TC Commands Revealed, explanation and usage, keys to PLAYER CONTROL

[RebBugler]

TC functions can be confusing, hope I can clear this up. Please note that none of these commands are necessary when the enemy is out of sight. But then, once the LOS with the enemy is established, let the game begin. You can literally sit back and watch them go at it, or, take part in the strategy suggesting movements (no TC), or dictating the strategy by demanding movements (TC on).

As represented (rep) on the Grog Toolbar:

1) TC - rep by one flag, upper left corner of commands. This takes command of one unit, the unit selected. When TC on, lit up, unit will obey player completely, best for brigade CO, as battalions follow the CO's command.

2) Atcommon - rep by four red flags. This TC on's the selected unit plus all subordinates. This is tricky and dangerous as it will allow all units to be led into certain death, they are mindless and can't defend themselves. It is however useful to get units to go exactly where you want them, regardless of enemy fire. At that point the player must know to Atcommoff, or they will be annihilated...so micromanagement to this point is mandatory for survival.

3) Atcommoff - rep by four grayish flags. Hopefully explained above. Once Atcommoff, troops will fall under the command of the CO.

4) tcofficers - rep by one red flag. For division and above, the favored command for player control. When applied it will TC on all subordinate officers. Use Atcommoff (or TC off individually) when troops are in desired position(s), or keep it on to maintain position, battalions will defend themselves but officers are vulnerable and won't move to support since they are still TC on.

Now, here's how to use them. Brigade level is, or should be clear with 1).
Division level and above:
First I always TC division CO, not necessary but insures dest will set before division CO refuses your command. Then, after selecting your dest and facing, select formation. Follow up immediately by selecting tcofficers or Atcommon. Immediate follow up is crucial as some commanders may balk at your orders and decide to do it their audacious way. The TC commands literally make them brain dead until you decide to let them think for themselves by using Atcommoff.

These are your primary player control tools. When used right player turns the game into RTS, as opposed to RT command. Still, the mix is there (my preferred play) as player learns to use them, and when to turn them off.

On battalion or squadron level I prefer attackmarch. Although not as powerful as TC it will generally force units to obey and move to set dest or until contact with the enemy, forcing a melee. Advantage is that it auto attackmarch's off upon reaching dest or enemy, so, micromanaging is not necessary as they will defend for themselves. It also works well on the brigade level, but more affective when the brigade CO is TC on.

[panzerde]

Despite having played SOW for years, SOWWL has been causing me some problems. Maybe I've forgotten how best to use TC, but this really helped me. I made use of this advice and was able to easily win a scenario I've been struggling with.

Thanks!

[Jean Lafitte]

Yes, these are great suggestions.

Does the latest Grog Toolbar run well in the Stock Scenario/Stock game?

[RebBugler]

Yes, these are great suggestions.

Does the latest Grog Toolbar run well in the Stock Scenario/Stock game?

It handles all the TC variances and adds a lot of formations. But some functions are left out and battalions move in column of fours instead of the Napoleonic Column by Divisions.

[mantrain]

This post really makes little sense to me. what is "ATcommon." Not term I found anywhere else but here. Where do you find the little red flags? not in my tool bar. I put on TC of a DIV Co, all units command flags button turns yellow. I turn off TC, it goes back to brown. Still, even when all flags yellow, TC on, on the CO will respond to commands. How does one get all units to follow orders within a TC feature? Been asking this question a wile on the forums and cannot get a coherent answer.

[RebBugler]

This post really makes little sense to me. what is "ATcommon." Not term I found anywhere else but here. Where do you find the little red flags? not in my tool bar. I put on TC of a DIV Co, all units command flags button turns yellow. I turn off TC, it goes back to brown. Still, even when all flags yellow, TC on, on the CO will respond to commands. How does one get all units to follow orders within a TC feature? Been asking this question a wile on the forums and cannot get a coherent answer.

All the mod toolbars I know of, B&F, GCM, and KS use these commands: Atcommon, Atcommoff, and tcofficers. Or, you can mod them to your keyboard.

[mantrain]

So you cannot move a whole unit larger than a reg size in TC mode without modding?

[RebBugler]

So you cannot move a whole unit larger than a reg size in TC mode without modding?

Sure you can, just takes a lot more micromanaging, i.e., once giving the formation command going around to all the brigade CO's and TC'ing each.

Keep in mind that once LOS is established with the enemy your officers will do their own thing in dealing with the threat. The player can give movements but without using TC the officers will resist and always assume their own agenda. Sometimes that helps the player's strategy, sometimes it doesn't. You, the General, must decide how much leeway to grant them to make your strategy successful.

With this game if you don't TC it's Good Luck. :unsure: If you do, it's Good Generaling.

[mantrain]

how can I get a mod toolbar? thanks also when I TC a CO I notice all his subordinates get TC'd so how does this tie in w your statement that "i.e., once giving the formation command going around to all the brigade CO's and TC'ing each. "

Why should I have to go around to all brigade Cos when they are all TC'd anyways when I TC their C.O. ?

makes no sense. Everyone is TC'd and the idiots cannot follow a simple formation command. It's Gomer Pyle's army!