Re: Recon units.
I find recon vital, but I tend to be very, very hard on my recon troops. I often keep a small number of recon troops in my core, because experience really helps their spotting ability. But that is usually a third or a quarter of the amount of recon I will want for an advance mission.
Core, maybe 2-4 groups of 2-unit infantry scouts, a group or three of 3-unit motorcycles, maybe a couple armored car platoons, which will be my recon overwatch. This is for something like a 3000 point core.
Useful recon thoughts:
Buy some fast smoke-throwers that can run close enough to your recon line to screen it with smoke if they hit a heavy pocket. Fast self propelled mortars are good for this.
On a big map, a cheap screen with less chinks is better than a screen of very good recon units that can't cover everything. Buy five or 10 cheap snipers (the 7 point marksmen are fine) and, if you're advancing, cheap fast transport for them - utility vehicles.
Knowledge is power. Being willing to pay for it. Buy a handful of recon units that you are absolutely willing to expend to get good intel early in the game. And use them, if necessary use them up - knowing where your opponent's concentrations of force are, and what his force mix is, is well worth throwing away a couple platoons of armored cars or motorcycles for.
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