Support/Need - is this important

[56ajax]

When I look at a units detail window there is a value for Support/Need eg 429/0 or 72/72 etc etc....

I would likesome advice on the implications of these values....I always thought Support value was how much support you had and the Need was how much support you needed, so in the case of 72/72, the unit has 72 and only needs 72? is this correct?

and how is the Support Value actually calculated; I know it is not a count of support elements because the maths doesnt add up...

and why does the Need value increase dramatically, well over 100% TOE, when say a unit moves...

and should i worry anyway, and if I should how do you add support...

Enlightenement please, and thanks in advance...

[ComradeP]

It has an effect on overall combat effectiveness, as (for example) damaged elements will be more likely to be repaired if the support requirements are met.

The unit will try to "pull" support from its superior HQ if it can't meet the need with its own support. There's no way to manually attach more support squads to the unit (well, aside from editing its TOE in the editor) so the best way to make sure it can meet the need is to consider whether the HQ of the unit can support the need of all attached units/can make up for the difference between support in the unit as part of its TOE and its need. This is generally more of a problem for the Soviets than for the Axis, although Axis late war mobile unit support is pretty poor too.