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Kuokkanen -> RE: ATG College (3/28/2021 9:02:23 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Tac2i
Re armored assault gun: Learned something. I thought the AG was basically a mobile infantry gun used to increase the combat power of infantry assaulting other infantry, especially those well entrenched. Didn't realize it was an anti-tank unit. How does the Assault Gun differ from the Tank Destroyer?
Edit: After further research these AGs were indeed use to kill tanks as well as blast enemy fortifications. The Soviet SU-152 could literally blow the turret off a Tiger tank.
As I understand it, infantry support against entrenched/fortified enemy was assault gun's original role before heavy tanks came along (at least for Germany as France & Soviet Union already had heavy tanks for the job). Early StuG III had short 75 mm gun with strong HE round, but it didn't cut it against T-34. Later StuGs (assault gun II) had longer 75 mm gun with weaker HE round, but were capable of putting AP round through T-34.
What comes to tank destroyers, I understand those were primarily defensive weapons. I have read about America's Tank Destroyer doctrine and watched some videos (including official training video made by Army). What I remember, tank destroyer unit is supposed to move in to intercept and AMBUSH advancing enemy tanks from a DEFENSIVE POSITION. Tank destroyer units suffered heavy casualties when officers used them in attacks according to tank doctrine manuals. I understand Germany used their tank destroyers in similar ways. Early German tank destroyers were converted light tanks with big guns on open topped turrets. Increased weight of heavy weapon reduced vehicle's speed and weak armour of light tank meant vehicle didn't cut it in attacks against tanks. Their tank destroyer III (Jagdpanther) and IV (Jagdtiger) based on the "Big Cats" were tough and powerful, when they didn't break down under their own weight.
Based on the information I have about tank destroyers, I find it odd and outright incorrect that Strategy Guide recommends to use game's Tankdestroyer to attack enemy tanks. Would it have been better and more to the point to use Tankdestroyer in situations where there isn't enough time to move truck drawn AT guns AND entrench them too?
[edit]
Another error is in aircraft part. (Dive) bombers weren't effective against tanks. Thorough studies on destroyed tanks indicate that immediate post-action reports were greatly exaggerated. Many destroyed tanks attributed to aircraft were in fact broken down and then destroyed by tanks own crews. The destructive effectiveness of aircraft against ground forces have been exaggerated in general. But they were effective against trucks and morale. Maybe against supplies and readiness too, but that is me guessing. I can provide references if you want them.
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