Cold War nerves snap, and the map around Berlin catches fire. Checkpoint Charlie drops you into late sixties Europe.
Moreover, it runs on World War III Team Yankee with light period tweaks. It also cross plays with ’Nam and Fate of a Nation. Consequently, you get authentic matchups without relearning the engine.
East German Force at a Glance
The East German roster fields four formations tuned for relentless pressure. You get a T-55 Tank Battalion and three Motor Rifle battalions. Moreover, transports define each infantry build with BMP-1, BTR-50, or BTR-60 options. East Germans are better trained than Soviet comrades, yet morale sits lower. Therefore, lists reward planning, combined arms, and disciplined tempo.
Armour Spearhead
The T-55 Tank Battalion is an all-arms hammer with flexible support. Two or three T-55 companies form the core, five to ten tanks each. Additionally, battalion slots include a Motor Rifle company, radar Shilkas or ZSU-57-2s, recon, and Carnation howitzers. The T-54 and T-55 families were Warsaw Pact standards for good reason. Their 100 mm guns and mobile hulls remain dangerous across European battlefields. The 2S1 Carnation adds modern self-propelled 122 mm firepower. Moreover, it throws HE, HEAT, flechettes, and chemical rounds with reliable pace. Anti-air screens mix radar-guided Shilkas and heavy 57 mm twins. Consequently, your armor can advance under a real umbrella. Recon choices are BRDM-2 scout cars or amphibious PT-76 light tanks. Therefore, spearheads rarely stumble blind into ambushes.
Motor Rifle and Recon
All three Motor Rifle battalions share a common combined-arms skeleton. Two or three companies ride into battle with organic tank, AA, recon, missiles, mortars, and Carnations. Moreover, line riflemen carry AKM (MPi-KM) rifles and RPG-7 launchers. Companies add PKM machine-gun platoons for sustained fire. Additionally, SA-7 Grails and AGS-17 launchers expand reach and suppression. The BMP-1 variant fights beside tanks with a 73 mm gun and Sagger missiles. It keeps squads protected and contributes meaningful fire support. The BTR-50 variant hauls up to twenty infantry on a tracked chassis. Moreover, these companies bring portable AT-3 Sagger launchers for long-range kills. The BTR-60 variant adds a turreted 14.5 mm gun and side doors. Additionally, its squads also tote ground-mount Sagger systems for reach. Battalion anti-tank platoons mount Saggers on BRDM-2 carriers. Each vehicle elevates six missiles under overhead cover with fourteen spares. Consequently, NATO armor risks angles others cannot easily punish. Mortar companies field quick-moving 120 mm tubes for smoke and HE. Therefore, infantry attacks do not stall against dug-in positions.
Support, Air Power, and Tools
East German support deepens every plan with serious ordnance. You can add 2S1 Carnations, 152 mm towed guns, and 160 mm heavy mortars. Moreover, BM-21 Hail batteries saturate deep targets with iconic rocket storms. Recon options repeat with BRDM-2 and PT-76 units for screening. Anti-tank coverage expands with Sagger platoons or SU-100 companies. The SU-100 rides a T-34 hull and wields a potent 100 mm gun. It still ruins many NATO tanks and careless vehicles. Additionally, SAM and aviation assets push the envelope hard. SA-8 Gecko batteries deliver self-contained radar missiles on amphibious chassis. Mi-24 Hind squadrons lift troops and sling rockets and Swatters. Moreover, SU-17 Fitter flights bring variable-sweep strike speed and reconnaissance. Formation Support and Warsaw Pact Allies keep list crafting flexible. Consequently, you can tailor answers without breaking faction flavor.
Hobby Notes and Release
Checkpoint Charlie includes painting and basing guides for every bloc. Moreover, models sit across current Battlefront ranges, with fresh kits coming. The first releases hit stores on October 25, with more through November. Therefore, you can assemble, print cards, and deploy quickly once boxes land.
Summary
East German forces bring crisp training, pragmatic tools, and ruthless combined arms. T-55 battalions punch lanes while integrated AA and Carnations keep momentum. Moreover, Motor Rifle battalions adapt through BMPs, BTRs, and plentiful missiles. Support then layers artillery, rockets, SAMs, and iconic Hinds for dominance. Consequently, the faction plays fast, methodical, and very thematic from turn one.
If you crave Warsaw Pact discipline with flexible teeth, this is your army. Paint the drab greens, stage the Saggers, and roll under Shilka cover. Moreover, leverage recon to feed perfect shots into NATO flanks. So lock your battalion, set smoke, and push for the crossing. History is waiting, and your Volksarmee is ready to move.
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