Planning Points for Future Objectives

[Kursk1943]

Just to be sure - setting a future objective only makes sense for combat units, because it helps when defending or attacking.
So it is a waste of time to set objectives for non-combat units (Base Forces, Seabees...).
Right?

[Canoerebel]

Support units do have minimal combat support values (it's not listed, but it's there), so prep adds a small contribution to the defense.

[Kursk1943]

Thanks, makes sense for defense. But for attacks I don't think it's necessary, because I tend to bring in the non-combat units only after a base is mine. Then it should not make any difference.

[BBfanboy]

Prep also matters if the troops/support units are landing amphibiously, even if there is no opposition. It equates to a planned unload vs a chaotic one.

[RogerJNeilson]

I often give a support unit an objective because that tells me that is where I planned it to be based....

Roger

[btd64]

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson 3

I often give a support unit an objective because that tells me that is where I planned it to be based....

Roger

Plus One. It helps to keep you organized....GP

[Lokasenna]

Prep matters for adjusted AV of all of your forces within range of a prepped (even partially) HQ. Whether attacking or defending.

[Kursk1943]

Many thanks for the clarifications. I do it sometimes for organizational reasons, too. But now I'm in late 1944 as Allies, the turns are getting longer and longer with all these units, so I doubted the wisdom to set an objective for every member of the hordes of engineering units.
But you convinced me that it's worth the effort...[8|]

[NigelKentarus]

I always prep support units. Whether it helps or not, it does keep me organized also. I know where they're going. Besides, it doesn't cost any PP's and it doesn't seem to hurt.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Kursk1943

Many thanks for the clarifications. I do it sometimes for organizational reasons, too. But now I'm in late 1944 as Allies, the turns are getting longer and longer with all these units, so I doubted the wisdom to set an objective for every member of the hordes of engineering units.
But you convinced me that it's worth the effort...[8|]

Unless you plan to do one of the following, you don't need to prep engineering units: (1) defend a base, or (2) land them amphibiously at an enemy base. Since engineering units often have zero, or at least minimal, AV then prepping them for attacks is basically pointless.

You can also use the "Set all" button once you have set one unit, if that serves your purposes. I know that's not always possible, but sometimes...


I have also used it for organizational purposes. I'll set a unit to prepare for defending some base or other, or attacking another one, even if I'm not sure that's exactly where the unit will go - just nearby. That way I make sure things get sent to at least the appropriate theater if not sub-theater.

[BillBrown]

ORIGINAL: Roger Neilson 3

I often give a support unit an objective because that tells me that is where I planned it to be based....

Roger

another +1.

[Alfred]

This thread is exposing an important misunderstanding.
 
P(reparation)P(oints) doesn't impact on the Assault Value per se.
 
All land devices have some firepower.  This firepower is fed into the combat algorithms.  Just because a LCU has no displayed AV does not mean it has no firepower.  There is a firepower threshold to be met in order for that device to be credited with an AV of 1.  Exceed the threshold by 2x, 3x, 4x or more does not generate a higher AV for that device.  In the firepower phase of combat, it is the firepower which matters, not the AV.
 
The other important point to understand is that the type of combat a LCU can offensively participate in is determined on whether it has any AV.  Participation in defensive combat is not dependent on having some AV.
 
The bottom line is that any LCU will fight better in the target base if it is fully prepped for the target base.  Even partial preparation will assist.  The adjusted AV is calculated only after combat and it is used to determine whether a retreat or change of base ownership results.
 
Alfred

[Kursk1943]

Thank you Alfred for another insight once again. [:)]
My conclusion is that prepping every unit regardless of its AV is worthwhile.

[Xargun]

Don't forget that once a unit hits 100% prep it has a chance each turn to earn a 'free' experience point up to the national cap. Not sure how much the experience of a unit comes into play in combat, but I often see the negative modifier for experience(-) in the combat report showing that unit(s) failed their roll and suffered for it.

Xargun

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

This thread is exposing an important misunderstanding.

P(reparation)P(oints) doesn't impact on the Assault Value per se.

All land devices have some firepower.  This firepower is fed into the combat algorithms.  Just because a LCU has no displayed AV does not mean it has no firepower.  There is a firepower threshold to be met in order for that device to be credited with an AV of 1.  Exceed the threshold by 2x, 3x, 4x or more does not generate a higher AV for that device.  In the firepower phase of combat, it is the firepower which matters, not the AV.

The other important point to understand is that the type of combat a LCU can offensively participate in is determined on whether it has any AV.  Participation in defensive combat is not dependent on having some AV.

The bottom line is that any LCU will fight better in the target base if it is fully prepped for the target base.  Even partial preparation will assist.  The adjusted AV is calculated only after combat and it is used to determine whether a retreat or change of base ownership results.

Alfred

Right.

But for units that have no guns and no "combat" squads/devices of any kind (say, Seabee battalions), prep only matters for defense (where they will be able to fight back) and amphibious landings.