To defend Socotra I probably need 1 division+, 1 armor+, 2 AA, 2 Engineers, CD guns, ART+, mines, supply and forts 4+. Even then he would see it, and take it, but it would take a month or maybe longer. I certainly can't defend all four bases that strongly.
The problem is, with the amphib bonus he can pick and chose where to land, he will bring oilers and AKEs, he will have naval superiority.
The size 2 runway at Socotra can do nothing against the KB, will get bombarded by his cruisers, who will then reload at a dot base from AKEs.
So, without Naval Superiority, at least for a little bit, it seems pointless to attempt a defense here.
But to give him Socotra seems it might be giving him India and the game. And IF I hold Socotra, he merely takes Masirah.
It seems the best defense is to have outstanding naval search and hit his long supply line, looking to hit cargo ships etc carrying whatever.
Meanwhile the USN in the Pacific is looking to harvest VPs at Hokkaido/Honshu/wherever since the obvious weak point is that the IJN will be here and not in the Pacific...but how can I bleed him there to gain enough points? I have some ideas, but no confidence in them as of yet.
The more I think about it, the more confident I am that he is coming here with everything he can muster as fast as he can.
; Julia Child
Invasion Marianas in about three to five days.
