What is a typical army size? (Full Version)

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Adam Parker -> What is a typical army size? (12/23/2006 8:11:37 AM)

One question I have goes to the optimal size of armies a side should attempt to keep in the field.

In the first American War of Independence campaign the British and Americans start with a very sizable, multi-regiment army in Boston. The American then has various armies scattered around the map - some with 1 regiment, some with 2.

During the game, regiments of American militia and regular troops appear in staging towns and early on, the British then goes on a rampage with two of its huge stacks (armies) of regiments and assorted generals.

What I'm trying to fathom, is in my American strategy what should I be aiming to achieve? 1-2 huge armies of my own chasing the British from boston to New York? Or smaller armies of 2-3 regiments scattered in strategic towns awaiting the British onslaught north and south?

Also as the Americans, how should generals be allocated early on? Should they be horded in these mega armies as at scenario start or should they be sent across the map leading as many smaller armies as possible?

As the British I believe that as conquests are made, the need will arise to peel units of as garrison as a result of poor loyalty ratings in newly won towns. This may take the pressure off the Americans... and is likely the point of the rules!

PS: I'm finding Philippe's "General Details on Some Game Functions" article the most useful to date. Some things still fly over my head so I'll try to ask some more questions soon [;)]

Thanks,
Adam.



Pocus -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/23/2006 3:35:28 PM)

Any player want to provide some input so that the team can elaborate on them? Don't be shy [:D]



Mayenne -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/23/2006 4:53:29 PM)

If you're playing the American, just RUN.

Run, destroy isolated British units, take cities left unguarded.

Don't even think about facing the British army till the French have landed.

Washy is very good at runing, and you'll need him to keep your militias with you...




Adam Parker -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/24/2006 7:14:58 AM)

Then sir, I shall run!

I guess the AWI campaign (and BoA game) reflects the absence of front lines, confusion in rear areas and the pressure of subduing such a wide expanse with broad northern and southern zones.

I am very imrpessed to see such an emphasis on regional loyalty in the design. Lots to grow to like here.



Pocus -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/24/2006 10:37:03 AM)

I think that Mayenne's word (Run) is very good in summarizing the situation yes. Perhaps more elaborate would be 'hit and run'. Until you retrofit a decent number of militia into regulars (you need Washington or von Steuben for that), you just can't stand against the red coats. A regular British regiment can take alone 2 american militias on open field and still have a good lunch for dinner. The situation change significantly if you can defend with a good leader, in hill and entrenched, but still they will roll on you, with heavy losses, but you will have lost anyway :)

British regulars are precious to the British. When one is down, it won't comes back. Try to grind them slowly. Take a town at the periphery of their expansion, then withdraw. Wait for a core of Continental regular or even better trained regular (Washington will on average retrofit 3 regiments a year, so the process is slow, and if you lose them you can very well never recover enough to win!). Wait for the French, they have a bunch of regular infantry that can stand the British toe to toe (actually the French regular regiments of this period had even more soldiers than the British, with 1000 men each, compared to 500-600 theorically for the British)



kfmiller41 -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/24/2006 4:51:18 PM)

Agree totally, I am currently playing the AI against the British in the campaign and made the mistake of trying to fight the british with Washington and a large group of troops and now find myself under siege after getting crushed in battle.[:-] Better to hit and run, even in winter if they come at you run.

Also if the AWC game they are making is as good as BOA I will be so happy, as the system used here works so well and is easy to get into. Also Pocus is one of the best people I have ever seen in answering questions and helping with problems. Where does he find the time[:D]



Titanwarrior89 -> RE: What is a typical army size? (12/25/2006 5:13:29 AM)

Yes Pocus is really good. He gives me a very good feel about the support for the game. It is a excellent game. Now becoming one of my all time favorites.[:)]



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