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Hi! I had an idea over the weekend on a "potentially" better way to deploy my space marines. I would welcome your input to see if it is crazy or not.
The idea is to break my 4 tactical squads into assault units and long range units. The idea goes like this:
a) Give each 10 man squad a lascannon and meltagun
b) Break all 4 squads into combat squads for a total of 8.
c) Group the combat squads with melta guns into 10 man assault squads. They won't really be 10 man squads because rules state they have to stay as combat. These units are the front line attack guys.
d) Do the same thing with the combat squads that have lascannons. The only difference is that they are rear guard or defense squad. They will provide long range cover for other units.

Is this a good idea or bad idea?

kalias

It's not crazy, but you should consider some things:

Firstly, do you have a way of getting your attack squads within 12" of the enemy? What sort of tactics are you planning on using?

Secondly, what else are you planning on having in your army? What's your strategy?

I currently have a rhino, land raider, predator, and dreadnaught. I was planning on using the rhino and land raider as quick deployment. The dreadnaught would be close support and the predator, armed with lascannons, would be ranged support. I also have terminators so I would either deep strike them or toss them in the land raider. I find that deep striking is risky. The rhino would ferry my stern guard squad.

So the main idea is to provide an "umbrella" of support for the front squads. Those front squads would be as mobile as possible. Deploy them quickly to take whichever strategic points I need and them back them up after the initial siege is complete.

kalias

Combat squadding is nothing new, nor is advancing the Sgt./special group while leaving the heavy group to lob shots down range. Basically, the novelty here is using the buddy system with your advancing combat squads, right? That's good, in that you'll have buddies nearby to pile in and turn the tide those hopeless combats or set up a choice counter-charge.

Just be aware that you'd be shooting yourself in the foot if you pull this in a Annihilation game. For your opponent, combat squadding all of your troops means double the units, double the available KPs, and only half as many bodies to mulch before getting each KP.