Panzer Ausbildungs Verbände – Training Tank Formations

Panzer Ausbildungs Verbände – Training Tank Formations  With John Lee  By late March 1945 with the Allies on their doorstep, it was desperate times and drastic measures were needed!  An emergency plan was put in place to mobilise every panzer, self-propelled gun and vehicle in Germany’s tank training schools into combat units.  Each school organised its assets into Panzer Ausbildungs Verbände (Replacement Tank Forces). In the Berlin: German book there are two formations available for the Panzer Ausbildungs Verbände.  The HQ units comprise the instructors and the platoons – the students.  This is reflected in their ratings with the HQ being Veteran and Careful and platoons Green and Aggressive.  The HQ also has the Old Hand rule.  This rule applies to the Formation Commander and gives Units from their Formation whose Unit Leader is within 6”/15cm of the Formation Commander an improved Tactics rating of 4+ instead of 5+.

Diving into the formations now, we start with the Heavy Tank Training Company which is comprised of the following units: 1 Heavy Tank Training Company HQ 1 Tiger II Training Platoon or Tiger Training Platoon 1 Tiger II Training Platoon or Tiger Training Platoon or Panther (late) Training Platoon 0-1 Tiger Training Platoon 0-1 Panzer III Training Platoon 0-2 Panzergrenadier Training Platoon or Panzergrenadier (late) Platoon I love that you can take plenty of cheaper Tiger IIs and mix them in with Tiger Is and Panthers (Late).  Throw in some Panzer IIIs (just because) and up to TWO platoons of infantry – either training platoons or better quality Panzergrenadiers that are Veteran Careful.   If you do choose Tiger IIs for this formation, note there is also a command card called ‘Porsche’ Tiger II (Early) Tank.  By deducting 1pt per tank, FA goes down to 14, tactical speed down to 8”, cross country dash down to 14” and road dash down to 16”.   This applies to the HQ option as well as the platoon.

Looking at forces of 100pts, there are a couple of options depending on playstyle: Heavy Tank Training Company

Lots of big guns and armour.  Five platoons for the formation break.  One infantry platoon to defend an objective and StuHs for artillery template and can double with AT10 to go along with the AT14 and AT17 from the big boys.

Here is another option to increase the formation size and get in three Tiger IIs: Heavy Tank Training Company

Six units now for the formation break.  The three King Tigers use the command card to shave points to get more into the list.  Removed the StuHs, but added in the Panzer IIIs and second infantry platoon giving options to defend objectives whilst the tanks do all the work.  We also introduce another command card here called Pioneer School.  This card for +1pt allows the Infantry Teams in the unit to cross minefields safely on 4+ and dig in on 4+.

Now, we have the Tank Training Company which is comprised of: 1 Tank Training Company HQ 1 Panther (late) Training Platoon or Panzer IV Training Platoon or Stug Training Platoon or Hetzer Training Platoon 1-2 Panzer IV Training Platoon or Stug Training Platoon or Hetzer Training Platoon 0-1 Panzer III Training Platoon or Panzer II Training Platoon 0-1 Triple 15mm Flak Training Platoon 0-2 Panzergrenadier Training Platoon or Panzergrenadier (late) Platoon Looking at forces of 100pts, there are a couple of options depending on playstyle: Tank Training Company

Seven units for the formation break.  We have a range of options to deal with different threats.  Panthers and Waffentragers with their AT14 and AT17 respectively to deal with heavy threats.  Eight Panzer IVs to provide AT11 against light and medium threats.  15mm half-tracks to deal with light armour and infantry.  Armoured infantry to defend or assault objectives with the StuHs providing dual artillery template and AT10 support.  The heavy scout troop provides Spearhead and that cheeky AT12 shot if needed.

Here is another option to get Tiger IIs in the list instead and add in the two remaining new command card options. Tank Training Company

Eight units for the formation break now.  Twelve AT12 teams now and supported by two King Tiger IIs.  The command Panther provides some sniping AT14 goodness with a command card called Panzer Lehrer.  This card for +3pts allows you to roll a die before deployment to give the formation commander an additional skill.   Clever Hans – This unit gains Scout. Deadly Gunner – Re-roll one failed Firepower Test during the Shooting Step. Rapid Fire – Halted ROF 3 with its 8.8cm or 7.5cm gun. Schnell – This unit passes a Blitz Move test on 2+. Roll over them – This Unit Leader’s tank hits in Assaults on 2+. Pick one of the above skills. We have two units of infantry to defend the objectives.  One has the Sniper School Command Card.  This card for -2pts converts all teams in the unit to K98 rifle teams (retaining their Panzerfaust) with ROF 1.  The Snipers rule is if the unit is pinned down, teams do not suffer the +1 penalty To Hit for Slow Firing.

There we have it.  Two new formations with lots of firepower, flexibility, and coolness with the command card options.  The cheaper Tiger IIs will be a hit especially whether you run them as a support unit or in these new cool formations! ~ John Lee