Shock and Stack Size

[StuccoFresco]

If I'm interpreting the rules correctly, a unit gives a Shock value that is not dependant on its Stack Size. And the calculations automatically take the maximum Shock and divide it by the amount of "Shock" units in a stack, even if the Shock value is 0.

In a given example:
- armored battalion Size 4 Shock 4
- motorized battalion Size 2 Shock 0
- Infantry battalion Size 2 no Shock

The final Shock value is 3.

But doesn't this mean that it's best to have smaller units with Shock 4 and attach them to big units with Shock 0? Even an armored Platoon would give Shock 4 to an entire stack, which means logically it would always be best to subdivide every armored unit into smaller ones and "attach" them to infantry.

It's... not very conductive to the use of "armored mass" isn't it? It's better to have two Armored Battalions than an Armored Brigade in almost every case.

[Timian]

The unit(s) with a Tank Company or Platoon must be Motorized (or Mechanized) to not reduce a Tank Company's or Platoon’s Shock Value.

Keep in mind, as explained in the Shock Section of the Stalingrad Manual, a unit’s Shock value can be significantly reduced depending on its Readiness or Strength and/or if Isolated or Encircled. So better to fight with Battalions than Platoons.

All that being said, I tend to fight with Armored or Tank Battalions vs Tank Companies or Platoons. With the Soviets, I may fight with a Tank Regiment or Brigade (which is really a battalion).

Don.