Bolt Action U.S. Marines and shotguns

[Doug E]

From time to time I have to remind myself it's a game -- which means that some realism has to be sacrificed in the interest of playability.  That's why the range of a pistol is 6 inches, and the rifle is 24 inches.

Still, I hope the 4th Edition will be released soon and that it addresses all the issues that have been identified in the 3rd Edition.   

[carlos marighela]

I quite agree, it's a game after all. It's also true that ideal ratios, howver tried and tested they may be don't always exist in the real world.

That said, it becomes a fairly pointless and abstract game if things depart too wildly from reality. If the system you are using consistently allows attackers to overcome dug in defenders with equal or at least similar levels of support on a consistent basis then there's probably something pretty wrong with the system.  Arguing about individual weapons systems becomes somewhat moot if the game makes no allowance or places any great weight on supporting fire, the possibility of flanking attacks and or some sort of reserve in the assault.

I do understand that the notion of being tethered to the real world is a distinctly more remote concept with Bolt Action, so it's probably a lower bar to meet there. Different folks, different strokes.

[Cat]

I'm still wondering how their combat organization related to their construction organization.  Were Seabees assigned to squads and teams at random?

From squad level on up, they are organised primarily as construction crews that can be assigned to get work done.  Each battalion developed it's own 'personality' of expertise — airfield, road, base, dock, etc. construction and needed workers grouped to accomplish their whole project quickly.  Although depending on the immediate needs, they might be called on to do anything.
 
Including being called on to do anything in combat.  This crane operator did duty digging rapid emplacements for a 105mm howitzer, and later excavating Japanese caves when not employed working on the airfield at Iwo Jima!
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/02/22/a-seabee-on-iwo-jima-the-men-who-drove-cranes-and-cats-also-served/
 
Specialists were frequently shifted between battalions where any particular experience would be most needed.  Skimming through battalion logs, Lt.s and Carp.s (Carpenter's Mate rating, usually given to skilled foremen) are the ones who get bounced where needed.
 
For a skirmish game, I like my squads and platoons to be historical, but am happy going cinematic with a heavy proportion of support so I can build and play with the toys.  For more balanced representation, and building and playing with all the toys, I prefer 1 vehicle/stand = 1 platoon and play Blitzkrieg Commander.

[Cat]

I must confess, one of my chief weaknesses is a highball to sip and a late night historical research rabbit hole on teh internets.
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