400pt combat patrol (1st army ever)

[kkoene]

So, I am new to 40k and I recently signed up for a 40k league in my area. The first game is going to be a combat patrol. Since I already have a few Ultramarines I thought they would make an easy to play beginner army (I know, I know, the blue tide is EVERYWHERE!). So here is my break down.

HQ
SM Captain
Bolt Pistol
Power Sword
Purity Seals
81 pts

Troops
Tactical Squad I
1 Sergeant w/Bolt Pistol and Chain Sword
9 Marines
Heavy Bolter
Flamer
171 pts

Assault Squad
1 Sergeant
4 Marines
Melta Bombs
1 Flamer
1 Plasma Pistol
96 pts

Land Speeder
50 pts

Total: 398 pts

So can I get some suggestions? I am pretty limited to models I either have on hand or will be getting in the mail soon. I ordered a SM battleforce box and a land speeder. I also just picked up a Dread. The only model I have fully completed is the captain that I did for a painting competition 3 years ago.

I am hoping to build a decent 1500-1850 pt army from this core. I also own Marneus Calgar with full honor guard that I hope to bring into the fold down the road.

Thanks for any help that can be offered!

[electric]

The blue tide is actually being stemmed, and I've noticed more of a red tide lately. You're not as horrible as you think.

Anyway, as for your combat patrol, It's a nice spread. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to put the points into the assault squad, but I haven't played many games of that type and it adds a good dedicated squad. I really like the list, actually. Good inclusion of a land speeder, let us know how it goes.

[kkoene]

Originally Posted by electric

I'm not sure if I'd be willing to put the points into the assault squad, but I haven't played many games of that type and it adds a good dedicated squad. I really like the list, actually. Good inclusion of a land speeder, let us know how it goes.

I wanted a cheap squad to get a few more bodies on the table.

Originally Posted by electric

I really like the list, actually. Good inclusion of a land speeder, let us know how it goes.

Thanks. I am not sure when my first league game is, but I hope to at least give this a test run against a friend of mine. I'll post results when I have them!

[chosen of chaos]

yeah, id agree, looks pretty good,can't really see anything wrong,
could take a chaplain

[Lord Obsidianus]

Combat patrol is interesting.

I've been recently building eldar for combat patrol(vs marines) and I find it hard to take down that number of 3+ saves reliably, so the more the merrier so far as marines are concerned.

[The UnNamed One]

I personally wouldnt take IC's in CP. You could get a kitted out 5 man marine squad for his point, which IMO will work much better.
I would also split the squads into 5 man groups for more tactical flexibility

[Lord Obsidianus]

Somewhat agreed with the previous point.

Only exceptio to the IC rule is if you splurge for a Librarian, under the right circumstances they can be unstoppable

Also chappie with jump pack when properly defended can pack some hurt

Unfortunately your commander lacks two things i)discusting combat ability and ii) a good way to get into combat.

the reasoning here is that most people will take tactical flexibility for combat patrol(which is good) but that leaves small squads of 5 or 6 men lying around, a flying chappie can haul that down rather quickly with 5 attacks on the charge.

Split the squad to smaller versions, thats a really good idea.

[kkoene]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Couldn't I just add the captain to a squad of 4-5? Then put the sergeant in the other squad of 4-5? Or I could put another tac squad out there.

What about scouts? Are they pretty good for CP?

[The UnNamed One]

You could add the captain to a squad of 5 (not 4), what i was saying is that your commander wont be that great in combat with what hes currently got, and he doesnt have a way to get into combat at a decent speed (like a jump pack, bike etc).
I would get a 5 man tactical squad for his points.
and what do you mean "Put the sergent in the other squad"? sergents arnt independent characters, you either purchase them along with the squad, or you upgrade 1 model in the squad to that (not sure what it is with marines, dont have the dex on me).
I think scouts are pretty bad for anything realy, except if you need cheap troop choices for some cheesy army.

[Lord Obsidianus]

the best way to have the captain work for you is to slap a jump pack on him and have him join the assault squad, unfortunately for that number of points youd either have to drop some tac marines or the landspeeder.

Scouts are awesome infiltrate is great if you have the right terrain, I'd reccomend a cc squad with a vet sarge and give him a powersword(as things that a fist would be good against aren't rampant in combat patrol)

This could provide an extra pile in squad with your assault marines, it also should replace a part of your tac squad.

[Dragonlv8]

to fix the ultramarine problem, instead of doing 2nd company ( gold trim) you could do a green trim for the 4th company.
That will make you more of an individual

[kkoene]

Originally Posted by The UnNamed One

I personally wouldnt take IC's in CP. You could get a kitted out 5 man marine squad for his point, which IMO will work much better.
I would also split the squads into 5 man groups for more tactical flexibility

I am probably going to do this. I like the flexibility and more troops on the table as well.

[Lord Obsidianus]

more troops and specifically more units are always good in a combat patrol.

Go that route.

[kkoene]

Ok, I have taken into consideration all the great suggestions I got on this site and have a reconfigured list below. Also keep in mind that my choice of models is limited at this time as I am just starting to collect this army and funds are low. I hope to sell off some painted minis before the end of this league so I can get a megaforce box set. Anyways, here goes:

Tactical Squad #1 (5 troops, 135 Pts)
4 marines @ 135 Pts
Frag Grenades; Bolter (x2); Plasmagun (x1); Missile Launcher (x1)
1 Sergeant @ [51] Pts
Frag Grenades; Bolt Pistol (x1); Power Fist (x1); Terminator Honors
1 Purity Seals @ [5] Pts

Land Speeder Squadron (1#, 50 Pts)
1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 50 Pts
Heavy Bolter (x1)

Tactical Squad #2 (5 troops, 120 Pts)
4 Tactical Squad @ 120 Pts
Frag Grenades; Bolter (x2); Plasmagun (x1); Missile Launcher (x1)
1 Sergeant @ [36] Pts
Frag Grenades; Bolt Pistol (x1); Close Combat Weapon (chainsword) (x1); Terminator Honors
1 Purity Seals @ [5] Pts

Tactical Squad #3 (5 troops, 96 Pts)
4 Tactical Squad @ 96 Pts
Frag Grenades; Bolter (x2); Flamer (x1); Missile Launcher (x1)
1 Sergeant @ [16] Pts
Frag Grenade (squad); Bolt Pistol & CCW

All for a total of 401 points. I thought of dropping the speeder and giving the last two sergeants a special weapon of some kind and the last sarge Termi honors, but then I have NO armor of any kind.

[Grazzy]

Make two tactical squads 5 man missile/plasma for fire support. No need for frags or veterans in these squads.

Then make the other squad an 8 man squad with the powerfist sarge and flamer. They can advance and defend objectives.

[StanMcKim]

Tactical marines generally speaking don't need frag grenades. The reason is that they will typically be the ones getting assaulted, rather than charging themselves. Of course, there will be some units that it is better to assault, but that won't happen terribly often. Have faith in your bolters!
-Stan

[kkoene]

Originally Posted by Grazzy

Make two tactical squads 5 man missile/plasma for fire support. No need for frags or veterans in these squads.

Then make the other squad an 8 man squad with the powerfist sarge and flamer. They can advance and defend objectives.

So when I do this, it leaves me with 4 points left. Any suggestions? I can put an auspex on one of my sarges for 2.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

[Johnnyfrej]

I would drop all the frag grenades and purity seals and upgrade your landspeeder tornado (the assault cannon one). The assault cannon should be able to take care of most opponents you face and has a chance to damage other light vehicles with its STR11 potential.

-Private Jon

[kkoene]

Just an FYI for anyone who is monitoring this thread. Got my butt handed to me by 1000 Sons Chaos patrol group. I still had a blast playing my first game ever! I couldn't even take credit for his sorcerer getting wiped out when he rolled double 6's for his doom bolt thing and was consumed by the warp!

Overall, had a lot of fun! next up........1000pts!