Xhorik 87th Drop Troops - Reinforced 3rd Company Strike Force

 After making orbital drops to secure key objectives, the Xhorik 87th Drop Troops move to quickly deploy artillery to support their light infantry against the enemy's counterstrike. In the fierce fighting for the planetary shield generators, the 3rd Company was bolstered with significant artillery elements and multiple units of the elite 501st Company of Storm Troopers fighting in the role of heavily armed grenadiers.  It was also common to have air support from naval fighters and ground attack craft such as this Thunderbolt. Recon squads, sentinels and mechanized cavalry provided mobility and adaptability. This force configuration trades their usual high mobility for heavy firepower needed to destroy heavily armored foes and additional tactical flexibility.

This image shows a typical strike force of the reinforced 3rd Company during Operation Downfall on Xhorik Prime. This force was engaged in heavy fighting for one of the planetary shield generators, crucial to enabling the deployment of heavier units from orbit to the surface.