Two-Levels Down : Scenarios and Micro

[Malevolence]

I know a lot of wargamers like to micro every unit possible in order to overcome perceived AI deficiencies, but I also think many wargamers like micro-command and control a lot too.

TLDR: This is obviously my preference, but I think scenarios should refrain from task orgs that go below two levels down from the player's overall command perspective.

In other words, if the player's perspective is akin to a brigade commander (control of multiple BN/TFs), then a floor should be established to limit the player's view and control to maneuver companies/teams. The player should not view/micro armor and mechanized platoons, sections and squads.

Given the same example, this doesn't preclude all platoons. It depends on the task org. If a BN/TF employs a scout platoon, then that element would be viewable and controllable because it does not go below two levels down from the player's viewpoint. The BN/TF's scout platoon is two-levels down.

If the scenario's task org includes an old div cav squadron (e.g., 1-4 CAV) with other BN/TFs, the same applies. The scenario's employment (it's granularity) should only include cav troops.

As background, ground cav troops conducted their missions integrated with their air troops (the scout-weapon teams--historically called pink teams--this was before the OH-58D(I) Warriors arrived in early 90s). In this example, SWT's are more than two-levels down from our player---when acting from the perspective of multiple BN/TFs at the root.

Besides reducing clicking, I think it gives the player a much better perspective of a commander's awareness and control--and their concerns and frustrations.

A real brigade commander (and their staff) might want to control every platoon and squad (hint: they don't), but they cannot. The limitations and constraints of time (tempo) do not allow it. That is an important aspect of the fog and chaos of war. Commanders have much less control and awareness (bandwidth) than might be optimal for perfect execution.

A scenario that violates the two-level down principle may be providing fan service, but I think it also denies the player an important and relevant experience.

[CapnDarwin]

We are basically at a 2-level-down setup for the game. We have the Soviets basically in companies to reflect their doctrine, and the US is more fluid at platoons. If you want to keep NATO as companies, you can order the company formation with a formation order and also set SOPs by selected companies. We allow the NATO player to have that extra control over the platoon and sections. We also have sections for Recon and other elements that perform their jobs in small units.