[derstosstrupp]

RANKS
SH3 only has ranks for the seamen’s branch (Matrose, Bootsmann etc). That’s fine - just follow the guidelines below for starting ranks:

1. The bosun (#1), both chief machinists, and the torpedo mate should take the 4 highest petty officer ranks.

2. The navigator wasn’t a commissioned officer in real life but we need him as one in game. Just don’t promote him from an Oberfähnrich.

3. The 6 lookouts and the cook take the lowest sailor ranks.

4. Bosun’s mate (#3) should not outrank bosun’s mate (#2).

5. Distribute the remaining petty officer and sailor ranks evenly across the remainder of the crew.

PROMOTIONS/TRANSFERS
Promotion in the Kriegsmarine was generally time-based, the length of time changing as the war progressed. Also, crewmembers generally stayed with their boats until promoted, at which time they attended training for the next level and were subsequently assigned to a new boat.

Here’s how we can handle promotions and transfers:

1. Use the “realistic crew transfers” in SH3C to handle transfers at the basic level. JScones and Beery did quite a bit of research to make these transfers realistic.

2. Let SH3 dictate when promotions occur (that is, after patrols). When this happens, do the following:

- To simulate the time-based promotion system, of all eligible personnel up for promotion, choose the man who has completed the most patrols.

- Roll a six-sided die. On a 1, the individual DOES NOT promote and stays with your boat. Repeat the process with another eligible man. On a 2-4, dismiss him and replace him with a lowest-ranking man. On a 5-6, dismiss him and replace with someone of equal rank. If you have to pay for it with renown and don’t have enough, then get what you can afford!

AWARDS
These are largely up to you with a few guidelines. Use SH3C to award medals, but do not go overboard with it!

1. Everyone receives the U-boat war badge after their second patrol.

2. Iron Cross 2nd Class to the crew only after a very successful patrol (20k tons or so) and/or one requiring valiant effort from the crew (damage control etc). Also after you earn the Knight’s Cross.

3. Iron Cross 1st Class was seldom awarded to crew. Do so in very rare cases, and give preference to those men who had foregone getting promoted to stay aboard (for whom you rolled a 1). Remember, IC1 only comes after receipt of IC2!