Have you seen this unit? Part 6

Another fast attack option not seen very often on the battlefield is the Assault Sqaud. These are marines with bolt pistol, chainsword (or other close combat weapon) and jump packs.

They run in a five man squad base with one of them being a veteran sergeant. They can be boosted up to ten men. They have a 12” move with their jump packs or can deploy via deep strike.

The pistol and close combat weapon add a nice two attacks base for these guys. Three on the charge is not too shabby either. Add in the sergeant and his base three/four on the charge and you have a descent amount of strength 4 attacks coming your way.

Speaking of him, the veteran sergeant can have the myriad of typical marine upgrades: plasma pistol, power weapon, fist, thunder hammer, lightning claws and melta bombs. The squad can, for every five members, take a plasma pistol or flamer. The squad can also dump their jump packs and get a Rhino or Drop Pod for free.

So why are these guys shunned? Well first is the fact if you want Assault Sqauds you take Blood Angels. They just do jump pack assault better. They have better weapon options, most notably melta guns. They also deep strike with greater accuracy. Oh yeah, they are also are scoring.

The “vanilla” assault squad just doesn’t have the punch it should have. They have the option to take anti-infantry weapons, but lack the ability to truly threaten armor. They are made to fight, but are not that super at it, when compared to Vanguard Veterans or Terminator Assaulters.

So how do we make them more appealing? Much like the Attack Bikes, I’m not sure. Well, if you just dump melta weapons in the unit that would help. It is also a 5^th edition cure. There could be the inclusion of a power weapon for one member. One per ten and one for the vet sarge would be attractive for a fast moving close combat unit. However, it cuts into the Vanguard Veteran’s shtick.

I will say I do like the option of no jump packs for a free Rhino. They could act as a nice counter charger for a mobile force. They could be an escort for a close combat HQ and unit. I can also see a ten man squad; dual flamers and power weapon driving up, unloading promethium death to a big mob of guys/beasties and then charging the remnants. These two options are appealing to me, but honestly if I want Assault Squads, I’ll play Blood Angels. Sorry “vanilla” marines it is just that way right now.