[Buy this game (one more question)?]

I've played numerous PBEM games now, and I'm not sure I would ever go to network play. I can take upwards of 20 minutes to do a move, especially on a large game. Viewing the movies from different angles, plotting lines of sight, and coordinating troops can take time. With PBEM, I feel comfortable taking time to plan my strategy carefully.

I agree with above comments 100%. In PBEM situation you take time to plan your moves, etc. In fact, I find playing against a PBEM opponent infinately more challenging than the AI. "Real" people are much more cunning, resourceful, careless, etc (whatever adjective or adverb you can think of) than AI.

Buy this game now, you'll not regret it.

[Operations Battle Maps]

When playing an operations set of scenarios, is there any way for a player to get an overall map picture of the entire battlefield (all scenarios)?

For example, have been playing the Mortain operation. It would be a nice enhancement for a player to see a map representation of the entire battle area, not just the given scenario.

Perhaps a separate, larger scale, "Operations Map" a player can use to establish intermediate objectives, get an overall look at area that must be covered, etc.

By the way, to the designer of the Mortain Operations, nice job! I've recently looked at the web site you referred to in the scenario briefing...unfortunately, I've had the same experience the americans had....oh, well!

[How do humans compare to AI???]

A "real player" is infinately more unpredictable, cagey and enjoyable (IMHO).

Try an Ops Scenario where you must husband your resources through a campaign...it gets real interesting since you're actions in one 20 turn battle directly impact upon the next (both good and bad)!

I've found a steady PBEM opponent and our games are very enjoyable...much more than against the AI.

[AT Guns in defense]

From a former Anti-tank platoon leader.

Position your weapons within good concealment (obviously) but rely on long range flank shot.

In other words, try to have some concealing or covering terrain on your flank (good rise in ground, etc.) and wait in ambush.

But don't do this if you're in a pbem game with me!

[OT- The U.N., the U.S. Army, and me]

From a former Army Commissioned Officer allow me to add my thoughts.

First of all, thanks for your upcoming service.

Next, remember, even in peacetime, the mission of the Armed Forces is to be prepared to fight; train hard, listen to the officers and NCOs appointed over you. They've been where you are (or will be). Concentrate on learning the skills that will make you a better soldier and leader.

If you've chosen a Combat Arms you'll be in for long hours in the motor pool and arms room, much time in the field, and cold, hungry, tired and wet.

As you progress in rank remember: soldiers are not "managed" to succeed, they must be led there. Follow the basic leadership rules: don't eat until your men have eaten, don't sleep until they have slept, play no favorites (remember, as a future leader you may have to order some of them to do things in which they stand a great risk of being killed); be fair, but firm.

Take a lesson very accurately modeled in CM, for a unit to be successful,leaders must lead from the front.

Finally, enjoy yourself. One day you'll look back on the things you saw/did; soldiers you served with; situations you were in with a touch of nostolgia, although as your going through it you'll wish you were someplace else.

You are about to join a long heritage of service that extends back over 200 years.

Make us Proud!

[My most stupid move]

Moving a Sherman next to a building that had a Landser armed with a flamethrower.

DOH!!!!!!