What Is Combat Patrol: Astra Militarum (Drayden's Lance)?
Combat Patrol: Astra Militarum — officially named Drayden's Lance — is Games Workshop's entry box for the Imperial Guard in Warhammer 40,000. Priced at £105, it gives you 25 miniatures plus two large Cadian Transfer Sheets (597 waterslide transfers each), making it one of the highest model-count Combat Patrol boxes available.
Box Contents: What Do You Get?
- 5x Cadian Command Squad — officer and support staff who buff and coordinate your infantry
- 10x Kasrkin — elite Cadian special operations infantry with hot-shot lasguns and special weapons
- 10x Attilan Rough Riders — cavalry shock troops: fast, hard-hitting melee units on horseback
- 2x Cadian Transfer Sheets — 597 waterslide transfers each for regimental markings and insignia
25 models plus transfer sheets at £105 is exceptional value for the model count alone.
Playstyle: How Do Astra Militarum Play?
The Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) are a combined-arms army relying on volume of fire, Orders, and combined unit tactics. Key traits in this box:
- Command Squad: Issues Orders that boost nearby infantry — reroll dice, ignore penalties, advance and shoot. The engine of a Guard army.
- Kasrkin: Elite infantry with better armour and weapons than standard Cadians. Flexible unit for almost any battlefield role.
- Attilan Rough Riders: Fast cavalry with lances dealing bonus mortal wounds on the charge. Use them to sweep flanks, tie up shooty enemies, or grab distant objectives.
Guard rewards players who enjoy thinking several moves ahead. Optimal use of Orders and combined positioning separates a good Guard player from a great one.
Value: Is the Astra Militarum Combat Patrol Worth It?
Excellent value. The Kasrkin and Attilan Rough Riders are both newer premium kits. At 25 models plus two transfer sheets for £105, this box punches well above its price point.
Recommended Paints for Astra Militarum
- Castellan Green or Zandri Dust spray depending on your preferred regimental scheme
- Agrax Earthshade as an all-over wash
- Ushabti Bone or Ogryn Camo for cloth highlights
- Leadbelcher for weapons and armour trim
- Flesh tones: Cadian Fleshtone base, Reikland Fleshshade, Kislev Flesh highlight
Growing Your Astra Militarum Army
From Drayden's Lance, add more Infantry Squads or Veterans, a Leman Russ Battle Tank for heavy fire support, or a Manticore/Basilisk for long-range artillery. Guard armies scale well — more models means more Orders and more firepower.
See all Combat Patrol factions in our Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol complete guide.