The 5-5 German Paratrooper MG Thoughts

[plloyd1010]

When reduced, it is one step, just like any other reduced unit. I don't see why it would have increased movement. The men in the unit would have just as much to do as they did before (as in stuff to carry). Yes it is an HMG.

I would contend that instead of 5-5, it should be 4-5. I will re iterate that argument again here. In an infantry unit, the DF strength is based more on the number of automatic weapons (LMG's, BAR's and the like) than on the number of rifles. In an infantry platoon, when a person with an automatic weapon is hit (especially with the larger ones), someone else will take their place and the weapon will continue to be served. This is because there are a large proportion of riflemen in the to serve as replacement gunners and loaders. In HMG/WPN units the manpower is arranged differently with everyone assigned to the operation and support of a particular machine-gun. This leave very few extras for when gunners, loads and ammo handlers are hit. So in an HMG/WPN unit, the firepower is more directly related to the number of casualties taken. That is why I think INF and HMG units should be different when reduced.

Before John Stafford they were different. Infantry when reduced was ½ strength rounded up. HMG units were ½ strength rounded down. (GREN and VAN were and are ½ strength round up with an additional -1.) It may have not been an adequate distinction of the differences, but is was a distinction. I have not heard any explanation why HMG reduced strengths were changed, though I have asked a few times. The only response seemed to be that change was unknowingly implemented and was not going to be reversed. That non-answer has never sat well with me.