Assault squads and BT

[thecapn226]

Does anyone feel that with our new doctrine that a bare bones assault squad is worthwhile? I usually take 3 assault bikes to fill out a Brigade, but am wondering about the viability of some jump troops.

[Palmu]

It's decent brigade-filler, sure. Fast-Attack feels a tad lackluster in general, though. 

 

I would consider going battalion-battalion-vanguard, though. Have to pay the tax of two additional characters (not that bad even) and lose 1 CP in comparison to Brigade, but can just ignore lackluster units wholesale. 

[Link2edition]

I have found jump troops to be very useful since they are on the board when litanies are triggered.

That said if you are taking them as brigade filler, your units will probably be too small to take advantage of that.

[Medjugorje]

Thats my main problem with that unit. They are not bad but melee units are so much better if they are played in a bigger squad and with power fist. But then the unit is not that cheap. And Trikes are still better Brigade filler if you need fire support. In addition there are Vanguard Veterans who are so much better... but maybe they are worth it if you play 3x10 Vanguards + 3x10 Assault Squads.

[Link2edition]

.. but maybe they are worth it if you play 3x10 Vanguards + 3x10 Assault Squads.

"Look at me brother, I'm the Blood Angel now."

[Medjugorje]

dont forget we have better shooting options and the stratagem to hold one unit in close combat. 

with 2 chaplains and one Captain + those units there are enough space for shooting with the rest.

[SydonianDragoon404]

I played some assault marines yesterday. They are worth taking now IMO. For the following reasons:

 

1) Fast Attack slot, important for filling a Brigade

2) Give them the Crusader Helm buff on turn 1, and they actually deal some damage instead of bouncing off guardsmen plate. 

3) Can buff them even more with Grimaldus turn 1, for +1 attack. 

4) Great use of stratagems for advancing and charging, 6'' consolidate, and holding units in combat. 

 

Vanguard of course hit harder and have better gear, but I'm already taking lots of elite slot units for other things and this way I can kind of have my cake and eat it too. Try them out guys, give them the Crusader Helm and +1 attack with a Chaplain and send them on their way! Just make sure you pick the correct target, don't send them into a Hive Tyrant and expect them to fell the beast by themselves. They're an aggressive unit meant to apply pressure on your opponents screens and weak objective holder type units, and in my opinion can pull double duty as a disruption unit with the stratagem to hold units in combat. 

Edited December 8, 2019 by SydonianDragoon404