Microsoft Close Combat manual Tactics

Chapter 3 Tactics 61

Schurzen	Identifies whether or not the vehicle is equipped with
	Schurzen plating (thin metal plates set a few inches out
	from the hull to detonate rounds before they hit the hull) to
	protect against HEAT ammo rounds.
Integrity	How well the vehicle can withstand being hit (brewups,
	spalling).

Specific tips for vehicles are as follows:

•The Close Combat game design accurately reflects the Normandy Campaign regarding vehicles. Specifically, the majority of German vehicles can defeat the majority of like American vehicles in a one-on-one fight. Consequently, if a American vehicle gets too close to any German position, it is in danger of being destroyed; remember, even German rifle teams have antitank weapons (Panzerfausts) capable of destroying every American vehicle. As the American commander, the only way you can successfully use your vehicles is to use numerical superiority (pit two or three Shermans against one Panther or Tiger) or flanking tactics.

•If you’re the German commander, you should try to conserve your resources; this is especially true when playing a Campaign because the Americans will receive far more reinforcements than you (again reflecting the history of the Normandy Campaign).

•Halftracks, armored cars, and other vehicles are fast but vulnerable. Use them for rapid maneuvers where tanks and antitank weapons are not likely to be deployed. For example, you can use a halftrack to support an infantry assault against another infantry team.

•Don’t order your tanks, tank destroyers, or other vehicles within range of known or suspected enemy antitank weapons. This is especially true for American commanders; remember, the Germans make American armor a priority target. And the Germans have more antitank firepower; both the Panzerschreck and Panzerfaust can destroy all American armor with a head-on shot. The Bazooka can only knock out heavily armored tanks and tank destroyers with a side or rear shot.

•When you order your tanks, tank destroyers, or vehicles to advance, use infantry support to provide suppression fire against antitank teams.

•Although you can send a tank over a hedgerow, doing so leaves the tank vulnerable to enemy antitank fire.