Support Units

[Hoggers]

I'm still trying to learn the ropes with this great game, one of the features that I'm still wrestling with is Support Units. I get how they work mechanically, I think the execution of how they work in the game is actually fairly elegant, I'm just struggling with how to utilise them properly.

From a cursory look around forums an online tutorials there doesn't seem to be a "meta" for their use which is good. My understanding is that perhaps one of the most effective ways to use them is to manually attach them to Corp HQ's on the basis that the general will commit them to each division under its control as and when required.

I guess my question is what sort of strategies/doctrines do people use for their own support units? Should you try to attach multiple of each type to a HQ? I assume you don't really want to attach non mechanised/motorised support units to panzer corps/armies or do foot support units not slow mechanised divisions down? Is it worth attaching mechanised tank destroyer units to infantry armies or is best to concentrate them in mechanised forces?

Any guidance or just examples how you play it would be greatly appreciated.

[malyhin1517]

I try to use automatic movement of support units and control the support level of headquarters to redistribute support between headquarters. Usually, at the beginning of the game, I put all headquarters on support level 1, and then, if necessary, I increase the support level of lower-level headquarters.

[Jango32]

There is no difference if you attach a non-motorized support unit or a motorized support unit to a corps HQ for Axis and army HQ for Soviets - if the initiative rolls pass it will be committed to combat. What does make a difference is if you directly attach SUs. Non-motorized SUs directly attached to motorized combat units will become motorized (i.e. demand more trucks) but I think they have to stay directly attached during your next logistics phase.

You can teleport SUs around freely depending on the HQ's range. So for example if you want to move an SU from a corps to another corps, and that other corps is 20 hexes away, it won't be in range. But you can assign it to OKH. OKH can assign SUs to any HQ on the map. With this in mind it's useful as Soviets on turn 1 to move all eligible SUs to STAVKA and on turn 2 assign them as needed.

It is also useful to keep OKH and STAVKA on an NSS hex so you can refit on-map understrength/depleted SUs teleported to them, so next turn they can be reassigned 999 hexes away at a moment's notice at full strength. For the Axis the best SUs are the convertible combat units (Grossdeutschland, Lehr, 1st RFSS, 2nd RFSS) and flak regiments/heavy flak battalions. Attach these directly to your Panzer/motorized infantry divisions especially at the end of the turn in a PvP situation to beef them up on the defense and prevent whacking. For the Soviets, take for example directly attaching rifle brigades on top of the rifle/cavalry corps. It will give you serious punching power.

[Hoggers]

Thanks both for the replies.

I guess a combination of automation like Malyhin describes paired with manually moving some value combat SU's around as Jango mentioned might be the way to go then. Less Micro does appeal to me!! Is there an inherent advantage to manually assigning all SU's or is this overkill?

Jango, in respect of your comment about SU's essentially warping from HQ to HQ (appreciate this relies on them being in command range) does this drain their preparedness (think its called PP)? Even if it does I guess being able to move them around the map so quickly might mean the pros outweigh the cons?

[Jango32]

Yes, every SU assignment costs 50% CPP. The only inherent advantage is that you are in full control of what SU is in which HQ/division. And yes, I'd say the possibility of moving them around at free will makes up for it. If you assign them to something that is part of an assault army/front then they get the CPP benefits starting with the next turn. So if you assign them on turn 45 from a non-assault army/front to an HQ/division that is part of an assault army/front, and assuming that HQ/division will have 200 SMPs and fulfill the assault army/front bonus criteria, it will get 50 CPP during the friendly logistics phase of turn 47.