Box Contents

The Warlord Games Japanese Special Naval Landing Force – Imperial Japanese Marines are a plastic and metal kit containing:

• 32 SNLF infantry including two SNL officers
• 48 Rifles
• 12 SMGs
• 12 LMGs
• 6 Light Mortars
• 6 Lunge Mines
• Metal SNFL bits including heads, equipment and gasmask packs

The List

Breakdown

Notes and Analysis

The objective of this list is two part – 1) use as many of the components from a single box of infantry as possible and 2) make a List that work at a competitive level. Please in mind, this List was written using only the content of a single box of infantry.

Unlike other army lists based on a Warlord Games Starter Army or collection of models, this army list provides a full 500pt force using just a single box of SNLF infantry.

I do want to include Stephen’s note from the 1 Box, 1 Army – Warlord Games Imperial Japanese Infantry army list:

Now before I move into the list I just wanted to warn all readers that this box is showing its age, designed in 2013 a fair few of the head sculpts look more heavily inspired by anti-Japanese propaganda from WWII than by actual photos of military men from that era, we see plenty of bucked teeth and bottle rimmed glasses. Though these are toys and in honesty everyone just wants to play a fun game I do feel it is something anyone building these guys should be aware of and sensitive too, for myself I didn’t use any head sculpts with glass and gave the faces a very generic wash which does as much to hide detail as it does to highlight it. No judgement this side, you do you, but I did want to mention it. Warlord Games if your listening please give this set in update.

Ok, onto the list. Our SNLF force brings forth significant support fire designed to pin down your opponent as you advance into assault range. In almost all situations, as the IJA player, you want to assault. Your entire army is Fanatic and can always assault, with no need for an Order Test. We’ve got not one, not two, but three Light Mortars. And all three should be plunking away on the advance. You have a single LMG for some longer-range Pins and plenty of rifles. For AT, one of the best point-for-point options in all of Bolt Action, the Suicide Anti-Tank Team.

The SNLF Rikusentai Paratrooper Squad pack three SMGs (the max number allowed, I wish it was more) and they are going to lead your assault. Depending on the mission, leaving them in Outflank is a valid strategy. A seven-man Vet squad with three SMGs and Fanatic can be devastating on an Outflank move.

I’ve used a pair of Vet Light Mortar Teams to great effect with my Royal Marine Commandos and I continue to be shocked by how infrequently the Light Mortar hits the table. In this list, you have three of them! Remember, Light Mortars are not Fixed. You can fire them on the move. And as the IJA player, you want to be on the move. Keep the pressure on your opponent, force them to hunker down. Multiple 1″ HE templates are not something to under estimate. Additionally, you must remember, the two Light Mortars inside the SNLF squads can pick a different target than the rest of the unit. This gives your two SNFL units even more versatility! Those two squads have the ability to put a Pin onto four different targets each turn! That’s some amazing tactical flexibility that most forces do not have.

All things considered, this is a rush force. But not a rush with a Run, a rush with Advance. You want to constantly push forward firing those three Light Mortars every turn, backed up by the LMG and a handful of rifles. The three SMGs in the Paratrooper squad won’t come into play until later in the game but once they close with the enemy you’ll be glad you have them.

Although IJA is outside of my comfort zone, I do think this list would be fun to play. The ability to run and gun with your whole force is just a good time. There are, as always, many more ways to build your SNFL. But this list takes advantage of their unique unit offerings and allows you to bring something well outside the typical IJA force.

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What’s Next?

Consider these additions to your 500pt 1 Box Army:

• Type 3 Ka-Chi Medium Amphibious Tank – How are you not gonna add the Boat Tank to your SNLF? This army is meant to be an amphibious assault force, are you really not going to add a tank that is also a boat?
• Light Howitzer – A standard addition to many army lists, the Light Howitzer provides even more indirect support.
• More Light Mortars – You have the option to put three Light Mortars into a single squad of SNLF Grenadiers. I’m not sure that’s the best idea but it’s worth trying out at least once. Those three mortars can all pick a different target, that could be devastating. Or just roll all three at the same enemy unit. Up to you!

– Andrew