So, almost exactly a year after DF2010 was released, I've finally gotten around to trying out the new military system. (I tend to go into spontaneous "DF comas" often, so I haven't been playing constantly....)
I've encountered a problem in training. In 40d, my procedure was to start with 2 dwarves (set to ambusher on embark for free armor) and let them spar as soon as I can spare them. But it looks like this simple command may not be doable.
The problem is that the orders display wants me to set a "minimum dwarves to train". Obviously setting it to "3 or higher" is meaningless, notwithstanding that "10" is the default. "2" would appear to be problematic as it would give both dwarves no break ever. "1" would be dumb as it would lead to the dwarves alternating break and then never being together to spar. And "0" simply isn't offered as an option.
I'm starting to fear that the answer is that I must dedicate at least three dwarves to my first squad if I want any training done sustainably....
Comments?
The latest forum consensus seems to be to set 3 per squad, 2 minimum at first, then when you have a legendary dining hall and proper housing to offset the bad mood from long patrol duty, set them to 2 per squad training constantly. This is of course, if you want to maximize sparring time. Other methods of training include:
1) embarking with a skilled military dwarf with Teacher skill, who can hold effective demonstrations for his entire squad (slower than sparring, but least micromanagement-intensive)
2) setting up a "danger room" filled with wooden training spears, connected to a lever on repeat. Considered by some as an exploit, as it will quickly train your dwarves at 40d speeds (i.e. Legendary under a year or so).
3) live training on goblin prisoners, released from cages in an arena.