Slitherine

In the GS mod, is it in theory possible to have manpower problems as Russia? If you build nothing but infantry corps fex? Historically Russia did in fact have some manpower issues in 44-45 due to the horrenduous losses of 41-42.

Not sure but I've hit big manpower problems w/ Soviets in BJR mod. So if it's similar I'd guess you can hit those probs in GS mod.

I have had games during playtesting where the Russian manpower was down around 25.
It just depends on the game.

Certainly. I all my GS games I've had manpower issues as the Russians already in 1942. I get down to 75% manpower if the Germans attack fiercely in 1941 / 1942 or if I let my Russians counter attack much. So I have to stop building new land units for some turns to keep the manpower above 75%. I use the time to build air units instead.

I noticed that this manpower problem is temporary in 1942 if you gain the initiative during the 1942 winter offensive. Then you burn manpower for repairs only and building new air units. Then you can remain above 75%. With initiative you don't have to build 3-4 new corps units every turn. You have a double defense line plus some reserve units. So the manpower is mostly used to repair losses.

I often get manpower issues in 1944 when the German line is about to collapse in the east. The reason is that I attack more aggressively because I know the Germans can't turn the tide. That means more losses and more need for repairs. At that stage of the war I don't care about getting -1 quality so I just use my PP's for more armor, air and repairs. The Russians want to attack as many Axis controlled hexes as possible each turn even if the initial odds per attack is as bad as 5:5 or similar. Receiving horrible losses doesn't matter because the Germans take losses too and they can't repair them so easily.