I realize "blitzing" is usually looked at negatively around these parts but I've found it much easier to take a settlement or two right away with your starting army. You will be in the green without having to disband anything (I disbanded my ship though)
The battles will be a piece of cake. The enemy will sally forth thinking they will crush your army but a well placed battle line and well timed chariot charge by your FMs will change all that and the settlements will be yours with minimal casualties.
But then again I'd rather play on the offensive than the defensive which seems to be the exception around here. To each their own style I guess.