Depending on the scenario of course, air cover is key, I've found. If you have a CV or a LHA, keep up a CAP of aircraft. It provides not only a defensive shield, but if you throw up a striker into the mix, you have an instant reaction for a new threat that may emerge.
I get a little turned off by the parade of missiles that you tend to see.....some fast attack job moves out and launchs half of Iran's inventory at you in one fell swoop. Probably how it works in real life, but that part gets a little boring for me, making sure every incoming is targetted as well.
I'm no expert either....and haven't played in a while, but I enjoyed it when I did and the stuff that the WDP guys are doing is just great.
And yes, Combat Mission is also incredible.

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John Sponauer
Senior Editor
SimHQ.com
jsponauer@SimHQ.com