Resistance Fighters are the standard basic infantry for the new faction in Dropzone Commander. While there may be several similarities between these infantry squads, like Armor 2, Small arms 6, and point cost (slightly cheaper than UCM), there is an amazing and yet subtle difference. How the squads are broken up.
Resistance Fighters can be used several different ways. The most striking of course is in their standard Jackson Halftracks. Where Resistance Fighters see an advantage is that only two squads fit in these halftracks, but yet three squads can be carried by a single Lifthawk dropship.
Being three squads instead of two might not seem like a lot of a difference for the same point costs, but it does. When there are multiple locations to go for instance, you have the flexibility to split up in more directions, cover more area with the three squads. This allows for you to search more areas, gives the opponents with less squads but the same number of bases have to make some harder decisions where they want to go.
Second, there is an advantage in close quarter battles when you outnumber your opponent not in bases, but in squads. Having inherently more squads divides up the dice more that will result in you taking casualties, and makes it harder for your opponent to force you to make a fortitude check (morale). I have had this effect win me more than one game now due to close quarter combat.
Now top that off, resistance fighters come with a fortitude of 3+, compared to the UCM legionnaire 5+. Resistance Fighters are just more likely to keep the fight going.
We have not even talked about the guns. Of course the assault rifles are just assault rifles, but the rpgs can make a big difference in the game. They are L-1, which is good or they would become too strong. Homemade rpgs have a MF of 0" meaning they are great when being used out of a building, or in a battle bus where you can take 4 bases and increase your MF to 6" to fire out of the bus.
RPGS are E6 with 5 shots and an accuracy of 3+. They have Shaped charages and the one rule that makes them a nice surprise on enemy forces that get too close to your infantry.... Focus 2.
Now about something else interesting for the tactically advanced. They come with the subterranean rule. Meaning that they can leave the game board via a breaching drill. This gives these guys ultimate flexibility in getting objectives off the board quickly.
Resistance Fighters are one of those units that will be in every game, and I think when it comes down to it, will most often do more than just pull their own weight.