Ideal Russian Defensive Unit Summer/Autumn 1941

[matt.buttsworth]

What do people think is the ideal Russian defensive unit during Summer/Autumn 1941?
A screen of infantry corps of one or two divisions, with units of armour to the rear to prevent a breakthrough?
Or in areas to be heavily contested, a double line of Russian defensive units each consisting of two infantry divisions and an armoured division to make the Germans pay for every square they seize?

I am interested in everyone's experience and views on this point.

Matthew Buttsworth
Germany

[ComradeP]

Up until August or so, when the Soviets get their act together, everything's a defensive unit. After that, you should have properly dug in Rifle divisions either in a line or in a checkerboard. Actually holding the Axis is very difficult unless units are placed in swamps or city/urban hexes.

[Redmarkus5]

Two Infantry Divs stacked with a Fort up to 100% TOE, plus Artillery, AT etc. attachments at Army level. Position behind a major river, preferably in difficult terrain (woods, etc.) with armour or cavalry in the next hex in 'Reserve' status.

[CarnageINC]

Don't forget the field kitchen and the potato peelers in the rear Red [:D]

[Redmarkus5]

[:D]

[Ametysth]

ORIGINAL: redmarkus4

Two Infantry Divs stacked with a Fort up to 100% TOE, plus Artillery, AT etc. attachments at Army level. Position behind a major river, preferably in difficult terrain (woods, etc.) with armour or cavalry in the next hex in 'Reserve' status.

I would add three ShAP airfields, all with 6 squadrons of IL-2's and two IAP fields with similar fill of MiG-3s, Ground Support air doctrine set at 95%, required to fly at 30% and no missions flown in previous Russian turn by any of these planes.

[vinnie71]

How about adding Kruschev with an NKVD regiment routinely shooting a 1000 man a week to provide further encouragement? [:'(]

[KenchiSulla]

Single line divisions in blocking position with skirmishers in front (skirmish divisions, I use cavalry for it), reserve army behind digging the next defensive line to fall back to.. If you have a good armoured unit put it in reserve behind the line.

Axis will always break through in the summer but you have to slow them down. You can afford the heavy losses in infantry and can bring more divisions to the meatgrinder.

Key is to reform the line after a breakthrough. If your setup is good (not even checkerboard) you should be able to pull back your line and reform it..

Also, keep strategic reserves (mine are down to depleted divisions in refit mode atm, just committed last reserve early september)..