The Starship Troopers films raise the question of why an advanced force fights massed enemies as largely unsupported infantry. The novel prompts a comparison with the films' treatment of warfare. Against dense targets, armoured infantry or rapid-fire tanks could provide protected firepower. Foot soldiers might still be needed in mountainous terrain the vehicles could not reach. Spacecraft operating overhead could provide fighters, combat air patrols and close air support against incoming threats.
Notable Point · 2:51:41-2:53:07
The missing combined arms in Starship Troopers
The films' bug battles raise the question of why an advanced expeditionary force relies on exposed infantry without armored firepower or persistent air cover.