply will not be selectable as your core force at the start of the DCG.

The other is a straight replacement of the unit with an entirely new unit. This works fine for standard OOB's for scenario design or the generation of non-core forces, but they usually don't show up in DCG specific OOB's.