Stinger Site

## Introduction

The **Stinger Site** is a cut GLA defensive structure that was originally available to all GLA Generals as a general purpose defensive structure. It was eventually removed due to balancing reasons and replaced by the various weapon emplacements available now. Currently, only General Deathstrike is capable of producing a Stinger Site via his Field Defence General's Power.

## Overview

The Stinger Site is a simple yet effective structure, consisting of a circle of sandbags with a camouflage net overhead. The structure is garrisoned by 3 Stinger Troopers, capable of engaging both air and ground units. Unlike the ones wielded by trainable Stinger Troopers, the missile launchers wielded by the site defenders are far more effective against ground units and can deal substantial amounts of damage to vehicles. Despite the fact that stinger missiles track infantries poorly, a salvo of them can nevertheless deal considerable damage to soldiers on impact.

The Stinger Troopers garrisoning the structure can gain veterancy just like any unit, and will start at veteran level should the GLA Training General's Power be unlocked.

The structure is connected to the GLA's vast tunnel network system, so should a defender fall in his duty, another soldier will emerge from the tunnels to take his place.

While a camo netting is present overhead, an upgrade needs to be purchased to render the structure stealth nonetheless.

Overall, however, the Stinger Site is still one of the weakest defensive structure in *Contra*. The main reason for that is due to its vulnerability against anti-infantry weapons, as the Stinger Troopers stationed inside are not shielded from enemy fire like inside a bunker. Therefore the likes of Pathfinders, Dragon Tanks, Quad Cannons or Toxin Tractors can easily eradicate the site's defenders and leave it defenceless (Gatling Tanks however are less effective as the structure's armor makes it highly resistant to Chinese Gatling weapons). Even worse is that the structure can also be disabled by toxin or radiation residue, as any defenders that emerges from the tunnel will be rapidly poisoned and killed.

Also, much like other defensive structures, it's vulnerable to artillery units which can easily outrange it as well as stealth fighters of the USAF.

As a result, the Contra dev team have decided to replace them with stationary weapon placements. While more specialized, these structures cannot be neutralized as easily by anti-garrison weapons.

## Assessment

Pros:

* Very effective against aircrafts and light vehicles.
* Not dependent on power, unlike American and Chinese equivalent.
* Launched missiles can track targets down to a great distance.
* Reinforced automatically & for free, if operators are killed.
* Leaves behind a GLA hole when destroyed, allowing it to be rebuilt for free.
* Stinger Troopers can gain veterancy.

Cons:

* Vulnerable to anti-infantry weapons. Especially snipers.
* Vulnerable to stealth fighters and Aurora bombers.
* Limited effectiveness against infantry.
* Vulnerable to toxin and radiation.
* Missiles are ineffective against PDL or ECM.
* Can still be shut down by EMP or Microwave Tanks, even though it's not power operated.