Soviet Overview

The Soviet's have a couple of options heading into the first move of the game. It is obvious that Eastern Europe is ripe for battle, with a large troop build up between Germany and the Soviet Union, the Soviets have the option of drawing first blood and beginning the war. However, the Soviet's do not necessarily need to conduct combat on their first turn, the second option for Soviet Union is to continue the troop build up by purchasing units, strategically placing existing units, and therefore shoring up their territories and prolonging battle. Arguments can be made for both approaches. With the meager purchasing power of the Soviets (24 IPC's) purchasing should be made wisely, and with Germany pounding on their front door the Soviets need a lot of units quickly.
Focus needs to be attended in three areas for the Soviets, the Western front with Germany, the Eastern front with Japan and aiding American troops in Sinkiang (a move that may be seen as non-essential, but remember that the Soviets need to be aware of the German-Japanese pinch). Combat should only be considered on the Eastern front leaving non-combat moves in the West in the Buryatia region. Immediately the Russians have five regions where they are able to attack German forces; Norway, Eastern Europe, Belorussia, West Russia and Ukraine. Without overextending Soviet forces West Russia seems like the most obvious attacking point.
Keeping all this in mind, I will post the Soviets first move in a new blog.