The Tau Commander
For my Tau Commander, I use a Shas'el in a Monat (lone hunter) configuration, while I eschew the bodyguards and use a Gun Drone Squadron (Fast Attack choice) for this purpose instead. I arm my commander with a Fusion Blaster to kill tanks and a Burst Cannon to match the range and strength of the drones. I also equip him with a Target Lock, a Hard-Wired Multi-Tracker, and a Hardwired drone controller with two Gun Drones. When he joins the drone squadron, 10 drones accompany him. This force structure enhances the commander's ability to survive by quite a bit. It also allows him to fire at a different target or detach from the drone squadron and join a Crisis team in an attack. In essence, he can be flexible and still survive.

Another option for the commander is a Shas'o accompanied by two Bodyguards with Shield Generators, Twin-Linked weapons, drones, and all the other goodies. This squad's cost can quickly exceed 300 points. This configuration works well in large battles of strategic importance. However, in tournament lists where the point constraints are tight, it is better to go light on the HQ and get more Fire Warriors. Nevertheless, for a giant, apocalyptic battle in a campaign, this bodyguard configuration is appropriate.

Tau Ethereal

Ethereal Caste

The Ethereal caste members are majestic, inspiring, and enigmatic. However, their real value is in holding the Tau firing line. I place my Ethereal with the centre-most squad of Fire Warriors, thus making them fearless. Nearby Tau units will hold their ground better with the ability to reroll failed morale checks. However, there are occasions when failing a morale check is desirable. Therefore, if I cannot use voluntary fallback at the end of the Assault Phase, then I will reroll a successful morale check. Be careful with teams equipped with jetpacks, though, as they fall back 3D6". A squad should fall back in order to shoot at the enemy in the next turn, not to leave the battle! The only useful wargear for an Ethereal is a Drone Controller and a pair of Gun Drones. Gun Drones are the best choice since the Ethereal should join a Fire Warrior squad.