By Matthew Gaikowski, this 106-page, spiral-bound book is a must, regardless of whether you use Germans in your games or not. The first part of the book (68 pgs) examines in detail German squad tactics and operations, including the attack and defence, patroling, tankfighting, squadmember roles, etc. According to the introduction, this is basically an edited (with inconsistencies rectified and diagrams added as necessary for clarity) version of a 1943 German squad tactics guide, translated by Army Intel during the war. It and each section includes tactical problems that would make interesting skirmish scenarios in themselves. Not aimed directly at gamers, this guide is a basic intro in running a real squad and, as such, is especially useful on the tabletop. The first part also includes an informative German glossary of squad terms and a bibliography. The second part of the book is a translation of a 1942 German Panzergrenadier Company training manual that nicely complements the first part of the book. Included are company, platoon, and squad organizational data, full troop equipment details, squad formations, battle drill, and squadleader hand signals (7!7!7!).

Taken together, the first two parts of German Squad Tactics provides an excellent primer on low level German infantry tactics. Almost as a bonus, an appendix includes company organizations for light and line infantry, bicycle, ski, grenadier, and motorized and armored panzergrenadier companies (both 1943 and 1944) right down to the last rifle and pistol. German Squad Infantry Tactics sells for $19.95 and is available from your local game.shop, or failing that, directly from the publisher, George F. Nafziger, PO Box 1522, WestChester, OH 45069-1522. Highly recommended. - BILL RUTHERFORD

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