Yeah, Pdox really screwed the pooch in trying to work out how best to get an overseas power like the US or Great Britain to move forces abroad. I wonder what sort of balancing system they were using and how the AI comes up with these determinations.
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Just an idle thought, but have you checked supply priorities for the units in question? Off hand, I wouldn’t have thought Hawaii’s possession would be that critical a factor for supply calculations. Are there enough convoys to sustain the number of supply missions in the Pacific? Also, each time a base is changed it takes quite a while to establish supplies in the new base if they are distant. Could one (or a combination) of these factors be contributing to the problem?
AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Eleven : The Japanese Bomb Johnston Island
Occupied Manila 1942
Chapter Two Hundred-Eleven : The Japanese Bomb Johnston Island
Occupied Manila 1942
We open this chapter with some bad news. The Japanese have taken the Province of Mount Apo. I assumed, at the time, that the Americans would react to take it back.
And I was right. By Midnight of the 25th of July the Americans had returned to started the Battle of Mount Apo number...who knows? At least the two Armored Divisions had a Infantry Division to back them up.
At the same time a Japanese Spy was captured and dealt with. He was forced to eat American made sushi and died from feeling embarrassment for his own captors.
Back in the Battle of Mount Apo I noticed that the veteran Major General Grow was a Battle Master (not to be confused with the BattleMech) and better skilled than the Japanese Commander known as No Leader.
On top of that it seems we have the Armor Advantage too. Both sides have Combined Arms. I think we may win?
Also checking on the Marine Corps Objective Tags I realized I had misinformed @Wraith11B and, in fact, it looks like they HAD had Manila Tagged as part of their list of Provinces to take and/or hold. IF they DO invade Manila it would really mess up the Japanese Theater's plans for the Philippines.
Then more bad news. The Japanese had launched a massive Ground Attack on Johnston Island. We all know what THAT means!
Even as the game reported the deaths of 80 Americans on the island I can SEE the Japanese Invasion Fleet leaving Hawaii and heading towards Johnston Island.
And so we close this chapter with me looking forward to another American island being invaded by the Japanese. Oh goodie.
Mindanao looks to be a slowly losing campaign and hasn’t stopped the Japanese attacking other islands. And no Barbarossa yet - with its possibility of the Japanese and Soviets also clashing. Grim times.
Very grim. The invasion of Mindanao promised so much, but the support has been lacklustre. Too big a bite too soon.
AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Twelve : The Invasion Of Johnston
Johnston Atoll
Chapter Two Hundred-Twelve : The Invasion Of Johnston
Johnston Atoll
We open this chapter, the last chapter of this gaming session, with the Japanese attacking the Port Province of Davao with one Marine Division. 9,992 Elite Japanese Marines against 46,891 combat hardened American troops. Who will win? AND why would they do that? The Port IS important but the odds are heavily against them. I thought computers knew math?
While this was happening the Japanese launched another Ground Attack on Johnston Island. And is there another enemy Fleet heading for the Island? Excuse me while I say crap.
Then I was surprised by a Defeat. The Americans lost the Battle of Mount Apo. The US lost 59 men while the Japanese lost 172 men. I guess that's not too bad? But it suggests that our Divisions are having issues. Maybe they need rest? Either way the Province is in ruins - the roads have been totally destroyed from all the fighting.
More bad news came from Johnston Island. Seems the Japanese pilots have improved their aim and killed 123 American soldiers with their bombing run.
Then there was good news. We won the Battle of Davao. The Americans lost only 13 men while the Japanese lost 58 men. This is not surprising when you take into account our overwhelming numbers in this battle. But to be honest I thought the Japanese Marines would have lasted longer.
The next day the Japanese launched a early morning Ground Attack on the Infantry Division on Johnston Island.
The result was another 143 Americans dead. I guess a few of our men couldn't make it to the bomb shelters in the darkness.
But a few hours later all heck broke loose on the island. First the enemy pilots were back with bombs for the American Defenders.
Yes! Defenders! For the Japanese were storming the beaches of Johnston Island with two Divisions! (1)
The Japanese have the numbers, the Superior Leadership, and the Naval Guns backing them up. On the other hand the Americans WERE Dug In and the Japanese were still mostly in their boats. Which meant they could not bring their full weight to bear on the Defenders. Not yet.
The 40th "Sunshine" National Guard Division had FOUR Infantry Brigades (or Regiments) which made it stronger than the normal Infantry Division but I wish one of those had been a Artillery Regiment. It would have been more useful in the long run.
So we close this chapter with a defeat, a victory, and an invasion. And the latest game session coming to a close.
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Author's Note:1. Johnston Atoll, in real life, had a airbase on it during World War Two. In fact the airbase kept growing till it WAS the island. Look up a photo of it - it is nothing but a massive airbase! Where are my airbases! Where are my eagles! Oh...sorry, been watching I, Claudius. Which is less depressing than this game.
While the battle starts promisingly on Johnston Island, and the 40th has a high defensive value, the Japanese numbers and air support are the concern. Once again, a climactic Midway-like battle with the invading fleet would be the right response here. Even if it was a tactical draw, the US can replace any losses better than the Japanese can. But it’s not going to happen, I suppose. It hardly ever does. 
What are all those USN CVs doing, anyway? Certainly not earning their pay.
What are all those USN CVs doing, anyway? Certainly not earning their pay.
AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirteen : The Question Of Hawaii And Convoys
"He Tried To Kill Me With A Forklift!" (1)
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirteen : The Question Of Hawaii And Convoys
"He Tried To Kill Me With A Forklift!" (1)
Before starting the next game session I decided to go to two older saves and compare the Supply Map to the current one. To see if my theory that losing Hawaii somehow crippled my convoy system.
So first it a map from January 15th 1936. It isn't that complete as some of the lines STOP before reaching their destinations. All images are also unedited. Watch with alarm as the Manpower drops!
The next image is from January 1st 1942. The Islands of Hawaii are still under American control and the convoy system, as you can see, has been expanded greatly.
The last two image was taken on July 26th 1942. Of the Eastern and Western Pacific. As you can see the fact that the Japanese have taken Hawaii does not seem to be a major factor in our supply issues. The convoy systems seem to be totally intact.
I have also checked the Fleets in the ports and have found all in question have been Prioritized. So I am really having problems tracing the problems on why we are having supply issues.
My only guess is that I have WAY too many units spread out all over the world for the convoys to be able to supply properly.
Next chapter we will jump back into the game.
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Author's Note:1. Sorry, that's from Mystery Science Theater 3000. Couldn't help myself. Those are, in fact, mass produced forklifts made for the US military during World War Two.
So essentially the answer remains the same: AI is incompetent.
Also apologies are never necessary for MST3K references.
Also apologies are never necessary for MST3K references.
I return to this AAR to note that nothing has really changed. The USAI's continue to badly mismanage the war in the Pacific, and not manage the War anywhere else at all.
The Philippines has been interesting. For starters, going by the battle screens, none of the units involved in the Battle of Davao, and the Battle of Mount Apo, had supply problems. Secondly, the Japanese AI isn't as bad at Maths as you think. The Attack on Davao definitely forced the USAI to halt it's attack on Mount Apo, as the units, all attacking Mt Apo from Davao were suffering from the 'Multiple Combat Penalty' incurred when attacking and defending at the same time. Basically, the Japanese flanked the US Attack, and forced the American attackers to stop attacking and defend their flank. Note that the Japanese attack ended only a couple of hours after the Americans stopped attacking Mt Apo, long before the IJN Marines ran out of organisation. The Japs never expected to win Davao, only to keep Mt. Apo. The US troops now have to reorganise to make another attempt. (How long this takes depends on the status of Operational Level Organisation Tactics research)
Maybe the problem isn't the convoy system, but the local infrastructure in the Philippines. Now that most of the US units over there are in Davao, supply problems seem non-existent...
The Philippines has been interesting. For starters, going by the battle screens, none of the units involved in the Battle of Davao, and the Battle of Mount Apo, had supply problems. Secondly, the Japanese AI isn't as bad at Maths as you think. The Attack on Davao definitely forced the USAI to halt it's attack on Mount Apo, as the units, all attacking Mt Apo from Davao were suffering from the 'Multiple Combat Penalty' incurred when attacking and defending at the same time. Basically, the Japanese flanked the US Attack, and forced the American attackers to stop attacking and defend their flank. Note that the Japanese attack ended only a couple of hours after the Americans stopped attacking Mt Apo, long before the IJN Marines ran out of organisation. The Japs never expected to win Davao, only to keep Mt. Apo. The US troops now have to reorganise to make another attempt. (How long this takes depends on the status of Operational Level Organisation Tactics research)
Maybe the problem isn't the convoy system, but the local infrastructure in the Philippines. Now that most of the US units over there are in Davao, supply problems seem non-existent...
All along I didn’t think it was Hawaii per se, and you have maxed out the supplies stockpile. But could it be an issue of throughput? Partly what @roverS3 is talking about re infrastructure, but tech can also affect it. What level is the relevant tech at?
And are all the supply convoys the game has going full with the requisite ships? If they, then it seems more likely port capacity and/or road infra once it is delivered. A big fleet in a small port could chew through more than the port can provide. It also takes a while for land supply lines to build up (not sure if it’s the same by sea) so if units move base too often that could also be an issue.
Going into supply mode and clicking on/mousing over any non-green provinces to get the stockpile and throughput stats might also give some more indications.
And are all the supply convoys the game has going full with the requisite ships? If they, then it seems more likely port capacity and/or road infra once it is delivered. A big fleet in a small port could chew through more than the port can provide. It also takes a while for land supply lines to build up (not sure if it’s the same by sea) so if units move base too often that could also be an issue.
Going into supply mode and clicking on/mousing over any non-green provinces to get the stockpile and throughput stats might also give some more indications.
AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Fourteen : Lots Of Bombs For Johnston
American Soldiers Defending Their Lines
Chapter Two Hundred-Fourteen : Lots Of Bombs For Johnston
American Soldiers Defending Their Lines
We open this chapter, and game session, with a peek at the Battle of Johnston Island. Which, to be honest, will be 90 percent of the focus on this chapter. Nothing else of interest was happening at the time. So let's get the Ground Attacks over with.
The report from the last attack on Johnston Island was delivered. The Japanese pilots had killed 50 American soldiers. Sadly, this was just the tip of the iceberg.
In fact by noon the enemy pilots were back with more bombs for the Americans. I feel sad for all the rations left on the ground of the trenches as the soldiers made a run for shelter.
Another 56 American Defenders were killed in this Ground Attack.
The Japanese pilots returned to their Carriers, reloaded their craft with bombs and refilled their fuel tanks, and returned to launch another Ground Attack around dinner time. Once again forcing the Americans to flee their meals for the safety of their foxholes and bomb shelters.
The late meal attack resulted in 85 deaths among the Americans. At this point of the game I am starting to feel REAL pain. All these numbers will be piled on top of the final number from the Land Combat. Which, as you can see, is slowly going against us.
In the very early morning hours of the 27th the Japanese planes were back and waking up everybody with their explosives.
The result was another 86 soldiers dead. Many having died in their bunks. Alone with nothing but their teddy bears.
It took the Japanese pilots only a few hours to return. At this point I was wondering when the Japanese CAGs would start to slow down. Surely they needed time to rest and reorganize? But they were showing no signs of slowing down. As you can see below.
At this point I noticed that Tanaka, with a Fleet, was leaving Midway Island and was heading south. At this point I assume that Tanaka is going to target one of my other islands. It looks like some of you are right - the Japanese plan to take over the Pacific Islands. ALL OF THEM!
The results of the last attack on Johnston Island was announced. 34 Americans were dead.
The enemy pilots were back slightly after the noon meal. At least this time the Americans were able to finish their desserts before they had to hide.
The Japanese bombs killed another 50 American Defenders.
Then something happened that had nothing to do with the Pacific Ocean, or the Japanese, or the Three Ghosts of Christmas. What happened was the Italians attacking the fleeing Allied units in the Middle East.
The Battle of Qual’at el Magraq was short and bloodless. The Americans lost and just continued to move eastwards. Where they are going nobody knows. Likely, even they don’t have a clue.
From the looks of the image the Italians are pushing all the Allies out of the Middle East. Not long before all the Allied forces have been pushed into Asia and then, maybe, encircled and destroyed?
USS Bullfilter, RoverS3, Stnylan etc, where are you? Save the teddy bears of Johnston Island!
What must the British think. The Americans send over an entire command structure, but no troops, it's almost as if the US Army is above fighting in the middle East, commanding, and advising is perfectly acceptable, of course...
No, not the teddy bears! I will use all my telepathic powers to navigate the USS RoverS3 to their rescue.
Yeah, those troops on the beach need the USS Wraith11B to get her mighty guns on target.
AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Fifteen : The Fleets Are Doing Things?!?!
The FLEETS Are DOING Things!!!
Chapter Two Hundred-Fifteen : The Fleets Are Doing Things?!?!
The FLEETS Are DOING Things!!!
Wondering if the Fleets were finished topping off their supplies I went on a tour of the ports to visit them.
And I was somewhat surprised. Not only was Halsey and the 1st Marine Transport Fleet leaving the Island of Maleolap. But he was heading off to invade Bislig!
Then I noticed Burke and the 3rd Marine Transport Fleet had left the Island of Ponape and was heading towards the Island of Maleolap. Which wasn't a bad idea. Maleolap was too far away from the Japanese to be a target of their aircraft.
I noticed the Island of Mili now had Submarines stationed at it. I feel kind of weird not having noticed Halsey leave it for Maleolap. Had he done so because of supply issues? Were the Fleets correcting the issue on their own?
I also noticed that the brand new 1st Marine Task Force had been put on Patrol. Or Interception Duty. Why was the Fleet being used to patrol the West Coast? Did the Marine Corps HQ fear an invasion of the mainland?
Then it was reported that a Spy from Mexico had been captured. So the poor man was forced to eat Taco Bell till he died of horror! To be honest they're not that bad. Just eat it before it gets cold.
At that point the 1st Marine Transport Fleet had left the Port of Maleolap and was now heading towards the Philippines. With at least two functioning Armored Divisions. Good. At least Halsey was showing his active side again!
Oh no. We get pulled back to Johnston Island as the Japanese launched another Ground Attack on the American Defenders.
Bombs coming down in the darkness on the Americans as they fought off the waves of Japanese soldiers. The flashes of light and flame, the screams and thunder, the whistle of bullets and shower of dirt. The teddy bears in pieces, blood soaked stuffing spread all over the foxhole, button eyes missing, tiny paws clawing at the star filled sky.
The result was another 128 Defenders dead. And we close this chapter with the Fleets on the move. But is it too late?
The American AI giveth, but then it taketh away. Halsey no doubt is planning to import Typhoon Cobra to the game or something