Brixia Light Mortar

Description
The Italian mortar is significantly less powerful and has shorter range than the mortars of other factions, but it is available immediately at Mobilization Level 1 and has several advantages in combat. First, the mortar packs up and sets up much faster, allowing the mortar team to quickly retreat or relocate. In addition, the mortar’s rate of fire is higher, and its abilities have a shorter cool down time.

45mm Brixia Light Mortar
The Brixia is a lightweight 45mm mortar with short range and a high rate of fire. Two members of the crew are required for optimal rate of fire, with the third man acting as a lookout and local defense. The mortar can still be fired with one man, albeit at a reduced rate of fire.

The Brixia is considered a crew weapon and can be captured by any infantry squad if the entire crew is killed.

Carcano M91 Rifle
The Brixia crew is also equipped with three bolt-action Carcano M91 rifles for self defense. The crew members manning the mortar will only use their rifles while moving, or if ordered to engage an enemy unit that is too close to target with the mortar. The crew is similarly trained to Genieri in use of their rifles, so they will be unable to fend off anything but the smallest threats.

Mortar Barrage
Lays down a rapid succession of five shells on the target area. Although the rate of fire is higher than normal, barrages result in less accurate fire. Barrages are useful to try to suppress a position before attacking with infantry shortly afterward.

Smoke Barrage
Fires a barrage of four smoke shells to generate a smokescreen at the target area. The barrage must be completed for the maximum amount of smoke. Smokescreens obscure line of sight and reduce the accuracy of fire targeted at units in the smokescreen.

Flare
Launches a magnesium flare over the target area, greatly improving visibility and making it easier to detect concealed or camouflaged units in the area. Flares are a good counter to smokescreens and make it easier to find snipers or other infantry lying in ambush. On desert maps, flares also improve visibility in the area during sandstorms.