Sending attached support BACK up the chain

[Gris]

Setting the HQ to a level affects all attached support units, so if I have 10 artillery units and 3 construction, and I set my level to 3 then the construction will stay but 7 artillery will be sent home.  Thus that does not work if you only want to send a single unit back; so I assume paying the 1 AP is mandatory then.

Hi Weasel,

The "Support Level" is not a unit count, it is a type count. Rule 5.4.16. HQ Unit Detail Window & 7.6.3.2. Automatic Attachment of Support Units.

Support Level: Indicates the number of each type of support unit that the computer will attempt to automatically assign to the headquarters. Below this are buttons to increase (ADD) or decrease (SUB) the current support level. Selecting LOCK will turn off the automatic movement of support units to and from the headquarters. Note that automatic assignment will not function for that particular headquarters unit if any higher headquarters unit in that HQ unit's chain, to include the High Command, is set to LOCKED (7.6.3).

You have three options when it comes to support units.

1. Macro level

 If you want to play the macro game and let the computer handle it, set the support level number to what you want, say 3, 3 artillery, 3 armor, 3 ect ect ect. Then the computer will attempt to meet this max limit of the settings (it won't for all units, you don't have enough support units). You can move units in and out if you like, but then the computer will go behind and adjust. If you choose this one, let the computer handle it.

2. Micro Level

“Locked” your HQs. You then moved in or out (or for the Soviets build) each Support Unit you want for that particular HQ. This cost admin points in certain cases (Rule 12.2), but you decide your force mix. Very effective, but tedious at times, you can't just set it once and you are good for the entire war. You will have to change it base on your operational and production situation.

Pro Tip - What’s New PDF V1.08.00 – October 21, 2014 106. Soviet support units of brigade size will now cost 3 AP to form. Soviet support units of regimental size will now cost 2 AP to form.All other are 1 AP. 

3. Strategic events occurring across the entire theatre down to areas of operations. 

This is when you clear all your support units out to a higher HQ. Stavka or OKH. There are two common events, one for each side when this anomaly occurs. It is a function derived from the game, not history.

A. June 1941. With the initial Axis invasion all Soviet support units are distributed back to Stavka (OKH) to avoid encirclement by the advancing Wehrmacht. This removes them from the Soviet Corps HQs scheduled for disbandment and avoids the admin cost. Stavka (OKH) (or you Commander) can redistribute Support back down to Front and Army HQ.

B. December 1941. With the onset of the Blizzard, the Axis can send all of their Support Units back to OKH and avoid encirclement in the coming Blizzard. After the Blizzard the units are available for use in the 42 Summer offensive pending reassignment.

C. In order to move the Support Units by using the in game automation, set all your HQs to 0 Support Level. You can do this in the Commander’s Report under the HQ tab. Set Stavka and OKH to 9. Wait for all the units to file back to higher (it may take a few turns). After the combat supports are out of the HQ, “Locked” the HQ’s. Next, you will have to manually move the construction units which fall under the minimum stated in the prior post. 

When the crisis is over, you can have the computer repopulate the desired HQ’s (Front or Army) by setting the Support Level or you can keep all the HQ’s locked and manually assign the Support Units where you want them.

(If anyone needs clarification, post a question and I’ll answer, this is a brief overview and not meant to cover every aspect or situation you may encounter at the Front)

Rule 26.3.3.1. HQs Tab View - SupL (Support Level): Lists the current support unit level for that HQ unit (7.6.3.2). Selecting the current number or Lck (Locked) brings up a dialog box that allows the player to reset the support level for that HQ unit between -1 and 9, with -1 changing the setting to Locked.

Review Rule 15.4. Support Units in Combat to determine how many SU to assign.

You can use one or a combination of the above, the method you choose, is your decision, Commander.

See you on the Steppe!