Sergeants Miniatures Game - What is it??

Sergeants Miniatures Game (SMG) is a bit different than a lot of typical miniatures game in existence.  Sergeants is not just a set of rules, but a full system that allows you to buy a base, starter set, a few extra figures, and you can play the game.   I remember seeing at some of the conventions in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where people would walk out of the dealer hall with a new game, sit down at an empty table, open things up, and start playing the game.  

SMG, and its sister game Sergeants D-Day, are manufactured by Lost Battalion Games  (Lost Battalion Games Site).  Both offer a similar experience of play.  SMG is available with both base sets for the American Airborne, Day of Days, and the British Airborne, Red Devils.  There are also several expansion sets available for both nationality paths.  Expansions include scenario packs, with scenario books, and new terrain maps, soldier packs, and even 3D terrain buildings, "hasty positions", and trenches. 

The system uses two different size tiles for the gaming surface.  In SMG there are 10 inch square landmarks, and 5 inch square terrain tiles.  Both types may have modifiers that impact the various actions a soldier may take each turn.  

In the Brecourt Manor photo to the left, the modifiers are seen under the L18A name plate.  Each modifier works, either positively or negatively with the activities for each action.  

Because the modifiers apply across that terrain tile, there is no total "blocking of sight" like in typical games.  You could be standing on the opposite side of the building, and still be seen.  This represents things like windows, damage to the structure, and even observing movement into the position to begin with.  This is a very important concept, and one that is often forgotten.