Axis Support Units

[uw06670]

I recall a thread talking about the least painful (or most efficient) way to redistribute the Axis support units at the start of the game. I did a search couldn't find it. I saw a reference to a PDF that has some topics like this in the War Room sticky thread, but I'm getting network error trying to download it.

Does anyone know off hand the URL for that thread?

thanks,

[king171717]

Copy from Xhoel explaining it.

"With support units the best thing to do is let them flow up to the OKH. The way to do this is by setting Support level of all commands (Corps, Army, Army Group) to 0 and then set the Support Level of the OKH to 9. Once the SUs are at the OKH you can reassign them for free to the fighting Corps.

Try to not put too many support units though, since max 6 support units from a Corps will take part in a normal battle (unless it is in an urban hex). I usually put 2-3 Arty Battalions, 1 LW Mixed Flak Bn and maybe 1 Pioneer Bn in a Corps. When it is a very important battle I will add Stugs and 1 additional Arty Bn or Nebelwerfer Regiment. Remember that certain SUs (Pioneers, MG, Stug, Panzerjager) can be assigned directly to units but do not overdo it.

And also remember that if you are doing hasty attacks and you moved the HQ the SU won't take part in battle."


Cheers,
Xhoel

[joelmar]

Also, you got to be aware that when using the ASSIGN button to assign SU's to corps, the SU's that are assigned in priority are always the ones from the higher commands. By example if you assign a certain type of SU to a corp, even if there is one SU of that type available at the corps's IHQ (immediate HQ), if there is also one available at OKH (and/or Army Group HQ), it's the one at OKH that will be sent down in priority, then Army Group, then Army.

So if you want to reuse the army's SU in the corps under it instead of emptying OKH, you must use the HQ assignment button in the SU's unit window. This also means you can choose which SU is sent down if a few are available, by example if one arty SU has more guns, morale or supplies. Note that if the HQ containing the SU being assigned down is too far from the corps HQ where the SU is being assigned, it won't work and then you will be forced to use the ASSIGN button.

This means more clicks but also means more control of where your SU's end up.

I learned this trick from Telemecus not long ago, so giving dues here.

[Laits]

How do you deal with the German Sp inf gun coy. They are weak and do not have replacement in 1941. Is it better to disband or to wait for the next model? Where do you assign them? Important Inf corps or the panzer one?

[Telemecus]

The German SP inf gun coy disband/withdraw eventually anyway. The only issue might be having the the third support unit slot freed up for another support unit to be directly assigned to the on map units. But otherwise I would leave them where they are and not lose any points reassigning them. Without replacements they just shrink over time so will not cost too much logistically or in transport costs.

In general you are better off directly assigning unalike support units to units. So not much need to assign things with a big gun to units that already have big guns - like a tank division. Motorised infantry on the other hand can use AFVs with big guns well.

All motorised units, including support units, get a ratings bonus in a panzer corps. So the ideal for self propelled guns is to go to a Panzer corps that is mostly motorised infantry.

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: king171717

Copy from Xhoel explaining it.



try to not put too many support units though, since max 6 support units from a Corps will take part in a normal battle

Is that true for the Soviet, as well?

[Telemecus]

yes normally.

There are exceptions - for example for an urban hex both sides can commit far more.

[uw06670]

Thanks all

[uw06670]

Okay, so if I'm Germany T1 do I do my full turn 1 and then I set everything to 0 and OKH to 9. Then in logistics phase before T2 it'll all get shuffled, then I can redeploy and use them in T2?

[56ajax]

Also remember that a non motorised support unit will require extra trucks when assigned to a motorised div/corp

[Telemecus]

ORIGINAL: uw06670

Okay, so if I'm Germany T1 do I do my full turn 1 and then I set everything to 0 and OKH to 9. Then in logistics phase before T2 it'll all get shuffled, then I can redeploy and use them in T2?

On those settings support units (except pioneers and construction) will go up one level of command each turn. So potentially it would take 3 turns (corps to army, army to army group, army group to OKH) for the support units to get there.

My own advice is to keep those settings for ever - not just until turn 2 or 4. Let the support units drift one level every turn and only assign down support units prior to their being needed in a battle or end of turn if they might be in a battle during the enemies turn.

[uw06670]

will go up one level of command each turn. So potentially it would take 3 turns

Ah, thanks for that. Its been a while since I have done a Turn 1 so the details are foggy.

thanks,

[Disgruntled Veteran]

Just remember to Lock the HQ's after you get the SU's where you want them so they don't drift away again next turn. (If you want to keep them there)

[Telemecus]

[:)]

Although my advice is do not lock them ever as most of the time they will not be used and just increase the logistical costs of supplying the army. You can just let them drift up to High Command which is where they will all go to and they can be assigned down any time for zero points when they are needed? Given I know that does mean more micromanagement.