Box Contents
The US Infantry box is a plastic kit containing:
- 30 US Army Infantry
- 30 Rifles/Carbines
- 15 SMGs
- 5 Bazookas
- 5 BARs
- 5 Shotguns
- Backpacks, pouches, pistols, grenades, canteens, etc.
The List
| Standard Reinforced Platoon | |
|---|---|
| Officer | |
| 2nd Lt (SMG) – Regular – 50 x1 Buddy (SMG) – Regular – 10 | 60pts |
| Infantry | |
| Veteran Infantry Squad – 8 Men – 104 NCO SMG – 3 x3 SMG – 9 x1 BAR – 5 Tough Fighters – 8 | 129pts |
| Regular Infantry Squad (Late War) – 8 men – 80 x2 BAR – 10 | 90pts |
| Regular Infantry Squad (Late War) – 8 men – 80 x2 BAR – 10 | 90pts |
| Bazooka Team – Regular – 60 | 60pts |
| Sniper Team – Veteran – 67 x2 SMGs – 4 | 71pts |
| Total – 6 Order Dice | 500pts |
Breakdown
- Rifle – 15
- SMG – 8
- BAR – 5
- Sniper – 1
- Bazooka – 1
Notes and Analysis
The objective of this list is two part – 1) use as many of the components from a single box of infantry as possible and 2) make a List that work at a competitive level. Please in mind, this List was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.
One of the best things about Bolt Action is how inexpensive (compared to many other popular wargames) it is to get started. The objective of this list is to create a reasonably competitive 500-point list using only the contents of a single box of Warlord Games US Infantry – WWII American GIs. The rulebook, one box of infantry and a set of Order Dice is all you need to get started playing this game. This list uses all 30 bodies included and only the weapon options within this box. Although the box does not include a scoped rifle, this is an easy (and fun) conversion project to make a Sniper Team.
The core of the list (and almost any solid Bolt Action list) is the standard riflemen. With three squads (including 5 BARs) taking advantage of the excellent Fire & Maneuver Army Special Rule, this force remains mobile without sacrificing firepower. The Veteran Squad should generally be used to get up close and personal with the enemy utilizing their SMGs and Tough Fighters to be a real hard hitting unit. Since the Lieutenant and Sniper Team also have SMGs, they can be an additional up-close threat beyond their main roles. I think the Bazooka Team is one of the best anti-tank teams in the game and can help keep enemy armor at bay.
Once of the benefits that starting with a single box provides is a less overwhelming project for a newcomer than a full 1,000 point list. Once you have played a few games with this list you can decide what to purchase next.
What’s Next?
Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:
- Medium Mortar – Indirect fire support is always welcome in a Bolt Action force. The humble Medium Mortar can punch above its eight and forces your opponent to risk taking a 2″ HE template or reposition.
- M4A1 Sherman 75mm – The iconic US Armor is always a solid choice. It’s not fancy but at only 195pts Reg with a Med. AT Gun, Armor 9 and the extra HE bonus this is jack-of-all-trades tank that deal with both enemy armor and infantry. Yes there are plenty of more exotic choices but you really cannot go wrong with a classic.
- ¾ Ton Truck – Arguably the best way to add speed to any army, the Truck. Who needs an armored transport when a soft-skin with a MMG will do just fine? A steal by count, the Truck gets the job done for when you need to deliver a unit of infantry quicker across the table.
– Sam
Chicago Dice 