Elite Infantry & Paratroopers

These rules are part of the Axis & Allies Global 1940 2E, House Rules Expansion.

The Elite Infantry unit is extremely powerfull in an attack when combined with artillery.

The Paratrooper unit has the ability to penetrate deep into the enemy hinterland to make a surprise attack (symbolized by increased first strike attack factor) - or to cut off enemy Strategic Rail Movement, etc.

Both units are a must have on the game board.

Elite Infantry & Paratrooper.pdf

@gen-manstein Hi Manstein,

Concerning the Paratrooper unit, our motives were to reflect the fighting abilities of these WWII elite units - and still keep the Paratrooper unit reasonably accesible in terms of price (4 IPC).

Looking back at the US 82nd & 101st Airborne Division, German 1st. Fallschirmjäger Division and the British 1st. Airbone Division they all fought with distinction against all odds.

During The Battle of Monte Cassino the German 1st. Fallschirmjäger Division fought bravely - but in the end the few surviving soldiers succumbed to the continuous pressure from Allied Armies.

Also, during Operation Market Garden i 1944, The Allied Paratrooper Divisions fought heroically against impossible odds - but in the end the survivors were either withdrawn or captured.

So, we decided to reflect this heroisme and elite status by having a Paratrooper unit defending at “3” - during the first round of combat only - and then at “2” in all other rounds of combat.

Also, in this way the play balance was not tipped.

The number of Paratrooper units that each of the Major Powers can have on the game board is limited to a certain number.

By doing so, this rule should combine play balance as well as inspire History enthusiasts.

@imperious-leader Hi IL,

Thanks for your comment.

We started play testing a Paratrooper rule 6-7 years ago similar to your description.

Since then the rule has seen numerous changes. One rule even suggested that you should purchase an Airlift Token at a cost of 1 IPC for each Paratrooper you needed to airlift.

But as various Paratrooper rules were play tested over the years, the final version had to be accessible in terms of price, easy to remember - and fun to play.

This Paratrooper rule is the final outcome.

An example:
Our game experience shows that even though Germany can purchase 8 Paratrooper units, this is quite rarely the case.
Since the amount of other specialized combat units are numerous - and needed at the front (Panzer Grenadier units, Waffen-SS units etc.) Germany have a hard time producing Paratrooper units on a massive scale.

Also, when fighting on at least 3 fronts, the German Paratroopers would most often be dispersed - and mostly used in small-scale surprise attacks, or used to reinforce units at the frontline, cut-off units on The Eastern Front etc.

The same scenario mostly applies to Allied Paratrooper units.

I hope that you and your play group will play test our rules, once I am able to release the complete Axis & Allies Global 1940 2E, House Rules Expansion.

@gen-manstein Hi Manstein,

That is interesting - especially with the use of D12. (We use D6).

How does your Paratrooper unit move - and how many spaces? Is there any limit to number purchased?

Is your play group made up of A&A veterans?

I believe you have lots of challenge and fun, playing with those rules.

Concerning Elite Infantry & Paratrooper units: Only the Nations mentioned in these two rules can purchase them. ANZAC has neither.

We also have Air Transport Units. I will post these rules this week.

Also, I will soon post “Cost Of All Units” - basic part of the Axis & Allies Global 1940 2E, House Rules Expansion.

This gives an insight of all units that is part of Axis & Allies Global 1940 2E, House Rules Expansion- however each unit is only shown by profile. It is necessary to study the rules carefully to get a complete picture of fighting abilities etc.

Hi Manstein,

Cool stuff. Thanks for sharing:+1: