Pilot Training (Again)

[Michael Vail]

Perhaps I didn't search right, but does it do any good to load up squadrons with pilots for training if they are scheduled to be withdrawn? For example, the B-17's in EC that are scheduled for withdraw in Jan. 42. Should I throw extra pilots in there and assign the squadrons to training until they have to leave?

[pnzrgnral]

It will surely help to load squadrons, scheduled for later withdrawal, with pilots to build up their experience and skills. HOWEVER, take a careful look at the squadron withdrawal dates. Training takes time, and for those squadrons due to depart in January 42, very little training may accrue. Also - very important - before you withdraw or disband those squadrons you elect for training, make sure you dump the pilots back into the general reserve pool. Some withdrawals will automatically take not only the airframes but the pilots as well. Welcome to not only the forum, but the best damn PC wargame ever made - in my opinion.

[dr.hal]

When you decide to replace the pilots before withdrawing the squadron, make sure you select "replacement (35)" the number in () will vary as to nationality. This way if any pilots leave with the squadron, they will be newly out of training. Also, Pnzrgnral is right, it is the bast darn game.... Hal

[jmalter]

There're several different types of withdrawal - the ones where the blue text includes the phrase 'out of theater' will permanently take all planes & pilots with them. I always remove all pilots from these groups, the watchword is 'let Eisenhower train his own pilots.'
Similarly, LCUs labeled to withdraw 'out of theater' will take all their devices with them, instead of returning them to the pools. Don't let these 'OoT' units get any replacements or upgrades!
Some withdrawing airgroups have the 'withdraw' button greyed out, they can only be disbanded. Again, remove all pilots from these groups before disbanding them.
Some groups are listed to return at a future date, it's up to you whether or not you remove their pilots before withdrawal. It may be convenient to leave the pilots in the groups, but I don't think they'll continue to train after they've been withdrawn.
In nearly all cases, it's a bad idea to 'fill out' or upgrade airframes for groups scheduled to withdraw. Newb pilots train up just fine if there's only 1 plane in their group, you don't need to add planes until they reach the 50 Exp / 70 Skill level. The exceptions are the groups at forward bases that will inevitably fall to the enemy, such as Singapore or Manila, where it might make sense to expend high-quality planes & pilots to help these bases hold out as long as possible.

[Michael Vail]

I think that was pretty much what I was looking for. An extra month of training before they withdraw isn't going to help. I'm better off filling training squadrons that are going to stick around awhile.

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: Michael Vail

I think that was pretty much what I was looking for. An extra month of training before they withdraw isn't going to help. I'm better off filling training squadrons that are going to stick around awhile.

OTOH it won't hurt. You've got plenty of 'untrained' pilots available. You can always pull them outta the reserve pool and put them back into a 'training' unit. That is as long as you're willing to make the mouse clicks.[;)]

[sanch]

ORIGINAL: rustysi

ORIGINAL: Michael Vail
I think that was pretty much what I was looking for. An extra month of training before they withdraw isn't going to help. I'm better off filling training squadrons that are going to stick around awhile.

OTOH it won't hurt. You've got plenty of 'untrained' pilots available. You can always pull them outta the reserve pool and put them back into a 'training' unit. That is as long as you're willing to make the mouse clicks.[;)]

+1
Even a few ticks of improvement is better than no ticks. And you will be needing all the ticks you can get!