optimum amount of units per leader

[CptHowdy]

so what does everyone think? i run about 500-1200 militia per leader. still tweaking other units because i have a mix of infantry, riflemen and artillery. i think it would be harder to maintain morale and readiness if the ratio of men:leader is too high but maybe the numbers already reflect that.

[AlvinS]

I agree with 500 to 1200. I think its better to have more smaller units because you will have more leaders on the field just in case one or two go down in battle. Plus it gives you more options during the tactical battle.

Of course I am still learning the game and trying out different strategies. It would be good to have a thread where everyone posts the strategies that they use as this would help everyone.

Great game! [8D]

[Venator]

I usually have 3-6 infantry or cavalry bns per leader and will add a couple of cannon to each of my infantry brigades. I also never use colonels if I can avoid it except as cavalry commanders in America as cavalry units are so thin on the ground - in Hungary you can have proper brigades of cavalry. I will also endeavour to have five or six brigades per army. I avoid mixing militia and regulars in a brigade unless the militia are trained to at least 60 exp (and never mix when playing as Hungary as their militia are very weak).

[FM WarB]

If you get into a tactical battle, how do you know which leaders command which units? And does it even matter?
Historically brigades usually had 4-6 battalions, plus one artillery unit. I find that a good starting point. I do not include heavy artillery in my major infantry units, though I may include enough infantry in a 30 gun or so heavy artillery group to dig in. Indians, no more than two per leader I'd say. They need to shoot, scoot and surround.

[James Ward]

ORIGINAL: FM WarB

If you get into a tactical battle, how do you know which leaders command which units? And does it even matter?
Historically brigades usually had 4-6 battalions, plus one artillery unit. I find that a good starting point. I do not include heavy artillery in my major infantry units, though I may include enough infantry in a 30 gun or so heavy artillery group to dig in. Indians, no more than two per leader I'd say. They need to shoot, scoot and surround.

In a tactical battle it doesn't matter who your troops were initially commanded by, any leader can rally them.
For a really large battle, over 15,000 troops on my side, I like to have 5 leaders. I prefer those with morale or firepower ability. Movement bonus isn't bad either. Since rallying cost MP having 5 lets me rally up and down the line without losing MP by actully moving my leder.
Smaller battles usually require 1 or 2 leaders.
I always keep the majority of my force with my best leader, Washington for America and any one of a number for Britain.
I then have numerous smaller forces in the same hex so all are available in defense. So if my main force is 15,000 about 12,000 will be with Washington and I'll have 4 other forces, with good leaders, in the same hex each with 500-1000 troops.
When you attack make sure all forces begin in attack formation and move in with the largest force. Hopefully all others will react in. Usually being in attack stance guarantees this but occasionally 1 force won't go in.