Lol, first, get 10k(by posting or playing arcade), and buy your first Unit Producting upgrade, which is at the bottom of the training screen. Here's a hint, anything over 100 UP isn't worth it. You can either train your soldiers(later, when you get soldiers and cash), or buy trained mercenaries. Only trained soldiers/mercenaries can use items. Obviously, your attack soldiers will use attack items, and def for def. Start off with that, I guess. Also, read the SS RPG Tutorial.