How many HQ does the Axis need to have a Middle East adventure?

[juntoalmar]

In the solitary game I’m playing, Italy has finally conquered Egypt. Without resistance (England is quite busy at the Channel) the Axis could try a Middle East adventure to support the german troops in Russia. But I’m calculating the resources needed to try, and it just seems not worthy.

I have calculated a couple of HQs to make a supply chain through Syria and Iraq (two instead of one to have supply during rain impulses too), and another one to connect the railroads from Iraq to Tabriz. And then… you still would need another HQ to move with the troops north through Azerbaijan and Armenia. Total 4 HQ…

I know that some of you must have tried it. Can you share your experience on this?

Thanks

[paulderynck]

You can align Iraq if you get 4 Italian corps into an adjacent country - likely Syria.

If the CW took Iraq already then if you have Egypt, you may be able to get Aden, If you have Aden you may be able to get a supply chain through to Basra, A supply unit with your HQ could allow you a set of attacks that opens a route for supply that way.

[juntoalmar]

Thanks. I missed that from the rules. There's a lot of stuff in the rule book that I ignore until the moment you need it (if you remember to check it back).

Aligning Iraq will definitely make it easier.

[Shannon V. OKeets]

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

Thanks. I missed that from the rules. There's a lot of stuff in the rule book that I ignore until the moment you need it (if you remember to check it back).

Aligning Iraq will definitely make it easier.

Even after aligning Iraq, you will most likely need HQs to trace overland supply back to a primary supply source. Of course, if you can get overseas supply to Basra, then you won't need overland supply paths.

[Viktor_Kormel_slith]

If you want assure your supply chain by land , you need at least 3 HQS , and 4 for bad weather impulses. It is a nightmare! You can see some pictures in my AAR located in
tm.asp?m=3775864

[juntoalmar]

Thanks Viktor. It really looks painful. Wouldn't be (a bit) easier to do it through Damascus and take profit of those two non-desert hex? Or it doesn't make any difference?

[Viktor_Kormel_slith]

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

Thanks Viktor. It really looks painful. Wouldn't be (a bit) easier to do it through Damascus and take profit of those two non-desert hex? Or it doesn't make any difference?

Yes it is easier if you control Syria but in my Game I didn´t want to collapse a very strong Vichy. The best strategy is invading Arabia, taking Aden and rule the seas with heavy air comitments (if you have some luck to do it). Another way is aligning Turkey, then you can beat USSR and get your supply chain in Middle Orient very easily.
But it´s not usual that a good russian player lets you get into Caucasus- Turkey frontier.[;)]

[tom730_slith]

Before you get discouraged about the commitment of HQ's to have a Middle East adventure, consider the number of OIL RESOURCES that that are at the end of that rainbow!!!
Also, if you get all the way to Persia, consider bringing in at least 4 German Corps units so they can head north and invade the Caucasus during Barbarossa AND once all 4 are in Russia and adjacent to Turkey you have the added bonus of a new ally! Sure, they're slow and not very powerful, but you get so much more than just more soldiers - you gain a great advantage in a brand new "front" - plus - quick access to the oil fields of the Caucasus -plus- naval access to the Black Sea -plus- factories and resources happy to build up for their Nazi masters -plus-direct rail/supply access to the Middle East via "Turkish Rail" -plus- one of the Turkish units you gain is a HQ's unit!

Consider going for ALL of it!