Planning the US

[AndreasI]

To start with I'd like to say that this is not necessarily just a US issue for me, more of an "passive playing" issue. Depending on game progress other powers (for example Italy and USSR) may very well see a bit of a passive phase although generally to a lesser extent than the US.

Anyway, my question is how far ahead do you plan the US? How detailed are your plans? Do you decide on a general strategy and then plan your builds and positioning from that or do you build general stuff and decide what to do with it later? I find myself having sort of a hard time keeping focus on what to build and when I want it to be ready for battle. This also includes communication with other potential allied players on what I will need from them (empty ports for example)?


So to sum up, what are your general views on how to handle the US during the "passive" phase of the game?

[Centuur]

You have to take into account the time needed to get the units you need on the map. This means that usually one starts building up CV's, BB's and naval transports during the first 1,5 years of the game. When 1941 arrives, I scrap a whole lot of junk CVP's (not the 0 costs ones) and start building all CV's with pilots, CVP's, planes, PARA's, MAR, ARM, HQ-ARM in addition to any naval transports. End of 1941 I tend to slowly go towards the GAR, INF.

The only exception is that one should build the TERR and some INF or GAR for garrison duty in Pago Pago and Honolulu...

Strategy? That depends on how the Axis are doing. Somewhere in 1941 the decision should be made if you want to go for a Japan first or Germany first.

[paulderynck]

Concur.

[Courtenay]

For the US, at the start of the war I plan to about M/A 42, assuming somewhat below average US entry levels. The point is to manage gearing limits, so that all five Essex class hit the map S/O 42. (See the annual with the US production strategy in it.) After US entry, I usually plan about a year ahead. The US has to be careful with gearing limits; it is very bad to let plane or pilot production drop in one turn, because it will take many turns to get it back to where it should be. (Why yes, I have made this mistake myself....)

[Centuur]

I tend not to start all Essex CV's in one turn, but rather start them two turns in a row. The S/O and N/D 1942 are short turns, so it doesn't matter if a couple of them arrive in N/D. That's a little easier going where gearing limits are concerned.

[brian brian]

In 1939 I scrap all the US ground units that I can, but after that I don't. I build all of their infantry class units and a few other things (1940 FTR2 w/good range) to ensure Pearl Harbor can be held, even if it becomes apparent that the Allies have pressing needs elsewhere. Emptying the 1940 INF pool will get the 2 elite INF to Pearl on time in mid 1941. If the Axis is quite successful, it can be important for the US to put units right in the path of the Axis as soon as possible. Cheap, defensive units - non-motorised infantry, and FTR2, and lots of them. And lift, and Convoy Points, Convoy Points. An Expeditionary Force to Russia it self and a strong CP line to Murmansk, Archangel, and Persia might save the Russians from going under, The glorious mass of Essex class CVs and Iowa class BBs will not.

[jboldt007]

Great analysis! Good stuff...