Leaderboard

I would say: Point 1: Maybe researches that permit increased stats, or only if nations really like you do they offer their prime soldiery? Or different pools, with different costs. Maybe mercenaries who are effective, but cost you political hatred of nations they've committed war crimes against? Maybe the soldiers can be "sent to training camp" for a fee and come back next month with slightly improved stats? This also largely (2) keeps them alive and (3) clears the slot for a new soldier. It also (partially) provides a mechanic for training soldiers out of combat addressed in other threads. Point 2: You think those men and women have nothing better to do than sit and wait for you? The nations of the WORLD are competing to hire competent soldiery, who, incidentally, are dying by the scores if not hundreds. You want them there for more than a month? Pay them a retainer fee, and hope they don't die doing side jobs with the world's military. Point 3: I heartily second an expanding list with technology/national support. Maybe an increased cost to hire to a base from other than local soldiery? Maybe each soldier "rejected" decreases that nation's enthusiasm for XNO (Xenonaut Organization) by a small amount?