RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR)

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 9:44:56 PM

Red Prince

Posts: 3686
Joined: 4/8/2011
From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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When you see my build plans for the CW, you're going to howl. But you need to know that I have 7 CVs on the map, and only 2 CVP (Class-1) for them. There are 7 in the Reserve Pool, 2 of which won't fit my carriers, and the rest are crap:

Here's a preview:
CW (19): 1 x MIL, 1 x TERR, 2 x TRS(1st), 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x CVP-0, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x NAV-2, 2 x Pilot

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 961

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 10:01:16 PM

composer99

Posts: 2923
Joined: 6/6/2005
From: Ottawa, Canada
Status: offline

A bit heavy on TRS but otherwise seems fine. I'd build one less 1st-cycle TRS and either one more land unit or one more pilot.

_____________________________

~ Composer99

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Post #: 962

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 10:13:37 PM

BallyJ

Posts: 142
Joined: 5/25/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

Just making sure I understand:

Doesn't matter if the USA can actually do anything actively . . . the DOWs are for the BP primarily. I can live with that, easily but was under the impression that the Surprise impulse should not be wasted by anyone.

Whats to understand?
Go to war
up producion
Build forces lift and Ochits
steam into the axis.
Surprise is of little import when you are at 50+ BPs a turn
It is the price the axis payes for all that early succrss.
regards John

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 963

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 10:17:59 PM

Red Prince

Posts: 3686
Joined: 4/8/2011
From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: composer99

A bit heavy on TRS but otherwise seems fine. I'd build one less 1st-cycle TRS and either one more land unit or one more pilot.

Due to the aircraft shot down last turn, the CW has 3 Pilots in the Reserve Pool, plus 2 coming in for S/O '40. Also, the only MIL left was the London MIL, and I built it. I didn't want to risk too many BP on TERR units, because Egypt, Palestine, and Transjordan are all going to be conquered before reinforcements get placed. That accounts for about 1/4 to 1/3 of the TERR available to build. I'd hate to waste 4 BP in one turn on units that may not get a chance to arrive.

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to composer99)

Post #: 964

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 11:12:52 PM

Red Prince

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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
Status: offline

Okay, I have finished my End of Turn sequences, but I haven't put my reports or images together yet. I've got to eat dinner now, and then I'll probably knock out pretty early (maybe). I'll write up my usual reports and post them in the morning.

I will tell you a few things now, though:

1. The TERR that the CW drew was the Aden TERR, which is a very nice thing to have. If you remember my last game, Italy DOWed Yemen, then walked into Aden with its invading INF Division the next impulse because the CW was caught totally unprepared.

2. The Allies won the Initiative for S/O '40 . . . and decided to move first. No chance are they going to mess around with things. Last turn was such a disaster, and the fleet became so dispersed, that it needs the first impulse to re-establish itself as a powerful force. This also gives the CW an easy opportunity to get another unit into Egypt in the 3rd impulse. Among other things.

3. The weather roll was a '4' which is what the game actually started with a year ago. This isn't great news for the Allies, but it isn't terrible news, either.

Okay, that's it. Images of the expanding Italian Empire and all of the standard information posts are about 8 hours or so away. Well, maybe 12, but you get the idea.

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 965

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/9/2012 11:41:22 PM

paulderynck

Posts: 8201
Joined: 3/24/2007
From: Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

Here are the builds for the 1st 5 Turns made by the USA:

S/O '39: USA (11): 1 x TERR, 1 x GARR, 1 x CV(1st), 2 x CVP-0, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x CV(Repair), 1 x Pilot
N/D '39: USA (11): 1 x INF Division, 1 x GARR, 1 x AMPH(1st), 2 x CVP-1, 1 x Pilot
J/F '40: USA (11): 1 x INF, 1 x GARR, 2 x CVP-1, 2 x Pilot
M/A '40: USA (21): 1 x MAR, 1 x HQ-A, 2 x CVP-1, 3 x Pilot
M/J '40: USA (20): 1 x MTN Division, 1 x MOT Division, 1 x AMPH(1st), 1 x FTR-2, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x NAV-3, 1 x SUB(2nd), 3 x Pilot

Way too many land units. You need to build the stuff that takes two years, your lift (which BTW is not useless without land units - you need to see how powerful a Naval is with the US when you use a dozen TRS and Amphs along with Nimitz and MacArthur to re-org your navy!) and a minimal garrison and long range NAV force.

Here's my builds from my current FTF game for the same period:

S/O '39: USA (11): CV, 3BB, Amph all face down (fd)
N/D '39: USA (11): 4 TRS(fd), Amph(fd)
J/F '40: USA (11): Nav, Pilot, Garr, 2BB(fd)
M/A '40: USA (11): 2 Nav, 2 Pilot, Sub(fd)
M/J '40: USA (11): Factory, Amph(face up)

If I had ever geared up that early in any game with the US, I'm not sure I'd be able to see straight for awhile, I'd be so ecstatic. Given the way US entry was shaping up, in this game I'd have built the Factory, BB(fd) and Sub(fd) in JF40.

_____________________________

Paul

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 966

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 3:39:51 AM

Shannon V. OKeets

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From: Honolulu, Hawaii
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

quote:

ORIGINAL: composer99

A bit heavy on TRS but otherwise seems fine. I'd build one less 1st-cycle TRS and either one more land unit or one more pilot.

Due to the aircraft shot down last turn, the CW has 3 Pilots in the Reserve Pool, plus 2 coming in for S/O '40. Also, the only MIL left was the London MIL, and I built it. I didn't want to risk too many BP on TERR units, because Egypt, Palestine, and Transjordan are all going to be conquered before reinforcements get placed. That accounts for about 1/4 to 1/3 of the TERR available to build. I'd hate to waste 4 BP in one turn on units that may not get a chance to arrive.

The territorials would still arrive - but they would be Axis units.

_____________________________

Steve

Perfection is an elusive goal.

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 967

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:43:37 AM

BallyJ

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Joined: 5/25/2008
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Why are you building so many TERR?
They are week
vunerable
can turn up as axis units
and they come on all over the place.
For a few more points you could get some realy units.

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 968

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 6:38:15 AM

paulderynck

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Joined: 3/24/2007
From: Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince
Also, if China Surrenders, the USA doesn't get to draw 3-4 chits. That only happens if China is Conquered.

China has to be worse off than at present to think about surrendering. I think the only time I'd ever consider it is if China were worse off AND it creates a high chance of allowing War Appropriations to be passed on the next turn.

_____________________________

Paul

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 969

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 7:43:56 AM

Orm

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Joined: 5/3/2008
From: Sweden
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

When you see my build plans for the CW, you're going to howl. But you need to know that I have 7 CVs on the map, and only 2 CVP (Class-1) for them. There are 7 in the Reserve Pool, 2 of which won't fit my carriers, and the rest are crap:

Here's a preview:
CW (19): 1 x MIL, 1 x TERR, 2 x TRS(1st), 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x CVP-0, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x NAV-2, 2 x Pilot

I know it is to late but I would begin to focus on the regular army for the CW.

I would have built something like this. (But no regard taken to the gearing)
CW (19): 1 x Mil, 1 x Inf, 1 x Mot, 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x FTR2, 2 x Pilot, 1 x CVP-0. I might have changed one of the Pilots for one CVP1 and a Mech instead of the Mot.

_____________________________

Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb -- they're often students, for heaven's sake. - Terry Pratchett

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Post #: 970

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 8:18:47 AM

Red Prince

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Joined: 4/8/2011
From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BallyJ

Why are you building so many TERR?
They are week
vunerable
can turn up as axis units
and they come on all over the place.
For a few more points you could get some realy units.

You've just answered your qeustio: "for a few more points" . . . . which I don't have. Unless I'm no longer supposed be throwing "cheap units" at the enemy. Plus, have you seen what's going on in Africa and eslewhwere? I know have a the Italian AOI more or less done with its campaign in E. Africa, due to TERR I've built.

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to BallyJ)

Post #: 971

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 8:23:47 AM

Red Prince

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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

When you see my build plans for the CW, you're going to howl. But you need to know that I have 7 CVs on the map, and only 2 CVP (Class-1) for them. There are 7 in the Reserve Pool, 2 of which won't fit my carriers, and the rest are crap:

Here's a preview:
CW (19): 1 x MIL, 1 x TERR, 2 x TRS(1st), 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x CVP-0, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x NAV-2, 2 x Pilot

I know it is to late but I would begin to focus on the regular army for the CW.

I would have built something like this. (But no regard taken to the gearing)
CW (19): 1 x Mil, 1 x Inf, 1 x Mot, 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x FTR2, 2 x Pilot, 1 x CVP-0. I might have changed one of the Pilots for one CVP1 and a Mech instead of the Mot.

The way I see it, there is not going to be a Sea Lion. Germany builds should make that obvious. The only "Active" theatre for the CW now is the Middle-East. Basically, the lines have been drawn. I'm going to need those TRS, which take 6 turns, before I'll need any of those other land units, which all take fewer turns. If I remember correctlym this builds out the CW TRS Pool, and there's just an AMPH left to build . . . unitl next year.

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Orm)

Post #: 972

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 9:16:20 AM

Orm

Posts: 22154
Joined: 5/3/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince
The way I see it, there is not going to be a Sea Lion. Germany builds should make that obvious. The only "Active" theatre for the CW now is the Middle-East. Basically, the lines have been drawn. I'm going to need those TRS, which take 6 turns, before I'll need any of those other land units, which all take fewer turns. If I remember correctlym this builds out the CW TRS Pool, and there's just an AMPH left to build . . . unitl next year.

As I see it CW can't afford all this sea lift yet. CW has other things that needs to be done as well. And that should be done before those freshly built TRS arrives.

If there are no Sea Lion as you say CW should begin recapturing what is lost in the south and east of Africa. And to begin conquering Italian East Africa. To begin with this you need one or two DIV and maybe 1 or two INF. Begin with capturing all the Italian ports. The time for CW to throw cheap units to slow the Axis are over. The cheap units could be used as losses, partisan hunting and costal defence in Africa and India.

Barbarossa could begin shortly. Maybe in 3 or 4 turns time. CW then need to have land units that can threaten parts that are hard for Germany to reinforce. With 4 transporters CW can move 4 land units to a theatre a turn so CW needs to begin building 4 plus land units a turn. Some of those land units will be needed to defend against Japan and should not require sea lift.

CW has way to few FTR2.
-There might be a need for them to be able to protect the convoy lines from the 0 box to keep the japanese raiding carriers honest.
-CW should have fighter advantage over Lille that should be bombed at least once a turn from now on.
-FTR2 should also cover the 0 boxes to all sea areas with convoys that can be reached by German or Italian land based naval air.
-FTR2 should protect all naval bases that can be bombed by Japanese carriers.
-FTR2 should be available to be sent to any area where CW expects to have land battles.

CW should consider making a attack against Petsamo. One way to do this is land a HQ in USSR and use that HQ to bring in the land units attacking Petsamo from USSR. CW might be asked by USSR to provide with land units to protect one of their flanks.

CW has lost, or will shortly lose (Singapore, NEI, Raboul), almost all except their home countries. That CW has lost most all this makes the need for garrisons less. To defend the home countries that may yet come under attack (India, Australia, South Africa) CW needs a real army. The same regular army should be a threat to all areas that needs Axis sea lift to reinforce as soon as possible. Prefarably before Germany attacks USSR.

_____________________________

Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb -- they're often students, for heaven's sake. - Terry Pratchett

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Post #: 973

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 10:06:56 AM

Red Prince

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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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There are already 2 units in Malaya, so it is going to be hard to take. I've got others already on their way toward that side, but without the sealift, there is no way to get 4 units per turn into that theatre. I no longer have the Med. I have to first get the units to S. Africa, which is not easy with 4 MP TRS, and then to wherever they are needed . . . . unless they show up in a useful place to start with.

The CW lacks FTR-2, but it also lacked CVP, NAV, and LND. My big Strat Bomber finally got on the board, and there is a mid-range FTR based out of Dover, another near Plymouth, and the RSA FTR that ended up having to rebase to some islands of the coast of Africa.

The CW needs everything. And it needs it everywhere. The convoy pipelines need to be restructured this turn for safety, and that is going to be a minor nightmare. The fleet also needs to get into better positions after the evacuation last turn.

I can't land a CW HQ into the USSR until it is at War with someone. In order to attack Petsamo successfully, and regularly, I'd need to base out of Sevastapol (or nearby) with FTR protection that can get there, too. That isn't giong to be available for a while, and the Germans just got a bunch of 6-factor FTR onto the map during reinforcements.

As always, when I finish up my EoT report later today, I'll show images of the World as it Is in MWiF (this game). I won't be able to show every single unit, but I'll try to give an image of each theatre.

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Orm)

Post #: 974

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 10:25:47 AM

Orm

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It is time for CW to begin acting in stead of just reacting. Show us that you are as good and daring attacker with the CW as you are with Axis.

I just tried to say that you can't wait for all that wonderful sea lift before beginning to act on the offensive.The war in USSR might be over by then. You need to prepare for offence now.

Edit: At the moment there is small need for sea lift against Japan. Singapore has its defence already. Australia and India might need more units but you do not need sea lift to reinforce there. Only place that might require sea lift is to get a unit to Burma.

< Message edited by Orm -- 1/10/2012 10:28:06 AM >

_____________________________

Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb -- they're often students, for heaven's sake. - Terry Pratchett

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Post #: 975

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 11:07:30 AM

Red Prince

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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

It is time for CW to begin acting in stead of just reacting. Show us that you are as good and daring attacker with the CW as you are with Axis.

I just tried to say that you can't wait for all that wonderful sea lift before beginning to act on the offensive.The war in USSR might be over by then. You need to prepare for offence now.

Edit: At the moment there is small need for sea lift against Japan. Singapore has its defence already. Australia and India might need more units but you do not need sea lift to reinforce there. Only place that might require sea lift is to get a unit to Burma.

I actually have plans to try to take back/keep Suez and Egypt.

I'ts easy to be a "good and daring attacker" when you have spare units to lose, but as I've been learning this game: "never make an attack if you can't afford the worst possible result". I'd like to do what you ask, but I don't know how to do it just yet. Reacting is sometimes necessary.

I kind of feel like I'm getting mixed messages here, and it may be that we've been discussing both CW and USA build strategy at the same time. What good are the CW land and/or air units if they can't reach a useful destination? Doesn't the CW have the same problem as the USA? It needs its sealift before it needs its land units, or those land units will simply sit wherever they are.

The following image shows the current CW Land and Air unit Force Pools after my builds as stated upthread. I've noted the number of units of each type that would not have to start in the UK, Canada, or W. Africa. However, that 13 of 41 doesn't give an accurate picture of what I had for possible builds. A total of 4 TERR units were removed from the Force Pool -- 2 Egyption, 1 Palestinian, and the one that was picked for Aden. Building a TERR was a slight risk, but I did it anyway. If I avoided building TERR units, only 6 of the 31 units (including the MIL I built) had a chance of starting in the South Pacific/India region. Everything else starts either in Canada or the UK, and would just sit there until sealift is available to get it somewhere.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Red Prince -- 1/10/2012 11:08:12 AM >

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Orm)

Post #: 976

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 2:50:34 PM

Red Prince

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Before the End of Turn Report, for those keeping track here is the US Entry chit summary for J/A '40:

Impulse: 1
Attack on Chengtu: Assault, Fractional Odds .754 (Yes), Roll = 9 = */2S; USE-9 (no chit)

Impulse: 3
Attack on Gibraltar; Assault, Roll = 5+4 = 9 = 1/2 (9-4 INF Destroyed, attackers disorganized); USE-3 (+1 chit, 292 [3])

Impulse: 7
Japan enters Lanchow; USE-8 (no chit)

End of Turn:
USA drew 1 marker to the Ja Entry Pool (66 [1])
USA chooses Freeze Japanese Assets (Ja), adjusted by +3; USE-Auto (1 chit moved, 6 of 6 [5])

Ge/It Entry: 28
Ge/It Tension: 22
Chance of DOW: 0%
Japan Entry: 20
Japan Tension: 21
Chance of DOW: None
-----
I also thought you might like to see the Neutrality Pact positions:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Red Prince)

Post #: 977

RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 3:36:13 PM

Red Prince

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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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And here it is, my End of Turn Report for J/A '40:

Partisans
No Partisans

Entry Markers
Germany placed 2 markers on Offense (122 [1], 343 [4])
USSR placed 1 marker on Defense (354 [4])

US Entry
USA drew 1 marker to the Ja Entry Pool (66 [1])
USA chooses Freeze Japanese Assets (Ja), adjusted by +3; USE-Auto (1 chit moved, 6 of 6 [5])

Ge/It Entry: 28
Ge/It Tension: 22
Chance of DOW: 0%
Japan Entry: 20
Japan Tension: 21
Chance of DOW: None

Pre-Build Scrapping
CW scrapped 1 x CVP
USSR scrapped 1 x INF

Builds:
China (1): Nothing (Saved BP at Kunming)
CW (19): 1 x MIL, 1 x TERR, 2 x TRS(1st), 1 x TRS(2nd), 1 x CVP-0, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x NAV-2, 2 x Pilot
France (0): Nothing / Madagascan MIL -- Free
USA (20): 1 x MTN, 1 x AMPH(1st), 2 x NAV-3, 1 x AMPH(2nd), 2 x Pilot
USSR (17): 2 x INF, 1 x MOT, 1 x MECH, 1 x Pilot
Germany (19): 2 x INF, 1 x MECH, 2 x FTR-2, 1 x CVP-1, 1 x SUB(2nd), 1 x Pilot
Italy (10): 1 x GARR, 1 x SUB(1st), 1 x NAV-3, 1 x BB(Repair), 1 x Pilot / Cairo MIL -- Free
Japan (16): 2 x Warlord, 2 x TRS(1st), 2 x NAV-2, 2 x Pilot

S/O '40 Gearing Limits (above 1):
China: None
CW: 3 x Infantry, 4 x Ship, 4 x Air, 3 x Pilot
France: None
USA: 2 x Infantry, 3 x Ship, x Air, 3 x Pilot
USSR: 4 x Infantry, 2 x Armor, 2 x Pilot
Germany: 3 x Infantry, 2 x Armor, 2 x Submarine, 3 x Air, 2 x Pilot
Italy: 2 x Infantry, 2 x Ship, 2 x Submarine, 2 x Air, 2 x Pilot
Japan: 3 x Infantry, 3 x Ship, 3 x Air, 3 x Pilot

Conquest:
Macao cc by Japan
Gibraltar cc by Germany
Palestine cc by Italy
Transjordan cc by Italy
Egypt cc by Italy
Morocco cc by Germany

China Declines to Surrender to Japan

Factory Destruction:
Japan destroys Blue Factories in Chengtu, Nanking

Reinforcements:
Germany assigns Pilots to 3 FTRs and a CVP
Germany places CV, CVP, and SUB in Kiel, FTR-3 in Essen, 2 FTR, MECH and INF in Konigsberg
Italy assigns Pilots to NAV-3 and FTR
Italy places CLin La Spezia, NAV and FTR in Genoa
Japan assigns Pilots to 3 x CVP
Japan places its CVP, CV and INF in Tokyo
Japan removes 2 CVP from the map
CW assigns its Pilots to 3 CVP, FTR-2, LND-4
CW places its TERR in Aden, its MIL in Cape Town and Dover (off-city), MECH in Coventry, LND and FTR in London, CVPs in Southampton
USA assigns Pilots to FTR, NAV-2, LND-3
USA places FTR and MAR in SD, NAV-2 in Norfolk, LND in Boston
USSR assigns Pilots to 2 FTR-2
USSR places MECH and MOT Divisions in Kiev, INF in Cernauti, 2 INF and 2 FTR in Chisinau
USSR places Communist Chinese INF in Sian

Trade Agreements:
USA creats a new Trade agreement with CW, sending 2 Oil (to Canada)

Victory Totals
Axis: 31
Allies: 36

Initiative:
Allies win Initiative 5-1
Allies choose to move first in S/O '40

Turn 7 S/O '40

Allies win Initiative 5-1
Allies choose to move first in S/O '40
+1 Allied Initiative

Impulse: 1
Weather: 4
(Fine weather everywhere)
-----
Another disaster for the Allies. They lost Gibralter. They may yet lose Suez. The Middle East is in severe danger, but at least there is now a unit in Aden, among other important locations I'll show you in later posts. Also, while it may not last long, Mogador is still controlled by France. The benefit of this is that Germany either has to spend an impulse going down to claim that port (plus another impulse getting back to Casablanca), or they have to ignore it and let the Americans land free and clear when the USA enters the war. The Germans, this late in the year, would much rather use those impulses skirting the Northern Sahara to get into the Middle-East. That means that one land move by the French CAV probably delays 2 Axis MECH/ARM units, plus an HQ-A. Perhaps it isn't a "pirate operation", but just as they did at Marseilles, the French are proving that they won't give up as easily as one might expect.

US Entry was an up and down thing. At the start of the turn, it looked like War Appropriations might not get through until early in 1941 . . . then, suddenly, after the fall of Gibraltar, it looked like it could be a turn or two away . . . and now, finally, it looks like it's going to be a few more turns yet, which brings us back into 1941. Fickle, those Americans, aren't they? Any way you look at it, though, the USA should be in the war at least 2-3 turns earlier than in a typical game.

The Soviets need to start thinking about an upcoming German DOW and conduct operations based on a winter DOW assumption, which may mean abandoning the Communist Chinese. Fine weather for the first impulse on each side seems to favor the Axis in its attacks on China, so, if after that impulse it looks like Sian can't survive (or if it gets taken), no more moves should probably be spent on those troops, except perhaps to move any survivors into mountain hexes.

The CW fleet isn't decimated, but it is completely out of position, and underpowered in terms of CV air cover. It needs to re-establish itself in the North Atlantic, North Sea, Bay of Biscay, and Cape St. Vincent. A strong enough force should also be left in the Red Sea region to prevent the Italians from exiting the Med in that direction if they manage to take Suez away. In the meantime, Suez has a few (but only a few) reinforcements on the way to make things more difficult for the Italians. Additionally, the Atlantic convoy routes need to be adjested ASAP to avoid losses from any Axis attacks that might come. Germany is likely to need land impulses most of this turn, but so far they have twice taken advantage of unexpected situations to annoy the RN. This effort to redeploy the Convoy fleet can take one of two directions -- either the CW can do it piecemeal over several turns, or it can decide to lose about half of its build points and bring many of its convoys back to port in order to redeploy after reorganization . . . or sometime next turn.

For the Axis, this turn has simple goals:
Japan needs to finish off the Communists, and if it can, the Nationalists, too, then relocate its units into position for future warfare.
Italy needs to align Iraq, eliminate French defenders in Syria, and try to finish off the CW units in the Suez area.
Germany needs to finish the job in Morocco, then redeploy for Barbarossa. One decision that needs to be made concerns Murmansk and the possibility of taking ti from the USSR.

(I welcome sugggestions, and will be examining the AIO thread, for the best way to garrison its latest acquisitions. I expect Italian INF and MIL to do a lot of that work, but not all).

In all, the Axis gained a lot of ground, but they have lost the initiative (on the track) and have pretty much run out of fresh targets for expansion in Europe. Japan still has options open to it, but time is not on their side.
-----
So, at the beginning of Septermber, 1940, here is what the world looks like:

Attachment (1)

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 3:48:34 PM

Red Prince

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A view of the UK, with the focus on land and air units. Portsmouth is a stack of 3 CVP that need to rebase to the CV in Plymouth.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 3:56:04 PM

Red Prince

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This view of E. Africa should demonstrate why I'm still building TERR units. I had to decide whether to rail the RSA Territorial to Nyasaland or to the port of Beira during the last turn. I chose Beira because the unit could easily be cut off from supply in Nyasaland. Yes, it would prevent the AOI TERR from inevitably conquering Nyasaland, but would then be limited to a single move per turn, just as the AOI TERR is now. I decided holding the port was a better choice, until more units can be brought into Mozambique . . . and/or until the Southern Rhodesia TERR gets built.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 3:59:25 PM

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If I didn't have to begin with a CW Naval Action, I could rail the Cape Town MIL to Nyasaland, but that isn't an option. Instead, the Belgian Congo TERR will have to be sent to India (see next post).

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:05:10 PM

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Bombay, the destination for the Belgian Congo TERR . . . to replace the Indian INF unit that will use the Spanish TRS to get to the Red Sea. In a slightly risky maneuver, it will then be able to debark into Egypt (again, see next post), if/when one of the CW units vacates Suez. The risk isn't really too high, since it will need a Land or Combined Action, and in either case, Land Movement comes before you can Debark, so there will remain 2 units in Suez to defend it.

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< Message edited by Red Prince -- 1/10/2012 4:06:36 PM >

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:18:50 PM

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The situation in Egypt is dire, but not finished yet. Most of the units to the East of the canal are going to be needed to activate Iraq and conquer Syria. The 2 units shown in the insert, in Greece for the moment, can be brought over fairly safely by the 2 TRS in Bardia, giving Italy a somewhat dominating presence, but they'll still have to fight, and if I've learned anything, it's that anything can happen once the dice are rolled.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:30:56 PM

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And here you can see that Southeast Asian and the Netherlands East Indies have adequate, though not outstanding, defenses already in place. These can either be reinforced or used as reinforcements, though most of the units will only be able to reinforce India. As for New Zealand and Australia . . . well, at this moment they have a single unit between them, but that can be fixed with Land Unit builds in the next turn or two.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:38:26 PM

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I don't want to spend the time to build a collage, but there are also CW-controlled units in the Canary Islands, Spanish Sahara, the Cape Verde Islands, and Nigeria . . . these can all be used either to reinforce other areas ot to hold what they now have, letting the Americans bring in a few units closer to Invasion range when the time comes.

That about covers the CW land forces, though there is also a MIL in Delhi and a GARR in Calcutta.

The French have few units left. There is the CAV in Mogador, the Dakar MIL, and the 2 units in Madagascar (MIL and TERR). I've mentioned that there is a CBV glitch in the program which has caused me to use our testing tools to "place" units that should be free (noted for the MIL units in the End of Turn report). Well, I have noted that the Dakar MOT is assumed to have been built during the last Production cycle, meaning that it will enter the game at the start of J/F '41, but I'm also assuming that the Damascus CAV was not built. It would enter at the same time, but Syria has no chance of lasting that long. Better to wait until Syria is liberated and get it for free at that time . . . though it may take years.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 4:46:01 PM

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Here's what the Japanese face near Kunming. If you are wondering why I placed a BP in such a risk location, it's because it was the safest place left for the Chinese, believe it or not. It should last until next turn (they hope), and if Sian somehow holds, it can be used to build something. If not, China may attempt to send it to the CW or France (though I thik the Burma Road closure is probably a 2-way thing). If that doesn't work, it can always spend it on a naval unit and hope it ends up in the hands of its Allies.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 5:04:04 PM

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Sian, in my opinion, doesn't stand a chance of lasting the turn. I considered a variation on the proposal to put the incoming INF into Sining -- to try for Lanchow . . . the variation being to place it in Ankang. That would have cut supply to the Western forces, which are the larger part of the Japanese offensive, but I finally decided that supply could be regained without too much difficult. That would have left Sian even more vulnerable.

I think the worst thing that happened to the Communists last turn was the successful Ground Strike on Mao . . . which was a last minute decision, really. With Mao out of the picture, Communist mobility was seriously reduced.

I don't regret the decision to defend Sian instead of Lanchow. I still think that if I had attempted it, both cities would have met their ends last turn. At least Sian still has a chance to survive one more turn. If the Fine weather doesn't hold, it might even get into the new year, though that's doubtful. Japan can't afford to wait that long and would need to make low-odds attacks with its units to prevent that from happening.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 5:12:51 PM

Red Prince

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And, now that Barbarossa is anticipated in the next 6-8 months, here's a look at the Finland situation. I've inserted the Murmansk area, too, which is why I'm curious if Mannerheim and some of his troops should head North for the winter or not. It may be more important to rail units from Spain first, but if there's time, it might be worthwhile to make an attempt at Murmansk in the winter.
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By the way, I have to apologize to Orm. He mentioned the CW landing and trying for Petsamo. I always get that confused with Ploesti (Rumanian Oil fields), so my response to his arguments was based on the wrong city.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 5:42:57 PM

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My last image (I think) shows the Nazi-Soviet Pact border. I'm not trying to show individual units, because I haven't even started trying to position them on either side yet. What I have done is added some colored lines. I haven't yet looked up the AIO threads for either German Garrisons or Soviet defensive setups, but this is my first guess as to how things should look. Here's what the lines mean (and should not be taken as a hex-by-hex indication of where units should go):

The purple front lines represents the "speed bump" defenders, cheap units that are quick to build, that create irritating ZOC situations for the Germans.

The blue line represents the "primary front" defenders, the place where my strongest INF and some heavier divisions (particularly AT or AA) will try to make their stand. This is also where the Soviet FTR force should probably begin the war, since it is far enough from Stuka range, but close enough to defend important targets.

The yellow back line represents the "mobile" defenders, such as fast MOT, MECH and ARM units, which can be used for counter-strikes, as well as some of the slower HQs. This is also probably where my long-range LND should go, well out of the range of the German bomber and fighter forces.
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While I intend to spend part of today looking through the pages and pages of posts in the AIO threads, I'd appreciate any comments you have, particulary concerning when (based on relative garrison values or other factors) the Soviets should begin their retreat. Of course, if China surrenders and Japan is forced to DOW the USSR, this becomes less of an issue, but a smart Japanese player may be willing to endure a turn or even two turns of inconvenience . . . for a price

. . . if it helps the overall Axis war effort.

So, here's what I've been talking about:

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/10/2012 6:03:15 PM

Red Prince

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I actually have one more image, and this regards Orm's concerns about the Turkish threat. You might have noticed that I built 2 CP for the USSR last turn. Those are intended for the Caspian and Black Seas, for internal supply maintenance.

Once the Soviets decide it's time to get out of harm's way, they are going to end up outside of the 3-hex border anyway, so some units can be moved to the southern border, though it may weaken the fornt lines a bit.

This is what I'm thinking for a defense in this area; the colors mean basically the same as above:

The purple line indicates hexes where maybe 3 units could slow things down a bit.

The blue line is where I'll really need to defend, particularly in the 2 hexes with double lines. If I commit to defending the region, these two hexes will need strong double stacks to prevent the activation of Turkey.

The yellow line here represents 2-3 units that can provide either backup or defense, depending on what is needed and when. Ideally, they should include armor types, but that may be unrealistic.

To properly defend this border (assuming the Germans get there in time for the planned Barbarossa, I don't think anything less than 10 total units will suffice. That's quite a commitment. It is a catch 22 . . . These units may be required to keep Turkey from causing massive devestation in the region, but pulling them off the Polish border might weaken it enough that the Germans can plow through the defenses there.
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This may be the best argument for a Chinese surrender. A Japanese DOW on the CW or France means an almost instant entry into the war by the USA, but a Japanese DOW on the USSR means they can begin building lots of cheap MIL units before the Germans are ready to go to war . . . these units might even be enough to prevent a 1941 Barbarossa, for all I know . . .

It all depends on how desparate Japan is to remain in a state of war, and that means gambling on both sides.

Anyway, here's the concept I have in mind: