Rapid deployment enables mechanized and motorized infantry to move rapidly across the battlefield.
Rapid Deployment increases a unit’s movement speed, but reduces its combat ability.
Movement Rate
Rapid Deployment increases the unit’s movement rate to the next higher rate: from Slow to Average; Average to Fast. This is shown in brackets after the unit’s normal speed.
Move: Slow (Average)
Combat Penalties
A unit is subject to a -1D penalty to its FP, AT and Close Assault dice when it uses Rapid Deployment.
A unit can use Rapid Deployment any time it moves; just state that the unit is using Rapid Deployment and apply the movement bonus and the combat penalties (when applicable).
Rapid Deployment does not affect a unit’s combat abilities if the unit uses opportunity fire later in the turn, or if close assaulted by an enemy unit.
Example
Motorized panzergrenadiers with Opel Blitz trucks have a normal movement rate of Slow (3+D”).
They use Rapid Deployment to increase their movement rate to Average (6+1D”) and make a double move of 12+2D”.
At the end of their move the panzergrenadiers fire at a Soviet rifle platoon.
The panzergrenadiers fire with a -2D penalty: -1D from their Rapid Deployment and -1D from their double move.
