WT Recon question

[Jackk]

In starting up the Watchtower campaign I see that each of my infantry platoons have a recon patrol squad attached. Now, I understand the use of these guys - Jones, take point! - but I was wondering if these guys spotting ability is better than the average grunts. That is, do they have that "recon" bonus spotting, or are they just regular Joes in a special squad?

And Redleg? Even early on I curse you The Tanambogo scen is a mofo with those hidden caves placed just at the right points. It's like you knew the exact path I would take. Great scen tho....can't wait to see what else is in them thar jungles.

[SeppDietrich]

as far as I can tell, recon squads have the following advantages:

1: Like snipers, their size is concidered to be smaller than that of a regular squad, they are therefore (if you are moving slowly and carefully) more difficult to spot, meaning that they can get closer to the enemy and determine their disposition more effectively.

2: Fewer men. Nobody likes to lose soldiers, but if I had to choose between losing 12 men and 4 men, the choice is simple.

3: This ties in with the second point, but if for some reason you are forced to make a hasty retreat from a position, Recon Squads provide an excellent way to harass a limited advance by the enemy, hit and fade tactics can be employed sometimes as if they were Guerrilla designation.

4: I haven't checked the OOBs in awhile, but I think they DO have better sighting than other infantry units (other than of course, the sniper).

When on the advance in open terrain, I generally have the recon squads move at full speed until engagement, having placed them in the front to begin with, they can effectively call down artillery and find out the placement and weaknesses within the enemy force before the bulk of my force even arrives.

Behind the Recon, I have my AFVs, moving anywhere from 3 to 4 hexes a turn, Anti-Inf tanks moving 4, Med-Hvy tanks moving 3.

Finally, behind (but not far behind, sometimes immediately following) the AFV's I have either APC's or infantry on foot.

Right now this strategy is a little pedestrian, but it has been effective so far.

PROTECT THOSE RECON whenever practical. Sacrifice them for larger units, but never sacrifice them whilly nilly.

[mao]

And Redleg? Even early on I curse you

Keep playing and soon you will find others to curse... WBW comes to mind...

[Jackk]

Thanks Sepp, but I think I didn't explain it right.
I know that official, dedicated recon squads get the spotting bonus but what I'm asking is do these particular units in the campaign have that bonus?

It seems I follow tactics similar to yours as far as movement and unit placement. And no, I never sacrifice them willy nilly, but rather through oops-ness

[Jackk]

Originally posted by Jackk
I know that official, dedicated recon squads get the spotting bonus but what I'm asking is do these particular units in the campaign have that bonus?

Do any of the designers know?

[Don Doom]

Yes, unless the designer went in and edit it out and somehow got it pass WB[doubt full].