Difference between Withdraw and Disband? (manual is unclear)

[fflaguna]

» The Withdraw Group option is just like Disband except the pilots remain
with the unit and return with it when it returns to the game Withdrawing will
transfer the aircraft to a group with the same aircraft at the base. If no group is
available, the group’s ready planes may be returned to the aircraft pool if within
reach of the group’s Home Base. If not the group may still be withdrawn but the
aircraft will be lost. The text “Withdraw Group” will be in RED to indicate that
the aircraft are lost. The Withdrawn air unit is not permanently removed from
the game but it will rather returned in 60 days. Groups can’t be disbanded into
another group that would make the new group exceed its operational level.

Wow! This is very jumbled. I'm sure it's perfectly clear to somebody who already understands the matter, but for me I can't make sense of this. What is the difference between Withdraw and Disband? What is the benefit to doing either of them? Thanks!

[bradfordkay]

With disband, the pilots and planes are given to another air unit if possible. If the unit does return at a later date it will be with an entirely new group of pilots.

Using withdraw will keep the pilots with the squadron so that they will return to battle with it one it is reformed. Withdrawn squadrons also try to return in 60 days, whereas disbanded ones will take at least 120 days to return to the fray.

[fflaguna]

ORIGINAL: bradfordkay

With disband, the pilots and planes are given to another air unit if possible. If the unit does return at a later date it will be with an entirely new group of pilots.

Using withdraw will keep the pilots with the squadron so that they will return to battle with it one it is reformed. Withdrawn squadrons also try to return in 60 days, whereas disbanded ones will take at least 120 days to return to the fray.

How and why would I want to disband/withdraw units? For example, if I have a Zero squadron get shot up until there is only one plane left, should I disband or withdraw it? Or should I just send it to a high-level airfield?

What about a unit coming up on its withdraw date? What are the benefits/etc to withdrawing it? Does disbanding have the same effect in this case?

Thanks, guys!

[Chris21wen]

Historically some units have to be disbaned or withdrawn reflecting the real situation.

if a unit gets shot up i'd move it to the rear areas setting it to rest/training. Setting replacements on depends upon how many you have and what the requirement is for other units of the same type. With limited/no replacements but with other partially equipped units of the same type then you could fill them out them out by disband/withdraw, which you use really depends upon experience of the pilots.

Using disband/withdraw removes units from the map uncluttering it however sending to the rear with and setting the unit to training also has avantanges.

[jomni]

I usually disband to combine depleted units.

Now the question is...
When is it better to disband and when is it better to withdraw in this case?

[Djordje]

There is no need to withdraw / disband unless the unit has withdrawal date. When you suffer losses simply move the squadron back to safety and refill it with planes and pilots.
When you withdraw such squadron pilots and planes go back to the pool. Pilots go to General Reserve (even if they are of TRACOM quality), while planes go to Aircraft Replacement Pool (the only pool there is).
When you disband squadron it will ask you for target squadron to receive pilots and planes. That receiving squadron must be in the same hex and have the exact same type of plane. If there is no such squadron available withdraw/disband options will be in red indicating that you will lose the planes in if you disband squadron (there is even tooltip when you mouseover saying that). Pilots go to General Reserve in that case but planes are gone for good.

[michaelm75au]

One reason to disband/withdraw could be to build up a group when there is a lack of replacement aircraft.
It is sometimes better to have one operational group and let the other one rebuild 'behind the lines' when replacement aircraft may be available.

[Djordje]

ORIGINAL: michaelm

One reason to disband/withdraw could be to build up a group when there is a lack of replacement aircraft.
It is sometimes better to have one operational group and let the other one rebuild 'behind the lines' when replacement aircraft may be available.

True, I was talking from Japanese perspective. For Allies it makes sense, especially early in the war.

[Cribtop]

Withdraw can also be used to pull trapped units out of the PI early on. From the JFB perspective it is only useful in certain circumstances ton save CAGs off doomed CVs.

[Cap Mandrake]

Difference between Withdraw and Disband?

Not much. A mistake with either technique can result in an unplanned pregnancy.

[DOCUP]

Question guys. I have upgraded a group of Bolo's to Liberator's, do I lose the old aircraft or what, because they didn't go back into the extra a/c screen. The upgrade happend at PH FYI.

doc