[Mobhack]

1) The HQ is the HQ. If you have bought a BN, it is a BN HQ, if you have 2+ BNs, its doing the job of a brigade HQ.

The HQ mainly represents you, and if you lose it then it tends to be curtains for the campaign, so its main job is to hide somewhere in the rear and act as a radio link to the off-map arty and possibly call for fires.

Its job is not to get into combat ever - so converting it into a little scout car and charging into a cat fight is inadvisable.

There is no real command structure above coy HQ - remember that the original SP had 24 core units max, 48 including supports. (So outdated SP1 guides will recommend you fight with the HQ, and convert it to something warry, since the additional unit did then make sense).

In this game - converting it from an HQ unit class to something else loses the semi-AOP bonus it has.

2) The rank is simply a link in the data. An HQ element ranked colonel will be no different from a general. Scenario designers can change the rank in the editor for flavour.

The HQ is the HQ - and it exists for the other side to "sack the quarterback" as the American version of Rugby has it. (VPs for him, bad consequences for morale, bad consequences for off-map arty availability while the game still lasts).

The HQ element might be able to rally units nearby, as the company and lower ones do. But do you really want to risk it in say a falling barrage?.

Don't worry about it, place it in cover in the rear away from stuff that attracts fire (ie on map arty and FLAK). Don't move it round in a jeep or other such that may attract an enemy plane to strafe it, or eat shells in an unexpected barrage. "Hide with pride" yours somewhere safe. Then go hunt his one...

3) Yes.

4) no idea.

5) Your first couple of battles in a LC will tend to be meeting engagements. But you will soon see the other types.

cheers
Andy