Panzerjäger-Abteilung Recruitment

Attached to the 353. Infanterie-Division, the Panzerjäger-Abteilung specializes in ambushing and hunting enemy armor, and providing direct fire support to infantry of the Division. Outfitted with the reliable Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G, we emphasize communication, cover, and concealment.


What we're looking for:

+ Discipline: There is a time for joking around, but crewing an armored vehicle in the middle of a gunfight is not it. Focus on communication and the tasks at hand, chat about irrelevant subjects later.

+ Reliability: When you apply to join the Panzerjäger-Abteilung, you will be expected to demonstrate consistent attendance throughout both the initial recruitment and your enlisted career.

+ Communication: You absolutely must have a working microphone. Communication within the vehicle and to the infantry must be as efficient as possible.

+ History: Having a strong interest in World War II-era armored vehicles and combat will certainly be appreciated and encouraged here.

+ Cooperation: You will be working as part of a Besatzung (Crew), and so must be able to work cooperatively with others towards the operation of the vehicle and accomplishment of tasks.


What we offer:

+ Training: Successful applicants will be trained both independently and in cooperation with infantry. Within the Abteilung, they will learn the various roles within the vehicle, develop knowledge of armor tactics, and build a working rapport with the rest of their crew. With this, the Panzerjäger will apply their knowledge in undertaking missions.
They will also be taught to operate in conjunction with infantry, and learn basic infantry tactics to become adept at fighting in and out of the vehicle.

+ Internal Campaign: Unit members will participate in an internal, weekly unit campaign in which logistics and numbers are tracked. Skillful application of their abilities as a Panzerjäger may prove decisive to the outcome of battles and the overall campaign.

+ Camaraderie: Throughout its history of predecessors, the core membership of the 353. Infanterie-Division has developed a reputation for being open and friendly, maintaining contact with unit members past and present. We encourage discipline and a serious approach, but we can also joke around with the best of them. If you are dedicated and mature, you have a home here.


Positions Available, and Promotion Within the Abteilung:

Each StuG III Ausf. G has four crew positions in Invasion '44:

+ Driver: Important in any tank, but especially with the fixed gun casing of the StuG, the role of the driver is demanding and one of the first to be assigned for each vehicle. Every Panzerjäger will need to be adept at maneuvering the vehicle according to the commander's instructions.
+ Loader/Radio Operator: The loader is responsible primarily for two tasks: radio communications for the vehicle (both with infantry and the rest of the Zug), and the operation of the mounted machine gun. They play a vital role in the overall operation of the vehicle.
+ Gunner: Likely to be one of the most sought-after roles, the gunner is tasked with the destruction of enemy targets with machine gun and cannon fire. A gunner must be able to gauge range and respond quickly to orders from the commander.
+ Commander: The commander observes a situation and environment, and issues navigation and engagement orders to carry out a mission. They must be adept at setting course and making tactical decisions, but also must have the leadership required to run their crew as a well-oiled machine.

Rank and role historically do not restrict each other when it comes to running an armored vehicle; Tiger ace Otto Carius observed Panzer being crewed entirely by Unteroffiziere in his career. Promotion to rank comes with time and demonstration of capability, and while this will also influence your role in a crew, promotion to role is also determined by availability and suitability.
This means, in short, that your promotion in ranks does not necessarily dictate a promotion in role or to command of a vehicle; however, your determination to progress in rank will reflect on your abilities, and thus will make you a likely candidate should your desired role become available in another vehicle.