I'm sure we are all familiar with the experience of waiting at base for half-an-hour (or longer!) waiting for other players to gear up only to have the AO last 30mins and then return to base to start all over again.
A couple of times recently I have suggested that units proceed to the next AO immediately from the past AO if fit to do so, this has worked well and on one occasion everyone opted to go straight to the next AO in a straw-poll whilst the initial order was to RTB, which would have resulted in more 'down-time' at base.
I think this method is now especially relevant with the 'no-insta-death' tweak and use of the medi-vehicles (Blackhawk and M113 ambulances) to completely heal people in the field. Some of you may ask "what about making the plan for next AO?" - I think the simple answer is the commander can specify a staging area near the next AO that units can proceed to, either in vehicles on site or with Vortex/Talon providing transport. In either scenario, air support could bring a re-supply crate the to staging area so that specialist units can re-arm with missiles etc. I also think that this method can be compromised, e.g some units ready to move and proceed to the staging area and provide some reconnaissance whilst other units RTB and come back to the staging area with supplies.
The main benefits I can see from this method is a greater ratio of time spent 'in action' versus. waiting at base, especially important if you don't have hours to spend standing around whilst someone else discusses the history of an M2 .50cal. Also, moving from one AO to another adds another realism aspect to the game, e.g. bumping into ambient units or evading patrolling helicopters.
There will of course be situations where RTB is necessary, however I make a plea to all commanders to think for a minute before giving the default order to RTB...
