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I know plasma isn't as sexy as Grav, but I still think it's a solid choice.

I'm back and forth whether plasma shots every turn is better then plasma alpha strike and special ammo afterwards.
Both squads would likely target MCs, elite infantry or light armor.

Thoughts?

Flip a coin?

Both have their pros and cons.

The command squad can take an apothecary, to make the squad a little tougher. Also, full plasma guns for everyone, so it can keep up the fire turn after turn.

Sternguard have the special ammo. This offers then a lot of nice tricks. They can also take a larger squad as needed.

While both elite picks, they slot into formations differently. You can take a command squad in a demi-co, while the SG fit into a 1st co taskforce.

I don’t think either one is categorically better. There are going to be situational advantages based on things like common opponents, chapter tactics, and overall list structure.

depends, if you want just 4-5 guys with plasma and maybe apothecary then go commands squad, i guess if you want 2x5 man squads to combat squad though then the sternguard will probably be better

Personally i'm a big fan of just using Sternguard as better tactical marines and using command squads for that more specialised role

Sternguard carrying combi plasma is better, command squad is better either on bikes with grav gun or droppod in with melta. Sternguard plasma would be better to serve along their special ammo which are mostly anti infantry and anti MCs.

The command squad gets real plasma guns, not combis, though. And FNP.

 Nevelon wrote:
Flip a coin?

The command squad can take an apothecary, to make the squad a little tougher.

I don’t think either one is categorically better. There are going to be situational advantages based on things like common opponents, chapter tactics, and overall list structure.

I hadn't considered the Apothecary. Not sure if it's worth losing 20% of my firepower, but still it's something.

The two seem to have a similar role with similar toolkit, so it makes it difficult to tease out any significant difference.

A Command Squad with 5 Plasma Guns only costs 15 more points than a Sternguard Squad with 5 Combi-Plasmas. That's a small price to pay for the ability to shoot plasma every turn, rather than just alpha striking with it.

The only reason I would go with a Sternguard squad is if you wanted to take a squad of 10, one combat squad with combiplasmas, and the other combat squad with meltas or flamers. You can get 5 more marines podded in on turn 1.

What does the rest of your list look like?
Either is a fine choice. But consider the rest of your list. Do you have a smash-face HQ that you want to deliver with them? If so, the Apothecary will give you a 5+ FNP. Which unit fits in your detachment best? Demi-company means command > sternguard. CAD doesn't make much difference. Sternguard > command in 1st company detachment. How does the rest of the list look with anti-elite / MC / plasma target weapons? If you will be ok with a single volley of plasma, go with sternguard. If you want repeat business, command for real plasma guns.

Honestly, there is such a marginal point difference and not really all that much different between both units. You could literally toss a coin to decide and be fine.