A quick question

[tangent]

Hello,

I have been teaching myself to play AA and I am fascinated by its potential. There is one problem that I have giving orders.

I think I understand how to detach a unit(s) from its organic superforce in order to give it orders. This is done by control selecting or marquee selecting the unit(s) and then giving orders to the new selection; the game takes over from there in detaching the units from their organic chain of command, appointing an ad hoc superforce and sending orders down the new chain of command.

However, I cannot figure out how to easily detach an organic superforce from its subforces in order to give it orders alone. For example, how does one simply relocate a divisional HQ without giving orders to all of its subordinates?

Every time I try to do this by using control click or marquee selection, I end up giving orders to the entire division. Is the only way to do this is to detach all of the division HQ's subforces first then give orders to the single remaining unit? That strikes me as a quite a hassle; if that is the case then I suggest that you look an alernate method for future use.

Thank you for your assistance.

Tangent

[MarkShot]

Yes, orders always flow top down. So, if you only want the top unit to follow your orders, then you must effectively sever it from everyone below.

The way I play ...

I may detached one or more subforces to give them individual orders. Then, I will often move the superforce (including its base, security detail, and maybe a couple of other units) trailing the action to take up position in a secure area. This keeps command close to the front, but out of danger.

Also, I will often use the superforce assigned to defend an objective which is already secure to maintain control while the its subforce heads off to attack elsewhere.

I hope that helps.

[Kevinugly]

I would concur with Mark here. Unless you are issuing orders at a divisional level (which in my case would mean I'm near the end of a game and attacking with some ferocity) there are generally only a few units assigned to each 'superforce' in which case detaching them from the HQ unit should be a quick and simple task.

I would recommend checking out 'The Drop Zone' (see other posts for its address) for a number of tips as to good (I would hesitate to say 'best' as this is a matter of personal taste) strategies on playing AA as well as other posts on this forum.

Welcome to the wonderful, and occasionally weird, world of AA!!:)

[Arjuna]

Tangent,

Welcome.

I concur with the advice Mark and Kevin have given. However, if you still want to do it that way try this:

1. select the QH
2. hold down the shift key and hit the Arrow Down key to select all subordinates
3. Control click the HQ to deselect it
4. issue the order you want to the subordinates - eg Defend with InSitu formation
5. select the HQ
6. isue the order you want for it - eg. Move to location X
   [/list=1]
   
   It's not how I play, but it is doable.
   
   Dave

[Golf33]

As Arjuna says, it's not recommended - he didn't give the reason, which is that the units you leave in place will revert to command of the senior unit in that group. Normally this will be either a non-HQ unit, or an HQ that isn't senior enough to command the whole force. The result is that order delays in that formation go way up and it becomes almost impossible to use them for anything.

For this reason I wouldn't recommend placing any units under a non-HQ superior - even for a single company commanding (for instance) an AT gun platoon, you still get bigger orders delays than you would if you just gave orders directly (but separately) to both the company and the platoon.

Regards
33