Initiative and Forage

[LuckyJim1006]

Hi all,

Working my way through the manual and I came across this in 1.8.1 Unit Info and Controls

"Units set to Forage will recieve a bonus to Initiative"

As I understand it Initiative is the measure of how likely a unit is to fulfill it's movement on the Strategic map.

If a unit is spread out over a province looking for food and stuff why the bonus to initiative ? I would have thought it less likely to be ready to move than a unit supplied by a depot and presumably in good order.

Apologies if I have misunderstood this and it is a great game. Just wish I was a great commander.

[PaulWRoberts]

I think reliance on the formal supply net means slowing down so the baggage train can keep up.  "Living off the land" allows for faster strategic movement when averaged over a month-long turn.

[Ironclad]

Armies who relied mainly on depots moved at a slower rate because of their need to await the delivery/dispersal of supplies and larger supply trains were required making progress more cumbersome. In contrast French armies could move in a far more flexible way, foraging was organised so as to minimise delays and the smaller supply tail produced less of a drag. The greater self reliance of French troops and the looser disciplinary framework that applied aided this sytem.

[LuckyJim1006]

Thanks all. That makes sense.

I guess I just had the wromg impression. I though that 200K men foraging would mean them spread out, disorganised, not getting orders to move etc etc so the initiative to move strategically would be cut.

I need to read more, which I am currently trying to remedy by reading Robert Hardy's War of Wars.