What’s next - getting started with the German Army
If you’re new to 1918 and don’t know where to begin - our Starter Set is the perfect place to get going.
This set includes two half-platoons: one British and one German. It’s enough to learn the rules and find out what the game is about - but there was a lot more to the Great War than a few infantry tussling in a field!
The German Army began the First World War as one of the largest and most powerful militaries the world had ever seen. Largely conscripted, it was supported by many incredibly talented and dedicated officers from German territories such as Prussia. The nascent German Empire, unified in many of those officers’ lifetimes, had territorial ambitions and a drive to become the premier nation on the continent. So when war broke out, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II saw opportunity.
In the 1918 miniatures game, the German Army you find in the Starter Set is part of the Intervention Division, elite troops who are well-trained and efficient. German strength is in their mobility and speed: you’ll want to close the distance quickly to throw bombs and clear trenches, perhaps even engaging in close combat, where your larger sections and assault weapons should win the day - if you have planned things right…
The Platoon
The core of any force in 1918 is an Infantry Platoon. The Starter Set contains three units, two Light Machine-gun Sections armed with the MG08/15 LMG, and a Sergeant. These are your core units, and the MG08/15 has the firepower to keep your enemy’s heads down as your infantry advance. Careful use of the Squads keyword will mitigate the lack of mobility - that LMG may have the firepower, but it cannot move and shoot.
To reinforce them into a full platoon, you’ll need two further sections. Two Rifle Sections will round out the standard platoon from this period, and one is equipped with the Artillery Luger, a compact carbine that will give you a fast-moving assault section.
Doctrines
In 1918, Doctrines are a mechanic that allows you to tailor your force, representing the tactical innovations used by the various nations during the First World War. For the Germans, this gives you a number of options for each one on how to expand after you’ve played a few games with your Starter set.
Grand Offensive
This Doctrine focuses on the large, sweeping engagements that by the end of the war, had become complex, combined-arms operations. Within the German Army, this involves the heavy artillery of all stripes. Once you’ve rounded off your platoon, you cannot go wrong with a 7.6cm mortar. This is able to provide long-range firepower to keep enemy troops in cover pinned, but can also provide illumination if you’ve chosen to attack at night. It can also drop Gas, so use that effectively against enemy troops in cover.
Supporting your army is essential, so be sure to give yourself an FK96 field gun to take out fortifications or drive off a counter attack, and maybe a Medium or even Heavy artillery battery.
At the divisional level, you’ll need a real linebreaker. The German Army can field the heaviest of tanks - the mighty, terrifying A7V. This absolute monster is bristling with machine guns and nigh-impenetrable from the front. Just be careful to direct it carefully, as it can struggle over uneven ground.
Tactical Defense
The German Army in 1918: Spring Offensive is primarily focused on offence, so using this doctrine can be a real challenge for German players. But there are options - and they don’t have to stop you being aggressive.
In this doctrine, support your platoon with the German Sniper Team. These elite marksmen can appear at a whim, firing pot shots to disrupt the enemy’s plans and taking out their Senior Leaders to cause chaos.
At the divisional level, an FK96 field gun can provide strong support - able to pick off enemy armour with heavy firepower - in this role it excels as an anti-tank weapon.
Lightning Assault
It is this doctrine that this list can truly excel. The German Army pioneered this style of warfare during WW1, and once you’ve gotten your full platoon - the first thing you’ll want to do is bring in the Stormtroopers. These incredibly well trained troops are the most elite infantry units you’ll find on the tabletop in 1918. Arm them either with the innovative MP18 submachine-gun or close combat weapons, they are there to advance quickly and shock the enemy. Use them carefully, and you’ll be sowing chaos in the enemy backlines in no time.
If the enemy has taken fortifications - the terrifying Flamethrower Team will drive them out in no time. As a one-shot weapon, you must position and use it carefully - but it will empty those trenches better than almost any weapon in your arsenal.
The 7.6cm mortar will also support you well, keeping the pace with your infantry while you lay down suppressive fire.
In next month’s article, we’ll cover how to start with the next nation to join our range - the mighty French army in their famous Horizon Blue uniforms.
Comments