Slitherine

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


I will mention that in my experience, range 0 is not the best for CAP interceptions. Look at it this way - if your TF is in the middle of the 40 nm hex, and his strike aircraft are approaching at 240 nm/hr, you have 1/12 of an hour or 5 minutes to intercept and engage before he is over your TF dropping bombs and torpedos. This is not enough time to push through the escorts and take down the bombers. At range 1, your CAP gets 10 additional minutes to engage before the enemy arrives.

quote:

ORIGINAL: poodlebrain

Remember why Japan is fighting this war. Her economy needed oil. You can cut off the oil at Magwe with LBA making Burma a sideshow. That leaves three other sources of oil for the Japanese, Sumatra, Java and Borneo, that you should be able to take by frontal assault once your carrier fleet has expanded. An alternative to the frontal assault is to get into position to interdict the transport of the oil to Japan. You have the resources to threaten the Japanese from all directions, and you still have margin for error. The Japanese lack the resources to defend from more than one direction, and they have zero margin for error. My advice is the same as I got from a SFC when I was a 2LT disappointed with my platoon's performance during an exercise, "Soldier on."

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Howland Island at 148,125

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 59
SBD-5 Dauntless x 34


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AMc Shonan Maru #7, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

quote:

All of the small PB classes of ship can be converted into many types with virtually the same armament and capabilities. This ship is being used because it's a combat ship, not a merchant, and because it has a long enough range to be able to stay out there for a while. This is the type of ship the US found off of Japan during the Doolittle attack. Several were sunk by surface vessels. So what I'm doing here has an exact historical relevance, even down to ship type.

quote:

ORIGINAL: 1275psi

As a Jap player, I look and see only one path for you

marcus, iwo Jima, okiwana............cut him off!

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

HRs and other stuff

Not many turns has been done the last 2 days. We have had a discussion going on weather or not to continue the game. Or rather I have asked if we should drop it as none of us seems to enjoy the game very much. But Erik still wants to continue though and I have promised to see this through as long as he wants to play on.

This in turn sparked a discussion on some of our HRs. Erik wants to remove the one limiting planes to the 2nd best MVR band. I donīt want to as I have been on the receiving end of that HR for 2 years when his Tojos would swoop down on my Warhawks and Cobras stuck by the HR 10.000 feet lower. The air model being what it is often resulted in 50:1 KDR for him. Now when Iīm finally being able to use that HR to my advantage I wonīt give it up. Period.

Erik also wanted to limit the stacking on the airfields putting a 500 plane CAP on level 9 AF. This I feel I can never agree to. If so there has to be an exception for the 4Es. And to be fair I have only been "overstacking" at Portland Roads earlier and then Port Moresby due to not having anywhere else to place them! It is actually Erik that has bunched his fighters up (500-600+) as Rabaul and Rangoon. So I donīt really know where this is coming from. But I will think it through before getting him a definitive answer.

There are also some things that are not sitting well with me lately and last turn we had another of those moments.

quote:

Morning Air attack on TF, near Howland Island at 148,125

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 59
SBD-5 Dauntless x 34


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AMc Shonan Maru #7, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

We have explicitly stated in our HR that pickets CAN be used if used within reason Posting a coastal minesweeper in the middle of the ocean doesnīt qualify in my book. So now he has busted the Gilberts operation. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth and drops my motivation even further. I spent almost 3 hours getting everything in order and loaded up. That is now time spent in vain. Everyone with a baby and a job knows how precious 3 hours are. I.am.not.happy!

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

On the picket ship I got a very discerning answer.

quote:

All of the small PB classes of ship can be converted into many types with virtually the same armament and capabilities. This ship is being used because it's a combat ship, not a merchant, and because it has a long enough range to be able to stay out there for a while. This is the type of ship the US found off of Japan during the Doolittle attack. Several were sunk by surface vessels. So what I'm doing here has an exact historical relevance, even down to ship type.

Calling a AMc for "combat ship" is stretching reality I think. This picket ship has really gotten me upset. But perhaps I shouldnīt be?

Well, it is a combat ship in that it isn't a merchant ship. My response to this HR is always: 1) I'll do the same as I see fit, and 2) You're going to lose this ship. Hope you have more. Thanks for the training opportunity.

On the plus side if Erik finds this acceptable I donīt think he can really complain if I send out AMc later in the game for "pilot rescue" and stuff triggering massive naval strikes and kami attacks...

Exactly. That's the spirit!

quote:

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Joc:

First question.  Why is it not fun for either of you?  You don't have to answer here.  Just ask yourself and your opponent.  Find the answer to that then fix it.  

Don't take this the wrong way, but you have tunnel vision.  Your focusing on Burma and DEI.  You have other options.  1275psi just gave you one.

Burma:
I don't think you have screwd up here.  Also I don't think its a secondary theather.   Look how much of the Jap military you have tied down here.  Thats a victory.  He can't up and move all these troops in an instant.   You have done good job in Burma.  Keep working on it you will wear him down just give it some more time.  Remember he dosen't have the endless resources that you do.  For ever man, tank, plane you destroy in Burma.  He has to pay for in HI, LI, fuel and what not.  This attrition will work for you not him. Once his troops are locked into Burma Look across the map.  You said yourself he is weak in other spots of the map.  Where are they?   What can you do to capitalize on these weak points? 

Example:
Just what 1275psi said.  Also, what does he have in the Aluetians?  Pull a CR or Greyjoy attack use the northern route.  Or use it as a feint.  Make him pull troops up their to defend from your attacks.

Gilberts and Marshalls are also an idea.

Ok lets say you want to take Burma.  Feint in the Aluetians pull the IJN out of the area of DEI and Burma and attack the Andaman Islands.  Cut off Rangoon, he won't be able to ship in supplies, and we know what will happen to his troops then.  This will also give you a starting point in the DEI.

DEI:
I would love to hit that area, but every Jap player will defend it.  Just keep throwing a bag of burning dog poop on his doorstep, so he has to come out and put out the fire. lol   Ok translation, do raids so he has to keep forces here and not where they are needed the most. 

I might be wrong with my advise, but I'm sure someone will correct me.  I think you have done a good job in Burma.  Ok back to bed.

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I'm in early '44 for the first time ever. At times, it is not fun being Japan. I've just experienced my first taste of a 300 plus CAP over the Allied CVs. Ouch!! I will be learning how to cope with being on the receiving end of overwhelming force at certain places on the map. Some things as a player cannot be learned except by playing. Look at your game as learning how to use certain assets more effectively. You will soon get both the second gen P-47s and then the mighty B-29s. From previous posting, you don't seem to enjoy doing all the logistics that is required as the Allies at this stage. Lots of planning and moving TFs around to keep up with that is often boring. I see myself saying I need to do 'x' but tell myself that I'll do it in a few days. I then find myself with the third incident of not having 2x supply at my P-38s base and don't have drop tanks available.

I look at Burma as more a World War I battle. Just shear numbers when you play without stacking limits. It is worse for you here and everywhere as you lost the battle of China. This allowed Erik to free up lots of extra troops.

While others have advised a bold move in the North Pacific or through the Marshalls, I would be focusing on moving up both sides of New Guinea with the thought of getting to the Philippines. Another thought occurred while typing and that would be a huge encirclement that included the Marshalls and the NG/Solomons.

Overall, I would take some more time to do a turn and get better organized. You may not get to Japan by '46, but the trip there should be a fun one.

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I see myself saying I need to do 'x' but tell myself that I'll do it in a few days. I then find myself with the third incident of not having 2x supply at my P-38s base and don't have drop tanks available.

Overall, I would take some more time to do a turn and get better organized. You may not get to Japan by '46, but the trip there should be a fun one.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

CENTPAC

Gilberts operation is already in full swing. I will land on Kuria (a small dot island S of Abemama) to set up a Cat base. I need to make sure Erik wonīt jump me with the KB. While this is happening I will work over Tarawa and Abemama. Once they have fallen I can start repreping forces. Question is for what?

I have 1 ID and 2 USMC to do something with after that. I see two options. Either prep for something in the Marshalls or move them to SOPAC and let CENTPAC be. I am toying with the idea of going directly for the Bonins or Wake/Marcus and then Bonins in late 44 completely bypassing the Marianas as 1275psi suggested.

If I do something in CENTPAC there are some reinforcements that could be diverted here. I have 3 US IDs and 1 USMC Division arriving in the coming three months.

SOPAC/NG/OZ

Here is the only place on the map where things are at least moving forward. Its also where I have diverted most of the forces lately. Iīm almost as strong here as in Burma with 2 USMC Divisons, 3 OZ divisions and 12 US Divisions. Opposing this is only about 100.000 Japanese troops of smaller sizes. Only one ID identified (22nd) and its wrecked after PM.

After PM fell Erik is relying on smaller sized forces of Brigades and Garrison forces that so far hasnīt been able to halt me for more then 2-3 turns. I really feel this is where I can make strides. Erik is airlifting units out from Rabaul placing them in my path. Often not more then 10.000 troops at any base. I really feel this is the area to push hard. Once I get past his first new defensive line he wonīt have much in the way of troops left. Manus will be key to this area. I have 3 divisions prepping for this. With Manus in Allied hand Rabaul will be irrelevant.

So really I guess it comes down to what I should do after Gilberts? Do I send the 4 divisions coming online together with the forces already in CENTPAC to NG bolstering the forces there to almost 20 divisions? My gut tells me doing something in CENTPAC will be more..fun! So I probably should to that. Question is what? Marshalls? Wake/Markus and then Bonins? Marianas? (Is that even doable with only 7 divisions?)

Iīm just learning how to do amphibious operations and still havnīt done any major ones. So I donīt know what is possible to do and not? Gilberts will be my first divisional sized atoll landing. So any imput or ideas from you guys are highly valued!

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister
So really I guess it comes down to what I should do after Gilberts? Do I send the 4 divisions coming online together with the forces already in CENTPAC to NG bolstering the forces there to almost 20 divisions? My gut tells me doing something in CENTPAC will be more..fun! So I probably should to that. Question is what? Marshalls? Wake/Markus and then Bonins? Marianas? (Is that even doable with only 7 divisions?)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Ah, head is swimming right now. Decided to take an hour break and spend some time with the family. Only to discover the family is fast asleep!

Bullwinkle,

Your musings are certainly welcome! Especially so since you are one of only two people that I know of that has played a game to completion! I may misinterpret you so please correct me if Iīm wrong. But I think you are saying that the Marianas are essential and a much better target then the Bonins. I see your reasoning. Bonins require shock attacks on landings and stacking have stacking limits. Things not so good for the attacker. Capturing the Marianas would threaten the HI and force Erik to divert substantial forces to cover his industry.

What kind of forces would be needed to secure 2 bases in your opinion? 3-4 Divisions per base? Plus 4-6 tank battalions and massive amount of engineers? Looking at what I have and will get autumn 44 looks like a possible target date.

Time to try and get some sleep!

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

+1 Bullwinkle!
I played the Marianas scenario twice, and even with the required forces pre-prepped for your targets it is a bear to efficiently lift them in sequence to the landings - the same ships have to be used for several landings so there is no time for dallying.
My preferred sequence was Tinian-Guam-Saipan, because the naval fortress at Saipan requires as much bombing/bombarding as possible before landing. I even took Pagan in one of the games - it was useful for fighter cover and bombing Saipan, but using the ships for that invasion made me miss the game end deadline for taking Saipan. After battling the mines and fortress guns and getting a huge force on Saipan, the came ended before the Deliberate Attack could be ordered. Talk about combatus interruptus!