US Army Weapons Teams

In American military doctrine, scouting and sniping roles were closely related. The US field manual explicitly stated that a sniper’s primary duty was to eliminate enemy officers to weaken troop morale. Equipped with a bolt-action M1903 Springfield rifle fitted with a telescopic sight, they also carried close-combat weapons such as pistols and shotguns for self-defense if discovered. Both members of the team were sniper-trained, allowing them to swap roles as shooter and spotter when needed.

Mortars were the most widely available support weapons. Paratroopers and Rangers had one per platoon, in addition to those assigned at the company level. Typically deployed in a rear position, no further than 100 yards from the observer, they covered the most dangerous approaches to the platoon’s area. The standard American light mortar had a relatively large 60mm calibre, giving it greater range and firepower than the smaller mortars used by the Germans and British. However, its weight (19kg) meant a larger team was needed to transport and operate it effectively.

Flamethrowers were used extensively throughout the war, particularly in the Pacific, to clear out enemy bunkers and tunnel systems. During the Normandy landings, their numbers were increased to help break through the fortified German defenses.

Contains:

• 2-man Sniper team
• 3-man Light Mortar team
• 2-man Flamethrower team

These figures are cast in Warlord Resin Plus™, a next-generation improved material.

Models supplied unassembled and unpainted.