1. Not sending enough fuel to SoPac/SWPac/Australia (Dec. 1941)
A typical newbie mistake. For the record, I did know from several AARs that I need lots of fuel here early on (especially in CHS), and I did send lots of TKs and AOs, but simply not enough. For instance, I've got 100,000+ oil closing in on Australia right right now, which is pure overkill. Those TKs should be carrying fuel instead. Doesn't matter anymore now (got a fuel depot at Pago Pago now), but it did hamper my operations in January.
I think the accepted rate of sending Oil from USA to Australia is 1 18K TK per month. Initially, I don't send any as I try to get what I can from the SRA before if falls. Sometimes, I send it just to Northern Australia to keep it away from the Japanese. [:D]
4. Defense of Java
Right now the combined assault value of all troops is approx. the same as on Dec. 7th, 1942. When this game started I decided to keep all Dutch garrison units where they are in order to force Gary to fight for every base in the DEI. This strategy has its merits, but Java should definitely see an increase in AV before Japan invades - if not Dutch Garrison units I should have sent some CW troops from Singapore or some Australian units. Right now I'm surprised to see how much resistance I can put up on Java, and I'm wondering what the situation would look like right now if I had sent at some combat units to Java.
I think someone did an AAR on sending most of the Brigades on Malaya to Java vs. keeping them on Malaya or sending them to India. He did very well by doing so (I think it was by Nemo, but I'm not sure). Others have used a "Fortress Java" approach to the defense of SRA to great effect. It is a strategy that is worth trying! [&o]
Every time you play WitP is a learning experience. Some Japanese players try different techniques that can lead to minor disasters. IMO, the first few turns for an Allied player is critical to conducting a good defense (you wont lose the war, but you can help your effort tremendously). [X(]
[/center]
