They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

[Montenegro]

Lately, I have been trying to learn the other side of the coin of WIR and have been playing Soviet against German AI, specifically scenario '42.

My main question is the air war. It seems to me it's useless to even have bombers or fighter/bombers near the front as they are easy pickings for the Luftwaffe (I feel the joylessness of destruction for a change). I am inclined to keep a presence around Moscow of course, but in all other sectors, I'm training these buggers out of range. How long does it take to get them even up to the mid 60 range in experience if ye go the conservative way and not put these hapless pilots in the cauldron? You must excuse my grand lack of experience here. I'm used to this fat, old pilot boasting about air lifts and Dunkirks.

Regards,

Montenegro

[MB00]

The readme notes of version 3.2 suggest that training is somewhat more difficult.

Page 24/25(v3.001)

"Soviets gain experience much too fast, reaching quality parity with Germany in mid 42. This has been rectified, so that :
soviets reach quality parity only in 1944
experience is gained more slowly through training"

[Jeremy Pritchard]

If you want to train your units, just have them build up to maximum numbers in the rear areas, and then send them against your weakest enemies. You will eventually see where the main Axis offensive is, and invariable most of their air cover will be with them. Send all of your aircraft, I mean ALL of your aircraft, to the area that is the German non-combat zone. You will easily overwhelm any air resistance, purely by attrition. Attacking Land Units without much Flak can also be in your benefit. However, do this for only one turn, then allow them to repair damaged planes and move them back to your rear area. This will not only train your aircraft, but hopefully stall an enemy advance (as they will think this is a massive counterstrike).

Also, if you sent your aircraft to fight against Finland you will probalby only encounter the Finnish airforce, which would be overwelmed by the Russian airforce. Also, not many German players will be willing to send enough of their airforce in Russia up north to Finland, which is fairly static.

The thing that the Russians have is numbers. Since their airforce is virtually useless anyway, having it spread out to cover everything will not work for them as it does for the Germans. Your best bet is to strike at their weak point and stay there for only one turn, any more will probably result in the Luftwaffe showing up and taking away all of the experience you gained.

[Montenegro]

Jeremey, Mike B,

Thanks for the input. I have been moving and training every turn with pretty heavy losses still. I have hit em where it hurts a couple of times, though.

Regards,

Montenegro