USSR Player's Notes

USSR pre-war production

USSR set-up

War situation

General disclaimer: this scenario hasn't been played! So these notes are not so much advice as they are an elucidation of some of the decisions you'll have to make, and perhaps an implication or two that is not immediately evident regarding that decision.

1. The Soviet Union. Well, here comes Germany in a massive 1942 attack. This attack has some twists, though: the north is at least momentarily secure, but the south vulnerable. The Commonwealth and her Turkish allies are about to stab at you, as are the Swedes in the north. These secondary theaters will siphon off needed strength against the main force of the German army driving at you from Poland. Giving ground to the Swedes loses you little, but don't lose Petsamo or Helsinki, or your northern lend lease route via Murmansk will be compromised. In the south, use the mountains to slow the Turkish/British attack. Ceding the 3 oil in southern Persia might satisfy British aggression; you really can't hold them anyways. In the center, you have a large infantry army defending the borders. It will probably get demolished. Buttressing it with most of your freely placed units might be able to form a coherent defense line to stymie the Germans, but if it doesn't, your strategic reserve will have been wasted. Where to place your tank armies is the only tricky question. My best guess is to hold them back by the Dneper River, and to send some of the extra INF units to help out against Turkey.
   
   
2. Pacific. Your peace pact with Japan is a godsend. Your 2 worst INF and GAR are holding down this fort very nicely. Absolutely no need to mess with Japan, so don't withdraw these troops: they won't be of much help anyways, and their absense may invite a Japanese attack after all. Try to slip in a few convoy point builds and place them in Vladivostock. Eventually you can obtain some lend lease from the USA via this route.
   
   
3. Your economy. You start out with most available land corps already built. Your reserves will augment that total in JA '42, as will the MIL which will enter your force pools. You'll need them - losses at German hands will be high on the border. Your air force is puny and will need a lot of attention. Demand aid from the French and United States as soon as possible, you stand to lose 7 resources easily in the first two turns, so you will need more resources fast to keep your economy in tip-top shape.