Sqz stands down. The AAR is now concluded. Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (Full Version)

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SqzMyLemon -> Sqz stands down. The AAR is now concluded. Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 3:15:38 PM)

I'm excited to announce that I've picked up the Allied side in obvert's suspended match versus Historiker. I proposed some time ago to pick up either of obvert's dormant games so that he could wrap one of them up. Historiker graciously gave up his Allied side and obvert accepted my offer to substitute in.

I've gone through Historiker's AAR and realize I'm inheriting a great position. That's not to say it's going to be smooth sailing and a cake walk. Obvert is a good player and I'm going to have to learn how to play this game much better to prove my worth. I can't simply rely on being handed a great setup and coast along. That being said, I plan on conducting the Allied war effort in the spirit in which Historiker had been, and that was aggressively.

There will be an initial delay as we synch our game versions, update to the latest patch and familiarize ourselves with the situation. A review and confirmation of existing HR's will be dealt with as well.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to pick up the Allied side and finally get to play the mid/late war having never done so previously. I thank Erik for the chance and wish him a fun and rewarding game experience as we move forward to bring this war to a conclusion.

I will pick things up from where Historiker left off in his AAR once we get this going.



BBfanboy -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 3:35:47 PM)

Should be an exciting match-up. Obvert knows how to handle the details of the Japanese side very well and thinks strategically. I doubt he will make big costly mistakes but he will take calculated risks. Good luck and good posting![:)]



HansBolter -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 4:37:34 PM)

Was this the game where the Americans ambushed the KB on day 2 at Pearl?



Lowpe -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 5:31:46 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Was this the game where the Americans ambushed the KB on day 2 at Pearl?


Yep. Very fascinating game. Lots of hijinxs around Marcus or Wake now I can't remember which. Mid to late 43.



Walker84 -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 7:21:16 PM)

Subscribed - and I like the catchy title of this new AAR.

For a long time now Lowpe has been providing a valuable service to the community by picking up loose games and writing insightful AARs about them too[&o]. Its great to see the tradition continuing in good hands.



obvert -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 8:59:52 PM)

At last Joseph and I will lock horns! This has been a while in the making as we've thrown the idea around of starting something for a few years now. I'm looking forward to it and to see where this unusual game ends up.

I'll bow out now and wish Joseph the best of luck (or maybe second best). [;)]



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 9:39:53 PM)

So it's on. Erik sent the turn and I'll have a replay to watch to get into the mood.

To be honest, I didn't follow the AAR's of either player much when the game was ongoing. I have caught up with Historiker's AAR, but I really have no recollection of Erik's true situation. I remember no specific details, or how Erik planned on persecuting the rest of the war. I'm going into this blind, so other than checking the list of Japanese losses and the map, I don't have any idea what is currently happening. Erik might not either! [:D]

I'm looking forward to taking on the role of a new commander unfamiliar with events, but immediately tasked with persecuting the war effort to a successful conclusion.

Once I get oriented, I'll begin posting some screenshots and such to bring us all up to speed on the current situation.



Canoerebel -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/20/2016 11:49:02 PM)

Glad to see you pick up the sword and accepted battle against Eric. Long live the AE Forum! I'll be following both sides, which is always alot of fun. Go get 'em!



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 1:54:31 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Congratulations! Picking up a game is like a box of chocolate. You never know till you bite!


It looks like I picked a marzipan as opposed to the cherry. [:D]

The game date last updated in Historiker's AAR was 8 Nov 42. The current game date is 31 Oct 43, so almost an entire year has been undocumented.

My overall impression of the Allied position is...poor. I have no practical experience to base this opinion on, or if I'm mistaken and it's more promising then it first appears. My own thoughts are yikes, I have a lot of work to do! I believe the Allies are not logistically capable of sustaining any meaningful advance anywhere on the map. Despite relatively few naval combat losses (excepting battleships it seems) much of the Allied naval forces have not been committed forward, and for those that are, there is no fuel available for further fleet operations. I think I have my work cut out for me, and it is definitely not as rosy a situation as I was led to believe after first reading Historiker's hopelessly outdated AAR [:D]. From first glance, it appears the Allied focus has been on Burma and a drive through the Central Pacific with recent landings at Marcus Island. The invasion forces are overstacked, out of supply and a potential disaster is pending if relief isn't forthcoming. Unit preparations indicate the next move was to be against the Marianas. However, how this was to be sustained is beyond my understanding at the moment due to this little nugget.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/2B21249F04744906B8263BA7418EBB32.jpg[/image]

I will go into much more detail over the next few weeks, but this is going to be a huge challenge for me. I look forward to giving it my best effort and am confident I'll make good progress once I get the logistics in place. First, I have to get organized and decipher my current dispositions before I can determine how best to proceed.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 2:09:02 AM)

Here's the world map.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/0FB9B9B200864FAFB9D901B21755888D.jpg[/image]



ny59giants -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 2:48:55 AM)

I would be hitting the "B" button to bring up all your bases and sort by Fuel and then Supply to see where its all at.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 2:54:13 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I would be hitting the "B" button to bring up all your bases and sort by Fuel and then Supply to see where its all at.


I may not know where it is, but I definitely know where it isn't. I'm shocked at the poor stocks of fuel and supply in forward areas in almost every theatre.

You've said it often enough in a lot of AAR's. Logistics...logistics...logistics! My absolute number one priority will be to get fuel, supply and war material into the various theatres of operation so I can get the lean, mean, fighting machine moving.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/C92A7E98FAA64671AE4757CA94BB3BBA.jpg[/image]



Canoerebel -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 2:57:50 PM)

Historiker probably struggled with motivation for many months before dropping the game. Disinterest usually builds gradually rather than hitting suddenly (though losing a huge carrier battle early often gives rise to sudden "oh, sorry, I have real life issues" for Allied players). The first thing to go is annoying micromanagement of logistics, pilot training, etc.

I didn't know Historiker, but he was a pretty good player, wasn't he?



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:02:59 PM)

The situation reminds me of one of my favourite war movies "The Eagle has Landed" from 1976.

The initial American leadership was not quite up to the task of dealing with Michael Caine's elite paratroops. After a fortunate change of events, the leadership role was filled by a much more competent officer.

Was in charge.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/39DD797E5FDA4C6E81650A0A97D43737.jpg[/image]



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:04:08 PM)

Now in charge.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/02576061C66C42A3ABA35820A8D196C3.jpg[/image]



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:12:06 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Historiker probably struggled with motivation for many months before dropping the game. Disinterest usually builds gradually rather than hitting suddenly (though losing a huge carrier battle early often gives rise to sudden "oh, sorry, I have real life issues" for Allied players). The first thing to go is annoying micromanagement of logistics, pilot training, etc.

I didn't know Historiker, but he was a pretty good player, wasn't he?


Hi CR. I totally agree. It seems to me Historiker lost his way at some point. Be it disinterest, lack of motivation, real life commitments or any number of reasons, it definitely appears that the basics weren't being covered. Just stepping in, I'm already overwhelmed by the sheer number of units that need to be redeployed, and the numerous issues that must be addressed immediately. I don't mean to disparage Historiker in any way, but the situation is what it is, and it's kind of a mess. It's going to take a lot of effort to get things moving again.

I can't really comment on whether Historiker was a good player or not, Erik would have a much better idea than myself. If nothing else, the fleet and air force looks to be in good shape.

I can't wait to get started. I've learnt over the years playing this game just how important logistics is. I know what I need to do.



Canoerebel -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:14:59 PM)

Logistics is vital. In fact, I think it's the second most important aspect of the game. I used to think it was the most important. Now I think information is the most important.



Lowpe -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:20:58 PM)

Par for the course I think.

Just think about what kind of game you want to have. I think this is an excellent one for realistic advance against the Japanese and if Obvert has done his job well enough you might be fighting in August of 45 or later.

How cool would that be?

Have fun, & I am somewhat envious as it seems like a really neat pickup game. I really love the game date...I didn't realize it was that late in 43.




SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:23:17 PM)

I had to clarify something with Erik before I felt comfortable to start issuing orders for the turn. Essentially all of China is in Japanese hands and what remains of the Chinese Army (a lot) is now in Burma. From what I understand, this wasn't quite kosher according to the established HR of not crossing national boundaries with restricted units. I confirmed with Erik that I can begin to move them back into China immediately.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:27:40 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Par for the course I think.

Just think about what kind of game you want to have. I think this is an excellent one for realistic advance against the Japanese and if Obvert has done his job well enough you might be fighting in August of 45 or later.

How cool would that be?

Have fun, & I am somewhat envious as it seems like a really neat pickup game. I really love the game date...I didn't realize it was that late in 43.


It's totally going to be a blast to play and I can't wait to start putting my stamp on things. I agree with your prediction, I don't see this wrapping up anytime soon and it could go well into 1945. It's going to be a pleasure matching wits with Erik, he's such a tenacious opponent.

I should add, I'm thrilled to have a chance to play both my opponents, who I've known for such a long time on the forum. My WitP AE world couldn't be better right now (well maybe if Andre hadn't disappeared). I'm totally into both games and couldn't ask for better players to compete against.



Macclan5 -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:31:05 PM)

Subscribed.

I look forward having extensively read much of your previous AARs

Despite the forward fuel supply woes it actually looks as if you are in a reasonably strong position?

Strategic map suggests Guadalcanal, Munda, Nomea, lower New Guinea are all yours; further a line in the sand in Burma?

I guess if your Naval Losses are "dozens and dozens" of TK and xAK - if you also will have troubles "moving supplies" it will be worse than anticipated.

Can you share an idea of Naval Loss ships ratio ? Aircraft loss ratio ?

Maybe you are unable to attack and could fall "behind historical schedule" but if you can defend then the waves of upgrades and armaments are just coming on.



Macclan5 -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:33:21 PM)

ahh timing. Just noted the 'line in the sand in Burma' is Chinese troops.

Moving them back will be a further drain on your logistics ! ? !



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 3:42:11 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Subscribed.

I look forward having extensively read much of your previous AARs

Despite the forward fuel supply woes it actually looks as if you are in a reasonably strong position?

Strategic map suggests Guadalcanal, Munda, Nomea, lower New Guinea are all yours; further a line in the sand in Burma?

I guess if your Naval Losses are "dozens and dozens" of TK and xAK - if you also will have troubles "moving supplies" it will be worse than anticipated.

Can you share an idea of Naval Loss ships ratio ? Aircraft loss ratio ?

Maybe you are unable to attack and could fall "behind historical schedule" but if you can defend then the waves of upgrades and armaments are just coming on.


Glad to have you along and thank you for sticking around after reading my other AAR's. I lose it on occasion, but always come around to dealing with the situation and soldiering on. I'm just so competitive, that at times it clouds my judgment and I let my passions get the better of me.

I will go into much more detail as we progress. On paper the Allied position looks good, but the lack of fuel, supply and a massing of combat power makes a major advance anywhere impossible at the moment. I will consolidate what I have, reorganize my combat strength and get the logistics in place to sustain the offensive push. I give myself the next two months to get everything in place, make some local gains where I can and be in a position to unleash a renewed Allied offensive to start 1944.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 4:53:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

I guess if your Naval Losses are "dozens and dozens" of TK and xAK - if you also will have troubles "moving supplies" it will be worse than anticipated.


I have plenty of everything, it's just that most assets are sitting in ports far from the action doing nothing. This tends to validate CR's comment about micromanaging logistics is one of the first things to go if motivation is lacking.



BBfanboy -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 5:11:15 PM)

Not just lack of motivation. Impatience is also a factor in not doing logistics. It isn't exciting and players that want an exciting game will want to push forward the fighting units and plan to "bring up the support later" - but later never catches up with current.

I started a campaign against the AI with the intention to see what happens if I push back hard against opening Japanese moves. Since I was not expecting to continue the exercise beyond stopping IJ expansion I left logistics (and China land battles) alone. It did not take long for the lack of fuel and supply to arrest my efforts and I had to play the game as intended!



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 5:53:43 PM)

Erik is really pushing for us to install the latest beta, so I agreed to do so. Erik's game wasn't on the last official update, but the one previous, so he'll have to upgrade from a little farther back.

I think this is the last of any version or beta issues we need to address. I should be able to start working on my first turn later tonight, unless I get a turn from my other PBEM which remains my priority. I've told Erik it will be some time before I will send the turn. There is so much that needs to be done immediately, and I don't feel the date allows me to introduce new measures over 3-4 weeks of game play. Something to look forward to is the 5528 PP's I have to spend. Priority will be leadership changes, if necessary, before worrying about command or restricted LCU related expenditures.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 5:55:25 PM)

.



Lowpe -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 6:47:46 PM)

The latest Beta is great. Adds so much more flavor for the lcu screen for example.

Takes away some exploits.

Improves bombardments a bit...more likely to happen.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 7:42:44 PM)

A brief note on the three major theatres where the Allies are currently engaged.

The most worrisome is the Central Pacific. The Marcus Island debacle will most likely result in the loss of U.S. 25th Division and four other LCU's. Restoring the situation isn't an option, unless Erik does absolutely nothing there for 3-4 weeks. There isn't any transport capacity available to withdraw the troops from the atoll. There isn't any fuel or supply close at hand to send to the atoll. The bulk of the American navy is currently southwest of the atoll, but fuel is low and an immediate withdrawal to Pearl Harbor is in order. I won't throw good money after bad. Allied forces on Marcus Island are doomed unless I am given time to work a little magic.

Burma appears to be held securely by the Japanese, and the Allied forces have banged their collective heads at a wall for some time. Supply is low and the tactical position is overall poor and ripe for local Japanese counterattacks. Priority here will be to establish a better overall position and change the axis of the Allied advance.

The silver lining appears to be the Solomons and New Guinea where the Allies have made some good progress. However, this is offset by not enough fuel, supply or troops to exploit the gains already made. I will focus Allied efforts here in the short term. I will look to improve the overall position with small operations meant to expand the perimeter and bring more pressure to bear on the Japanese. Rabaul is securely held by Japan and sports an impressive amount of aircraft. Dealing with Rabaul is the order of the day.

Darwin is still in Japanese hands. I will address this problem in conjunction with operations against the Solomons and New Guinea.

The Gilbert and Marshall Island chains are untouched by Allied forces. This will change, and I hope to start putting pressure on these Japanese positions immediately.

I have no clue on where the Japanese navy has been operating or what their naval capacity is in any particular theatre. I'll have to probe to find out. I will be reorganizing the naval search and recon capacity of Allied forces throughout the Pacific to get a clear picture of what I am facing in the air, on the ground and at sea.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J) (4/21/2016 7:46:00 PM)

That's it from me until I get knee deep into the next turn.



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