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Hey all, I have been doing research on the USMC units that served in the campaign for Iwo Jima, and came up with an IG list to go with it. Obviously, there will be fluffy elements to the list, but I also want it to be competitive. I am using 2/9, because of their veteran status (having already served in Guam, prior to Iwo Jima) as well as Lt.Col. Cushman's utilization of mechanized forces in order to take some of the more difficult parts of the island. The USMC unit names are next to the IG units.

Please, tell me what you think.

HQ
CCS (2nd Btn/9th Marines HQ):225 points
-Lt. Col. Cushman w/ Plasma Pistol, 3x Meltas, Regimental Standard, Astro, OotF, Chimera+HHF

Troops
Vets (2/9 Echo Company):155 points
-3x Melta, Chimera+HHF

Vets (2/9 Fox Company):155 points
-3x Melta, Cimera+HHF

PCS (2/9 Golf Company HQ):105 points
-2x GL, AC, Chimera+HHF

Infantry Squad (2/9 Golf Company):120 points
-GL,AC, Chimera+HHF

Infantry Squad (2/9 Golf Company):120 points
-GL,AC, Chimera+HHF

Special Weapons Squad (2/9 Golf Company): 50 points
-3x Flamers

Special Weapons Squad (2/9 Golf Company): 50 points
-3x Flamers

Fast Attack (VMF-213)

Vendetta: 130 points

Vendetta:130 points

Heavy Support (4th Marine Tank Btn.)

LRBT, Hull HB, Sponson HB: 170

LRBT, Hull HB, Sponson HB: 170

LRBT, Hull HB, Sponson HB: 170

1750 total

The idea is for the Special weapoons teams to ride in the Vendettas and either outflank or be used as a first strike force against hordes.
The CCS and Vets move together to intercept tanks and take objectives.
The rest of the Infantry platoon (minus the special weapon squads) hold home objectives and give cover to the advancing force, primarily targeting infantry and light vehicles.
The LRBTs give cover fire and soften up targets.
Against armies with alpha strike capabilities (Shrike, Drop Pod SMs, Dualwing, Demons, etc) the army will play as a mech reserve force, utilizing the Astro.

On a painting note, all of the vehicles will be painted with the correct historical markings. Chimeras will be painted as Amtracks, LRBTs will be painted like Shermans, and Vendetas will be pianted like F4U Corsairs (although the wings bend the wrong direction )

Finally, I am going to attempt to convert the CCS with Standard to look as close as possible to the 2nd flag raising cerremony on Mt. Surabachi.

This sounds like an awesome idea! List wise I think you're doing pretty good. I like having ap2 blasts in my guard, but you've got alot a melta about. The special wep teams seem vunerable to me. When mounted in the vendetta, they'd be safer, but they can't start the game embarked in a non dedicated transport, so they can't outflank in them, meaning they'll spend at least a turn on ground then embarking. Flamers and the vendetta's lascannons really don't mix either. I love the idea! Be sure to start a painting and modeling thread once you get started. Post a link!

I thought you could deploy a unit inside a transport at the start of a game....

(But then again, I don't think an outflanking transport can carry troops that don't outflank)

Thanks for the input so far!

As for the rules questions about the Special Weapons Squad in the Vendettas, they are prefectly legal.:

1. Any troops may start the game in any non-dedicated transport.

2. Because the Vendetta outflanks, any unit that you put inside it outflanks, as well. The unit does not need to have the outflank ability, too. This is similar to how a non-DSing unit can stilll DS in a Drop Pod.


Anyone else have any input, before I buy more models and start painting?

Oops! You're so right! I was thinking about a unit with scout trying to outflank in a transport that didn't have the rule.
Everything looks good to me...

Cool. Thanks for your input!

Does anyone else have any comments, especially on the competitiveness of the list?

I am a little concerned about the number of KPs this list offer up. What do you guys think?

Like the list, like the theme! Like the fact that there are so many scoring units in the army.

About Killpoints: Two sure killpoints for your opponent will be the SWS with flamethrowers, if you really want to put them in front of a horde as a speedbump. They might earn their points back, but they will get killed. Maybe careful tactical deployment could save them. When you put them out, try to hit the enemy hard, but maybe try to have targets around that are more juicy and more important to the enemy. Whatever this is, it will last longer than six guardsmen in flak armor without a sergeant.

So, you don't hink I am offering too many KPs, total? That is my main concern.

Also, what bout finding the points to put LCs on the Russes, as an extra anti-tank measure, just in case.

Finally, I run Mechdar and love Spirit Stones; is it worth extra armor on my Vet's Chimeras?

Because I am concerned about the KPs in the original list, I htought I would post a second one, and let you guys tell me which one is stronger.

HQ
CCS: 240
-Plasma Pistol, 3x Melta, HF, Astro OotF, Chimera w/HHF+Armor

Troops
Vets: 190
-3x Melta, Demo, Sgt. Bastone

Vets: 130
-3x Melta, Demo

PCS: 135
-3x Flamer, HF, Chinera w/HHF+Armor

Infantry Squad:120
-GL, AC, Chimera w/HHF

Infantry Squad:120
-GL, AC, Chimera w/HHF

Fast
Vendetta:130

Vendetta: 130

Heavy
LRBT, Hull LC, Sponson HB: 185

LRBT, Hull LC, Sponson HB: 185

LRBT, Hull LC, Sponson HB: 185

1750

It is similar in stragety to the first list, except that the Vets go in Vendettas. The PCS and CCS travel together to clear/take objectives, while the rest of the infantry platoon stays at home, or takes objectives closer to my board edge.

The first list has 19 KPs, and the second one has 15 KPs.

I really like the first list, but since it offers 4 more KPs, it has me a litte worried. What do you guys think?