29. Weldonkrieg Daily Talking Point #29: Where is my Panzer Armee? Rank versus position One of the funnier stories I remember from the early days at Weldon was a guy who showed up in the 70s in a SS Panzer General uniform and then asked people, where is my Panzer Armee? I don’t know if it is true or not, but I can totally see this happening. This does raise an interesting question for Weldonkrieg: Rank versus position. Let’s define the two: Rank is what people wear on their collar, sleeve or epaulet. Rank has been designated by a particular unit, or perhaps just validated through an order on ebay or ATF. Position is the location someone holds under the organization chart. During the tactical battle, this event is all about position versus rank. Position is where the real power is, not something you tack on a uniform. We are putting together dozens on smaller units into a larger force and trying to maneuver them tactically. We are appointing unit commanders. On the Allied side we are organized along the lines of a battalion, and have three company commanders and a separate platoon leader. On the Axis side, there are three distinctive kampfgruppes with appointed commanders. The leaders of these units are the ones who are driving the train during the tactical, and we expect people to cooperate with them. If a group shows up with 8 guys and a captain commanding it, the captain is now a squad leader and should function as such. There should be no one tossing around their rank, or even worse, “reenacting date of rank.” I want to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. On the Allied side, I am not going to make anyone take anything off their uniforms, but I also expect people to cooperate with their appointed leaders. On the Allied side, our leaders have a wealth of experience. Experience wise, we have three Army LTCs (two still serve and one retired), a retired SGM, a Fire Captain…and well…Dima. The commanders are all Captains and the I&R platoon leader is a First Lieutenant. I trust them to appoint their subordinate commanders. I temporarily “commissioned” two shavetail Second Lieutenants from my unit but one is the S-2/3 on the staff and the other is leading a chunk of my unit. The Axis side is appointing competent leaders too. Talk to your unit commanders and see where they want you on the organization chart. Remember it is all about position.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:39:33 +0000
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