American Starter Force: Armoured Cavalry Troop

Recon was running hot out in front, so the M1 Abrams of 2nd platoon were moving fast with the Honeywell gas turbine engines whining in high gear. Three tanks crested and leapt over the slight ridge line, massive turrets rotating and the barrels of the 105mm cannons gently swaying as the stabilisers kept them focused for the gunners. The lead tank powered through the first farm, knocking fences over and exploding a hay bale into a golden cloud.

“Chambers! We’re NOT the A-Team! Stop running over things!” Sergeant King berated his driver, but was not overly concerned. According to the recon boys, enemy tanks were redeploying over the next rise. Catching them while on the move would present generous targets for his platoon.
There was no warning. A spark, a contrail and a resounding boom as an ATGM detonated against the turret of Corporal Pascal’s tank. Bowers, his gunner, was already laying sights on the BMP-2 hiding behind a barn that had launched the missile. The gun thundered, and the enemy vehicle was knocked sideways, beginning to belch thick black smoke.

“Pascal! Status?” There was a moment’s silence.

“Turret’s locked. We’re ok but combat ineffective. I’ll head back. Good luck with the shoot.” He sounded shaken up as his tank rotated in place before moving off towards base.

Corporal Wallen’s tank followed King up to the crest, just two of them now. Down on the valley floor a column of five T-64’s were pushing through abandoned vehicles on a bridge approach. Perfect targets. Both Abrams tanks fired. The lead T-64 tank stopped dead, a hole bored through its flank. The rear tank jerked sideways and guttered flames which flickered over the engine deck. The remaining T-64’s dashed into cover as the Abrams reversed off the slope and began to move to new firing positions. Chambers began singing ‘A View to a Kill’ as he wrestled the tank towards the next firing location. Wallen got into position first, fired a shot, and withdrew.

“Missed. Last house on the left before the bridge.”

King instructed Bowers on the target and then watched as Chambers eased them up until the Soviet tank was visible. The firing of the round and the explosion of the T-64 were almost simultaneous. Two on two now.

“Let’s finish it. Driver - advance!”

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS:

• 5x Abrams Tanks
• 4x Bradley Scouts
• 3x M109 155mm Self-propelled Guns
• 2x AH64 Apache Helicopters
• 4x HMMWV Scouts
• 2x Flight Stands
• 8x Rare Earth Magnets
• 1x Complete A5 Rule Book
• 1x American "Start Here Booklet"
• 4x Decal Sheet
• 14x Unit Cards