engineers

[Koh]

On the dependability of engineering units on detecting minefields, I don't think I've ever had an engineer squad walk into a minefield before detecting it. However on numerous occasions I've had fast moving mineclearing vehicles immobilised by minefield they drove into before detecting it. I'm assuming that the moving speed of the unit affects if it will detect the minefield or walk into it. Have an engineer squad or vehicle stand still and it will detect mines several hexes away, have it blazing in at full speed and they might just be unlucky enough to completely miss the minefield and lose a leg or two.

And when it comes demining speed, I don't think engineers, pioneers or such are any different. The game manual lists them all as clones of each other.

UnitClass 20=Engineer Infantry clone, clears mines and DT
UnitClass 140=Pioneers Engineer clone

etc and

UnitClass 36=Mine Clearing Tank Clears mines and DT
UnitClass 37=Engineer Tank Clone of 36, Clears mines and DT

- Koh

[PanzerBob]

The names are for the most part what various armies call them, in some cases it may show that they are considered more of an elite unit with a pioneer designation or more combat/assault orientated. For mineclearing purposes keeping them under cover and unsuppressed is going to get you the best results. As for detection that tends to be the job of scouts and or patrols although attaching a engineer/poineer squad to these units doesn't hurt.

Bob out

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Originally Posted by PanzerBob

The names are for the most part what various armies call them, in some cases it may show that they are considered more of an elite unit with a pioneer designation or more combat/assault orientated. For mineclearing purposes keeping them under cover and unsuppressed is going to get you the best results. As for detection that tends to be the job of scouts and or patrols although attaching a engineer/poineer squad to these units doesn't hurt.

Bob out

yeah, but your pioneer unit is probably size 1, so it would reveal you positions, also, can regular troops clear mines?

[PanzerBob]

Originally Posted by iCaMpWiThAWP

yeah, but your pioneer unit is probably size 1, so it would reveal you positions, also, can regular troops clear mines?

This is certainly a command decision, for myself I would have my Recce units under armour anyway, move to a safe spot to unload near the area to be recon'd then move the scouts into the area, and then the Engineers to begin the clearing, likely after smoking the area or hopefully in a area out of sight. (Not likely if the opponent is human).

The other method is a mounted recce with a mounted Engineer Response team / Asset. Always with these type of missions danger is high. Having several teams play decoy from the real breach location should be helpful as well. Having preplanned fire missions ready to hit the likely areas overwatching the obstacle would advised if possible. An assault against a prepared enemy is most vulnerable at this point in the attack. Planning should also include a Plan B and even C resource dependent of course.

Larger Unit assaults have more available to carry out careful planning. Smaller Unit actions tend to be come as you are. IMHO (in my humble opinion)

Assault actions against higher Tech Enemies make for more problems to contend with as well. Having the enemy drop minelets on your nicely created breach with your Armoured Spearhead passing though can simply ruin you day!!!

All and all as in real life mines really suck!!!

Bob out