- TACTICS: FRONTAL ASSAULT -

Frontal assault is very efficient way to defeat enemy if you have MUCH greater firepower and mobility. This tactics was often used by Russian army in WW2. Large infantry units rushed across defending Germans, wiping them out. Such assaults usually ment serious loses, but the goal - quick advance that doesn't give enemy any chance to take some rest - was achieved. German "Blitzkrieg" strategy was also a kind of frontal assault: fast moving panzer divisions drove deep behind enemy lines, while infantry surrounded the enemy, making some kind of "protection shield", and preventing him to escape and regroup for counter-attack. Artillery had very important role - it was pressing the opponent down and destroying his strongpoints.

Be careful while performing a frontal assault - if it's not good prepared and your enemy keeps key positions on the map, he can brake your assault and launch his counter-attack, smashing your confused units on the way! To make a successful offensive using this tactics, you should know that the force ratio should be about 3:1 in your advantage. Got the picture?

The Blitzkrieg tactics works also in CC3. Use it to gain crucial VLs and to force your enemy to withdraw. In such actions you won't have clear picture of enemy's strenght and location, so speed and firepower are vital! Mortars (MORE than one) and assault guns (StuH'42, JSU...) will hold the enemy down and protect you when you are the most voulnerable. Order the tanks to go straight to your goal (VL, other key points), and - at the same time - move infantry on their flanks. Big machine guns are heavy and slow, so DON'T try to attack with HMG infantry! They are good for suppression fire and for supporting other advancing troops.

Best troops to lead your frontal assault are ENGINEERS and infantry with automatic weapons (MP40, PPSh41, PPs43...), such as HEAVY INFANTRY and SMG INFANTRY. These teams also have enough grenades and explosives to shut down any ressistance. FLAMETHROWERS can clear houses of enemy very quickly. Especially flame tanks can do a great job in clearing the area around your goal. Here is an example of one good prepared frontal assault: tanks are heading straight to VL, while the infantry protect their sides and secure the houses. Commanders are keeping the morale. SMG infantry (on the south) scouts and prevents eventual sudden diversions.

Flanking manoeuvres are good way to defend sides of your main attacking force. The important thing is that after taking your objectives, you must establish strong defence, making any eventual counter-attack impossible. Now you can move your HMGs ahead to guard the captured VLs.

HOW TO BREAK THE FRONTAL ASSAULT?

Well, to be honest, good prepared assault is hard to break because it is usually launched on the routes that can`t be defended easily. Only a mobile, flexible defence, with infantry guarding AT units and tanks, can stop the attacker. When (if) you notice your opponent is unsettled or catch him withdrawing, try to regroup your troops and start fast counter-attack which can be fatal for him.

- Be very careful while performing frontal assaults. Gather as much info about enemy troops as you can before you launch the offensive.

- Speed and firepower are the keys of success. Try to attack when the enemy is regrouping and doesn't expect you.

- Your loses are unavoidable fact. Are you sure that you can handle it?

- Be ready to defend what you've gained, and don't be surprised if enemy tries to attack you after.

- Frontal assault can totally break the enemy, but it can also give him a chance to defeat you.

- Don't you ever forget about the COMMAND TEAMS!