Japan Pilot Training and Start

[smpicciano]

I am playing this game for the first time as Japan (on turn 2) and trying to wrap my arms around this huge beast called pilot training. I have attached two flow charts based on input from the Japan set-up matrix and comments from the forum. Needless to say I have a few questions:

1. Why is there no Mavis training set-up for turn 2? Does it come later? What is training is required for Mavis pilots? NavS?

2. If it is recommended that in order to train on GrdB that the altitude be set at “over 6000," then why is the 61st Sentai (Ki21-1c Sally) set to Ground Attack at 6k?

3. Torpedo bomber pilots need training on NavT, NavB, NavS, and GrdB. How do I go about doing this? Right now, based on the set-up matrix, all the torpedo planes are set up to do training on Naval Attack. Do I divide units and train each on a separate task?

4. Five of the six torpedo plane units are training with Torpedoes. Will they only gain in NavT? One of these torpedo plane units (Yokosuka Ku K-2 Kates located in Yokosuka) has “Using TORPEDOES” in red. What will they get training in? NavT or NavB? How do I fix this? Will the one unit training in Naval Attack with bombs (CTF Det T-1 B5M1 Mabel in Shanghai) get training in NavB?

5. What units require training in LowN and LowG? I don’t see anything in the set-up matrix on this?

6. Below is what I am training for Japan Navy Pilot requirements:
Fighter – Train until they reach 65+ Air and 65+ Defn
ASW – Train until they reach ASW 60+ and 50+ Exp
MB (Nell/Betty) – Train until they reach 60+NavT and 60+ NavS
Patrol (Mavis) – How do I set-up training and what do they need to train on?
Float Planes – Train until they reach 60+ NavS, 60+ ASW, and 60+ Defn
Torpedo – Train until they reach 60+ NavT, 60+ NavB, 60+ NavS, and 60+ GrdB
Dive – Train until they reach 60+ NavB, 60+ ASW, & 60+ GrdB
Trans – Train until they reach 60+ Trans & 60+ Defn

7. Below is what I am training for Japan Army Pilot requirements:
Fighter – Train until they reach 65+ Air and 65+ Defn
ASW/Bomber – Train until they reach 60+ Exp, 60+ GrdB, 60+ASW, & 60+ Defn
Trans – Train until they reach 60+ Trans & 60+ Defn
Recon – Train until they reach 60+ Recon & 60+ Defn

Many thanks for any help and critique.

[GetAssista]

1. Mavis (and later Emily) units can do a wide variety of jobs - NavS, Trn, NavT sometimes - so their training is up to you. usually you have different groups pf pilots ready and switch them for the job
2. 6k is ok for GrdB
3. Usually you juggle pilots among different groups
4. If you train NavT you get NavT (and some xp) regardless of torpedo availability on base
5. Sometimes JFBs like to train armored fighter-bombers in low level attacks. If you have time, LowN can be great on float planes against soft targets. But usually you don't have that time - Allied AA becomes a force.
6-7. You don't really need Defn for anything except fighters. Training xp (on CAP) is very useful for fighters, and special units like night torpedo bombers for late game. ANy torp bomber needs NavB as well as NavT cause they often use bombs not torpedoes even if available

[BBfanboy]

I don't know where you got the recommendation about training bomber pilots at 6K, but that sounds like old advice - back when the cutoff between low and normal level bombing was 6K.
At least 8 years ago a patch changed the Air model so that 100-1999 feet was LowG or LowN and 2000 or more was GrdB, NavB level. I train bomber pilots at 2000 feet because the Defensive Skill also progresses well at that level. There is no penalty to an operational mission if the skill was trained at a lower level than flown. For example, DB pilots can be trained at 2000 feet and still dive bomb well from 13,000 feet!

Actual ops need to take into account AA fire and fighter opposition vs. difficulty of hitting the target.

[smpicciano]

GetAssista and BBfanboy- Many thanks for your timely responses.

2. Glad to hear it was old info... good to have the latest and greatest. I really appreciate you all taking the time to help out a newbie. So does the fighter escort training at 10k still valid? Or did that change too?

3. I am following the CVL-CVE-CS Unit Resize Plan. There are not a lot of torpedo planes that are not on carriers at the beginning and four tasks to train on (NavT, NavB, NavS, & GrdB). Do you recommend I throw my torpedo bomber pilots to train in dive bombers and level bombers or do I have to keep them strictly in TBs? Or just divide my TB training units and have each one focus on a training task?

8. The spreadsheet directs to convert 2 Ehime class xAKs (Aki Maru & Koyo Maru) to AGs in Pescadores and that it will take 21 days. However, when I click to convert it, it gives a 0 day delay. Is this a typo on the spreadsheet or another game update? Should I convert to the AG? AD with a 45 day delay? Or a AKE with a 21 day delay?

9. The spreadsheet directs to convert a Yusen A class xAKs (Yamasimo Maru) to a AK in Nagasaki and that it will take 21 days. But there is no option to immediately convert, so I assume that I change it to "Upgrade Yes --> AK" Is this correct?

10. On the spreadsheet after the 65th Sentai is transferred to Fusan it states "(Kwangtung HQ), Train: 100-ASW, Alt: 5K, Range: 0 (Deploy on ASW Patrol when enemy subs arrive. Later: Transfer to Moppo after 10th JAAF BF arrives) (Long Term Plan: ASW unit with all pilots at 60+ ASW & 60+ Exp)." What does the "Kwangtung HQ" refer to? Do I need to change HQs? Now? Later?

Again, many thanks for you help. I am about to hit the next turn and things should get easier once things get going.

[Chris21wen]

GetAssista and BBfanboy- Many thanks for your timely responses.

2. Glad to hear it was old info... good to have the latest and greatest. I really appreciate you all taking the time to help out a newbie. So does the fighter escort training at 10k still valid? Or did that change too?

3. I am following the CVL-CVE-CS Unit Resize Plan. There are not a lot of torpedo planes that are not on carriers at the beginning and four tasks to train on (NavT, NavB, NavS, & GrdB). Do you recommend I throw my torpedo bomber pilots to train in dive bombers and level bombers or do I have to keep them strictly in TBs? Or just divide my TB training units and have each one focus on a training task?

8. The spreadsheet directs to convert 2 Ehime class xAKs (Aki Maru & Koyo Maru) to AGs in Pescadores and that it will take 21 days. However, when I click to convert it, it gives a 0 day delay. Is this a typo on the spreadsheet or another game update? Should I convert to the AG? AD with a 45 day delay? Or a AKE with a 21 day delay?

9. The spreadsheet directs to convert a Yusen A class xAKs (Yamasimo Maru) to a AK in Nagasaki and that it will take 21 days. But there is no option to immediately convert, so I assume that I change it to "Upgrade Yes --> AK" Is this correct?

10. On the spreadsheet after the 65th Sentai is transferred to Fusan it states "(Kwangtung HQ), Train: 100-ASW, Alt: 5K, Range: 0 (Deploy on ASW Patrol when enemy subs arrive. Later: Transfer to Moppo after 10th JAAF BF arrives) (Long Term Plan: ASW unit with all pilots at 60+ ASW & 60+ Exp)." What does the "Kwangtung HQ" refer to? Do I need to change HQs? Now? Later?

Again, many thanks for you help. I am about to hit the next turn and things should get easier once things get going.

2. Fighter training can take place at any height above 2k to avoid unnecessary fat. Under 2K also adds fat. Set altitude at 100 when training Fighters for Sweep Mission, this increases their Def & Strafe skills.
2. Set the group to train in the role the aircraft was designed for. Diverse later if time.
8. This is a conversion, basically just changing the ships class with little or no shipyard work being required (The ss is wrong). This is diferent to upgrades which alters the ship within its class that alway requires some shipyard work hence they nearly always requires longer times to get back into service.
9. Yes that's the way upgrades are done if you have (see above). Note there's a game option at the start that turns upgrades on or off i.e. changes the yes to a no.
10. Again can't comment on SS. Training the group for ASW makes sense as does the build up of Moppo as an ASW base for the area. Moppo is attached to the Kwantung Army as are all the bases in Korea. The 10th JAAF is initially in Kanko and also attached to the Kwantung and needs moving. The air unit is attached to the 2nd Air Army(R) which is itself attached to the Kwantung. There's no need to change any of the attachemts, you have more inportant thing to spend pps on. If you have spare then all, unit, base, air group should change in that order.

[smpicciano]

Thanks for your feedback Chris, you helped me put some of the pieces of the puzzle together.

[Sardaukar]

I recently discovered neat trick to raise pilot ASW skill decently quickly.

You just set squadron to Naval Search 50% and ASW 10%. For some reason, ASW skill trains very well.

[smpicciano]

Thanks Sardaukar, I will have to try it.

[jdsrae]

Here are a few opinions for you to think about, using your numbers for reference:
1. There just aren't enough Mavis units to use any for training. You can use FP units to train up pilots then once they have 70/70 NavS and ASW skills post them to operational PA units.

3. I have used a slight variation on TB pilots. NavS, ASW in FP. Then NavB in DB or TB unit, then NavT in TB unit. IJN strike pilots are too valuable to use against Allied flak in GrdB missions. You could leave that job the IJAAF.

5. LowN is the skill kamikaze missions use. LowG I haven't really used as IJ as bombers carry so few bombs and don't do very well vs Allied AA fire. Allies get Attack Bombers which are good to have LowG trained pilots in.

6. I went for 70 Skill as the graduation pass level. For IJN units the main differences for you to think about:
Fighter – Air and strafe (to train Def and have a 2nd skill to get Exp to 50ish)
MB (Nell/Betty) – NavS and ASW on FP; then NavB on DB/TB and NavT on TB units (Kate/Jill). That leaves all MB units for ops.
Patrol (Mavis) – NavS and ASW on FP; to leave all PA units for ops.
Torpedo – NavS and ASW on FP; then NavB/NavT on Kate/Jill. Some pilots graduate from these units to fly MB
Dive – NavS, ASW on FP, then NavB on Val/Judy.
Trans – Train Tpt then General just to get experience to 50+ before posting to operational units.

I tried using FP for Air and NavB skill training for a while, but I found it too hard to keep the pilots in "cohorts" if all those skills are in the FP reserve pool.

7. For IJAAF, similar to above except:
MB – GrdB, ASW, mid-late war I've added LowN as a 3rd skill.
Recon – Train recon and NavS to have a 2nd skill to get exp to 50+ before using on ops.

[GetAssista]

I tried using FP for Air and NavB skill training for a while, but I found it too hard to keep the pilots in "cohorts" if all those skills are in the FP reserve pool.

It is pretty easy if you use FP to train Def for future navy fighter pilots, after you trained Air for them. High Air skill will be your sorting parameter in the pool to separate would be fighters from all other FP pilots. It is not w/o drawbacks cause pilots would lose xp in transfer twise (when you use honest transfer that is), but with the help of FPs you would massively speed up navy fighter pilots skill training in the first years of war when you don't have nearly enough fighter airgroups.

[smpicciano]

The game has been going well, now in mid February, but I have encountered one problem. My MAVIS planes are unable to "get new pilot(s)". I have attached three snapshots of the unit cards. I have switched them to max airfields, ensured they had over 20k supply, ensured their replacements are turned on for both the unit and the HQ, co-located it with the HQ, and even moved them to Tokyo... with no luck. Any recommendation would be appreciated.

[BBfanboy]

Go to your Intel Report screen and click on "Pilot Replacements" ...

[Tigrizzli]

Maybe because those units have enough pilots?

1st one: 6max les det of 2 for 5 pilots (so 4 needed)
2nd: size 9 for 12 pilots (...)
3rd! 18 max less det of 18? (strange?? probably 16 I have difficulties to read your caption) and 2 pilots so... enough again

[smpicciano]

BBFanboy, Sorry for not being clearer. I know how to go view pilots, however the Get New Pilot(s) on the unit card is grayed out and there is not button there to select. This only happens to my MAVIS units.

[smpicciano]

Tigrizzli,

Yokohama Ku U-1 has 6 aircraft and 5 ready pilots.
21st Ku T-1 Det has 9 aircraft and 12 pilots, tried to recombine with the below air wing but still cant add additional pilots.
21st Ku T-1 has 12 aircraft and 2 pilots.

[Chris21wen]

The game has been going well, now in mid February, but I have encountered one problem. My MAVIS planes are unable to "get new pilot(s)". I have attached three snapshots of the unit cards. I have switched them to max airfields, ensured they had over 20k supply, ensured their replacements are turned on for both the unit and the HQ, co-located it with the HQ, and even moved them to Tokyo... with no luck. Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Not sure what the problem is here, all the groups have max pilots?

The number of pilots an air groups can have is based on their max ac size plus third rounded down but some groups do start the game over sized in ac and pilots. There's also the exception for groups with <3 ac in which case its on extra. You cannot exceed these numbers and the get more pilots will be greyed out when the max is reached.

Look at your max sizes, the top unit has 4 (6-2 det) ac and 5 pilots, second has 9 ac and 12 pilots, third has 0 (18-18 det) and 2 pilots. This last takes some explaining as it has 12 ready ac but with 18 det it should have zero.

It's down to an error in the scenario #2 setup. There are two Mavis units (21 KuT-1 and 22nd KuT-1) based in Osaka at start with both set to have a parent (9ac) and Det (9ac) but the det for the 22nd is set to 21st parent and not 22nd, hence the the strange 0 max.

[Tigrizzli]

I should have made it more explicit. You forget to substract each det(size) to their parents units(size) to read the real number of pilots needed... basic

[Tigrizzli]

On your first exemple, I suppose you have this number of 6 planes ready (but remember 6max minus det of 2 equal 4 planes max) because it was created with 6ready in the editor, next turn, it should show 4ready 2reserve, So 5 pilots exceed the need. If you want to add more pilots (in excess of the max real size), you may try to cancel replenishement ON to do it manually.

[RangerJoe]

The maximum number of pilots is the sum of the main element plus all of the attachments. Look at an air unit of the same type with no detachments to see the maximum number of pilots. Then add up the number of pilots in the main element plus all of the attachments which will give you the number of pilots in the entire unit. There are ways to exceed that maximum number of pilots but it is work . . .

[smpicciano]

First playthrough as Japan is going well... in June 1942. All going well but having issues with American Subs and my long range naval attack.

1. ASW - What is the best ASW altitude for single engine bombers and float planes? 1,000? Max range?

2. Having issues with Enemy Ships getting through my long range naval attack (i.e. ships as big as BB getting by). My 30% search on my Naval attack missions spot them but my Mavis, Nell, and Lilly do not engage. I have tried several things but nothing seems to work. Any advice would be appreciated. (i.e. naval attack vs. naval search? recommended naval attack altitude for my Mavis, Nell, and Lilly's? max ranges?, etc.).

Many thanks in advance.