Splitting units?

cillmhor · 11-09-2008, 10:45 PM,

Not something I have done much of in my short time playing TOW, but I think it is something used by veteran players to help with surrounds etc.

I know it can depend on the scenario/unit size, but do most players use divided units as part of their strategy, or do some of you agree not to divided units beforehand? Just wondering, I have not been in a game yet where my opponent has divided lots of his units, but I can see lots of ways they could be used to your advantage.

Does anyone have the do's and dont's of dividing units?

Thanks in advance

Alasdair

Scallywag · 11-10-2008, 02:27 PM,

There are no rules saying you cant divide your units. Most people I play divide thier units at some time or another. In modern warfare units are spread out farther to cover more ground. They are used to protect flanks&rear, screen assaults and withdrawls, recon, also as roadbumps to slow down enemy offensives.
Some negatives to dividing units are they are weaker. They can get wiped out easily. Cut off easily. Harder to supply, because they are spread out and you might not be able to keep HQ unit adjacent to unit. There is some aurgument that if you divide, then recombine, the unit is weaker then before. I have never noticed this though.
In my humble opinion you cant be successful in this game unless you divide your units sometimes.

cillmhor · 11-10-2008, 07:00 PM,

Thanks for the reply. That's what I guessed. I can see divided units in a big North African WW2 scenario for instance being used to create havoc in the rear of an advancing enemy. Historically it makes perfect sense, as this is what really happened. I have just never done it much myself, but I will give it a try in the next suitable scenario.

Thanks again.

Alasdair

Weasel · (This post was last modified: 11-11-2008, 08:03 AM by Weasel.)

I use the following for my rule of thumb. First, I divide if I am trying to encircle a unit, or if defending so I can put a regiment in reserve on tactical. I also try to divide my unit by 9 or 10, so if a 20 point unit I would divde into two units, if a 30 into 3. If an 18 (minimum I use for dividing) I use a base 9 (so 18 into two units, 27 into three).

It works very well for me and I have had no problems with them being cut off as I ensure they don't get too deep without supporting units.