Support Unit Assignment

[heliodorus04]

NOTE this question is in 2 posts to allow for 2 screenshots.

Now that I have more of the basics down, I'm starting to play with direct assignment of support units. Before I let the AI handle it.

(BTW, when you start a multi-player game, be sure to check whether the creator of the game Locked support units!)

I'm playing a Typhoon scenario as Axis, Turn 1.
I'm having a problem.

I want to assign support units to 18 Panzer Division, which is part of XXXXVII Panzer Corps.

Well, when I look at the HQ, it has the following list of Support Units:

[heliodorus04]

But when I go to Assign for 18 Panzer, this is all that's shown as available:




Why can't I assign the artillery?

[matt3916]

"German Divisions and Soviet Corps can directly attach up to three support units while numbered German regimental and
Soviet Tank and Mech Corps brigade break down units (i.e. 3/129 regiment) can attach one
support unit, but they cannot attach construction, labor, artillery, mortar, and rocket support
units, or support units with the designations LW or PVO." (bolding added)

7.5.2, Page 136 in the EBook

[Ametysth]

Artillery support units can't be attached directly to operational units.

[cookie monster]

ORIGINAL: heliodorus04

Why can't I assign the artillery?

Cos its not allowed.

See this thread

tm.asp?m=2672103

[Mynok]

Do assign Pioneers though. I'm having great success with them attached to panzer divs.

[Q-Ball]

I have tried not to use Panzer Divisions to attack things if possible, though that's not always possible....but for that reason, I tend to put Pioneer units with lead Infantry Divisions. I pick high-morale, high-CV infantry units, put a Pioneer unit, and use them as "Sturm Divisions" to blast holes in the line for the Panzers. Not sure if that is the best doctrine or not.[&:]

I give every Mot Inf. Div. a STUG Bn

I load-up the SS Units with everything; those support units then become "Elite". The ea. have a Pioneer and STUG, at least.

I may use more Pioneers with Panzers, though, because they do end up attacking. I am just loathe to use them in assaults though.

Not sure best use for the JagdPanzers, though; the 1941 Jgpz units seem mostly defensive, with crappy PzJg I. Not sure best use in 1942, when they start to fill-out with Marders. Anyone?

And, what does everyone do with the SP Flak Units? The Flak with 88s I deploy one to a corps as mainly anti-tank support, but what about the SP Flak? (which is a mix of smaller flak types, not for anti-tank support)?

I worry they will get chewed up in combat attached to a Panzer unit, for example

[heliodorus04]

Well let me ask a follow-on question, unrelated to the arty issue (which I hate: if I can have control over where airbases go, why can't I have control of where the heavy arty fights?  And if it's "unbalancing" then make it a trade-off via the admin point system, because that's how an operational game should work, no?: sorry, I digress).

How can you use your Corps/Army HQs (as Axis) better?

And in my particular game, since I'm playing Typhoon, only one panzer group can move on Turn 1, so I can't do anything else with any other units.  But I do appreciate the guidance.

[Zebedee]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball
Not sure best use for the JagdPanzers, though; the 1941 Jgpz units seem mostly defensive, with crappy PzJg I. Not sure best use in 1942, when they start to fill-out with Marders. Anyone?

I try to make sure that anything I'm using to support the 'allies' is fairly healthily supplied so most ends up in AGS initially. The lighter ToE German divisions also benefit from beefing up with additional AT stuff (eg Mountain Divisions). Doctrine historically was to use them to protect flanks of spearhead units so considering playing about with that on one of the later start date campaigns where Soviet armour is more of a problem.

And, what does everyone do with the SP Flak Units? The Flak with 88s I deploy one to a corps as mainly anti-tank support, but what about the SP Flak? (which is a mix of smaller flak types, not for anti-tank support)?

I worry they will get chewed up in combat attached to a Panzer unit, for example

I attach them to Panzer Corps and Army HQs - that way they seem to get pulled out solely if the Soviet airforce is busy in a particular engagement. Not yet noticed abnormal losses from being pulled into line for ground combat.

Agree with the suggestion to make sure you have your pioneers at the tip of the spear - makes life a lot easier when you are forced to clear out a particular position.