In Global 1940 and AA50, Italy is a playable Axis power. But, although it’s in a better position than in AA50, Italy in Global still faces major challenges. Therefore, it will require at least some German support to survive and meet its objectives.
Italy will receive its own series of articles later on, but briefly, here’s a few things Italy should do during the game:
#1: Capture Cairo. This is one Victory City that Germany doesn’t have to worry about, and it means that the Axis can win by capturing Moscow, Stalingrad, Leningrad, and Paris.
#2: Either neutralize or capture the Industrial Complex in South Africa. UK Europe has a fairly small income, but if it can produce a tank in South Africa every turn, that can pose a threat to Italian goals in Africa.
#3: Increase income by as much as possible. Italy only starts with 10 IPCs, so something has to be done to increase income.
So, what can Germany do?
The Deutsches Afrika Korps
How can Germany help the Italians take Cairo? Germany shouldn’t go all out in North Africa, for two reasons. One: Germany should focus on Moscow, and two, Italy can take care of most of the war in Africa. So, what should Germany send? The best thing to send is not land units, but aircraft. Again, Germany shouldn’t send lots of aid to Africa, so what planes should they send? Well, Germany starts the game with 4 fighters, 2 strategic bombers, and 4 tactical bombers, all within range of Southern Italy on G1. Obviously, Germany shouldn’t send all of that, or even most of it. 2 fighters and 2 tactical bombers is more than enough. Since there’s an AA gun in Paris, sending air units in is simply too risky, meaning that there’s not much to lose in sending these air units to Italy. So, what should Germany do with these air units? In the event that the British attack sz97, the fighters and one of the tacs can scramble. Right there, two Italian fighters have been saved for future use. Now, you can use these air units in two ways. One: they can be used to help clear the Med of Allied ships. Two: They can be sent to Tobruk to assist in defense. The advantage of keeping them in Tobruk is that they can hit almost anywhere in the Med and return. I don’t recommend sending them against Malta, because the AA gun could wipe out 3 of the 4, and the fighter defends on a 4. Other than that, though, send them anywhere!
Unless you�re having really above-average luck in Russia, you shouldn�t send any more units to Africa. This is especially true if you followed the advice below and didn�t occupy any of the Mediterranean territories, leaving them for Italy. Beyond those air units, the only way you should really move to aid the Italians in Africa is this:
If you�re doing exceptionally well in Russia, and have captured Leningrad, Stalingrad, and either captured or fatally weakened Moscow, there is one option. Send some of your units south through Caucasus to Egypt via the Middle East. The advantage of this strategy is that the Middle East will largely have been untouched by either side. The only exception to this is Persia. The Far East Command has 1 infantry in West India on UK1, and they will likely use it to activate Eastern Persia. On UK2, they will move into Persia, gaining 2 IPCs and 2 extra infantry. On UK3, they may attack Iraq, and on UK4, they can reinforce Trans-Jordan and/or occupy Syria. However, the Iraqi army defends on a 2, while the British attack on a 1. There�s a good chance that Iraq can hold out. So, if you do choose to attack the Middle East, you�ll be faced with 3 UK infantry (it�s unlikely that any reinforcements have arrived). So, your chances of capturing Syria, Persia, Trans-Jordan, possibly Persia, and activating Iraq are good. From there, you can work with the Italians to take Cairo. However, it�s unlikely that Cairo will still hold out. That means that you have to focus on the Med. Sea to really help Italy.
What sea units should you invest in the Med. to help the Italians? Not many. The Italian and Allied fleets are more or less equal, so just a small commitment on Germany�s part can go a long way. The easiest thing to do is conquer Normandy/Bordeaux on G1, and build 2 destroyers in sz105 on G2. That�s it! Even if the Italian fleet is crushed, it won�t prove fatal to your war effort, or even the Italian war effort. Besides, you need to focus on Moscow, not Cairo.
The easiest way to help Italy is by leaving some territories for them. On G1, to boost the Italian IPC gain, don�t:
Attack Yugoslavia. The Italians have the strength to take this territory, and it�s two extra IPCs for them.
Attack Southern France. Italy can take this territory with minimal effort, and it�s three extra IPCs for them.
Activate Bulgaria. Bulgaria only gets you an extra IPC and four extra men. That has a far greater effect on Italy than it will on you.
On G2, refrain from attacking Greece, as the Italians can also take it themselves.
Right there, you�ve just increased the Italian economy by 8, at little loss to you. One idea is to refrain from attacking Normandy/Bordeaux on G1 or G2, and to let the Italians capture it themselves on I2. This strategy is very risky. Although it will greatly increase the Italian income, the UK and France will be able to land plenty of reinforcements, including 4 fighters, over two turns. In addition, the Italians may not be able to defend the territory adequately. If the Italians can take and hold Normandy/Bordeaux in force, great, but if not, take it on G1.
Next time, AxisAndAllies1940 will turn to Russia, and discuss ways in which to prepare for the storm that will surely be unleashed against you- Operation Barbarossa.
