Bren teams

[eburr155]

I just started a long campaign with the Commonwealth (UK vehicles and ANZAC infantry) v. Japan.

I can’t figure out the proper use of all those Bren teams, and with four infantry companies, I’ve got a lot of them. Defending is pretty easy, put them back a hex or two and use ‘em like a HMG. But with only two men, on offensive missions they get killed as soon as they come into contact.

Keeping them back with the 2-inch mortars and moving them up when the platoon consolidates its position seems like a waste, but that’s what I’ve been doing.

Any tips?

[chief]

eburr: Yes, go to www.spwaw.com and look into the academy, you'll find it a friendly place like here.

[FlashfyreSP]

ORIGINAL: eburr155

I just started a long campaign with the Commonwealth (UK vehicles and ANZAC infantry) v. Japan.

I can’t figure out the proper use of all those Bren teams, and with four infantry companies, I’ve got a lot of them. Defending is pretty easy, put them back a hex or two and use ‘em like a HMG. But with only two men, on offensive missions they get killed as soon as they come into contact.

Keeping them back with the 2-inch mortars and moving them up when the platoon consolidates its position seems like a waste, but that’s what I’ve been doing.

Any tips?

Well, they are what they are: light machinegun teams; that makes them support units. Use them as overwatch for the platoon; keep them stationary while you move the platoon forward. Halt the platoon, then move the Bren team up to another position to cover the advance. They are fragile, just like the 2in mortar teams...the key is to not send them out like heavily armed scouts.

[h_h_lightcap]

They can be used quite effectively---have them ride on vehicles and use them as scouts ---they also have smoke which no other units like them have.

[tracer]

There's also a recon version of them available in some formations, and IMO those are one of the best 'deals' in SPWAW: high FC, long-ranged weapon (kill/suppress at a distance where the enemy can't even see you!), and usually 'elite' level EXP/MORAL.

[eburr155]

So I was sort of on the right track.

However, it may be a cop out, but I started over and bought the cheap AZAC companies that don't have Bren teams. I figure with two companies of Honies and another of armo(u)red cars, I've got more than enough direct fire support for the infantry. And with visibilties of four and five, nobody is getting long range shots, even without all that vegetation.

[Wild Bill]

They work better as defensive units. Light machine gun units on offense are important but as support units to the leg soldiers. I like to keep them back just a bit, and then move them up to support infantry in trouble.

But being a two man unit, they are prone to be killed quicker than a larger infantry squad.


WB