The French God of War – Artillery in WWIII: Team Yankee By The Little General As most people would know, the greatest French General of all time got his start in the greatest arm of the French Army – the Artillery. Since the heady days of the Revolution in the late 18th century right through til today, French artillery has been renowned as exceptional quality. In fact, even earlier in the medieval period, the French had one of the first regular artillery forces in Europe and were able to field large batteries even in the 14th century.

French expertise in artillery culminated with the famous 75mm field gun but also included extensive developments in Flash Ranging for counterbattery fire (the Nordmann system) and even using fixed-wing aviation spotters and photography prior to World War 1.

Most notable of all? French “Artillerie Speciale” was the original French tank corps that was originally part of the French Artillery. Even the most hidebound of French Marshalls realised even in the first great tank developments that they had a special weapon – the first turreted tank in service and combat was of course French and part of the Artillery. Good enough that a young George Patton even commanded such a vehicle.

Of course, the French forces in World War 3 have not been resting on their (considerable) laurels as a powerhouse of indirect fire development. The new and exciting NATO book gives considerably greater options than ever – all of which have a keen place on the battlefield and in support of your lesser arms.

The discerning French commander now has three outstanding options to consider when looking for exceptional fire support, all of which have their own advantages and specialties. This briefing seeks to illuminate why you’d choose any particular option, now that the French are so spoiled for choice!

Firstly there is the workhorse of the French infantry, the heavy mortar 120mm. To give it its full name, the Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1 is a powerful towed artillery piece that is incredibly flexible and convenient. This particular weapon is the only choice that is available as part of a formation within the French Army, serving both as an integral part of a VAB Companie D’Infantrie AND as a Support option. Valuable not only for its ease of use, the towed 120mm mortar provides wonderful support with a range of 160 cm (or 64” in the English style), with Antitank 3 and Firepower 3+ and has the ability for a smoke bombardment as well as the usual HE. With a 4+ save, it can potentially survive even a blistering storm of enemy fire, especially if dug in. This weapon is fantastic for clearing enemy infantry and missile teams from troublesome positions. As a cheap and effective delivery system for 3+ firepower, the Mortar platoon has the advantage of dedicated transports that can contribute their M2 Browning 12.7mm machine guns to protect the guns as needed. Options are there for three or six tubes in the platoon, with the larger unit having not only the reroll for missing a target but also providing redundant teams if the enemy gets too close.

The next option is the tried and true favourite, the AUF1. Still in service today more than 45 years in service, why change or retire a brilliant design? With over 400 produced, the AUF1 is soldiering on majestically. And why not?  In game, it is a formidable weapon. Some might say it’s the single best weapon in WW3 for indirect fire. Boasting a range of 260cm (or 104”) with indirect AT 4 firepower 2+ while Direct Fire of 60cm (24”) and AT15, FP1+, the ability to throw out HE (of a brutal kind directly) or smoke can be so powerful on call. The autoloader gives a nasty surprise to enemies of the Fourth Republic with the ability to take out even the heaviest of enemy MBTs. As a helpful backup, the M2 Browning 12.7mm machine gun on the roof gives the crew some comfort while armour 4 on the front means that the crew don’t need to worry about stray machine gun rounds.

For full effect, try a battery of five AUF1s that reroll potentially 2+ to hit rounds on target with Warsaw Pact forces as the target. Sure to get the enemy’s attention and eternal chagrin. This weapon is the jack of all trades but is master of digging out enemy infantry with ease.

Finally, the latest new addition to the French Republic is the M270 Lance-Roquettes Multiples, the US-provided salvo rocket launcher system. For those OTAN observers, this will not be anything new or surprising to comprehend. The M270 is a capable and multi-purpose tool that excels at denying the enemy a path to mess with les crapauds, the unfortunate infantry that always bears the brunt of the fighting. Dropping up to THREE minefield markers all at once is sure to wipe the smile off the faces of many a Communist commander. Yes, you need four launchers but this does count as eight tubes firing. A rousing effect and is unparalleled for clearing out enemies in the open. For those battles on larger than usual fields, the 300cm (120”) range will be a refreshing surprise while the ease of rerolling misses can prove fatal for large enemy infantry units. Only the 5+ firepower can disappoint but then it is firing hand grenade-sized bomblets.

How then, should the wise French commander seek the benefits of the most efficient and legendary artillery arm in the world?

To begin with, that 3+ skill backed up by a specialised observer in the AMX10P VOA Observation vehicle is invaluable during battle. Personally, I find the Gunslinger Gazelle Flight a brilliant support to maximise the ability of your artillery. Most commanders choose to see the Gazelle flight as a death or glory charge into enemy fire but aerial artillery spotting has long been a French specialty, especially with skills that US, Dutch, Norwegian or Belgian artillery forces can only dream of.

Next, consider your target. If you expect lots of enemy infantry, the M270 Lance-Roquettes Multiples is a great solution that can also be highly effective at channelling an enemy attack where you wish it to funnel through. I can’t imagine running this unit without the minelet option.

If you want a good cheaper general-purpose weapon, the 120mm mortar is a wise choice. Good firepower, the ability to put down a smoke bombardment when needed while a very average AT means you can mess up enemy APCs almost as well as enemy infantry.

But if the points allow, never ever underestimate the ability of the AUF1. It is a rare battle that my AUF1 batteries don’t clear out multiple enemy MBTs while I have even stunned opponents with a 155mm HE round into the side of the heaviest of tanks and been unconcerned with a firepower roll. With the ability to defend themselves and being unconcerned by most light automatic weapons, the AUF1 is a self-contained package that can hurt or embarrass the most powerful units on the battlefield singlehandedly. The only limit to them is their cost. In fact, I can’t imagine a situation that wouldn’t be improved by the addition of a battery or two of AUF1s.

I trust this highlights the many opportunities presented by the addition of French Artillery to your World War 3 force.

~ The Little General