M8A1 'Scott' Howitzer Motor Carriage

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The M8A1 'Scott' is a mobile indirect-fire unit available to the American Expeditionary Forces. Although it lacks the power of most other mobile artillery pieces, its cheap cost and flexibility make it much easier to integrate into an army composition.

Overview
The M8 'Scott' is one of the two primary light indirect-fire vehicles available to the AEF. Compared to similar units such as the M21 and Sd.kfz 250/7, the Scott has less hitting power and shell versatility but is far more flexible thanks to its turret and ability to fire while moving in addition to its superior survivability. Additionally, the M8 being a non-doctrinal unit makes it easier to integrate into army compositions.

As for its performance, its primary role is to focus down static targets and lay down smoke barrages during advances. Although its anti-infantry capabilities are decent enough, the M4A3 Sherman performs this role much better due to its superior direct-fire capabilities and survivability while being comparable in terms of cost. As such, the M8 is generally best used as an anti-fortification unit. Its ability to lay down smokescreens from long range while moving and the ability to put accurate barrages on target makes it very effective at shutting down emplacements such as Pantherturms and Flakturms as well as forcing soft-targets such as AT guns and MG teams out of position.

Outside of this, there isn't an awful lot more to say about this unit. It has a somewhat wide range of situations that it performs well in but it most be noted that the M8A1 alone is not an acceptable alternative to other anti-infantry vehicles. As such, the usefulness of this unit largely determined by the situation in a given match.

Heavy Ordinance "Variant"
One interesting change to M8 in the Heavy Ordinance specialization is that it has been moved down a tier and has had a major price decrease. While the actual stats of the vehicle remain unchanged, its earlier timing and decreased cost makes it even easier to deploy them and makes them an even more useful unit in early-game scenarios.

USMC Variant
The version of this vehicle available to the USMC Specialization features a specialized vehicle crew and has improved mobility.

Pros

 * Cheap to produce
 * Good mobility
 * Versatile

Cons

 * Vulnerable to incoming fire
 * Mediocre firepower compared to other mobile artillery.

75mm Mobile Barrage
Fires a barrage of five 75mm HE shells at the target location. Can be used while moving and movement while firing does no interrupt the barrage.



Mobile Smoke Barrage
Fires a barrage of five smoke rounds at the targeted point. Can be used while moving and movement while firing does no interrupt the barrage.



Concealing Smoke
30 Munitions; Quickly lays down a smokescreen on top of the vehicle, blocking enemy line of sight and allowing for rapid disengagement. Requires Veterancy 1.

Veterancy
 Veterancy One 

1260 XP: Unlocks the 'Concealing Smoke' veteran ability

 Veterancy Two 

2520 XP: -20% shell scatter; -40% barrage ability recharge

 Veterancy Three 

5040 XP: +33% barrage range.