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Larry has been very busy this weekend. We have only run two turns since Friday. So as I wait for a turn - soon hopefully - I will post some of my comments in about this game so far. First is that I am so greateful to have found such a fine opponent as Larry. Our experience levels are about evenly matched and he has been very easy to work with as far as HR and such. Now some self critique:

What I have done well

Selecting Manilla as my strongpoint in the PI. This battle lasted until mid-May 1942 and bought me precious time

My overall Burma strategy which was basically to leave a stiff delaying force at Rangoon but fall back to Mandalay. Using the Chinese to hold Ledo helped immensely

My Burma 1943 counteroffensive - because of the force preserved by my actions above Japan occupied Burma for less than a year.

Logistics - I have rarely ever been short on supplies. Fuel has occasionally been an issue but that is tied to lack of TK

The overall air war. I have been able to keep Larry on his heels in this area since mid-1942. I have been able to see where Larry is exposed and been able to exploit the weakness. In addition I feel I have managed my pools and upgrades well

Chosen my battles wisely. With two exceptions, I have only fought major engagements where and when I have chosen

What I have not done well

Maintained operational tempo. Some of this has been circumstances dictated by the game but I seem to be unable to maintain the offensive speed I desire. Perhaps it is because I went so far in 1943 and lack the assets to accomplish more than I have.

Managed my lift. I continually seem to have too much where I don't need it and not enough where I do need it.

Developed and stuck to a well thought out strategic plan. I have had a vague idea about the path I desired to follow all along. Where I have failed is to take the proper measures to execute that plan. I will go into that more below. Part of that has to do with the fact this is my first PBEM and I am learning how the game works. Also, I had to learn my opponent's style and abilities. I have focused on prepping units for the next objective without making sure the necessary support was in place to execute those operations. Thus, I have continued problems with long pauses as I repostion everything. I have been particularly poor at getting support troops forward.

Atoll combat. Both opposed atoll invasions (Tarawa and Wake) have been SNAFU's. Despite my best efforts I cannot seem to get the transports loaded correctly to get them all off in one day. In addition, I failed to bring along a reserve in both invasions which further hampered my efforts.

The Old Strategic Plan

My orginal plan was to focus the bulk of my assets in CentPac. I was planning on going for these bases in order: Wake, Marcus, Pagan, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. My goal was to divide Larry's empire in two. While this was going on, I was going to continue my Mandalay offensive with the sole goal of tieing down large numbers of troops. Likewise the Chinese were to put as much pressure on Japan to keep troops in place there. I also planned a secondary offensive into the SRA to hopefully grab some Oil/Resource centers to further hinder Larry's economy. Two things have changed my thinking here. First is the brutality of Atoll combat. I have been tied up twice for weeks on end trying to disloge troops from Tarawa and Wake. The second is the imminent release of AE. I intend to see this game through to conclusion but it may be hard to keep focus with the new, improved model sitting on my computer.

New Strategic Plan

Well I have messed up royally as far as the SWPAC offensive. I was so consumed about getting the combat troops forward that I left all the support troops behind. I am working on fixing that problem right now. In addition there were about two dozen EAB, CB, and BF's tagged to SWPAC sitting at SF. They are now heading south but it will take a while. Nonetheless, this is where I am going to act. I plan to either have occupied or neutrlized all of the SRA Oil centers by mid year. This means that a lot of troops attached to SoPAC and CENTPAC are transferring to SWPAC. Everything is heading to Darwin including the bulk of my CV's. Lautem is building up and I took Dili by para last turn. I will build Dili up then head Nw. Kendari and Amboina will be bypassed at least for now as they have stout garrisons. There are Level 5 AB opportunites at Macassar, a small island just NE of Timor (name??), and one base on the SE coast of Borneo. These are my objectives. B-29's are less than 100 days away. Initially they will run out of Rangoon and Darwin as these are the only two bases capable of supporting them. Which leads me to my next point.

The SEAC offensive must gain some steam. I am grinding Larry down at Ban Don but it is going to take a long time. I would love to land behind him but I lack both the troops and lift to accomplish this. I am fixing some of this as I transferred the 7th ID from WCUSA to SEAC. They arrive in Aden in 58 days. I am actualy considering moving over some more troops from NOPAC. If I do that, I need to do it now. The biggest reason I need some steam in this area is there are two bases with SPS of 4 - Georgetown and Kota Bhuta. I want those bases to support my B-29's.

CENTPAC will now take the role formally assigned to SWPAC - to modestly move forward but make enough noise to keep Larry worried about his SLOC. That's the plan. Now for execution.

BTW, for the first tiem in this game I am facing a true lift crisis. Every available AP, AK, LST, and LCI is at sea right now either moving troops or heading back to WCUSA to pick up troops. It is on.

Atoll combat. Both opposed atoll invasions (Tarawa and Wake) have been SNAFU's. Despite my best efforts I cannot seem to get the transports loaded correctly to get them all off in one day. In addition, I failed to bring along a reserve in both invasions which further hampered my efforts.

My basic "rule of thumb" is plan on using 3x the required lift for these operations (2x to 3x for normal invasions). If you cannot load a unit into the ships assigned in one day from their home port then more ships are needed. If you continue to allow them to load over a number of days, then you will get multiple shock attacks as they unload. I know you have seen this happen. Even though I'm trying my hands with the "evil empire" I still remember being very obsessive with getting as many APs away from the SRA when the game starts as this issue will come up.

I know Tracker is very helpful for economics, but I tend to have lots of paperwork tracking things as I have multiple PBEMs going on and I get confused from one game to another of why a particular TF is going there. [8|]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Atoll combat. Both opposed atoll invasions (Tarawa and Wake) have been SNAFU's. Despite my best efforts I cannot seem to get the transports loaded correctly to get them all off in one day. In addition, I failed to bring along a reserve in both invasions which further hampered my efforts.

My basic "rule of thumb" is plan on using 3x the required lift for these operations (2x to 3x for normal invasions). If you cannot load a unit into the ships assigned in one day from their home port then more ships are needed. If you continue to allow them to load over a number of days, then you will get multiple shock attacks as they unload. I know you have seen this happen. Even though I'm trying my hands with the "evil empire" I still remember being very obsessive with getting as many APs away from the SRA when the game starts as this issue will come up.

I know Tracker is very helpful for economics, but I tend to have lots of paperwork tracking things as I have multiple PBEMs going on and I get confused from one game to another of why a particular TF is going there. [8|]

I did this at Wake but on the first day of the invasion troops unloaded at night but not the day. There were a few mines but not many. There was no air attack or surface attack. The only thing I can think is the destroyers refueled and uses up ops points.

We are a 11 January 1944. The BB based SCTF from Midway will hit Wake this turn. A shock attack is ordered. I think the combat troops are spent for the Japanese. All air attacks have been aimed at the BF's the last few turns which tells me the combat units must not be looking very tasty.

I am moving the 41st ID and a RCT down from Seattle to SF. Once there their HQ will be changed to SEAC.

My CV forces are being split. Enterprise, Intrepid, and Lexington II will depart PH as soon as Lex makes it there from SF. They are heading to Darwin. That will be 252 F6F, 102 SB2C, and 108 TBF. They will be accompanied by 6 CVL and the slower fast BB's (Massachusetts, Indiana, etc). Yorktown, the two Essex CV's and 3 CVLs off Wake will remain in CENTPAC. They will be joined by Bunker Hill which is at SF at SYST 9. That will be 222 F6F, 136 SB2C, and 138 TBF. This group will be accompanied by BB New Jersey and BB Iowa which are in bound from Panama. As soon as this group returns from Wake, the troops will start loading for Marcus. I want Larry to be worried about CENTPAC while the force in SWPAC grows.

12 January 1943

The attack at Wake came off at 3 to 1. Just missed 4 to 1 but forts are reduced to one. I am turning the SCTF around and sending them back in next turn. The BB's will be short of ammo but I set the escorts to bombard as the CD did not fire a shot last time in. I figure Larry's troops have got to be about shot. My highest unit is only at 32 disruption so I will bombard for a day and Shock Attack again. There are 27 k troops about to meet their demise. If I were the Japanese player I think I would have pulled most everything out before now. Having Wake well fortified in 1942 and even 1943 makes sense. Now it is just an isolate outpost. I only took it to clear my SLOC.

Also, the bases in the Marshalls are now all very light pink. I doubt we will see Miss Betty flying out of there again. I am keeping the pressure on these AB almost constantly now. No pressure right now as some of my 4E groups just upgraded to B-24J.

I am moving the 19th Canadian BGD to Dili by air. The 20th will follow. Per our HR, I was allowed to move Canadian troops to Oz when Larry invaded. These units were not involved in the Oz campaign but they are nice light units to use for occupation duty. A barge TF delivered about 2 K supplies to Dili this turn so supplies are now ok. I have three small Aussie Airfield units at Darwin that have no vehicles but about 20 ENG. They will be lifted in soon. Dili has an AB SPS of 2 as does Maumere just three hexes NW. These are the initial goals for SWPAC.

Larry is no longer flying CAP over his bases in SEAC region. My sweeps decimate anything he puts up. When I recon a base and see CAP flying the P-38's come the next day. Using my 4E to hit these bases

13 January 1943

This is what happens when you don't CAP your bases. Airbase is now at 51 damage and 41 bombers destroyed on ground. Looking for more targets

Another Shock Attack is ordered at Wake. This should end it

I would think about doing some Fast Transports in the SRA a la Nemo. [;)]

Vettim, isn't it January '44 in your game (your posts keep referring to 1/43)?

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Vettim, isn't it January '44 in your game (your posts keep referring to 1/43)?

Yes it is - force of habit. Besides 1943 was so good to me I don't waant to let go

I hear you - it's still 2008 in my office.
 
You're doing very well.  I don't think that you replied to my last post and I'm still curious - are you going to hit Saipan and vicinity next (they seem to be the next targets if you proceed methodically), or leapfrog and head for someplace like Luzon, Formosa, Okinawa, or Iwo Jima?

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I hear you - it's still 2008 in my office.

You're doing very well.  I don't think that you replied to my last post and I'm still curious - are you going to hit Saipan and vicinity next (they seem to be the next targets if you proceed methodically), or leapfrog and head for someplace like Luzon, Formosa, Okinawa, or Iwo Jima?

Marcus, Pagan, Saipain, Tinan, and Guam in that order. Guam is a +/- proposition although that big port would be nice. Then Iwo and Okinawa. I have no interest in the PI. In my opinion the retaking of them was more politically motivated in RL than Strategic. In fact King and Nimitz wanted to go to Formosa but Mac and Marshall swayed the vote to PI.

On a side note, I discovered all these bases that can be built to size 7 or more: Broome, Wyndam, Derby, and Katherine. All these are in NE Oz but the Silver Bees can wreak a lot of havoc on the Oil industry from there. Between these bases and Ranggon I can hit every Oil facility in the SRA. I am about to become the Oil Nazi - NO OIL FOR YOU!!

I took the PI in my first game and have totally ignored it in my second game; there are a vast number of ways to win the game, but I will say that the PI are attractive for several reasons - lots of bases means defenses will be diluted or scattered, no atolls, and the ability to pick and choose those targets that best suit you long term.  Take Luzon or the northern part, at least, and you have big bases that help you when you head to Formosa and also make it much harder for the Japs to send stuff to and from the DEI. 

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I took the PI in my first game and have totally ignored it in my second game; there are a vast number of ways to win the game, but I will say that the PI are attractive for several reasons - lots of bases means defenses will be diluted or scattered, no atolls, and the ability to pick and choose those targets that best suit you long term.  Take Luzon or the northern part, at least, and you have big bases that help you when you head to Formosa and also make it much harder for the Japs to send stuff to and from the DEI. 

If I were to accomplish the goals listed above, then Luzon would be my next likely target. That said, most of the units used historically in the PI are now either in the SRA or tabbed to move there. Keep in mind that for the forseable future, the CENTPAC will be the secondary front.

Oh, BTW, Wake fell into Allied hands this turn and four of the eight Japanese units there immediately turned to dust. I am moving engineers and support up along with a RCT to take the place of the ID's. they will move back to PH for R&R. Once that is done, CENTPAC will head for Marcus.

I loaded 350 k of Fuel from Townsville (draining the base) and its heading to Darwin. Don't worry more will arrive in less than a week than I took. This is the last piece of the puzzle as far as logistics go. Just need units now

15 January 1944

The Japanese troops at Wake tried a Banzai Deliberate Attack that caused no Allied Casualties. Then three out of the four remaining units went POOF! Just a BF left there. Shock attack ordered. LBA out of China sunk a DD yesterday and hit an AK in the South CHina Sea today. One thing I have not mentioned is Sian. The forts fell to 0 today. Base will likely fall into Japnese hands within a few days. My only question is: what will this 150 K pile of IJA units do next? Will they continue pushing up north? Will they turn south to try to break the stalemate around Changsha? or will they be loaded up and moved to bases in the Pacific? That is the question.

I got a LSV today. That is an aircraft ferry. Any idea how I use it?

LSV = Landing Ship Vehicle.
Has a cargo capacity of 1000 / 1500 ????

Used for transporting LVTs and DUKWs to the landing beaches - you can use it to transport any LCU as part of an Amph TF

ORIGINAL: FOW

LSV = Landing Ship Vehicle.
Has a cargo capacity of 1000 / 1500 ????

Used for transporting LVTs and DUKWs to the landing beaches - you can use it to transport any LCU as part of an Amph TF

Ah, you are right. ASV is an aircraft ferry. Capacity is 1800. Will transport the Amph ARM BTN at SF nicely.

16 Janueary 1942

All Enemy resistance is gone at Wake Island. The Support troops are headed in. Base is 100/100/42. Constant SCTF turn the island into a pile of rubble. Three Carrier TF with 3 CV, 6 CVL, 3 BB, and 24 DD departed PH for Townsville.

The TF with the inital load of support troops has entered the Gulf of Carpentaria. Just a few more days before the SWPAC will swing into action

16 Janueary 1942

I hear the theme song of the "Twilight Zone" playing in the background.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

16 Janueary 1942

I hear the theme song of the "Twilight Zone" playing in the background.

or the author is chronologically challenged

17 January 1944 (I got it right!)

Slow turns as units move into position. Highlights

* I have been tracking a TF for about three days in the SCS (South China Sea) that keeps saying "CV" on cursor intel. There are three USN fleet boats in its path right now

* LBA out of Hengchow and Rangoon roughed up some convoys off Saigon and Hong Kong

* Two SS are hit by LBA off the Marianas. I will likely lose Tambor. If so this is the second sub lost to LBA this month. The second one, Pompanito, should make port.

* TF's are moving back and forth to Wake. Some picking up and some dropping off. Will take about ten days I suspect

* First convoy of support troops is 3-4 days out of Darwin. I including a screenie. I sware I did not do this on purpose. Look how colorful this TF is!

You need to put black and blue in their own TF and get a commander named white (or another color). [:D]