Reflections. 1946 USSR campaign

[Mobhack]

Halftracks are a pain. I need to upgrade some of my extra machine guns to DSHK's to do some harm to the tin cans at close range. I can't wait to get some sort of armoured transport, but that's a long way off I think.

12.7 HMG are really not the answer - they are only worthwhile at 100m or so, and the enemy have .50 cal to reply to your own tin-can APC (if there are any such that early on?).

in that time frame, consider a section of 57mm ATG with transport to assign in support to each rifle coy. Get those all set up and ready in ambush just before the half-tracks arrive, and you can kill them nice and easy from 4-500m or so. 57mm has 1MP so can be shuffled about, unlike the larger ATG. Light truck tows will do at a pinch, APC if you can afford it. (in WW2 I often manually push a platoon of 45mm or 57mm ATG behind each dismounted rifle coy in the advance). That tactic should work in early modern period as well.

The 57 will do for half-tracks or other minor junk, and should be able to do a reasonable number on Chafees etc. even frontally, and some side kills on big stuff.

If in the core, then they can get some decent experience ratings over a few battles, and so become quite decent shots.

The T34/76 is also worth buying a few of early post-war as an infantry support unit (say a platoon or 2). 25 AP rounds to kill the tin cans, and 75 HE rounds. Slightly deeper pockets than the T34-85, but still with decent effect on soft and tin-plated stuff. Speedy, so can easily switch front, retire for resupply etc. Just don't try to head-butt any big boys.

SU-76 is a bit "meh" - but if you are only going to pot half-tracks, worth a look. But open topped, not too fast, and no MG, HE load is also low. 40 AP rounds though - dangerous to half-tracks, but easy killed by Chaffee type stuff. Buy a few from support points, if needed?. Not worth having in the core really.

Of course - you will have a section of RPG-6 tank hunters assigned to each rifle coy. Cheap and cheerful. Can scout for the grunts as well. Short life expectancy, mind you, but you cannot have everything..

Cheers
Andy