Overview of Redesign:
Making RE into a dedicated defense squad compared to the aggressive Rifle squad essentially. I'll go in more detail after showing the redesign in mind.
Redesign:
- Have a increased accuracy penalty but is removed once in cover. Remove the firing accuracy penalty and have accuracy penalty on the move but gain increased accuracy in cover, buildings, firing positions, etc. (Maybe should take a few seconds to benefit, this would allow counter play with rushing them. Overwhelming them if rushed quick enough unless Rifles are there to support)
- Give the ability to place sandbags same ones in the Infantry Company.
- A light Anti-Tank mine that causes engine damage for 30 munitions.
(USF really needs some mine on their RE with the only mines being the buggy & finicky doctrinal mines and the LT M20 mines)
- Volley Fire will suppress faster and/or slow down one enemy unit when equipped with BAR(s). (This will associate with the defense in mind and synergize with close range squads of USF allowing them to close in)
- Remove Volley Fire received accuracy penalty at veterancy 1 or 2 given Axis High DPS later during the game.
- Volley Fire Munitions cost goes down to 10 or below once equipped with BAR(s) to allow more usage. (After all, equipping a BAR on a RE squad would mainly be supportive in nature allowing more frequent usage of Volley Fire)
- Increase from 160MP to 190MP (increase maybe needed)
Effects of Redesign on USF:
While RE are good at setting up defenses (besides sandbags) and sweeping mines, that's the extent of their usefulness. Being only somewhat decent in combat with duel BARs ( a rather poor option in the first place) or limited to being only bazooka carriers (not a bad set up at all just limited in a supposedly versatile army) and without any upgrade are useless in combat.
This redesign aims at giving RE more utility and a defined role compared to Rifles, having two starting squads with two very different roles. RE would truly become the supporters of the USF, setting up defenses, defending, supporting, and synergizing with the more aggressive US forces. With Volley Fire becoming more useful and frequent with BARs, RE will have a good place in the USF for supporting engagements, slowing down or suppressing enemy units for other USF units to move in.
However they can't replace Rifles, lacking anti-tank grenades or any for that matter, they will quickly fall under vehicles and be unable to smoke or grenade enemy positions. This extends to being poorly suited for attacks due to the firing on the move and received accuracy penalties while out of cover. Overall RE would be more useful but can't survive on their own without support. Resulting in USF having more options and strategies.