(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The flamethrower is a devastating, demoralizing weapon with origins that date back to the early 1st century AD, with perhaps even earlier implementations being used as far back as 424 BC at the Battle of Delium. Sometime in the 7th century AD, it was the Byzantines who were first to truly harness the power of a flamethrower. With their invention of Greek Fire, the Byzantines were able to attach flamethrowers near the stern of their naval ships and douse their enemies with liquid fire. The evolution of the flamethrower continued through several nations and militaries. However, it was not until Richard Fiedler, a German scientist, invented the Flammenwerfer in 1901, that the flamethrower was ready for modern combat.

Richard Fiedler created a portable device, made of a single vertical cylinder that was horizontally divided in two, with flammable oil on top and pressurized gas below. Upon firing, the pressurized gas pushed the flammable oil through a rubber tube and over a lit wick. The weapon projected a stream of fire about 20 yards. Richard Fiedler submitted his model to the German Army and thus began the modern flamethrower.

Built upon the design of the Flammenwerfer, the M2 Flamethrower was also a portable backpack flamethrower. The US Army Chemical Warfare Services designed the M2 with around 14,000 being built for active duty. The M2 had a burn time of around 7 seconds and was able to shoot a stream of fire as far as 33 meters. The M2 was used by American troops during World War II on both fronts and for specific situations, was an invaluable asset on the battlefield. However, as newer tanks, specifically flamethrower tanks, arrived on the battlefield, the need for infantrymen to risk their lives with the M2 became unnecessary.

Tips for the M2 Flamethrower

* Don't expect to go commando with your M2 Flamethrower and sweep the level on your own. Teamwork is vital when you are packing the M2. Stick close to a SMG gunner or have the cover of an MG as you move through the map. The M2 is a very opportunistic weapon, so if the opportunity isn't there, you are going to need cover fire.
* Tight corridors and sharp corners are going to be your playground. Avoid staying out in the open for too long, because if you give your enemy too much room to run around in, they suddenly become exponentially tougher to kill.
* Smoke doesn't always have to follow fire. Toss a Smoke Grenade or Tabun Gas into a group of enemies and then run into the epicenter with your M2 ablaze. You may start choking on the fumes yourself, but your stream of fire should find the enemies with ease if you gently sweep in their general direction.

From callofduty.com

As a dedicated M2 Flamethrower user (who has achieved over 4000 kills with it), I thought I'd give out a few tips too;

- Contrary to rumour, Double Tap does not affect the flamethrower
- The extent of the flame goes longer than what you may expect! It's highly effective against enemies in two-storey windows.
- Intimidate! The flamethrower can be used to repel enemies as much as kill them. Especially useful in Headquarters, where you can fire at a doorway or entrance. This tactic works even better in Hardcore modes.
- Since you're giving up Bomb Squad, Flak Jacket is a highly recommended perk to use with the M2! Other recommended Tier 2 perks include Juggernaught, as the 1-second flamethrower charge-up can be the deciding factor in a close quarter battle.
- Tier 3 perk is up to you, but I'd recommend Reconaissance (flamethrower is VERY effective against dogs), Toss Back (seeing as the flamethrower reduced mobility, sometimes you won't get away fast enough) and maybe Second Chance, so you can finish off a guy that's already near burnt to death.
- Walking around with a large fuel tank on your back makes you very inconspicious, so don't go trying to hide in large grass! You're also a far more noticeable target to enemies than any other soldier class.
- Solo is a no go! Think of it this way; in WWII flamethrower operators moved around in squads because of the somewhat limited abilities of the weapon. Don't go Rambo-ing off at all! You simply will not survive. Move around with the largest pack of teammates. Help clear out rooms before your mates go in, the way it was really done.
- As for weapons, again its up to you but since the M2 flamethrower is a low-to-medium range weapon, so I'd go for something with a bit of accuracy. Weapons I've found that work well with the M2 include the BAR, M1A1 Carbine and the STG. Scoped bolt-action rifles are not recommended at all, unless you're the type of sniper that likes to move around a lot.
- Using the aim function isn't necessary (most people prefer to just hip-fire which is perfectly okay) but if you want to concentrate the flame a little more, you should certainly aim in. Be aware that it slows down your moving pace greatly while held in, so make sure your back is covered.

Here's my current flamethrower setup for reference;

Weapons:
BAR w/ bipod
Magnum Revolver
Grenades:
Molotov Cocktail
Tear Gas
Perk 1: M2 Flamethrower
Perk 2: Flak Jacket
Perk 3: Toss Back
Vehicle Perk: Ordnance Training