Best infantry

[Dan Weaver]

I like American paratroop squads, but what do you prefer?

Dan

[patboivin]

Half seriously, I prefer squads that don't get themselves killed.

I don't have the game yet, but US Paratroopers in ASL had 7-4-7, relatively short range but definitely not bad, I don't know how that translates into CM.

The SS in ASL had 6-5-8, i.e. slightly less firepower, slightly better range, definitely better morale. I wonder if this corresponds to the German Hvy MG squad that obliterated my US infantry platoon at close range in the woods in Close Encounter... Maybe it's more like the German "engineer" squads in ASL, I don't know. 6-2-8? (where's my copy of CM? Grrr.)

The US paratroopers are great squads, I agree with you.

[Ubermac]

Hmm...i think both Us paras and SS are very alike in the morale stakes, but as for firepower i'd say the Germans were better equiped. For instance...what weapon would you prefer when on the frontlines....a BAR or MG42?

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And remember kids....dressing up like Hitler in school, is NOT cool!

[Berlichtingen]

Ok, here are the CM stats

Squad Type................40m.......100m......250m......500m

American (inc. French)

Rifle 44..................209.......107........45........17

Rifle 45..................230.......126........57........24

Engineer..................209.......107........45........17

Paratroop.................231........99........35........12

Glider....................257.......113........41........14

Brit (inc. Canada & Poles)

Rifle.....................162........91........42........17

Engineer..................162........91........42........17

Para......................252.......106........35........14

Glider....................192........83........28........12

Germany

Rifle 44..................161........99........49........24

Rifle 45..................178.......106........49........23

Pionier...................131........93........51........25

Panzergrenadier...........215.......141........73........39

Panzergrenadier Pionier...241.......156........81........42

Motorized.................228.......151........79........41

Motorized Pionier.........148........94........47........23

Volksgrenadier............178.......100........45........22

Volksgrenadier SMG........288........88........4.........0

Volksgrenadier Pionier....102........87........54........26

Fusilier..................249.......116........41........21

Fusilier SMG..............324........99........4.........0

Sturmgruppe...............271.......174........87........43

Escort....................162.......122........72........40

Sicherung.................190.......104........46........23

SS Rifle 44...............178.......106........49........23

SS Rifle 45...............202.......113........48........22

SS Panzergrenadier........239.......148........72........38

SS Motorized..............252.......158........78........40

Fallschirmj?ger...........281.......164........76........39

Fallschirm-Pionier........281.......164........76........39

Gebirgsj?ger..............315.......133........39........20

Gebirgs-Pionier...........315.......133........39........20

Volksturm.................201.......101........39........20

My vote goes for the Gebirgsj?gers

[This message has been edited by Berlichtingen (edited 07-05-2000).]

[MichaelU]

You would need to divide that firepower by the number of figures in a squad to make an accurate comparison. Imagine three German Rambos in a squad each toting an MG42 HMG on their hip and with 50 units of ammo. Great firepower, but you lose a third of it every time you take a casualty.

Plus you have to factor in special weapons like panzerfausts or demo charges. I wonder if Rambo could take out a King Tiger with a bow and arrow. Maybe if he could get a side armour shot.

[Berlichtingen]

8 is the smallest squad, and I believe 12 is the largest. Not that big a difference. Also, All German squads can have (and default to having) Panzerfausts, so given even firepower, I give the edge to the Germans.

[Henri]

You would need to divide that firepower by the number of figures in a squad to make an accurate comparison. Imagine three German Rambos in a squad each toting an MG42 HMG on their hip and with 50 units of ammo.

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That is not realistic: as I understand it, a German infantry squad had one MG42 only and one submachinegun, the rest of the squad being equipped with rifles. The squad you describe would have to have most of its men servicing the guns and ammo, and would not be a very flexible fighting unit.

Henri

[Guest Pillar]

True, but his example proves his point.

My vote goes for Sturmgruppe troops.

[This message has been edited by Pillar (edited 07-16-2000).]

[Fionn]

American squads have the edge over German squads in most cases since US squads generally hve between 50 and 33% more men per squad. Overall the firepower is usually roughly equal BUT the American squads are more "sturdy".

German squads have more advantages and disadvantages whereas American squads are more "general purpose" and better suited to command by beginners. In the hands of an expert specific German squads can anihilate American units but in the hands of a beginner the American squad reigns supreme since it gives them a chance to recover from early mistakes.