Suggested DEF is 4 against guns and DEF 5 against SAMs. This is to represent the fact that although easy to hit they are usually very hard to spot. UAV missions can be aborted in the command phase 6, the UAV then returning to base. A UAV that has returned cannot be used again that day.
Real-time Recon
For this mission the UAV is pre-assigned to a Brigade HQ and the UAV roves around its waypoint. It can locate one BG per turn, priority being the largest moving one nearest the waypoint, then units halted in the open, then recently moved units in cover. Recon UAV usually have TI/FLIR and mm-wave radar, so can spot units in woods unless they are cold/camouflaged, but cannot locate units in towns unless they are firing or moving. Once a BG is located all the units in that brigade are aware of it and can respond accordingly. The spotting is assumed to occur in phase 6, just before all order changes.
Attack
For this mission, limited to post-2001 American Predator UAVs at present, the UAV are equipped with Hellfire missiles and TI sights. On flying to the waypoint they circle round until a target is spotted, always counting higher up. Using Fire Priority A, the UAV attacks the nearest eligible target with ATGW-6-30″ in phase 3b. Each UAV Stand can only fire once and then must return.
Decoy
For this mission, the UAV is fitted with radar reflectors and flies in with pre-planned airstrikes acting as decoy aircraft to draw enemy SAM fire. Usually a one-way mission, and not normally used. Treat them as priority over aircraft in phase 3b when adjudicating SAM fire. Any survivors return home once the airstrike is over.
OP Recon.
The most common mission, the UAV is assigned to a divisional or Corps artillery or rocket battalion, and acts as its FO, based around the waypoint, rolling as a normal artillery FO.
Special Forces
A unique brand of infantry, quite capable of appearing in the divisional level games that Spearhead covers. Generally they will have DEF 6 to represent extra camouflage, evasion and training skills, ‘smoke grenades and body armour. Their firing factors should be determined by their role, as these troops are usually multi-purpose and can choose equipment accordingly. Hence there mission should be designated before the game from the following options:
Recon & Surveillance
By far and away the most common use, Recon SF stands have DEF 6, AT 5-3″, ATGW 2-3″. They are classed as Recon in operating, and can be upgraded to FAC or FO to a specific unit or aircraft. If halted in cover are invisible, otherwise spotted at 3″. In Surveillance missions the stand can have GSR, laser rangefinders, TI sights etc. A specific variation is Naval Recon, where the stand is equipped as divers or with small boats which allow crossing of rivers or checking for suitable fording, positions.
Sniper
DEF 6, Al 3-9″ & 5-3″ ATGW 2-3″. Invisible if in cover, count as normal non-firing even when firing for spotting purposes, Fire Priority B, mission to suppress enemy ATGW, guns, HQs.
Heavy Sniper
DEF 6 AT 0-9″, Al 3-15″ & 5-3″, ATGW 2-3″. As above but equipped with .50″ or 14.5mm sniper rifles.
Assault
DEF 6, Al 6-3″, ATGW 5-3″, fully kitted out for close assault of specific target, such as buildings or HQs. Target of assault must have been already located by a higher HQ.
Advisor Role
DEF 6, Al 5-3″, ATGW 2-3″. In this often overlooked role an SF Stand is attached to a BG HQ. This uprates the level of training of the BG HQ by one when attempting artillery requests, aircraft requests and order changes.
Fire Support
DEF 5, Al 5-6″, ATGW 3-3″, may have 60mm, 81mm or 82mm mortars with appropriate Indirect Factors as per country of origin. Effectively acts as normal battery to be assigned to a BG. Alternatively they can be equipped with auto-grenade launchers such as AGS-17 or 40mm Mk 19, giving them AT 2-12″, AI 6-12″, or ATGW such as Milan or Spigot (as per standard ATGW stand). One in three Stands may also be assigned a hand-held SAM as appropriate if air attacks likely or similar (suggest providing say AA factor of only 1, or rarely 2, with range as appropriate depending on weapon. Note: Fire Priority should be as per primary weapon, so as integral indirect stand, infantry support weapon, or ATGW stand, therefore any AA function might be secondary available if no other valid targets – Ed).
Demolition
DEF 6, Al-5-6″, ATGW 3-3″. The Stand operates as engineers, being able to clear and lay mines, blow things up such as bridges (4 turns preparation time), clear and lay obstacles as per normal rules.
Generally SF Stands operate alone, assigned to the highest HQ on table, if not already assigned, and not subject to any command radius restrictions. Very occasionally whole companies of SF troops will operate as one unit in which case they become a mini-battle group, having a movement arrow as normal. SF stands can be mounted in any transport appropriate to that nation, even horses or camels. An individual SF Stand that becomes suppressed must break-off as per rule 3.11.1 (page 7). However all SF Stands do not lose the -2 when attempting to change orders, and any attempt to change their orders does not count as one of the “one battalion per brigade” limit that applies. NATO SF Stands have TI sights; everyone else has IINF at least. In certain scenarios the SF Stands could already be on table hidden behind enemy lines, having been inserted the previous night.