Box Contents

The Warlord Games Siberian Veterans are a metal and plastic kit containing:

• 34 Soviet Infantry
• 30 Rifles/Carbines
• 18 SMGs
• 3 LMGs
• 3 ATRs
• 3 Panzerfaust
• 1 MMG
• Metal “Siberian Vet” bits including heads and unique weapon arms

The List

Breakdown

Notes and Analysis

The objective of this list is two part – 1) use as many of the components from a single box of infantry as possible and 2) make a List that work at a competitive level. Please in mind, this List was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.

One of the best things about Bolt Action is how inexpensive (compared to many other popular wargames) it is to get started. This army list provides an elite, all Veteran force using just a single box of infantry.

We’ve got an interesting box here with a lot more versatility and options that meet the eye. The kit comes with four of the plastic Summer Soviet sprues, two metal models (Commissar with the blowhorn and a soldier running with a Maxim MMG), three Soviet Weapon sprues and an assortment of metal bits to add additional character (Siberian heads, unique weapon arms, etc). This box is a great starter/addition for any Soviet force – it does not have to be limited to a Siberian Veteran army. As always, I wanted to make use of as much of the box as possible so I’ve included the Commissar, MMG Team and used all 34 of the bodies. There are probably more optimal list options, but not ones that use all of the contents!

The core of the list are two squads of eight Vet Siberians, all armed with SMGs. I am really impressed with the Siberian Squad. It can be either Reg or Vet, can be 100% SMG and has the option for Tough Fighters are +1pt per model. That versatility allows you create a mass of Tough Fighting Regs with rifles or smaller, elite squads with SMGs. Because you have the choice to add TF or not, you are not wasting the extra point if you arm them with SMGs. Many units do not have this option (Commandos, SAS, etc). In support of the Siberian Squads you have the Full Strength free Green Rifle Squad, a Sniper Team, MMG and Commissar. The Commissar will help with keeping your troops moving (especially the free Rifle Squad), the Sniper can focus on any enemy HE (this list does not like HE) and the MMG can provide backline Pin support.

What this list lacks is AT. But you make up for it with a whopping 7 Order Dice. You will have an Order Dice advantage against most lists you face. And that will help you get into position and string your activations together.

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What’s Next?

Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:

• HE Support – The first addition I’d make is some HE. A Light or Med. Artillery piece or even a Med. or Heavy Mortar. You need something to provide indirect support as your infantry advance under cover. And let’s not forget one of the truly great Artillery options in Bolt Action – the Soviet Zis-3. This Med. AT Gun can also fire indirectly as a Light Howitzer giving you great AT and HE options. Only downside is the lack of a Spotter.
• AT Support – As the list stands, you’ve got nothing. Well, the Free Rifle Squad does have AT Grenades but you need something more reliable. The Siberian Veterans box comes with three AT Rifles and being Soviet, you can take three of them in a single Platoon. ATRs are a start, but you’ll want to bulk out a bit more.
• Truck – If you stick with a heavy Infantry list you need something to get those troops across the battlefield quickly. The always reliable Truck is a fantastic option. Especially for all-SMG squads that need to get within 12″ of the enemy to be effective.
• Tank – It’s hard to have a Soviet force without some Soviet Steel. There are many, many choices to pick from and you really can’t go wrong. You can take anything from the monstrous KV to the dependable T-34. Even something smaller like a BT-5 can provide excellent AT without eating up a big chunk of points. Go with what you think is coolest/most fun.

– Andrew