To show you where the journey is heading, I’d like to share a bit more information about the units in Red Horizon 41 – Revised Edition…
Until the launch of our campaign, Erich and I are delighted to give you a bit of insight into the world of the Assault System. To that end, we’ll be sharing detailed information about the game with you at regular intervals. The Units Spotlight is intended to focus specifically on the units in the new Red Horizon 41 – Revised Edition.
Today, we’re looking at a particularly feared unit—one capable of holding the line through sheer determination and ruthless close-range firepower. Enemy infantry will think twice before engaging the Soviet NKVD Squad. Let’s take a closer look.
Historical Context – Operational Role:
Originally established to maintain internal security within the Soviet Union, NKVD units assumed an additional wartime role after the German invasion in 1941: enforcing discipline within the Red Army.
These formations were composed of troops considered politically reliable and loyal to Stalin. As a result, NKVD units were both feared and respected among Soviet soldiers. Their responsibilities ranged from guarding strategic installations and rear areas to preventing desertion and restoring order during chaotic retreats.
In several major battles of the Eastern Front, NKVD formations were committed directly to frontline combat. There, they gained a reputation for ruthless determination, strict discipline, and unwavering resistance under extreme pressure.
Operationally, NKVD squads were often used to:
- Hold critical defensive positions
- Reinforce collapsing sectors of the front
- Conduct close-range infantry assaults
- Maintain order and morale among Soviet troops
In combat, NKVD units relied heavily on aggressive short-range firepower and uncompromising battlefield discipline. They proved particularly effective against enemy infantry and artillery positions, though they lacked the capability to deal effectively with armoured vehicles.
Comparable in battlefield role to the Soviet Motorized Rifles 41, the NKVD Squad represented a unique blend of political loyalty, aggression, and fanatical determination—qualities that made these troops one of the most intimidating infantry formations of the early Eastern Front campaigns.
Key Facts / Design Basis:
- In Service: from 1941 onwards
- Classification: Specialized infantry
- Number of Soldiers: 9 (1 commissar, 8 soldiers)
- Armament: 6x PPD-40 SMG, 3x PPSch-41 SMG or semi-auto rifles, hand grenades
- Comparable with Motorized Rifles 41
- Strength: short ranged fire vs. infantry and artillery units
- Weakness: poor combat values vs. tank units.
Special Ability:
We represented this political unit’s unconditional loyalty to Stalin and its ruthless methods through the special ability: Political Commissar.
“Friendly infantry units within 1 hex distance of this unit ignore suppression.
If a friendly infantry unit within 2 hexes of the NKVD unit must perform a fallback action, it may take 1 damage point and to ignore fallback. Soviet player decides.
If NKVD unit is required to perform a fallback, it must take the damage point and ignore it.”
This unit excels in close-range combat against enemy infantry and support weapons. Its aggressive nature and strong morale make it especially dangerous in defensive actions and assaults. However, the NKVD Squad has only limited capability against armoured targets and should be supported by anti-tank units whenever possible.
We hope you enjoyed this brief overview. If so, stay tuned to discover which other units are included in this fantastic box.
Kind regards,
Wolfgang and Erich