Part of the problem. The units was moved 2.5 earlier and become available for 200 manpower less.
It simply does not need to be that strong. Imo tt should be closer Ass IS and have extra utility (anti garrison) with an incendiary grenade (VG style). Then it could become T0 unit.
That would help vs garrison and countering Ass. gren.
I think upgraded Assault Section/Cav Rifle is probably about the sweet spot, yeah. The current officer fights like an elite CQC squad.
If it needs to scale to Elite level, perhaps a pair of weapon upgrades behind Hammer and Anvil? Four Thompsons in Hammer, two Elite Brens in Anvil?