The DMG reduction was very thematic as Rangers are supposed to charge at enemy positions alongside Pershing (Combined Arms ability suggests this use of Rangers) and they need to get close to do some damage, having DMG reduction was helpful to avoid being blown up by random tank or mortar shell.
If that was their intended theme, shouldn't the damage reduction only have applied when near an armored vehicle (or just the Pershing)? And with combined arms being the only relatable theme, the similarly named ability itself is enough. There's no need to give a squad a hidden modifier that gives them an advantage in all situations
on top of being able to use an ability that enhances their stats when operating near vehicles.
DMG reduction wasnt communicated to players... And how is vetted JLI insane received accuracy communicated to players? Maybe make them ballerinas jumping around?
All infantry squads in the game get lower received accuracy as they vet up. JLI are nothing special, it's still the same mechanic at work, they just get a higher bonus than average. On top of that, JLI received accuracy veterancy bonus is communicated in the veterancy description that every player has access to (though admittedly Relic's descriptions aren't the best).
This is not comparable to a hidden damage reduction modifier that isn't shown in the game nor is it mentioned anywhere in the Rangers' unit descriptions (again unlike Shocktroopers, whose description mentions they use light body armor).