Air squadron size

[HansBolter]

I have a tactic of air squadron maintenance that I have been using in the early game as the Americans that I was going to clue my newbie buddy into but I thought I would ask the more experienced players here if they think it is a goos tactic to recommend.

The Americans start most early campaign scenarios with 4 very reduced B17 squadrons. There is no B17 replacement rate early so they will not flesh out to full capacity. Using them as 4 independent squadrons quickly results in most of them sitting with about half their planes in some state of repair and usually only about 3-4 planes available. This is very close to the lower limit of 3 planes necessary to mount a sorty and guarantees that almost all sorties will be by very small groups. These planes need to attack in large numbers to be effective (at least historically).

What I do is disband 2 squadrons to create 2 decent sized ones which means they will usually have more planes available in each of the remaining two squadrons to make more viable sorties. The disbanded squadrons return later when the B17 replacement rate has finally kicked in and eventually get fully fleshed out.

Is this a good tactic to recommend to a new player?

[Nomad]

It depends. I usually use my first 4 B-17 squadrons on Naval Search to watch out for IJN subs and to try to get intel on his intentions. But if you are going to use them for bombing, then yes combining them is a better way to use them.

[jeffs]

Combine them so that you get the good commanders...Some of the small units have really mediocre leaders...
They should be the first to be disbanded

[panda124c]

I use these squadrons for Recon and Naval Search. I consider it more important to gather intelligence than launching small bombing attacks. You start out trying to defend PM, so knowing what the Japanese are up to is very important.