Survey Question - How do you organize/administer/document your war effort?

[ericl]

I bought a separate computer to sit next to my primary machine and display spreadsheets and notes..

spreadsheet is in ms excel organized by HQ. I use hubs in each HQ and distribute supplies/troops and requests via these HQ's.

[Nomad]

A big recommendation for WitP Tracker. On the LCU screen, it shows the planning location of all units and is sortable on that column. So by assigning a target to all of your LCUs you can easily check in Tracker to see what needs to be done for you next set of invasions. And since Tracker shows you LCUs that are on ships, you know which ones are being moved to your embarkation port.

[byron13]

ORIGINAL: Panther Bait

I used to take a ton of hand notes in various notepads/notebooks and some spreadsheets for Japanese production tracking, but I found that keeping them up to date was just not realistic.

Now I primarily use WitPTracker to keep track of production and resource/oil shipping.  For the rest, I just try to develop a reliable turn pattern (e.g. always reviewing the map in the same pattern) and keep a mental list of pending operations.  I am sure that it makes me less than 100% organized for things like combat planning, but in some ways that isn't a terrible thing.  Operations take longer to arrange, but on the flip side, I think about them more between initial concept and execution.  I am much more likely to use staging areas now for operations, and send all the various components to some nearby large base (e.g. Truk or Rabaul for So Pac), then when the operation goes out, it's a quick load up and move out as opposed to trying to coordinate troops from 5 different locations to all arrive together at/near then objective.

The slow approach has stopped a couple of what would have been mistakes from gaining too much "planning inertia" that might have made me want to press ahead with a bad gamble.  It also typically gives my troops more time to accumulate prep points, rather than my old tendency to rush into attacks unprepared.

Ditto. Guess I'm not as serious. I'll figure out my next couple of invasion targets and sweep the units in the relevant command to find the units that will take part either in the invasion or the subsequent manning of the target and change their planning preparation for that target. I'll then start moving units with the same target to a base as an assembly area. Since each HQ typically has a large-ish base reasonably close to the front, any reinforcements for that HQ can have their target prep set and then get shipped off to the HQ's main base (which usually has a lot of AKs and APs) for final shipping to the AA. Of course, this was back in the days where I could pick the nearest atoll as an assembly area, stuff two corps worth of stuff in there in three-storey pup tents and top off the tanks on 500 ships in one turn.

Frankly, with the changes to AE, I'm not sure what a late-war invasion is going to look like. Me thinks it's going to be a lot more ballet than it does now with TFs meeting up from many different places. You're certainly going to need to get your ships to the assembly area well in advance to make sure they all have time to top off, which also means you're likely to have a lot of stuff just sitting around waiting to make sure they are still topped off when you start loading. There might also be more of a need to have lots of AOs to help top everyone off as quickly as possible at the assembly area. Of course, I won't be taking three divisions to invade an atoll anymore, either. Planning will be at a premium, and I may have to start making notes to make sure I stage everything timely. It's going to be a whole new ball game.

[stuman]

I just memorize all of the counters currently on the board, all of the counters that will be added throughout the game, manage my
production perfectly, and plan all of my invasions and battles in a flawless manner. Isn't that what we all do ?

[Bliztk]

I dump the scenario files using Witpload into an excel with arrival dates. I make a copy with all units and their arrival date.

Then I organize all my units into divisional and regimental assault forces, each one with one sheet.
Also I have a sheet with all bases and their "organic" units. Units that are not going to be used in assault forces got here.
Finally one sheet with a list of all assault units, their actual base and the target, with a list of possible targets for later
Then using Witptracker to keep track of the fragments and production.

[mussey]

Holy Cow! I take a w/e off and Shazzam, 20 great ideas! You guys rock![&o]

In the beginning, w/ a new AE, I want to be more meticulous with my planning detail as I relearn the game. This will allow me to learn much quicker my administrative priorities (especially in regard to sending supplies, base forces, and larger assets).

Love the EXCEL ideas (organizing by HQ [ericl] and/or by admin S1, S2, etc [Yank]). I have the space for a plot map [DivePac88] (what size???). Thanks for the countless other great ideas. KEEP THEM COMING.

WILL TRACKER BE PART OF AE?

[Xargun]

I just use a notebook. I watch the execution phase and make notes during it of enemy ships hit, enemy ship locations, large groups of bombers, fighters, etc.... Then I do my turn. I usually start up in India and circle my way around making notes as to needs and such and then as I go to other areas I check and send out TFs with those needs if possible.

I also track various economic factors (Yes I always play the Japanese) and make sure they are hovering or going up - if not I examine why. But usually once every 10 or 20 turns I spend a Mega turn in which I go through every unit, base and all economic parts to make sure I'm not missing things. It seems to work for me, but will need some tweaking for AE as the economy is a bit more fragile and complex.

Xargun

[CaptDave]

ORIGINAL: mussey

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

I have developed several (15, I think) spreadsheets that I use to keep track of things that are also available in Tracker and in the game reports. I do this because that's the way I become aware of things best -- just about the only time I've gone back to review is to the results of previous ground combat (specifically, what was my opponent's strength at the time).

Beyond that, I keep a notebook with a list of all the things to do each turn. This isn't a routine checklist, but rather a list of things I want to do each specific turn. If I don't make a note of something I want to check while I'm reviewing the combat results, I'll forget about it later. This also gives me a list to go back to later to remind myself of what I actually did.

Since my PBEM game is less than one turn per day (a major reason my opponent and I are playing against each other; we both have busy and variable schedules), I do write down outline plans for my major operations, so I won't forget over time what it is I'm planning to do. Doesn't mean I remember to go back and read it, though!

The one thing I don't do, but need to get in the habit of, is recording what my task forces are doing and why. While it's obvious for some of them, it's more nebulous in other cases. For example, I might have a division in Port B that needs to be moved to Port C, but I have no transports in Port B. I form up the TF in the nearest possible location, Port A, and send it off to Port B. But by the time it gets there I'm likely to have forgotten my original plan. This is especially a problem when I'm doing something similar in two different places at the same time (e.g., preparing invasions of Luzon and Mindanao simultaneousy).

Of course, in the end you have to do what benefits you the most. Just as different people learn differently, so do different people remember differently. Whatever you do, I can guarantee you'll end up tweaking it a lot over time (like my spreadsheets, which will need considerable revision for AE, to accommodate additional information that is being presented).

Capt. Dave, if I may be so bold - what are the spreadsheets that you have used? May be something I want to try as well. [;)] As for the TF's, that occurs frequently with me - not easy to document every one - JeffK mentioned the new feature of naming the TF's which will be a huge help.[&o]

Here's a list of my spreadsheets, by title: I think they're self-explanatory. If you'd like to know the exact information on each one, let me know and I'll PM you the list; it'll be a little lengthy and maybe not of interest to the vast majority here. I'm also happy to share the spreadsheets, but that might as well wait until I get AE and see what changes need to be made.

Air Combat Report
Amphibious Landing Report
ASW Attack Report
Base Upgrade Status Report
Daily Intelligence Report
Damage Status Report - Bases
Damage Status Report - Ships
Ground Combat Report
HQ Summary Report
Naval Bombardment Report
Sightings Report
Signals Intelligence Report - Attack Plans
Signals Intelligence Report - Troops and Units
Signals Intelligence Report - Units Embarked
Sinking Report
Submarine Attack Report
Submarine Disposition Report
Surface Combat Report

FWIW, I find that filling out these reports by hand makes each turn take about 45 minutes to an hour before I get to the issue orders stage (very occasionally even longer, normally because every air unit on the map actually gets to fly its mission). I've retired the HQ Summary Report for my own use, but it might be beneficial again under AE; this remains to be seen.

[rroberson]

Pen to paper.

I keep notes.

I jot down want my production should be doing and the direction its heading..same thing with bases and the like.

I also have a area of possible operational concepts as things pop into my brain what I might want to do down the road so what I am up to has "direction."

so yeah lots of pen to paper for me....(its easier then spread sheets and the like I dont have to alt delete in and out.)

[Mike Solli]

I divide up the map by region:

Japan
China
Manchuoko
Burma
SRA
SE Fleet
4th Fleet
Northern Area Force

Later into the war I add:

Philippines
Marianas

I allocate my fleet, IJAAF, land based IJNAF, land combat forces and land support forces by region. Each has it's own spreadsheet. The fleet is by ship. The merchant ship fleet is allocated by capacity. That'll be a bit more involved now. [:D] The merchant ship fleet is (sort of) divided by movement of oil/resources, supplies/fuel, or units. That's rather vague because I try to ship oil/resources in and fuel/supplies/units out to minimize the movement of empty hulls.

[mussey]

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

ORIGINAL: mussey

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

I have developed several (15, I think) spreadsheets that I use to keep track of things that are also available in Tracker and in the game reports. I do this because that's the way I become aware of things best -- just about the only time I've gone back to review is to the results of previous ground combat (specifically, what was my opponent's strength at the time).

Beyond that, I keep a notebook with a list of all the things to do each turn. This isn't a routine checklist, but rather a list of things I want to do each specific turn. If I don't make a note of something I want to check while I'm reviewing the combat results, I'll forget about it later. This also gives me a list to go back to later to remind myself of what I actually did.

Since my PBEM game is less than one turn per day (a major reason my opponent and I are playing against each other; we both have busy and variable schedules), I do write down outline plans for my major operations, so I won't forget over time what it is I'm planning to do. Doesn't mean I remember to go back and read it, though!

The one thing I don't do, but need to get in the habit of, is recording what my task forces are doing and why. While it's obvious for some of them, it's more nebulous in other cases. For example, I might have a division in Port B that needs to be moved to Port C, but I have no transports in Port B. I form up the TF in the nearest possible location, Port A, and send it off to Port B. But by the time it gets there I'm likely to have forgotten my original plan. This is especially a problem when I'm doing something similar in two different places at the same time (e.g., preparing invasions of Luzon and Mindanao simultaneousy).

Of course, in the end you have to do what benefits you the most. Just as different people learn differently, so do different people remember differently. Whatever you do, I can guarantee you'll end up tweaking it a lot over time (like my spreadsheets, which will need considerable revision for AE, to accommodate additional information that is being presented).

Capt. Dave, if I may be so bold - what are the spreadsheets that you have used? May be something I want to try as well. [;)] As for the TF's, that occurs frequently with me - not easy to document every one - JeffK mentioned the new feature of naming the TF's which will be a huge help.[&o]

Here's a list of my spreadsheets, by title: I think they're self-explanatory. If you'd like to know the exact information on each one, let me know and I'll PM you the list; it'll be a little lengthy and maybe not of interest to the vast majority here. I'm also happy to share the spreadsheets, but that might as well wait until I get AE and see what changes need to be made.

Air Combat Report
Amphibious Landing Report
ASW Attack Report
Base Upgrade Status Report
Daily Intelligence Report
Damage Status Report - Bases
Damage Status Report - Ships
Ground Combat Report
HQ Summary Report
Naval Bombardment Report
Sightings Report
Signals Intelligence Report - Attack Plans
Signals Intelligence Report - Troops and Units
Signals Intelligence Report - Units Embarked
Sinking Report
Submarine Attack Report
Submarine Disposition Report
Surface Combat Report

FWIW, I find that filling out these reports by hand makes each turn take about 45 minutes to an hour before I get to the issue orders stage (very occasionally even longer, normally because every air unit on the map actually gets to fly its mission). I've retired the HQ Summary Report for my own use, but it might be beneficial again under AE; this remains to be seen.

My goodness.....(be carefull what I ask for!!!! [X(]). Of these, which ones provide the most help (or if one was to pick the best 4 or 5, which ones?). I seem to lack a good Intell report, so I like these.

[Barb]

I was doing some template files for myself to keep things organized.
So here is what I got:
Strategy Directive - docfile for HIGH LEVEL PLANNING (like what I would like to do in terms of whole map or POA/SWPAC/SEAC/China theathre area)
Operational Directive - docfile for lower level planning - i.e. campaign or operation planning with many details.
Theathre template - xlsfile for each theathre with their own command structure, airforce, navy and ground units.
Magic - xlsfile with your sigint highly organized for unit types like HQs, ARM, ART, AAA, INF Divs, INF Bdes, INF Small, ENG construction, ENG combat, IJA BF, IJN BF, CDs, ....
magic_old_game - txtfile I used in my last games - absolutely easy to put informations, bit harder to extract them

[Barb]

>here was second file for download<

EDIT1: Didnt worked as it was supposed to. Herwin may get them on a RHS backup site (tomorrow) and provide a link

EDIT2: If you would like to have them earlier, send a PM or e-mail me on thunderbolt(at)centrum(dot)sk.
I could be lurking here until 00:30 Central European Time

EDIT3: Once I will have AE in my hands I will try to customize the files more to AE. I'll let you know then.

[CaptDave]

ORIGINAL: mussey

ORIGINAL: CaptDave

ORIGINAL: mussey




Capt. Dave, if I may be so bold - what are the spreadsheets that you have used? May be something I want to try as well. [;)] As for the TF's, that occurs frequently with me - not easy to document every one - JeffK mentioned the new feature of naming the TF's which will be a huge help.[&o]

Here's a list of my spreadsheets, by title: I think they're self-explanatory. If you'd like to know the exact information on each one, let me know and I'll PM you the list; it'll be a little lengthy and maybe not of interest to the vast majority here. I'm also happy to share the spreadsheets, but that might as well wait until I get AE and see what changes need to be made.

Air Combat Report
Amphibious Landing Report
ASW Attack Report
Base Upgrade Status Report
Daily Intelligence Report
Damage Status Report - Bases
Damage Status Report - Ships
Ground Combat Report
HQ Summary Report
Naval Bombardment Report
Sightings Report
Signals Intelligence Report - Attack Plans
Signals Intelligence Report - Troops and Units
Signals Intelligence Report - Units Embarked
Sinking Report
Submarine Attack Report
Submarine Disposition Report
Surface Combat Report

FWIW, I find that filling out these reports by hand makes each turn take about 45 minutes to an hour before I get to the issue orders stage (very occasionally even longer, normally because every air unit on the map actually gets to fly its mission). I've retired the HQ Summary Report for my own use, but it might be beneficial again under AE; this remains to be seen.

My goodness.....(be carefull what I ask for!!!! [X(]). Of these, which ones provide the most help (or if one was to pick the best 4 or 5, which ones?). I seem to lack a good Intell report, so I like these.

Which ones work best? Well, it all depends on what your intended use is. If you're playing Japan, the Signals Intelligence reports are completely useless -- you never get anything except "radio transmissions detected" and you can figure that out from the map. In my case, I use these all because by writing things down as they happen they stay in my brain better.

I like my Damage Reports because I can see trends -- how fast are bases getting repaired, are ships repairing or getting worse, and so on. Similarly, the Base Expansion report lets me see if a base is stagnating in its expansion. The Ground Combat report lets me go back to see what the troop levels were when we last fought four turns earlier, and the Air Combat report is of similar assistance. And I like the Submarine Disposition report so I can avoid sending multiple submarines to the same hex (once they're on station, it's easy to see where they are, but when they're en route it's a much bigger pain).

The other use I've found for the reports is to help answer questions that may come up about when something happened. This is less for my own use as it is for discussions with my PBEM opponent.

[Yamato hugger]

Personally, I will use a post it once in a blue moon if there is something in particular I want to be sure to remember to do or if Im tracking a possible bug and want to remember a units strength, which isnt often. The rest of the time I just play the game and try to have fun with it. Guess I am in the minority on that but Ive never seen a need for "tracker", spreadsheets, or any other externals.

[Anonymous]

[Deleted by Admins]

[TalonCG2]

Good grief!&nbsp;[X(]
Talk about over complicating things. Some of you guys... Are you serious? I bet some of you could make diamonds all on your own [:'(] [8|]

All I ever find myself making notes about are how many tons of shipping I need to transport X and Y units. So I know how many and what type of ship to put in the transport TF when I form it. Only other thing I jot down is during turn resolution if a sub takes a hit I write down the name to check it and see how bad the damage is.

Two questions...
1) You can name your TFs in AE? I missed that in the manual!
2) A little help with some of the alphabet soup I see getting thrown around. What is an LCU, and what is KB please?
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nothing in the AE manual glossary on either one of those gems.

[AttuWatcher]

I'm going to try with just a notepad at first and see how things go. That and the manual anyway, until I've learned the basics.

[Wirraway_Ace]

ORIGINAL: TalonCG
Two questions...

2) A little help with some of the alphabet soup I see getting thrown around. What is an LCU, and what is KB please?
   Nothing in the AE manual glossary on either one of those gems.

Land Combat Unit and Kido Butai (translates to approximately 'mobile strike force', which is the name the IJN gave its massed carrier task force)

[Yamato hugger]

ORIGINAL: TalonCG2

Good grief! [X(]
Talk about over complicating things. Some of you guys... Are you serious? I bet some of you could make diamonds all on your own [:'(] [8|]

All I ever find myself making notes about are how many tons of shipping I need to transport X and Y units. So I know how many and what type of ship to put in the transport TF when I form it. Only other thing I jot down is during turn resolution if a sub takes a hit I write down the name to check it and see how bad the damage is.

Two questions...
1) You can name your TFs in AE? I missed that in the manual!
2) A little help with some of the alphabet soup I see getting thrown around. What is an LCU, and what is KB please?
   Nothing in the AE manual glossary on either one of those gems.

In AE you have 25 or so characters you can put in as a note on your TFs (anything you want). Its one of many really nice features about AE that I would love to see ported to WitP but doing this would change the WitP database and force restarts of current games.