Reinforcing the front lines--idea

I like it.  "Passing the lines" is one of those things which are difficult in actual military practice.  It's also something under-known outside of military circles, too.

Good potential for visual drama, though.  6 & 6 might be better; three covering and three moving for each "group."  With a couple of NCOs watching each other while hand signaling to "their" troops . . .

Advancing troops can have weapons point in all sorts of direction, while the displacing troops could be more casual . . .

Glad you guys like it, I wanted something a little more powerful than the IMO overdone, handful of soldiers next to some piece of armor in a ruined street, with for the most aprt, no real story. 

In the above mentioned story, that inspired the idea, one of the soldiers being replaced looked the marine recounting the story in the eye and said;"It's hell up there, marine."  which he replied with; "I know, I was at _____."  Can't remember quite what he said...maybe Iwo Jima?  Anyways, that little scene just seem to convey a lot of emotion and catch a glimpse of both sides of war.  Still trying to decide what nationality of soldiers/what front to use.  Now that I think of it, I do like the idea of marines on Okinawa, just like the story.  If not that, it would probably be german soldiers, maybe Russian Front.

EDIT:  Great ideas, especially the POW one from IYAAYAS.  I also like the idea of having the advancing troops more alert and very cautious, possibly try to portray them as soldiers going ito their first real combat, with the soldiers being replaced looking more calm, with guns slung over the soldiers.  Any advice is great, in case you can't tell, I know very little about military routines or terminology, not exactly the kind of stuff they're teaching us in school.

   This theme could be used with any army in any war. I watched the other day 'The Lighthosemen' which is about the Ausralian Lighthorse in WWI and there famous attack on the turks at Beer-Sheeba. It has a scene exactly like that too. The fresh mounted troops riding up to the front, all enthusiastic, and then passing a column of wounded returning to the rear....

   This is a fantastic idea Ian, go with it. I think you need to be careful of troop poses and positioning. If you get it right it will be awesome. Like you say, the armour with soldiers has been done over and over.

   I have had an idea for ages of doing a scene from the Hurtgen Forest where a truce was called and the Germans and Americans helped each other to tend to the wounded and dying. I think it would look great displaying the two armies medics and soldiers together. I have not done it yet as it is another one i think you need to get just right.....

   Boomer...

Think of the opening scene of "Platoon" where the replacements are coming off the C-130 and the guys who have finished their tour are passing them as they go to board. As others have said here, it is a common thing throughout warfare when soldiers are relieved by their replacements.

Sounds like a great idea you have. Make sure you give the vets that 1000 yard stare as they trudge back.

The caption for this one is supposed to read- "I'm depending on you old men to be a steadying influence for the replacements"

There is a scene like this in Band of Brothers. The American troops are going into Bastogne?? I think and passing some war weary troops asking for bandoleers, which the weary troops gladly hand over. It sounds like a good scene, solid story.

I suggest maybe not have them pointing guns around as they are walking to the front, more casual marching up. Both sides that is. Maybe slump a few postures on the veterans side.

For the soldiers maybe use Germans on the Eastern front. Not too sure if this is totally historically accurate but how about some young SS troops. The young fanatical spit and vinegar looking blondies, passing by some regular, beaten, tired soldiers. If your have the skills maybe put some disgusted or _____ (cant think of the word) type glares on the vets. The rookies should have some surprised or shocked maybe look with maybe the last two appearing to be oblivious until the vets pass. 

Hey Ian if your looking for some goodrecruits this kit looks like it would be good for it

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=RG2612

I had an idea sorta like that, but with US troops. I was going to use Masterboxes US Army Airborne set wich has two guys supporting each other and another uninjured guy with a BAR, have the BAR guy guarding Masterboxes Eastern Front POW's (-Russian soldier) and have some airborne going up to the front.

Keep us posted.

David