American AAR : AI Experiments In HoI3

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty : World Tour

Welcome To Gibraltar​

We open this chapter with the American Marines launching another Ground Attack on the Japanese invaders in Taytay.

While waiting for their return I went to peek at Diplomacy to see how well the Guatemala were doing. As I have not taken anything from them of value they were nowhere near surrendering to me yet.

And the list of Axis Nations worries me no end. Maybe the USSR will enter the conflict soon, please, yes? As I ponder this the Marines report about their attack on Taytay. They had only killed 90 Japanese Marines in their attack.

At this point I decided to pause the game and do a "walk about". First I looked at Guatemala which had one province left.

The American soldiers in Latin America were the only ones who are in poor supply. Which is nice to know. It means the units in the Pacific are doing well.

In the Mediterranean the Italians have launched an invasion of the British occupied Sardinia. Is it a good sign they are wasting their troops in such an operation? Or is this a bad sign that Italy had a billion troops to waste? Also, that means they slipped past the UK's Navy, yes? Not good.

Also Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia are still standing. Not sure why the Brits have not wiped those two nations out yet. Are they truly putting up that much of a fight?

And it looked like French Africa, a area I know well from my Spanish AND French AARs, was being invaded by Germany. Interesting use of resources. A waste though I know many a Axis & Allies player might argue for it. But that's another game and not really something to debate here.

Last, but not least, I visited Gibraltar. It is still under British control which is a good thing. And it looks like none of the Axis nations can do anything about it. Spain has not joined either side at the moment. I wonder if anybody plans to invade it?

So we close this chapter with a little look at the Middle East, Africa, and the Med.

 

[stnylan]

Germans in West Africa does seem like a waste.

 

[roverS3]

Well, maybe taking over West Africa will provide a base to grab the Belgian Congo's Uranium mines in Katanga. What seems like a waste could turn into something very explosive indeed...
Guatemala is still standing... sending tanks in there does seem like overkill and a strain on the British convoy system...

USMC Air Force still killing Marines unopposed, that's got to be a drain on enemy morale...

 

[Bullfilter]

Germany taking West Africa should rove a net benefit - any convoys trying to supply it should be shredded by the British - shouldn’t they? Or is there a land supply route from somewhere I can’t see?

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty-One : Bombs And Beans

"Keep Us Out Of This!"
​

We open this chapter with me renaming the 86th USAAF Fighter Wing to the 86th USAAF Fighter Group. I felt much better afterwards.

Then I got a report from the Navy the following day. They had sunk two Japanese transports and a Japanese escort. Wonderful news.

Around the same time I noticed the 1st Transport Fleet, under the Navy HQ, had dropped off the HQ at Ponape and was leaving the region. For...Honolulu? I don't know. The green pathway disappeared when I tried to follow it. Weird.

So now the 2nd Naval Corps were with the two Divisions they controlled. Wait. The Navy moved that unit to be with the others because it was lonely? *sigh*

I combined the two US Marine Divisions and the two Infantry Divisions under Lt. General Geiger in the 10th Corps. Which was placed under the commander of the 1st Naval Army.

You have seen the 8th and 7th already so I will not waste you time showing what they contained again. The Marine Divisions were made up of three Brigades without support. As the Marines have been hanging around the longest they were already prepared for transport and combat. It is likely they will be shipping out before the newly formed Infantry.

Then I got a report that the Marine pilots were hitting the Japanese Marines in Taytay again. Five Marine Divisions. Almost fifty thousand soldiers being blasted by bombs as they tried to continue their invasion of the Philippines.

Calapan looked WELL prepared. At least one Division of Light Tanks, a Division of Garrison Troops, and two Divisions of Infantry PLUS three Anti-Tank Brigades for support. Against five Divisions of Japanese Marines. I am not sure who would win but I hope the Marine pilots could help turn any Land Combat against the invaders.

At this point I checked to see where Spain was drifting. The Nationalists were leaning towards the Axis but was being influenced by all three Factions so I assume they are kind of trapped in the middle.

Funny enough the AI running Spain seems to think that the UK is the biggest threat. That KIND of makes sense. Than the Ground Attack in Taytay came to an end and the Marines reported that they had killed 115 Japanese invaders.

Then the Germans sunk a transport full of baked beans and brown bread. Those bastards! I mean, I prefer Irish Soda Bread, but still what a waste!

Then I noticed that the 1st Army Transport was in the middle of the Atlantic moving the 4th Corps HQ to...oh no. It was taking it to El Iskandariya! Two HQ units were going to end up in Northern Africa but NO Divisions with them! Why? WHY!?!

Maybe it planned to bring the Infantry Divisions in later? I hope so. The next morning the Marines in the Philippines launched another Ground Attack on the Japanese. Is either side getting any sleep?

A few hours later they returned with a report that they had killed 181 Japanese Marines. So we close this chapter with mostly good things and only the baked beans and brown bread going to the bottom of the ocean being the bad news. What will be happening next chapter? More bombing? Likely more bombing.

 

[roverS3]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but those Philippino Divisions have Armoured Cars and not Light Tanks (It's hard to see the difference in the tooltip, but the numbers indicate three Infx2, AT, AC, and one Garx3). With such outstanding Air Support and a strait in between them and the Japanese, they should be able to hold.

Oh no... the brown bread... and the beans...

Of course the US Army will first send HQs to El Iskandarîya. That way those HQs can waste their time trying to tell the British what to do, and everyone gets the warm fuzzy feeling of inter-allied cooperation in advance of any actual cooperation... First let the officers get to know each-other, then send in the troops, makes perfect sense to me.

 

[Eurasia]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but those Philippino Divisions have Armoured Cars and not Light Tanks (It's hard to see the difference in the tooltip, but the numbers indicate three Infx2, AT, AC, and one Garx3). With such outstanding Air Support and a strait in between them and the Japanese, they should be able to hold.
.

Should have known as my Light Tanks are also Armoured Cars. I think the game was made to help the Axis!

 

[stnylan]

That island most be where the gold is hidden, or something

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty-Two : Rethinking The Future

Sorry Paris​

We open this chapter with the Marines in the Philippines launching another Ground Attack on the attacking Japanese Marines. I wonder if the Japanese AI will decide to try to find some way to block my pilots. It seems weird that the Japanese are just letting me do this.

As that was happening I decided that the 1st Army had too much on its plate. So I removed Paris from its Objectives. This left Amsterdam and Bruxelles. They are close to the coast and close together. I hope that will make them easier to get at and hold.

The report from the American Marine pilots were they had killed 138 Japanese Marines. Sadly, this seemed to have no affect on the enemy Divisions.

Then I noticed that Canada was in Miami. Not joking, they had Marines and ships in port in Florida.

Now, Miami WAS where the USA had some Officer Training Schools for the Americans but I am not sure why Canada is using it unless it brings them closer to Africa? (1)

The American Marines launched another Ground Attack on the Japanese Marines in Taytay.

A few hours later the Americans found and attacked some German ship off the coast of Scotland. What the Germans were doing there with transports I haven't a clue. But they got caught.

I got reports from both missions at the same time. 90 Japanese Marines had been killed.

While some German ships were damaged. Oh goodie. How detailed. Then the Navy reported sinking a Japanese cargo ship and a escort.

No Kit Kat Sushi for you Sweden! At the same time I realized that the Japanese Occupied islands COULD be targeted with Underground Resistance Cells. So I decided to see if I could start Pacific uprisings. In about a year.

The American Marines launched another Ground Attack on the invaders.

This attack turned out to be more effective as the pilots returned with a report on having killed 202 Japanese Marines. Then I noticed that at the start of the attack the Japanese had around 45 thousand men when I know they use to have 49 thousand a week ago or so. OUCH! I am hurting them!

Then I noticed the 2nd Army was moving to Mexico. I assume to join the units in Latin America. Why? By the time it got there the conflict would be over and the units would just all have to march BACK! *deep sigh*

At least I can count on my Marines! They launched another attack in Taytay with the Tactical Bombers!

As I waited for a report from the Ground Attack I noticed the 1st Army Transport was moving past Spain among some British ships. Protection in numbers? Or were they trying to hide?

The results from Taytay stated that another 131 Japanese Marines had been killed. I was starting to feel sorry for Taytay. From the internet photos is seemed like a pretty place. And now I picture it burning. Just burning forests and beaches.

So I close this chapter wondering if my AIs are SMART enough to win this war. And knowing that my Marine bombers are killing a lot of Japanese Marines. Each and every time they hit them. Whose numbers don't seem to be being replaced. What was Japan doing? What was it doing behind the scenes?

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Author's Note:

1. In that photo is Clark Gable marching with the other Army Air Corps Officer Candidate School students. A school which was centered in Miami. And, yes, the photo was from 1942.

 

[Wraith11B]

Sometimes I feel like the AI calculations had too many things to account for, and that all of the values were imported from HoI2, and so things that would have worked normally, just flat out didn't. Unfortunately, this has been mostly rectified by HoI4, except that it's basically impossible to micro the war in the same way (and there is again too much for the AI to handle) and the counters just don't feel right to me.

 

[Bullfilter]

Let’s hope that air attrition on the Japanese marines weakens them sufficiently by the time they make contact. I wouldn’t be too sure though: marines and engineers will decrease the amphibious defence bonus (or attacker’s penalty).

 

[stnylan]

The bombers are slowly whittling them down.

 

[Davout]

I am so disappointed there have been no Taylor Swift memes, after all that bombing. Loving the beans though.

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty-Three : Ethiopian Freedom!

Italy...Really?​

We open this chapter on the evening of the 11th of February with the American Marines launching another Ground Attack on the Japanese invaders in the Philippines. The Japanese Marines are taking a beaten. You can even see the 29th Engineer Brigade is hurting!

The pilots came back with their Dragons and reported they had killed 128 Japanese Marines.

By Midnight many things started to happen. First, a spy from Yugoslavia had been found and taken care of. Then there were advances in Medium Tanks and in Artillery. Good stuff. And, no, I will not waste time on Heavy Tanks.

But the big announcement was the conquest...er...libration of Ethiopia. Which was great.

Now maybe those UK units can go west and deal with the German Units. A few hours later the Marines were back in the air launching another Ground Attack on the Japanese Marines. But it looks like the Japanese Engineers are the ones REALLY taking the damage.

When the pilots returned they reported to have killed 191 Japanese Marines. Or maybe they were killing the Japanese Engineers?

The pilots were quick in their turn-around. They launched a Ground Attack 5 hours later. Then I got some bad news from the Navy. My shipment of BBQ Garlic Pork had been sunk by the Japanese!

NOOOOOOOO! Around this time, as I peeked at the Philippines and mourned my poor, poor, BBQ, I noticed that the USN Patrol Bombing Group 1 was now at Clark Field. Were they waiting for Japanese ships to get close to the island to attack? Seems the Navy was looking to join in the fight to protect the Philippines!

Looks like the aircraft had just arrived and were topping off their fuel and supplies. So it might be some time before they enter the battle. But I can't wait to see how well they do once they get back into the war. I hope this time they stand and fight.

I close this chapter with a report from the Marine pilots. They had killed another 84 Japanese soldiers. It looks like the Philippines would become the center of attention for the next few chapters.

 

[stnylan]

84 soldiers must be one of the lower amounts recently killed.

 

[roverS3]

Those Engineers really are taking a disproportionate amount of damage, and that's great news as the Divisions will be out of action as soon as one Brigade, the Engineers in this case, are out of action...
Glad to see the navy bombers wanting a piece of the Pie.
Too bad for the garlic pork barbecue...

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty-Four : Bombing Kwajalein

Polish Uprising
​

We open this chapter with the Marines bombing Taytay and the poor Japanese Engineers. At this point the Japanese have lost thousands of men with this invasion just from the bombing runs.

In fact the pilots returned after killing another 54 Japanese soldiers. Not much to be honest. I wonder if the Japanese are just getting better at dodging bombs?

The Japanese Divisions were given a short night to rest before the Marines were back by 9:00 AM.

As I waited for a report to appear I went to peek around the world. I noticed the UK was not LOSING ground to the Asian Axis powers. But I don't think they were gaining any of their holdings back either.

When the pilots returned they reported having killed 206 Japanese soldiers. Likely Engineers. Good for the Allies. But not for those Divisions.

It wasn't long before they were back in action. It really does look like the Engineers are getting hit the hardest by our bombers.

They returned after killing another 120 Japanese Engineers. Yeah, lets face it, they are killing Engineers.

Then I received a report that the Navy had sunk a Japanese cargo and a escort. Take that Japanese toy industry!

THEN I started to get surprises. First the Italians launched a Naval Strike on the 1st Army Transport while it was still on the way to the British Middle East. Ouch.

At the same time I got a report on the 12th CAG attacking the Japanese defenders of Kwajalein. It looks like the defenders have anti-aircraft guns which could be a problem.

The CAG was from the USS Langley Escort Carrier. Which is under Burke and his 3rd Marine Transport Fleet which was coming to invade the island with the 1st US Marine Division. As the Japanese Garrison is made up of ONE Brigade this SHOULD be a cake walk.

And we close this chapter with something I noticed while glancing at Europe.

The Polish have rebelled! Go Poland GO! So we end here with a Polish revolt, more dead Japanese Engineers, and Japanese plastic toys now at the bottom of the sea.

 

[roverS3]

Interesting, in your universe, Polish revolts are actually supported by the UK...

 

[stnylan]

If I had more time I would go back through your posts and count up how many Japanese had died at Tatay, but you are right, it is defintely several thousand. I would guess between five and ten.

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Fifty-Five : See-Saw

Welcome To Kwajalein​

We open this chapter with the 1st Army Transport (Fleet) still being attacked in the Gulf of Bomba by two Wings of Naval Bombers escorted by a Wing of Multirole Fighters.

And what is the Fleet doing? They are taking one of my Corps HQ units to join another Corps HQ unit in British North African where it looks like, right now, that the Italians are winning. I hope the 1st Army moves in some fighting men soon. That would be nice. I am sure the Brits would like that.

Then the Navy reported sinking another cargo transport. Sorry Europe, no Pocky for you!

The 12th CAG was also still bombing the Japanese Garrison on the island of Kwajalein.

An hour later the pilots came back after killing 13 Japanese soldiers. At the same time the Italians finally stopped picking on the 1st Army Transport (Fleet). To be honest I kind of blame the UK for the Italians being able to attack.

I mean, it seems unfair to blame the UK due to all the Italians airbases. But they have failed to take Malta back from the Italians. And where is the Royal Air Force? Surely the R.A.F. should be roaming the skies blasting the Italians pilots out of the air? Or maybe the 1st Army Transport (Fleet) needs a Carrier?

I then get news from the 12th CAG which is launching a Ground Attack on Kwajalein again.

By the 13:00 (1:00 PM) on the 14th of February both Corps HQs were now in Africa. Lovely. Now if the 1st Army could bring in soldiers? That would be nice.

The 1st Army Transport (Fleet) has started its return journey. I assume they may be attacked on the way back. But their losses don't seem that bad so far. Out of the four Light Cruisers only the USS Denver lost 1 % which was .25 % of the four ships' total Strength. Out of four Destroyer Divisions one lost 9 % which is 2.25 % of the four Divisions' total Strength.

The Transport Flotillas had even less damage as the Abner Doubleday had 5 % damage. In other words one Transport was listing. Or 0.625 % of their total Strength.

In the Pacific the Naval pilots came back from their attack on Kwajalein after killing 8 more Japanese defenders. Not really high numbers there when compared to the attacks on Taytay. Which has become silent, hasn't it? I'm sure that's nothing.

These Naval pilots soon launched another Ground Attack on Kwajalein as the Fleet came closer and closer. Soon the pilots returned to the USS Langley after killing another 26 Japanese defenders.

At the same time they were refueling the 1st US Marine Division was being unloaded from the Transports. The Battle of Kwajalein had started!

And the Marines had much of the advantages. A better Leader, Capital Ships carrying out a Shore Bombardment, and the Japanese were suffering with Dissent.

On the other hand the Japanese WERE Dug in AND the Marines were still in the process of storming the beaches. It would take them some time before they could use their superior numbers against the Japanese Garrison. The Japanese also felt they were fighting for a territory they owned.(1)

On the gripping hand the Marines also had the USS Langley which, as we close this chapter, launched another Ground Attack on the Japanese soldiers.

Also, at this point I am starting to feel that while my AIs are goofing around they are not losing. I don't think the Japanese can win in the Pacific Theatre and I am starting to feel I can maybe shift my focus to Europe and the East Coast Command.

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Author's Note:

1. The Japanese seized the Marshall Islands during World War One and it was officially placed under Japanese administration as a League of Nations mandate. Japanese civilians, traders and their families, reached nearly 1,000 at the height of Japanese administration.

In the 1930s Korean forced laborers and Japanese prisoners (political prisoners) were sent to the Atoll, and other areas of the Pacific, to build fortifications and airfields. The natives were even relocated to Namu Atoll. It also had a large Japanese seaplane base. When the Americans took it many Japanese, Koreans, and natives were killed in the invasion.