MTC units and Recon Capabilities

[plloyd1010]

First point is that recon units (in accord with rules 6.85 and 8.23) do not exist until the 4th edition rules. So anything to FitS did not come with recce units as defined in the current game structure. Apart from Afrika Korps and Desert Rats, motorcycle troops have no ability to dismount. All that is the official bit in the rules and games. So the technical answer is, not recon and no dismounting without 2nd edition sand.

That said... Some motorcycle troops should be recon units, as should some bicycle troops. Some are decidedly not, such as Dragoons and Bersagliari MTC, as they are mounted infantry. Motorcycles coming in battalion sized numbers are most likely of the later type. When 1-3 motorcycle or bicycle unit appear, there is a good chance that they are from the divisional reconnaissance battalion. That can get a little tricky with some armies. The Germans for example, had bicycle reconnaissance battalions with the Volksgrenadier and some infantry divisions. Short answer is that it would be a judgement call, unless something is specially said in the scenario.

I think all MTC, DRG, CYC and BIC should be able to dismount. (That's why I put a dismount option for the motorcycles in Vassal.) Trouble is that there is not always an equivalent piece to replace them with, so it doesn't always work with real counters. They should also be able to remount, but I don't like to keep track of there the wheels were left.