- For the Steel Division II unit see SD2:Mot. Rifles
Mot. Rifles is a British Infantry unit. They form an important late game asset to the Guards Armoured division, as they are the only main general-purpose infantry squad in the division, capable of dealing with infantry as well as vehicles. They augment the existing rifles core well and provide a good AT deterrent against advancing enemy armour. Motorised rifles come in M5 Halftracks that can also provide supporting fire.
Overview[ | ]
The Second World War saw the birth of modern and mobile warfare. Advancing tanks penetrating deep into enemy territory needed infantry to break through fortifications and defensive lines, but foot soldiers could not keep up with the speed of tanks. This led to the creation of motorised / mechanised infantry: infantry making use of transport such as trucks, vehicles or armoured personnel carriers. The most famous example of this are the Panzergrenadiers.
In the present day, a distinction is made between motorised and mechanised infantry:
motorised infantry is infantry that is transported by trucks or other un-protected motor vehicles.
Mechanised infantry is infantry that is transported in armoured personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles.
Unlike their American and French counterparts the Infantry of an British Armored Division are in two different types. One of the Battalions is mounted in Half-tracks and attached to the Armored Brigade. While the majority of infantry in a Commonwealth Armored Division is infantry brigade mounted in trucks. Motorized Rifles in game represent 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards in the Guards Armored Division and in 7th Armored 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.
Strategy[ | ]
Motorised rifles cost as much as regular rifle squads, but suffer a small drop in infantry power. Their squad size of eight makes them less suited to prolonged infantry engagements than rifles. They are mainly useful as a general-purpose infantry squad, armed with PIATs that can destroy tanks at point-blank range.
They are best paired up with supporting units when dealing with enemy infantry, and should grab any opportunity to knock out an enemy tank whenever possible. They are much more survivable than PIAT squads and may even miss a PIAT shot and live to tell the tale.
They, however, do not replace rifles as the primary frontline infantry unit. They are available in fewer numbers and are less expendable. Besides, the player also pays for their M5 halftrack transport which makes the total package much more expensive. Motorised rifle squads should form part of a combined fighting force or used as support in an armoured push.
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