Microsoft Close Combat - Manual (Page 62)

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.