some random thoughts II
 

Are APCs really better than trucks, on a stock map(80x100)? I mean 'cmon is a 15 shot auto cannon really worth the extra points when a truck can get the job done? If you got experience in the matter please share.

To be honest I never use expensive APC/IFVs, ground troops seem to get the job done (with MBT support), and if I need fast infantry I just use some good 'ol Detroit automotive technology.

Andrew

Re: some random thoughts II
 

Footies in lorries are vulnerable to mortars and heavier artillery. If you have an APC, you're protected against some bullets and fragments. Also you have a MG or light cannon to back your people up. I seldom use IFVs, they're too expensive. But APCs are very useful and inexpensive enough.

troopie

Re: some random thoughts II
 

Never reallly think about it buy for the type of force I fancy & so many variables like visibility terrain & the APC truck.
Trucks are fast on roads ok offroad if have 4WD but have limited use ferry to front & run in back areas.
APCs Wheeled often even faster tracked to sometimes good in heavy going. This allows you to get spotters out front ATGMs in position to cover your tanks advance.
They can be used further forward or even with care in the thick of it as not vulnerable to small arms.
If have smoke dischargers can be a life saver or alllow unloading hidden where a truck can't.
As discussed can Z fire a company firing at tree line makes a diffrence.
Can support your troops adding to survivability.
If have decent fire control & cannon or fast with AA ability great helo killers.
Less chance of sticking in rough terrain.
Safer option for exploiting a breakthrough.
Probably more thats just what comes to mind APCs are flexible trucks are not.

Troopie you could have problems playing the bad boys in current times then from the patch looks like they have gone for IFVs or urban vehicles your basic APC has had its day.

Re: some random thoughts II
 

I usually go with strict TO&E of whatever nation I am playing with so if this calls for trucks, IFV's or APC's, etc, then that is what I use.

Re: some random thoughts II
 

You don't use trucks to ferry troops to the frontlines, it's suicide. Some basic rifle fire can destroy the truck and some or all of the troops inside it.
The best thing about APC/IFV is their armor, protecting the troops inside and outside on the same hex, from small arms fire and light mortars etc. Try to use a truck for cover...only in movies.
Then the extra gun(s) are just a blessing, suppressing fire or just killing things. The basic M113 can do its job, but then it depends on what you are looking for. The cost increases for IFVs and you get what you are paying for, be it extra armor, or weapons or TI. But you must never forget that even them are not built to fight your battle and they are definitely not tanks.

I use trucks some times, but in most cases they are just too fragile and/or too slow.

Re: some random thoughts II
 

How are you able to get this information with all nations
that you play?

Re: some random thoughts II
 

I have contacts at the US Army Combined Arms Center in Ft. Leavenworth. That and having several years as an instructor at the Armor School in Ft. Knox with access to all manner of manuals and publications. ;)

Re: some random thoughts II
 

Do you have the exact URL? I won't be able to rely on experience like you but the HTML page with the TO&E should be enough when I want to be historical.
:bullets::target:

Re: some random thoughts II
 

Its not stuff you can access online, its through personal contacts and things that I have been "advised" against from sharing. Thats the reason I haven't published this kind of stuff to my own site as reference materials although some of the older stuff I could probably get away with doing that (mostly older Warsaw Pact stuff). :(

Re: some random thoughts II
 

About truck vs APC in WinSP:MBT when it comes to spare your battle points :

Regarding the fact that lots of the enemy infantry squad you can encounter can have some basic rpg/law/etc... your truck/APC may have a good chance to share an unfortunate fate if you are unlucky enough to be ambushed by an unsuspected enemy.

So my question is :
While an APC has more armor, does that mean when an APC is -destroyed- by a rpg/law some of the squad members in cargo have a stronger chance to survive than if the same squad was in a truck -destroyed- by the same weapons ?