“Grav Chute Insertion” and “Airborne Assault”

[Just_Me]

Here is the question, and it is straight-forward enough. If a Storm trooper unit takes the “Airborne Assault” for Special Operations, can they re-roll their scatter dice if they make a “Grav Chute Insertion” from a Valkyrie? Grav Chute Insertion is treated “as if the [the squad] were Deep Striking.” Does “as if” mean it is treated in every way as a Deep Strike? If so then I see no reason why this should not work, and why a Storm Trooper squad could not do this multiple times in a game and re-roll each time. On the other hand if “as if” means that it only functions LIKE a Deep Strike in this one respect (i.e. the placement and scatter), then I would say no, you cannot apply “Airborne Assault,” as you are not actually Deep Striking.

“Airborne Assault: The airborne assault mission allows the Storm Trooper squad to re-roll the scatter dice when they Deep-Strike. (Codex: Imperial Guard p. 46)”

“Grav Chute Insertion: If the Valkyrie has moved flat out, passengers may still disembark, but they must do so as follows. Nominate any point over which the Valkyrie or Vendetta moved over and deploy the squad as if it were Deep Striking onto that point. If the unit scatters, every model must immediately take a dangerous terrain test. If any of the models cannot be deployed, the unit is destroyed as described in the 1-2 result on the deep strike mishap table. (Codex: Imperial Guard p. 56)”

Leaving aside for the moment whether or not doing any of this is a good idea (for the most part it’s probably not), does anyone have thoughts on this?

[deadmanwade]

The "As if it were deepstriking" means that any and all rules applying to deepstriking are in effect for that move. You're not deepstriking in from reserve, but you do follow exactly the same procedure. This also means that any disadvantageous rules also take effect e.g. the New Space Wolves psychic power Tempest's Wrath

[Just_Me]

Thanks, that was my interpretation, its good to know someone else came to the same conclusion. It seems to make sense in terms of both the letter and the "spirit" of the rules (i.e. Storm Trooper routinely make rapid jumps from Valkyries, it is their primary role).