Foraging

[Syagrius]

When my divisions are too far away in enemy territory and from my depots do they do foraging by themselves or do I have to issue the order?

[Clausel]

They forage automatically if not in a city. Only if next a depot, do you need to order them (ie overall container unit or individual units if no container) to forage if you don't want them supplied.

[Syagrius]

Okay, so when units are next a depot is it better to have them supplied or foraging? I quite not fully understand what are the effects of supply vs foraging.

[Clausel]

The advantage of supply is that it enables any reinforcements from the trained draft pool to increase your units strength as the units don't suffer any forage attrition losses. The downside is that it costs money and food - 1 money and 2 food per infantry division and 1 money and 1 food for each artillery or cavalry division. Supply costs increase in enemy territory, with stacks above 20 units and with bad weather. In practice its not usually feasible to keep all your units in supply so its best done to prepare for an imminent offensive or to bring a heavily depleted force back up to strength.

Forage doesn't cost anything but units may suffer forage attrition where the number of troops exceed the forage levels in each province. Forage attrition increases during very bad weather and during the winter. Full details of forage/supply effects for each unit are set out in the supply report (accessed through the tab that appears above the information section on the strategic map).

Whether in supply or foraging units also have to pay upkeep monetary costs (but you don't pay upkeep for protectorate units). Also depots whilst free to build are expensive to maintain (and more so in enemy territory).

Another consideration is that depots are also the conduit for draft reinforcements and provide battle supply (eg extra caissons in detailed battles). So even when choosing to opt for foraging orders, its often advisable, if you can afford it, to have a depots in place.

[Syagrius]

Very good explanation, thank you very much [:)]

[Clausel]

Thanks. 2nd paragraph should read "units do suffer forage attrition" (not may)

[JReb]

ORIGINAL: Clausel

where the number of troops exceed the forage levels in each province.

the key phrase to remember when in unfriendly territory.

[Clausel]

Yes, good point, forage attrition is also increased in enemy territory.