Good day all,
A lot good advice here.
For my 2 cents worth: The rule of thumb I use for campaigning against the AI depends on which country I am, timeframe, and my potential enemies (which I always in MBT try to make reasonable alliances real or imagined)
I usually command a Task Force (usually meaning a force designed to the Task, hopefully well rounded) with support elements attached to counter the type of threats my enemy is likely to present.
A typical Task Force could be:
2 Battalions minus each with-
2 Companies-
1 Battalion is my heavy metal
1 Coy being Mech INF with tracked APC/IFV's
1 Sqdrn (sometimes minus) of MBT's-usually not the top end (I upgrade later)
The other Battalion is my fast metal
1 Coy being Mech INF with wheeled APC/IFV's
1 Sqdrn (sometimes minus) of MBT's, Lt tanks or other fast anti armour vehicles- usually not the top end (I upgrade later). This Sqdrn TO&E is very much dependant on the threat I envision and the terrain being fought on, and even it's brother Inf Coy could change transportation if there is little or no roads.
As for support elements:
If I can and it's viable I like to attach 4 to 6 Attack Helos and at the start of the Campaign I will sacrifice Arty to afford these if necessary. But normally I can swing.
2 Sections plus or minus Mobile Recce.
2 Sections SPAAA
1 Section SPSAMs
2 Batteries of Arty 152/155 preferred with precision munitions if available.
Plus ammo supply for my Helos and other arty.
Support elements and upgrades are usually what I spend victory points on.
Recce I like purchase with support points and Campaign dependent I buy Recce from the country I'm defending. (It's their land they should know it best!) Some arty support and fast air of varying mixes (a whole other topic, I'd say.) Extra AA maybe.
Generally speaking my 2 Battalions usually only change in power and effectiveness not in TO&E. I also try and stay within reasonable unit sizes for support units as well. Which is fairly easy to do since my TF is usually near the 200unit limit, especially once into the 70's, 1950's era games it is sometimes possible the squeeze in another Battalion minus of expand the other Battalions but again this is very dependent on the three main variables.
From my experience and what I’ve read over the years, this is not unreasonable Force and is usually fairly well suited to all manner of combat. It can also be cut down by a half and still be well balanced and supported, maybe even a ¼ if careful.
Hope this is of some help.
Bob out
