There are several problems in building a wargame that can simulate infiltration tactics. In fact, I’m not entirely satisfied that my homegrown rules address all the issues squarely. Nonetheless, I give you these as ideas or concepts for you to work out on your own. Ratio of Troops Typically, the Germans launched the 1918 attacks with about a three to one majority. In my games I have two rifle companies defending supported by about a dozen heavy machine guns. I attack with two companies of storm troopers supported by four rifle companies. Troop Organization Infiltration tactics are fought out at the squad level. A typical stormtrooper squad consisted of a light machine gun and a section of riflemen so that is how I organize. Each German squad consists of two stands, one with machine gun crew and one with riflemen. I also have stands mounting a flame thrower and rifleman, and a light mortar with two soldiers. A platoon consists of three squads, a command stand, and a flame thrower stand. A company consists of three platoons, a couple light mortars, and a couple heavy machineguns. For support troops, I use stands of riflemen, medium mortars, heavy machineguns, and individual artillery pieces. Support troops have neither the firepower nor the speed of stormtroopers. Terrain Set Up The assault teams move along the creases in the terrain and from shell hole to shell hole. They are exposed when rushing between covered locations. However, my terrain board is flat with high areas built up above ground level. I have no “creases” or shell holes or other clearly identifiable places to seek cover from direct fire. Therefore, my solution is to assume that all troops are in cover whenever they hit the ground. Or to put it another way, you can only hit them with direct fire when they are moving. Thus, immediately after each movement turn, there is a defensive fire turn and one can fire at any stand which just moved. The target is considered to be still upright and moving. Indirect fire from mortars and artillery is good all the time and can hit any target that was observed and reported. My playing board is 4’ by 8’ and it represents the attack corridor only. I have the Germans attacking along the entire 8 foot length to a depth of 4 feet. The near side is the front edge of the German wire so the Germans first appear as they pass through their own wire. When they reach the far side, I credit them with a breakthrough. They win if they can clear the entire attack zone. More World War I German Infiltration Tactics Introduction Infiltration Tactics Infiltration in Action Solo Play Artillery How to Use Storm Troops Large Scenario Map (slow: 100K) Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #135 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2001 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com