Small Elite Guard Armies

When I first started, everything I based my army on, was the United States Marine Corps, we were light infantry, who relied on cover, but were more than happy to get to grips with the enemy if it came down to it. With the addition of the new codex, I dramatically shifted the focus of my army, from being small and elite, to a more massive army based on the awesome scale of the imperial guard armies of the literature. Every now and again, I find myself asking why I made the shift? and the only reason I can find, is that firepower became more important than quality of troops. With the platoon system I get a whole lot more out of my points. Ranks and ranks of guardsmen do win more battles. But, it is fun to be small and elite sometimes, so lets take a look at how to go about this.

First off, HQ, since you don't have Lieutenants in an all veteran list, all the orders will be coming from your HQ, so make sure you have a good one, like straken or, in this case, creed. I prefer creed for this, as his 24 inch command radius, and 4 orders a turn really help make up for the lack of lieutenants. Also, take as many heavy weapons as you can with creed, as you will certainly have a lack of heavy weapons here. So I recommend taking two mortars and a master of ordinance here. As that will really boost your firepower.

Next up, the veterans. So everyone here, if you want to play to win anyway, should have cameleoline. For the same reason real marines don't wear that much armor, 4+s don't save against much, especially when you can get a 3+ coversave, or even a 2+ if you know what you're doing. As far as what gear, well, take what you want! I think a squad of three snipers, and a mortar team, would do a fine job together, but not great enough to give to everyone so just make that like one squad. The basis, should be the autocannon, and either grenade launcher, or plasmagun. Take your pick. Shotguns, not very useful, at least not until we get str 4 like black templar :/

Heroes, I recommend taking as many as possible, leadership is key to a small army.

elites, feel free to take stormtroopers, or ratlings, ogryns are alright, but waaay to expensive.

Transports, don't need em, between move move move, and 3+ coversaves, why bother?

Tanks, one or two maybe, but use them more like bunkers, in that they should be sitting back and shooting all game long, camo netting, not a bad idea, not a bad idea at all.

Vendettas/valkyries, good, but if you take any, I don't really know what you'd use them for, I mean, anti tank should be covered by your tanks and infantry, and whats the point in being mobile? other than last minute rushes, which, lets face it, we won't be doing here.

Sentinels, take em, with camo netting, and with lascannons. Anti tank, and anti heavy infantry, and nearly indestructible if used properly. Especially worth their points.

That pretty much covers it. Using these lads is simple, set up camp, open fire, and straight up kill your enemy :D