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Hello, I'm having trouble deciphering the thrust move rules for Jet Pack Infantry. Could someone please explain it to me? Thanks for any responses given.

A Jet Pack unit that does not charge and is not locked in combat, can make an additional move in the Assault phase - this does not have to be towards the enemy (and indeed, it's often best not to).

The part of the rule that says "they move just as they would when using their jet packs in the Movement phase." is just a complicatedly wordy way of saying that the Thrust move always uses the Skybourne rule (explained on the same page - 66).

People call them "Jump Shoot Jump" units. It's a good way to remember how they work.

1. They can move up to 6" in the Movement phase.
2. They can shoot in the Shooting phase.
3. They can EITHER declare a charge OR move an additional 2D6" by activating their Jet Packs (making a thrust move) in the Assault phase.

Common mistakes...
1. Some people assume they get a 12" move in the Movement phase. Not true.
2. Some people assume they can make a thrust move and then charge in the Assault phase. Not true.

Important things to remember...
1. Both the initial 6" move and the optional 2D6" thrust move use the Skyborne rule. To summarize the rule, they ignore other models and terrain for the purposes of moving, but if they begin or end either move in Difficult Terrain, they have to take a Dangerous Terrain test. This DOES mean that if you start your turn in "safe" terrain, move 6" into Difficult Terrain and then subsequently thrust back to safety in the Assault Phase, you're taking two Dangerous Terrain tests... once in the Movement phase when you land in the Difficult Terrain and then again in the Assault phase when you thrust out again.
2. Jet Pack Infantry automatically gain Deep Strike, Bulky and Relentless. This means that even though your Tau Crisis Suits aren't listed as having Deep Strike in their Unit Entries, they still can. Same with Eldar Warp Spiders, etc. Also, feel free to move and shoot. A common Tau tactic is to hide behind line of sight blocking terrain, move 6" out into the open, unleash a firestorm of dakka and then use the 2D6" thrust move to move back out of line of sight. It"s a super effective tactic. Drones, Stealth Suits and Crisis Suits are all Jet Pack Infantry and so can all do this.

Hope this helps!

 Kriswall wrote:
1. Both the initial 6" move and the optional 2D6" thrust move use the Skyborne rule.

Actually, using the Skyborne rule on initial movement is entirely optional. It is mandatory for the Thrust move though.

 Quanar wrote:

 Kriswall wrote:
1. Both the initial 6" move and the optional 2D6" thrust move use the Skyborne rule.

Actually, using the Skyborne rule on initial movement is entirely optional. It is mandatory for the Thrust move though.

You are correct. I always forget this. Jet/Jump Pack movement is optional in the Movement phase. You can always move as normal for your underlying type (which is almost always Infantry, but could be Monstrous Creature for something like a Riptide).

On another note, if you an enemy charged you, and win combat on your turn (rare as tau, I know), you can thrust after your consolidation move.

Likewise hit and run plus thrust will throw people off as well.

 Thaylen wrote:
On another note, if you an enemy charged you, and win combat on your turn (rare as tau, I know), you can thrust after your consolidation move.

Likewise hit and run plus thrust will throw people off as well.

Were you locked in combat?

Not when I decide to make the thrust move.