This book plants you squarely in late-sixties Europe as tensions finally snap. You command NATO or Warsaw Pact forces in fast, gritty operations.
Moreover, it runs on the World War III: Team Yankee rules with period tweaks. It also cross-plays cleanly with ’Nam and Fate of a Nation. Consequently, you can stage wild what-ifs without relearning the engine.
Red Steel: The Armoured Heart of the Soviets
Soviet armour comes in six flavors, and each packs an all-arms spine. The T-64 Battalion headlines with composite armour, a compact powerpack, and a 125mm gun. Moreover, its autoloader trims the crew to three and keeps weight to 38 tonnes. The formation layers recon, Shilka or ZSU-57-2, SA-9 Gaskin, and 2S1 Carnation. Consequently, it fields a self-contained battle group that answers any threat.
The T-72 Battalion mirrors that structure yet favors wartime production. It costs far less to build and still swings the same 125mm with an autoloader. Meanwhile, the T-62 Battalion brings the first production smoothbore, the 115mm 2A20. It comfortably pierces Western armour at respectable ranges and keeps that low Soviet silhouette. Additionally, the T-55 Battalion represents refined lineage with NBC prep, extra stowage, and a DShK mount.
Heavy metal fans get the T-10M Battalion, last of the IS breakthrough tanks. Its long 122mm M-62-T2 hits hard, while armour shrugs many guns and missiles. Furthermore, the IS-3M Battalion remains in service after a 1960 upgrade. It still scares tables with that domed turret and wicked angles. Every tank battalion also fields BRDM-2 or BMP-1 recon, layered AAA, and organic artillery.
Motor Rifle Battalions and How They Fight
Three motor rifle battalions anchor the infantry game with BMP-1, BTR-50, or BTR-60 rides. Each mixes two to three companies with tanks, recon, AAA, SAGGERs, SAMs, mortars, and Carnations. Moreover, squads carry AKM rifles, PKM light machine guns, and RPG-7 launchers. Short-range bite arrives with RPG-18s, while SA-7s and AGS-17s handle air and area threats. Consequently, rifle formations threaten armour, infantry, and aircraft without leaving support behind.
Transport choice shapes tempo and punch. The BMP-1 fights alongside tanks, firing a 73mm gun and AT-3 Sagger. Additionally, its NBC protection keeps squads moving through contaminated zones. The BTR-50 hauls big squads in a tracked, amphibious carrier with a bow gun. Meanwhile, the BTR-60PB adds a turreted 14.5mm KPVT and side doors for rapid debussing. Finally, BRDM-2 SAGGER carriers extend lethal reach, while battalion SAGGER teams ride 9P122 mounts.
Support, Air Power, and Getting On Table
Soviet support is broad and gloriously loud. The 2S1 Carnation and 2S3 Acacia deliver mobile 122mm and 152mm fire. Moreover, towed 152mm D-1 batteries still crack dug-in targets with stubborn reliability. The 160mm M-160 mortars throw brutal arcs where guns cannot thread. Meanwhile, BM-21 Hail batteries saturate deep targets with iconic truck-mounted rockets.
Air and air defense add the final teeth. SA-8 Gecko vehicles combine radar and missiles on one amphibious chassis. Additionally, Shilka radar cannons and ZSU-57-2s umbrella your spearheads. The Mi-24 Hind lifts troops and slings rockets, Swatters, and a heavy nose gun. Furthermore, Su-17 Fitters bring variable-sweep speed for strike and recon work. Recon fans can field PT-76 amphibious tanks to feel properly Cold War amphibious.
Models are covered across Battlefront ranges with new kits landing. The T-10M Heavy Tank Battalion starter is a strong Soviet entry point. Moreover, it packs plastic armour, infantry, transports, recon, and AAA with decals. A code unlocks Soviet forces on the new Forces site and the full digital book. Consequently, you can build lists and print cards for Americans, British, West Germans, Soviets, and East Germans.
Summary
Checkpoint Charlie drops nine Soviet formations that play fast and feel authentic. Armour spans T-64 finesse to T-10M brute force, while infantry rides match mission needs. Moreover, integrated recon, AAA, artillery, missiles, and air power create true all-arms packages. The Team Yankee chassis keeps play smooth, and cross-compatibility multiplies matchups. Consequently, you can jump from Fulda to the Baltic without changing gears.
If you want late-sixties Soviet steel with real table bite, this sings. It rewards coordinated pushes, overwatch traps, and relentless pressure on objectives. Moreover, the model line supports quick army builds with a slick digital backend. So pick your battalion, fuel the Hinds, and roll the red tide west. History blinked once, and your dice decide what happens next.
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