The problem is not the assault rule

[Mike Abberton]

I am not sure that making HT's one of a smaller group of spotting type units will support historical gameplay. I see it where HTs, after dropping off their infantry, will race all over the place (including deep strikes around/behind the lines) looking for juicy artillery targets. They'll be everywhere but near their related infantry which can spot for itself somewhat.

As far as incorporating nationality differences into the arty routines. The best suggestion I saw so far was Huib's where ammo level would be split out into two numbers, one for artillery and one for regular ammo. That way a scenario designer could set the arty level at something fairly low, say 20-30%, for the Soviet side without totally messing with the regular soviet troops combat effectiveness. They'd still the capability to call in more indirect fire than historically, but the overall effect of Soviet artillery would be lessened.

It might also make the Soviet player to "save up" his artillery for fewer, larger barrages while his various arty units work to regain supply, which would a little closer to the way the Soviets used artillery. It would simulate the long delays Combat Mission places on soviet off-board artillery pretty well, actually.