Damaged units to your benefit

[ptje63]

How do you deal with damaged AI units? At first I thought - get rid of them ASAP, especially after 1943/44. But then I found out I was able to use a wounded russian unit, perhaps 2 - 4 points left, at least not-harming. I would be blocking any - more harmful - units that were hiding behind it. So it would give me a chance to recover - regroup, instead of dealing with them in 1 or 2 blows.

[captainjack]

It can be a good plan, especially for defensive scenarios if it prevents a stronger unit attacking through the gap and instead of finishing it off you reinforce or resupply a unit. Only last night I left a 4 strength R35 in contact with a field gun because it prevented the AI from attacking with a full strength unit. I was confident that the tank wasn't able to kill or force a surrender on the gun where the full strength infantry would probably have eliminated it in one attack.

Leaving damaged units alone can also work against large and experienced air forces. Not only does the AI send damaged units back for repair but it only uses green replacements so the 3* aircraft often come back with only 1*. This is usually more useful in later scenarios where you face experienced air forces, but can buy breathing space any time you face a lot of less experienced aircraft. .

Some flexibility is important as there are times when it is important to reduce enemy troop numbers as fast as possible, or to clear a retreat path, allow a unit to resupply etc.

[demyansk]

Good post, I have done the same thing at times when a weak unit is attacking a city hex

[proline]

In general, I think you are better served to kill enemy units as quickly as possible. In all but the lowest difficulty levels, the AI has ample money to fully repair any unit that survives your turn. Since getting a major victory usually involves clearing the map, or nearly so, you are going to have to kill that unit eventually so letting it live simply increases how much it is going to cost you. It also increases the amount of time it takes to clear an enemy force. On most scenarios scripted attacks come every so many turns, so you will end up fighting on multiple fronts if you don't finish each wave off as fast as you can.

Now as you've mentioned, there are exceptions. If you are playing defensively and not going for a major victory it may well be better to minimize combat rather than go for kills. Similarly if the enemy has you at a real disadvantage then preserving your own units and saving ammo for defense is important.