Cavalry Not Useless...A guide to Cavalry in Take Command

[unmerged(52286)]

Hi,
This is an old report I wrote regarding Cavalry in the origional game in the series, Take Command: Bull Run. There have been changes made, but this all applies to TC2M as well.

Those familiar with European warfare will probably think of cavalry as a gallant force charging into the enemy obliterating them. The square formation was even invented to protect against this sort of attack. Cavalry in the United States operated completely differently. They were no longer a brute force, but rather a force used for raiding, scouting, and as a support unit. The standard trooper was armed with a six shot revolver, saber, and carbine (or shotguns and rifles in the case of the Confederate Army).

Here's my origional report:

Hi guys,
Just got done playing CWBR on the Hunter Division Scenario. I ended up with a score of 1450. I owe a lot of this score to my artillery and cavalry.

Cavalry aren't as useless as they seem, one just has to know how to use them. They are a very delicate tool and the slightest slip up will result in their obliteration.

I managed to get a company of the 1st US Cavalry around Henry House Hill and behind the treeline behind the hills. I had picked the perfect spot behind the woods. A couple of Reb regiments walked by barely missing my small outfit. Shermans brigade was making the final push on Henry House Hill as I had withdrawn my units to the rear to regroup. Shermans boys forced 2 reb regiments to retreat. Both of which I captured with my cavalry company by running my troopers from one side of the woods to the other. I also managed to capture two supply wagons coming down the road and 2 artillery pieces. All said and done the boys racked up 150 points before the company retreated (Lost about 50 points due to a slip up on my part later on bringing the grand total to 98 ).

The 2nd US Dragoons charged and were captured by Jeb Stuarts boys before Stuart was forced to retreat by two companies of 2nd US Cavalry. The three remaining companies were brought forward to support Heintzlemans advance on the right flank on the remaining reb units.

- The only way to effectively attack infantry with cavalry without being obliterated is to position the units on the flanks. Putting them in the rear usually results in the infantry turning and opening up on you but can be effective if there is a substantial Union infantry presence; provides a distraction, so either way they Rebs get shot at in the rear. This can backfire easily.

-I managed to take out a good portion of a Reb Regiments flank with two companies of cavalry. You must try to keep your companies together. One company attacking a flank doesn't do much of anything. When you get two or three companies attacking a Reb flank you start to see some results. The Union Infantry must be able to do their job as well.

- Cavalry's strong point is their mobility. They can be on a Reb flank, battery, retreating unit, or supply wagon and gone again before any damage can be done to them. One must use this to their advantage. Don't be afraid to double quick your cavalry. They get tired slowly and gain it back quickly.

The 1st US Cavalry was captured by a small South Carolina regiment. My cavalry automatically charged as they were walking by before I could intervene. Palmer then secured Henry House Hill as I advanced my infantry to the position.

Conclusion:
Cavalry can be effective if used right. They are basically a support unit. Don't take on infantry or certain cavalry regiments head on. Cavalry should be used for raiding and mobility not strength.

Cavalry has to be micromanaged in my opinion for the best results. Don't be afraid to hit the flag and take command.

In the TC2M beta, one has the ability to select a cavalry regiment and tell them to scout, raid weak enemy targets, guard, or screen the enemy. They will automatically do this and you won't have to manage them unless if you want to in these tasks.

Cavalry is about the only way to get to an artillery battery in TC2M because artillery has a deadly canister round now. Taking your cavalry into the treeline on the flank and attacking a battery from the flank is about the only way to be successful. One can get lucky on a frontal assault on a battery as well but it's not recomended. They are good for holding an objective until your infantry support arrives and remain very usefull if used correctly.