Air and Artillery by the Map Optional Rule for D85

[Al]

The only issue with balance is that by selecting this it basically allows all artillery to be massed and used with equal effectiveness regardless of their organization. In a MC game this can be very deadly.

In my opinion, the primary use of the optional rule is like I already said; indiction with artillery mines & chemicals. Although, if enough artillery was in range & a target indentified by whatever means massed artillery would be very effective.

1. If this optional rule allows massed artillery targeting as you describe, is this an accurate and realistic portrayal of what modern artillery can do? Is such a doctrine and capability appropriate to the NATO and Pact armies?

I think so, although I believe that NATO was more sophisticated in it's targeting means & methods.

2. On the strict question of balance, does it make sense to enable the arty setup optional rule as a counterweight?

3. Is there any reason NOT to use the arty setup rule? e.g. is it regarded as less realistic?

I have witnessed even towed artillery set up & firing within the equivalent of a MC game turn.

Balance versus realism is always a tricky issue. My own personal preference is realism & I consider artillery setup OFF and targeting by the map ON as most realistic. Your mileage may vary.