The Empire’s stormtrooper is issued a compact blaster rifle on joining the Hammer’s Fist, but many times this weapon isn’t enough to turn the tide of battle. Most people would turn to the large artillery pieces and heavy assault vehicles, such as the AT-AT, as the things to round out the army. Unfortunately, infantrymen in the field need small, portable weapons to bring that heavier firepower along with them throughout the battlefield. This is where the support weapons of the Imperial arsenal come in. Squad support and heavy support weapons allow the infantry to bring heavy firepower to bear on their enemies in any area of combat, and have that firepower move on with them as the lines of battle fluctuate.