Hit and Run in 40K

[Drychnath]

Despite the emminent suitability of some armies for it, and the options of nearly every army, hypothetically, to exercise it, this ancient and proven tactic of real life warfare seems largely absent from Warhammer 40,000. As far as I can see, it only actually functions within the span of a single turn in a couple of instances. All of them involve units specifically designed for the purpose, with special rules allowing it. In example, Chaos Raptors, Eldar/Dark Eldar Jetbikes, Tau Battlesuits, whatever that annoying upgrade is on the Eldar vehicles allowing them to move, shoot, move again during the movement phase.

In all other instances, things like Cavalry, or Transport mounted troops, a hit-and-run tactic takes up at least two turns. This renders it of little tactical value, since another turn must be likely dedicated to the set up, and then said squad spends only one turn doing the hitting, and two turns preparing to hit or running. As the standard game length is 6 turns, it means a hit-and-run squad or formation will invest 1/3 of the game in a singular strike.

It seems to me that 40k is rather too small a tactical game for hit-and-runs to really work well. In addition, the game is quite fluid, and direction plays no role except for with vehicles. Given the nature of the similar ranges for a vast majority of the weaponry in 40K (namely, that in order to pack a serious punch on the move if you haven't got an armor value, you sit at 12 inches - also, incidentally, allowing you to be assaulted and either tied up or destroyed), the tactic is not particularly successful except in very large games, where it could be exercised on an entire portion of the battlefield, rather than in the limited squad vs squad microcosm we often envision it.

Thoughts?

[Kodiac]

You have a point there, about it not being a viable tactic on a squad vs. squad basis. It does take too long, and is rather cumbersome to implement over the course of a six turn game.

There is a way around that. Forgive me if it isn't quite a hit and run tactic, but it tries. Basically, start by looking at your whole force through the lens of a hit and run raid commander. Can it move fast? Does it pack a hell of a lot of assault weapons? If it doesn't, fix it so it does. Once you have that, look at your upcoming battle as a whole like it was a hit and run raid. Try to block the enemy forces using your expendable vehicles, and move the important ones through cover. i.e. provide cover fire, not something you see every day. Even if you can't hit and run on a squad by squad basis, use transports/fleet of foot to close with the enemy, then dance just outside of twelve inches. Sounds hard? Not really. Using Dark Eldar as an example, because that's my army, we'll run a short scenario.

Two squads of warriors, both with two splinter cannons (s4, AP5, 24" assault 4). 10 men each

One Raider

vs. Anything your care to use

Close with the enemy. Shooting is not important until you have closed past the 24 inch mark. Use fleet of foot to sprint from cover to cover, and use the raider to block line of sight from their heavy weapons-- this works best if you have two, and can switch what weapon battery is blocked by each every turn, thereby preventing explosive penetrating hits, which remove the wreckage. That would be bad, as the wreckage blocks line of sight, and forces the heavy weapons to move, buying time for your men to close with them.

Once you pass 24 inches, care is the keyword. Get one squad just outside 12 inches, with the second squad behind. Ideally, the second squad should not have moved this turn. They sit and Fire, being sure that the front squad is outside of 12" while doing so. The front squad fires ONLY THE ASSAULT WEAPONS. If the Rapid fire weapons are in range, you just screwed your plan.

Next, the enemy has two options.

1. Charge. If they have fleet of foot, you are screwed. I f they don't, then they can't reach you. Your front most squad is more than 12" away.

2. Stand and shoot. If they do this, they can break at most one squad, but likely not even that. Smile and lick your chops, because on your turn you have two squads to shoot them with.

Also, if they choose to come for you, run the first squad backwards their full move + fleet of foot, and leave the [previously] rear squad where it was. Fire on the advancing enemy, and then allow them to run further towards you. Repeat next round, always remaining outside of 12" with the front squad. It should keep you out of assaults and getting bogged down.

Essentially, the plan works out to a fast strike forward, and then a covered, orderly fallback with fire support from any remaining vehicles. It denies your opponent the opportunity to assault, and leaves the option open to you. (remember, you have fleet of foot- they do not.)

The plan isn't perfect, nor is it even applicable to all armies, but it works fairly well for mine, and is my own bastardized version of hit and run.

Any comments, things I forgot to mention, or flaming of my lack of tactical credentials may now begin.

BTW, for those who don't know, this is Kyle. I play Dark Eldar, and almost all of you have faced me at some point, and this is a relatively new idea for me.