Combat Power

[kip1213]

How do I maintain my combat power? I don't understand how to maintain this. Explain, I have a force in California my cb power will be like 176, I am moving to attack Indian territory to southh it will drop down to like 10, do I need more supply wagons?

[Durk]

You have found one of the key concepts of this game. When you move, you lose cohesion. Terrain, weather and leadership affect this move.
The need to take into account movement costs is very important. No need to add supply. Just look at each move and view the costs.

[DrPostman]

True, but supply is key out West. Especially if you play the Union side. Setting up
a supply chain is the only way to get to El Paso. Otherwise, without supply, your
units will lose cohesion faster and die on the vine. The first thing I build out there
are supply units, and run a chain from the boxes. Going from Denver takes too
long and doesn't provide enough supply

[Mickey3D]

Do not move for a full turn except if forced to do it : your troop will be exhausted especially if you move in harsh weather or mud. Instead try to do smaller move to give a few days of rest to your troops. This is not needed if you use railroad move.

Obviously sometimes the overall situation might require you to get the "boys" at the right place at the right time at any cost.

[FightingBuckeye]

As long as they're far from the front, you can put them in a green/green passive posture and that will cut down on their cohesion loss. It might not have a big effect when they take several turns moving, but it does help. Also, pay attention to the weather, I try to avoid moving forces through those boxes in harsh or muddy weather. Lastly, you can split up your forces in smaller elements as that seems to help shave down the time required for moving in some cases, especially when you have a large(r) force operating under CP penaly.

Postman's absolutely right about the supply chain if you intend to keep large forces out west. One thing I like to do is ensure that my troops coming out of those boxes have a good defensive force to fall into. Whether that means keeping a fort garrisoned for them to go into or a force that's entrenched up for them to join is up to you. Personally I prefer a field force because I don't want a group of low cohesion units trapped and besieged in a fort. But the trenches and/or outpost will provide cover and help them recover faster, they'll also be given some devensive protection in case your opponent tries to take advantage of their weakened state.

[kip1213]

tHANKS GUYS, THIS HELPS A LOT.

[Gray Fox]

To build up the Far West I start a flatboat in Southern California and convert it to a depot. This will give you a good stockpile of supplies by the time the campaign season of '62 comes. In January '62, you can use the two Regional Decision Cards (RGD's) "Build Depot" to stretch your supply lines to SE CA and then Western AZ. If your forces are going to move through a desert region, or spend time there, then be sure to use the "Build Stockade" RGD to add a structure to the region. This will reduce attrition. Good luck!

[FightingBuckeye]

I forgot to caution you about using a G/G posture up near the front. G/G will cut down on cohesion loss and help you replace losses in cohesion and men faster when not moving, BUT it can also put your force at a disadvantage if an enemy force brings it to battle. By all means use it, just be careful about when and how you use it.

[Rod Smart]

when you move you lose cohesion, which reduces combat power.
Those boxes in the west take 2 turns to move through - sometimes 4 if the weather is terrible.

[DrPostman]

I always count on the weather being terrible, because it always seems to
be