The NOOb goes to War ... V3 - Weapons Platoon Support Options

Greetings Recruit NOObs,

     Commander NOOb Mezz here to present our second article of the "NOOb goes to War" series.

     If you need to catch up with the briefing, you can check out the previous article NOOb goes to War ... Version 3

     In our previous article, we addressed planning around forces that could be used in numerous lists.  To remind you, I find this saves time and money as well as making your forces more adaptable for the future.



    Every good commander tries to take a unit that can hold up against what he believes what he will be facing on the field of battle.  Realistically this is almost impossible unless a match has specific limitations or era.  Hold your head high NOOb because we cannot lose focus.  We previously discussed picking units that can be used for numerous army lists to max out your painting, hobby time and money.

     When soldiers mention support platoons, the FIRST thing you should look into in my opinion is Weapons Platoons.  Most are able to be attached to many units and add some much needed firepower to think twice about.

Using our EW Germans, here is two examples of Weapon platoon choices for our infantry ... courtesy of EASY ARMY !!!

Infanteriekompanie - Heer Infantry Company

German Early-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Weapons Platoons
Infanterie Machine-gun Platoon (Heer)  p.95	1 4	Cmd SMG team MG34 HMG team	95
Infanterie Mortar Platoon (Heer)  p.95	1 1 4	Cmd SMG team Observer Rifle team 8cm GW34 mortar	95
Company Points:			190

Source document: Blitzkrieg Book

Arsenal Gun Teams Weapon Mobility Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes 8cm GW34 mortar Man-packed 24"/60cm 2 2 3+ Smoke, Minimum range 8"/20cm.   Firing bombardments 40"/100cm - 2 6+ Smoke bombardment. MG34 HMG team Man-packed 24"/60cm 6 2 6+ ROF 3 when pinned down or moving. Infantry Teams Team Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes Rifle team 16"/40cm 1 2 6+ SMG team 4"/10cm 3 1 6+ Full ROF when moving.

Infanterie Machine-gun Platoon (Heer) - p.95
Infanterie Machine-gun Platoons may make Combat Attachments to Infanterie Platoons.

      Look at all the HMG firepower !  HMG teams with a ROF (rate of fire) 6 X 4 teams equals 24 dice !  Do not fret if the HMGs are pinned they still get a ROF of 3 ... still a strong 12 dice to use against others.  Granted you would want to spread these HMGs between infantry platoons to help bolster both offense and defensive punches. 2 HMG teams per Infantry platoon would still give a possible 12 dice or 6 if they are pinned.  You only need 5 hits in defensive fire to halt an assault or assist in pinning a possible target platoon for your assault.  Use these numbers to your advantage.  This particular infantry list has an option to get 2 HMG platoons that can be attached.  HMGs can be used with many lists ... never a bad pickup to add to your arsenal in this NOOb's opinion and experience.

     The second Weapons platoon choice you should always consider is Mortars.  The FIRST important factor is the SMOKE capabilities.  One of the first things shared with me by Steve was the beauty of proper smoke usage.  It causes units to move thus lower ROFs.  It shields units to move or setup for assaults.  It can pin units and are effective against open topped transports.  If the command teams are SMGs they get a ROF of 3 as well!  Nice huh ?  Never underestimate their functions.  Four 8 cm tubes are always a nice option.

     The cost of these nice easy options ?  A mere 190 points !  The best thing is these are attachable platoons.  We have not even gotten to Regimental Support and Divisional Supports.

     Want to maximize your hobby time and or painting ?  Using our mechanized options here is another list ...

Panzerschützenkompanie Armoured Rifle Company

German Early-War

Platoon	Qty	Unit	Points
Weapons Platoons
Schützen Machine-gun Platoon  p.76	1 1 4 4	Cmd SMG team Kfz 15 field car MG34 HMG team Kfz 70 truck	140
Schützen Mortar Platoon  p.76	1 1 1 1 4 4	Cmd SMG team Motorcycle & Sidecar Observer Rifle team Kfz 15 field car 8cm GW34 mortar Kfz 70 truck	185
Company Points:			270

Source document: Blitzkrieg Book

     So let's do some math.   Machine gun platoons for infantry will need 1 CMD team and 4 HMG teams.  The Mortar platoon will need 1 CMD team, 1 Observer team and 4 mortar teams.


     The Mechanized HMG platoon needs 1 CMD team, 4 HMG teams, 1 Kfz15 field car and 4 Kfz70 trucks.  The Mortar team needs 1 CMD team, 1 Observer team, 4 mortar teams (minimum squad strength), 1 Motorcycle/Sidecar, 1 Kfz15 Field car and 4 Kfz70 trucks.


     So the quartermaster will need to put a req in for 2 Kfz15 Field cars, 1 Motorcycle/Sidecar and 8 Kfz70 trucks.  You would have two list type options with simply HMGs and Mortars.

     There are other options for Weapon Platoons but I chose to cover these two first.  They are a simple option.  They can be used in various ways to fill out various lists.  And in the grand scheme of things ... a cheap option.


     Next up ...  Weapon Platoons with a punch !  


     Remember my NOOb advice ... maximize, be flexible and have fun !  If you have any questions or wish to add to the NOOb topic list for future articles you can contact me at Joe@wwpd.net


Joe ... aka Mezz