Flak trooper (Red Alert 2)

}}"At least I have a job..."

- Flak Trooper

The Flak Trooper was an anti-air infantry used by the Soviets in Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge.

Background
"Flak Attack!"

- Flak Trooper, ready to fire

The standard trooper carried a powerful portable flak cannon over their shoulder, the added weight making them slower than the average conscript. They proved very effective in infantry firefights, as their flak cannon's were highly destructive against infantry thanks to their added splash damage, an advantage that was made more lethal in regards to their surprisingly long range. However, in order to avoid exhaustion from lugging around their heavy weapons, flak troopers were issued very light armor, and could be killed easily by enemy anti-infantry units.

In-game
"I CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE FLAK!"

- Flak Trooper taking fire

The trooper also had anti-aircraft capabilities, as their flak cannons allow proximity shells to be shot high into the air. The unit dealt similar splash damage against air units that were clustered close together, like Harrier jets en-route to a target. It should be noted that in comparison to the Soviet's Flak cannon emplacement, the flak trooper paled in range and damage, but this was made up for by being cheaper, highly mobile, being able to fire without being vulnerable to power shortages, and finally the versatility of being able to engage a wide variety of targets, not just aerial units. Groups of these troopers could defend any important site, their cannons capable of destroying enemy air with ease.

On the other hand, flak troopers were not seen as permanent solutions to cheap base defense. They were infamous for having a low performance rate versus armoured foes. Their flak cannons were almost useless against enemy armor, though they could do some noticeable damage to lighter vehicles like Allied IFV's and Yuri Gattling Tanks. They were best paired up with Flak tracks in terms of mobile anti-air defense.

Oddly, when the Flak trooper is prone, he travels faster, also when placed in an IFV he cannot target aircraft

Command & Conquer: Red Alert (iPhone)
The Flak Trooper has been upgraded to deal damage to aircraft and vehicles, but lost their ability to deal damage to infantry. After the Post-War Crisis they would gain magnetic mines in their arsenal.