American AAR : AI Experiments In HoI3

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirty-Five : Clash Of Eagles (1)

Flying Over Europe​

We open this chapter with two of my Air Groups making their way THROUHG European airspace. Oh, this is going to be fun. The pilots had been sitting in icy cold huts in Iceland. Safe and sound and drinking hot coco. Now they will baking in hot sun on the Island of Sardinia. If they survive the gauntlet of enemy planes.

A few hours later the Japanese pilots were back launching a Ground Attack on Phoenix Island.

Around the same time the Axis Air Forces were launching an attack on the 4th USAAF Tactical Bombing Group.

The Americans at Phoenix Island reported losing 101 soldiers. Ouch. When the invasion comes it will find worn out American Defenders hiding behind the gravestones of their fellow soldiers.

On the other hand the 4th USAAF Tactical Bombing Group were able to survive the first clash with the enemy only to run into more Axis pilots. You would almost think Axis occupied Europe didn't like enemy planes flying over them. How strange!

Talking about enemy planes the Japanese pilots were soon back to bomb Phoenix Island.

At the same time the Ground Attack on Phoenix Island was happening the 13th USAAF Dive Bombing Group had reached the airbases at Cagliari. Looks like they slipped through the Axis airspace without being noticed. Or maybe they were noticed but the enemy fighters couldn't react fast enough to engage them? Wait...they were behind the other Group in the first image. How did they get here first?

And the 1st USAAF Strategic Bombing Group had made it to Gibraltar. Maybe they could get a tan while waiting for their next orders?

With the 13th Dive Bombing Group in place I first gave them Priority for Upgrades and Reinforcements.

Then I told them to go on Ground Attacks. And with their range there was only the Italians to the north within their reach. I set them for Night attacks but NOT Continuous. I want them to rest between missions otherwise they will kill themselves.

Sadly, the 4th USAAF Tactical Bombing Group lost the second Air Battle. But at least they survived to keep heading south. Maybe they have the bad luck of dealing with all the enemy pilots the 13th Dive Bombing Group woke up? Or they just picked the wrong path?

At the same time the Japanese Ground Attack on Phoenix Island came to an end. It was reported had they killed another 39 soldiers.

So, we end this chapter with my Air Units starting to arrive in the Mediterranean. Will my plans work? Will the Pacific fall to the Japanese? Will all my AARs end up in Axis Victory?

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Author's Note:

(1) Not to be confused with the alternate history novel by Leo Rutman.

 

[Bullfilter]

Clash Of Eagles

(1) Not to be confused with the alternate history novel by Leo Rutman.​

One would hope not!

Will all my AARs end up in Axis Victory?

Again, I’m sure the loyal readership is hoping for an AI-Human Allied victory here! But if it doesn’t work, maybe the next experiment should be as Germany?

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirty-Six : More Planes in The Mediterranean

I Am VERY Delighted With Turkey​

It seems the 4th USAAF Tactical Bombing Group was still fighting its way to Cagliari as they ran into three Wings of German Fighters around noon.

Amazingly, an hour later, the 4th won the engagement. Yes, I am as surprised as you are.

At the same time, sadly, the Japanese decided to storm the beaches of Phoenix Island. Two Japanese Divisions against the 25th "Tropic Lightning" Infantry Division. Tropic Lightning? Makes it sound like they were sponsored by a sports drink.

And before you ask the Fleet in the Port is made up of Submarines. No help there.

Of course the Japanese Carrier Planes returned to help their comrades by dropping bombs on the Americans in their trenches and foxholes.

Then I was alerted to the fact that Turkey was thinking about joining the Allies. HAHA! Those fools! Er...I mean, yes Turkey, come closer to the paperwork. Sign your name. We have Baklava if you join us!

Yummy Greek...er..Turkish Baklava! Turkish Baklava with Pistachio!

Soon the 4th Tactical Bombing Group had reached Cagliari and I ordered it to carry out Naval Strikes at night. I wanted it to react to any Italian ship movements in the Western Med. That would help me keep track of enemy movement and, maybe, give me an idea of their Naval strength before my Fleet arrived.

Also I wanted to give the Air Group some time to rest. They had lost 113 of their planes, plus crew, which was about 37.6 percent of their Strength. Not good. On the other hand they had survived three Air Clashes and WON the last one. So not too bad either.

So we end this chapter with the invasion of Phoenix Island, the Turks turning to the Dark....er....Good side of the Force, and another Air Group reaching Cagliari.

 

[Bullfilter]

Oh no, the 25th doomed? Exercised and worked with those guys quite a bit back in the day. Based at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. Those old lava plains (scratch a bit and there it is underneath, albeit weathered now) are pretty hot and sticky in the summer in an 11x11 tent! Even did an Ex Tropic Lightning once back in the mid-80s (a command post & wargame ex where I got to play the enemy - fantastic fun). Coulda done with a few of those cold sports drinks too . We had to make do with a few beers off base on the occasional evening off.

 

[Alex Kernel]

No war between Axis and Comintern? How was this possible? Did the US AI did something to stop the scripted scenario? Can you show a picture of Eastern-Europe? And is Japan at peace with the Russians?

 

[Eurasia]

No war between Axis and Comintern? How was this possible? Did the US AI did something to stop the scripted scenario? Can you show a picture of Eastern-Europe? And is Japan at peace with the Russians?

To answer the questions. No. Maybe they are pen pals. Not that I know of. Sure. And yes.

Also, if a war between the Axis and the Comintern starts there is no guarantee that the USSR will win. Just look at all my other AARs so far!

 

[stnylan]

Turkey is really confused

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirty-Seven : Do EITHER Of Us Know What We Are Doing?

"See This Map? This Is The Wrong Map."​

So, at the start of this chapter, I went to check on the 1st Army Transport Fleet. They were barely out of port and already out of supplies. I hope Nimitz likes hardtrack from the War of 1812 and reused tea bags.

Then I told the 1st USAAF Strategic Bombing Group, after its very short rest in Gibraltar, to rebase on the Port of Cagliari.

As the 1st USAAF Strategic Bombing Group started its journey I received a report from Phoenix Island. The Japanese Ground Attack had killed 68 American soldiers.

Then WE started a Ground Attack on Olbia with 3 Bombers and 6 Fighters. Wait...where did we get the Fighters? Ohhh....it's the RAF.

Holly Cow! How many Anti-Aircraft Brigades did the Italians ship over to Olbia?!?! Going by the announcement I assume seven. No wonder the Fighters are showing damage. Well, with our help they should be able to hit back! Sadly we seemed to have done nothing. Or the planes attacked the empty port by accident?

But then the Japanese launched an attack! One Marine Division marched into the Province of Davao. Really? I know their Marines are hot stuff but do they really think they are THAT good?

Yes, most of our Divisions are worn down but we have the numbers and we are dug in and we have combined arms and we have the Superior Leader. So, yeah, this is a Victory for us.

Then I noticed that the 1st Marine Transport Fleet had left the Port of Davao. I am not sure where it is heading but it is no longer eating the supplies in Port and that's all that matters to me right now.

I also noticed a lot of the castoffs have already left. I assume they are heading to the West Cost to reform with other Fleets or to patrol the waters? Who knows!

So we end this chapter with not much happening but me wondering what the AI in the Pacific is up to. So mostly me worrying.

 

[stnylan]

Well to be fair to the Japanese marines, on past behaviour there is a certain amount of evidence that they can cause chaos amongst American troops.

 

[Bullfilter]

Oh, an actual Big Hand on a Small Map! Excellent - the war is nearly won.

It’s almost as if the Italians knew what was coming in Olbia ...

And Cagliari is gonna get pretty crowded - hope it’s supply throughput can handle all those aircraft, land units and whatever else is going to be arriving. And is the air base there able to repair the number of aircraft landing there? If not, it’s going to take a long time for those worn out wings of yours to recover, especially if they’re still conducting missions

 

[roverS3]

Hopefully this would help Seattle pump out more supplies for the Pacific forces. Which is likely wishfully thinking on my part.

Yes, wishful thinking. The transfer of supplies between the capital and the port from where it is shipped happens through magic in HOI3. The only thing that will increase the amount of supplies being shipped out is an increase in the port's capacity. (but only if there is enough port capacity at the other end to match it.) In any case, I don't hink Seattle would be the problem, much more likely that the problem is at the other end, or in a lack of convoys. Or maybe too many convoys originate in Seattle, and it would be better to switch some of the routes to San Diego, or some other West Coast port.

Wait...they were behind the other Group in the first image. How did they get here first?

Well, the other group got held up in evasive manoeuvres, trying to avoid getting shot down by swarms of axis fighters, not once, not twice, but three times. In HOI3, aerial battles usually last 3 hours, and if your aeroplanes were travelling, you have to add 3 hours to travel time for each battle along the way. (FYI, from the battle screen, your bombers probably won that last battle because the intercepting German fighters were out of supplies/fuel.)

Interesting strategy, taking things in hand in the Med, but continuing to let the AI run wild in the Pacific. If you feel properly masochistic, you can always switch to the Pacific, and give the Med to the AI once you stabilise the area. (and see just how quickly the AI can ruin a perfectly good position...)

It's definitely a good thing that the AI finally pulled those fleets out of Davao. Your tank Division pocket is holding up surprisingly well, maybe they aren't lost after all?

That's a lot of AA for some basic Garrison troops. Your bombers didn't do any damage because those RAF fighter jockeys kept getting in their way (and getting shot down). Let's hope the tech of those AA guns is rubbish, otherwise your CAS unit is going to suffer from some serious AA-attrition.

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirty-Eight : The Italians Strikes Back!

The Air War Heats Up!​

The 1st USAAF Strategic Bombing Group finally made it to Cagliari. I ordered to launch Ground Attacks but figured they would rest a little before jumping in.

I was wrong. An hour later they had started bombing Olbia. I was amazed at their good luck.

Because they must have flown right by the Italian Fighters who were carrying out a dogfight above the airfields in Cagliari. The American Dive Bomber Wings had even joined in! Maybe the Allied aircraft had been caught returning from their own Ground Attack?

Looks like the Italian ground troops are not as defenseless as I thought of they have Fighters that can reach the air space above the island. Then there was a Research announcement. Fighter Ground Crews had better training. Nice.

At the same time a spy from the Dominican Republic had been captured. They forced him to watch as some of his favorite foods were prepared and then eaten in front of him by hungry food critics who had no understanding of the culture and history of his nation. They gave the food only one Star out of five. He died of horror.

At this point I went over to the Technology Screen and suggested the Scientists start working on Large Warship Radar (1). We need RADAR systems in the Pacific!

Talking about the Pacific, the Japanese were back with a Ground Attack on Phoenix Island. A early morning bombing run? What little sleep the Americans were getting was cut short as they had to run and hide.

At the same time the Americans were launching their own attack. On the Province of Manay. It looks like the AI refused to allow the Japanese to cut its forces in two.

So I'm not sure if I can say the Pacific War is doing better or not. And I still have to wait for all the units to be in place before I can carry out my goals in the Mediterranean. Time will tell.

 

[roverS3]

The 1st USAAF Strategic Bombing Group finally made it to Cagliari. I ordered to launch Ground Attacks

This is a waste of resources. Strategic bombers are pretty bad at Ground Attacks. They're at their best doing logistical and strategic bombing, and are also pretty good at Runway Cratering. Maybe you could bomb Italian Air Bases into oblivion so that they can't repair those fighters.

They forced him to watch as some of his favorite foods were prepared and then eaten in front of him by hungry food critics who had no understanding of the culture and history of his nation. They gave the food only one Star out of five. He died of horror.

I love the new approach with the food critics.

You're only starting to research Large Warship Radar in 1942... the AI definitely made some interesting choices... maybe the Naval AI will do better if it can actually detect enemy fleets in nearby areas.

I'm slightly hopeful that Manay can be captured and the Tank Divisions returned safe and sound from their current encircled and endangered status.

 

[stnylan]

Well at the least the AI is trying to restore the front line.

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Thirty-Nine : Are The AIs Too Evenly Matched?

Will We Ever Return To Africa?​

We open this last chapter of the gaming session with a announcement that the Americans killed 8 Italians in Olbia.

An hour later the Americans were back with six Wings of Bombers.

At the same time the Americans had won the Battle of Davao. The Americans had lost 34 soldiers while the Japanese had lost 131 Marines.

Then Phoenix Island reported that the Japanese Ground Attack had resulted with the deaths of 50 American soldiers.

Then the Japanese launched an attack on the Province of Bislig right at Tea Time! How rude! Would a Japanese Infantry Division be able to take out a American Tank Division? On top of that it was attacking across a river. The odds were somewhat against it.

The American Bombers finally ended their Ground Attack on Olbia after killing 8 more Italian soldiers.

At this point I sent the 11th USAAF Fighter Group from New York to Gibraltar and the 84th USAAF Fighter Group from Boston also to Gibraltar. They could stay there till more airbases were available. In other words after I freed some from the Italians for the Allies to use.

I also sent the 86th USAAF Fighter Group to Portsmouth to wait there. When a airbase is available I want to see how well they handle flying through Axis airspace.

Of course while I was dealing with my Air Force the Japanese Air Force was dealing with me by launching another Ground Attack on Phoenix Island. As the Japanese pilots were kind enough to wait till after dinner.

As this was happening I noticed that the two Naval Patrol Bombing Groups had made it to the Island of Kwajalein and had been split up into smaller units. Maybe the AI planned to spread them out to the different air bases to cover more water and also so they would not have to share supplies?

And the 2nd Army was still making its way back to the US border. It would take them forever!

The 1st Army Transport Fleet was still, slowly, making its way across the "Pond" and was about to be passed by the 11th USAAF Fighter Group on its way to Gibraltar.

The Japanese pilots at Phoenix Island finally flew away after dropping the last few bombs. They had killed only 18 American soldiers. Maybe the pilots were starting to get tired?

Tired or not the enemy pilots were back shortly after lunch.

In the Middle East the 1st Army HQ and the other HQs had finally stopped retreating which allowed me to take control of them. I told them to redeploy at Al Basrah. It was the nearest "safe" Allied controlled port in the area. If needed I could try to remove them via some Transport units.

Then we end this chapter, and this gaming session, with a report from the Island of Phoenix. The Japanese Ground Attack had resulted in the deaths of another 6 American soldiers.

For the next chapter I plan to log in as the Soviet Union and take a peek at their border as requested. But I can tell you right now I doubt the Germans and the Russians will start a war any time soon. And if they do I doubt it will help me. It never helps me.

 

[stnylan]

And if they do I doubt it will help me. It never helps me.

Thus speaks the voice of wisdom and experience

 

[Bullfilter]

Is it not possible to ship 2nd Army (or at least part of it) back either to the US or their ultimate destination? Like Basrah, perhaps, to give those poor HQs something to get revenge with?

 

[Eurasia]

Is it not possible to ship 2nd Army (or at least part of it) back either to the US or their ultimate destination? Like Basrah, perhaps, to give those poor HQs something to get revenge with?

No. I am not loaning them my Fleets. They'll likely end up in the North Pole.

 

[Bullfilter]

No. I am not loaning them my Fleets. They'll likely end up in the North Pole.

Haha - I did mean under your control, but that is very amusing. Greenland might get a very large garrison!

 

[Eurasia]

AI Experiments In HoI3
Chapter Two Hundred-Forty : USSR Review

Begging For A Second Front
​

This is a short chapter showing the USSR. We won't dig too deeply into the details but the first image, that of the Far Eastern Theatre, will be unedited so you can see some of the information along the top. First you may notice a lot of RED. They seem to be slowly running out of Raw Resources AND Supplies. In fact they have Units complaining about a LACK of Supplies. Still, they seem to be getting more than enough Crude Oil to produce Fuel. But they are Mobilized during peace which is, as the game points out, costly. But oh my, look that Manpower! *Drool*

On the other hand it looks like they can go to war any time they want. And the Far Eastern Theatre isn't happy about that. It assumes that it is outnumbered and wants a TON of reinforcements.

Next we check out Leningrad HQ who seems to think they can pound the Fins into paste. But still wants reinforcements. Mostly Air Units.

​

The Minsk HQ, on the other hand, thinks it is doomed if war starts. It covers the WHOLE region facing Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. It wants Infantry, Tanks, Planes, and even Transports!

Stalingrad HQ looked like it was more than willing to go after Turkey. But even it wanted more Infantry.

​

And Tashkent HQ, which covers Persia and Afghanistan, also seems sure of its victory against the two Axis powers. Who are already being eaten up by the Allies.

The last image is of the Production screen. As you can see the demand on their Industry is, in fact, less than my demand on the American Industry. I have a huge list of units in production. Their's is only semi-huge.

But look closely. Once they start war with the Axis they will lose most of their Trading Partners. On the other hand once they enter the war they can switch to a Wartime Industry AND Russia can keep its Supplies to itself.

So we close this chapter with a picture of the USSR that is VERY unlikely to start the war if it has a choice in it.