Assault Squad var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true};

An Astartes assault marine.

An Assault Squad is the best Space Marine unit for close combat, making up part of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Companies and the entirety of the 8th Company.

And of the Assault Marine so do I decree: He shall descend upon the perfidious foe as an Angel of Judgment from on high. Let the jump pack be his wings, and the roar of its engines a hymn of retribution. Let the chainsword be his sceptre of decree, its harsh voice singing joyfully with each and every blow. With it shall the Assault Marine bring bloody retribution to the heretic, the traitor, and all alien aggressors who trespass on the Emperor's domain. So will the Assault Marine be the hunter of warlords and the slayer of kings. His armour shall run slick with the life-blood of the vanquished, and all shall honour his name. +++ Roboute Guilliman, quoted in the Apocrypha of Skaros 1+++

Overview

Space Marines are commonly assigned to Assault Squads after exemplary service in a Devastator Squad, where they have garnered experience in holding their ground against any foe.¹ As an Assault Marine, they must not only prove themselves in close combat, but learn other vital skills, such as the operation and maintenance of Space Marine Bikes and Land Speeders. Assault Squads are used for a variety of roles; reconnaissance-in-force, decapitation strikes, and counter-assault missions are common assignments for Assault Squads.¹

The Assault Squad is made up of between 4 to 9 Assault Marines and a Space Marine Sergeant. Because they often operate far ahead of the main force, the Sergeant has a direct uplink to the myriad datastreams and tactical overlays used to coordinate the Space Marine army, allowing for complete situational awareness.¹

Variants

Within the Space Wolves Chapter, Assault Squads are known as Blood Claws.

Equipment

Besides their power armour, Assault Marines are commonly armed with a bolt pistol, chainsword, frag and krak grenades, and equipped with jump packs. These jump packs not only allow them to quickly traverse dangerous terrain with ease, but also for controlled low-altitude descents from Thunderhawk Gunships.¹ When required, the Assault Marines may forgo their jump packs, instead riding into battle in a Rhino or Drop Pod. One squadmate may replace his bolt pistol and carry a flamer instead, while another can replace his for a plasma pistol.

The Sergeant can also carry melta bombs and a combat shield into battle. He can also replace his bolt pistol and/or chainsword with a storm shield, plasma pistol, power weapon, power fist, thunder hammer, and either one or a pair of Lightning Claws.

Sources

• ¹Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition), p.60
• Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
• Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition)

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