Reorganizing the hiearchy

[Stargazer86]

Now, I realize that the scenario given to us in the demo is already set up to be played right away. However, I have a few questions. Let's use Germany as an example.

There are two theater level HQ's. One in the East and one in the West. Under them are Army groups, under them are Armies, and under THEM are Corps. Alright, I get that, all fine and dandy. However, those only seem to deal with land units. The Naval and Air units all seem to be under the control of the Theater HQ's themselves. There are also a smattering of infantry left under the direct control of the Theater HQ as well.

Now, how would I set up an attack upon Poland? I don't have Theater, Army Group, or Army setup under the AI, only Corps. From what I understand, that means I can click on the Army HQ units directly and give them objectives to take, in which they will attempt tol execute to the best of their ability.

However, since I'm giving orders to Armies, my air support just remains idle without my direct intervention. Am I able to reassign the air units to specific armies/army groups in order for the AI to use them? I notice there is a "Detach this unit from it's current hierarchy slot" button or somesuch. Would this be advisable, do you think?

Usually I like to play as the smaller countries in order to get a better feel for the structure of the game, but there really isn't much of an option here except to dive right into the major players. It makes the learning curve just a tad more difficult.

 

[Darkrenown]

Yes, I think by default your air units will be attached to your theatre HQ. If you want to automate (you need to turn on AI control to set objectives) at the Army level then either assign them some air power, or manage your planes manually.

Air and Naval units can be assigned at any level, they don't care. They will try to support whoever they are attached to as best they can.

 

[Stargazer86]

I still don't understand why single infantry divisions are attached directly to theater HQ's. Is there a benefit from doing this? It seems like it just bypasses the benefit of creating army groups, armies, and corps...

 

[blue emu]

I still don't understand why single infantry divisions are attached directly to theater HQ's. Is there a benefit from doing this? It seems like it just bypasses the benefit of creating army groups, armies, and corps...

It's a HISTORICAL set-up... most countries kept some troops in reserve, under direct control of the Army (or Army Group, or Theatre), rather than assigning all of them to front-line Corps.

 

[Darkrenown]

The AI uses these divisions as reserves too, they'll be sent to reinforce some area or another and eventually get attached to a corps.

 

[Stargazer86]

But it will only use them if I give AI control to the Theater HQ, won't it?

 

[blue emu]

But it will only use them if I give AI control to the Theater HQ, won't it?

Yes... or you can just detach them and re-attach them at a lower level in the hierarchy (Army Group or Army)... wherever you actually plan to use AI control.

 

[True Grit]

But it will only use them if I give AI control to the Theater HQ, won't it?

Correct.

This is why the only thing I have attached to a Theatre is an Army Group. The exception to that is if I've over-planned production and have "extra" units I'm not sure what to do with yet (uncommon) OR my plans have changed since I started production and I'm not sure what to do with new units yet (more common).

I will usually leave only naval units attached to a Theatre. Air units I assign to Army Groups most often because I tend to assign them objectives. If you assign objectives further down the chain then you may consider giving dedicated air cover to them.