umm, should I be worried?

[USSLockwood]

Hi all:
In my game vs. the Japanese AI, I have received the following sigint:

56th Brigade planning to attack Kupang
Sasebo 1st SNLF planning to attack Kupang
48th Division planning to attack Kupang
16th Army planning to attack Kupang
8th Tank Regiment planning to attack Kupang

This sigint has been gathered over the period 5/22/42 -06/01/42, collated by the wonderful WITP utility (if you don't have it, get it!).
Here's my question: Is it possible that the AI is gaming me? By that I mean, could the AI pick arbitrary targets to plan for, in order to force my units to scramble over half the Pacific? I've also received sigint indicating attacks on Wake Island and Buna. Also, if this force does attack, is it stoppable? I have Hornet and Lexington on the way and strong ABDA air units in the area.

Thanks,
Dave
San Diego

[Bodhi]

Well, I don't know how the rest of your game has gone to date. Also I wouldn't want to give any spoilers that may detract from your enjoyment (the AI seems generally the same from game to game), so all I will say is: be careful around there. I've seen the AI come with some weak invasions and some with unexpected force. I'm always wary about committing anything unless I have a good idea of the location and status of KB.

[Arkan]

Here's my question: Is it possible that the AI is gaming me? By that I mean, could the AI pick arbitrary targets to plan for, in order to force my units to scramble over half the Pacific?

I highly doubt that the AI uses distraction tactics. Perhaps the AI won't attack because it realizes that it hasn't got the necessary naval or aerial assets, but I think at least the LCUs really want to attack if they prepare for a target.

Also, if this force does attack, is it stoppable? I have Hornet and Lexington on the way and strong ABDA air units in the area.

Depends. If the Jap sends KB along there's probably not much you can do. But knowing the AI chances are it sends its first wave of transports in unguarded and you'll be able to create some new coral reefs.

[USSLockwood]

ouch, I should have listened to you. I indulged in a bit of transport hunting with Lexington and Hornet. After two days of blasting Japanese shipping KB showed up. I saw one CV group coming in from the Northeast and closed with them. They were moving past Ambonia, so I thought I could hit them in coastal hexes. Unfortunately, the picked the only full sea hex in the island chain to conduct operations from. A second CV group magically appeared to the southeast of my carriers (between my cv's and Darwin!!!). I didn't get a single strike off. Lexington and Hornet are still afloat, but burning, and I'm trying to get them to the southwest as rapidly as possible. Yech.

[Bodhi]

Well I did try to give you a coded warning. [:D]

KB seems to be splitting it's time anywhere around Java island and supporting the assault on the Phillipines, so naturally I'm having fun and success around Rabaul/Buin/Shortland, having secured Lunga and PM (I hope!).

[USSLockwood]

BTW Bodhi, I wanted to thank you for the WITP utility. It has really enhanced the game experience for me.

[Bodhi]

Happy that you find it useful. I'm working on extensions to it, but it's going slowly as I spend too much time playing WitP. [:D]