DougPhresh

So far as the end point has both fleshed out units and an expanded timeframe/campaigns/maps it works for me. For instance, I'd like to see the sPzB 41. It was used in Sicily (CMFI) Normandy (CMBN) and the Ostfront (CMRT) . It's such a small addition that it doesn't warrant a pack on it's own, but it can be added to a module adding either a larger timeframe (if they go back and add to existing forces, which was my impression) or a module (or is this a pack) adding more forces (If you're going to make guns x, y, z why not throw this in too?). I feel the same way about the T-80 (RT light tank, although this applies to the BS modern MBT). Only about 120 were made, but they were used by existing forces and formations (Self-Propelled Gun Regiments). There are German vehicles with similar low production numbers, but they are shared across most CM titles. Since the Soviets were new, only their most significant forces were added. That makes sense to me. I believe it might be the same reason we don't have lend lease. However, now that they are expanding on those Soviet forces I see an opportunity to add more depth not just breadth. I might be out of my lane, but I'm very impressed by the plan for 2016.

Internal Troops of Ukraine Even Russian VV "During wartime, the Internal Troops falls under military command and fulfill the missions of local defence and rear area security." Independent Operational Purpose Division (ODON) has many interesting units and equipment under command, and if Crimea was threatened, I'm sure someone could find a job for them.

I was hoping for MVD/Internal Troops, personally.

I'm impressed! Personally, I can't wait! What are your thoughts on the CMFI roadmap?

Everything I could have hoped for! I'm so excited. Hope the new Osprey titles are of use! Keep up the great work! Now that amphibious movement is possible, would landings be possible? The Marines module for CMSF had some scenarios where units start on the beach, would it now be possible to have them start offshore? Any chance of us finding out about those other forces? MVD, Spetsnaz, Internal Troops?

Looks great! Fingers crossed for Black soldiers (US and French), Brazilians, and Partisans/Co-Belligerents/Italian Social Republic. If the Waffen SS is being included, it's good to remember they spent as much time chasing partisans as on the front line!

Thank you for a great 2015! The new content for 2016 sounds great! WRT CMFI: will the Italian Social Republic, Italian Co-Belligerents and Partisans be modeled? The Partisan uprising in 1944-45 was pretty significant, with 100-200k partisans active. That's a larger manpower contribution in theatre than the Waffen SS!

A toggle would be ideal. Similar in some ways to Steel Panthers. For BMP 3s and the like with all kinds of weapons systems sometimes I'd like to be able to select. For example on the BMP 30mm, 100mm (and toggle between airburst, direct, and ATGM) and the MG. BMP 2M is a great example. If I want 30mm GL and not cannon, or to stay hull down and hidden and then salvo those ATGMs. e: I'd go further and say I would like to choose when my infantry squads start using their AT rockets or grenade launchers as well.

Another thing, without going into OPSEC is that at least in my experience counter-battery radars are used very carefully. In a high-threat environment those radars have a giant bulleye on them. Not only are the radars themselves targeted by the enemy because of RDF, but also ECM can interfere with their use. For these reasons the radars are not always on. Maybe the effectiveness of counter-battery is weighed against enemy ECM strength. i.e If the Russians have maxed out ECM then the Ukrainians cannot interfere with the firing of the Russian artillery.

I think from reading some details of CMFB that BARs will be more prolific late war, which would include the next CMFI module I hope. Is the M1918A2 variable rate of fire modeled? Would it matter? I like knowing there is a BAR for the supporting element of a squad, for what it's worth. There are two Italian vehicles that are standouts that I'd like to learn to use better. The AS.42 Saharina and the Semovente 90/53. They both seem really interesting and are unlike anything the Allies or Germans have (maybe the Nashorn?). However, as has been pointed out the Italians are so fragile its hard to keep these vehicles in the fight if the infantry collapses and lets the enemy get close or on the flanks.

I find the Armoured Infantry setup from September '43 to be better. Three rifle squads, and not lugging around all those AT guns. The difference between Sicily and Salerno in experience is pretty apparent I guess. 37mm with canister is nice on defense, but coming from CMBS it feels like a lot of work to lug around what I'm starting to see as a towed 40mm grenade launcher. On that note, how should the Italian Brixta mortar be used? I've been using them like I use AGL sections in the modern games, to put down mass fires on infantry targets. Is that what is generally done?

I'll be sure to next time I see it!

Did the late Italy uniforms get done? I guess everyone is waiting for Gothic Line?

French Colonials, Brazilians and 92nd Infantry. Need to add some some soul - if you know what I mean. Partisans and Fascists would be fantastic! Osprey has a new title out and it's a great read! Lots of great visual reference material, as Osprey is known for. Getting the mechanics down now would also help them add partisans to CMRT's next module. There were about 150k partisans running around Belorussia and 200k in Italy, it would be nice to see them represented.

Looks great! You really put in a lot of work! e: WRT to counter-battery, the US only delivered AN/MPQ 4 counter mortar radar to Ukraine. They were unable to put fires down on 'Rebel' MRLS and Arty batteries.

Baneman really needs to keep those tanks alive and Bill has space and time on his side. Those infantry are getting more and more tired out assaulting empty towns and hauling ass through the snow.

Is there a smart way to use US Armoured Infantry in '43? I like the firepower of the platoons, but it feels like a liability sometimes. It's very difficult to keep the 37mm AT, 60mm and MGs moving up on the attack. In closed terrain, all those extra halftracks cause congestion, and I feel like leaving half the platoon behind is probably not how things were done. Since the squads only have rifles, I need all the supporting fire but have no idea how to use it. I'm able to set up overwatch, and win the initial firefight, but once those rifle squads move up, they're often on their own when they run in to the next line.

Could Daisy Chain mines make a return? I believe they were in the CM1 games. There's a lot of potential with snow covering them, and making them harder to spot, depending on the weather conditions. WRT roadblocks and the like, even if they don't stop tanks and combat formations they do stop support and echelon. Having driven a gun tractor on bad roads in the Canadian winter, I can say that if the road isn't clear, artillery isn't moving up. Given the choice between a felled tree on the road, and trying to tow a howitzer through deep snow, the solution is likely "wait for the engineers". I know that's somewhat outside of the scope of a quick battle though.

Is the snow much different than in CMFI? If so, would it be possible (perhaps with the next module?) to get CMFI in line with CMFB? Is ski-infantry possible in this iteration of the engine? e: I mostly play QB, so - What weather settings creating what depth of snow? For example, can there be deep snow and clear? I can't remember exactly how it works in CMFI.

Really great stuff! When you say 'counterattack' is that the AI reaction to touching objectives or can it be triggered beforehand, based on time remaining?

I'm afraid it would be more of the same arguments, and have to be locked, but would it be possible to see an update to the Brief overview of where CM is headed ? I know that CMFB got a little delayed, but it looks great. I'm curious to see what's next!

Not to detract too much from the specs discussion, I agree that T-90 seems to under perform. If the US is given APS and ERA which they do not presently have under the assumption that they would rush procure that equipment in the lead-up to war, then would the Russians not also have the latest APFSDS and HEAT rounds? Is the T-80 in service with either Russia or Ukraine?

I've been seeing this as well. Glad someone brought it up!

Are all the Shermans done in Sicily, Mainland and Olive? I keep trying to remember which is which.

Fair enough. '44-45 on the Italian Front is more than enough! 10th Mountain, 92nd Infantry (black solider skins please!), Brazilians, and Partisans should all be great.