Reading a book on the infamous SS-Sturmbrigade Dirlewanger I was wondering if the idea to make some kind of penal military unit could be interesting.
My idea: an isolated Soviet or USA or German unit controlled by an unstable officer decide to recruit convicted persons from military or civilian prisons in the country where is stationed to be used as cannon fodder to conduct a suicidal assault or looting missions for supplies.
The idea of a ragtag and undisciplined band of convicted soldier sounds new to me.
Here's a Wikipedia link on this theme:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_military_unit
What do you think?