Division overview

Understand the core combat mechanics: Every unit has a 'soft' (human) and 'hard' (steel/iron) component, influencing attack and defense. Soft attack is generally higher than hard attack. 'Hardness' acts as a defensive value; the less soft a unit is, the more the attacker relies on their lower hard attack.

Analyze Infantry: These units have 100% softness, making them vulnerable to high soft attack but cost little IC (Industrial Capacity) and time to train and reinforce. They have good soft attack and decent suppression skills, with many brigade possibilities. Their main drawback is their high manpower cost for training and reinforcement.

Compare Infantry to Tanks: Tanks have only 30% softness, making them less vulnerable to soft attack but also having lower soft attack themselves. While tanks are the best counter to infantry due to infantry's low hard attack, the margin of victory is not as large as expected because tanks' low soft attack is less effective against infantry's high softness.

Consider Terrain and Weather: Infantry units suffer the least from terrain and weather effects, only experiencing penalties in the worst circumstances. Tank units, conversely, suffer significant penalties (25-50%) in almost all terrain types. This makes infantry far more reliable across different environments.

Evaluate Specialized Infantry:

Mountaineers: A specialized infantry unit that performs exceptionally well in hills and mountains, where other units perform poorly. They are weaker in all other situations and keeping their technology up-to-date is costly, making them viable only when specifically needed.

Marines: Similar to Mountaineers, but can only be used offensively. They offer defensive bonuses in their chosen terrain, unlike Marines.

Paratroopers: Excellent for encircling enemies and can often get away with fewer technological upgrades as their goal is to drop behind enemy lines, not necessarily win direct battles. They require practice and are not recommended for beginners.

Consider Other Units:

Cavalry: Generally weak, not as fast as tanks, suffer terrain penalties, and have no standout features. They are primarily a prerequisite for motorized and mechanized infantry, which are usually not recommended.

Militia: Considered a waste of time, manpower, command, and effort. Relying on them is ill-advised, as you should not start a war counting on units you do not yet possess, and even large numbers are ineffective.