What the Union did in the West AAR

[Ace]

Hi folks, I'll try to replicate Union success in the West in the game against CSA AI set at the highest difficulty settings, +1 bonus to activation and medium FOW bonus.
Lots of people expressed their view that it cannot be done, so I'll try to prove it otherwise
So the objective is to do do all this by mid 62:[INDENT]Occupy Springfield, MO. [I]- DONE Sep, 61 [/I]
[/INDENT]
[INDENT] Capture Fort Donelson, TN. - DONE Sep, 61
Capture Island No 10. [I] [I]- DONE Nov, 61 [/I]
Capture Fort Macon, NC.
Capture Fort Pulaski, GA. - DONE, Feb 62
Capture Forts Jackson and St Philip, LA - DONE, Jan 62
Capture New Orleans, LA [I][I]- DONE Nov, 61[/I][/I]
Capture Memphis, TN.[/I] [I][I][I]- DONE Dec, 61[/I][/I][/I]

[/INDENT]

Of course, anything more than this is a bonus. I look forward to your reading.

I'll start the AAR on turn 3. So far, I used all financial options and requisitions RGDs, declared blockade and used 1 draft rgd. I used Habeas corpus on all money producing cities. Here is the purchase plan:
[ATTACH]26532[/ATTACH]
You'll see I tried to realistically spread my purchases. The objective is not to disregard East in order to fulfill all these objectives. I'll try to play a normal game and we'll see how this turns out.

[veji1]

Looking forward to this role play thingie.

[Ace]

First casualties of the war, small Union force managed to take Harpers Ferry. The rebels turned tail as soon we reached their lines, as the tooltip says
[ATTACH]26533[/ATTACH]

I forgot to mention, I am playing this with standard activation setting. Using hidden activation might be too harsh for the AI. If I was playing with hidden activation settings, I may not have taken the town. At the moment, I am short of conscripts and ws. I try to spread my purchases to be near 0 for at least 2 of the 3 resources. I am sure after volunteer call, I'll be short of money instead.

By the way, pre battle I had no idea how large this rebel force was. The stack strength showed ?? with the tooltip showing that it was a brigade of unknown strength. I see now that was because he had cavalry and I did not. One of the little improvements we get in the new patch.

[Q-Ball]

Hi folks, I'll try to replicate Union success in the West in the game against CSA AI set at the highest difficulty settings, +1 bonus to activation and medium FOW bonus.
Lots of people expressed their view that it cannot be done, so I'll try to prove it otherwise
So the objective is to do do all this by mid 62:[INDENT]Occupy Springfield, MO.
[/INDENT]
[INDENT] Capture Fort Donelson, TN.
Capture Island No 10.
Capture Fort Macon, NC.
Capture Fort Pulaski, GA.
Capture Forts Jackson and St Philip, LA
Capture New Orleans, LA
Capture Memphis, TN.

[/INDENT]

Ace, I actually think this is very doable, vs. the AI. I just don't think it is vs. a competent human player.

I am messing around with a game vs. harder AI settings, and getting ready to invade New Jersey with the ANV. I might conclude from that the CSA is way too strong, but the reality is that invading New Jersey is not realistic vs. a human player. I'm just messing around.

Balance vs. the AI, and balance vs. humans are two entirely different things, IMO

[veji1]

Ace, I actually think this is very doable, vs. the AI. I just don't think it is vs. a competent human player.

I am messing around with a game vs. harder AI settings, and getting ready to invade New Jersey with the ANV. I might conclude from that the CSA is way too strong, but the reality is that invading New Jersey is not realistic vs. a human player. I'm just messing around.

Balance vs. the AI, and balance vs. humans are two entirely different things, IMO

Agreed, and that it isn"t possible against a not overly incompetent human player is the whole point ! The way the CSA was led in the West for the first year is the stuff of House rules or specific set up (fixed units and such) because if you give the human players some abitliy it should be damn hard to emulate being so bad !

[soundoff]

Nice one Ace, I shall watch with a keen eye developments.

[Ace]

Well, it would be impossible to try this against a human, because, well, he would know all my objectives beforehand and act accordingly. We do not want a game where it would be a reality against a competent player. We would want a game in which it is possible against mediocre player. And we all agree CSA RL leadership in the West was worse than mediocre. By the way, hardest setting AI is no pushover, it is certainly better than the average player with all difficulty bonuses.

[pgr]

so when is "mid-1862?" By early June? I might add ft Pillow and Nashville to the list as well

And for all those who say it's impossible against a competent human player, I'm not so sure. It's a big area to cover with not that many troops. If I tell a player I plan to capture Springfield Mo, Nashville, Memphis, Ft Donelson, Island No 10, NO and her forts, Fort Macon, Fort Pulaski, and Richmond(!!) by mid-1862, I'm not sure that knowledge really helps the confederate player that much. What is critical is knowing the when and where these things are going to happen. I don't maintain that a competent Union player can get the whole list, but half to 80% should be possible. (Heck if a CSA player wants to park 20,000 troops in NO, I'll gladly keep the invasion force in Va and move on Richmond)

In any event the race is on and I wish you the best luck. As an aside, I'm assuming you are doing this with the 1.02 patch? (The core of the debate was centered on the USA not being able to mobilize enough manpower to pull it off on time, and from what I understand manpower is to be pumped up in 1.03)

[Ace]

In 1.03. The manpower has been pumped for both sides, so CSA has the means to set up stiffer defense. The last release candidate we have been testing are little more difficult for the Union than the 1.02., especially if the US doesn't follow Anaconda plan.

[Ace]

History is repeating itself. At the sight of my mighty scouting cavalry force, Price turned tail and headed South. Springfield should fall pretty soon:
[ATTACH]26540[/ATTACH]

In the East, I plan a bold move with AoP. McDowell will take 14.000 handpicked men without combat penalty and try to flank Beauregard at Culpepper. Milroy will follow with the rest of the force, about 15.000 men. 10.000 men shall be in Alexandria fort to guard the capital. The rest, about 13.000 men shall concentrate at Harpers ferry and brace for the expected attack by the Army of Shenandoah.

[Ace]

I tried to be smart and divided my forces in a march to Culpepper. I was intercepted at Falmouth with only half of my forces in the combat. Luckily for me, my battle plan was a success. I chose a fighting withdrawal.
[ATTACH]26542[/ATTACH]

The current situation is rather bad, with Milory stack in Falmouth against Beauregard twice its size. But, he is out of Mannassas, and this may be good after all. We'll see.
[ATTACH]26543[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Several battles last turn.
Springfiled, Charleston MO and Manassas, VA are in my hands:

I used fresh Alexandria forces to march to Manassas while McDowell and Beauregard were recovering from the Falmouth battle last turn.
[ATTACH]26546[/ATTACH]

CS tried to break away from Springfiled, but did not make it.
[ATTACH]26547[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26548[/ATTACH]

With Manassas in my hands, I am switching my focus. I'll scout Island No10 and FDonelson for the possibility of landing 12.000 men currently in Cairo. I am also buying marines and sailors in Phiadelphia. In few months I'll form my coastal fort busting stack.

I feel very much in control, and I feel I'll control all those objectives before 62.

[Ace]

Athena managed to slip in some forces at Springfield. Two battles fought there.

The assault into the city:
[ATTACH]26552[/ATTACH]

Counterattack from the relief force. Lone reinforcement militia took the brunt of the second battle:
[ATTACH]26553[/ATTACH]

I managed to get blockade percentage to 40%. I have at least 5 blockade squadrons in each blockade box. I have detached brigs to blockade ports on the Mexico - Texas border as well:

[ATTACH]26554[/ATTACH]


I detached AoP to the Valley while the main force was at Manassas. Beauregard tried to concentrate against me, but the battle was fought only between lone Longstreet brigade and AoP stack:
[ATTACH]26555[/ATTACH]

Lyon has succesfully disembarked outside FtDonelson. I didn't want to attack it amphibiously. This is a small force, so I'll reinforce it from Cairo, and prepare for the counter-attack the following turn.
[ATTACH]26556[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

The last battle in the Valley, albeit victorious, has left McDowell more than exposed with only narrow retreat path. But I see road to Richmond opened because of it. Do I go south with Butler, or do I go west to Clarke with him.
If I was going for the kill, I might have opted for the Richmond route, but I do not want this to be over too quickly.[ATTACH]26557[/ATTACH]

[soundoff]

The last battle in the Valley, albeit victorious, has left McDowell more than exposed with only narrow retreat path. But I see road to Richmond opened because of it. Do I go south with Butler, or do I go west to Clarke with him.
If I was going for the kill, I might have opted for the Richmond route, but I do not want this to be over too quickly

Hmmm that I think is one of the problems Ace. Nice sentiment if you are trying to play an historical game. Not so good though if you are expecting the AI to provide a challenge. Most folks playing solo I am sure are not going to 'back off'. Oh those that post are but what about the hundreds that just lurk as I once did.

[Ace]

I am not expecting anything, I am just having fun , without pressure I sometimes feel in PBEM.

Next turn developments, I made beginners error, but I did not get punished so far. McDowell army is without supply wagon, and I cannot reach him with reinforcements without provoking an offensive battle. So, I parked in the region next to it and hope he can draw supply from adjacent supply wagons. I would never make such error in PBEM, much more careful there.

Attacks on Springfield have resumed:

[ATTACH]26559[/ATTACH]

While I pound at Springfield, AI has numerous small stacks that are trying to capture forts in the surroundings.

I opted for advance South with Butler, I almost stormed the city with the Confederates inside:
[ATTACH]26560[/ATTACH]

An example how AI sometimes has good reasoning, but fails to implement it completely. He did kept me on my toes there. These troops appeared out of nowhere, and attacked lightly guarded St Louis. But, those troops should have been only slightly stronger and commanded, supply wagon would help here as well:

[ATTACH]26561[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Situation in the East:
[ATTACH]26562[/ATTACH]

West:
[ATTACH]26563[/ATTACH]

Missouri:
[ATTACH]26564[/ATTACH]

Most of the action has been in the East, I have not planned it, but the AI seems to prepare for the Invasion via the Valley. It has concentrated at Winchester and is poised to strike at Harpers Ferry or Leesburg. I decided, I 'll try to parry her moves there, nothing too fancy.

In the West, Lyon was not attacked as expected, so I'll attack instead. I left Charleston, MO unguarded. That was probably a little sloppy on my side, since the AI has put some nice stack there unopposed. She can either threaten St Louis or set up a base to interdict shipping on the Mississippi, Cairo port is in range of her guns. I have to think about this. She will probably go for St Louis, and not for setting up a stronghold in Charleston which would probably be smarter thing to do.

You'll see from the screenshots that I have plenty of money. I did not pay for volunteers since I think it is the way to go in 1.03.

List of units being built:
[ATTACH]26568[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26569[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Lyon captured the fort and earns the promotion to 2 stars:
[ATTACH]26570[/ATTACH]

Springfield is still not captured. Although more numerous, I am starting to feel fatigue here. My units are very exhausted, but I still keep attacking :
[ATTACH]26571[/ATTACH]

And this is the reason why I am so exhausted here. Price is attacking and although I am victorious, he can regain cohesion on home ground way quicker than me:
[ATTACH]26572[/ATTACH]

Zollicoffer did not go to StLouis, nor did he tried to set up a base at Charleston. In real hothead manner, he tried to charge over Mississippi to Cairo. Even Mac could not loose this one:
[ATTACH]26573[/ATTACH]

Beauregard did not chose to go North. Instead he chose to hang in the Valley. I'll keep him in blocked and scout on to Richmond. I do not plan to take it, but I am curious why is she so confident I cannot march onto it.

[Ace]

Current situation Missouri - large Confederate force is spoted marching towards StLouis, I better prepare my defense there while taking care of the Zollichofer as well:
[ATTACH]26574[/ATTACH]

Situation in the East. I'll try to roleplay this theater a bit and strip some of its forces in order to grab New Orleans. As soon divisions are available, I 'll form marine divisions and head to New Orleans:

[ATTACH]26575[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]26576[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Battles this turn:
[ATTACH]26581[/ATTACH][ATTACH]26582[/ATTACH][ATTACH]26583[/ATTACH]

Missouri situation:
[ATTACH]26584[/ATTACH]

I have railed Grant with some troops from Cairo to StLouis. I shall lift the siege easily. I have not yet decided what to do with reb stack west of StLouis. He might go for Rolla or Jeff city. I may have to intercept them as well.

Tennessee situation:
[ATTACH]26585[/ATTACH]

I have left gunboats to protect my back along the Tennessee river and was marching to Nashville. I see A.S.Johston there. I have to decide what to do with him.

[Ace]

They finally allowed me to form divisions: the first two formed go to Lyon stack west of Nashville. I do not want to go onto head on assault, I'll try to position myself south of the city. Shields is inactive, so his militias are not properly organized yet. He will remain at Humphreys to raise my MC in the area, but will be ordered to retreat if in contact with the enemy. I am setting up a depot at Dover
[ATTACH]26586[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26587[/ATTACH]

Back in Cairo, Hurlbut is inactive as well, so only 1 division in the McClellan stack. The rest are inside Cairo, together with lots of units still being built.

[ATTACH]26588[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Missouri orders:
Grant is ordered to attack the cocky brigade that tried to besiege StLouis. That was the easy part, the hard part was what to do with large reb force westwards of StLouis. I really want to annihilate the brigade outside StLouis, so Jeff city will have to hold out for a turn. I am not afraid of the siege as long Grant is in the area.
Fremont is orederd to go to Jeff city to take command of the small force in the city. I am expecting an attack, so I'll retreat in the city with them. The 3 militias in Rolla are ordered to retreat since they cannot hope of containing any Confederate attack.[ATTACH]26621[/ATTACH]

Eastern theater:
Not much here, I am ordering Milroy with 2 divisions to Harpers ferry. McDowell with 2,5 divisions, and Butler with 1 division will stay put. I am ordering a raid to New Market, to capture Shenandoah farmfields. I plan to isolate and starve Beauregard's army.[ATTACH]26622[/ATTACH]

Coastal operations:
I have boarded ships with more than 3 divisions, 2 division commanded by Hooker are in the Farragut's fleet, and the rest are in Palmer's fleet. I have 2 divisions formed solely of marines and sailors. This is self-imposed HR of mine. No marines in ordinary divisions for amphibious landings.[ATTACH]26623[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

[ATTACH]26624[/ATTACH][ATTACH]26625[/ATTACH][ATTACH]26626[/ATTACH][ATTACH]26627[/ATTACH]

Beside the small scale mop up of West Virginia, there were 2 battles, one in Cairo and one in Jeff city. Cairo was victory as expected. I have to take initiative and see if I can invade Charleston,Mo next turn here. The second one was successful defense of Jeff city. With Grant in the area, here as well I can do much damage on the counterattack. The brigade outside StLouis got away without a battle, but overall I am pleased with the turn's results.

[Ace]

North of Missouri is mine, some mop up operations will follow to clear scattered CSA stacks
[ATTACH]26628[/ATTACH]

Lyon will need reinforcements if his Tennessee Campaign is to succeed. I'll scout for the possibility of opening a second front on Island No10. Invading KY is always an option as well.
[ATTACH]26629[/ATTACH]

In the East, not much is happening, a standoff between me and Beauregard in the Valley. Unusual situation, since the most fighting usually takes place around Rapidan river and on the Penninsula east of Richmond.
[ATTACH]26630[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

I would like to hear your comments about my AAR. Is the action represented clear enough. I tried to simplify it to myself by not editing pictures, although it would probably be better if I wrote comments and movements on the screenshots instead below the pictures.

[Ol' Choctaw]

I like the comments off the map, more. They tend to obscure what you can see there.

Oct. 61! You are far ahead of schedule in the west. A little behind landing above Savannah, which I wouldn’t even call a major issue. Not on your list.

[Ace]

Landing off Savannah, I forgot about that. It historically happened. I'll do it in the following months. The amphibious invasion is going to New Orleans, its forts, and to Texas-Mexican border. There is an in-game mechanism which grants CSA some resources (at least it should be if it is working) as long CSA holds cities along Mexican border. I'll land small force there and cut that vital resource link asap.

[Ol' Choctaw]

That is far outside your time line, was never really fully accomplished, and held Brownsville for only about 6 or 8 months. Nov 63 to summer 64.

In the game it is not really working, not working at all past Jan 62, nor as important to the CSA as it was historically.

If you want to dig into that there is a good couple of weeks worth of material you will be covering. Have fun!

[Ace]

Missouri:

I thought a lot what to do here. There were a lot of small stacks that begged to be attacked in detail, especially the one between Jefferson and Rolla which just lost a battle and is low on cohesion and ammo. So I divided the Springfield force and ordered an understrength division led by Sumner to attack retreating rebels. It would be most beneficial to converge with all I have at this stack. But, 1/3 of my force is still recovering, either in receiving replacements, or regaining cohesion.
Also converging at this stack is a part of Grant's detachment. It was tempting to order Grant himself to lead the attack, but I do not want to tie Grant permanently to this theater, I need to get him to Tennessee as soon as practicable. So I detached an understrength division from this direction as well and ordered them to intercept the retreating rebels, while Grant with one division is ordered to assist McClellan in his Cairo-Charleston attack.
Halleck is ordered to train various militias dispersed across the state.
[ATTACH]26636[/ATTACH]

McClellan will take initiative. Even inactive, I'll still head on. I have to press Zollichofer and not allow him to rest. Grant will come with rail and some force marching almost on the same day as Mac. he is set to arrive on day 9, while Mac will cross at day 8. Gunboats will take positions off the coast of Island No10, to block CSA retreat in that direction.
[ATTACH]26637[/ATTACH]

Tennessee:

Lyon will assault Pulaski. This is a risky move, since my force is not large, and Pulaski is a too logical target. But I figured even if I loose, it will not be a disaster. I really need some cavalry here. Union needs to build a lot more cavalry than the CSA. The proper thing would be to scout and wreck some rails first. But any movement here, even a defeat is a good thing since it will draw his attention away from New Orleans and Island No10.

[ATTACH]26638[/ATTACH]

Virginia:

I am ordering McDowel to New Market as I am expecting a counter attack there. A lone cavalry will rail west of Harpers ferry to increase my MC in the area. Having 100% military control is always a good thing.
[ATTACH]26639[/ATTACH]

[Ace]

Missouri:

[ATTACH]26640[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26641[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]26642[/ATTACH]

This part did go as planned, although my casualties were higher than expected. The problem is I see Van Dorn with 2 divisions heading for Springfield. I'll have to rush back to reinforce gen Wood with only 1/2 division there. I think the reason why I had higher casualties than him is because of large number of brigades he is having. Each round, my division engages one his brigade, and overwhelms it. At the same time, his multiple brigades get away unharmed. Sort of one giant against a lot of small units type of combat occurring here.

Charleston, Mo:

[ATTACH]26643[/ATTACH]

Rebs fled to New Madrid. Caught only one brigade here.

Tennessee:

[ATTACH]26644[/ATTACH]
Pulaski attack went as planned. I have a lot of future options here.