The consensus, based on the likes and a couple side conversations, seems to be that leaders should be able to ride in or on any vehicle in the game. Okay, but the mechanics need some definition. I have a proposal, but first some considerations.
Contrary to the
The Big Red One Tank Birth Scene, there isn't much room in WWII combat vehicles. In fact there is less than in most vehicles in PG Modern. As a general (read anti-ASL) position assume a spot can always be found for 1 more person. Yes, I know about the L3 and FT17, but I don't want to argue over a yes-no list.
Also unlike modern operations, inter service, branch, and even regimental cooperation has a much higher friction level. (The M1 combat car is called a "car" because cavalry at the time could have "tanks".) Again, opting for a generic rule rather than this army at this time would and another wouldn't.
Treating leaders as
tank riders doesn't really work. The big difference is that a leader is 1-4 guys, depending on the number of accompanying runners and attendants. An infantry platoon is 30-50 guys. Thus, finding room for one person is far different than 6-10 onto a vehicle that was never designed to carry anybody.
Here is what I have in mind:
Except as noted or clarified, rules
5.61,
6.3, and
6.84 remain in effect.
- A regular leader may ride any non-transport vehicle, provided both activate together. This would normally require both be in the same hex at the time of activation. The vehicle is subject to the limitations of its action (such as no combat movement or assault for a tank not activated by a tank leader.)
- Leaders may ride inside or on the outside the non-transport vehicle. If riding inside the vehicle, place the leader under the vehicle to indicate this. Leaders not placed under the vehicle counter are assumed to be riding on the outside of the vehicle and are dismounted at the end of the vehicle's movement.
- Vehicles pay 1MP when loading a Leader. One leader may ride inside a vehicle, 3 leaders may ride on the outside
- Leaders riding on the outside of a non-transport vehicle function normally. They are subject to opportunity fire as per rule 17.20 as other tank riders would be.
- Leaders riding inside of a non-transport vehicle may only activate units in their hex. They may not use their morale or combat modifiers (too tight and limited access from inside the vehicle). They may still spot for bombardment fire.
- Leaders riding a non-transport vehicle are subject to vehicle disruption, demoralization and forced unloading, just as any other transported unit. Additionally, leaders riding a non-transport vehicle are subject to a leader loss check should the carrying unit suffer a step loss. If only one step loss, a leader is eliminated on a 2d6 roll of 9 or more.
- Leaders may debark a non-transport vehicle at a cost of 1MP to the vehicle at any point during the vehicle's movement. The leader may not move further that turn, though the vehicle may. Remember that leaders riding outside the vehicle are automatically dismounted at the end of the vehicle's movement.
How does that work?
