Juggernaut (unit role)

Behemoth heavy tank in the juggernaut unit role

Juggernaut is a battlefield role performed by certain models of 'Mechs and heavy combat vehicles, primarily those that are slow, equipped with short-range weaponry and heavy amounts of armor.[1][2][3][4]


Description[edit]

Juggernauts are categorically the slowest combat units, but make up for this sluggishness with excellent amounts of short-range, heavy weaponry. As they are lacking both long-range weapons and speed, they rely on the sheer inertia of their forward movement, supported by copious amounts of armor. The battlefield longevity afforded by this protection allows for well-placed "warheads on foreheads", eradicating enemies with as few trigger pulls as necessary. When working with Skirmishers that outflank otherwise more maneuverable enemies, targets more often than not get pushed right into the Juggernaut's most powerful weaponry arcs.[1][4]

They are used in both the assault and defense roles, as they are meant to secure targeted areas, and are tough and powerful enough to either close with an enemy or engage it head-on in a confined area. They are also sometimes used to provide "bodyguard" roles in command lances.[2][3]

The Autocannon/20 is a weapon commonly found on Juggernauts, for it often causes critical damage with only one hit and can destroy a light BattleMech early in the engagement. Due to tactical experience with these behemoths, often times opponents will seek to remain out of range of their weaponry. For this reason, many pilots of Juggernauts will seek out targets with primary weapons of similar ranges to their own, such as medium lasers or short range missiles.[1]

Game Description: Alpha Strike[edit]

In Alpha Strike, a unit is identified as a Juggernaut when it meets the following standards[2][4]:
Speed: Slow
Armor: Heavy
Range: Short
Special: no requirements, but enhanced by melee weapons, triple-strength myomer, critical resistance, reactive, or reflective armor, and anti-missile systems.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook, pp. 54
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Alpha Strike Companion, p. 135, "Juggernaut"
  3. 3.0 3.1 Campaign Operations, p. 57, "Juggernaut"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Alpha Strike: Commander's Edition, p. 112, "Juggernaut"

Bibliography[edit]