Forming Units

[Injun]

The cheapest way to form units is militia units. The Union can buy every militia unit in one turn that is available. I know this trun into line units later in the game. My question is it possible to brigade militia units? Form 4 or 5 militia units into one brigade?

[Jabberwock]

Each recruited militia unit comes with one empty militia slot, so you can only brigade two together. What you generally don't want to do is brigade one with a locked unit. If the locked unit is static, it can eventually upgrade, and then become mobile. If the locked unit is permanently fixed, it will stay locked forever.

[Injun]

So two per Brigade. I hoped for more.

[Banks6060]

That's why buying militia units for "future use" is unwise IMHO. I buy them strictly for garrison duty....or if there's simply no other option at the front. All these guys that preach the economic efficiency of purchasing militia, cavalry and artillery to form front line divisions are incorrect in their assertions....again...IMHO. Jabber....I think that would include you .

I only say this because in my experience....you don't get a return on your investment (in the form of effective combat units) until at least a year after they're purchased....and....I'm a little more aggressive than that . Plus....like you mentioned...you'll just have a whole bunch of tiny militia brigades stacked together in a division....a logistical nightmare.

Militia is for garrisons ONLY in my games...and they do well enough there. Purchase your line brigades to compose all your front line divisions.

[Vegetius]

I agree with you in the way that it is a big mistake to form divisions of militia units BUT i think interesting to form some militia units and let them change in regular units some months later (or sooner by giving them to Cooper or Taylor).
I have already done that with almost 20 regiments and the result is a real economy of $ an WS.
I agree that the union player was not fully agressive, perhaps the first condition to make this option effective.

[Brochgale]

I gave Taliaferro a division made up entirely of militia,12 militia elemnts to be precise, I stuck Bragg in same stack to get them trained up quicker. I did add 3art/1 sharps and I cav to division. It took just 8 month to get the 12 militia up to line infantry level - then my nephew destroyed the division in just one turn leure: leure: leure: leure: leure:

[Banks6060]

I gave Taliaferro a division made up entirely of militia,12 militia elemnts to be precise, I stuck Bragg in same stack to get them trained up quicker. I did add 3art/1 sharps and I cav to division. It took just 8 month to get the 12 militia up to line infantry level - then my nephew destroyed the division in just one turn leure: leure: leure: leure: leure:

I rest my case. Militia as front line troops are a waste in most instances. Plus...totally gamey. I'm totally wasted too.

[Jabberwock]

Depends on the setup/strategy whether to use them. They don't go to the front line unless I just need to put something there fast. In a division that I don't plan to attack with any time soon, the enemy can't tell the difference, unless he is the aggressor. Mostly I use them as garrisons and to create trenches, freeing up other better troops from those duties.

They do convert much faster than a year, about 25% in 2 months, and then I can start rotating - sending converts to the front or to repair rail after sending new militia to take over fortifications. Upgraded they are much more effective at rail repair. I dont try to build them all at once, and I don't wait for them all to convert to find uses for them.

I have a couple other uses and refinements for them. I have some self-imposed rules about when it is a good idea to use this strategy. All of which I will discuss in public sometime in the future.

[Banks6060]

I will concede that using them for trench digging and rail repair is something I will regularly do as well .

[Daxil]

I have a couple other uses and refinements for them. I have some self-imposed rules about when it is a good idea to use this strategy. All of which I will discuss in public sometime in the future.

Hah, guess we'll have to ask your PBEM opponents.

[Jabberwock]

Thats why I'm not discussing. Banks is one of them.

[ghostlight]

Each recruited militia unit comes with one empty militia slot, so you can only brigade two together. What you generally don't want to do is brigade one with a locked unit. If the locked unit is static, it can eventually upgrade, and then become mobile. If the locked unit is permanently fixed, it will stay locked forever.

Newbie question: How do you combine 2 militia units into a brigade? "+" button doesn't seem to do it.

[arsan]

Newbie question: How do you combine 2 militia units into a brigade? "+" button doesn't seem to do it.

Hi!

Select both and press control+C
I think its in the short cut key list on the manual. Check them as there are some very useful!
Regards

[ghostlight]

Excellent. Thanks!