Lately I have been experimenting with methods gleaned from other simulations and some real world experiences and have had some success. I realize that none of this is fresh or new but it works for me to have it presentied in a way I understand. Military theory generally baffles me so I have to find different ways to interpret it. I don't have a lot of experience against live opponents so I'd like to hear what other players think:
(1)Pawns vs. Knights: I've been assigning values to my units in an effort to determine who is expendible and who isn't. It may seem obvious but at the very end of a scenario you may find that 2 squads of infantry are more valuable than a tank (especially if it bogs!). Anyone who plays chess knows it is much easier to win if you save a few pawns for the end game.
(2)Combat Loss Grouping: (I did not concieve of this concept and if you want to know where I got just ask) Applies mostly to infantry but you can stretch it for vehicles. There is a point at which units that are enaged in combat will suddenly stop being effective. Through casualities, morale or ammo. If everybody is fighting at the same time then at a certian point a side will suddenly collapse from the pressure of combat instead of being slowly wittled away. If you can foresee a CLG coming you can take measures to prevent it and keep your forces viable longer and if you understand it try to inflict it on the other guy. Most players do this intuitively by keeping up supression, good coverage and fire support to keep the enemy engaged, you win faster by wearing out squads in groups than by trying to eliminate them one by one. This involves you putting out mucho ammo at the same time so If you run out of ammo before the other guy is broken you have a problem. Predicting how long a unit can fight is key.
(3) Field coverage: I think this is the easiest to understand and hardest to master especially because cover isn't static (buildings fall, smoke, direct v indirect fire). You want to see everbody and not be seen, and to shoot without being shot at and move without being hit. Easy!
Instead of areas and arcs I try to set up fire lanes. Imagine static lasers that the enemy must cross to achieve his objective. If you set up enough lanes you can set up a net that strangles the enemy. They cannot move or shoot without taking casualties. Eventually when you have set the field like a chess board you can march units right into his face and all he can do is watch. If you are really devious you can leave "holes" in your coverage that his forces will naturally move into, such as a big depression in the middle of the map. Then you shell him or roll over him with armor, whee!
(4) Caveats: Obviously you scheming will be for naught if all you have are 5 Stuarts and a regular platoon if he has 3 tigers and a Fanatic SS company. The reality of firepower cannot be ignored and big differences in firepower usually trumps tactics anyway.
But it sure is fun to talk about!