The system modification proposed by Duane Romfoe in this article was unveiled in a 1942 East Front game played at Europafest in Eau Claire this past summer. The game received quite a bit of attention from those present, including John Astell. A brief, but tantalizing, report on the game appeared in A. E Goodwin's article "EuropaFest '89" (ETO #48), and alluded to the use of a "House Rule" which granted limited exploit capability for infantry.

Subsequently, Duane contacted me and offered to write an article on the subject for the readers of TEN, and here it is. Duane argues his case convincingly and his suggested "solutions" are very thought provoking; the response of our readership to his ideas should prove quite interesting. By the way, John Astell advises he is evaluating a revision to the admininstrative movement rule (developed independently) which is very similar to Duane's concept of "unopposed movement" and will be tested further in the course of the Second Front playtest.

About the author

Duane Romfoe has received a Bachelor of Arls Degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. His military education includes Commandant's List graduate, US Army Infantry Officer Basic Course; Honor Graduate, 4th Army ITASS Combat S2 Course; and Infantry Mortar Platoon Course. He has served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Rifle Company Executive Officer, 4.2" Mortar Platoon Leader, and as an Assistant Division G-3 Operations Officer. (RG)

Prologue

The Europa system has a particular quality which some have referred to as "maddening excellence." This description reflects the fact that while on the whole the system is truly outstanding, it has some identifiable shortcomings which can prove to be frustrating, especially when viewed within the context of the overall excellence of the system.

The most readily identifiable of these shortcomings is the understatement of mobility in the movement system. The understatement of mobility detracts from the game as a whole and makes it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve the types of feats that the armies of the period, particularly the Germans, were able to achieve. This understatement of mobility takes three basic forms:

• 1. Units which are marching into enemy territory, but do not engage in combat, are not rewarded with greater movement. This understates movement by a week's march.
• 2. The movement of units which engage in combat is understated by 50%.
• 3. The current movement system does not allow several important tactical abilities which should be represented in an operational-level game.

These shortcomings detract from the accuracy of the game as a representation of operational-level combat in World War II. They often lead to frustration as players attempt to achieve feats of arms comparable to those of history and fail. They are unwittingly frustrated by the understated mobility of Europa units.

In this article I will list the evidence which proves that the mobility of Europa units is understated. I will also outline a solution which integrates into the current system with minimal difficulties, while improving the feel and play of the game. This solution requires only minor changes to rules, and none to counters, charts, or Orders of Battle.

Why Change Now?

Europa is a work in progress. From its beginning, its history has been one of continual evolution. The Orders of Battle, the air combat system, and elements of the supply system have been reworked from game to game as better information or techniques for modeling the subject has become available. As work on Grand Europa progresses, and revisions are made to existing games, we are at a point where any corrections which should be made to the game system must be made. Addressing the understatement of ground movement is one such correction.

More Forward...March! A Re-evaluation of March Rates

Introduction
Doctrinal March Rates
How Much Time Does Combat Take?
The Solution to Understated Movement
Final Results and Footnotes

Astell's Rebuttal to Forward March