Huey Rifle Platoon
"Gory, gory, what a hell of a way to die!" ~ Blood Upon the Risers, unofficial Airborne theme song
The Airborne is possibly the most renowned formation in the history of the United States Army, with a legacy of honor stretching back as far as some general getting the idea that it would be a great idea to throw a bunch of men out of these newfangled airplanes.
In Team Yankee
Significantly larger than the other US Army infantry unit in game, the US Mech Platoon, the Huey Rifle Platoon is a great choice for commanders who love to overwhelm the opposition with lightning-fast assaults a horde of infantry.
To compensate for their notably weaker firepower due to the lack of offensive transports (M113s or AAVP7s), the Airborne have 3+ morale. While Germans may find this unimpressive, consider that the strength of Soviet infantry lies in their morale combined with the raw number they can bring to bear, creating a unit which works as a battering ram. Airborne platoons function similarly, combining NATO weaponry with the bravery of motorstrelki.
Compared to the Marines, the Airborne have a far more specific niche: anti-infantry combat. With the ability to take M60 teams on top of rifle teams, the sheer volume of fire tops out at an impressive 31 shots at 5+ firepower for an 8 point platoon with 2 M60s, or 18 on the move. Mortars lack smoke and therefore have little reason to be brought.
Should you wish to deploy your Airborne as defensive infantry who will hold the line while under heavy fire, consider taking a 5 rifle platoon with 2 Dragons for 7 points.
Ultimately, the Airborne are a somewhat questionable platoon due to their inferior anti-armor compliment and lack of transports; a source of free MG fire which excel against infantry in the open or pinning entrenched infantry. Should you require an infantry unit specializing in defeating enemy infantry, the Airborne delivers excellently.
For players concerned with historical accuracy, ditch the Hueys and pretend that your troopers have dug-in after landing or treat them as the 101st. Forplayers who care naught for history, do whatever you want.
IRL
| US Forces in Team Yankee | |
|---|---|
| Tanks: | M1 Abrams - M60 Patton - M551 Sheridan - RDF/LT |
| Transports: | M113 Armored Personnel Carrier - UH-1 Huey - AAVP7 - Bradley Fighting Vehicle - Pickup Trucks |
| Troops: | US Mech Platoon - Marine Rifle Platoon - Huey Rifle Platoon - HMMWV Machine Gun Platoon - Light Motor Infantry Platoon - Irregular Militia Group |
| Artillery: | M106 Heavy Mortar Carrier - M109 Howitzer - LAV-M - M270 MLRS |
| Anti-Aircraft: | M163 VADS - M48 Chaparral - M247 Sergeant York - HMMWV SAM |
| Tank Hunters: | M901 ITV - HMMWV-TOW - LAV-AT |
| Recon: | M113 FIST- M113 Scout Section - HMMWV Scout Section - LAV-25 - Bradley Fighting Vehicle |
| Aircraft: | A-10 Warthog - AV-8 Harrier - AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter - AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter |