Matrix Games Forums

1. Do base units actually lose trucks, supplies and men when supply columns take losses?
2. If so, shouldn't there be a way to prevent them from trying to supply units which are obviously cut off (not that I plan on getting my units cut off (again), but hey...)?

1)  Yes
 
2) As I understand it, the base unit executes code that assesses the probability of taking losses - if a column got hammered once it's much less likely to try again until the situation changes.

Regarding point 2 and from my understanding, the supply base will not attempt to supply units that are cut off, and will abort a supply column to a unit if the column is getting too much threatened by the enemy on its way to the unit (even if this unit is not entirely cut off and could be supplied in theory).

These missed rounds of deliveries show as "aborted" on the Depot tab of the supply base. By doing so, the base protects as much as possible its trucks and transport capacity from getting too many losses on routes that represent a too important danger.

Ok... thanks. I just seem to be getting a lot of those "100% of supply convoy destroyed" messages...

Make sure you control vital roads. Maybe try detaching units you don't need at the front lines (engineers, mortar crews, motorcycle (KRad) units, for example) and deploy 'em in a chain, to secure your paths, plus - you'll get decent intel about enemey units passing/attacking the area.
In turn, fast units are great tools for the task to cut off enemy supply lines. KRad units can probe/spy behind enemy lines easily, for example, plus they're useful for driving off arty or supply bases.

Btw, I had a unit cut off, but when I managed to repatriate the unit into friendly territory, the supply base still did not send supplies for like another 24 or 48 hrs (don't recall exact time). Dunno if that's a bug. It felt like the unit ended up on an imaginary "black list", collecting units who caused heavy losses among supply trucks. Dunno.

I have a question. If a friendly supply convoy is harassed or destroyed, do we get a sight report (the icon of the enemy unit doing it)?
 
 

The supply element of this game excites me, but I still have probs understanding it. the depot tab appears to be there for your info only, it appears to be very little you can do to manipulate the circumstances. I guess what I am saying is, if you ignore it, its not going to affect any actions you decide to take, or am I missing something? One other thing I was fiddling with a scenario last night when all units were in supply except the front line ones, it appeared that I had control of the roads, but still had red supply boxes. I sent another unit forward to link the supply chain to no avail the unit sent forward was in supply, and there was only a short distnce between the 2 units, but the forward remained out of supply.

ORIGINAL: BASB

The supply element of this game excites me, but I still have probs understanding it. the depot tab appears to be there for your info only, it appears to be very little you can do to manipulate the circumstances. I guess what I am saying is, if you ignore it, its not going to affect any actions you decide to take, or am I missing something? One other thing I was fiddling with a scenario last night when all units were in supply except the front line ones, it appeared that I had control of the roads, but still had red supply boxes. I sent another unit forward to link the supply chain to no avail the unit sent forward was in supply, and there was only a short distnce between the 2 units, but the forward remained out of supply.

This happened to me too in the maleme 9 day scenario.

There is an FJ Pioneer unit that runs out of ammo in a day or so and I play heck trying to get it resupplied. I even had them sitting next to their 3rd FJ base supply unit and it took 5 days before they got any supplies.

Other units seem to get supply quite easily though.

ORIGINAL: Chelco

I have a question. If a friendly supply convoy is harassed or destroyed, do we get a sight report (the icon of the enemy unit doing it)?

No, interdiction of your supply lines does not lift the FOW; only your units having contact with the enemy does that.

Of course, if your supply lines are cut, then it seems logical that the enemy is sitting along the path somewhere with some strength.

Of course, remember that supply line checks are not made continuously; only at certain points in time. So, could just have been unlucky and the enemy was passing by when the check was made.

ORIGINAL: BASB

The supply element of this game excites me, but I still have probs understanding it. the depot tab appears to be there for your info only, it appears to be very little you can do to manipulate the circumstances. I guess what I am saying is, if you ignore it, its not going to affect any actions you decide to take, or am I missing something? One other thing I was fiddling with a scenario last night when all units were in supply except the front line ones, it appeared that I had control of the roads, but still had red supply boxes. I sent another unit forward to link the supply chain to no avail the unit sent forward was in supply, and there was only a short distnce between the 2 units, but the forward remained out of supply.

Correct, with COTA there is nothing you can manipulate about the supply system.

As I pointed out in my tips, the supply line display mode (the connection red/green lines) and the supply unit info box is >>> NOT <<< realtime information. Thus, IMHO, it has limited utility.

However, the supply messages such as "arrived" or "interdicted" are realtime. Thus, they are your best indication of what the precise situation is.

BTW front line units may not be able to be resupplied in daylight due to nearby enemy firepower preventing the delivery. They should get through at night though.

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

BTW front line units may not be able to be resupplied in daylight due to nearby enemy firepower preventing the delivery. They should get through at night though.

Ah ha, that may well answer my query, thanks.

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

BTW front line units may not be able to be resupplied in daylight due to nearby enemy firepower preventing the delivery. They should get through at night though.

Is there code to tell the supplies depot not to try supplying frontline units in daylight?

When supplies is sent to the depot, does that include replacement supply trucks.. can the depot run out of supply trucks?

Mucho apologies if these questions are answered in the manual.. hopefully getting it printed today, so should be able to give it a good read [:)]

btw, my quote for getting all 6 pdf's printed (b&w) and thermally bound is about £45.&nbsp; That's £31 for the 530 odd pages and another £14 to thermally bind the 6 docs.&nbsp; To print only the 207 page reference manual would be £13 with £3 to bind it.

Bearing in mind CotA is a bit special - I'm going to get the lot done for £45.&nbsp; Apparently they can do it A4 or A5, infact the lady seemed to be saying doing it A5 would be cheaper - so I might go that route to make them more manageable.

Just for info in case anyone else from UK is thinking of doing the same.

Good idea re resupply of frontline units during daytime. I'll modify this for the next game ( BFTB ).
&nbsp;
TT2943 - AI - Resupply - Hold off supplying frontline units during daytime where enemy close by

Great stuff - thanks Arjuna

Finally got the manual back from the printing shop.. done in A5 - Glossy cover page and hard backed.. now I can finally read the manual! [:D]

Another one..

I know, I know... I'm sad [:D]

Where, how much?