Root of the problem is always Soviet teching. In this case you have to go t2 as cons with the commander and then get guards. It's not a valid choice for t1.
There are other commanders that drop support guns, that's a t1 commander. You go penal, sniper into air drops.
And cons. The balance team wanted a way to make them do more early game, before 7 man is available.
But ppsh on penals is so niche it's like flamer on penals... Which was removed for being contrary to their intended role...
The commanders are band aids intended to try and cover up glaring faults of teching
