The Line of Battle

[[GG]TheAlmightyFork]

I now have a few games of NTW2 under my belt, and was wondering how other players like to construct their armies.

What I have found that works well is an army with a certain brigade organization that packs a punch, delivers a highly devestating volume of fire (with the new cannister addition), and is flexible.

It depends on the terrain of the map, but my typical brigade is built
2 Fusilier battalions
1 grenadier battalion
2 6lb battalion guns
1 Cuirrassier (or other heavy cavalry)

In deployment, the left and right flanks are held by the fusiliers, in a stand up fight alone agaisnt an enemy force, the fusiliers can be extended/detached to flank the enemy force and give a deadly enfilade volley.

The grenadiers are deployed in the center. These heavies give a solid backbone for the brigade, and their higher morale means the center will not cave as easily, and can also be used as the main hand to hand unit in an assault.

In between each break in battalions is a battery of 6lbers. In the defense, these will be used as long range solid-shot as the enemy approaches. However, once the lines have closed to musket range, cannister in the line will greatly increase the efectiveness of the line troops.

The cavalry is deployed to the rear of the line. They are kept in reserve until the infantry is ready for a bayonet assault, to either charge alongside them, or the flank the enemy. If your flanks or center crack, they can also be used to stall the break until your infantry rallies.

Each brigade has all the branches of the service included in it, and is itself a miniature army that can be detached and still fight effectively with all areas covered.

Any thoughts?

[[GG]Remi]

Howdy Fork. I think breaking your army into smaller organized units is a great idea, in fact i've been doing something simliar for a long time. I wish i could see your particular brigade organization in action. Have any replays by chance? Its been awhile but i've always used the same formula i guess since ntw1 and with ntw2.

I would split my fusiliers into groups of 3. In a group i would have one unit in line formation and the other two in columns on the flanks of the line unit. I use the middle unit as a pivot for the others and give supporting fire while the other two units manuever to destroy the enemy. Sometimes i supplement my fusiliers with light infantry if speed is my concern. Or with a battery of light guns if i really want some firepower forward.

Normaly i have 2 or more units of cavarly in my army and deploy them together(en mass) wide on my flanks. I treat them like my wide recievers in a football game. Moving them deep behind enemy lines either drawing attention or if opportunity presents it, a strike against an unsupported unit.

Grenadiers or heavy infantry i move in bulk. I consider them either my coup de grace or my last line of defense. Depending on weather i'm attacking or defending. I deploy them in reserve so i can rush to support my fusiliers who are spread out forward.

My brigades are more or less broken up in terms units. Which seems a little inflexible but i always try to keep them moving together with eachother when i feel they will need the extra support. However Individually the brigades are strong enough to exploit less organized enemys