How do I attack a country?

[Onthebeach]

Hi, I am still at the bottom of a very steep learning curve and am, frankly, lost. Even so basic a task as PROPERLY attacking a country has me lost. eg I am having lots of my units attacked by supposedly-neutral countries all over the world - even Switzerland for God's sake - and only have two options, ignore them or declare war on them. I have no way of stopping them otherwise??

And I am the USA, supposedly the most powerful nation in the world. I did try just declaring war on them but it seemed counter-productive, everyone hating me afterward. There does not seem to be any option in the diplomatic sphere to ask them to stop shooting down my aeroplanes, or even just sending them a harsh note!

Anyway, I started thinking of military options and realised how little I know.

HOW would I invade, for example, Cuba? Ideally I need to assemble a couple of carriers and a Surface Action Group of cruisers and BBs, some transports, put them into a Task Force, and get stuck in. But I have no idea of how to even start with the huge mish-mash of units wandering around the world.

Does anyone have the time to give me a short Invading Cuba 101 course on how to assemble the right military hardware and get it focused on Cuba?

Or do I just declare war on them and let the AI Defense Minister arrange it all? I have no idea. All assistance gratefully received, as I want to learn this promising game.
cheers
Kim

[tyler2114]

To attack click on the country on the map, go to servere actions on the right hand side of the info box, and click the declare war button (first a metal cover then a big red button)

As for letting the defense minister take control, it depends on the initiative. Under the defense ministers options, there is land, naval, and air initiative. For total control put it to zero, for no control put it on full. Anything in between is a mix.

[Onthebeach]

Many thanks. So, if I just let the Minister do it he will assemble all the right stuff and wade in, or will the units just attack any old how?
Kim

[tyler2114]

They will attack like the AI, which generally stinks. So its almost always better to micromanage unless its a massive war and you can't focus on every aspect

[Onthebeach]

Hi Tyler,
I want to micro-manage an attack on Cuba, I just don't know how to! HOW do I assemble a task force and troops and transports near Cuba and then go in and hammer them?
I have tried just declaring war but the AI is hopeless. I wanted to get some carriers to do some serious pounding, then have some ships land troops. How does one DO this, step by step?
Kim

[tyler2114]

If your talking about moving them. Select them and then RIGHT-CLICK. I capped becausde people make the common mistake of left clicking.
I think that i your problem. If it is something else, let me know

[flashy]

Hi Tyler,
I want to micro-manage an attack on Cuba, I just don't know how to! HOW do I assemble a task force and troops and transports near Cuba and then go in and hammer them?
I have tried just declaring war but the AI is hopeless. I wanted to get some carriers to do some serious pounding, then have some ships land troops. How does one DO this, step by step?
Kim

manually load your amphibious assault ships with the land units you'd like to use
don't have to really get into task force grouping but at the very least deploy some escorts and set all units to move at the same speed (don't use the actual escort option)
once they're loaded just click 'unload' in the destination of your choice (hopefully not bay of pigs) and as you suggested yourself have a couple CVBGs/SAGs handy

[flashy]

you might find it difficult to achieve your air power aims with just carrier-based aviation, move some superforts or peacemakers down to homestead & key west lol

[Onthebeach]

Thanks, Flashy, I will try that!
Kim