So uh, why wouldn't the more senior and higher ranking soldiers be issued the newer weapons? Reward them for their long service and all that. The guy who has had no battlefield experience wouldn't be issued the weapon fresh from the manufacturing line, you know?
It's a bit of a non-issue.
I have been pondering this specific angle. First I will touch upon how things actually work - to my understanding. Then how it could fit into RO2.
Historically
As far as I know, the weapons/rifles were mass produced on a gigantic, rapid scale, and issued to the equally mass-recruited manpower (huge number of infantry units, in the Wehrmacht and Waffen S.S. for example). A large number of recruits probably received a brand new rifle that they used from basic training onwards.
They kept using this equipment until their division was refit and reorganized and the rifles were considered too worn out to warrant replacement. Optionally, in individual cases during deployment, if a soldier had his weapon break down or misplaced and supplies permitted, a replacement could be issued.
The replacement weapon would likely be either an armory refurbished weapon (logical and cheapest) or brand new.
Prioritized divisions (the experienced ones considered elite) would be more likely to get their hands on the highest quality weapons.
Non-combat units, or just less quality/priority guard types such as garrisons, probably were most likely to receive the lowest grade weapons.
In-game
The game portrays infantry that has been at the front lines for some time. Visible in how worn the soldiers look in their physical appearance and equipment. Combat veterans are the ones making the new rifles "well worn" to begin with. But this is not seen. Instead we see hardened veterans with greatly worn equipment, yet carrying fresh rifles all the time.
Yes, during refits the elite soldiers (although on a division scale, not individual basis) would be the ones to get new rifles. But refits do not happen after every skirmish. It was rare.
I propose that the 'condition' of the weapon be disconnected from some of the abilities of the level of skill of the player. Such as 'recoil control', 'sway', 'reload speed' not be tied to the condition of the weapon. In that way, no matter the state of the weapon, the player can rest assured that he is gaining benefits from the veterancy with that type of weapon.
Meanwhile, weapons degrade over time. Veterans will often be seen using worn weapons (that still perform well in most ways). Periodically, from spectacular battle performance, or X amount of hours put into the class or something else, the weapon is replaced. Here, the elite vets get issued a brand new rifle while the lower types settle for well worn or standard issue.
Having a personal weapon issued (give each a serial number for effect) that sticks with the player for a long time, will give the game a more realistic and personal flavor. The player can form a personal bond with his unique weapon. Having it replaced would be optional. Some would prefer to never depart with their personal weapon - sticking with the first one they were issued.
Related
If weapon reliability would be introduced (oh happiness) it would fit nicely with the theme above. Brand new weapons may be a bit stiffer to reload and cycle the action of until worn in. And worn out weapons would have a higher chance of jamming. Picking up weapons from the field (and judging them by looking at how worn they look) would be fun. "Is this a worn out POS that will jam on me?".
