Tactical Aids Part I
Non-Destructive Tactical Aids
Hey guys, this is the first part of what should be a three-series, a trilogy I guess you could call it. This is particular piece is about the non-destructive tactical aids, though I must admit I find that label misleading, as many of these aids can cause a massive amount of destruction if applied correctly.
Aerial Recon
If any tactical aid gets misused, it has got to be this one. It’s hard to understand at first, just because it has no apparent purpose and many people would rather save up for something more visually pleasing than to see some blips click out. However, this aid can make wreaking havoc on your foes quite easy.
Uses:
- Aerial recon can be used to scout an area that no one has explored yet, and you aren’t quite sure what exactly the enemy is doing over there. You can then plan accordingly.
- Aerial recon can be used to find where that bloody artillery is hiding. You can then decide whether you’d rather use a tank buster to get the artillery, and if there is any anti-air, that as well. If there is no anti-air, you know you can safely send your helicopters over there to deal with the problem.
- If you’re heading in to take a command point that is occupied, but you’re not sure how the enemy is composed, slap down an [i]aerial recon[/i]. You and your team can then target other tactical aids accordingly as well as send in the right units in the right places.
- Wondering where that sniper or airborne infantry team is hiding? Want to see through smoke? Aerial recon is your best friend here, it makes locating any unit insanely simple.
- Artillery targeting. Need I say more? Aerial recon will help you choose the best places to lay down those shells.
Note: The following three tactical aids all share one thing in common: they allow you to have more units than you should technically be able to afford. Beyond all that, these aids allow you to put such units where they shouldn’t be, I’ll talk about this more later.
Airborne Infantry
A great tactical aid right here. For less than half the price of a precision artillery strike, you can get an infantry team that can fight and deploy an unlimited amount of artillery strikes that are roughly half the power of a standard precision artillery strike, given the appropriate amount of time. These guys can also get into some annoying places, like right behind enemy lines.
Uses:
- These infantry units can go deep behind enemy lines and pass relatively unnoticed. They can capture those hard-to-reach command points as well. A tip that was provided by Team Dignitas during one of their excellent videos was sending in cluster bombs to fall right as the infantry touch the ground, clearing out the enemy and allowing you to take the point without resistance.
- Airborne infantry can use their artillery strikes to devastating effect. Whether it be clearing a tightly packed corridor, a command point, or a building, these guys are excellent and cheap.
Airdropped Transports
A transport? You’ve gotta be kidding, right? Why would anyone want to spend tactical aid on a transport? It’s not as if they’re expensive or anything. This tactical aid actually has some use, although I will confess I find it to be limited. There are two main uses that I will talk about.
Uses:
- If you are playing any class of units and don’t have access to or cannot afford something to perform repairs, this unit can help you. If can also fight a bit if necessary.
- Since these guys can be airdropped, they can be placed anywhere there’s room. So observe the picture, then figure out where that transport is. Liberty, that’s exactly right. It is perfectly possible to drop these guys onto the main island where they can perform repairs and move infantry around.
Airdropped Light Tanks
This is the strongest unit you can airdrop, and it is actually an exact replica of a regular light tank that is available to any class. It’s use is limited, but similar to the transport, it has two main uses.
Uses:
- Again, the Liberty map allows very few varieties of units to reach the main island. Fortunately, as the picture shows, you can get light tanks to the main island if you drop them. There, they can provide some great support, as they can fight infantry and the not-quite-as-strong amphibious transports. Just keep them away from the choppers, please.
- As stated earlier, using airdrops, you can exceed the amount of units that you should be able to afford. In essence, you can drop a bunch of light tanks to help with whatever you deem necessary. Think about it, with some luck, you could end up with five heavy tanks and three or more light tanks through air drops. A force to be reckoned with, no doubt.
Repair Bridge
This is the tactical aid that has limited use, on some maps, it’s not even applicable. Really, there is one use here, to let you cross a bridge that was previously destroyed. The fifteen points required for this are a bit of a turnoff, but at times, this is a necessary price. Use this aid as necessary, I doubt you’ll see an excessive use of it as blowing up bridges requires a considerable investment, especially on hillside.
Want more? Check out Tactical Aids Part II: Selective Strikes!
