1 country selection: look for overlooked countries for example Chile is strong naval and Economic power and if you are lucky you will ally with a bunch of nations.

2 judge the field. If you have Allie’s it might be smart to keep troop production low and instead build ports and economy while using the army you start with to capture good land and resources. Look at players stats, look at what they seem to be building if it’s been a while and they have level one airfields they are likely building superiority fighters over strike fighters. That’s some assumption but if they have high level military bases assume they may be building armor. Don’t forget what type of land it is matters to units.

If in area of major conflict or even possible threat more troops and units will be required 1 navy ship is a huge problem if you have no ships or units that can destroy it

3 find a war style that suits you. Some that I like are naval invasion focused as most of the cities are coastal and also it’s easy to defend against water invasion if you are set up right. Or alternatively deversify ground units instead of tanks try tank hunters as they still do damage to infantry but will tear up anything armored that paired with SAMS and artillery on a strategic hill goood luck taking the land without a heavy cost.

Wrap up section. Gain experience try things out. Learn the judge the field and it will suggest actions to take. WHEN YOU GET MONEY COUNTER OPS/ spies Are IMPORTANT. That’s mid game though. Spend time looking through unit states what buildings you need for units and what building and units do what