From Command and Conquer Wiki
During the Second Tiberium War, both GDI and Nod used light infantry squads, which, although ineffective on their own, were highly effective in large squads. GDI light infantry (seen in the information panel on the right) wore simple combat armour, protecting the torso and groin area combined with kneepads and a combat helmet with an integrated air filtration module, communicator and heads-up display during the Second Tiberium War. The basic design was so successful that all infantry units were equipped with these suits, with appropriate modifications to suit their battlefield role (eg. Disc Throwers had added backpacks containing the discs). On the other hand, the Brotherhood equipped its soldiers with advanced body armour, protecting their torso, arms and hands as well as legs. The helmet was also an advanced model, featuring an integrated communication unit, air filtration systems, infra-red viewing modes as well as faceplate protection, which was absent in GDI armor suits.
They were armed with M16 Mk. II automatic pulse rifles in .22 caliber, developed basing on the M16 and GAU-3 Eliminator rifles used in the First Tiberium War. These rifles were faster firing, more durable, and added an integral multi-function projectile launcher. The rifles were manufactured by each side separately, and greatly varied in outer design, whilst retaining their internal parameters.
However, battle performance of the units of both sides was identical, despite technological advantage of Nod, proving that "where there's a will, there's a way", as GDI forces were able to match Nod's infantry corps. However, infantry were ineffective against heavily armoured units.
Nod Light Infantry, following a victory.
While their combat effectiveness was somewhat lacking, the light infantrymen were very useful to the commanders, as they could cross large areas of
Tiberium veins with ease, as well as having an advantage when dealing with foes with inaccurate weaponry in regards to infantry, such as
Disc Throwers or
rocket infantry. Another of the advantages of light infantry was that they could man
drop pods and arrive at any location in the entire world within minutes. This ability gave
GDI much needed rapid-response ability, and often allowed it to engage Nod faster than by conventional means. Through this and the
ion cannon, GDI hoped to counter Nod guerilla tactics. Even if they could appear anywhere in the world at any time, GDI hoped to be on location in minutes, if not seconds.
After the Firestorm Crisis, Light Infantry formations were eventually succeeded by Nod militia (who, in certain regions, wear Light Infantry armor) and GDI riflemen squads, though the former only arrived as the need rose for large amounts of troops instead of a few soldiers.
