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Battlefield 2 > Armies > United States
Kits | Vehicles | Weapons
Kits
Special Ops
Swift and deadly, special forces soldiers come armed with silenced pistols, allowing you to take out targets with ultimate stealth. But when you want to make some noise, your C4 explosives should do the trick. Plant a C4 pack out of sight and detonate it when troops walk by, blow bridges to cut off your enemy, or attach the pack to a vehicle and wait for enemy troops to gather around it before setting off the charge.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol (silenced), assault carbine, hand grenades, C4
Assault
The workhorse of any attack team, the assault soldier combines heavy firepower with high mobility. You’ll be a force on any battlefield with your assault rifle/grenade launcher combo—switch it to automatic mode for rapid firing or single-shot mode for more accuracy. Using the gun’s grenade launcher targeting apparatus can be tricky, so practice before entering combat. If you find yourself taking flak from all sides, use your smoke grenades to make a stealthy retreat.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol, assault rifle, grenade launcher, smoke grenades
Anti Tank
The anti-tank missile packs the biggest single punch of any hand-held weapon. You can even guide your missile after firing by repositioning your viewfinder’s crosshair while the missile is in the air. This comes in handy not only for tracking a moving target but also for firing around corners. Your submachine gun fires in two modes. In single-shot mode you have the accuracy to take out a target at a distance, while automatic mode gives you better chances at close range.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol, submachine gun, guided anti-tank missile
Support
The anti-tank missile packs the biggest single punch of any hand-held weapon. You can even guide your missile after firing by repositioning your viewfinder’s crosshair while the missile is in the air. This comes in handy not only for tracking a moving target but also for firing around corners. Your submachine gun fires in two modes. In single-shot mode you have the accuracy to take out a target at a distance, while automatic mode gives you better chances at close range.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol, submachine gun, guided anti-tank missile
Engineer
As a sniper you can move quickly when you need to, but the key to your deadliness is staying still. Wearing camouflage allows you to remain concealed in a good hiding spot so you can pluck off enemies from a distance without being spotted. Or sneak through tall grass and plant claymore mines for unsuspecting enemy troops. The claymore explodes when somebody walks in front of it, so plant it and get out there in a hurry.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol (silenced), sniper rifle, hand grenades, claymore mines.
Sniper
Teams rely on engineers to keep their vehicles up and running, so keep that wrench ready. As an engineer, you can even ride in certain vehicles and turn them into mobile “repair” vehicles, automatically repairing any nearby friendly vehicles. As good as you are at fixing vehicles, you’re just as good at destroying them—it takes just one well-placed anti-vehicle mine to cripple or destroy an enemy tank. Place these mines on well-traveled roads, but just over a rise or around a bend, so the driver never sees what hit him. You can also repair bridges vital to your side’s effort.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol, shotgun, hand grenades, anti-tank mines, wrench
Medic
The medic’s main role is healing and reviving teammates with health packs and shock paddles. A serious injury can send a soldier into revive mode for a short period of time, during which you can save his life—if you get there in time. Also keep in mind that the shock paddles can deliver a big enough charge to kill an enemy soldier. Medics can also hop into certain vehicles and turn them into “ambulances” to automatically heal other passengers and nearby teammates.
Weapons:
Knife, pistol, assault rifle, hand grenades, health pack, shock paddles
Vehicles
AH-1 Super Cobra
The AH-1 Super Cobra’s lineage traces back to the mid-1960s when it was developed for the US Army for use in Vietnam. This attack helicopter has since been updated and modified in accordance with the US Marine Corps’ need for a frontline fire support helicopter. With its ability for low altitude and high speed flight, the Super Cobra is tasked with clearing landing zones of enemy troops and armor as well as providing cover for the Marines’ advance. The Super Cobra can accomplish these missions day or night during any type of weather. Its armaments include a 20mm nose gun, TOW and Hellfire missiles, and electronic countermeasures to protect against attack from surface-to-air missiles.
The Marine Corps contracted with Bell Helicopter Textron in 1983 for a “navalized” attack helicopter. The first Super Cobra was delivered in 1985.
The Super Cobra saw combat in both Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
Marine Corps Super Cobras were credited with destroying over 100 Iraqi tanks, APCs, and other assorted vehicles during Operation Desert Storm.
F-15E Strike Eagle
After learning some harsh lessons in the skies over Vietnam, the US Air Force resolved to develop a dedicated air superiority fighter—something it had lacked since the late 1950s. Experimental versions of the F-15 were produced and flown during the early 1970s, and full production and deployment of the plane began in 1976. The F-15’s impact was immediate; pilots and crews loved it. Its superior maneuverability, speed, and advanced avionics were—and remain—unequaled. While Previous models of the F-15 are assigned air-to-air roles, the E model is a dual-role strike/fighter. The aircraft uses two crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer. It has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out. The first production model of the F-15E was delivered to the 405th Tactical Training Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., in April 1988. Sub-variants of the F-15E are also operated by Israel (F-15I), Korea (F-15K), and Saudi Arabia (F-15S).”The F-15 went into action for the first time with the Israeli Air Force during Israel’s 1978 conflict with Lebanon.
The thrust generated by the F-15’s two turbofan engines is so great that the plane could theoretically out-climb a Saturn V moon rocket to a height of nearly 60,000 feet.
While it has seen action over Israel, Kuwait, and Iraq, no F-15 has ever been shot down in combat.
F-18 E/F Super Hornet
Originally conceived as a fighter for the US Air Force, the F/A-18 found itself in the hands of the US Navy, which saw it as a perfect replacement for older, carrier-based aircraft. Production of the plane began in the late 1970s and the first Hornet arrived on station in 1983; the upgraded “Super” Hornet made its appearance a decade later. The F/A-18 is the most versatile aircraft ever produced for the US military. It can perform a variety of missions including strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance—sometimes even during the same sortie. With 11 weapons stations on board, the plane can be fitted with a variety of guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as laser-guided bombs.
The impetus for developing the Super Hornet was its Hornet predecessor’s lack of range, speed, and firepower.
In 1986 the F/A-18 Hornet became the official airplane of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.
The F/A-18’s first combat action took place in Libya when the United States launched a series of strikes there in 1986 in response to a Libyan terrorist attack.
HH-60H Seahawk
In the early 1970s, the US Army began looking for a new front-line helicopter to replace the aging UH-1 “Huey.” Sikorsky was awarded the contract and the company provided the Army with exactly what it was looking for: a helicopter with expanded troop capacity and cargo lift capability and increased firepower for close air support. An armed Black Hawk can carry 11 soldiers and their equipment, an armored Humvee, or a 105mm howitzer with its ammunition and crew of six. While its armor can tolerate most small arms fire and medium-caliber explosive projectiles, the Black Hawk is also fitted with redundant flight systems in the event it does take damage.
The Black Hawk first saw combat in 1983 during the US invasion of Grenada. It was used to transport Army soldiers, Marines, and Navy SEALS.
Extremely useful in the civilian arena, the Black Hawk is used in many states to fight forest fires and perform evacuation missions during storms and floods.
More than 20 nations fly the Black Hawk, including Israel, Japan, and China.
M6 Bradley Linebacker
In the late 1990s, the US Army saw the need for a new short range air defense system to protect advancing armored units. To provide these units with a mobile defense capable of maintaining their pace, the Army combined the combat-tested M6 Bradley with the proven Stinger anti-aircraft missile system to produce the M6 Bradley Linebacker. The Linebacker is capable of engaging and destroying helicopters, low-flying aircraft, unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, and even cruise missiles. With the help of a sophisticated tracking computer and laser range finder, the Linebacker can acquire targets as distant as 10,000 meters and fire its missiles while either stationary or on the move.
The US Army’s M6 Bradley fighting vehicle is named for General Omar Bradley, who commanded the 12th Army Group during the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII.
The Linebacker first saw combat in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
An MCD (Missile Countermeasure Device) protects the Linebacker from most known anti-tank guided missiles.
LAV-25 - APC
A Marine Corps version of the Army’s M6 Bradley, the LAV-25 is an all-weather, all-terrain light armored vehicle capable of quickly moving firepower and troops around the battlefield. Powered by a 275 hp diesel engine, the LAV-25 can reach speeds up to 65 mph, and its transmission can be switched between four- or eight-wheel drive, enabling the vehicle to climb grades as steep as 60%. It is fully amphibious and can traverse rivers or lakes—or even operate just offshore during a beach assault. The LAV-25’s armaments include a turret-mounted 25mm main gun, a 7.62mm machine gun mounted coaxially to the main gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun outside the commander’s hatch.
The LAV-25 was developed specifically for the US Marine Corps, which needed an assault vehicle capable of operating on terrain ranging from the coast to the desert.
Operated by a crew of three (driver, gunner, and commander), the LAV-25 can carry up to four additional soldiers and their gear.
The LAV-25’s main gun is as agile as it is powerful; it can destroy air targets such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft in addition to suppressing enemy ground positions.
HMMWV - Heavy Jeep
The American HMMWV (High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle, or “Humvee”) sets the world standard for light, high-performance military trucks. Built by the AM General Corporation and running on a GM engine, the Humvee was designed as a multi-purpose infantry vehicle for use in all areas of the modern battlefield; it can easily maneuver over trenches and steep slopes or wade through deep water. It’s equipped with a four-wheel drive automatic transmission and can be transported and air-dropped by helicopter or transport aircraft. The Humvee’s singular advantage is its multi-platform capability. More than 15 variations of the Humvee exist, including troop transport, ambulance, TOW missile carrier, and battlefield command vehicle.
First deployed in 1985, the Humvee is the US Military’s replacement for the famed M151 Jeep.
The US Military is currently researching a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the Humvee to decrease the vehicle’s heat and sound signature as well as cut fuel costs.
The first citizen in the United States to own a Humvee was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who purchased a custom-made conversion of the military version.
Wessex-Saker - FAAV
What it lacks in armor it makes up for in agility and firepower. The FAAV buggy has two gunner positions—one for the light machine gun and the other for the heavy machine gun. It is not very effective against armored vehicles, but it can help clear out infantry.
M1A2 SEP - Main Battle Tank
The backbone of the US Military’s armored forces, the M1A2 Abrams exemplifies high tech firepower. Its main armament, a 120mm smooth bore cannon, is capable of firing a variety of rounds, including the advanced M8300 HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) and M829 depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds. A sophisticated fire control system stabilizes the cannon for accurate shooting on the move, while a laser range finder, thermal imaging sight, and a digital ballistics computer give the Abrams a “first shot, first kill” advantage. Protected by an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) system and surrounded by steel-encased depleted uranium armor, the M1A2 can operate in nearly any conceivable battlefield environment.
The M1A2 Abrams is the namesake of General Creighton Abrams, the US commander in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972.
Several US allies operate the M1A2, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and Australia.
The Abrams was first fielded by the US military in 1980, but went untested in live action until the first Gulf War in the early 1990s.
Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)
The RIB is a high-speed, extreme-weather vessel whose hull is partially rigid and partially inflatable to allow it to traverse long distances at high rates of speed. Developed in the late 1990s, the RIB is used primarily for insertion or extraction of special operations teams such as the US Navy SEALS or the Army’s Delta Force. Portable, lightweight, and rugged, the RIB’s hull is constructed from glass-reinforced plastic and its inflatable tube sidings are made of a new neoprene and nylon reinforced fabric. It can be ship-launched or air-dropped and can easily navigate shallow waters or handle winds of up to 45 knots (approximately 50 mph).There are currently two versions of the RIB in service, a 24-foot RIB and a 30-foot RIB.
The first technical evaluations on the RIB covered 10,000 nautical miles in hot and cold and rough and calm extremes.
Weapons
M9 Beretta: 9mm Pistol
In the early 1980s the US Military began looking for a new sidearm to replace its inventory of aging WWII-era pistols and revolvers and the various types of ammunition used by these sidearms. Several rounds of pistol trials were held in 1983 and 1984 between select foreign and domestic firearms companies until the Joint Services Small Arms Program awarded a contract to Beretta for their model 92FS in 1984. Bearing the new designation M9, the pistol and its 9mm ammunition quickly became the standard for all US forces. It’s lightweight, durable, and can fire its 15-round clip in seconds.
During its introduction, the M9 was surrounded by controversy. Some Americans didn’t want Italian made guns, while others felt that the older .45 cal bullet was superior to the M9’s 9mm.The safety and magazine release buttons are reversible, allowing left-handed users to easily operate the M9.
Claymore
In the early 1980s the US Military began looking for a new sidearm to replace its inventory of aging WWII-era pistols and revolvers and the various types of ammunition used by these sidearms. Several rounds of pistol trials were held in 1983 and 1984 between select foreign and domestic firearms companies until the Joint Services Small Arms Program awarded a contract to Beretta for their model 92FS in 1984. Bearing the new designation M9, the pistol and its 9mm ammunition quickly became the standard for all US forces. It’s lightweight, durable, and can fire its 15-round clip in seconds.
During its introduction, the M9 was surrounded by controversy. Some Americans didn’t want Italian made guns, while others felt that the older .45 cal bullet was superior to the M9’s 9mm.The safety and magazine release buttons are reversible, allowing left-handed users to easily operate the M9.
Defibrillator
Defibrillator, a device that delivers an electrical shock to the heart in order to stop certain forms of rapid heart rhythm disturbances. The shock changes a fibrillation to an organized rhythm or changes a very rapid and ineffective cardiac rhythm to a slower, more effective one. In a typical hospital defibrillator, voltage stored by the defibrillator pushes electrical current through the chest to deliver a muscle-contracting jolt to the heart; the current is transmitted by means of electrodes or paddles placed on the chest. Automated external defibrillators are now available for use by persons with minimal medical training in emergencies when medical professionals are unavailable, and miniaturization has led to the development of the implanted internal defibrillator (also called an internal cardioverter).
C4-Detonator & Explosives
C4 is a common variety of military plastic explosive specifically designed for demolition. Soft and malleable, C4 can be applied to irregular and/or curved surfaces in order to efficiently cut structural beams and girders—or used to breach steel or armor-reinforced doors and entryways. Requiring a detonator for use, C4 is relatively safe on its own. It’s immune to bullets and open flame and can be stored or planted safely in any type of climate. C4 is commonly packed in one-lb block charges and only a few are needed to destroy an enemy building, bridge, or ship.
C4 was developed during WWII and was used primarily by army engineers to demolish buildings and bridges.
In the late 20th Century, terrorists used C4 during various attacks on civilian targets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Mine
After the tank’s appearance in WWI, the landmine was developed to counter its effectiveness and dominance on the battlefield. The weapon proved a success during that war and it was further innovated during WWII, when millions of mines were planted on various European and North African battlefields. Modern landmines are smaller, lighter, and technologically superior to these older models, and they can be set to immobilize a tank or vehicle or completely destroy it. To comply with international treaties, most possess self-destruct or self-neutralization features in order to prevent friendly and non-combatant casualties. Landmines are emplaced by vehicle-mounted launchers, or dropped by helicopters or fixed wing aircraft.More radical innovations will be added to landmines in the future. These include sensors that will allow mines to determine the type and direction of the enemy vehicle and electronic countermeasures to ensure survivability against enemy countermine operations.Uncharted landmines cause nearly 26,000 non-combatant casualties each year. Despite advances in mine-detecting technology, many governments are still searching for more accurate methods in locating these mines.
Knife
The soldier’s best friend, the combat knife has been in use since the earliest days of human conflict. Next to the rifle, the knife is the primary tool in any soldier’s kit and is relied upon in many situations: combat, self-defense, and survival. Most modern knives are equipped with a seven-inch, ever-sharp stainless steel blade and a lightweight resin handle, and some versions contain a small survival kit which includes items such as a compass, fishing line, and matches.
While antiquated in the company of other 21st-Century weapons, soldiers in all of the world’s armies are still taught knife combat skills in basic training.
There are numerous variations of the combat knife. Most, however, include a curved one-sided blade and hand guard.
M4A1 Carbine
In the early 1990s the US military establishment decided to develop a new firearm for use by specialized units. What was needed was a lightweight, comfortable weapon that would be easier to handle and carry than the M16A2 rifle yet had more close-quarter dropping power than a handgun. In 1994 the US military adopted the Colt M4A1 Carbine. Essentially a modified version of the M16A2, the M4A1 is lighter, shorter, and can be set to either single or full automatic fire. Modifiable with a laser sight, night vision, or a silencer, the M4A1 is an ideal weapon for units such as the US Navy SEALS or the Army’s Delta Force.Not exclusive to special operations units, the M4A1 is also used by non-infantry troops such as vehicle crews, clerks, and staff officers.A vertical foregrip can be attached under the barrel of the M4A1. In combination with its collapsible stock it provides more control in close-quarter firefights.
M24: 7.62mm Sniper Rifle
The M24 SWS is the military and police version of the Remington 700 rifle. The name SWS stands for Sniper Weapon System. It is the standard-issue sniper rifle in the U.S. Army (since 1988) and the Israeli Defence Forces. Remington is currently developing an improved version of the M24 rifle. The A2 model features a detachable 10-round magazine, side and top-mounted Picatinny rails (advertised by Remington as "MARS", or Modular Accessory Rail System), barrel modifications designed to accommodate a sound suppressor, and an improved stock with adjustable cheek height and length of pull. As of February 2005, the M24A2 remains in prototype phase.
Smoke Grenade
A smoke grenade produces either white or colored smoke for short periods of time. Although similar in design to the fragmentation grenade, the smoke grenade has no explosive potential. Smoke is produced from a delayed chemical reaction within the grenade. Troops typically use smoke grenades to conceal their movement from the enemy, such as instances when they must cross open ground or charge a defended position. Smoke grenades are also effective as a ground-to-ground or a ground-to-air signal and a target or landing zone marking device.
During the Vietnam War, injured American soldiers relied upon colored smoke grenades to signal medicalevacuation helicopters.
M203: Rifle Grenade Launcher
The M203 grenade launcher is a breech-loaded, single-shot, pump-action weapon that attaches to either the M16A2 assault rifle or M4A1 Carbine. Essentially a high-powered accessory, the M203’s assembly is fitted underneath the barrel forward of the ammunition clip and includes its own trigger mechanism, which allows the M203 to be operated as a completely independent weapon. The launcher was fielded in 1970 to replace the Army and Marine Corp’s older M79, a weapon that had to be carried in addition to a soldier’s assault rifle. Firing a variety of 40mm ammunition types including explosive, illuminating, and signaling rounds, the M203 provides the individual assault team with the firepower of several mortars without the weight of additional equipment.The M203 is a notoriously difficult weapon to master. Even with a lot of practice, a soldier’s accuracy can be affected by a gust of wind or change in elevation. US Special Forces teams have used the M203 during a wide variety of missions since its introduction in 1970. Recently, it has been used by US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.
M249 SAW: Light Machine Gun
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is a powerful, accurate, and mobile base of fire weapon whose purpose is to support small squads during offensive operations. Adopted by the US Army and Marine Corps in 1983 to replace the heavier M60 machine gun, the SAW is capable of producing a large volume of fire with accuracy and handling approaching that of a rifle. With a simple flick of a switch the SAW’s rate of fire can be set to 750 or 1,000 rounds per minute and it has a maximum range of approximately two miles. At 15 lbs, it can be fired from the shoulder, hip, or underarm position. In terms of firepower, one SAW is equivalent to 15 additional riflemen. While the SAW’s standard ammunition feed is by a belt, it is also capable of firing ammunition from an M16 magazine inserted into the bottom of the weapon. The SAW’s direct predecessor was the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). The BAR saw action during WWII and Korea before it was retired in the mid 1950s.
Predator - Anti-Tank
The Predator is a short-range, one-man, portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system designed to defeat current and future main battle tanks. Used extensively by the US Marine Corps since its introduction in 2003, this weapon gives a single Marine the ability to engage and destroy the most advanced tanks at short range—between 17 and 600 meters (50 ft. to 1/3 mile). The system has a “soft launch” capability for firing from enclosures and weighs only 20 lbs, which makes it easy to transport and shoulder-fire. The Predator’s deadly advantage is its top-attack mode, whereby the missile overflies its target and fires its warhead directly onto the more vulnerable armor at the top of a tank. A new urban assault variant of the Predator was derived during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Designated a short-range attack weapon (SRAW), the modified Predator is used on urban targets such as buildings and bunkers. While the Predator overflies its target, on-board laser and magnetic sensors locate the leading and trailing edges of the tank to ensure an accurate picture of the tank’s position.
MPS: 9mm Submachine Gun
Developed by a German firearms company in 1966, the MP5 submachine gun is one of the most famous and widespread weapons of its class. It has been adopted by law enforcement, security, and military units in more than 50 nations, and has spun off numerous clones for the civilian gun market. Weighing six lbs and measuring only 13 inches, the MP5 has considerably low recoil and can be easily hand- or shoulder-fired. It is highly accurate despite its short barrel and features single fire, two- or three-round burst, and full automatic modes. The MP5’s design allows for a variety of accessories, such as night vision, which allows the weapon to meet any mission requirement. The MP5 has never been adopted by the German Army. Instead, it chose the famous Israeli Uzi 9mm as its official submachine gun.The first MP5s were imported into the US in the early 1970s. In addition to the US military, they are in service with the FBI and various SWAT teams around the nation.
Remington 11-87
The Remington 11-87 was introduced to the military and law enforcement community in 1987 as an improved and more durable version of previous combat shotguns. Designed to fire the powerful three-inch magnum shell, the 11-87 offers better range and packs more stopping power than its predecessors. It fires non-lethal munitions such as beanbags or rubber ball projectiles in addition to traditional buckshot rounds. The magnum shell, containing more pellets and gunpowder than traditional shells, increases the 11-87’s accuracy by creating a larger blast pattern. Gas operated and semi-automatic, this weapon is devastating in any firefight. The 11-87’s semi-automatic functionality allows it to fire after every pull of the trigger. This is a rare ability for shotguns because it is difficult to design parts that can handle the repeated stress of firing their more powerful rounds.The 11-87 can be fitted with a laser aiming device, flashlight, or scope for tactical missions. |
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