In Warhammer 40,000, the Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard, is the largest and most widespread fighting force in the galaxy, made up of human soldiers who are trained to fight and die in the name of the Emperor of Mankind. The Combat Patrol for Astra Militarum represents a battle-ready unit designed to efficiently operate in smaller skirmishes or as part of larger Imperial operations.
The Astra Militarum is renowned for its strength in numbers, elite infantry squads, and the power of its armored vehicles and heavy artillery. They are a force that relies on the sheer might of unwavering soldiers and the firepower of tanks, artillery, and supporting units to crush their enemies. Their Combat Patrol is a smaller, more tactically focused force designed to strike hard and fast in various engagements, making use of their superior training and technological edge to overcome foes.
Lore and Background
The Astra Militarum are the rank-and-file soldiers of the Imperium of Man, a vast, militarized society dedicated to the protection of humanity from the many threats of the galaxy. Unlike the Superhuman Space Marines, the Astra Militarum soldiers are normal humans, but they are incredibly numerous, well-trained, and determined to fight to the last man in the name of the Emperor.
The Combat Patrol for Astra Militarum is a well-rounded force that utilizes a mix of infantry, armor, and support units to quickly respond to enemy threats, often deployed as part of larger Imperial efforts. While the Astra Militarum excels in holding lines and suppressing enemy fire, they are also highly effective at rapid deployment and strike-force operations when needed.
The Astra Militarum Combat Patrol
A Combat Patrol force for the Astra Militarum is often designed to take advantage of the Imperial Guard's flexibility and vast arsenal of weapons and vehicles. This force is typically balanced, featuring a core of infantry, supported by armor, artillery, and sometimes specialized units.
Here is a breakdown of typical components in an Astra Militarum Combat Patrol:
Infantry Squads:
- The backbone of any Astra Militarum force is its infantry, often deployed in squad-based formations. Each squad includes guardsmen armed with lasguns, supported by a sergeant and potentially heavy weapons such as autocannons, melta guns, or plasma guns.
- These infantry squads are numerous and can hold objectives, lay down suppressing fire, and act as distraction forces for more specialized units.
Command Squad:
- Command squads are led by an officer who can issue orders to nearby units, enhancing their effectiveness. Officers are often equipped with power swords or plasma pistols, and command squads can be augmented with medics, veterans, or heavy weapons.
Sentinels or Light Armor:
- Sentinel walkers are versatile, light armored vehicles that can be used for reconnaissance, harassing enemy units, or providing support with their multi-laser or autocannon.
- In a Combat Patrol, Sentinels are often used for flanking or scouting, capable of moving rapidly and attacking enemy infantry or light vehicles.
Leman Russ Battle Tank:
- While not strictly required, the Leman Russ is the iconic tank of the Astra Militarum and is often a centerpiece in Combat Patrol engagements. Armed with a battle cannon, heavy bolters, and other options, it can lay down significant fire support while remaining a formidable presence on the battlefield.
- The Leman Russ can be fitted for anti-armor or anti-infantry roles, depending on the mission and the opponent.
Heavy Weapons Teams:
- The Astra Militarum's heavy weapon teams are integral to their combat strategy. These squads are armed with lascannons, mortar teams, autocannons, or missile launchers, and they serve as a perfect complement to the infantry squads.
- These teams provide long-range support, capable of destroying heavy armor or softening up enemy infantry before the infantry squads move in for the kill.
Specialist Units (Optional):
- Astra Militarum Combat Patrols can be bolstered with specialist units such as Veteran Squads, Ogryns, Bullgryns, or Death Korps of Krieg units, all of which bring specialized abilities to the force.
- For example, Veteran Squads can be equipped with special weapons for more effective anti-armor or anti-infantry capabilities, while Ogryns and Bullgryns provide tough close combat support.
Tactics and Playstyle
The Astra Militarum excels in tactical flexibility, fire support, and attrition. Their strengths lie in their ability to adapt to any combat situation using numbers, firepower, and armor to overwhelm the enemy. The key to an Astra Militarum Combat Patrol is utilizing their core strength in firepower while protecting the infantry and supporting armor with heavy artillery.
Fire Support: The Leman Russ and heavy weapon teams form the core of your ranged firepower. Their long-range weapons can destroy enemy tanks, heavy infantry, and other hard targets while your infantry squads move to hold objectives.
Infantry and Objectives: The infantry is tasked with holding objectives and providing screening for more vulnerable units. They can intercept enemy assaults, lay down suppressing fire, and flank enemies that try to rush your tanks or artillery.
Armor and Mobility: The Sentinels and Leman Russ are designed to work as a mobile fire support platform, able to rapidly respond to enemy movements. Sentinels are fast and can be used to harass enemy vehicles or cavalry, while the Leman Russ provides solid, sustained fire and heavy support.
Command and Control: Astra Militarum forces thrive on orders and coordination. Officers and command squads can issue orders that enhance the effectiveness of infantry and other units, such as giving orders to re-roll dice for firing or granting them additional movement.
Conclusion
An Astra Militarum Combat Patrol is an excellent choice for players who love the idea of massive firepower, tough units, and strategic depth. It is a force that relies on numbers, tactical orders, and fire support to wear down enemies and seize key objectives. Whether you’re deploying Leman Russ tanks, Sentinels, or infantry squads, the Astra Militarum will give you the ability to control the battlefield, coordinate attacks, and outlast your enemies through superior firepower and persistence. With its well-rounded options, it offers plenty of tactical depth while staying true to the gritty, human nature of the Astra Militarum.