Mixing & matching APCs

[Lt. Ketch]

I use APCs and IFVs as a way to get my infantry to where they need to be and to support said infantry when the going gets tough. Bradelyes are great for dropping off the infantry in a place where they can intercept the enemy's infantry and tanks then pull the IFVs back to provide overwatch on the flanks. Since infantry can't move very fast suprise is the deadliest thing to them. The Bradley's can watch out for fast moving threats and deal with them, or at least butten them up until the troops can be removed. Also, APC are great for mixing up with your troops to provide additional fire support and protection. It always seems that a rifle squad that has a APC in the hex with it takes less damage from small arms and mmgs than one without. Yes, you do get into suppression issues and have to watch out for RPGs, but if you mix three APCs in with infantry on an ambush, it takes the enemy a while to put themselves back in fighting order. For the record, IFVs are not worth risking in this tactic. I like the standarded MMGs armed APCs and AGL hummers for this.

I learned one other trick with APCS when it was used against me. The emnemy throughly supressed my troops with APC, MMG, small arms and tank fire (he could have dropped mortars on me as well, can't remember) and than had a couple of loaded APCs drive right up to my troops, unload and the forthcoming rifle squad proceeded to cut into my troops with a vengence. This tactic obviously requires heavy suppression, good intel and an element of risk, but it was very effective. It is an effective way to break a line after continued bombardment. It also enables you to "breakthrough" the line with your secondary elements.

To return to the original idea, I like to mix up my units by simly buying APCs seperate. My last battle had M1A113s and AGL armed hummers, the hummers carriering the support elements and scouts in the company. It worked well and wasn't too expensive.