Seeing as you're operating as part of a squad, you'll be assuming a certain role within said squad according to what weapon you choose. There are six main types of player class in DoD:S:
Each class is also issued with sidearms which range from combat knives to smoke grenades or the Uzi-like Mauser "broom pistol" (carried by Axis rocket troops).
Axis Rifleman
Weapon: Mauser K98
Operation: Bolt-action
Damage: High
Accuracy: Very good
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 5-round stripper
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Ironsight
Sidearms: 2 rifle grenades, field spade
The Mauser K98 is an extremely accurate, high-powered rifle which is let down by its poor rate of fire due to its bolt-action operation. Shots to the head or torso will instantly kill a man, while limb shots will seriously wound. The bolt-action loading mechanism means cover must be sought between each shot. For greater accuracy over long range, use the ironsights to get a closer view of your target - or use the long-range grenade launcher.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: The K98 is not quite as powerful as it used to be, so you'll need to be more cautious than before, especially without a pistol or bayo. In addition, long-range accuracy isn't quite as good unless you use the ironsights. Aim for the torso and make good use of the grenade launcher's extra range.
US Rifleman
Weapon: M1 Garand
Operation: Semi-automatic
Damage: High
Accuracy: Decent
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 8-round stripper clip
Reload time: Quick
Secondary function: Ironsight
Sidearms: 2 rifle grenades, combat knife
The M1 Garand is a fast-firing rifle but its accuracy is not quite as good as that of the K98. It kills instantly with a head or torso shot. The Garand has a unique loading system which means it cannot be reloaded mid-clip; the entire clip must be discharged resulting in a distinctive - and loud - 'ping' sound. Long-range engagements are best resolved using the ironsights for greater accuracy, or with a grenade launched from the rifle.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: With the reduced damage of the K98, the Garand is more of a match for the Axis riflemen. Make good use of your high rate of fire, and don't forget your ironsights will improve your accuracy. The grenade launcher's extra range is also useful.
Axis Assault Infantry
Weapon: Machinenpistole 40
Operation: Automatic
Damage: Low
Accuracy: Low
Recoil: Low
Clip capacity: 31-round box magazine
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Punch
Sidearms: 1 handgrenade, 1 smoke grenade, Walther P38 pistol
The MP40 SMG is not very precise but it has a high rate of fire (although not entirely regular, giving the gun a distinctive stuttering report), so what it lacks in accuracy it can make up for in volume of lead. This class excels on the move, with light recoil and the ability to advance under cover of a smoke grenade. If you're in close, you can always give your enemy a sock to the jaw.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: Assault classes are the only ones to carry the new smoke grenades, so make use of them well. In the absence of a melee weapon, don't forget you can use your fists.
US Assault Infantry
Weapon: M1A1 Thompson
Operation: Automatic
Damage: Low
Accuracy: Low
Recoil: Low
Clip capacity: 30-round box magazine
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Punch
Sidearms: 1 handgrenade, 1 smoke grenade, Colt pistol
The Thompson is a good gun for assaults as its light recoil and high volume of fire make it perfect for close-in, on-the-move fighting. At medium distance the gun can be used effectively in a crouching position, letting the spray coat your target. Smoke grenades add a useful tactical element to playing the assault role.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: The Tommygun is essentially the same as in v1.3, except you swap your knife for a smoke grenade. The knife won't be missed much as you can always thump anyone who gets too close to your fists.
Axis Support Infantry
Weapon: Sturmgewehr 44
Operation: Automatic
Damage: Medium
Accuracy: Low
Recoil: Medium
Clip capacity: 30-round banana clip
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Fire mode toggle
Sidearms: 2 handgrenades, field spade
The STG44 is a decent all-round gun. Packing a bit more punch than the Thompson or MP40, it can be very effective close-in; it can however be difficult to control on the run. Over long distance you may wish to switch to semi-auto mode for more precision.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: With an extra grenade and a new semi-auto firing mode, the STG's adaptability has been improved even further. The STG is still weaker than the BAR shot-for-shot so make use of the larger clip.
US Support Infantry
Weapon: Browning Automatic Rifle
Operation: Automatic
Damage: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 20-round box magazine
Reload time: Slow
Secondary function: Fire mode toggle
Sidearms: 2 handgrenades, combat knife
The BAR is a jack-of-all-trades weapon; its primary use in the war was in support with a bipod but in DoD:S you are more likely to see it used in an assault role as many players like the extra punch it provides over the SMG classes. Recoil is heavy and can be difficult to master; over long distance switch to semi-auto mode for greater accuracy.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: While the BAR can still be used in a holding role, the removal of the bipod means it is better suited to assault play. The BAR still offers knock-down power but the clip size is, as ever, a severe limitation.
Axis Gunner
Weapon: Machinengewehr 42
Operation: Belt-fed
Damage: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Recoil: Massive
Clip capacity: 250-round belt
Reload time: Slow
Secondary function: Tripod
Sidearms: Walther P38 pistol, field spade
The MG42 is the big daddy of DoD MGs. The tearing sound of the operation of this gun is a testament to its insanely-high rate of fire, as is the fact that its barrel is prone to overheating. The MG42 isn't particularly accurate but with the amount of lead it sprays, it doesn't need to be.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: The ability to deploy on almost any ledge makes the gunner classes a lot more useful and it's a lot easier to move forward. The MG42 is just as powerful as in v1.3, so make good use of it.
US Gunner
Weapon: .30 Cal Machine Gun
Operation: Belt-fed
Damage: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Recoil: Massive
Clip capacity: 150-round belt
Reload time: Slow
Secondary function: Bipod
Sidearms: Colt pistol, combat knife
The .30 Cal is a versatile weapon; while it lacks the raw power of the MG42 it is more adaptible because it doesn't overheat. Its ability to sustain a continuous volley of fire means it excels at providing suppressing fire. The US Gunner doesn't have as much ammo as his Axis counterpart so you might regularly hear him shouting for ammo.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: The .30 Cal isn't quite as outgunned by the MG42 as it was in v1.3, and the extra adaptability in deployment positions means this class is far more useful in Source.
Axis Sniper
Weapon: Scoped K98
Operation: Bolt-action
Damage: High
Accuracy: Pinpoint
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 5-round stripper clip
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Scope
Sidearms: Walther P38 pistol, field spade
The Karbiner 98 was a good enough rifle that the best specimens were ideal sniper rifles with the addition of a scope. Like the standard K98, a single shot to the head or torso can drop a man; however in unscoped mode the sniper class does not have an onscreen crosshair.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: Get used to aiming for the torso or head; those toe-shots aren't going to cut it any more. The scoping action in Source is much quicker, with no "fade-in", so you can expect to find this class a little easier.
US Sniper
Weapon: Springfield Sniper
Operation: Bolt-action
Damage: High
Accuracy: Pinpoint
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 5-round stripper clip
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Scope
Sidearms: Colt pistol, combat knife
The Springfield was actually a WW1 weapon, converted to sniper rifles to meet demand during WW2. It performs well in this capacity, with one-shot-kill capability and precise accuracy.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: Similarly to the K98, the Springfield is no longer able to kill a healthy man by grazing his finger with a bullet, so aim for the body and make use of the quicker Source scoping action.
Axis Rocket Infantry
Weapon: Panzershreck
Operation: Manual
Damage: Lethal, area-effect
Accuracy: Decent
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 1 rocket
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Shoulder
Sidearms: Mauser 'broom' pistol, field spade
Rocket Infantry is a tricky class to play, the weapon being impossible to fire unless you first shoulder it (which takes time and restricts your mobility). The rocket arcs in flight so you have to compensate by aiming up slightly. The Panzershreck's flameguard can restrict your view a fair amount, so be careful.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: Ironically, in the absence of bazooka-centric maps like Jagd, the bazookas in Source are much more handy. The explosions are much more powerful, and if you need to use your sidearm you'll find the automatic broompistol is rather more handy than the old Luger.
US Rocket Infantry
Weapon: Bazooka
Operation: Manual
Damage: Lethal, area-effect
Accuracy: Decent
Recoil: High
Clip capacity: 1 rocket
Reload time: Medium
Secondary function: Shoulder
Sidearms: M1 Carbine, combat knife
The Bazooka is, for all intents and purposes, identical to the Panzershreck in terms of operation, the only difference being that the bazooka does not have the cumbersome flameguard installed. Bazookas generally require a bit of cover on the move.
Notes for DoD v1.3 players: The Bazooka class is not nearly as defenceless in Source as the Colt pistol is replaced by a Carbine, which is still fairly weak but at least has a decent clip size.
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