Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I am quite aware that Assault Marines from the standard C:SM are not very popular for their cost and lack of punch compared to other CC units.
The thing is that I own 5 Assault Marines from the battleforce and it would be nice to find a way to put them to use in some way aside from looking cool on my shelf.

So I was wondering if they could fill a role that would complement my army. I have an infantry based gunline/ground pounder army w/ Capt, 2xTacs, Devs, Tac Terms, Sniper Scouts, Sternguard, and a Speeder. I have a single rhino and sometimes proxy in a pod for my transports. Tactically, I generally use the one element of my force to try and bring my shooting to bear while using the pod/deepstrike capable units to react to my enemy's plans.

The deepstriking capability of Assault Marines makes me think that I might be able to make use of them after all in a reactionary role.
If I were to DS them in with a squad of Tac Terms, a Speeder, a drop pod unit, or all of the above; couldn't they be a viable addition to a skirmish force?

Possible wargear load-outs I've thought of for a 5 man squad are:
Barebone or maybe one 15pt wep w/MB - 105-120
2xPlas Pistol, MB -135
SS, PW/LC, Flamer, MB - 145
SS, 2xPlas Pistol, MB - 150
SS, PW/LC, 2xPlas Pistol, MB - 165

It seems like they would be a bit expensive but could potentially cause an enemy to focus on them for a turn or two (giving other units a reprieve), or if ignored, could cause a decent bit of damage. Two plasma shots on landing and two before a charge (if they survive), and either melta bombing an annoying vehicle or hitting a weak infantry unit w/ a LC or PW.

Considering I would try and deep strike them with support from another reserve unit or a unit already on the board. They would likely be ignored while the enemy focused on the bigger perceived threat.

Has anyone used this type of strategy with Assault Marines or fought against a foe who did? In a 1000-1500pt game, how would you react if a squad, geared in the ways I've suggested, where to deep strike somewhere vulnerable with some support nearby and start slinging plasma?

If you are going to Deepstrike them, give them two flamers and a combi-flamer and let them burn a unit before they get obliterated.

I like assault marines, but I never deep strike them. A small, 5 man unit, BP/power sword on the sarge and a flamer on the squad. Stick behind cover, move up the table. Accompany them with a chaplain to make them really shine.

If you are going to deep strike them, I'd stay clear of the flamers unless you brought some locator beacons. You don't want to scatter out of template range. Plasma pistols give you more wiggle room.

If you are deep striking, you want to be close to the enemy. So you risk mishaps. Even if you are on target, you get one round of lack-luster fire, and get to wait a turn before close combat. And because you are using pistols, you are going to be in rapid fire death range of whatever you landed next to. 5 marines are not that hard to kill.

They are a harassment/disruption unit. Try to keep the points low. While they are the first unit in my army to get melta bombs if I have 5 spare points, remember they all have krack grenades and most vehicles have a 10 rear armor.

Coming from Blood Angels, melta is your friend! You can potentially combat squad them and deep strike separately to try and take out a couple of targets.