Matrix Games Forums

I propose to release escort ships - and in particular seaplane carriers, Japanese seaplane tenders that can act as seaplane carriers, and CVEs - as soon as we complete initial operations. When you must move oil from Borneo - or resources from various points - you should be already using escorts. Also I intend to release transport shipping. Japan did both - but not nearly enough of both.

How do you feel about redefining command areas? Specifically - right now I have Southeast Fleet and 4th Fleet -
you have NOrthern Command, Kwangtung Army, China Expeditionary Army and Burma Area Army. We share Southern Area Army.

I propose to shrink SAA area - to a sort of wedge or triangle - apex (and HQ) at Taihoku or Takao Formosa,
wide end running from the Sunda Strait (West end of Java) to the Torres Strait (Thursday Island). But Palau is part of the base structure of this army group.

I propose we expand the Burma Area Army to cover the area "lost" by SAA. And then rename it
the Southwest Area Army.

I propose we take the second China command - the one that isn't a regional command - and rename it
so it can be used as a local army group unit similar to Burma Army (or most of our Fleet commands) now.


I think this will help AI understand things - and also not force SAA to be ineffective in much of its area being too far from HQ. The SW Army HQ should start at Saigon - and probably move to Bangkok at an appropriate time. I think Yamashita should head it. Otherwise some officer with a very high admin rating.

[Japanese "armies" are corps. Japanese "area armies" or army groups correspond to a US "army" formation]

Are these changes going to be in the upcoming EOS release?

They could - but I wanted your opinion first.

I know that you probably have something up your sleeve. Go for it and let EOS benefit.

OK - what about Russia? When do you think it is wise to go there?

I think it isn't in 1941.

I think it isn't mid or late war either.

Optimum: after the tanks form into divisions -
- after we get the Me-109 in numbers -
BEFORE the Soviets get a lot of reinforcements
fall of 1942.

Go for the Soviet Union once you have the Me-109 in sufficient numbers to replace ongoing losses ( about 300 in front-line service should do it ... with a production of 100 per month that would be the beginning of April 42.) In addition by April 42 you should have had more than enough time to capture Ceylon and set it up as a nice roadblock... as well as wrapping up the DEI, Phillipines, Malaysia and Burma and creating a strategic stalemate in China which allows you to withdraw a large number of divisions.
 
Add in 2 months for shipping and "shit happens" time and that gives you a go date of 1st June 42. I'm at war with the Soviet Union in both my games and it isn't possible to take the offensive while driving toward India, Oz and US simultaneously. If forced into an early war one should simply defend the 3 or 4 viable crossing points and win the air war. Once the air war is won and you bring reinforcements to bear you can transition onto the offensive.

By judging from Nemo's AAR he certainly speaks from experience about this. In fact he plans his timing accordingly for such action against the Soviets.