Its important to remember that most cover doesn't provide a defensive buff against melee attacks. High casualties also lower the effective damage of the guardsmen to almost nothing. Guardsmen simply melt when hit with melee. One of the first challenges commanders face with this unit is handling enemy melee units. The long cool down of 10 turns is best mitigated by using many guardsmen units together. This ability can one-shot other large-group light-infantry units. The unit also sees a massive power spike with the Tier 1 tech Frag Grenade. Taking the initial three units at the start and treating them as 'one' unit makes early scouting much easier. In the early game, a single unit of guardsmen is almost worthless. Their low cost, low upkeep and short build time make them easy to maintain or replace as combat rages on. Guardsmen act as the buffer between more valuable units and the enemy.