I'm starting the first night turn of the Smolensk Campaign as the Germans and the optional night fatigue rule is in play. Is the extra fatigue gained worth pressing on at night? Do Russian units that fire on my German troops gain fatigue as well? Any other comments on how this effects play would be appreciated.
It depends on the situation, and is a judgement call that more experience will guide you on. If I am attacking, I will generally continue the attack with low fatigue units - those that are in the Green still, sometimes yellow, while resting the higher fatigue men. But if speed is of the essence I will push on during the night with more.
Any unit firing at night gains fatigue, particpating in assaults, or most other actions. Receiving fire will result in fatigue also, unless the result is no effect.
Hope that helps.
Rick
Forcing your opponent to move and fight during the night turns might also be advantageous if you have a superior number of units. You will be able to continually cycle fresh units into the frontline, resting in the daytime, while your opponent will feel the burden of rising fatigue as his units are unable to rest and continually forced into action.
If you're playing the AI you can count on it firing at your units that it can see so you may as well fire first if you can't disengage!