8.11 SQUAD UPGRADES
When Type 23 and 24 devices (squad and combat engineer squads) are upgraded from the
pool, the squads of the previous type that are returned to the pool are automatically upgraded
to the current type and placed into the pool. E.g. the trained manpower is retained and re
armed to the latest standard.
From the WITP-Manual-[LIGHT].pdf but who knows if changes have been made.
16.4.1 GROUND UNIT WEAPON UPGRADES
Ground units may have their individual weapons elements (i.e. infantry squads, artillery, etc.)
upgraded to newer elements as they become available if they are available in the replacement
pool or can be produced by the Japanese production system. An example of this is an Allied
unit with a 37mm AT gun will attempt to upgrade it to a 57mm AT gun when there are enough
in the replacement pool. Another example is the basic USA Rifle Squad will upgrade beginning
in July 1942 (gaining some additional firepower). In fact, the USA Rifle Squad will upgrade two
additional times during the war.
As with replacements, the unit must have access to a nearby base with supplies in order to
receive an upgrade. When upgrades are performed, they remove all of the elements of a single
weapon’s element (i.e. all 37mm AT guns or all USA Rifle Squads) in a ground unit, placing
these back in the replacement pool (both disabled and ready squads). An equal number of new
elements are placed in the unit in the same condition as the elements removed (i.e. 6 ready
and 4 disabled 37mm AT guns will be replaced with 6 ready and 4 disabled 57mm AT guns,
while 10 37mm AT guns will be added to the replacement pool).
When production is turned On for the Japanese player, any infantry and/or engineer squads
that are upgraded will not be returned to the pool. Instead a number of points equal to the load
costs of the units replaced will be added to the manpower pool.
Upgrades occur automatically and cannot be stopped from happening as long as sufficient new
items are in the pool and the unit has access to sufficient supplies.
" - BBfanboy
