PCM

PCM is a munition type in .

Background
Emits an EM radius that guarantees mutual destruction of hostile munitions.

Overview
The PCM is an intercept weapon; as such, it has little value in preemptive recon (scouting) assignments and instead excels for players using ships at the far reach of combat. Battlestars, in particular, due to their slow speed and excellent firing range, often benefit from mounting a PCM to meet a Cylon missile barrage in force-to-force exchanges.

Players should note that this munition, like Nuclear armaments, only fire in salvos of one.

Strategy
For any craft with a munitions slot, the PCM is an option for halting the attack of a missile barrage; however, escort ships such as the Ranger and Janus benefit more because of their multiple munitions options. Waiting until under fire, these ships can use one munition slot to fire the PCM and 'block' the exchange, and on the next turn, return fire with another munition in counter attack. Firing the PCM with any other missile group will neutralize incoming Cylon fire and likely the outbound colonial salvo.

The Minerva-class battlestars generally have the most benefit from having this munition--or an escort ship carrying it. Given their aggressive attack profile, the Minerva-class batlestars are prone to aggressive missile strikes by Cylon forces and carry less armor than their peers. As the missile strike approaches, targeting the PCM in its path offers protection from the strike (if aimed well) and an opportunity for retaliation, as smaller attack craft typically carry only one munition, while the Minerva-class carries two. Loading PCMs onto an escort ship allows the escort to screen attacks and act as a last resort if the missiles are coming at an angle not covered by sweeper chaff or flak fields.

The major shortcoming for this munition is a lack of supply for the increasing demand. Salvos only have one munition per launch and have the same high-risk/high-reward mechanics as the Nuke. If aimed properly, this munition could disable all incoming missiles -- but if missed or shot down by enemy fighters, leave the player open to an aggressive Cylon offense. As such the player should use a layered defense system.