Anti-Partisan Doctrine

[AngrySwan]

In 1812 Napoleon learned it the hard way that, although partisans are useless against large regular formations, they can cause an awful lot of trouble on the communications.

In the 1812 war Russians used both ''real partisan'' formations - ad hoc groups from the local peasants - as well as ''army partisans'' - small mobile army forces that used partisan tactics. The Soviets do the same in this campaign. Units that have been cut off and stay behind the German lines receive orders to attack cities, supply bases, bridges and airfields. On the front line Soviets attack supply bases and airfields with small forces. Partisans may even have artillery units that move up to a base and open fire, either to support their infantry or acting on their own. The Soviets did not have time to organize ''real partisan'' units (Stalin just would not allow armed paramilitary groups that could as well turn against him, at least he thought they could) but they actively use ''army partisans''. Even regular units on the front line can use partisan tactics, as seen in battles of Ebenrode and Memel/Klaipeda.

To protect important locations against these partisans, some units must be kept there. A single infantry or security unit stays in the city or base scaring the partisans away. The best idea, if forces are available, is to keep an army corps in the threatened area. These units can patrol the territory spotting partisans on time and actively engaging them before they have reached their target. No one tries to be a dead hero and fight alone, the rule ''concentration of force'' applies here as well as in field battles. Bombers can be sent against partisans if they are available. These attacks are very nasty and no one on the front line is surprised seeing a security man or HQ guard decorated for achievements in combat. Believe me, they all have earned these decorations.

The idea is not to kill each and every partisan as soon as they are spotted - that will be done later by the forces responsible for communication lines - but to keep them away from places where they should not be so they cannot interfere with army operations.