Forward Observers

nikb · Post by **nikb** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 12:36 am

One wee question.

What is the best way to use Forward Observers. I don't seem to be able to get any improvement at all with my Arty - I presume I am using them for the right purpose?

Many thanks.

Nik

Arralen · Post by **Arralen** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 12:51 am

Originally posted by nikb:
One wee question.

What is the best way to use Forward Observers. I don't seem to be able to get any improvement at all with my Arty - I presume I am using them for the right purpose?
Many thanks.
Nik

1) They must be able to spot the target / see the targeted hex.

2) They shouldn't have supression.

3) Check their stats - most it's Art 50 or something like this.
3b) Check all your Scouts/ Recon Squads - most likely there's one with a higher Art-ranking (got one with Art-70 once). Let him do the spotting ..

Arralen

Bing · Post by **Bing** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 1:17 am

I got an FO in one scen with an Arty rating of 90. You bet we got tight patterns.

Ditto the FO/Obs must have the target/target area in view - check with the right click. You can direct arty fire without seeing the impact hex, but it is an iffy proposition, unless it is a golden priority hex.

Get a good fast set of wheels to transport your FO around the batttlefield, it will definitely pay off.

Below 70 arty rating, you might as well have platoon leaders spotting, it won't make much difference.

Byron Inglesh

nikb · Post by **nikb** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 2:00 am

Thanks Guys.

Sounds like it is definitely worth having a FO with a high Arty rating. However, for toughness is it better to employ recon scouts and the like? Are they able to handle the conditions better that FOs?

Cheers
Nik

[This message has been edited by nikb (edited 06-01-2000).]

Bing · Post by **Bing** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 2:36 am

However, for toughness is it better to employ recon scouts and the like?
----------------------------------

My experience is that FO/Obs units are just as good. Sure, you have to take steps to protect them. However, WAW has some self-protection built in for the true FO unit. In addition, I set range of their "weapon" - usually a sidearm - at zero. This means they won't draw undue attention to themselves. I also usually set their stance to "Defend".

My FO's avoid combat - during the computer phase if threatened, they will automatically back as far out of range of the enemy as possible.

Right now, I can't give a definitive reason for this, though I feel zero "weapon" range and Defend stance can't hurt. I will say I don't lose many FO's, actually very few, probably less than "real life" where the life of an FO is often rather short in battle.

Byron Inglesh

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 6:19 am

Actually, any officer can spot. Anyone 2Lt and above and a formation leader should be able to spot for you.

I usually look for one with a high artillery rating. Bing is right. Above 80 factor and you've got a winner.

Recon and snipers are better used for scouting. They can see much better than normal infantry units.

With the fog of war firmly in place in the game, you need those scouts...

Wild Bill

------------------
Wild Bill Wilder
Coordinator, Scenario Design
Matrix Games

Spartacus! · Post by **Spartacus!** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 7:11 am

Originally posted by Wild Bill:

[With the fog of war firmly in place in the game, you need those scouts...]

Hello Wild Bill!

Great job on SPWAW (as well as your past contibutions to the SP series)! Here's something for the wish list: The ability to place text markers on the map (including a show/don't show option) to designate where and what was last seen in a particular location so I can stop writing down hex coordinates and unit descriptions on little scraps of paper all over my desk. Of course with the FOW the units could have moved but it's nice to have a general idea of their last known location if your scouts have been moved or destroyed. It's probably a pain in the butt to add something like that at this point but it's just an idea... Thanks.

Rick

[/B]

Paul Vebber · Post by **Paul Vebber** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 7:20 am

The big key to artillery effectivenes is to have an observer with an LOS to the target hex. IF you are firing blind, the effect will be substantially less even if it "looks like" teh round landed in teh hex, the assumption is you don't really know for sure because you can't see.

talon · Post by **talon** » Fri Jun 02, 2000 3:07 pm

Have I seen something wrong or hasn´t arty also a faster reaction time if FO/Obs are used for spotting ?