American armor in Flames of War has always lived in a useful middle ground. Even if it is not the heaviest tool in the shed.
However, it is mobile, flexible, and usually well supported. This new army deal leans into that style nicely. For players who like combined arms with a Sherman spine, it looks easy to build around. This is a summary of Battlefront’s article you can read here.
Shermans, Stuarts, Hellcats, Priests, and Riflemen Make a Proper Combat Team
The box brings five M4 Shermans, three M5 Stuarts or M8 Scotts, four M18 Hellcats, three M7 Priests, one Rifle Platoon, decals, cards, and rules. Therefore, the article tests several 100-point formations across D-Day: American and Bulge: American. First up is the Veteran M4 Sherman Tank Company, which feels like the obvious build. It uses Shermans and Stuarts as workhorses, since stabilisers keep them throwing ROF 2 while moving. That matters when reserves arrive, or when you need one hard turn of pressure. Meanwhile, the 76mm Shermans and Hellcats chase enemy armor, especially by flanking heavier tanks. The 75mm Shermans and Stuarts handle infantry, guns, and lighter vehicles.
Also, the Priests, armored mortars, recon, and Rifle Platoon add smoke, templates, spearhead moves, and objective defense. It reaches five formation units and needs modest extras, costing about $255 total.
Next, the Veteran M5 Stuart Tank Company shifts from dependable armor to aggressive speed. The Stuarts use stabilisers and mobility to harass flanks, while Hellcats provide the serious AT 12 punch. However, this version leans harder on support, with Scotts, Priests, a 60mm mortar, and infantry giving pinning tools. It also reaches five formation units, though the added purchases raise the total to $301.50.
The Bulge M4 Sherman (Late) Tank Company is the most toolkit-heavy option. Because command cards downgrade some late Shermans, the starter models still fit neatly. Jumbos then boost survivability by catching hits through Mistaken Target. In addition, HVAP raises 76mm Shermans and Hellcats to AT 13, which helps against heavies. Three templates from mortars, Priests, and 105s make this build nasty before assaults. It reaches six formation units and costs about $288.
Finally, the M18 Tank Destroyer Company goes all-in on Hellcat speed. Twelve AT 13 Hellcats threaten tanks hard, yet they must hide, move, and choose fights carefully. Security sections provide spearhead, while Shermans, Stuarts, Priests, and rifles add balance. This option totals about $274..
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Summary: A Flexible Starter for Players Who Like Combined Arms
Overall, this looks like a strong American starter force because it covers actual battlefield jobs. The Shermans form the armored core, while Stuarts scout and exploit. Meanwhile, Hellcats punish armor, Priests support the attack, and riflemen hold the dirt. That is the American late-war experience in miniature: not flashy in one lane, but dangerous when every piece supports the next.
