Tips and/or suggestions for starting game

[Sandman]

Troop placement is very important for the early game. Learn to anticipate the attack plans of the various indy troops, so your soliders can 'hold and attack' to score the first hit. Use chaff units to draw indy missile fire. Always keep your own missile units are far forward as you dare, unless you're using ALL missile units, in which case stay at the back of the battle map.

[Saxon]

One thing you might want to try is taking Ermor. In single player, they are pretty powerful and will give you a chance to learn a lot about the game while not worrying about getting run over right away. They can also go underwater, which can give you and advantage.

You might also want to start a game as one of the underwater races and make sure you do not include any others or Ermor. It will provide you a nice safe start, a training ground and a retreat. It is more fun learning the mechanics of the game when you have a decent chance of living past the first few turns.