Military Disposition Notes

[General_Hunamaga]

Pretty much all of the games i have and have played are military strats, and by looking at the general military scenario in Tropico, this is what I believe would work well as a disposition of troops:

On the outskirts of your city, post military units around, there areas of effect (their line of sight so they can spot enemies) slightly overlapping, to create a mobile line of defense against rebs.  the inner city security can be left to the police, but major points of importance, like an embassy or ur palace, will be gaurded by the military.  then, make a "square" that has a concentration of barracks and troops that can be used on th offensive.  make sure that they have easy access to the outskirts and most unstable area, and also use them to investegate the wilderness where rebels might be training. this should be an effecient system that works, but it is also basic.

[Mr.P]

I like it General.   You're spot on with the Guard Towers around the outside, as in your town(s) they just make the people unhappy <shrugs shoulders> but, importantly, don't shoot any rebels.

Can I add to your suggestion General? How about a nice prison complex with several Guard Towers surrounding it to shoot the prisoners on release, thus keeping the bloodshed away from prying eyes. If you're gonna kill your Tropicans do it cleanly, that's what I say!

[General PinochetNut]

How about a nice prison complex with several Guard Towers surrounding it to shoot the prisoners on release, thus keeping the bloodshed away from prying eyes. If you're gonna kill your Tropicans do it cleanly, that's what I say!  

I like it. Reminds me of the some parts in 'Air Force One'.

[Junta_Joe]

Always shoot "shack building granny" on her nature walks.

Seriously, this sim is fun for uprisings and coups, but strategy is more seriously based in your wheeling and dealing skills.

Other than outlying outposts to protect industry. The biggest military strategies I have found are:

1) Move dock and palace further apart so that new arrivals are not swept up into the uprisings or coups. Shift+O the palace or demolish and move the dock.

2)Place one guard tower near palace for extra manpower help. Soldiers on opposite side of island never respond.

3)Place prison near palace to arrest coup members.

[Starfish]

 Oh these are great for badguys!

[Coconut Kid]

Thread was written before PI which added the Army Base. It's a question whether to place it near the Palace or on the outskirts. Then again if the economy is pumping in the money, perhaps several can be used.

... On the outskirts of your city, post military units around, their areas of effect (their line of sight so they can spot enemies¹) slightly overlapping, to create a mobile line of defense against Rebels. The inner city security can be left to the police, but major points of importance, like an embassy² or your Palace, will be guarded by the military. Then, make a "square" that has a concentration of barracks and troops that can be used on the offensive³. Make sure that they have easy access to the outskirts and most unstable areas, and also use them to investigate the wilderness where rebels might be training⁴. This should be an efficient system that works, but it is also basic.

General_H is very basic - but unfortunately, real world basic and not gameworld basic since too much of his suggestion just doesn't work in the gameworld.

¹ Tropican soldiers & generals have no "line-of-sight" because they do not see the Rebels until they are defending a building which the Rebels are attacking. They "get the word" about the attack from the game engine. However, the placement of the Guard Stations near important buildings is a good idea - it reduces the time of response of "on-duty (working)" personnel to an attack.

² There are no "embassies" - only one Diplomatic Ministry, i.e. Foreign Office.

³ The Tropican Army never, ever goes on the military offensive. It is entirely engaged in intimitating and assassinating the citizens, and defending against Rebel initated attacks on buildings. The regular working hours are spent in patroling around the Guard Stations and Armories.

⁴ The Tropican Army never, ever goes into the jungle looking for Rebel camps. The main reason for this is that it would be a waste of time since the Rebels do not have a camp nor do they "train." They simply "hide out" until they attack a building.

Cross reference:
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tropico/cafe/index.php?topic=11551.0