Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: awaw

Obvert/mind,

I understand the logic behind diminishing returns of higher xp Pilots. But I lack the play exp to judge. In my cited example, at game start, what is *your* call on how to use the Pilots in 9/33 Sentai? They have higher xp than future grads from the pure rookie pools, yet lower skills. Sounds like lower returns. Are they still worth hording the training slots of 2 fighter squadrons? My concern is that the number of trains slots of IJA are essentially “fixed”, subject to how one relegates frontline squadron to training duties.

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: awaw

Obvert/mind,

I understand the logic behind diminishing returns of higher xp Pilots. But I lack the play exp to judge. In my cited example, at game start, what is *your* call on how to use the Pilots in 9/33 Sentai? They have higher xp than future grads from the pure rookie pools, yet lower skills. Sounds like lower returns. Are they still worth hording the training slots of 2 fighter squadrons? My concern is that the number of trains slots of IJA are essentially “fixed”, subject to how one relegates frontline squadron to training duties.

I throw them into the reserve pool, then consolidate them in a squadron flying Nates. A couple weeks flying either training missions or defensive CAP normally makes them pretty solid, even if they're not 50/70/70 in EXP/Air/Def. Once you're happy with the average skill levels give them Oscars and send them off.

I really can't overstate the value of EXP, IMO you need to nurture it from day one. The respective skills are important, but they're very easy to train in a comparatively short length of time.

A ASW squadron with EXP/ASW levels of 50/70 isn't going to be nearly as effective as one with 70/70.

ORIGINAL: awaw

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: awaw

Obvert/mind,

I understand the logic behind diminishing returns of higher xp Pilots. But I lack the play exp to judge. In my cited example, at game start, what is *your* call on how to use the Pilots in 9/33 Sentai? They have higher xp than future grads from the pure rookie pools, yet lower skills. Sounds like lower returns. Are they still worth hording the training slots of 2 fighter squadrons? My concern is that the number of trains slots of IJA are essentially “fixed”, subject to how one relegates frontline squadron to training duties.

I throw them into the reserve pool, then consolidate them in a squadron flying Nates. A couple weeks flying either training missions or defensive CAP normally makes them pretty solid, even if they're not 50/70/70 in EXP/Air/Def. Once you're happy with the average skill levels give them Oscars and send them off.

I really can't overstate the value of EXP, IMO you need to nurture it from day one. The respective skills are important, but they're very easy to train in a comparatively short length of time.

A ASW squadron with EXP/ASW levels of 50/70 isn't going to be nearly as effective as one with 70/70.

Thank you for the reply (and also @GetAssista for your call). It is interesting.


I recalled sometime back, I had an idea, to train def skills in China (for those with def slightly less than 70, just to bring them over the bump) by strafing missions instead of doing training. So I set up a sandbox, setting 3 Nate squadrons with 60ish xp, and 60<def <70 strafing a defenceless Chinese unit. I did it for 3 turns straight, and the Pilots clock anywhere between 3-5 missions. However, not a single one of them get any xp or def. 2 Pilots did get a strafe skill increase though. I got discouraged and thought it would be better to just do “training” versus “on job training”.

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: rustysi

CAP some relatively helpless enemy base that they can use as a "live fire range".

Not necessary. To get a fighter pilots' experience to rise, just CAP his own base at 100%, zero range. Fastest way to increase a fighter pilots' experience other than constant combat.

Attacking LCUs with fighters is to me just nuts.

Its possible to get good results in China, but not just strafing. Bomb at 1k and the fighters may strafe as well.

Strafing finally comes forward as a viable techniques for degrading ground units in '45.

I can dig up plenty of combat reports showing outstanding results with A26Bs, Beaufighters and Misquitos.

Yes, its still only viable in open terrain. Decent results in heavy terrain are still few and far between.

The best method to build EXP on fighter pilots is to have them fly CAP at a rear-area base. They'll slowly build EXP doing this.