@Baron:
Here, I will try to work in the opposite direction: “generalized system that would apply to elite forces for any power rather than specifically just to Marines”
In the actual cost structure for grounds units, there is already 2 units at 4 IPCs:
Artillery A2 D2 M1 C4, +1A to Inf or Mec Inf
Mec Inf A1 D2 M2 C4, can blitz when paired to a Tank
AAA is at 5 IPCs, but it is not relevant here,
so there is still a room for Self-Propelled Artillery/Gun unit A2 D3 M2 at 5 IPCs,
(combined with Tnk can get around A5 D6 M2 C11, for example.)
I know tob77 you have a lot of HBG sculpts. :-)
Finally, when doing combined arms or putting 2 ground units together, there is a small gap between 10 and 12 IPCs:
Art + Inf = Â Â Â Â A4 D4 M1 Â Â 7 IPCs
Art + Mec Inf= Â Â A4 D4 M1-2 Â 8 IPCs
Tnk + Inf = Â Â Â Â A4 D5 M1-2 Â 9 IPCs
Tnk + Mec Inf= Â A4 D5 M2 Â Â 10 IPCs
Tnk + Art = Â Â Â Â A5 D5 M1-2 Â 10 IPCs
Elite Tnk+El Inf= A5 D5 M2 11 IPCs  in amphibious assault and  A3 + A2 first strike in reg combat
Tnk + Tnk = Â Â Â A6 D6 M2 12 IPCs
This is a perfect niche for 2 Elite units (Elite Inf 4 IPCs + Elite Tnk 7 IPCs) which can also works as Marines.
As showed earlier, these cost stay within acceptable limits for putting on a single transport 3 units Elite Inf or 2 Elite Infs and 1 Elite Tnk compared to 2 regular units on a transport (6.33 vs 6.5 IPCs/unit and 7.33 vs 8 IPCs/unit.)
Elite Infantry A1-2 D2 M1-2 C4,
in Regular combat:
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Gets offensive pre-emptive strike each round.
Defender casualties from this strike are removed immediately with no counter fire.
Thanks Knp7765 Â :wink:
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Get A2 when attacking alone or only with other Elite Infantry.
(This is in addition to the pre-emptive strike: think of it as commando raiders.)
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Get A2 when supported 1:1 by Artillery unit (as any Inf or Mec Inf),
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Get A2 & M2, but no blitz, when supported 1:1 by Elite Tank
in Amphibious assault:
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can load 3 Elite Infantry units in a transport or 2 Elite Infs & 1 Elite Tank,
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Get A2 when supported 1:1 by Artillery unit (as any Inf or Mec Inf),
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Get A2 when supported 1:1 by Elite Tank
Elite Tank  A3 D3 M2 C7 , can blitz as OOB Tnk.
in Regular combat:
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Gives +1A supporting 1:1 Inf, Mec Inf or Elite Inf, same as Artillery unit
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Gives +1M supporting 1:1 Elite Inf, but Elite Inf cannot blitz.
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Give blitzing to Mec Inf when paired 1:1. (As OOB Tank.)
in Amphibious assault:
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can be load on a transport with up to 2 Elite Infantries, or 1 regular Infantry.
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Gives +1A supporting 1:1 Inf, Mec Inf or Elite Inf, same as Artillery unit
There is various offensive situation in regular combat for Elite Infantry:
Alone or with other Elite Inf, it get A2 first strike.
When supported by Art or Elite Tank, it gets also A2 first strike.
Then, Elite Infantry stay A1 first strike when attacking with other units.
On amphibious assault, there is no first strike, and it remains A1 unless there is some support from Artillery or Elite Tank to raise it to A2.
The preemptive strike in regular ground combat was a required incentive.
Something was needed to make Elite Infantry better than cheaper Infantry and having some interest over Artillery unit at the same cost but having a basic A2 and giving +1 bonus.
Baron, nice job on the breakdown on how the units would work, in different situations. All of you guys are coming up with some cool ways to use these units. :-D