Infantry vs infantry

[Sandokan]

Okay, here is my problem. I recently started CMA 1980 invasion campaign. I was fairly confident to fare reasonably well from the beginning. After all I have three years of CMSF under my belt. I surely know at least the some of the common tactics, right? Wrong. I realized, with a certain dismay, that some of the tactics working well in CMSF not necessarily have the same results here and that the most troublesome part is the infantry vs. infantry fights. First, it’s more likely rebels spot the Russians first than the other way round. I mean, try to imagine a squad of Russian infantry advancing cautiously trough sparse vegetation. Suddenly, there is a burst of fire, one or two guys fall down and the others run for cover. No sign of the attackers. I can guess the general direction looking at the incoming tracers, but nothing more. Sometimes two, three minutes go by before the appearance of a “?” symbol, and more before I manage to clearly identify the rebel’s position. Time that can really make the difference for the outcome of that particular firefight. Second, but not less important, Muji seems able to shoot straighter, especially over 100, 150 meters. Even if Russians have more firepower, a few rebels mainly armed with old British rifle can really wipe out a whole squad in a couple of minutes. So, what I need is some good advice in order to put a stop at this ordeal. After a few scenarios I’m losing way too many people.

[Erwin]

This is part of the "Joy of CMA". It is different from CMSF as the Soviets don't have the hi tech observation stuff the US has now and the Muj had the advantage in stealth over the bungling Soviet conscripts - least that's how I think of it.

I haven't played CMA since CMBN came out. But, I do recall the Muj advantage in moving and hiding stealthily. Let your Soviets just stay still and observe for longer periods and advance in short bursts while covering each other so most of the force is observing while a small element move forwards.

IIRC it's also beneficial to area fire at all unknown contacts.

[Sakai007]

I use more area fire in CMA then in any other CM game, and I mostly play as the Russians so firepower is on my side. I didn't understand the phrase 'use the available fire power to your advantage' until after a few mission, I would pound everything in the area where a round would come in from.

The closest CM game as far as play style goes is CMBN imho. The lack of spotting gear is what makes all the difference. As was stated, let your truppen stop longer in between moves to scan for enemy troops. If you think you know the general area, assign a cover arc and let them sit. If the unit has Bino's, you will have em cold!!!

[Sandokan]

I see. So summing up. Move carefully, if in doubt, stop often an check around for a while, a lavish use of firepower any time deemed necessary is adviced. Take in account Soviets haven't a lot of useful stuff common in NATO armies. Ok, thank everybody for the advice! BTW, the average BMP1 and the likes carries not too much 7.62x39 ammos and no hand granade at all. Not a good thing, especially in long and lively scenarios.

[Erwin]

That's the contradiction... We're told to use ammo liberally, firing at every bush or hill that could contain an enemy. However, the Soviets just don't have that much ammo.

[Sakai007]

The small amount of AKM ammo carried by the APCs is just sad. If you have troopers equipped with AK74s, you're all well and good with the ammo, but if you have AKMs, your looking at like 400+ rounds. That's just not enough to get the job done when you need to put down area fire like you do in CMA. If you have BMP-1 or -2 IFVs then you're alright since they have good firepower on their own. But if you're rolling in BTRs, that 14.5 just doesn't have the same effect as the 73mm RR at killing and suppressing bad guys.