Getting better, but still finding it tricky

>>Rush Defense

Don't sit next to the objective you're defending. Sit in the building across the street. When an enemy approaches the objective, lay into him. Figure out where the chokepoints are on the battlefield, and watch for enemies. Lay down mines on the road where tanks are likely to travel. The unique thing about Rush is that the enemies are always coming from the same general direction, so there's a somewhat stable front line. Conquest is a bit more of a clusterf*.

>>Winning Conquest

Each team starts with the same number of points. As one team gains territory, the other team loses their points at a faster rate. Points are also lost for each death. Take too many casualties, or let the enemy hold too much territory for too long, and your team loses. One complaint about BC2 is that casualties cost more points than they did in BC1, making territory less of a focus in the sequel (both are still important to victory, though).

>>Helicopters

Yes, they are overpowered (unless you're playing the Vietnam expansion). Helicopters can be destroyed with AA guns (on Port Valdez), a tracer dart followed by a locked on RPG, or a guided rocket (this takes a lot of skill). Or, you can take a UAV with the ALTWEAPON perk, fly above the helicopter, and wear it down with the machine gun.

>>Vehicles vs. Infantry

It all depends on the circumstances at the moment. If you have teammate alone in a tank, try becoming an engineer, and be his machine gunner/repair man. If your squad is all on foot, you should probably stick with them. If tanks have your team pinned, grab an RPG. If your squad is nothing but snipers, you should do whatever the hell you want because you're screwed anyway.

>>Good Guns

Personally, I like the M16, and the 3-round burst AK-like weapon (AN94, I think). Both guns have a 3 round burst, but I rapidly fire them as if they were semi-auto. As far as I can tell, this improves the accuracy, and allows me to send a lot of lead downrange quickly. A lot of people like the G3, but it doesn't feel right to me. Besides, I hate the iron sights--give me a 4X scope any day.

>>ETC

When using an assault rifle, I suggest using a 4x scope and killing from 150-300 meters if you can. Most players are rubbish from that range, and you won't be having as much trouble from G3 users (they're stuck w/ iron sights). Just watch for snipers.

If you find someone who is a good team player, make them your friend. Two or three decent players, working as a team, can dominate a 24-player game.

Flank the enemy whenever you can. If you know they're in a certain building, and you know they're firing to the east, run in from the west. It's amazing how many players will stare in one direction for a long time, never checking their rear.

Use grenades. Hand grenades are the best anti-infantry weapon in the game. Every time you assault a building, throw a grenade through the window. Every time you round a corner when you know enemies are nearby, throw a grenade. 40mm aren't nearly as effective. Save those for blowing holes in walls, or destroying Humvees.

One more note about hand grenades - unless you're playing on hardcore, your grenades will not hurt your teammates. So don't be shy about throwing a grenade when allies are in the area. Your grenades will hurt you, however.

Timmian has it spot on, ;o), when he says 'spot always'. That is the single most effective team based action you can make alongside dropping ammo & health.

As regards the weapons it is ALL down to personal preference in what you enjoy. I prefer to merc it up as an Assault most of the time (AUG or MP14 are genius) as that also gives me grenade launcher (yes, noob tubes :o) ) but then there are times when you get killed by some twat in a tank and have to respawn as a recon with motion mine detectors, pin some c4 to his arse, run like hell and BOOM!

Try out all the classes and weapons you'll eventually find your favourites, AND favourite customisations.

IMDB - Because some trolls need more than just a bridge