Hi all,
I've been devising a system within the event.txt file for handling the US unit reinforcements and replacements. As such, each major American unit will arrive according to its historical timeframe, whereas any American unit that is destroyed will get replaced, depending on its category, within a specific monthly timeframe. For example if a US infantry unit is killed it will be regenerated 2 months after its destruction. It will take three months for a marine or airborne unit, 4 months for an armored unit and 5 months for air units, etc.
In this manner, I believe I can ensure that the American OOB never exceeds the actual number of forces that served in the conflict.
All the same, I'd like to better understand how the draft system in the US worked, but have failed to find any articles of substance on the subject, to determine exactly how the Americans managed to keep their various combat units up to strength. I know, for the most part that the US rotated individuals, not units, out of Vietnam and that each soldier only served for a year in country. Therefore how did this system work? Did each unit receive a monthly, bi-monthly, yearly, set of new recruits to replace the outgoing troops?
And how did this replacement system work for units that suffered heavy casualties during combat operations. If a battalion suffered 20-30% casualties plus have to replace the men whose rotation was up did they simply replenish that unit with a bunch of raw recruits? Did the US have to increase the draft quotas in the States to make up for these losses?
If anyone is able to shed any light or refer me to articles on the subject matter, I would be appreciative.
Thank you