Matrix Games Forums

Here is something I still haven't understood, even after consulting the manual:

When I redeploy various AA units—for example, moving them from one city to an urban combat zone (OHK) or to another city—the number of Action Points (APs) deducted varies; sometimes it's more, sometimes less, and sometimes none at all.
I just keep noticing that, all of a sudden, a large number of APs are missing.
Is there no way to send AA units from other cities to frontline cities without losing APs?

Could someone please explain the details of this?
That would be great.
Many thanks in advance.

IIRC, no. If you detach AA units from cities, you pay in AP. I believe it was 1 or 2 AP for a battalion and more for a regiment. It's just me but I detach AA from cities only if I am swimming in APs, I don't really care too much about microing AA battalions when playing as the Soviets.

Section 9.2 of the rules has a chart of costs. The chart references section 16.8 for some general info, but the chart says it all (basically moving from city to city costs 1 AP, except marine/naval, but taking AA out of cities can cost much more).

• Transfer AA Battalion from City to High
  Command HQ 3 16.8

• Transfer AA Regiment from City to High
  Command HQ 10 16.8

• Transfer Marine or Naval Battalion from City to
  High Command HQ 3 16.8

• Transfer Marine or Naval Brigade from City to
  High Command HQ 10 16.8

• Transfer any flak unit from a city to a city 1 16.8

• Transfer Marine or Naval AA to a non-port
  location 2 16.8

• Transfer LW or PVO AA Battalion from City to
  High Command HQ 15 16.8

• Transfer LW or PVO AA Regiment or Brigade from
  City to High Command HQ 50 16.8

vielen dank.

Note that (as the Soviets) you start the game with like 4 AA Brigades in the major cities in the west. Under certain circumstances they do not get destroyed. I guess it is about them being isolated before city capture but can't say for sure.
So if you are sure (and if my assumption is correct) that a SU will not get isolated before you lose the city you can save the AP for that SU (you will have plenty of AA guns in the long run).
...it may also be relate to whether a combat takes place in the city....
...or it is random ...maybe some1 knows more.

see 21.5.3 chances depend on motorization type and viable escape route