Help with Smolensk Operational Situation 6

[GerryM]

Thanks very much for the explanation. I didn't realize the difference between just firing at the enemy and assaulting in terms of the effects on fatigue.

When I understand things like this it really helps me appreciate and enjoy the game more. I am surprised there aren't more newbies asking these questions.

Thanks,

Gerry

I'm not really familiar with the scenario, but will say that the things that the Germans have going for them are:

a. Mobility
b. Larger units
c. Better morale

Hello:

Can someone explain how the above German advantages should be used in the proper way, especially the Morale one.

Does this mean that the Germans should try and slug it out with the Soviets. Or does it mean they would be better in Assaults than the Soviets?

I know that every little difference matters. I am just trying to learn how to use some of these differences. (I imagine the Mobility advantage allows them to do flanking moves.)

Thanks,

Gerry

Germans can/should slug it out with Soviets where the stakes warrant it. They should always choose their battles, when that's possible.

Better morale means better fire combat as well as better assault odds. But assaults often cause lots of fatigue, whereas shooting only brings fatigue resulting from the (often less effective) Russian defensive fire. So whittle away at the Soviets with your B class units' fire, disrupt as many as you can (because disrupted Soviets can't assault), and then assault disrupted Soviet units that are actually in your way (or are surrounded and liable to surrender en masse).

The larger formations are handy for two things: You can break up a battalion and spread the companies out to hold the flanks, or you can concentrate them into 700-900 man units, very powerful.

German mobility should be used to keep the Soviets guarding their flanks, as you've already discovered.

Final note: One you've mastered the BASIC mechanics, I REALLY recommend that you play humans. As Burroughs pointed out, the AI tends to do some really stupid things and you will either get a false sense of achievement or will get bored/frustrated by the lack of challenge.