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When working "blind" as the human commander, with few enemy units identified compared to the human-controlled strength at the front for the level of intelligence selected, the human's goal should be to "fix" the enemy positions opposite the human positions before issuing attack or defend orders to non-engaged friendly forces.

Units / forces best capable of "fixing the enemy" are those which are highly mobile (ideally dedicated recon forces) and, thus, using mobility to extricate themselves from potential enemy force opposition.

The "probe" order, with appropriate levels of aggressiveness, ammo consumption allocation, and rate of fire to control mobile forces, is the best for "fixing" the enemy opposition, particularly if the route probed is an "ideal" line of advance for remaining high strength follow on forces.

Keep in mind, while "fixing" opposition, the intent isn't to destroy enemy forces, but to identify the instance of opposition along an (advance or defense) route, while providing some insight to the enemy's strength.

"Fixing" opposition is necessary before aggressively pushing ahead with the probing unit(s), ordering heavier allocations of friendly forces to advance, or creating strong defense position(s) to protect critical objectives to the friendly force's rear.

Jim, nice description of using recon forces. I found myself doing this, without really expecting to, during an AAR where I was defending as the Americans.

Among my scattered forces were a number of platoons of Stuart tanks and motorized engineers. Trying to think of a use for them, I decided to place them at crossroads and important junctions on the road network, to act as scouts for my back line. They turned out to be incredibly useful, as they regularly spotted enemy advances around my flanks that I had not forseen with my main defensive line. I was pretty familiar with using recon forces when assaulting, so it was nice to find they can be equally useful when defending.

ORIGINAL: Winstons

Jim, nice description of using recon forces. I found myself doing this, without really expecting to, during an AAR where I was defending as the Americans.

Among my scattered forces were a number of platoons of Stuart tanks and motorized engineers. Trying to think of a use for them, I decided to place them at crossroads and important junctions on the road network, to act as scouts for my back line. They turned out to be incredibly useful, as they regularly spotted enemy advances around my flanks that I had not forseen with my main defensive line. I was pretty familiar with using recon forces when assaulting, so it was nice to find they can be equally useful when defending.

Interesting using Stuarts to do what JEB Stuart did in Lee's behalf during the Civil War.

One theory on the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg was that Stuart's attempt to circle his cavalry around the Army of the Potomac denied Lee the "eyes" Lee needed to "fix" the union opposition before assembling a "defeat in detail" plan for his opponent.

Jim,

This is one of my weaknesses. I know that I should be fixing the enemy, but I seem to never take the time to make it work. I like your suggestions and will try them out in my next game.

Have a good day,

Mike