Pioneers

Description
Pioneers are German combat engineers responsible for building field works, fortifying civilian structures, laying mines, and doing an assortment of other useful tasks. They are not very effective in combat, but if they must fight, they should be used at long range due to their bolt-action rifles and low health. However, Pioneers become highly effective combat units if upgraded to Sturmpionere.

Kar98k Rifle
Standard Pioneers are equipped with three Kar98k rifles. These rifles have good accuracy and long range, but Pioneers are not as well trained with them as other German infantry, so their rate of fire and accuracy is somewhat lower.

MP 40 Submachine Gun
After upgrading to Sturmpionere, two members of the squad swap out their rifles for MP 40 submachine guns. Although these weapons have a lower rate of fire than other SMGs, they do excellent damage at close range, which is precisely where Sturmpionere are best used.

Flamethrower
After upgrading to Sturmpionere, one member of the squad is equipped with a flamethrower. This weapon is very short ranged, but does excellent damage to structures and infantry in cover. The flames also greatly damage enemy morale and can cause retreats even if little actual damage is done. Sturmpionere are not immune to their own flames, and should not enter an area that they just hosed down with the flamethrower. If the soldier with the flamethrower is killed, another member of the squad will automatically pick up the weapon.

Sturmpionere
After mobilizing to level 2, Pioneers can upgrade into Sturmpionere units. Sturmpionere cannot build or repair, but they are much better at fighting than standard Pioneers. Sturmpionere gain 20 health per man, bringing the squad's total health to 210, and replace their rifles with two MP 40 submachine guns and a flamethrower.