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So I got an amazing deal at my FLGS today, half off on a box of 10 Mk 4 Marines. So I figured I would turn them into either dedicated Vanguard or Sternguard as I have neither already in my force. Taking what I already have out of the equation, and assuming I have all weapon options to choose to put on these guys other than jump packs what option is really the best for tooling out a squad for dealing with all on comers. I want a squad for maximum flexibility but also maximum value. Right now I am leaning towards a bare sternguard with special issue bolters only. Or maybe 5 vanguard and 5 sternguard?

All opinions welcomed. Thanks.

If you don't have jump packs, I would go with the sternguard option. I like giving them 2 Grav cannons, though.

Sternguard still seem pretty nice. The one time I took them out, I did it bare-bones, and they did quite well.

Still trying to figure out how to do VV in 8th, but it probably will take JPs. They seem decent though.

 Nevelon wrote:
Sternguard still seem pretty nice. The one time I took them out, I did it bare-bones, and they did quite well.

Still trying to figure out how to do VV in 8th, but it probably will take JPs. They seem decent though.

How did you use your sternguard ?

 godardc wrote:

 Nevelon wrote:
Sternguard still seem pretty nice. The one time I took them out, I did it bare-bones, and they did quite well.

Still trying to figure out how to do VV in 8th, but it probably will take JPs. They seem decent though.

How did you use your sternguard ?

Drop pod. First time I had used either in a list. Was vs. a newer player, so admittedly not the best test. I’d traditionally put a pair of HFs in my SG squad, but ran them pure bolters on account of the pod. Flank drop, supported by a melta tac squad in another pod, and a Raven zipping over. They basically erased two tac squads on their own. And spent some time just hoofing it across the table as everything near them was dead.

I like the fact that they can shoot the bolters and charge these days. The second tac squad they killed solo. First blowing most of it away with the bolters, then charging to finish it up in CC. The sarge did have a power fist, but the fact that all the guys have 2A makes a huge difference. Much harder to spam a lot of attacks these days, so the vet stat line pays dividends.

This was before the codex dropped. So no CT or fancy stratagems. Or the ability to stick a LT in the pod with them. I did have a captain with them, as re-rolls are gold. He split off to work a separate part of the battle after the drop though.

Thanks guys, sternguard it is. I was just looking at costs and stuff and 10 Stern with just their special issue boltguns are Almont exactly the same price of 15 tactical Marines with just bolters but against MEQ's they seem much better as long as you keep your opponent at bay. Can't say I see a reason to do 1 squad of 10 over 2 of 5 though.

In the old days, running short of Elite slots could be a problem but it is unlikely to be relevant with a Vanguard Detachment available. You could take a unit of 10 and Combat squad them on deployment if it looks necessary.

Use the Masterful Marksmanship stratagem (+1 to Wound) and you can reliably put serious damage on a tank with them for 1 round of shooting.

One reason to do a single larger squad is buffs. You can hit more guys with one spell/command point/aura.

A couple other minor things, but that’s the big one IMHO. Plus tradition, as 10 man squads are what the Holy Codex tells us to field. But that’s a fluff reason, not mechanics.

Azuza001 wrote:
Thanks guys, sternguard it is. I was just looking at costs and stuff and 10 Stern with just their special issue boltguns are Almont exactly the same price of 15 tactical Marines with just bolters but against MEQ's they seem much better as long as you keep your opponent at bay. Can't say I see a reason to do 1 squad of 10 over 2 of 5 though.

The Masterful Marksmaship stratagem can only affect one unit per turn. Ten Sternguard at rapid fire range with +1 to wound is nothing to sneeze at!

I like Sternguard a lot for their special Bolter. You could always go Company Vets and do a mix of melee and shooting, you just don't get the spec bolter.

Thanks I didn't think of stratagems, still getting used to them (love them BTW).

I went pure special issue bolters. For what they do I think these guys will be the center of my force when dealing with meq's

Vs anything with a 3+ save, they are twice as effective as regular bolters, not bad for a modest premium.

 Karhedron wrote:
Vs anything with a 3+ save, they are twice as effective as regular bolters, not bad for a modest premium.

Agreed, i had some good results with 5 man squads in razorbacks. If they get out in rapid fire something is going to feel it. Plus they are vets so they get the extra attack, which makes them able to hold up something in close combat in a pinch if necessary.

There is a question of which Chapter are you using. For instance:


Raven guard squads don't need jump packs to get into melee. If you spend a command point during deployment you can start the game 9" off your enemies flank. So, taking flamers, when you know your going to get to move first then shoot. Makes them deadly.

If you take assault troops they will need after moving a 3" charge.

Raven guard assault centurions...mmmm... tasty.

Lol yeah I'm playing salamanders with these guys, suppose I should have mentioned that. I was thinking of taking a single melta gun of some sort for that reason, the free reroll should be used on a powerful weapon.

I also approve of Sternguard in general over Vanguard if you don't have jump packs. Something else to keep in mind with using the Salamander tactic, is that usually you want two or three weapons to shoot hoping for the reroll, since on average this is what it will take to get a miss.

I am planning on testing out 10 Sternguard with all Combi-plasma as an alternative to Hellblasters in one of my lists. They are slightly cheaper, much less durable, but put out almost the same damage. So in a drop pod, or with Lias/Raven Guard I think they could shine.