Matrix Games Forums

If I understand well, the main benefit of the A0 unit and tent HQ is to rally troops in a 5 hex range.

Now here are some thoughts:

- If I placed my A0 unit in the backyard, I don't buy a tent HQ. I try to place my A0 unit amongst the onboard artillery (& AA) in case it is bombarded, so they will rally more easily. And if possible I place then within 5 hex of the retreat hex, so that if a squad is roured or retreating far away from it's own #0 unit, as it flees toward the RT hex, there is a chance I rally it before it leaves the map.

- If I want my artillery to be elsewhere than the backyard (if they are interesting hill positions for example), and if I want to put my A0 unit more near the front line (to act as a FO, for example). I buy an HQ tent and use it near the RT hex as described above.

Any other use ?

Cat Lord

I've learned the hard way that if you're playing with C&C on, you really want the A0, B0 or both at the front with the troops. :p When the sh*t hits the fan, I want my units to keep their heads together, and that's where the command units come to play. I usually keep them ~5 hexes behind the front line. If my "main" unit is a company, which it usually is, I place the A0 close to the center of the company platoon formation. The B0 goes with the units I expect to take the brunt of the first fighting.

If I need boost for my onboards, I'd much rather by a command post for that purpose. The mobility of the A0 is too precious to waste on having them drink tea with the arty boys.

That's just me, ofcourse.

I remember reading that the HQ tent provides everyone all over the map with some small amount of rally benefit so you don't have to have it near your troops. I usually hide it in the backyard somewhere out of harm's way when I play a high point value battle.

Onboard arty can draw counterbattery fire and Partisans from some opponents so it is not healthy for the A0 to be too close to them. It is helpful however to have your A0 and an FO within LOS of your arty because they are more likely to be "in contact" that way.

As for the retreat hex, I've never had a unit exit the map in retreat so trying to rally them with your A0 as they scoot by is of dubious value IMHO.

Disclaimer: None of my suggestions are warranted as correct when C&C is ON.

Although there's some benefit to placing the A0 near the front lines, I tend to keep him back near artillery resources.

IMHO the A0 is a lot more useful keeping my on-board artillery in contact than trying to figure out which line units are going to benefit from his presence.

The HQ tent (command post, etc.) does provide a substantial improvement in Rally for ALL your units on the map. I've never noticed that units near (w/i 5 hexes) the HQ tent gain any additional benefit.

With the secondary nations, and HQ tent is a 'must have' for me. When playing the Americans (notoriously good at Rallying), it becomes nearly impossible for the enemy to keep my troops supressed if I've got that HQ tent.